First Update in Uganda

It’s been 11 days since my tearful farewell at the airport, and 10 days now that I’ve been in Uganda.  In some ways it feels like just yesterday I was in Vancouver, and in other ways it feels like ages ago!  I am slowly settling into life here in Kibaale, and even though this is not my first time here, there is still some culture shock and lifestyle changes to work through!

I arrived at a very busy time here, with four visiting families – at one point there was a total of 27 Canadians here!  It’s been great having a lot of people to socialize with and it’s given me the opportunity to tag along on some of their experiences.  I was able to go on a home visit with one family to see their sponsor child and her family, help do crafts in some of the primary classes, and have had dinner with them each night.  They also hosted sports day for the nursery students, who had a great time playing games and ended with a giant dance party.

One highlight for me this week was meeting up with the boy I sponsor, Dickson.  I have sponsored him since he was in grade 2, and now he’s heading off to his second year of university!  It’s so exciting to see him grow up and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Economics!  He told me how excited he is that he is able to attend university and how his degree will allow him many different opportunities in life.  I know that he will go on to be very successful!  Next week I will be going to visit his home in Kibaale, just before he leaves for school.  I have never been to his home and have not met his family, so I’m excited to do so.  Dickson has 9 siblings, and his mom is raising them alone after her husband abandoned the family a couple of years ago.  Life is not easy for this family, so I hope to find out what practical ways I can help them moving forward.

Term break starts on August 20, and all of the visitors will have gone home by then, so at that point I will have a bit more time to figure out what my role here will be.  I’ve been working a bit with the sponsorship office and have connected with a few others here so far.  It always takes some time to get established and get comfortable in a new situation, so I’m trying to be patient and ease into things as they come.

Please pray for continued health for me…especially as I count the endless mosquito bites on me, that I won’t get malaria!  Also, that I would continue to settle in and get comfortable living and working in a completely different environment.

Next update to come when I have decent internet!