Masindi, Uganda

Well we finally made it to Masindi,
it took a long time...a lot of it spent in a 14 passenger bus that didn't really have room for your legs to sit forwards and very very very bumpy roads; but that it not really a surprise.

We got here and were settled into our home, with our new mother Christine. it is actually her brother's house who is an engineer staying in Kampala now. it is a very very nice house, we are very fortunate.

I feel like there is so much to say, and so little time for me to type it, as the power has already gone off twice and i'm afraid i will loose this post. For the last few days, you can look on Jessica's blog (the link is on the right hand side), and that will allow me to start from our arrival in Masindi.

We got here a day earlier than we thought we were going to, as there was a small mix up with Rev. Mike, however, we just quickly packed up our things and got onto that bus...getting through Kampala city took the longest...i thought from spending so much time in Toronto the traffic would not really surprise me, but i was very very wrong...it was crazy...it took us almost an hour to get out of the bus lot that our bus was in alone, never mind the 3 1/hjourney...that took 4 1/2 hours that was still to come. However, we made it. We met Christine and had something to eat and then went to our new home. By 11 that night we were set up and definately ready for sleep.

the next morning we spent at the house getting to know the people living in the same compound and showing them pictures of canada, our families and our friends. From then we went to the district officials and introduced ourselves so that they knew who we were and why we are here, in case someone has concerns about us being here.

then we did some shopping for food in the market in masindi, which was such a neat experience. it reminds me a lot of the brampton farmer's market.

then we went to the children's home and they all stood along the pathway singing a welcome song and followed us as we went. but the time we were 1/2 way it was hard to move and i couldn't even take a picture of how beautiful it looked because both my hands had about 10 children on them. we were then led to a special table for the 3 hour ceremony of speeches, songs and performances and welcoming. It is very important in Africa to welcome and introduce. they have all already asked that we remember you when we return and try to help them anyway we can

we finished the ceremony with the children doing a traditional african dance and then a huge meal...which was good, but sooooo much to eat, we could not finish it. then we returned home and settled in for the night.

today CHristine instructed us to rest, so we are in town, trying to use the internet, but Alex-one of Robyn's friends from when she was here and who works at the internet cafe is telling me the power will go out again....so once again...look at Jessica's blog as well, because her computer has not had problems and she has had more time to update for everyone.

i'm very sorry and i hope that soon I can have a working computer and have time to write all of you more about what is going on...but i have been taking a lot of pictures and have a ton of stories to tell when i get back!!
love you all and miss you!!
Tash