Day 1 - What a "croc"

We all have agreed that it works well to fly in at night, get here at midnight – dead tired – wake up everybody I the guest house and then go straight to bed. We all got a decent night’s sleep…which will really help with the 8 hour time zone change and major jet lag. Mike says that Rich snores like a banshee. Rich says that Mike needs to cut his toenails.

We had a lovely breakfast here at the guest house and then a man named Vincent came to show us his batik artwork. Very beautiful. He explained the whole process – which is incredibly labor intensive.

Our friend, Sam Opol, stopped in next and we figured out when we could have dinner with his family. Next came John and Joyce Kateeba to visit. Joyce Kateeba is walking so well now after having some surgery to repair her leg (badly damaged in an accident). John will be securing a van and a driver that will take us on all our travels during the next two weeks. We are so grateful for his help…

We arrived at the CHAIN orphanage to a welcome performance of singing, dancing and drumming from all ages (tiny to teens) that was amazing. (Videos will be uploaded once we get a real connection).
A number of welcome speeches, thanking Martha and everyone for all the gifts and fundraising that is making a real impact on their lives. Martha did a fabulous job on her speech giving love and blessings from CT, and how we are all one family! There were 140 children in all, including a number from the village that came for the excitement. The CHAIN foundation provides outreach and support to those in the community in addition to those in residence.
More performances from the kids (not sure what Rich said in drum language, but it wasn’t good). We gave out crocs and harmonicas that Susan brought – “mouth pianos” from one of the kids. We got a tour of the dorms, school that is under construction, offices and grounds. A child took each of our hands as we walked around. Bitten by a few red ants – glad it only made it ¾ up the leg.

It’s truly amazing to see the impact that Martha has had since her initial visit here 2 years ago. One person really makes a difference. The seed she has nurtured is growing, and the children and the staff really love Mama Martha! The indoor toilets for the blind children’s dorm are functioning!

We finished with a meeting with the staff, hearing of the continued needs of the foundation.

Thank you for all your comments, love, support and prayers!

arrived in amsterdam!

Everything good so far. Mike and puppet - more in a future posting. We're amazed at how many "muzungus"(caucasians) are on the plane to Entebbe. Beautiful sunrise over London on the flight in. Really loking forward to landing in 9 hours.

Luggage Alert!!!

I made major headway with packing today....which felt great. When I went two years ago, I didn't pack until 2 hours before I left for the airport :-O Not good! This time, organization is key - - but packing light is definitely NOT AN OPTION. We are going over bearing so many gifts for the children.

I am posting a picture of Benjamin and Hailee on top of 5 of the 9 bags we will check. We will also each have two carry-ons!

Our checked bags contain 140 pair of crocs, 120 harmonicas and instruction booklets, 80 toothbrushes, 17 choir robes, 38 backpacks, various gifts for our hosts and children...and plenty of candy :-)

I packed my personal suitcase too, and by the time I got all the things I am bringing for friends there, I didn't have much room for my clothes! Oh well, this is no fashion show...

Over and out -

Martha

Sunday, November 2

We just had our last get-together at the Fisler's home tonight, with a lovely dinner, a cake made by Haley Hoffman, and lots of laughs. Rich showed me how to create an account so that I can begin to blog. It has been an all Team Uganda day, beginning at St. Andrew's this morning when our group was blessed at the 9:15 service. Then I spent most of the day looking at all the stuff I have to jam into my suitcase and wondering how it will ever happen. I have delivered 120 harmonicas and three guitars to Martha, and have taken possession of the computer I will carry for Chris. No clothes have been bug sprayed as yet, but I surely have enough lotions and potions, sprays and wipes, pills and salves to accomodate the entire continent.

Mike thinks he has the best hat, but he hasn't seen mine yet! I must admit that he looks quite fine in it -- a bit of the Great White Hunter to my Scarlett O'Hara working on the plantation.

Only three more busy days beforeThursday and then our expedition begins!

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!