Well…I have figured out why all the kids laugh at me when I say “ofoyo” (thank you). Apparently depending on what part of the word you emphasize you are either saying thank you or rabbit…. I’m sure you can guess what I have been saying to every family as they leave the clinic.
Dr. Twalib and I started a new tradition this week- Movie night. Since he is away from his family during the week and there is not much to do at night, we’ve decided we’ll get a movie every Wednesday night. This entails walking to the pirated movie shop about 50 feet away from my guesthouse and seeing what they have. This week he came with American Sniper and Machine Gun Preacher. We decided on MGP (American Sniper next week) because it is about an American in Uganda during the LRA. I thought it was pretty good but the sound was off so it was hard to hear some parts (I guess that’s what you get for $0.20 movie). Its funny that from the opening scene both of us could tell it was not filmed in Northern Uganda…not even remotely close. Twalib also kept cracking up every time he would see a fat American. He honestly thinks it’s the funniest thing.
We ended the week with a total of 24 participants, which is 1 away from our goal, so I am really pleased! Next week we are going to start visiting schools and looking for controls. I am super excited to see the schools here and I’ll try and take pictures if I can.
This week was the first time that I got a glimpse of a traditional family (in my eyes) and it made me miss my little dysfunctional group of Scheels. Here families play more of a functional role but you don’t see any of the love or affection that we associate with the term family in the US. When the families come in for the blood draw the father usually tells them where to go and they sit in silence waiting their turn. I have seen 5 year olds hold back tears when being stuck with a needle because their mother or father is scolding them for even thinking about it. Yesterday, however, I watched as a large family laughed with each other as they got their blood drawn and the older siblings laughed at the younger ones when they started to cry and called them babies. Reminds me of going to the doctor when I was younger, except Paul was crying…and I was laughing.
Although I have not seen many affectionate relationships here, I found out that they celebrate Valentine’s Day here!!!! THANK GOD. I was really concerned I would miss it… All of the nurses were asking me what guys in the US would do for me if I were home…HAHAHA k. Trying to meet them halfway between pathetic and a romantic I explained the typical Valentine’s tradition in the US (chocolate, flowers, dinner). I am interested to see how they celebrate here seeing as most of the traditions that we are accustomed to aren’t options here. I’ll keep you posted on my findings. The manager of my guesthouse was asking me what he should do for those staying here but most of the things I thought of revolved around alcohol, so I’m pretty sure I’ve been fired from the creativity department.
Not too sure of my plans this weekend but I am headed to an Indian restaurant with Lars, Sarah and Iesha soon and then I’ll see what happens. Hope you all have a great weekend!
Are YOU thankful for your in-home water system?
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