Tuesday, March 6, 2012


I leave for Uganda in a week on the 14th 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 (1st and 2nd 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.



10 comments:

  1. Mom,
    I am so excited to read about your exciting travels on this blog! I know this experience will be an amazing one for you. I love you!

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  2. So excited for you, Wenda! And I am psyched you have this blog! Will look forward to hearing about all of your experiences!!! Have fun!!!

    Kerry

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  3. Anne Clinard BarwickMarch 7, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    Wenda, this is so cool. I can not wait to hear about your experiences! Please tell what exactly you will be doing there? Will you be there to act as a doula to birthing mothers?
    I took all of the same medicines to Nicaragua, and luckily did not have to use any of the extra antibiotics. I hope it will be the same for you! FYI: I would definitely skip the hair dryer! :)

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  4. I am so very proud of you my friend for taking this life changing journey. My prayers will be with you daily....Cindy

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  5. You go, girlfriend! It will be great to stay apprised of your adventure through your blog. How long will you be gone? Prayers will surround you as you travel and in your work there. Be well!

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  6. Dear beautiful daughter. Anita and I send our thoughts and prayers to you each day for embarking on such an adventure. Few of us have the opportunity or commitment to make a contribution of this nature on the world stage. You are to be commended and surely loved by all who know you.

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  7. Hey Wenda, I just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you as you travel today. Let us know when you arrive safely! With love, Janet

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  8. What an adventure! And an education. Enjoy and take it all in! We will miss you.
    Claire

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  9. Wenda-la-la. Your words paint pictures of a place well visited. I sense that every breath you take has a beating pulse nearby to create a new (familiar? ancient?) rhythm. It's now yours, my adventuress. Love, Liza-la-la

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  10. Wenda-la-la. Your words paint pictures of a place well visited. I sense that every breath you take has a beating pulse nearby to create a new (familiar? ancient?) rhythm. It's now yours, my adventuress. Love, Liza-la-la

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