Something a bit more lighthearted for you…and me. In Africa, they have a lot of mosquitos. It is why I am taking Malaria medication while I am here in Uganda. The pesky critters are the same as ours in that they buzz in your ears, and hover around you looking for a meal. They are … Continue reading Michelle vs. The Mosquitos
Author: michellegunnin
I Try to Imagine…
I try to imagine what it is like for the refugees fleeing the war. Below is what I see in my head. It is fiction, but there are elements from things I have heard here. Some families come the camps together. Others, the men stay back to either fight, or to protect their property. Some … Continue reading I Try to Imagine…
Desolation and Mango Trees
Desolation is defined as extreme sadness caused by loss or loneliness; the condition of a place or thing that has been damaged in such a way that it is no longer suitable for people to live in; the state or condition of being desolate. It is the word that comes to me over and over while driving through … Continue reading Desolation and Mango Trees
Success
What is your measure of success? Is it, what kind of car you drive? Or if you have a nice house? Is it, if you have a degree or two? Is it, how much money you make or that you are raising great kids? Is it, that you give back and serve others? Or that … Continue reading Success
Prepare for Landing
The engines roar down the runway. A small plane, with 20 seats in all, lifts me into the sky. The sun is barely up, but it shines off the waters of Lake Victoria, which from the air, looks like the ocean. Once we are airborne, we are above the clouds. The sky is brilliant blue … Continue reading Prepare for Landing
The Welcoming Committee
I sit with my eyes closed and my head back, facing the warmth of the sun. The breeze is cool and gentle as it blows my hair just the right amount. My swollen feet are propped up in a chair. After two days of hectic travel, I soak in the serenity of the place. My … Continue reading The Welcoming Committee
Flying Solo
It might surprise you to know that traveling for this trip made me nervous. I have traveled on my own domestically, but never internationally. There is something unsettling about traveling to a place where they do not speak my language or use my money. The language part isn’t so much of an issue, until you … Continue reading Flying Solo
Pray for Me
If you had told me a couple of years ago I would be going to Uganda to help establish a school in a refugee camp, I would have never believed you. I walked away from a 20-year career as a public educator with no idea what I was going to do. I only knew I … Continue reading Pray for Me
Logorrhea (guest blog)
As told told to me by Bill Gunnin Logorrhea - excessive talking or wordiness. This is a very common frontal lobe deficit that many traumatic brain injury survivors suffer from. I try to be aware of talking too much. I know I do it, but it is difficult to control sometimes. I know there is value in … Continue reading Logorrhea (guest blog)
11
It is somehow appropriate that tonight is a full moon, here at the beginning of a new year, and on this day specifically; January 2nd. Eleven years…cancer free. At this time all those years ago, I was finishing up my final 8-hour treatment and heading home for a celebration dinner Louise had prepared. It was … Continue reading 11
