This is not edited. I'll fix and add pictures later.

Days 1/2 Monday, August 26^th, 2013 and Tuesday, August 27^th, 2013

Hello friends, family, and strangers! I know I have disappeared for quite sometime.  Traveling to another country is quite an undertaking. If you have ever done so then you should be understanding of my plight. If you have not then I will beg you to stay with me for the next extensive stories I am about to share and in the end, I promise you will laugh, smile, and enjoy most, if not all, of my mishaps and successes. Shall we begin?

Editor’s Note: I am currently writing this on Sunday, September 1st, 2013. I wrote down some notes to get me through the major points of the days leading up to today. I will try to be thorough and detailed with the interesting moments I have experienced on my journey so far. Let’s see how I do, yes?

THE PLANES!

18 HOURS IN THE AIR!!

That was pretty much my thought process for two straight days. After meeting up with Amanda at her house (thanks Dad, for taking me there so early! You’re the best!), Shane took us to the airport. We had lunch at Yeah Burger! and let me tell you it was fantastic. I could not have had a better farewell American lunch if I tried. Plus, that veggie burger was to die for…except that nothing did (hehe).  Seriously, though…perfection! We already made plans to go there on our return. I cannot wait! :D

The airport. First international flight! Dad, you will be proud to learn that both of my bags were less than 50lbs (which is 23 kg if you were curious). One was 35lbs and the other was 46lbs. Thankfully my suitcases will be lighter on my return trip! After our bags were checked in we went through security, minus a very rude guard, the experience was painless and straightforward. No lines so that was wonderful. Next, we found our gate and that was it. It was about 2:30PM when we arrived. Our flight was at 5:30PM. Needless to say we had some time on our hands. Here is a picture of us after we got to the gate.

The flights were long. There is no poetic way to say that. I did christen the first flight the Plane of Movies and the second the Plane of Zombies. As their names suggests, we had movies and zombies to keep us company on our 18 hours flights. Did I mention they were 18 hours?!? Yes. I think I might have. We flew with Delta on the first leg over to Amsterdam. I could not sleep on the plane. I think my seat was defective because every time I leaned back a tad it moved instead of staying in one position. The poor gentleman behind me was very considerate but I am sure I irritated him when I was attempting to get comfortable. We ended up talking to him after our flight ended and he was a camera guy and actually travels all over the world to film for amazing shows. He said he filmed some of Shark Week and a few other shows that are similar (he mentioned the names but I have forgotten them ). We have decided that people’s stories are much more interesting on international flights so if you ever have a chance, fly international and talk to people). Yes, Dalton, I made friends with everyone around me. It was wonderful. I love making friends. J

The second flight was the flight of Zombies. If the first was when everyone tuned into the realities of fictional movies, the second flight from Amsterdam was the sleep of the dead. Everyone was dead on their feet. I suppose the more accurate phrase would be dead in their seats. In any case, it was another long flight, 10 hours of sleep and food. The food on this plane was just wonderful. Amanda got especially excited whenever we were served. Dr. Bryan took up three seats (there was hardly anyone on this flight!) and conked out for like 6 hours probably more. Looking back on the flights, I have no idea how we managed to stay awake for as long as we did. We used the special stockings (thanks Mom!! They worked wonders!!) and talked a lot. I didn’t even read. Astounding, I know. 

For those of you who are interested, we met someone famous on our plane from Atlanta all the way to Uganda. She is known for her ABC family show that has a mystery twist every episode by a mastermind known as A. She plays the sister, and is actually quite nice. She’s doing a documentary right now. Cool, right?!? I told you international flights are better than domestic.

We arrived at Entebbe at about 10:30 PM our time on Tuesday which would be about 3:30 PM Tuesday in the U.S. This whole 7 hour time difference is somewhat difficult to get used to. Nevertheless, I am managing. For example, right now as I am typing (though not posting) it is 1:30PM on Sunday my time and 6:30 AM on Sunday in the U.S. I’ve already had half of my day. Crazy.

Now is the moment

Static

Evening, all!!

To those just tuning in, we are here with a Miss Brittney (or T, if you so desire) who is about to journey to a fantastical place of excitement and adventure. Please, Brittney, tell our listeners why you are traveling to Uganda for three months?

Well, Raj, that is a very good question. You see the answer lies in my desire to travel and my friend Amanda's desire to make it an interesting journey. I thought, what better way to make my last semester of college memorable than to travel to a country I had only rarely heard about in books? So Uganda, here I come.

Brittney, if I may be so bold, have you had any regrets about choosing Uganda instead of another country? I understand you had a choice of a few places. If you wanted to just travel, then why Uganda? I believe that is what many of our listeners are wondering. Why not Costa Rica or Ecuador?

