2 Weeks Out

I don't know what to think.  As the days count down it all seems more and more surreal.  I have heard about Africa my whole life, talked about like we knew something about it. However I can count on one hand all the people I know from the whole continent.  I know more people from Sweden.  How have I missed it?  It is starting to get exciting.  I will be serving as an Education Volunteer with Peace Corps Uganda.  Departing for staging November 13th, 2012. This is something I have wanted for a long time.

My opinions on the whole thing have certainly evolved since I first filled out the application.  With every step in the process it became more of a reality.  I was hoping for south east Asia and was told Sub-Saharan Africa.  That was exciting. No one ever gets what they want.  My uncle was hoping for Nepal and found himself in Mali.  The more I thought about it the more I liked the idea.  I knew it was a possibility, but I never really considered it. As I researched Peace Corps countries in Africa I started to realize how different they where.  I still had no clue what to expect.  I could be speaking French outside Timbuktu or some barley known Bantu language in jungle covered mountains.  I was relieved when my invitation came.

Uganda.  I knew almost nothing about it.  People kept telling me about Kony, Idi Amin, and the hijacking at Entebbe. That and how dangerous they think it is.  One of the first things I learned about Uganda is what they call westerners, Mzungu. It means "aimless wanderer." I really like that. My bags are almost packed and I'm running out of things to check off my pre-departure list. I don't know what to expect and that feels great.

My mailing address during training will be

Loren Evans, PCT
P.O. Box 29348
Kampala, Uganda

Things to know about mail:
All packages will be opened by the post office, and people may take things. Items are more likely to arrive intact or at all if the appear important, religious or aid based. I have to pay taxes on all items I receive.  Be creative on the deceleration form. Any type of food is "Nutritional supplies" most items can be called "Educational supplies".  Remove or black out any price markings.  Do not declare items at actual American value.

- It will take 2 to 4 weeks for an air mail envelope to arrive.
-Ground mail takes 6 months.
-Padded envelopes ship like letters, packages take longer.
-Address mail to "Brother Loren Evans" and use red ink.
- Write christian prayers on the outside of packages and letters.  Christian imagery will help too.
-Do not ship valuables.
-Number letters.