Just a quick update - not too much new going on. I'm in Kampala again with some friends for the weekend. We got permission to stay overnight on Saturday so we could have some more time exploring the city. Homestay is fine, training is good. we have 4 more weeks of training. We find out our sites in week 9 (we're entering week 6 right now). We just had our first language practice exam to see how we're doing. At the end of training, we take a final exam and we have to score "intermediate low" on it to pass. I just received "novice high" on the practice one yesterday so I feel I'm doing pretty well - most of us got novice high, I think. But only one more step to go to get that intermediate low - although it's a very large step up to that next level. I love the business/ngo training. We visited an NGO this week, and it was really awesome to see a very well-run organization doing amazing work for kids affected by HIV/AIDS.
Oh, and last Sunday, my friend, Lizzie and I, went to visit my friend Mark (a family friend) at his house in Kampala. It was great meeting him finally and seeing his little baby boy. The house is really nice, and it was fun to get out of our village for a day to see another part of Kampala and to visit another expat. My friends and I definitely plan to go back and visit him again soon. I think that's about all. Hope everyone back home is doing well!
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I've joined the Peace Corps! I leave for Uganda on February 12th, 2009 and will return in April 2011. I'll try to use this blog to write about my experiences through this 2-year adventure! Check back for updates!
Disclaimer
The contents of this website are mine personally. Any views reflected herein do not in any way reflect the position of the Peace Corps, the U.S. government, Uganda's government or any organization and/or person mentioned in the blog.
About Me
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Write me! (or Call!)
My new address for the next two years:
Lauren ___
P.O. Box 110
Kumi, Uganda
AIRMAIL
NEW AS OF 5/19/09:
Mobile No.: +256-78-33-78683
Lauren ___
P.O. Box 110
Kumi, Uganda
AIRMAIL
NEW AS OF 5/19/09:
Mobile No.: +256-78-33-78683
Pictures
Cool Links about Uganda, Africa and the Peace Corps
Directions for Letters and Packages & Care Items List
I only post this because friends have asked what they can send me, and it's easier than sending out an e-mail with it. Letters are much appreciated - I will always write one back!
Letter and Package Directions
1. Write "Airmail" on the envelope/package.
2. Number your letters so I know if any became lost in transit.
3. Regarding packages - Padded envelopes and Priority Mail boxes both work. If there's a lot to package, Priority Mail boxes are often better, because they don't price it according to weight - whatever you can manage to fit in the box; it's a flat rate for the box. So far, it's been taking about 4-8 weeks for a package to arrive. Letters are taking even longer.
4. I also hear that that writing "educational materials" or "feminine hygiene products" on the package helps increase the success rate of getting to me. Although so far, no packages have been lost. Letters, however, have been lost.
5. When filling out the customs forms at the post office, write "old, used materials" or "feminine products." They can charge custom fees on new items, especially clothing, so take any tags off of items.
Things you can send me:
**-tuna packets
**-dry hummus packets (just add water and olive oil to mix)
**-Luna bars/granola bars
**-cappuccino mix or iced coffee/mocha mix
**-Kraft parmesan cheese in the green can and/or the cheese packets from the macaroni and cheese boxes
**-candy - M&Ms peanut, M&Ms peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, gummies, good chocolate
**-Crystal Lite/Target individual flavored drink powders (to add to water)
**-flavored oatmeal packets
**-hand sanitizer
**-cute shirts, tanks, bracelets, etc from Jcrew, Banana, Gap, etc - its hard finding cute clothes here!
**-solid-color tank tops from H&M, Gap, etc
**-fun magazines so I can stay up on my celebrity gossip (not really, but they are entertaining to read!) - such as US, People (I already get the Economist)
**-puzzles - I recently got back into doing puzzles, and it is a GREAT way to pass time!
-books
-duct tape
-popcorn seasoning - Kernel Season's "white cheddar" and/or "butter popcorn"
-anything else you know I'd like
Letter and Package Directions
1. Write "Airmail" on the envelope/package.
2. Number your letters so I know if any became lost in transit.
3. Regarding packages - Padded envelopes and Priority Mail boxes both work. If there's a lot to package, Priority Mail boxes are often better, because they don't price it according to weight - whatever you can manage to fit in the box; it's a flat rate for the box. So far, it's been taking about 4-8 weeks for a package to arrive. Letters are taking even longer.
4. I also hear that that writing "educational materials" or "feminine hygiene products" on the package helps increase the success rate of getting to me. Although so far, no packages have been lost. Letters, however, have been lost.
5. When filling out the customs forms at the post office, write "old, used materials" or "feminine products." They can charge custom fees on new items, especially clothing, so take any tags off of items.
Things you can send me:
**-tuna packets
**-dry hummus packets (just add water and olive oil to mix)
**-Luna bars/granola bars
**-cappuccino mix or iced coffee/mocha mix
**-Kraft parmesan cheese in the green can and/or the cheese packets from the macaroni and cheese boxes
**-candy - M&Ms peanut, M&Ms peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, gummies, good chocolate
**-Crystal Lite/Target individual flavored drink powders (to add to water)
**-flavored oatmeal packets
**-hand sanitizer
**-cute shirts, tanks, bracelets, etc from Jcrew, Banana, Gap, etc - its hard finding cute clothes here!
**-solid-color tank tops from H&M, Gap, etc
**-fun magazines so I can stay up on my celebrity gossip (not really, but they are entertaining to read!) - such as US, People (I already get the Economist)
**-puzzles - I recently got back into doing puzzles, and it is a GREAT way to pass time!
-books
-duct tape
-popcorn seasoning - Kernel Season's "white cheddar" and/or "butter popcorn"
-anything else you know I'd like