Boldness is not a fault, sir, but an attribute and to answer your questions truthfully I must admit that before deciding to go to Uganda, I did not have any desire to travel to Africa. Perhaps I had only thought of it as a place to see on National Geographic or as part of Simba's pride. Honestly, it was Amanda who persuaded me and I am very grateful that she did. You see, I have come to believe with all my heart, that whatever happens tomorrow and in the next three months, I am supposed to be there. I feel it in my soul. Bold words, perhaps, but isn't that the nature of our discussion? What does it mean to be bold? In this instance, does it mean choose the most comfortable, the most accessible, or even the most accompanied of countries? On the contrary, I believe it means to create your own path and that is my intention. Not to discredit any of my other fellow ST because what we are all doing is for our students and the joy that they bring us and we to them. I was lucky enough that I could pursue this passion of mine and watch it come to fruition. Very lucky. And I thank the world that I am so able and I cannot wait to keep anyone who cares to listen or read of my adventures updated. Especially of my clumsy mishaps in front of wide eyed fourth graders who probably believe that I know what I am doing. I just hope I can smile convincingly enough to have them keep believing me. To all the teachers out there, new and wise, thank you for allowing me into your ranks. I cannot wait to serve you and my students.

Wow, Brittney, that was wonderful. Unfortunately, for I know I wish I could keep you on the line forever, I believe that is all the time we have on our show for now. We will be sure to keep up to date with your travels! Safe journey tomorrow and please show lots of pictures! As to our listeners, as always, thanks for listening to Travel Radio 108.9 TBH. Tune in next week for an in-depth account of Brittney's first week in Uganda and a blow by blow recap of weather conditions in Africa. This is your internal radio/blog mind reader Rajah. Thanks for listening! Goodnight! Until next week!

Static

Double Jeopardy: Video and Pictures

Pictures turned into a video. How savvy. Hope none of you mind that I stole all your FB photos. Love you!!

Follow this link...:D

No pictures so I will tell you a story

Once upon a time there was a girl who lived in a land of books, music, and company. This girl loved to read, for who could not in such a land? One day she read something that made her heart skip and her mind wander. There was a world, a beautiful, enchanting, far away and mysterious place that she must journey to and discover why this land had such a hold on her. She became fascinated with this other world. It was called Oasis and she knew that one day she would go there and see what it had to offer.

So the girl planned. She researched. She read. With all of her books and music and company, she learned everything she could about Oasis and with every piece of knowledge she gained, she yearned for more. It was unquenchable this urge to leave. Some days she would just let her mind wander to the point where, when she returned, she couldn't fathom where she was or what she had been doing.

The girl's friends and family were supportive, if a little perplexed at why she chose Oasis. Why that land? It is so far from your lovely home, they said, why must you go? She simply replied, I must. And that was the end of that.

You see, the girl knew that she had to go to Oasis. Not only because she read about it and fell in love with the land, but because she knew in her heart that, at least for a little while, she belonged there.

Well after months of research, reading, questions and answers, the girl knew it was time. It was time for her to say good-bye to her home and begin a new adventure. The girl had help from her fairy godmother who gave her the power to travel to the country by way of dragon. It was a well known fact, albeit one of the only few known things about Oasis, that it was the birthplace of dragons. Dragons of all sizes and colors and wingspans. The girl's dragon was small for his age and wanted eagerly to get back home. He was an orphan and had grown up in the girl's land, belonging to no one though he had a special fondness for the girl. I believe it was the stories she read to him. He loved naps and stories. So the dragon, Rajah was his name, and the girl set off for Oasis.

What became of their adventure is a story for another time. I can say that it was fantastic and at some times unbelievable, but all true.

Until we meet again,

Brittney

Clock and other news

I updated the blog to show the current time in Kampala and a countdown ticker of when I leave. I'll update the ticker for when I return to home ground once I arrive in the city.

Packing is underway (pictures to come soon) and I cannot believe that two weeks from tomorrow I will leave this country for another. Crazy.

Amanda and I are going on an Awesome, Super Exciting, Amazing, Safari!! (Here is the itinerary for the trip) I hope you're a tad jealous because I know I would be.

Mia (my CT) emailed me back and told me I am going to be teaching Ancient Civilizations. I am super excited about all of this. My main resource for this topic. It is a very well done world map courtesy of the British World Museum. I love history.

I don't have much else to show you as of yet. I'm waiting until I head back to GA tomorrow to play with my new camera and take pictures of my brilliant packing abilities and other home pictures.

