Last night my flight arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule from Amsterdam. I got off, got my luggage, went through to obtain a visa and then meet Eric and Dianna for the first time. During my arrival my feelings were so mixed, I was excited, had become a bit nervous, happy to be on ground, and ready to see this beautiful country. Soon after meeting them we went to where we were staying, it was called "The Boma." Anyone from around here would tell you that it's fancy, and it was! On our ride they had said it was nicer than where they usually stay. When we got there I had my own room with a huge bed, a TV heated showers AND filtered water. Ask any Ugandan that's amazing for a first Ugandan experience!! After that I got a great nights rest and woke up to a great breakfast and tasty rich full-bodied coffee!
After breakfast it was time to head to Mbale because Eric had a meeting and it's no small trip to get here from Kampala! Driving in Uganda has very little restrictions, cars go at fast speeds down two lane roads and will pass even when there is oncoming traffic!
Along with all of the cars are mutatu's (big vans that take large numbers if people around) and bota's (motorbikes built for two, but according to standards here "as many as you can fit"). There are nearly no stop signs and at traffic crossings you jut nose your way in until you get through sometimes within inches! Driving was crazy, but we survived!
Roughly 5 hours later we arrived at the compound to 8 children ready to see there parents!:) Once we arrived I ha a tour; the house is an old British house with tall ceilings and plenty of space, we even had a fridge and wash machine.
Soon after settling in I went on a bota bota ride to town to pick up a few things with Christi, their current MA. It was really fun! You flag them down quite like a taxi, they pick you up, and take you to town for 1,000 shillings or 40 cents! In town we walked around, the shops are a mixed variety of things from cell phones to clothing to food to pharmaceuticals. The streets are crowded with cars, and people; pedestrians are shown no mercy! I was almost hit two times once by a bota and once by a car! After we walked we went home on a bota and had dinner shortly after.
Just a few highlights.
It's been a good first day here. The Americans and Ugandans are wonderful:) I'm excited to see how God works while I am here!
Blessings from Uganda!
Amy
I'm so happy for you! I can't believe that just a a couple of weeks ago I was driving down the same roads in Kampala as well! Sounds like you haven't had to use a squatty potty yet! Thinking of you and praying!
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