Three months since I left the states

Prior to leaving for Uganda, I set some personal and professional goals for my time here. Since Thursday was exactly three months since I left the states for this journey so it seemed like a good time to reflect on my goals.

Personal

To use my singleness to make a positive impact in the world, to do something that I probably couldn’t do when I have a family. In progress- I am so glad that I took the chance to live outside the box and move to Uganda. The next challenge will be take the lessons I’ve learned here and apply them to my life in NC. It has been a great joy to be able to use my skills as a trainer and experiential educator to train teachers here.

To eat healthy and have an active lifestyle. In progress- This will be a life long goal for me but so far in the first ten weeks here I have lost 16 pounds, two clothing sizes, eat almost all natural/organic foods, and have even taken up jogging!

To get away from materialism and back to basics. In progress- It has been a nice break to live with just a few things (less to clean and worry about) and refocus on what is really important.
Take time to be alone. In progress- I have often been guilty of trying to do too much all the time so it has been an amazing gift to have time to myself.

To grow in my faith. In progress- I knew that there would be times here where all I would have to get me though would be my faith. I pray more than I ever have before, I pray for the people I met here and my friends at home who are going though challenging times.

Professional

To contribute positively to the Bigodi community- In progress. Bigodi is a very special community and I hope I have had a positive impact.

To work in every UNITE teacher’s classroom. In progress- when I wrote this we only had 30 UNITE teachers now we have over 100. However, I have already worked in over 30 classrooms so I believe this will get accomplished.

To offer 4 two day trainings and monthly ½ day trainings. In progress- so far I have trained over 90 teachers in two weekend long trainings and have facilitated one ½ day training.

To develop a p1-p4 and secondary environmental education curriculum that is aligned with the Ugandan curriculum. In progress- I have created 12 activities for P1-P4 and now have to do the secondary curriculm.

To train the Toro Botanical Gardens, Bigodi Wetland, and Kibal National Park staff. To be started soon- this is what I will be doing in May when the schools are closed.