TIA

So I had one of the more exciting weeks of my experience here last week. It all started with a walk through town on Thursday evening after our prayer meeting. I was with my friend Sarah and we were heading back towards taxi park to get our taxis to go home. I was trying to cross the street and I could have sworn I looked both ways (which you have to do since traffic follows no normal pattern here) and just as I stepped out I hear Sarah scream my name and then I feel myself getting knocked down. I got run over by a guy on a bike (not a motorcycle thankfully) and fell down in the middle of the street. Besides this being a bit embarrassing to be laying in a skirt in the middle of the street it was also a bit painful. I had about 20 Ugandans immediately around me saying "soree muzungu, soree". I got up and walked to the sidewalk and then started laughing at the whole situation. I ended up with some good bruises on my legs and feet and a scrapped knee. Not too bad for getting run down in the street.

Sunday was the MTN Marathon day. I had originally signed up for the 1/2 marathon but was still feeling a bit sore so I dropped to the 10k. It was so unreal to see all these Ugandans in their bright yellow MTN t-shirts lined up for the race. It was well organized and even started on time. There were the typical start/finish line balloons and a big PA system. It was all so normal. I was shocked to see so many people though because most Ugandans don't run, at least not for fun. I go for runs all over the city and don't see many other people out enjoying a workout. So it was great to see so many people. I would say about half the people walked the 10k. I saw one girl running in jeans capris and socks, no shoes. I also saw a guy running in loafers and another girl in converse shoes. I would like to point out that I saw all three of these people as they passed me :)

So I finished the race with the help of my new Ugandan friend who decided he was going to set my pace for me. I don't think I have run that fast in a long time, it almost killed me. haha. There was a big tent sent up for after race supplies like fruit and water and stuff. I walked in with no problem but 20 minutes later as I was trying to walk out there was a huge crowd. Everyone was trying to get through this narrow path, both people coming in and out. So I joined the line but after a few minutes I could see things were starting to go bad. People were getting annoyed and started pushing and a minute later it was just chaos. I actually got squeezed up against a car parked near by and then thrown onto the hood of the car. I think the guy behind me was actually trying to protect me from getting hurt. It was quite scary for a few seconds and now I can see exactly how huge crowds can turn into mobs in seconds. I got off and was able to squeeze my way out of the area.

After the race the three of us girls decided we were going to go to church, in our running clothes. I didn't want to miss the last sermon on Hebrews and I only have two Sundays left at the church so we went, all sweaty and in bright yellow t-shirts and running clothes. It was well received by the pastor whose wife ran in the race that morning as well. I love this place.

As exciting as last week was I am really hoping this week is dull :)