I'll update more when I can.

Thanks for reading!!!

Britt

Thank you! :)

Dear Readers (familiar and new),

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Even if this is your first time here, it is encouraging to know that my experiences in Uganda will be read by you. Now, I know nothing substantial is happening right now because August 26th has not come to pass. But it will soon and I hope you will continue to keep reading. I have more updates since last we met, so shall we begin?

First off, a BIG "THANK YOU" to my friend Jessy (who is exceptional in every way), for giving me her camera for my trip!! It is a HUGE relief to know that I have a way to share my travels in a more visual aspect than words alone can convey (though, I can be particularly descriptive, imagery wise). Now, I have no excuse to not show you lovely people pictures and videos. Brilliant, no? Once again, thank you Jessy!!

Now on to the rest of that list. I went shopping today with my sister, Kelsey. It was fabulously awesome and we found a ton of wonderful items at Flashbacks (the coolest thrift store this side of Gainesville, which is to say, everywhere) and had a very full and delicious experience at a place called Burrito Famous (note: must see if they have one in GA). I found a really neat skirt and a few nice tops for teacher clothes and even a simple dress that I really like. We also went to Books-A-Million (BAM) for the sole purpose of getting a book. How obvious, right? Yes, I know. Recently though, I haven't gone to a bookstore for the sole purpose of getting a specific book. Yes, I might go into there expecting to find something (I usually always do) but it has been a long time since I went into a store and came out with exactly what I wanted. I also shop at Amazon way too much so I frequent actual bookstores far less than I like. (Wow, what a useless segment on bookstores. I'm leaving it though cause I kind of like it) Anyway, the point is I came with a purpose and in the end, I got exactly what I wanted. How very rewarding, if I must say.

I wonder how many of you I've just lost in that last little bit of bookwormish characteristics. I also wonder how many of you are asking me what book it was that I had to drive to a bookstore to get. I'm hoping the latter has more people because I'm about to go into great detail about the book I purchased today. Yay, you!

The book is called Kisses from Katie and was recommended to me by a customer because the story is about a girl who travels to Uganda to teach Kindergarten and ends up moving there, opening a ministry and adopting 13 girls by the time she is 22. I find I am intrigued by this woman. So I am reading her story and learning a little about Uganda as well. I am only on Chapter 4 but I'll finish it soon and once I do, I'll tell you all what I learned. So far I have learned that at the village Katie lives in, women do not wear jeans, you must take off your shoes when entering a house, and education is very very important to the people who live there, even though most of the time the parents cannot afford to send their children to school. Right now, in the book, she is just coming to terms with that last bit and is about to (guessing) ask friends and family members back home to help donate money to send some of the children she cares for to school. Overall, I think it will be an interesting read and one that I could learn a thing or two from.

The book did give me an idea that I thought I would share with you all. My customer that recommended the book to me had said something offhand that I cannot seem to get out of my head. After suggesting the book, she said half-jokingly, "How big is Uganda? You know, you might actually run into her!" And I thought, oh yes, what are the chances, right? But then I started reading and found out that Katie lives in a small village outside of Jinja, which is where the source of the Nile River is located. Knowing that the student teachers from last semester went to the source of the Nile, then it isn't too hard of a leap for me to think, well running into Katie could happen. Which is surreal. So what I would like to do is this: finish her book, either contact her first or talk to Dr. Bryan/my CT in Uganda/someone with authority first (whichever is most appropriate), and then see if I could visit her. Maybe even do some community service with my kids and her kids or something like that. Wouldn't that be grand?! Obviously, it is still a rough sketch but it would be pretty neat if I could meet her and even more brilliant if my kids could help her kids.

So that's all I have for now. Tomorrow my mom and I are getting some essentials for the trip: sunblock, bug spray, etc and afterwards I will feel more prepared for this upcoming adventure! Wow, it is so soon! 22 days!! (It's past midnight, so that counts)

Until next time,

Brittney

Because I was told to update more...

List of things I still need to do for Uganda:
1. Buy a camera. Seriously, this is my number one item. I believe you and everyone else who reads this would be very disappointed in me if I did not produce some type of artifacts in the form of pictures/videos. That being said, I have the hardest time looking for a good one for under $100. Because I'm a cheap, poor person who spent all her money on shots, plane tickets, clothing, luggage essentials, and books...go figure. So yes, I'm hoping this trip to FL yields some fruitful research in that department. Amazon is too confusing. (Blasphemy, I know)

2. Study the material that I'm going to be teaching. Seriously. My CT (who is wonderfully brilliant) sent me the benchmarks for math (she probably realizes who she is dealing with and understands the importance of my getting this information ahead of time). She didn't send me anything else except the first interdisciplinary unit on ecosystems (which looks really fun and awesome by the way). I suppose she figures I know history, writing and reading (I'm pretty confident about those last two) so I hope I do alright in those areas. *Also, if anyone wants to help me study these benchmarks to make sure I understand these mathematical enigmas, I would be forever grateful*

3. Get my malaria pills in FL. Because it's only $20 instead of $170. yay!

4. Make another list of travel things I need to shop for. Bath stuff, food stuff, clothes, shoes, BUG SPRAY, SUNSCREEN, school supplies, etc.

