first world problems in the third world

I have to give Isaac credit for coining that phrase, but we've been using it often. It's a nice way to stop and realize that -- however frustrating -- most of our challenges adjusting to Uganda stem from the fact that we are coming from the first world. As much as we view ourselves as "poor students," we have to come to terms with the fact that here in Uganda we are considered wealthy.

Some first world problems in the third world: 

• When it's difficult to get the Internet, printer set-up, etc. to work properly on your computer, because your computer is a MacBook Pro and the software on it is "too new."
• When your iPhone is also "too new" and doesn't fit the older sized SIM card you just bought. 
• When you have to worry about being a target of petty theft, because you actually have valuables to protect. 
• When strangers frequently ask you for money.
• When you struggle to get used to living behind a compound wall, locked gate and barbed wire because, again, you actually have valuables to protect. 
•  When you have trouble finding places that can break the large bills you carry. (Seriously! Collecting small change is like a game here. If you pay with a large bill -- this can even be the equivalent of $8 -- it's not uncommon for a boda driver or shopkeeper to ask the people around them to help provide the change.) 
• When you want to have a good pity party, you have to be reminded of those less fortunate than you. One week Isaac and I were very stressed about finances and decided to walk to the supermarket to get our minds off of it. As we walked and talked about how "poor" we were, we were literally walking by small children in rags filling jerry cans with dirty water to drink. 
• When you have to "get used to" having house help/day guard. How strange to have someone in your home for a few days a week, in your space and touching your things. And doing your dishes and laundry and ironing and cleaning...

That's only a few off the top of my head, but there are so many more. 

First world problems in the third world. When we start to complain, we have to stop and get some perspective ...