Culinary Catastrophes!

Hey Everybody! I’ve finally gotten myself to the internet café so you all will know I am still alive and kicking! It has been a very important and busy last few weeks, so I will do my best to fill you in on what has been happening.
On Sunday, April 19th, I said goodbye to my homestay family, who had been taking care of me and teaching me the ways of the Ugandan for the past two months. I was very sad to leave them all, but at the same time, I was ready to go and work at my site. The other PSTs and I went to Kampala, where we stayed for a couple of days, touring the PC Headquarters, meeting our counterparts or supervisors and relaxing a bit before being sent off to site. The Swearing in Ceremony was on Wednesday (4/22). There, I officially became a volunteer of the United States Peace Corps!(!!) It was a small ceremony, but very well put together. Afterwards, I said goodbye to the people I had been sharing my life with since arriving in Philly for the staging event. These goodbyes were harder and I found myself a little hesitant to leave them. They have all been my support network in every possible way and leaving them was like leaving a piece of me.
I traveled using public transportation to my site, which was a bit stressful and uncomfortable, but nothing unmanageable. I’m not sure I can tell you exactly where I am (PC is a liiiitle paranoid), but I will tell you that I’m in a small town, somewhere between Mbale and Tororo.
After being here for almost two weeks, I think I’m beginning to get the swing of things. My town looks like it belongs as the set of a John Wayne movie. Seriously, it looks like an old Western town and has a very small roundabout in the center. I don’t live on school grounds like most education volunteers do, but in the town itself. There is a Japanese volunteer who is also working at the school, and she is living on the grounds. I am very excited that I will be working with her, and she will also be here for two years. I live in a very small compound (I think there are 6 residencies all together) and we are locked in. my place has two rooms with a small bathroom. The first room you are in upon entering is the living room/kitchen/dinning room and the next room is my bedroom. The bathroom has a toilet, sink and shower, however, the shower is so close to the toilet, that I need to put a shower curtain in order to keep it from getting sprayed (another volunteer suggested I take a shower while doing my business on the pot in order to kill two birds with one stone, but I think there are some logistical problems…) It may be a little smaller than people are used, but it is quite adequate. Since arriving at site, I have been doing my best to transform my place to a home. I have bought the cooking necessities, put down a floor, washed the walls in the living room and done other little nick nacks. You are probably wondering about the title of this particular post. Well, let me tell you, cooking here is no easy feat! First of all, you should know that I have to cook over a kerosene stove, which is an open flame, single burner that is somewhat difficult to master when one first attempts to use. The first night I used it, I tried to cook pasta with tomatoes. I know what you’re thinking. Pasta should be the easiest thing in the world to cook, since all you have to do is boil water. Well, after an hour of waiting for the stupid water to boil (which it still had not done at this point), I added the pasta anyway. Needless to say, the past became a goopy mess. I tried to save it by adding water after I had drained it to try and wash away the nastiness, but to no avail. That really just made it worse. Then, I thought I deserved some ice tea (from the packets) for my efforts and took a swig of what I thought was water from my water bottle. Yeah… did I mention that I had bought some kerosene earlier and put it in a water bottle? Did I also forget to mention that kerosene is somewhat similar in appearance to water? So, after chugging kerosene, which I spit out as soon as I realized what I was doing, I decided I was not in the food eating mood. The next day, I tried to make cabbage and potatoes. The cabbage tasted like vegetable oil and salt (I couldn’t even swallow it) and the potatoes tasted like plain salt. I was very distraught at this but my neighbor, Noel, took pity on me when I showed her my salty mess and made me fried eggs and chipati. However, the next night, I did successfully make spaghetti. Third time is always the charm ( ; I absolutely love my neighbors! They are fun to talk to and make sure that I am eating. They know that I am somewhat incapable of feeding myself, since I always bring over what I have attempted to cook that night and make them taste it. Instant ramen has been a good friend of mine lately… I also purchased a bike, which I have been riding around a lot in order to get the community used to seeing me and I think it has been working. I have met a few people in town who have told me they see me riding my bike.
I am very sorry to say that I haven’t gotten myself a new address yet! (head bowed down in shame). I got the form in order to get myself a box at the post office, but I need to come back later with passport pictures before I can get it. I’m hoping to have an address within the next couple of week. Alas, I have still not gotten any mail from PC, except for the CD from Erin. I have a sneaking suspicion that they are keeping our mail hostage, or are refusing to pick it up from the post office. I have checked recently, but there is still nothing. But, do not fear, I will not give up! I’m going to be sending my second round of letter to everyone, so if you haven’t gotten one yet, it is either a.) still in transit or b.) waiting to be written. In either case, please be patient with me and I will try to get them to you as soon as possible. Aunt Pam, I love you for understanding my unnatural need for trashy magazines!! My favorite are US Weekly and People, but I will read anything. I’m glad you guys got the letter and I’m excited for your responses ( : Chibi, my love, you are number one on my list for getting a letter! Thank you for thinking of me and I’ll let you know when the care package arrives (no worries on how long it takes).
Sorry for how long this was, but I wanted to make sure you know what was happening. I miss you all and think about you everyday! Hope all is well, TTFN!!
~Rachael