5. Pack my carry-on backpack. I actually took a friend's advice and bought a backpack. It's brilliant and I love it.

6. Get all my ST documents, passport, yellow fever card, wallet, school documents, etc., and pack into my brilliantly blue backpack.

 7. Get Rajah's flea medicine, food, and write a list of instructions for my dad to follow. A "Taking care of the King Cat" survival guide if you will. Honestly, though. How can you not say awe?!?! He's better than your cat....and possibly your dog.

Rajah: roughly 4-6 weeks old 

Rajah: 4 1/2 years later.

*Naturally, the only picture I post in this entry are of him...haven't hit Uganda yet so you guys will just have to deal.

8. Rejoice in the realization that I am leaving this country and traveling to another. Ignore everyone who looks aghast at the prospect of Uganda.

9. Say goodbye to my family and friends (this happens all the time but still needs to be on the list)

10. PACK.

That's all for now folks. I hope you enjoyed this post. I know I enjoyed glowing with pride (lion pride....haha) at my little Rajah. Here's to Uganda! May it be the adventure of a life time!!

p.s. I wasn't joking about the math help either...I have the benchmarks!! : D

GACE scores and other tidbits

So for the blogger world update here it is. The moment you have all been waiting for. (Except that every single one of you who "follow" me already know the answer) So let me revise. Ahem. The moment you strangers, who happen to glance at this blog and wonder what that girl in GA is doing now, have been waiting for (or not), has arrived. Though, technically it arrived last Monday, the 15th. Sorry, I'm being tedious. I think I am just having way too much fun with the idea of writing a post that everyone already knows the answer to. With building suspense where there is none. (Sorry, strangers) Okay, I'm done. I promise.

Yes, is the answer. I passed all three GACE tests so now (after graduation in December), I am certified in the state of good ol' Georgia to teach Middle Grades (4-8) Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies!! Can you believe it? Well, sometimes I cannot, so it is exciting news. :D

Yep. Now I have no worries. Odd, but true at the moment. I have no idea what to do with myself now.


...


I suppose I should now concentrate on Uganda.


Yeah. Well, that is a whole other monster. Though, it's not really a monster, more like a new world. Anyway, it's also fast approaching. I just had my going away party yesterday and it was a wonderful celebration. Good fun, food, and a smattering of rain for good measure. Now all that's left is to have my last week of Publix (next week!!!), then visit my mom in FL for a week and a few days then come back here to Georgia and pack like crazy for Uganda!! What fun!

Obviously, the reality and seriousness of what I'm about to embark on has not set in, or my tone would be more frantic. I don't expect that side of myself until about August 10th or so. I'll let you know when I freak out. Maybe a couple days afterwards but you will be informed, strangers and followers alike!

Until then,

Britt

Shots and Band-Aids

Today, I received the shots I need to travel to Uganda. I got a dose of Hep A, Meningitis, Yellow Fever, Polio, and a TDAP booster. Quite a handful...actually, exactly a handful, haha. In addition to these five shots, I have to take the Typhoid Vaccine orally a day apart (there's four pills total and the vaccine is good for five years) and Malaria pills a week before I leave. So far it's not been too bad. The way my mother tells it though I used to put up a heck of a fight when given shots before. I believe her because who wants to get stuck with needles as a child? The answer to that is no one, naturally. Today, I'm lucky though. I'm a little sore in both arms, my neck and sometimes my lower back but these symptoms should go away in a day or two. I also made the nurse put band-aids on my arm, so for the rest of the day I am sporting Daffy Duck and all his hilarious tom-foolery. Yay for childhood distress not rearing its ugly head. :)

I feel like a kid again with all these shots. I also feel a tad invincible. Combined, this could make for interesting stories. Now that I have these shots I know that this is happening. I am leaving the country in a little over a month. I still cannot wrap my head around this...

We receive our GACE scores next Monday. I'll be sure to update once I know if I have passed or not. I hope I pass all three with flying colors. :D

Not much else for now. I'll see you ladies and gents in about a week.

