6 months ago today…..
…we left the UK to come to Uganda. Time flies, eh?
‘Stuff’
Early on another volunteer shared with me her opinion that in order to fully experience life in Uganda as a volunteer that one need not be deprived of all modern conveniences. At the time I disagreed. My impression was that to fully appreciate our spoiled western lifestyles that living simply and doing things the hard way was mandatory.
I no longer believe that 100%. We certainly do not have all the conveniences we have at home, but we do not live nearly as simply as most people. In our home we have slowly gathered more and more ‘stuff’. Modern conveniences we have purchased here: 4WD car(!), toaster, electric kettle, 2 burner gas range/cooker, TV (no satellite or cable), electric iron (as opposed to charcoal iron), refrigerator, mobile internet. These are in addition to the electrical and electronic items we brought with us.
I would not say we are living in luxury. The laundry is done by hand, the grass is cut by a slasher, we have to boil and filter our drinking water, we have no hot running water, we still have limited electricity and occasionally the water runs out. But compared to many here we are living a luxurious lifestyle. We have made ourselves comfortable and barring unforeseen disasters we will stay put for another year and a half.
Other Volunteers
We are fortunate in that our housing is acceptable, the location is safe and pleasant, the staff are all fantastic and Danny is happy with his job.
However, there are quite a few volunteers who are not happy. A volunteer mentioned to me the other day that my blog is very positive and it may give the impression that all volunteers are content. This is definitely not the case. Several we know personally are leaving their placements early. Some have primitive accommodation which is below the minimum standard for volunteers. Some are unhappy with their jobs and feel unwanted and under-used by their employers. It saddens us that several people we know are leaving early as we will miss their companionship.
Spending time with other volunteers is mandatory for a successful placement. As much as we enjoy the company of Ugandans it is necessary to spend time with those of similar backgrounds who are in the same situation.
New Volunteers
As I mentioned we now have another VSO volunteer on our campus. She is Dutch and teaches maths. Recently a new VSO volunteer arrived in Mbarara from the UK. He is a doctor and is originally from India. Since he lives in town in university/hospital housing we only see him on Saturdays for shopping and lunch.
A new Peace Corps volunteer arrived last week and will spend most of her time in a village outside of Mbarara, but will occasionally teach on our campus.
Next post.....language lessons, our vegetable garden and some pics.
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2 comments:
I think it's a tough balance. On the one hand, a westerner doesn't want to live at a level too high above the local people. On the other hand, the lifestyle can be so different that if you didn't have the comforts you do, would you be able to do your work and keep from getting too depressed/frustrated? Sounds like you and Danny have struck a great balance!
wow, it's hard to believe that 6 months has gone by. Had a giggle about the comment made by another volunteer about you sounding too positive. I think it's great that you guys are enjoying your time but it certainly hasn't made me want to volunteer...hahaha. I think it's very admirable that you guys are doing it but this gringo can't see herself doing it ;o)
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