Less than 2 weeks left

Picked up the Malarone (Malaria medicine). Wow, at $10 a day, it's no wonder that it's hard to get coverage for people in the third world.
When I tell people I'm going, about 50% of the people want to know about the vaccination, 25% worry about me getting shot at, and the rest ask "what will you do there". Everyone knows the need. Many people want to know if you can really make an impact. I describe the impact Call to Care has made in 18 months, and it really blows people away. A real testament to Martha, her perseverance, and the generous support to her message. As disposable income decreases as the global economy is in a real downturn, the message based on direct contact and direct involvement will be necessary to keep these efforts going.
I'm getting really excited. Not so nervous anymore, just hoping I can fit it all in a suitcase.

24 Days Till Liftoff...

Hi!

It is amazing to me how fast our trip is coming. I am excited and looking forward to hitting the ground running. When I sent our itinerary over to Chris Ochaloi in Uganda he said, "This isn't a program...this is a marathon!" It's true, we are trying to pack a whole lot into our time there.

Sometimes the best thing to do is go with a basic plan, accepting and knowing that all of it or none of it may actually happen. Last time I went over two years ago - there were just three things on the agenda. Two happened. But, what filled in the gaps of the other 10 days has unfolded into two years worth of projects & opportunities for both the children of Uganda and all involved stateside! My point? So much has happened, and none of it was "planned"...at least....not by me. Sometimes it is very difficult to go off with open minds and hearts - knowing that we will see and do everything we are supposed to :-) It is also very freeing!

Peace out,

Martha

Visit from Stone

Stone from the Chain Foundation Orphanage visited Madison this week, stayed over our place on Monday night. He was not thrilled about the dog (as they are not domesticated in Uganda), but after a while he warmed up to her. Ellen and Mike Maguire oined us for dinner on Monday night.
Stone is very excited about our visit in November. Unfortunately we'll miss his wedding on Nov 29th.

Stone is the nephew of the Archbishop of Uganda (Abp. Livingstone Nkoyoyo), and program coordinator at The Chain Foundation Orphanage. His job at the orphanage is to basically run it. He has an office there, although he lives in the capital city of Kampala about 30 miles away. He works directly with Archbishop and is on the board of directors, he manages the facility's day-to-day operations, works with the staff of house mothers/fathers, social workers, legal assistance, teachers, lifestock/farming staff...and of course, all the children. He is the liaison for all program funding and sponsorships that come into the orphanage from United States and everywhere. He hosts visitors when at the orphanage. He takes children to the clinic when they are sick, etc, etc. He is here in the US retracing the footsteps of Archbishop's trip (back in April) so he can also establish relationships with those who help Chain. Archbishop is 77 now (well over average life expectancy in Uganda) and wants Stone to learn the ropes...so to speak.

I'm looking forward to playing soccer with Stone and the kids!