Afwoyo= Hey, Bye, Thank you...

We have been in Uganda now for a few days. To be honest, time has really merged together, in fragments of events. Here are some of them...We got off the airplane after a 20 hour trip. The air was hot and humid, a usual indicator of a travel adventure. Kampala, the capitol served as any big capitol city does, a place of visual and informational overload. Between skyscrapers, there are rivers of cars, motorbikes, bikes and goats all dodging each other. The boda boda (motorcycle taxi) rides are hilarious and life threatening, as you dodge between cracks in the traffic. We made our way up to Gulu, and have been there ever since. It is surreal to see the reality of a situation that I have been hearing about and talking about for so long. This is a challenging environment, and different from any other traveling I have done, it is inescapable. I realize now how different my last experiences have been, in that when things got too difficult to see or witness, I would opt to leave. Well, I am here for the next three months, and I am grateful for this new challenge. That's not to say anything has been too difficult yet. The people have been quite friendly, despite all that they have endured. In a way, this is a time of hesitant celebration, as people are going back to living without the immediate fear of the war. (Please continue to keep the peace talks in your prayers and your actions). But, it is definitely a fluid flow of emotions, as I realize that I am not superhuman, and am totally affected by the culture shock of this place. But, just when I think that things are becoming too intense, something or someone comes along that brings total lightness to the situation. I bought a bike for my birthday, this old beat up 1970s bike. It has a great green seat, and polka dotted handle bars. After spending an afternoon shopping for one, and haggling for prices, I rode it home feeling on top of the World. It is great to be able to ride through the town at sunset, feeling successful for the hard work and classic moments in the process of finding the diamond in the rough. The locals think it funny that I ride because the majority of mono or masoongo (white people) ride on the back of boda bodas. I even gave this Ugandan guy a ride on the back of it. Anyways, all's well that ends well, and at the end of these exhausting days, as the World pauses for the sunset, I sit in awe of this place and situation, and grateful for the chance to be here. Each day continues to become easier, and I will continue to keep you posted...

information from Mercy Corps

http://www.mercycorps.org/silentdisasters/ugandadisplacement

...thanks to Pam Crooks for the link

The Week Before I Depart

It's Monday...I am sitting in the Invisible Children office in San Diego, sorting through paperwork to leave, and thank you cards to send. I cannot express my gratitude for the support of my family, friends. The reason that I am not completely nervous for leaving is because I feel that I am taking dozens of people with me. I have felt a surge of love from so many, as I embark on this trip. I have no idea what to expect. I take with me the energy and commitment that I have made to the people of Uganda. I am willing and motivated to expend all of my energy in the next 3 months towards relieving their unfair suffering. My sacrifices of time, comfort and leisure will be small compared to the sacrifices of these neglected peoples. We have heard the cries of the voiceless and I am looking forward to further working with Invisible Children to help bring about change in the lives of those that are living in misery and inhumane conditions. Thank you to all who have seen the vision of the Organization and who are helping to support my efforts to hopefully bring about radical change for many people in Northern Uganda. Let the adventure begin!