General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Uganda! When I first landed, I was terrified! I walked out of the airport and saw a sign with my name on it and Bazil's smiling face and immediately felt at ease. I loved meeting his wife Alice and their incredible kids. They were all eager to learn about me and I about them. We stopped at the market on the way home and picked up some things I would like, to make me feel welcome! I was a guest in their home and felt comfortable immediately. My room was clean and comfortable, complete with mosquito net and access to wifi! I felt secure and welcome right away. Their daughter and Alice were great to answer all my questions and help me prepare everything I needed. My biggest hesitation going to Africa was admittedly the 'squat toilet' which I had never experienced. I'm glad to say I adjusted quickly and it was not an issue at all!I was placed in a Primary Four class at the village school. My walk to school was always so fun, waving to everyone and saying good morning to all the children. My class was fantastic! They were so interested in me and my family and knowing about Canada. I had fun reading with them and playing games like hangman to help with their spelling and word recognition. The teachers at the school I worked at were so wonderful and kind! I once mentioned that I liked potatoes, and from then on I had potatoes in my lunch! A girl in my class walked me home each day. Her english wasn't the best but we sang 'the wiggle song' of all things! Alice would greet me with a plate of mango or pineapple when I arrived home, and I hung out with the family, helping with dinner and talking with the kids. It was so easy to get into town to run errands. Alice would call a family friend to take me so I never felt like I was on my own in a big new city.
I fell for one of the kids in my class and Alice and Bazil were able to facilitate her sponsorship and will continue to do so while I'm away. I was also able to accompany a returning volunteer to check on some children she was sponsoring from a previous trip, which was so special (and hopefully a glimpse into my future!) I loved my time in Uganda and was sad to leave Alice and her family, as well as my kids at the school. I will not soon forget the time I spent there, and can't wait to go back. I only wish I had stayed longer!