Uganda thoughts and Acholi Dreams

sitting in an internet cafe in Uganda reminds me so much of my time in ghana that my heart smiles as thoughts of jaden, ama, the kids at FCBC, and all the wonderful people on our team fly through my head.

It's so hard to capture in words all that I am thinking and feeling and experiencing. Is it odd that a place you've never been can feel like home, even admist lack of power, boda boda adventures and a language that contains sounds my mouth just can't seem to produce correctly?

Uganda is beautiful. It's like every photograph you've ever seen of sweeping landscapes, mud huts and children with smiles so wide they split their face in two. The people of Invisible children. Muzungu (white people) and Acholi alike have been so welcoming... from laughing and then gently correcting me when I say "Irri Maber" *(Good afternoon/evening) at 8:00 in the morning, to being patient when we don't quiet know which way to go, to cooking the most wonderful meals (Doreen is amazing... she and Loretta would get along well!) They've made our first 2 days here fabulous.

Seriously, though, I can't believe I've only been in Gulu for 2 days... we've done so much already... Taken a tour of the town, visited the home of our new friend Teresa, Kristin milked a cow, we've worked in the office, visited a displaced school, had the opportunity to taste many of the different local foods... and that's just the beginning!

Our first assignment as interns is a "duo project" for Kristin and I. She is going to be taking pictures of all the different Schools for Schools sites, and I will do write ups of the progress that is going on. Tomorrow, we're going to travel to Awere Secondary school (about 2 hours away). I'm really excited. This weekend we're planning on visiting an IDP camp, which should be a good learning experience.

I love you all. thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement, I really appreciate them. :)