mancester

Red AIG jerseys throughout Gulu are celebrating. Last night was the big Champions League game, and everyone was counting down until 9:30PM. I got back while there was still some daylight left last night, and went to the well to go pump water with Prosie, marveling at her grace and ability in balancing the 20L jerrican on the top of her head, with only one hand supporting the weight. Instead of going back home, I sat out on the soccer field surrounded by small children cartwheeling and rolling around me. Calvin ended up showing off his Ugandan tan-lines and soccer skills and joined in on a futbol game with the kids in the area. Mind you, none of the kids were over the age of 12 - most were around 6 or 7 and Calvin still got schooled, pouring perspiration after just 20 minutes of trying to keep up with the rest of the boys. Around 9PM, Calvin, Janet, Edgar, some boys from the surrounding village, and myself, all headed down the pitch-dark road to the PTC (Primary Teacher's College) to the make-shift movie theater a.k.a. the dining hall with gathered wooden chairs and a small tv screen in the front of the room held up by 2 adjoining chairs. Over 100 people crowded into the dining hall, sitting on the edges of the seat and roaring when Chelsea made its first goal. As soon as the ball hit the net, everyone was up out of their seats, hands shaking over their heads. It was surreal to be sitting there with everyone. I'm glad I didn't head to town to watch the game in the bar. Sadly, I was so exhausted from the day and had to trek back home after half-time.

This morning, Janet was rushed to the hospital again on account of some labor pains. I hope I come home tonight to a baby girl! I had a meeting with the Gulu District TB/Leprosy Focal Person today, and spoke about introducing a TB component into the CB-DOTS program already implemented at Health Alert-Uganda. For the rest of the week, I'll be working on a TB manual for the CVC's (Community Volunteer Counselors). Next, I stopped by NUMAT's District of Health Office to chat with Dr. Vincent, the district head of NUMAT (Northern Uganda Malaria AIDS and TB), who has fast become a good friend of mine. I picked up some brochures and discussed the creation of a TB workshop for the CVC's and staff of Health Alert-Uganda. If I plan everything correctly and am able to coordinate between HAU, NUMAT, and the TB District office, I think everything will work out fine.

Today it was more follow-ups at people's homes in the villages and at Lacor Hospital. I enjoyed probably the best lunch I've had in Gulu thus far at Lacor Refreshments alone, and struck up a conversation with the stranger sitting next to me about Save the Children and the work it has done in Gulu. I had fish and chips, and a nice strawberry yogurt for dessert before heading back to HAU. The days seem to go be going by so slowly here, but I can't believe I'm already halfway done with my trip in Africa.