Favorite Day!Highlights are: (1) Energetic comparative history lesson from Carsten (fellow guest from Denmark at Kayanga Hotel); (2) Met Rev. Dr. Katabaro and toured KARUCO's 1,000 acre site with him; (3) Analyzed land development for the university; (4) Toured Kayanga with our friend, Sam Kayongo, the Community Development Officer. NARRATIVE: Carston helped us with another perspective regarding Uganda and Tanzania. He has worked here for years and years so is familiar and knowledgeable. He shared with us what he knew about clan fighting in Kampala and how that keeps people in poverty there. He also shared his experiences with corruption especially in Nairobi and parts of Kenya and told of needing body guards at some points. Brighton Katabaro and Rev. Ngambeki picked us up in the parking area of the hotel and got on our way ... read more

Day 5 Highlights: (1.) Beautiful sunrise in Kampala. Sunrises around the world unite us; (2.) Loved riding to Mutukula (Uganda/Tanzania border) with Ben our trusty driver and Carsten, our new friend from Denmark. Watching Steve 'see Africa' for the first time is something I will not forget; (3.) Reunited in Kayanga with old friends at the ELCT (Evangelical Lutheran Church of TZ) Headquarters - Vincent, Treasurer George. My heart melted when I saw Edina! Genegeva!; (4.) Walked around Kayanga with Steve. Hello red dirt roads! Hello crowded shops! Hello smells teasing of food and then compost! Hello stares for Wazungu! Karibu sana Steve! This is Kayanga!; (5.) Our friends gave us a warm welcome reception with Bishop, Rev. Ngambeki, Venant and Carsten. Ahh, Edina's cooking at the Kayanga Hotel. We are officially "here". NARRATIVE: Ahh - ... read more

1. Beautiful surroundings at Pope John Memorial Hotel Palms, terrace, patios. Women cleaning everywhere. url=http://http//www.hotels-uganda.org/en/index.php/members/kampala/6-members/central-kampala/92-pope-paul-vi-memorial-hotelhttp://www.hotels-uganda.org/en/index.php/members/kampala/6-members/central-kampala/92-pope-paul-vi-memorial-hotel 2. Visited Hope Medical Clinics with Charles Lugemwa, Director. Charles ensures that sustainable services are available for poor people who cannot afford care. Saw a small boy with malaria. His mother waited for him to be treated. Health problems here are all so preventable. http://www.stthomas.edu/news/2012/06/07/an-angel-in-africa/ 3. Charles brought us to a western place where we had fish and fries. Ha! Charles and Steve talked solar energy and the possibili... read more

This blog lists 5 highlighted bullet points first. You are invited to read on if you have time.1. Been packed for two days. Have everything needed for 2 and 1/2 weeks. 2. Tying up communication with family and friends. Loved ones want to know... 3. Tying up loose ends with the basement. Somehow it needed to flood a few days ago. 4. What is in store for us? Hope unfolding for Bweranyange Girls' School and KARUCO - Karagwe University College. 5. Can't wait to see old friends, and get to know many others. NARRATIVE: Did a 'test' pack of two check-in and two carry on bags plus each of us with a briefcase or backpack. I generally travel über light so this is ridiculous. How can Americans carry so much stuff!! We have gifts for many. ... read more

We woke to rain. Shucks. Had breakfast in Andrew's room since there was a conference in the main hall. A couple of the guys were out late and didn't join us. More shopping and taking photos. Lunch in Andrew's room. Packed. Drums will make it safely. Rebecca killed one of the chickens for our dinner. Andrew had been listening to the chicken for weeks and said, "Justice is served". Vincent arrived at the hotel, dressed up and having walked about 7 miles to see us. He gave us a card in English and wrote some beautiful things. He gave each of us a rose and said, "The gift is small but from the bottom of my heart". I was very touched by his sincerity and teared up. He is such a good guy. I will miss ... read more