Arrived at GSF

We made it!! After flying for what seemed like days, we arrived safely in Entebbe Uganda. Got visa's and our luggage without incident - thankfully! Quick lunch by Lake Victoria, stopped for groceries, coffee and then the 4-hour drive to Bundo begins.

Most of this journey consisted of being on paved roads, which as we learned over the course of the two weeks is a real treat. The dirt roads are narrow, winding and bumpy. It's not uncommon for vehicles to flip or slide off the road. I had forgotten that an 8-passenger van is considered an ATV, much to the chagrin of the passengers in the way back. Shocks are optional. Later in the week we learned the preferred way to ride on dirt roads is on the roof of the vehicle as that allows the experience feel like more of an amusement park ride. Probably wouldn't fly in this country but everyone should ride on the roof at least once in their adult life. Holding on and yelling "weeee" as the wind blows in your face are requirements. Also make sure items in your pockets are secured.

When we arrived at Good Shepard's Fold (GSF) Orphanage, the staff and children had gathered at the gate to greet us. The kids were wearing grass skirts and had arranged a little dance reception. We were given grass skirts and asked to join in the dancing. It was a blast and truly made us feel welcomed.

Currently at GSF there are 80 children, including several children with special needs and/or HIV. The children live in brick houses and are divided up by age and gender. Each house has one house mom or "auntie" who watches over and cares for the children. These women have such big hearts and do an amazing job caring for the kids. The age range of the children is from infants through eighteen years old.

One of the blessings we discovered shortly after we arrived was the gift of clean water. Years ago when the orphanage was built, Samaritan's Purse built two water towers that provide the entire campus with potable water. This makes a huge difference in the health and well being of the staff and children at GSF. In the surrounding villages, people walk for miles to get clean drinking water. It wasn't uncommon to see adults on bikes or children walking to and from a well with yellow jugs filled with clean water.

After the celebratory greeting, we were given a quick tour and settled in for the night. Cannot wait to see what these next two weeks bring (Internet access was very limited, so blog posts will be done now that I'm home). 
Keep Smiling

"T" minus fourteen hours

Heading to Uganda for a short term trip!! It's exciting to be leaving the country again, although I could do without all the packing. This trip is only for a few weeks but the packing always seems to end to be a last minute activity. No matter how many things I set aside and pick up along the way, I never seem to have it together until the night before. Never fails there is always one more thing to get. And as I sit here writing this, I wish I had time tomorrow to head back to EMS.

 I will be heading to eastern Uganda to work in a clinic that is part of an orphanage and school. Friends of mine who I met prior to working in Afghanistan moved to Uganda in April to manage the clinic and school. The nurse at the clinic is away and they asked if I could come out and help. Another friend of mine is coming along and will be working at the orphanage doing various projects and organizing  games for the kids. During our free time, we hope to sneak in a safari and/or a white water rafting trip.

Checked the weather and its warm dry heat during the day but it appears to cool off a bit at night. Electricity and all the amenities we take for granted in this country will be available sporadically. Hoping its cool enough where we won't need a fan. While at the orphanage, in order to be respectful the dress code for women is skirts that come past the knees and shirts, no spaghetti straps or tank tops. Men, long pants and shirts. In the city we can wear shorts.

I'm trying to pack light but I think its a lost cause. Either way, I need to get back to figuring out how many outfits one needs for working in the clinic, safari and a possible white water rafting excursion.
Keep Smiling!