We have been welcomed so warmly by everyone here. It's like we're celebrities...because we're white (mzungus). The kids at the orphanage have been pretty inspiring. Lance has done a lot of work to improve their situation, i.e. water tanks, tv/vcr for educational videos, school supplies, seminars for teachers, clocks, etc. We've been busy building a library and girls dormitory. Tough manual labor!! The girls think I'm iron woman, but I just tell them I'm a farm girl ;)

We sleep at a medical clininc. The beds are fairly comfortable. The showers are freezing. I have a new appreciation for warm water! There are servants there. That whole situation makes me a bit uncomfortable. I don't like how they must clean up after us, do laundry, etc. I have always viewed everyone has equal and there is a clear hierarchy in Uganda, both with race and with gender.

Last weekend we went to an African wedding ceremony. Soooo long! Seriously. Six hours for just the wedding ceremony. Pretty cool to have that type of cultural experience though. They provided us with dresses too. Many of the people in this village that we traveled to for the wedding had never seen a white person. It was crazy how they would touch our hands and bow down to us and it was like it was the most amazing experience of their lives.

The food has been interesting. Not being a picky eater, even I am struggling. The meat looks very sketchy, so I have been sticking to vegetables and carbs. Our meals are typically at Mama Dorothy's. We eat cassava, cabbage, rice, meat, beans and matoke (banana something) and sometimes pasta. The meals are the same every time and there's no spice or sauce. It's been fine, but I'm ready for a little variety. Every time we walk to dinner, I ask Lance if he thinks she'll be serving enchiladas, chile rellanos, chips and salsa and margaritas. So far, no luck!

The organization of this country is extremely frustrating. No concept of time; transportation in maddening. The traffic is complete chaos with no rhyme or reason or clear direction. The roads are mostly unpaved, even in Kampala, with enormous potholes all over. Far worse than even bad country roads. The people are very warm and welcoming though. They always have a very sincere thank you and genuine happiness to see you. That has been a breath of fresh air. The scenery here is so beautiful. Just like on the Lion King! I often sit on the 2nd story porch in the evening just overlooking everything.

We flew to Soroti to see an IDP camp. Pretty powerful day. I am amazed at their living conditions. Difficult to see and imagine myself in their situation. The flight had incredible views of Africa; we even flew over the Nile!

I have already received several marriage proposals. I tell Lance that he needs to step up his game because there's a little competition!

I've already had such an amazing experience! I feel truly blessed to be able to have this opportunity!