NicolesLetters.org

2008 November 3, 2008

Today was our first day in Mukono.  We arrived late last night after a no headache journey from San Diego.  Our flights were on time and no problems, making us all very happy.  Michele, Richard (the accountant) and I arrived to a smiling pair of Pastors, Gabriel and Stephen.  Their driver Robert was happy to get us to the hotel safe and sound.  He was quite happy that there wasn’t an ounce of traffic passing through Kampala.

The kids were so happy with our arrival.  We were able to get out of the van, barely.  They surround the vehicle in hopes to get a hug or to grab your hand as you walk past.
Often times just standing a group of children will form around me and they look at me like, “What’s next?”  I look at them and wonder what’s going on, then realize they are looking for entertainment or just good old attention.  I’ll ask them to sing me a song and they do but it takes a while because they are a little bit shy still.  They start getting bored quickly and then goof around so I’ll take their pictures and show them how they look since the camera is digital but once they start grabbing for the camera I have to end the photo shoot and tell them there will be more pictures tomorrow.  Can’t blame them, they just get excited.   Michele spent time taking pictures of kids and working with Sylvia in the office.  Tomorrow will start profile interviews and Sylvia has shared there are many very needy children that we will meet shortly.

I saw many of the sponsored children today… Zacharia, Jovia, Juliet, Jackline, Ester, Milly, Norah the list goes on and on. I will snap more pictures tomorrow and post some of them so you can see your kids.  Many have asked if we have brought them a letter.

“Muzungu” (white tourist) is a familiar term not only from the kids at the school but also people yelling and waving to us while driving down the road.  A conversation came up today while returning to the hotel. Richard asked Pastor Gabriel if women in Uganda drive?  The answer was that there are a small amount now learning, which is very true because I have yet to see a female driving a vehicle.  Then all of a sudden we saw a muzungu driving.  It was quite surprising to see him driving not only a vehicle, but also how difficult it must have been since they drive on the left side of the road (assuming that he is American and not British).

Everyone is asking about the elections here.  People want to know whom I voted for and how I vote while I am gone on Election Day.  I just tell them that in America it’s common for people not to talk about politics because it’s controversial.  But that sparks a whole conversation.

It’s getting late, better go to bed but first post pictures since I’m sure you want to see those ?

Stay tuned as tomorrow I will have stories to share about more kids and will take pictures of more children to post.

Thank you for all of your support!

Nicole