Don’t get us wrong – our two staff writers are perfectly content working out of our San Diego office (they’re both SD natives). When they heard the news that they were traveling to Uganda to visit our Gulu and Kampala offices and tour our programs, though, it’s safe to say they were more than willing to leave us for two weeks. I sat down with them to discuss expectations, thoughts on shots, and of course, a round of word association.
For those playing at home what are your names and what do you do here?
Krista: I’m Krista Morgan, one of two staff writers.
Azy: I’m the other one. Azy Groth.
Thoughts on Carl Stevens? [For personal reasons as I am the Social Media Assistant. Will the truth come out?]
Krista: Tall, skinny, jolly.
Feel free to chime in, Azy.
Azy: Thank you. So much better since the haircut. So much better fashion sense than when he first got here. I’m going with “Most Improved.”
Krista: But I think I speak for both of us when I say your facial hair isn’t working.
Azy: I can’t even see it, so it doesn’t bother me.
Wow, more than I bargained for. Enough about me. So you all are going to Uganda soon…how soon?
Krista: We leave March 1st.
What object is at the top of your “Things To Pack” list for Uganda?
Krista: Chapstick. I’m literally packing 18 tubes.
Azy: Book Lamp. I’ve been stuck places without one and it’s the worst.
Krista: Her version of hell.
What were some of your initial reactions when you were told you’d be getting on a plane and going to Uganda?
Azy: My first thought was, “No I’m not, its going to get cancelled.”
Krista: I still think that.
It takes a bit of preparation to get over there. What are some of the things you’ve done leading up to the trip?
Krista: Well, we had to get shots. A lot of shots.
Azy: How many for you? I only had three.
Krista: I had seven shots. Tell him what happened when you got yours.
Azy: So I was getting the yellow fever shot, which is pretty painful, but I didn’t tell the nurses beforehand that I kind of have a history of passing out and fainting.
Uh oh…
Azy: So they’re giving me all the shots and I’m doing fine and it doesn’t hurt that bad, but then all of a sudden the black started zeroing in. My head is now in between my knees and I can’t hear anything, and my limbs are going numb. Apparently some doctors started talking to me, I have no idea what was going on, and they’re bringing in a wheelchair, and they put me up on a stretcher for 30 minutes.
You were that girl.
Azy: I was that girl. They actually referred to me as “a ruckus.”
Don’t think I’ve ever been called a ruckus.
Krista: I don’t think Azy’s ever been called a ruckus either!
Azy: Only when I faint in public.
So back to the trip, departure is fast approaching.
Krista: Yeah, we leave Friday morning at dawn. It takes about 30 hours travel time in all.
That’s a pretty big journey. With traveling somewhere new and so far away, do you have any concerns or unknowns that have crossed your mind?
Krista: My main concern is the culture shock. I’ve never been in an environment like Uganda. My life over here is all I really know.
Azy: Similar for me, but I’m probably most concerned about food poisoning. I mean it’s not like the food is poisoned but like… (laughter ensues). Just being able to enjoy the trip and not get sick. Wait let me change my answer, I’m most concerned about the heat. Looked at the weather forecast in Gulu, it’ll be 99 degrees during the day and then 91 during the night.
Krista: We have no idea what it will be like, so we’re scared of the unknown, but excited to find out.
On the flip side, you’re going over there to check out some of our programs – which ones are you most excited about?
Krista: We’ve written about these things for so long, about our programs and our staff over there, but we’ve never seen it firsthand. Actually laying eyes on all that IC does will open up a whole new perspective.
Azy: I can’t wait to see the VSLA program. Seeing how people can put their money in, earn interest, and then borrow that money to start a small business or put their kids through school – it’s such a wonderful cycle and creates such a wide impact.
Krista: They just added 45 new groups to VSLA! I think I’m most excited about Mend. Being a mother, I have a soft spot for it.
You’re going to meet some of the Mend seamstresses, many of whom are former abductees with kids of their own. Where is that connection made for you?
Krista: Motherhood is like a universal society. Once you become a mother, you are innately connected with anyone who’s ever had children of their own. I am outraged about what Joseph Kony and the LRA have done to children, but have such an admiration to the mothers of those children. Being a mom is not easy and these Mend ladies have overcome incredible obstacles.
So I read an article and it was saying that to have a trip leave a lasting impression, you must give something of yourself to the destination. You have to leave something behind.
Azy: Hmm, what did they suggest?
An example from the article was that during a trip to New Zealand, this person was deathly afraid of heights. The author was saying he had to let go and leave that fear there. So he did what any normal person would do and went bungee jumping. So what would you leave there or be open to?
Azy: Something I’m going to work hard to move past is my natural tendency to sit back, watch, and observe. I’m going to force myself to interact with these new people and culture.
Krista: There’s a part of me that thrives on control – I’m organized, punctual, and a stickler for schedules. I’m looking forward to letting go of all that in Uganda. Going with the flow. I might even be rebellious and not wear a watch.
We have all these incredible Ugandan Roadies and staff that come to visit our San Diego office. Who are you most excited to see when you arrive in Uganda?
Krista: I’ve heard a lot about Collines from you [Carl’s former Ugandan Roadie teammate and all around all-star.] I also work closely with our Head of Communications out there, Bethany Williams. I’m excited to be in the same room as her.
Azy: I was going to say Collines as well. I met her in NYC when she was doing her TED talk and then a couple times since. She’s great. Also Patrick Munduga – he’s the engineer over there who does the projects for Schools for Schools and the work over in DR Congo. He just seems like a rockstar.
Situation: you’re going on this trip and you have to take someone other than each other. Who is your ideal travel companion? Sean Poole and Adam Finck don’t count.
Krista: Carl, I think I would take you. I really do!
Yes! [Interview interrupted by joyful yelling and high fives]
Azy: I feel like Noah Manning is a can-do person. I’d go with him because of his positive attitude.
Who in the office would make for the worst travel companion and why?
(In unison)
Azy: Probably Alex Naser-Hall.
Krista: Alex Naser-Hall.
You know Jay Salbert said the same thing. Any reason why?
Azy: I mean, I think it would be very funny, but also really depressing. I would be laughing in hysterics while I was like, “Oh my gosh, I’m going to die.”
I’m going to ask one of you to step outside as we play a little Word Association. [Krista steps out] Alright Azy, quick rundown of the rules. I say a word and you say the first thing that comes to mind. No stalling! Here we go:
Acholi? Dancing
Shots? Fainting
Shampoo? Not going to use it
Safari? Animals
Mend? Beautiful women
Uganda? Our programs
Book for the trip? The 19th Wife
Writing? At night
Celebrity crush? Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Krista? Funny
You’re done. Please go retrieve Krista and send her on in.
Acholi? Dance
Shots? Fun. No problem with shots.
Shots…fun. Said no one ever.
Safari? Elephants
Book for the trip? Gone Girl
VSLA? I suck at money.
Celebrity crush? Jake Gyllenhaal
Birthday in Uganda? Huge party. It’s March 5th if you haven’t gotten me a gift already.
Alex Naser-Hall & Carl in control while you’re gone? Oh dear God.
Azy? My work wife.
Perfect. Thanks for your time ladies. Safe travels.
Get ready for some adventures through the eyes of our writers. Tweets and Instagrams via Invisible Children will be prevalent.
Think people should hear about this?