Uganda!

Arriving in Kampala reminded me of Mozambique, crowded streets, bad traffic congestion, and the poor everywhere my eyes turned. It was overcast, damp, and humid. Prices here in Kampala are outrageous! Rent is three times what we pay in the States! Food prices are very high and selection is limited. The city has a diesel cloud hovering about it, due to the cities utilities are run by diesel generators. The Department of Transportation would have job security here, for decades, as the streets are so badly potholed. The traffic rules here are very unique. Cars and motorcycles (boda-boda) speed by on either side of the road, and as a pedestrian, run for your life, has a new meaning!

With all that said, the people are warm and friendly… but not at first glance! They look at you sternly or give you this blank stare, you know like your speaking a different language, but once you break the ice with them they are very warm.

The work ahead is daunting, not in scope, but just because this is Africa. The African’s here have a different pace. I’m not saying lazy or slow, just different. Locating items, standing in line, waiting on people, are all part of everyday life. Plus, it is so expensive! You can never be sure if you have gotten a good deal or if you have just been ripped off!

So, tomorrow it is off to work at Hope Children’s Home, setting up a rain water collection tank, building a fence, grading for drainage, fixing the bathrooms with a hand washing station, and of course… LOVING ON KIDS!

Thanks for keeping up on our blog!

Jerry