Feeling cold in Uganda and increased walking speeds:

Uganda lent me another new experience today, I actually felt a little chill. The morning started out rather humid and warm, but slowly, dark clouds began to consume the sky. Eventually, the wind picked up, signalling me to pick up my pace as I rushed to Karen's house for a meeting. I kept praying the impending downpour would hold out until I found shelter under her roof. God must have taken my prayer quite literally, because the rain started the exact moment of my arrival into Karen's home! When the showers dissipated, cool air was left behind. You could observe students huddling together as they walked, covering bare arms with their scarves. Usually my fast walking pace is a bit of a burden here, but today it was an asset as it helped prevent me from experiencing any negative side effects of the cool breeze.

I have noted on several occasions that I walk too fast for Uganda. Perhaps my nurses walk has not yet left my frame-- I am so used to having to rush from patient room to patient room to maximize my time! In reality, such speediness is really a difficulty here. Any time you are in the sun, it is hot, and increased walking speeds simply add unnecessary body heat and, need I elaborate, sweat. The risks of walking fast highly out-weigh its current benefits under ordinary, Ugandan circumstances. Now, I have to remind myself to stop weaving around casual walkers. I should instead take in the sites and appreciate the advantages gained from slowing down. Hopefully, as I continue my stay here, I can learn to appreciate the positive aspects of slowing down in other, non-walking, facets of Ugandan life.