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!

Kills Bugs Dead

Fedex delivered my clothing spray, electrical adapters and insect repellent. Mike said he's forever in my Deet for buying his as well...

Not sure how long it takes to get the Malaria pills from CVS, but I don't want ot leave it to the last minute as I am wont to do.

Martha asked to prepare a few songs for us to sing after dinners, in group, etc. - songs of a spiritual nature. Will post some ideas this week for comment. Toto's Rains Down in Africa comes to mind, as does The Lion Sleeps Tonight...

Agenda set!

Here is an updated agenda as of Sept 28! Seeing this makes it all real. Let the countdown begin!


November 6 - Depart Madison @ 2:30 for Logan. Plane departs at 7:15 PM
November 7 - Arrive Entebbe 9:00 PM local time. J. Kateeba picking us up at the airport and taking us to the Eunice Guest House at the Uganda Christiain University
November 8,9 - Mukono - Visiting contacts and the Chain Foundation, deliver crocs (shoes). Potential to visit the microfiance agency and local Rotary
November 10 - Travel to Soroti -Craft market in Jinja
November 11 - Soroti / Mbale. Travel to Habitat fo Humanity office in Mbale. Meet Rotary president. Visit Agulamaido and Ongorotok village wells. Dinner with Bishop Obaikol
November 12 - Travel to Kaberamaido. Visit Akatakwi and Alipa wells. See KACCO land (purchased for Child Community Center) . Meet NGO board and bulders.
November 13 - Kaberamaido / Soroti. Visit Alwa village well and community, Calvin and Josephine, and clinic that will serve community center.
November 14 - Kampala / Mukono. Travel to Kampala to purchase crafts from artisans at market, visit with Grace and baby Martha, exchange money if needed.
November 15 - Mukono for the day - get caught up, visit Chain potentially.
November 16 - Bushenyi. Attend church and meet with John and Joyce Kateeba and travel with them to Bushenyi. Visit Feed My Lamb children and caretakers in Kamyokya, dinner with Rotary.
November 17 - Bushenyi - visit Mitooma Junior School and Faith Primary School in Kareera Bugongi. Visit Hot Springs on the way.
November 18 - 19 - some R&R at Lake Maburo National Park
November 20 - travel back to Mukono
November 21 - return home, arriving in Boston at 10:25 am.

Less than 2 months to go

Last night we met to turn our passports over to Martha. She will send them to DC to the Embassy to get our travel visas.

Date to remember - the Service at St. Andrew's on November 2nd will give us a special blessing before our trip.

Time to go and buy some industrial strength bug repellent, safari clothes, a good hat and good hiking shoes I can run in - as long as I can outrun Mike, I'm not afraid of jungle animals