So I just wrote out a big update to a friend, Travis and thought I'd just share it here as an update. I didn't take my camera today, so no new pictures. Big mistake! Saw lots of authentic Africa today!
Here's the email:
Although we're 4 days in to the trip, we're just starting the project really. There is so much travel involved that we're just now getting settled in. Tomorrow we have our big programming meeting with the university leadership, so that will really kick start all of the design.
Africa is interesting. It's definitely different that anything I've ever seen, but for some reason I'm not feeling too much culture shock. I guess there is enough that fits the stereotypes that it seems normal. And yeah, a lot of people do speak English (and want to speak English, I'm told) that it seems easier to be here than in Mexico. Culture is way different, but I'm feeling less culture shock. The driving to Mbale went through town after town with roadside stands of retails and various levels of huts/buildings/etc. The highway is filled with taxi vans crammed with people, bikers, and pedestrians. The bikes are loaded with stuff, ranging from water to sacks to huge logs. Crazy! And passengers sit on the racks on over the back tire too.
Today we had some real culture, going to church, lunch in town, and then out to the site which is a bit rural. It borders (and includes) some super 'authentic' villages - grass roofs the whole bit. Tons of kids coming out to see the mozungoo (or something) which means white people that have traveled from afar. Weirdest part - in the center of the land is a lady who is being displaced by the project and therefore doesn't like it. They are working with her clan and family to relocate her, but she's a bit off the deep end and doesn't understand that things will be better for her. Anyways, the group was doing a tour, the surveyors were working independently. One guy came in eyesight and she freaked out and started wailing and screaming at him. And then she 'shamed him' but pulling down her top (i guess basically flashing/mooning him). He was freaking out, not knowing if she was going to attack him or not because she was only a few feet away. And he was by himself and wasn't warned about her, so he had no clue what was going on. Definitely crazy to be standing on the side of the road with all types of people passing and this lady wailing in the back ground. That's the biggest wildcard so far haha!
Like I said tomorrow really starts the main bit of design. The team is good, lots of great people, but it is still challenging to work together having not known each other. Even today there was a bit of communication challenge. Add to that the fact that some preliminary design has been done, and it's a bit of a delicate situation regarding role, responsibilities, etc. Definitely need some prayer there!
Will keep you posted as the week goes on!
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