Kampala or Bust!
28 May 2008 at 19:11 Taryn Goodman 8 comments
Here it is: my first blog entry! As I write this, I am putting the finishing touches on my packing and realizing I truly have no idea what to expect! I am in the phase of packing in which I second guess my second guesses and start throwing the unnecessary items back in – I think this can be referred to as panicking! What it comes down to is that no matter how much I have been reading about Uganda and Kampala, I have no real idea what to expect.
However, to say that I am unprepared is a bit preposterous. I recently got back from a (very long) week of training at the Kiva Offices in which they put each fellow through boot camp repeatedly going over what to do and what not to do. However, no matter how much poor acting we did in an attempt to recreate scenarios, the reality is that we were still in San Francisco, with sodas, clean bathrooms, tons of junk food and a nice breeze. I have a feeling Kampala will be slightly different!
So, as my list of “to-dos” dwindles down and I decide to repack that lightweight down jacket and an extra book, I realize I am not losing extra space in my suitcase, but rather gaining some feeling of security – security that I have prepared to the best of my ability and am ready for the adventure that lays ahead even if I do not know what it looks like! I will see you again in Africa….
Entry filed under: KF5 (Kiva Fellows 5th Class), Uganda. Tags: KF5, Taryn Goodman.
1. Sarah B. | 27 July 2008 at 17:21
Found your blog!!! Love the pic of Madeline. Wonder where she got that awkward pose from??? Let’s see – what are you missing while away from DC this summer: hot, sweaty air; forecasted thunderstorms that materialize only when you have plans – and well, me! I love the pics that you sent – Muzunga. That’s my nickname for you now. I am undoubtedly spelling it incorrectly, but I think we’ll stick with this interpretation. Alrighty lady – make the most and best of your time in Uganda and come back with lots of fabulous stories for us to share over dinner w/ Sadie and Zoe.
Lurve,
Sarah
2. Kate Curry | 10 June 2008 at 14:49
Hi there!!!!!
I left you a blog on Friday ,but since I’m a new blogger ,it didn’t stick,so to speak!
My message : we are all so proud of our very adventuresome friend .A wonderful opportunity for you and for the many lives you will touch are truly a “chick in charge ”
Very glad we will be able to share your many adventures ….giving perspective to the many blessings we all take so for granted …like the availability of education ,as per your discussion with your cab driver .
Again, thank you for packing us along on your African journey.
much love ,
Kate
3. gregg | 3 June 2008 at 14:08
Taryn,
You are amazing for taking this trip and thank you for making the effort to write such wonderful blogs to capture the essense of your journey for us.
I can’t wait to hear more about your adventures.
Looking forward to seeing you at the end of the summer.
4. MJ | 1 June 2008 at 23:35
Are you there? How was the trek?
5. toepfer | 31 May 2008 at 07:46
Hello, Taryn, and welcome to Kampala! I’ll see you in an hour!!!
6. Alice | 30 May 2008 at 17:02
Hello “Mother” -
I am so excited for your big adventure! Although we haven’t seen as much of eachother this past “school year”, you have always been in my thoughts. I had hoped to see more of you this summer, but alas you have found greener pastures (are there pastures in Uganda?) in Africa, and NYC must wait. Hopefully, you will visit soon — I have some more goodies for your dorm room
I still can’t believe you are going to Africa! If you should come across some rough patches while in this foreign land far far away, remember that you have a grand network of friends and family who are cheering you on — and we are only a phone call away. I know this will be a great experience — one that you will take so much away from. I can’t wait to live the experience vicariously through your blog!
Love always — Daughter
7. jan toepfer | 28 May 2008 at 23:29
Hi Taryn, I wanted to share with you some after she got there I wish I had brought this thoughts my daughter ( a KIVA fellow in Kampala) had. Does that make sense? Anyway, the one thing she wished she had more of was dressier clothing. Apparently the African folks dress nicely. Skirts etc.( women of course) She had mostly pants which she ended up wearing at home and just recycled the few skirts she had over and over. Don’t know if that helps. Also, no $100 bills dated before 2000 they won’t cash them. Too easy to counterfeit apparently. Have fun. Enjoy your stay.
8. Jan & John, KivaFriends | 28 May 2008 at 22:31
Dear Taryn, Thanking you for thinking of us, and wishing you all the very best.
We appreciate all the work we know you will be doing. We look forward to blog postings and we definitely appreciate the knowledge you will share with us here at home.
God Bless, Jan and John