Thanks for reading!

Did you know?

Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa.

In Grade 4, my students will learn about Ancient Civilizations, Belief Systems, Ecosystems, and Energy. I do not know specifically what I will be teaching my students but my guess would be a comprehensive mix of all of these topics to form one overarching interdisciplinary unit. I'm betting its going to be spectacular. :)

My school, ISU, is a 33 acre campus that houses 4 fully equipped science laboratories, 3 computer laboratories with access to the Internet and wireless connectivity campus-wide, a library of 20,000 volumes, 3 sports fields, sports hall, track, 2 swimming pools, 4 tennis courts and separate facilities for Early Childhood education. (Courtesy of U.S. Department of State)

Uganda has a few news sites such as New Vision and the Daily Monitor and even a magazine which I am guessing is a travel magazine, The Eye.


That is all for now. Cannot wait to finally begin this grand adventure!! :)

Tickets, Timing, Traveling

So Amanda Low (whose also blogging about her adventures) and I just purchased our plane tickets to Uganda!!! We officially leave on August 26 and arrive in Entebbe on August 27th! I cannot express how excited I am about this opportunity. Though since this is a blog I suppose I should fill you in on exactly how I am really feeling about this upcoming adventure.

Now, in all honesty I truly am really excited about this trip. I am so thankful that Amanda is going with me and that we will get to explore this wonderful country together. That being said, I am still somewhat apprehensive. It is all so unreal to me. This is actually happening. What was I thinking?!? Africa. Uganda. Flying to a continent that I had only seen on maps and read about in history books (and not that I did that much reading on it anyway). I have no knowledge of this continent or country that is relevant beyond a 5th grade exam. Which is really scary. It's humbling to know that I suppose most everyone who is not connected to this part of the world may have the same knowledge but I need to know more before I go. I have been putting this adventure off until after the GACE (or so I told myself). Well, the GACE is over (more on that later) and now I have no excuse. I will begin my research with more determination. I have already purchased a guide book on Uganda so I can pick that up and seriously study it instead of perusing it. I want more though. Specifically on Kampala and ISU (International School of Uganda). I know realistically that whatever I read will not really prepare me for the actual act of being in the country and that there are some things I cannot figure out just through books and research (Hermione, I feel for ya girl). But the desire to be as well educated as I possibly can is itching at me to do more. Starting today. I will write more frequently in this blog in hopes that telling someone about my research will make me want to complete more readings. Hope you guys are in for some fun facts about Africa, Uganda, and any other pieces of stories I find entertaining.

I completed the GACE on Saturday and I believe it went well. One can only wait and see after such an ordeal. I think I did very well in LA and Reading but maybe not so hot in SS. I am hoping to pleasantly surprised, haha.  

I think I will go do some research before work (one other thing I cannot wait to do is turn in my two weeks notice at Publix...should be exhilarating).

Until next time!

Brittney

Oh yeah, here's some photos:

In case you needed a visual reference as to where Uganda is in relation to the African continent.

And here we have a better idea of where Kampala, Entebbe, and Lake Victoria are. How fun!

Mementos

I remember having a Xanga and a Livejournal back in the day and realize that I could become slightly addicted to this blogging thing once more. In any case I decided to write another post and keep updating until the paramount of all posts become reality: my trip to Uganda.

I suppose I'll play around with some features since I haven't done that just yet. What I hope to do is:

1. Post a picture
2. Link to something awesome

Sounds pretty straightforward so let's begin

This is my cat Rajah, who is far cooler and much more sophisticated than your cat.

This is the International School of Uganda. This is where I will be Student Teaching at come September.

This is the book that I am eagerly waiting for. Everyone should read it. First though you should read Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles because this is the third in the trilogy by Melina Marchetta. Who is an AMAZING author. Read any of her books and you will not be disappointed.  

Now for linking to a page.....I decided to go with the MGE TOSS FB as the first link because it is relevant. Another link I want to add is the SS Content Framework for GACE (MGE) followed by Reading GACE Framework for MGE and finally the ELA MGE GACE Framework. These links should come in handy for my upcoming state test. 

Oh, yes. I had forgotten about that. GACE here I come. :)

Trip to Uganda fast approaching

Hello everyone,

I just finished my TOSS semester and am thoroughly enjoying that fact. Passed with all A's which is spectacular and am currently visiting a friend in PA. Overall, very exciting year.

I plan on writing in this blog mostly for my trip to Uganda come September. I cannot wait to get started!! I ordered my books for Uganda and learning Swahili. I hope I can get the basics down of the language before leaving.

That's all I have for now. Trying to see if I like this Blogger thing.

Britt