leslie's journal from Uganda-July 27
Friday, June 29 (2:00 a.m.)
At 2:00 a.m. I wake to a cacophony of voices. It starts with a single voice (or should I say howl) and crescendos to a full choir – seven or eight part harmony of yips, howls, barks, woofs, growls – I am in Africa!
I spend the rest of the early morning in and out of sleep. At 6:30 the sunrise blankets the sky with a soft, pink haze. The birds have taken over where the dogs left off – I especially love the kazoo-sounding screech!
Everyone is pretty tired as we enjoy the mendazi Hillary has prepared for us. I sip my Africafe instant coffee (not bad) and enjoy the relaxing morning. I spend time in Psalms on the balcony overlooking the city – I’m in Africa! (I still can’t get over it!)
Moses picks us up around 10:30 and we venture into the city. We think we are going to the embassy, but instead we go to the bank. The exchange rate is 1652 shillings per dollar (the value of the dollar has been steadily decreasing since the announcement of Queen Elizabeth’s arrival in November). We exchange our money, and two hours later we head out into the city on foot, which turns out to be quite an adventure! The traffic is crazy – bumper to bumper cars, boda bodas, people walking. We finally make it half way across the street and wait for another break in the traffic. The ground is uneven so I am trying not to trip while watching for cars and boda bodas and keeping an eye out for Hopkins so I don’t get lost. Amazingly, I am not stressed out – I am in Africa! More later.
After making a number of stops in the city (paying for parking each time), we make it back to the apartment (five hours from when we left). I feel like am prepared for how long things take here, so it doesn’t bother me (although we never made it to the embassy!)
I head to bed at around 23:00 and sleep until 1:00 (two hours). I am wide awake, so I read for a few hours. (I found a great book for my first read aloud in the fall – I read the first chapter to Court and Hill earlier in the day and now they are hooked!)
3 comments:
Hey Curt...I enjoyed reading your first-day blog with minute-by-minute experiences. No one could tell it like you do! Didn't know how you could top that...but, you did! The ones that followed were just as eventful & fun to read. You should have been a writer!
And, Leslie...so good to hear a word from you, too! Sounds like you are enjoying it & taking everything in stride (how else??)
Courtney, how are you doing & how are you liking it there in comparison to India?
Hillary, I know you are glad the family is there with you now. I'm sure you guys are havin' fun together! Feel better, okay?
We met your friend Stephanie on Saturday. She's a neat gal! Things seem to be going fine w/her & the dogs!!
God bless you guys!!!! We miss you! Chat later...
Shirley/Mom/Gramma
Where did you say you are? I know, in Africa - as I wish I to be there with you!! I am loving your vivid descriptions...I hear the birds and see the sky. I try to imagine you and instant coffee -hmmmm... As I pray for each of you and continue with you on this journey, I anxiously await next adventure. Watch out for those boda bodas! Stay safe and well. Much love, Sis
Hey Family!
Ok, so I'm practicing my read alouds tonight! We got all caught up with your travels and can't WAIT for you guys to make it to a spot to post again. We're so excited things are going well and we miss you all like crazy!
Matthew's doing great with the doggies during the day so no worries.
Love you guys!
Brian,Kim,Matthew,Emily&Joshua
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