The moment I arrived at the airport in Uganda the differences were obvious. Despite knowing better I did not have my visa money ready for customs ($50.00 US) and so they sent me with a note out of the doors to find a money exchange store. They did not take travelers cheques, my ATM card did not work (turns out they forgot to load the machine with money – but I found that out later) and so I changed the pounds I had remaining from England. 30 minutes later I get back through the doors (with my note) to the baggage claim area, sure that by now they had removed my backpack and taken it to unclaimed luggage, but NO there it was slowly winding around the baggage carousel. I grabbed it and ran.
I was met by a WATOTO driver and apologized for being so delayed, only to find out that he is not the only one who came to pick me up. Outside there was Vicki (a supervisor at the Babies home) with two gorgeous little boys from the home called Jonathan and Julian. The drive to Kampala took about an hour, the scenery is amazing. The kids were so gorgeous, they sat on my lap (yup no child restraints) and pointed out the window.
I arrive at the babies home and am given a tour, the facilities are great, but I am overwhelmed by the number of children. On this day it is 82 – and they range from weeks premature to 2 year olds. If the flight didn’t wear me out, then the tour around certainly did, after I went straight to my accommodation and slept.
My accommodation is great and I will talk more about it at another stage, when I can show photos. Staying here with me are other volunteers (all girls) and they are all lovely, I’ll probably talk more about them later too (with photos).
So as I publish this blog I will be about to start my fourth shift (day) working at the Babies home. I’ll describe an average day (thus far) for you:
I wake up, and head down for breakfast at the accommodation (normally cereal and toast, but sometimes omelette or pancakes)
Then I shower, get ready and head to the gazebo to lie in the sun and read for 2 hours, I will soon fill this time with exercise or something more productive, but for now I am lazing about. We have a great garden to do this in with a great view of the city and lake Victoria.
Then I catch a cab to the babies home with either Daniel or Grace as our driver. (You pick a driver and make them yours – telling them your start and finish times and they will be there)
At the Babies home we eat lunch (usually lots of carbs and a tiny bit of meat and if I complain enough I get Veggies – yay) and head to which ever section needs help.
The day consists of following a schedule for the babies, which basically include feeding, changing, playing, feeding, napping, bathing, feeding, sleeping. Oh and if there is time – cuddles – lots of cuddles.
This takes up 8 hours.
There are lots of babies, lots of mouths and lots of bottoms. I am slowly learning their names, but it will take time. They are all so amazing with their cute little personalities and smiles.
I’ll be adding photos soon with stories.
When we finish it’s 7pm and we catch the cab home.
We eat dinner at the guesthouse when we get there. After dinner I am so hot and so tired, that I hang around for about an hour and then go to bed!
The problem is we are understaffed and there aren’t enough people to look after all the children so it’s a real struggle some days – and kids are left crying unattended for too long just because we can’t get to them all – it breaks your heart.
Since I’ve been here they have added 3 more children – one is called Jane. She was found in a plastic bag in a rubbish pile. Some men who were clearing the rubbish saw the bag move and found her. She is a week old and doing surprisingly well considering the circumstances. They all have similar stories.
I think I have said enough for now. When I can get a better internet connection – I will post photos and more stories.
Thanks for all the support.
- Felicity