monday, oct. 15

Today has been good. I have experienced and learned a lot. I am also very tired.

I arrived in Entebbe around 8:30 last night, without my checked luggage. I wonder if it will come even by the time I leave to return to the States. Julia Miller, hunger corps, graciously lent me several shirts and skirts. And I bought a toothbrush in Amsterdam, so that was good too. That’s about all I have. I also had checked the microphone…but we were fortunate to find one in Kampala today.

This morning began that way: running around to do errands. Lindsay, who is doing communications for FHI/Congo, is also traveling with me, which is really good. We took a 12:30 flight (in a 70s-era propeller plane) from Entebbe to Pader, stopping briefly in Gulu. My stomach dissented and purged the vegetable samosa and tea I had for lunch, until there was nothing left inside.

Once we landed, there was no one to meet us except the searing equatorial sun and UPDF soldiers, so a kind woman from Mercy Corps took us to the FHI office in Pader. That was neat. I got to meet my sisters and brothers. Lindsay and I went to a local restaurant and had some water while we waited for Patrick, the driver, to arrive. Some cars had been stuck in the mud along the road, so he couldn’t pass and thus was late in fetching us. He was very apologetic.

The ride from Pader to Kitgum was about 1.5 hours, on a very messy road. Patrick prefers oldies music….he had a cassette tape on repeat the WHOLE time. I will never, ever enjoy the song, “Only the Lonely” ever again.

Arriving at the New Life Center in Kitgum was like coming home from a long journey. We were met with gaping smiles, warm hugs, curtsies and many “You are welcome”s. the children also were very sweet. I look forward to getting to know everyone better tomorrow.

After meeting and greeting, Lindsay and I dropped our things at the Boma Hotel and went for a walk. Took lots of pictures. Energetic, squealing children all wanting me to snap their picture. I complied. We played and laughed.

Terri, the staff coordinator at the NLC, joined Lindsay and me for dinner, and that was so delightful. She is a most beautiful woman inside and out. She talked so much about the NLC, the history of the war, the present state of Uganda, politics across Africa, etc. etc. etc. I could listen to her for hours. So well spoken and easy to understand. So intelligent, confident and caring. I am thankful for her life. She is doing wonderful things with it.

And now I rest under a giant mosquito net, earplugs in (SO thankfully, I had them with me on board the plane!!), windows open, crickets chirping, mosquitoes buzzing, geckos sticking, staff in the lobby mopping up after a water leak.

Until tomorrow…..