What's up, everyone?! So, yeah, haven't had internet in a few weeks, so I'm sorry for the long period between this update and the last one (after re-reading the last update, I realized it was kind of lame, so sorry about that). However, I plan on making it up to everyone through the awesomeness of this one!
The soccer game that I went to, the one between Kampala and Malawi, was a lot of fun! It was really nice to actually do something in Kampala, besides eat and use internet. It was very cheap to get in and we got to sit wherever we wanted. Soccer is one of the few sports that I enjoy watching, since I know the rules, and it was an experience to see the national team playing and listening to their countrymen rooting them on. Uganda won (2-1), so there was lots of cheering and everyone went away happy. After the game, me and some other trainees made our way back to the place that we were going to stay for the night. I don't want to talk about, since it's just going to irritate me all over again, but it was not very fun. We had to ask directions a million times and my stomach was completely empty. For those you who know me, you'll know that's a dangerous combination. However, I'm happy to report that I didn't attack any innocent bystanders and we all made it to the hotel in one piece (I did almost throttle a guy who cut me in line at the supermarket, though... hey, I was buying food to try and help the situation whenhe just stepped in front of me like he belonged there!). The other trainees and I went to the COS party and then out to a club. It was a lot of fun and I'm happy to report that I was able to keep my own when dancing with other Ugandans. The weekend was topped off by the fact that I (finally) found a place that both served pickles and had them in stock. So, for breakfast I had eggs, bacon and a pickle ( :
A couple of weeks ago, we had a girl's night out, so to speak. This meant that the majority of us went to another trainees house to spend the night. It was a much needed break and I enjoyed myself immensly. We had pasta, chipati (my favorite), and no-bake cookies for dinner, then watched Saved! on someone's laptop. I know this sounds like any number of nights back in the states, but here, this is a luxery. Almost everyday we stay and eat with out families and for people like me, who didn't bring their laptop, there's no opportunity to get in a good american fix. So, it was almost like being home... then everybody woke up in the morning covered in bug bites since there were no mosquito nets!
Last Thursday was the talent show! Lizzy and I were the MCs and the show was open to anybody who wanted to sign up (trainers, trainees, etc.). I did a dance with another trainee, Christine and I think it was the most awesomely bad dance this side of the world has ever seen. We used the song Backstreet's Back and basically put in every dance we could think of. Some examples include the Carlton, Ace Ventura, Soulja Boy, the Q-tip and the Light Bulb (definitely an audiene favorite). Other people played the guitar, sung, danced, did a spelling bee while juggling a soccer ball, and cheered. All in all, it was a complete success. At the end, awards were given out to everyone. Mine was Most Likely to Watch Second Chance to the End. I definitely think I earned that award. Hey, someone has to watch out for Salvador! It was good see everybody participate and trust us enough not to be inhibited. *sniff* I'm really going to miss our group bond when I go to site!
Yesterday (Friday) we went to Jinja for some local attractions. We went to the mouth (or is it foot?) of the Nile. It was a beautiful day and the breeze felt so good. Even though the water looked a little nasty and possibly infected with Schistomaises, I put my hand in it and can now say that I have touched the Nile river! There was a concrete wharf that went a little into the middle, so I got to stand there with the wind whipping my shirt, you know, movie style ( : We also visited a forest and waterfall, whose names have been told to me several time but I still can't remember. Then, we were left to out own devices in Jinja town for a couple of hours. I had the best, and worse, meal ever! First, just let me say that I had every intention of fasting yesterday, it being Good Friday and all. However, as soon as the peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches were brought out, I lost all control and had to give in. All I have to say in my defense is that Jesus is obviously a way better person than me and would never be swayed by snacky goodness! Anyway, back to Jinja, I had a tuna sandwhich, a scoop of ice crean and a chocolate chip cookie. They were so good, but my body seemed to have its own opinions and proceeded to punish me with stomach cramps for the rest of the night! However, it was so worth it and I would do it again in a heart beat. Yeah! I guess we know who wears that pants in that relationship!
Ok, I think those are all of the major events that have happened. A week from this coming Wednesday, I am going to be sworn in a an official Peace Corps Volunteer and dropped off at my site, where I will either sink or swim. Lucky for me, I have no qualms about using floaties ( : If anybody is going to send a letter, I would hold off on it until I get my new address. As soon as I know, I'll let you know. Random notes: Shout out to the best roomate ever times ifinity plus one for the awesome CD she sent me! Aunt Francie, I haven't gotten your letters yet but will let you know as soon as I do. Sharon, my email is rnyberghampton@gmail.com. Krista, I would kill for a snow storm to hinder my transportation faculties right now. Sometimes I think freezing to death would be a better way to go then melting. And yeah, I will be the pickling master when I'm done! When I get back, I'll make you a batch. To my darling wife, a letter will be heading your way veeeeery soon. If anybody has any trashy magazines they are tired of, feel free to send them my way. Also, I am really in the dark here as to what's going on in America. If anybody has any Times or Newsweek that are just taking up space, I could help you with that problem by having them take up space here. I miss you all and thanks for commenting/reading! TTFN!
~Rachael

Language, language and...oh yeah, language!

