This is me... where I am!

Hello everybody! I’m not allowed to actually post where in Uganda I am since people might take advantage of that. However, I can tell you in the individual letters that I have started to write. There’s a lot that I want to update you on, but I will try to keep it somewhat brief, since I actually want you to finish reading this post.
First things first, I have a phone(!) My number is 256-75-272-6239. It is free for me to receive any calls or texts, so call whenever ( : I know, I know, I will call you guys as well. Give me some credit! I’m not that cheap. Just remember that there is a ten hour difference between here and Denver, so plan accordingly. However, texts can come at anytime!
Right now, I am a PCT (Peace Corps Trainee). We have various training classes Monday through Friday 8-5 and Saturday, 8-12. Everyday I have at least two hours of language training. The language that I’m learning is Dhopadhola, which means that I will be serving in the eastern part of the country, near the Kenyan border. The language itself is not very hard to lean, but I need to actually make time to sit down and learn it. The other classes are mainly about culture, secondary education in Uganda and health classes. I have had more vaccines injected in me than I care to remember. I have also learned about more infections and sicknesses that I can get here than I though existed in total. The good thing is that the majority of these aren’t problems in the US, so when I come back, I don’t have to worry about it! Until then…
I am staying with a host family during training. I have a host mom, dad, three brothers and a sister. All of my siblings are younger than me, but not by much. My sister and two of my host brothers live at home. I have never lived with a host family before, but I am enjoying my family very much! They don’t treat me like a guest, but like part of the family, which is exactly how I want it. I am in the midst of learning how to cook and I also want to try and cook an American dinner for the before I leave. Thursday through Sunday, I watch a soap called Second Chance. And, while I am on this subject, just let me say how awesomely bad this show is. It is a telenovela (El cuerpo de deseo) that is dubbed in English that almost every family watches and is faaaabulous. I love this show! Monday through Wednesday, my host family always asks what I am going to do, since I don’t have Second Chance to watch. To which I just sigh, since I am so sad.
Next week, I am going to be staying with a Peace Corp Volunteer (PCV) for four days. I am excited because I actually get to see a PCV in their natural environment but a little nervous, since I have to find my way to their area by myself. It is very possible to get wherever I’m going (which I don’t actually know yet) without incident. However, I can definitely see myself getting a little lost. Those of you who know me know that my sense of direction is not the best. However, I want it to be noted that I always find where I need to go! Just by a different way…no, wait, a better way.
Ok, that’s all I have for now. I’m going to post a “wish list” in my profile. Some people have asked if I need anything. I think the easiest thing is to put up a list of things that would be nice to have, but that I can live without. My address is in a previous post. To ensure arrival, it is better to mail those small, padded envelopes. Another PCT has already had a package get stolen in route. Please, do not feel any obligation to send me anything but letters (yes, that’s right, feel the obligation to write to me!)! This is just if you’re feeling, um, bored or something. Anyways, I miss all of you. TTFN!!
~Rachael