I leave for Uganda in a week on the 14^th of March to volunteer as a birth doula at Shanti Uganda. I have decided to start a blog so that you can keep up with my “doings”.  I am hopeful that I will be able to remain connected via the internet, but I think it is going to be a day in day out thing. 

I have been making piles of items and think medicines are the most of what I have.  I have had 8 shots including Hep A, Hep B (1^st and 2^nd shots), Tdap, Yellow Fever, Meningitis,  Flu, done a round of oral Typhoid fever vaccine and have Malaria pills I have to start the day before I leave and continue throughout my trip and for 7 days after I return.  In addition I have meds for diarrhea, a prophylactic for aids (in case I get exposed), an epi-pen (which my sister Janet recommended since I am deathly allergic to clams) and anxiety medicine if I need it for the plane ride. I also have a first aid kit with all the other “necessities”. I am hopeful that this will cover it.

I am not taking that much in the way of clothing.  I am planning to wash what I take and I understand that everything dries very quickly due to the heat.  I am thinking I will even leave my hair dryer behind.  I will be living in a dormitory setting with other volunteers and we will have a shared western toilet and cold water shower.  I will be preparing my own food, and haven’t a clue what that will be…..lots of cassava, corn meal and peanut butter is what I am guessing.  I am going to be met at the airport by one of Shanti Uganda’s drivers, Ben, and he will take me into Kampala to exchange money and pick up snack foods before we head north about two hours to Kasana Town in the Luwero District of Uganda.