Return to Uganda

I have arrived!

Late Thursday night I landed, once again, in Uganda. Not much has changed since my departure last December, unless you account for the mandatory health screening worksheet and enforced hand-sanitizing at the airport before being allowed to proceed to immigration (i.e. Ebola prevention). I'm not sure of the effectiveness of these measures, but then, I'm uncertain what would be effective prevention. I digress.

On Friday morning, Vanessa, the university's hospitality coordinator, and her daughter, Maxine, picked me (as they say here) from my guest house. The rainy season has arrived, slowing traffic, and delaying both their pickup and our return to campus. Since I came to know Vanessa and Maxine from my previous time in Uganda, I was very pleased to see some familiar faces greet me on Friday. Also, it made for a pleasant journey back to campus.

After settling me in my living quarters (a small apartment that is basically like my previous one I stayed in last year), Vanessa and Maxine said their goodbyes and I began unpacking. My half-hazard technique of unpacking meant my things were everywhere at once, but eventually I overcame the temporary ADD for the more needed, and just as temporary, OCD. Although I still see a few items in need of a home, I am mostly settled.

What is still unsettled is what Monday will look like. I'm not even sure if I'm teaching on Monday because I yet to receive a class schedule. Apparently classrooms are at a premium due to the number of students and the lack of completed classrooms (one is still in progress of being built). Therefore, class times have yet to be decided. Yet, that is Uganda! So while this situation might frighten me at home, here I laugh and just go with it. Amazing how location changes one's perspective :).

Well, I will give you an update on my first week at some point next week. Until then, actually for the next 3.5 months, I would love your prayers. I am too tired to list them all right now, but use your imagination--it's probably spot on at this point :).

Thanks everyone for you support! So glad to be on this journey with all of you behind me,
Joy