Immeasurably More: Planning for Nasir

With our flight into Nasir being scheduled to leave Tuesday October 1^st, we spent the next few weeks in Kampala buying supplies and trying to pack our trunks according to the limited weight we had. Trying to find everything we needed was an adventure and takes much longer than in the US. A simple trip to the grocery store could easily take up to four hours, add the increased security due to the recent events in Kenya, one store trip could take at least half a day. Learning to drive in Kampala definitely was an experience trying to dodge boda boda drivers (motorcycle taxis) and matatus. Finding my way around the city was an adventure. I literally say a prayer for safety (for me and the pedestrians) every time I get behind the wheel... or when the car starts. Our little Pajero struggles with cold starts. We have determined that sometimes we need to literally shake the car to get the fluid flowing to the starter plugs to get the ignition to fire up. It’s quite a scene.

Planning all of the meals in Nasir and distributing the weight for the flight among all the team was a lengthy process. I never imaged that I would spend days searching for dried soy chunks to make spaghetti and chili… yummy (its way better than eating beans and rice for every meal though!). Packing within the weight allotted was a humbling experience as you really have to weigh what is absolutely necessary and what is a luxury. Not knowing exactly what is readily available in the Nasir market was Do I choose to use my weight with another bar of soap or some granola bars? Would I rather have bug spray or something that smells nice? All these questions to answer and choices to make! Thankfully, I was able to pack my trunks with both necessary items as well as a few luxury items.