Thanks for reading this, I appreciate your interest and support. I am in the process of getting ready for my trip to Africa! I will be assisting teachers at a school in the village of Bumwalukani, outside Mbale, Uganda. I am staying at a volunteer guest house through the Arlington Academy of Hope. I have always wanted to volunteer in Africa because it is the poorest continent in the world, plagued with disease, broken homes, war, and social injustices. In my eyes, Africa carries a certain mystic which I cannot explain, but I am drawn to it. I have learned about some of the reasons why there are great pockets of poverty strewn about the continent, and I think we as citizens of the world can do better. Through coursework, clubs, and talking with friends who have been to Africa, I feel very strongly about going to Uganda to do what I am able to improve the quality of life of others. I am eager to understand the history of the tumultuous civil wars that surround Uganda. I want to learn what triggers these massive social injustices and how to improve the conditions in Uganda and surrounding countries. I want to learn about Ugandan culture, and what changes they would like to see. I would also like to learn about nonprofit organizations, and their effect on society. I am prepared to work with an open mind, and I can't wait!
Heavy, idealistic intro aside....
I leave on Friday where I will stop in Indianapolis to hang out with friends before I catch my flights out of Chicago. Sunday, I will fly from Chicago to Brussels (along with another AAH volunteer) to Entebbe. One of the AAH volunteer guides will meet us at the Entebbe airport and we will spend the night in a hotel because it is safer to travel during the day. So on Tuesday morning, we will take a bus to Bumwalukani! So, I will be traveling for a FEW days before I will be able to contact anyone. If you would like to stay in touch, I am hoping to blog once a week instead of doing mass-emails to everyone as I did when I was traveling abroad last year.
Say a little prayer for me and wish me luck! I think this will be a great experience!
Amy, that's so great of you to do something like this! I've always wanted to go to Africa and do volunteer work too, because both my parents actually grew up in Uganda! I'm so excited for you! I've never been before, so let me know how it all goes! Good luck, have fun and be safe! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the trip! I know it will be an amazing opportunity that you will give 100% of your effort, and also learn a ton from Ugandans. Can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDelete-Elizabeth