Greetings from Uganda

Greetings from Uganda! I apologize for the delay in getting together this post but things have conspired against us here in terms of internet access. We have been limited in our access but all is well. All of us had safe trips although we were all exhausted when we arrived. I was able to meet Danielle and Angie at the airport and although they were excited, they were definitely beat! It took a couple of days for them to get back to their normal selves but now they are doing well.

We have been able to visit with 134 children as of today (Thursday morning). The girls are out with the rest of the team visiting 25 more children today out in the bush to the west of Kampala. They will be crossing the equator so they are excited about getting some shots with a foot in the northern and southern hemispheres! I must say that I am very proud of the girls. They are real troopers. Danielle went down for the count yesterday with an intestinal issue from something that she ate. We are not certain of the culprit but we suspect is was a tomato that she ate. There was also the issue of some fire-hot chicken vindaloo at the Indian restaurant. In any case, she slept the entire day and is doing well today.

Both Angie and Danielle are naturals at this! They greet the kids with hugs and smiles and continue to be amazed by not only the beauty of the country but the amazing kids we have the opportunity to serve. Angie has been busy interviewing dozens of kids and writing in her journal faithfully. I hope to get them an opportunity to post sometime soon.

We hit the ground Monday with a huge day. We traveled about 100 km across some very rough terrain to visit our kids out in Jinga. We were able to cross the Nile River but did not have time to stop and visit the mouth of the Nile. We ate our first meal together at Ying Ying Chinese restaurant. Unfortunately, the government has banned beef and goat for the time being. Something about a disease that can affect humans. We had to "suffer" through twice-cooked pork and stir-fried eggplant. Both of the girls got their first bottle of SToney - a local ginger-beer type soft drink. Angie is a fan - Danielle not so much! OUr day which had began at 8 did not conclude until nearly 10.

Tuesday was a simpler day as we stayed around Kampala. We were able to visit over 75 kids in about 8 hours. I think that both Danielle and Angie have been profoundly impacted by what they have experienced. They have been amazed at how well the kids are doing considering the challenges they face. We have been greeted warmly by the Headmasters at each school - with a strong appeal for more sponsorhips for the many kids in the area not in school. It is hard to imagine that for every child in school - and their are hundreds of thousands - there are 2 or 3 more who are unable to go to school.

The highlight of our day yesterday, in terms of being a tourist if you like, was encountering a man who captures snakes for export to the UK and Japan. I was able to come within a few inches of a Yellow Cobra! I have some photographs to boot! Now before you jump on me for getting so close, it was only a baby - about 14 inches long. He raised up beautifully for my shot and spread his neck wide! It was awesome! Angie loved it as well. I am sorry that Danielle was sick at the hotel and could not be with us this day.

I have much I could say about the food we have been eating. Each meal is an experience in and of itself. We have eaten all kinds of chopped meats fashioned in to sausage like shapes and deep fried. Yesterday we had calzones that were stuffed with corned beef - or beef that had spoiled, we're not certain! There was no cheese in the calzone at all. It was served with a texas-sized hush-puppy the size of a large avacado.

Keep praying for the team - especially that we might have strong constitutions! We have many more children to visit and we are excited about the days we have remaining. I look forward to updating you again as soon as I can.