My apologies for poor blogging skills...

We are back in Kampala. Here's what we were up to since the last entry...

After our emotional "see you laters" at Tooro High, we picked up as much medicine as we could afford and headed to Kamwenge for a makeshift health clinic. It was held in a small, one room building. The day before the clinic, we bought anti-malarial pills, ibuprofen, multi vitamins, medicine for elephantiasis, medicine for worms, etc. We also had about 250 reading glasses to hand out. It was estimated that over 600 people made it to the clinic from surrounding villages... some walked 10+ km. It was a very powerful day to see the great need of even the simplest meds and even more powerful to see the need of the truly sick. As soon as the doors opened, the line rushed in. As the day went on, people were getting closer and closer to each other inching towards the doctors. It's unbelievable what we were able to afford to help these people. As the doctors were prescribing meds, a few of us took turns passing out meds to everybody that was in line. The trust they had in us was unbelievable. We were handing out worm pills and multivitamins to each person to take while they waited, they didn't ask questions, they were just grateful. Andy was helping hand out/prescribe the glasses and helped a woman that hadn't been able to see for 15 years see again. It was amazing that we were able to help with this clinic, but it was also devastating to see the need for medicine.

At the end of the week, we headed to Lake Mburo for a safari as a cap off to the first two weeks. We were able to see new animals and take a short hike to a lookout point over the national park. It was a nice way to break up the emotionally and physically intensive days.

After Lake Mburo, it was back to Kampala and time to prepare to say goodbye to half of the team... It was a chill two days or so. We watched the USA (unfortunately) lose to Ghana at a great restaurant we found... and were the only Americans in the place. It was a great experience. The day of departure, we lounged and recapped our experiences. Over the past two weeks we have become a family and it was hard to say goodbye. Andy, Adam, Melissa and I were feeling down after sending everyone home, so we went to a delicious pizza place called I Love New York (which is owned by Australians...) It was great za.

Today was a complete 180 from the feelings we were experiencing yesterday. The next team doesn't arrive until tomorrow, so we had some time to ourselves.... Abdul drove us around to pick up some supplies for the next two weeks. First, we bought 22 soccer jerseys (enough for two teams) for Tooro. Each jersey cost about $4.50 US dollars, amazing!
One of the wishes of the teachers at St. James Primary School (here in Kampala) was for playground equipment. So today we stopped at a local welder/vendor and purchased a swing set, a slide, monkey bars and a jungle gym... all for about $600 US. Unbelievable! We couldn't wait to show the school, so we delivered them. Saying the students and staff were excited upon our arrival is an extreme understatement. It's hard to put into words the overwhelming happiness that poured out of St. James today. The teachers were brought to tears, we were brought to tears. My heart is and continues to overflow with joy, seeing and remembering their faces, being able to give this to them. I can't wait to go back tomorrow and be with them some more... we still have a few surprises up our sleeves :)

It was one of the most beautiful days I've ever had. I am elated and will sleep very well tonight, looking forward to the next two weeks.

Peace & Love

Today was an intensely emotional day. Even though I know I am coming back to this school and these kids in ten days, it was hard to say our goodbyes. We painted a school mural with the help from each student (I'll post photos one of these days...) It was a great collaboration experience.

Once we finished, it was time for the games. We taught the kids to play ultimate frisbee, and they loved it! It's wonderful to see something so simple bring two worlds together to become equal.

We were able to informally chat with the students and get to know them. There's so much that you want to do/feel for these kids, but there's only so much that you can do to help. Life is extremely difficult here compared to life in the States. The kids have to be strong, they have no choice but to persevere or perish. Unexpectedly, they are the most positive and hopeful people I've met. These kids have so much hope and potential to make something of their lives.

It's very humbling. Makes you appreciate everything you have back at home. A roof, a bed, a family, clean water, food.

I wish there was something more that we could do. As of now, all we can do is to show them how much we love them.

Sorry I haven't written!

We have been immersing ourselves in the Ugandan culture and taking it all in. The country is beautiful. The people are beautiful.

I'll go into details later, but we spent time at St. James Primary School in Kampala. The children are amazing! We brought them school supplies and soccer balls as gifts and they were extremely appreciative. They showed their thanks with heartwarming & uplifting song and dance, it was beautiful.

We're currently in Fort Portal working at Tooro High School. The students of Tooro are mostly orphans or disadvantaged. They are a wonderful group. We played them in soccer last night, and we were all equals. It was a great experience. We have another day with the kids, then it's back to St. James before we end the trip back at Tooro High School.

There is so much love within this country and it's people. It's hard to explain all of the emotions, but this is a lovely experience. The team is very close, which makes this experience so much better.

Time to eat!
Peace & Love

Take Off

It's the last day before the journey begins, and I finally got this set up :)
The team takes off tomorrow for Uganda, I can't wait! Must finish last minute things, but I'll be back!

Keep checking up on our trip!
Thanks!