Different Expectations...

I am updating again on a beautifully sunny day in Uganda. I should be doing readings for classes and other things but this seems more appealing at the moment. So on Sunday, we started homestays in Mukono and in all honesty I was expecting a very rustic home with many children running around and my toilet source would be somewhat of a hole in the ground. Perhaps these are stereotypical expectations, but turns out my home is quite the opposite. Both my “parents” and “sister” work at the University, which means I have a ride to school every morning. My other “sister” lives in the same dorm as me when I am not on homestays. So I live with a University oriented family and their home is nice, with a normal toilet and a comfortable bed. I feel very spoiled actually and kind of guilty as I feel I am not being challenged as much as I should be. But also, I should see this as a blessing and that I am sure I will be challenged in other ways.

Also, classes have started and I have to continually remind myself that I am in school and that that requires work. My classes are: East African Politics, East African History, African Literature, Faith and Action, and Introduction of Ugandan Politics. So I am sure I will be having a lot of overlap in my classes, but hopefully still be challenged. But they are all with just my fellow American and one Canadian students and we have Ugandan professors. I am really loving it here, but still missing home. I also miss King’s but more so appreciate it’s small and size and awesome community. Nonetheless it is very nice to meet new students here and create community with the students in the dorms.

There is much more to share but I will simplify it with this list:
1. Ugandans bath a lot, and therefore I am learning to. (Apparently they consider Americans/Canadians dirty but that’s because were not use to the dirt and sweat here, haha.
2. Music: I am taking a lot of pride in Shania Twain and Celine Dion as a Canadian as a lot of Ugandans enjoy their music.
3. I am learning slowly how to do laundry by hand.
4. Ugandans are very good dancers, much better then I.
5. Ugandans are also the most hospitable people I have ever met.
6. I am not as overwhelmed as I thought I would be at this point.
7. I am seeing weird similarities in looks and personalities with either Ugandans or Americans to friends and family at home.
8. Most Ugandan days are sunny till about 2 or 3 and then there is a quick downpour, then sunny again.
9. Super at my home is normally around 9 at night, and for others even later.
10. A lot of people here like Spanish soap opera's that are dubbed into English (which is really funny), and a favorite is La Tormenta (meaning the Storm) which the main character is Marie Teresa and everyone likens the name Charissa. So whenever I introduce myself, my name is often laughed at.
11. I miss being able to talk to friends and family back at home any time, due to the time change.
12. I love you all very much and I hope life in Canada is wonderful!