Good morning!
Well, it’s morning in Uganda. I’m writing quite informally to introduce my next few weeks of work, all of which will be presented in some way, shape or form on this blog.
In quick summary, I received funding from the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication this spring to participate in a six-week communications/reporting project in Uganda. My work, beginning Monday, is in partnership with Save the Mothers, an international NGO committed to improving the health of mothers and babies.
While much of the content I produce over the following weeks will not be about me at all, I will do my best to mix in some personal reflection and–more than likely–humor related to my daily life to accompany the serious issues I will be reporting on.
My first days abroad can be well described by the following: Tulips and pearls.
Tulips because I somehow managed–after zero sleep over the Atlantic–to putz my way into Amsterdam during my six hour layover in Holland. Though my 7:00 am entrance meant very few shops were open, I was able to grab a coffee and muffin and watch the city slowly wake. I left even more exhausted than when I got off the plane, but I’m so glad I went through the hassle of exchanging money and finding the train downtown.
Pearls, however, represent a very different mind game I have been playing since I left home.
For whatever reason, this transition from the U.S. to Uganda has been significantly more difficult than my experience Rwanda. This is probably a combination of a variety of factors, including more serious jet lag, transition from Wisconsin’s cool spring to Uganda’s heat, having to prepare meals for myself and living alone.
All this said, Winston Churchill called Uganda “the pearl of Africa” and I have no doubt I will also find this to be the case.
Here are some pearls from my first few days in Mukono.
A post with a bit more substance can be expected in the coming days, as I begin work on Monday. If you’re a pray-er, pray for me. If you’re a good vibes person, send them all my way. And as always, I’d love to hear from friends and family from home. Feel free to drop a note in the comments section or email me at doll[dot]meagan[at]gmail[dot]com.
Sending love!
best,
– md
MEAGAN E. DOLL 