We are in Gulu!
The flights went so well, not a single bag was lost and almost everyone was able to sleep on the plane! The staff from Sports Outreach Kampala picked us up and took great care of us. It was fun to spend some small time with the guys last night and this morning. After a good breakfast in Kampala this morning we moved up the road to Gulu. It proved to be a long drive (6 hours! Due to lots of trucks and some heavy rain (it seems the team from Virginia brought some well needed rain to Uganda).
The staff in Gulu helped us get settled in before we went out to the Koro Farm for an orientation. Several team members will share some of what happened today.
Rodney (aka Simba One)
After two, long, hard days of traveling, we finally made it to Gulu! Last night we were greeted happily from the Good News guys in Kampala. They really gave a great first impression of the hospitality and joy of the Ugandan people. It's always great to see those guys again! I was again amazed the the speed and strength of the staff as they lifted our 45 plus pound bags into the SOI van. Upon arrival at Pope Paul Hotel, we were provided a late night meal, which was traditional Ugandan food of chicken and rice. We awoke early this morning to make the drive to Gulu, which took most of the day. We were greeted by northern Uganda with rain--similar to the rain we left in the USA. I believe that it is following us...before orientation on the Koro farm we were introduced to the affects of two days worth of rain in Uganda: vehicles stuck in the mud. I quickly came to appreciate our paved roads in a different light. I again gained the perspective of the many different strategies and skills the people here utilize on a daily basis. It was so great to see all my Ugandan friends again and meet new ones. I am very excited for what adventures will come next. Sending my love to all!
Catherine (Gazelle One)
FIRST I WANT TO SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY HOMIES BACK IN THE STATES!!!!!! :-)
Hello all! We finally made it to Gulu after a looooooong trip. Both eight hour flights when smoothly and I was able to sleep for almost the whole second flight! Our first night at the hotel also went smoothly as we fell asleep beneath the wonderful mosquito nets! However, the lack of cold water when showering was not a highlight of the trip. The morning drive to Gulu was pretty rough, but we were able to see some neat things like the Nile River and some baboons, who oddly resembled Betsy. Anywhoo, we finally made it to the hotel in Gulu and traveled to Koro farm. However, our bus did get stuck in the mud and while the strong men tried to handle that situation, the other girls and I made friends with the cutest kids that were on the side of the road! Definitely a highlight! When we got to the farm, we were welcomed with an awesome dance and chant! I'm super excited for the week to begin and enjoy my time in Gulu! I'll keep you little followers updated any chance I get to blog! Hope you enjoyed reading! Hi mom and dad!
Cici (aka Better than Betsy)
Hello all! After a long couple days of traveling, it's nice for it to finally be over with, for a few days anyways. On our six hour drive to Gulu today I saw some incredible sights. These include baboons, the Nile River, destruction, poverty, illness, and the happiest children you will ever see. Seeing so many children with so little, it's amazing to see how happy they are. I could even see this joy in split seconds when driving by them on the long drive. They would always wave to us and even though most of these children are probably sick, they still look happier than any healthy kids I have seen. When we got to Gulu, we went to farm for orientation and met some of the staff of Sports Outreach. On our way our bus got stuck and we had to transfer to a different van but it was all okay because we got the chance to meet some incredibly happy and joyful children who shivered in their clothing as we stood with them in the rain. Regarding the trauma that these kids have gone through in their lives thus far, most likely, it's amazing to see how happy they still are. But that's all for now. I am so excited for the rest of the week!
Gracie (Graciella)
4 comments:
Howdy, friends and family! What a thrill and experience it has been in just a few short days. I don't even know where to begin. You might have already read about crossing the Nile and seeing baboons along the roadside. You might have also read about the visualization of poverty so blatant yet smiles and waves from the people we pass. My favorite thus far was the awesome welcome we received when we entered the farm in Gulu (after getting stuck in the mud). The women chanted, sang, & danced and expressed such excitement to see us. Then a few minutes later we were blessed with a whole chorus of songs with drums and choreographed dance from several of the staff and families served at the farm. I was brought to tears! I look forward to many more songs and dance and learning more about how we can be of help to these wonderful people.
Missing you all but am pleased with my decision to come to Africa and grateful to my husband for allow me to experience this great journey.
Renee (waiting to see some elephants)
So glad you all made the trip safely! We have been thinking about you all as you have been traveling! Enjoyed reading your blog entries.
Some news to share...Cassie and Adam's baby arrived at 4:46 a.m. this morning after 25 hours of labor for her mama! Elyssa Marie is beautiful and healthy and mom is fine too! Elyssa is a big girl, weighing 8 lbs. 5 oz. and she looks just like her mom! God continues to bless us with his goodness!
Continued prayers being said for you all! -Darrell and Nancy
I can't wait to seee you guys!
Good to hear you are all doing well! Hope the rain holds off a bit and you get lots of work done. Love reading the blogs and check the site several times a day looking for new postings! Have fun, I'll say a prayer for all of you.
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