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Ok so first blog; boring old England. Slightly hungover and bewildered by what I've put myself in for. The reality of being away for so long has now hit me like a punch to the gut, aided by Jägermeister and copious amounts of beer/cider concoctions.
But wow - it is happening. Here's the plan: Fly to Uganda. Have a week's training to help us take on with whatever work we will eventually be doing. Phil is set on teaching. I'm set on getting my hands into anything and everything I can possibly do. I've got a few cheap footballs so I could set up or help with an after-school activity programme.
The majority of the children we will be helping will be orphans. Of these orphans a significant number will have HIV/AIDS. The organisation we have dedicated just 8 weeks to, was set up to help as many children as possible. The school itself is massively under budget and under equipped. When the school started 200 kids were crammed into a single mud-wall classroom. There is a constant waiting list of virtually destitude children desperate for an education and a meal. This is the harsh reality of the new world I have blindly decided to plunge into. At least that's the reality according to the pack I have read up on. But it is not going to become real until I see it, touch it, feel it, smell it for myself.
As it stands, I have no idea what I've got in store. A massive shock no doubt. A humiliating taste of perspective I'm sure. But other than the inevitable emotional transformations that always occur whenever one privilaged human being looks upon another who's endured incredible suffering and injustice, I am clueless. And terrified.
What an adventure I have lined up - and it starts now. I am determined to keep as frequent and accurate updates as I possibley can. So my experiences will be felt and witnessed and shared by all who take the time and thought to read them. I have had constant support and encouragement by all who care about me. To show my appreciation and gratitude, I want this blog to show that none of you have been shut out or forgotten.
Wherever I will be, I will be wishing you were here with me.
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