*UGANDA*

I have made it! My final and most anticipated destination. The kids were not aware that I was coming which made the screams and hugs that much better. There are a few that I only remember from our visit to the slums and pictures. They are now clean, healthy, smiling, and loving school. The house is crazy. 16 children running, laughing, screaming, playing all day. There is never volume control. This is their home. No adults telling them to quiet down. I'm usually yelling with them. Activities vary day to day. They are so easily entertained and appreciate everything making my desire to give them more and do more with them that much stronger.

We visited the slums of Masese where they came from and where most have family and friends. Some enjoy it more than others. Most are happy to see their past and happy to leave it in the past. Some dont understand that we will leave and fear that they are returning to stay. The level of poverty is like nothing you would ever see in the states or most of the western world. Sure people are homeless, hungry, and sick all over the world. Its seeing the defeated, desperate look in small children's eyes that gets to me. They are suffering. They may not have food or a bath for days. A good education is a luxury that most will never see. People approach me from every direction. I have white skin. They have a problem and need money. Its hard to say no but its impossible to help them all. I just look back at the Peace for Paul kids and know that some good has been done. 16 kids, a video camera, digital camera, meeting family and friends of the children, so many requests for money, people grabbing, pulling, begging, and the dirty children that quietly grab my hand and walk with me. It was a lot, I couldn't take much more and thankfully the kids felt the same way. Possibly the most emotionally trying day I will have here at least from my experience last year. A life changing experience to say the least.

I am still adjusting to life in Uganda. Crowded packed vans, meant to hold 12 that can miraculously hold 20 or more. Each ride is a stop, go, people in and out anywhere along the road. Terrible roads. Passing dangerously. Conductors and drivers yelling out to prospective riders on the road. Electricity- a novelty. Don't expect it before noon but pray that it comes by night fall. We ate dinner in the dark two days ago. One small light for preparing food, eating, using the toilet, everyone getting to bed. I think I was the only one a little stressed about the situation. They just started singing songs in a big circle and made it an early night. "Its (electricity) finished today. Maybe tomorrow auntie." Running water is also quite a luxury that I didn't take advantage of two days ago. Yep, no shower, I cant even wash my dark dirty feet. I wore socks to bed so I wouldn't get my sheets dirty. No complaints, just adjustments. The minor reactions that come from the kids makes any stress disappear.

Got into my first argument with a Ugandan taxi driver. After a trip to a football field for the day, we took two separate taxis home. We were waiting on the road for the others to arrive. As they get out the boys are pleading with the man. He was not giving them all their balance owed. I stepped in and argued. He attempted to close the door on me 3 times but I didn't back down and eventually got the remaining money- 100 shillings or about 5 cents USD. Yep, all of that for 5 cents. Its principle dammit. Don't rip me off because I'm white and don't take money from kids.

Speaking of the kids, I have been gone for too long. They will worry about me and wait for my return to eat lunch. And I miss them. Things are just too quiet. And I haven't gotten a hug in a few hours now:)