My Life in Africa
As the Africa Field Manager for Blood:Water Mission, I am often asked what a normal day looks like. I often want to reply that I wish I had an answer, that there is no true routine, but that is an easy way out. My life in Kigali, Rwanda setting up Blood:Water's presence in Africa is a story for another day, but I thought you might appreciate a taste of what my life has been like the past few days here in Uganda.
On Monday, I got up early to be at a small air field between Entebbe and Kampala to fly up to Lira, Northern Uganda (having flown into Entebbe Sunday evening). I am grateful for missions organizations who make this routing possible - even as I went up and down, our nine seater plane landed at four dirt airstrips before my final destination. In Lira, I was greeted by our partner, who has become a dear friend, and prepared for an afternoon of conversations about projects and evaluations.
Tuesday was filled with fruitful conversations - not that different than a day of business meetings in America, except these were held under mango trees while sitting in plastic chairs and drinking Chai. We talked about staff changes, the directions of our organizations, and how our partnership will continue to grow in the future. We also shared about our families and our dreams, during the time that has passed since we were last together. The conversations ran late and the sun was setting when we parted ways. Following dinner, I had my weekly meeting with the Africa Field Director, who is based in Nashville. Over the hour we talked about our programs, upcoming plans, and how the work is progressing - full of seriousness and laughter.
Wednesday came and it was time to visit communities - places where work has happened and is happening. I began with a well that was drilled in 2011 thanks to the money raised during the 40 Days of Water campaign. I am thrilled to say that the well is in great condition, and is being cared for by the community. I spent time interviewing people and capturing video footage that you will see in the coming months. Next I went to a community where a well was drilled just last week and the hand pump was being installed. Not only did I witness the excitement of the community, but also the amazing interactions between the drillers & this community that they were ministering to. Such overflowing love. More than three hours bouncing on dirty roads and two communities visited. I was exhausted at night and it was all I could do to make it through dinner and do a quick read through my emails.
Today is Thursday, and I thought I would begin the drive north to visit an HIV/AIDS partner at noon. The day started off with a meeting, and then I packed. Come to find out that the journey would not begin until 4pm. Hurry up...and wait - a normal part of my life in Africa. I found the only coffee house I know of in Lira, sat down and worked on the top items on my to-do list while drinking good coffee and fresh juice. A couple hours of driving, an 8:30pm dinner, and now I am under my mosquito net thinking about a night of no electricity and all that tomorrow holds.
This is my normal day - a day filled with travel, community, conversations, hard-work, joy, books, tea, and much needed rest. It is amazing to be see close to our partners and our work in Africa day-in, and day-out. And, although I can become paranoid as I fall asleep and listen to mosquitoes buzz and wonder if they are inside our outside of my bed-net, I am filled with joy living with and seeing the faces of people as they receive a hand-pump for the first time. I hope you read this and find joy in it as well, as you see what your efforts in the US can accomplish.
You can follow Pam's journey in Africa on twitter: twitter.com/pamthenomad





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My Life in Africa
As the Africa Field Manager for Blood:Water Mission, I am often asked what a normal day looks like. I often...