I arrived in Kampala today, alive and well. It was a fairly uneventful trip, which is good.
I was officially called a "Muzungu" (which is what they call white people here) today, so I feel like I've made it. First impressions: Uganda reminds me a lot of Colombia and I think I will have less trouble adjusting than I thought I would. It still seems a little crazy that I'm here and I find me asking myself "What were you thinking coming here?"a lot. Not out of fear, just disbelief. I'm glad that I am here though.
Today was spent mostly sleeping and praying. There's still a lot of self-reflection that comes with this trip and I'm glad I have the time to do so. Orientation + tour of Kampala tomorrow, and on Wednesday, I'll head out to Mbarara, which is near to where I will actually be working. I am also hoping to meet this physician I still need a signature from.
oh...cultural faux pas I may have made today: I brought some stuff from Philly from a friend who's family lives in Uganda and I spoke with the family this afternoon and told them they could come by the Inn to drop things off. They asked when I would be here and I told them "All day. I have dinner at 6 though". In my head, that meant: come before or after that because I will be busy. They showed up exactly at 6, which makes me wonder if they thought they were going to be fed. Hospitality is a big deal here, but it wasn't my food, so I assumed the role of dumb Muzungu and said good-bye very quickly. I will be careful in the future how I say things.
Anyway, just wanted you to know I made it here. Hopefully I will have pictures to start posting soon. :)
So, you're probably actually working hard instead of cruising through fourth year like the majority of the class, so props. Can you talk about where/who you will be working with, and in what capacity?
ReplyDeleteI read some interesting first person accounts where 4th year med students are actually considered knowledgeable by physicians in areas where there are shortages of physicians (:/), wondering on your thoughts are on that as you start working (ie. what people think of your role as a medical student)
Have you run across Nodding Syndrome yet? Don't forget to do a neuro exam! No need to actually answer any of these questions, as I'm sure internet access is more difficult to come by there than here, just wanted to know we're thinking about you and wishing you well. Enjoy!
Oh.my.goodness!! Say hello to Kampala for me and that I'll see "it" soon!!! Praying for you and knowing that our Pops is at work. Looking forward to pictures and posts!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are safe and sound. I think I would love Uganda, I love having people for dinner! Take care. You are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteIt's Kristina! I'm so proud of you and excited for you! Good luck with everything while you're over there =)
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