Usefulness, motion sickness & independance

2-24-07

So a couple weeks ago we conducted a phase one of a four phase workshop for 15 Community Health Workers and 15 Traditional Birth Attendants. It was a week long and residential. Topics included: Primary Health Care, Community Based Health Care, Health & Development, Community Entry Process, Role and Qualities of CHW’s and TBA’s, Data Collection and Analysis, Participatory Planning and Attitude change.

I was not sure exactly what to expect of the training or how I could best contribute. The language factor is a definite barrier to the efficiency of any direct services I may offer. My counterpart does good translation for me. But, the subjects I have presented thus far are all things he could present on his own; he is quite knowledgeable and has the trust of the people. I’m afraid my main role has been the ‘Muzungu factor’. Meaning, the topic or presentation takes on special importance and more attentive listeners when a white person talks or is present in the room or under the mango treeJ .

I imagine most people are just curious about what I may have to say about a given topic or how the words sound coming out of my mouth. This is much the same as my curiosity when they speak. Some people are really animated when they use their local language. Not only with their voice but, the facial expressions and body language sometimes leaves me intrigued. Why can’t Americans be that animated when they speak? Maybe it’s because we watch too much TV! Ha…..

It was a good training. A lot of topics were covered in a short period of time with participants of varying literacy levels and ability to grasps new community based concepts. By the end of the week, I thought of several ways I can contribute or at least be more of assistance in the preparation for the next phase of training the TBA’s and CHW’s. Using Role Plays and breaking away from the lecture format are ways I think the participants can get more out of the training. Hands-on/experiancial learning works well around the globe!

For some reason, that week of training left me aching to get out of town….. to see someplace new and just go. This ache to get out of town causes difficulties knowing that I also have an intense motion sickness problem on public transport in Uganda. It is the most difficult I have ever experienced. I grew-up with the childhood motion sickness on family vacations around Michigan….my brother and sister would clutch their pillows and huddling together on the other side of the Suburban as I vomited. Since then, I occasionally feel nauseous when riding in a small car in the States or on crowed buses overseas. But, here in Uganda it’s a totally different ball game.

The first time was during training. Imagine a mini-van full of 12 young American females, bouncing along a long dirt road for what felt like forever. We ask how much longer to the driver. He says, “Not much farther, only 1 more mile.” Yeah, right! After over an hour in the back of that van, I was ready to have a break down. The driver finally pulled to the side of the road; I got out and sat in the grass and dirt, thankful to be on stable ground and not be moving. It was raining but I didn’t care. I would rather be wet, dirty and walk the rest of the way than get back in that van.

More recently, I needed to go into Kampala for the weekend. The public transport in Karuguuza only leaves at 5:00am. The driver thankfully gave me the front seat. Karuguuza is about 1 ½ hours from the pavement. I did OK for the first ½ hour, then comes the nausea and dizziness. About 30 km from the pavement I was heavily into chanting “I can do this, I can do this….” Then, I lost it. I lost it all down the front of me and in my handkerchief. The driver thankfully pulled to the side of the road. I instantly felt better. I pulled out a clean shirt from my bag, striped off the soiled one (in front of everyone mind you!) and got back in. Breasts are not a big deal here; it’s the knees, thighs and such that are more desirable here.

Now you know my plight. So, aching to get out of town is not as simple as just deciding to go. I needed to feel that I have the freedom to just ‘go’ anytime I want. It’s that strong independent nature in me. I knew that if I took that route out of Karuguuza I was sure to vomit. I dreaded it. But there is another driver who leaves town around the same time but takes a shorter and less bumpy route. Ah ha, I have solved my problem. I will go with the other driver. I can handle the 45 min. of dirt road and get off at the pavement and find a different bus to Fort Portal (which is all paved).

As I began to talk to my local friends about my ingenious plan, I realized the locals know far more than this independent outsider ever could. They tell me the driver has just lost his daughter and mother. The burial is tomorrow. He will not be driving for a couple days. I of course felt compassion and sympathy for him and his family. But, dang… I really want to get out of town. My ingenious plan is finished. I felt defeated. I went to the bar and bought some wine as my consolation prize.

I woke the next morning with the ache still inside me. It was Saturday, I needed to do SOMETHING. I filled my camel pack with water, a bit of money, some fried cassava and my phone and set off on my bike. I figured I would just ride until I got tired and turn around and come back. In my mind I thought if I can make it to the base of that steep hill where the river crosses, I’ll be good.

Come to find out, I made it to that point with in 45 min. and I was feeling great. So, I kept on going. This route is dirt, very hilly and the most direct route to the pavement. After an hour, I began to wonder… maybe I can bike all the way to the pavement? I wasn’t sure how many km it was; but, what’s the harm in trying? After 2 hours I figured I made it half way, stopped for a rest and a truck passed me. It was the only one I saw that day. He ended up being a Board Member from the NGO I am placed with. He said, “Where you headed?” “I’m not sure, but maybe where the dirt meets the pavement”, I said. Maybe I can make it to Fort Portal after all!

I ended up putting my bike in the back of his truck and getting a ride the rest of the way to the pavement. I met some good people in the next town and they helped me put my bike on a bus to Fort Portal. Man, maybe my independent spirit will prove successful after all! When I got off the bus in Fort Portal I went to the bank, bought a change of clothes, some soap and checked into a cheap hotel. I made it! I felt on top of the world. Now, how many times do we get to experience this sense of true freedom? Not enough!

I had an excellent time – even, better than if I would have planned it all out. Seeking out the unknown was incredibly low stress and inspiring. I ate good food, shopped, had fun conversation over drinks at the hotel AND got a full body massage for only $3!