Alright, I have found my way back to the internet and can properly update you all on what’s been happening ( :
A couple of weeks ago, I visited a current Peace Corp Volunteer and was able to stay with her for a few days. The purpose of this trip was to see how a volunteer lived, worked, and what they did day to day. I’m really glad we had the opportunity to do this. The trainers and other PCV’s have been explaining to us different things to expect and trying to paint a picture of what we could expect at our site. Visiting a volunteer, seeing them cook, work, clean and fend for themselves really helped me more in imagining life after training. I had a lot of fun and was introduced to a new TV show that I absolutely love. Some of you may have heard of it: Ugly Betty. If you have a chance, the show is hilarious.
This past week was all about language. On Thursday, we had a stimulation day, where I had to speak Dhopadhola for two and a half hours. Then, yesterday, I had a mock Language Proficiency Interview (LPI). Therefore, we had 2-4 hours of language everyday (!!). Now, I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy learning or don’t like the language. I just want to point out that, after ~twenty minutes of one subject, your brain automatically shuts off and begins to wonder. It’s true! I would go so far as so say that it’s even a scientific fact. So, you can imagine the state of my brain after 4 hours…
On Monday, I am going to a secondary school, where I’ll be teaching. I’m not sure which subject, or even how many classes, but I’m told we are going to be expected and that a lesson plan will be waiting. I’ve taught in the secondary schools before (ok, only once and that was a couple of weeks ago) and the students are very respectful. I don’t forsee any problems and am excited to get in front of the class again.
Right now, I am visiting Kampala, where I have just had the best meal ever, which will take at least 24 hours to digest. I am going to see a soccer game between Uganda and Malawi now, so I need to scoot. TTFN!!
~Rachael

My Wishlist ( :

Ok, so the easiest way to put up the wishlist was to put it in a post.
-pickles (if anybody can figure out a way to send these too me, I will love you for forever and ever!)
-snacks that will last (fruit snacks, granola bars, chex mix etc.)
-sweets
-mixed CDs! (I'm going to by a cd player)
-washclothes

Ok, I can't actually think of anything else right now, but I'll let you know as they come. Thank you if you do send, but don't feel like you have to!!

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

First shout out from Uganda!!

Hey everybody, me (and my precious luggage) have made it to Lweza, Uganda! I am currently shopping in Kampala, where I just bought a bathroom bucket for night "short" and "long" hauls, and am using a computer in my first internet cafe.

I arrived at the Lweza training Center Saturday night with 31 other volunteers who will be serving in Uganda as well. We are staying at the training center until tomorrow, when we will be given to our host families. Each volunteer is placed with a different host family for the duration of training, which is roughly 2 months. I am very excited to finally be meeting them, even though I don't actually have any details about them, and am anticipating some quality family bonding time as they teach me to properly wash my clothes by hand.

At the training center, we have been taking culture, safety & awareness, survival Luganda (one of the main dialects here) and health classes in order to prepare us for homestay. It can get a little overwhelming, just because the classes are so long, but it's really nice how thoroughly they are preparing us. I now know about five phrases in Luganda, but anything beyond that will get a bright smile and a confused look.

That's about all that has happened in the last week. I won't know where my site will be until the end of training, but I will begin language classes in the dialect that is spoken there starting next week. I hope to be able to update this somewhat regularly, but if not, I loooove getting letters! *cough, cough* You know, I reeeeally love letters. *wink, wink* Did I mention snail mail is my favorite ?

I hope you all are having a good time in the states. TTFN ( :
~Rachael

Contacting Me

Hey everybody!! This is going to have to be a quick post, since I'm checking out of the hotel in about 15 minutes. I just wanted to post how to get a hold of me. My pre-service training address is:
Rachael Nyberg-Hampton, PST
P.O. Box 29348
Kampala, Uganda
I believe it costs 92 cents to mail a letter. Also, it takes 3-4 weeks for a letter to arrive here or for you guys to get a letter. As far as packages go, the smaller the better. If you send anything, it's better if you do so in those small, manilla, bubble-wrapped envelopes. Oh yeah, make sure you put those "Air Mail" (Por Avion) stickers on the envelopes. This will also speed up the process.
Well, I think that's all for now. I'm leaving on a 6:30pm flight tonite for Brussels, then tomorrow morning at 7:30 for Uganda. I will be training for about 9 weeks and have been told to inform you all not to expect anything for a couple of months. Don't worry though! I'm keeping a regular journal as well, so I have a cheat sheet when I post ( : Thank you all for your well wishes. I love and miss you all!!!!!
~Rachael