Happy Landings in Kampala

Hello to all! Greetings from Gulu!

I apologize for my extended silence, but did not have internet access until today. The things we take for granted in America take more effort in Uganda. Because of the long delay, this is probably going to be a lengthy one so sit down, relax and let my try to transport you to another world.

The trek to Uganda is always a long one (about 25 hrs in all), but it went once again without a hitch. Flights were on time and pleasant. To my great relief, I was once again completely ignored by customs and made a run for it through the "nothing to declare" line. I attribute this good fortune to the wonderful ladies at Holy Spirit who pray that my smuggled medicines will become invisible. It worked again---phew!!!

The first few days of my visit were spent in Kampala at the house of Sr. Rosemary's biological sister, Catherine. I must admit, this was a very far cry from "roughing it". Ugandans, even in difficult circumstances, give hospitality a whole new meaning. Catherine has many adult daughters who were constantly at the ready. One was kinder than the next. Although there was no running water, there was always water heated over charcoal for bathing, they brought me coffee in bed, and one night Harriet even washed my hair for me! I felt so spoiled that I developed pangs of guilt about everyone worrying about me back home.

One day driving down the road outside Kampala, we came upon a construction area and found a policeman making people turn around because the road was closed. The taxi driver asked to go through anyway, the police said "what about my soda (i.e. bribe)?", then the driver leaned over as if to get some money and said "I'll be back!" and sped off through theconstruction zone. Everything is negotiable here it seems.

The next day we travelled to Jinja, to Bujugali Falls, which is the "Source of the Nile". From here the Nile winds north through the continent of Africa. What a beautiful area! The birds are amazing--huge and beautiful. We also saw rafters and kayakers on these class 5 rapids. Nobody was injured on that day but many did not remain in their boats.
On Sunday we had a beautiful Mass at Catherine's home, thanks to Fr. Don, and began the long journey (or so I thought) to Gulu. It seems the year before the elections those in power decide to spruce up the place a bit to garner support. The road to Gulu was completely paved! Instead of 8 hours on back-breaking, bumpy roads, it was 4 hours of smooth sailing. We bought pineapples, roasted corn, and enormous mushrooms along the way, but in the interest of our gastrointestinal health, decided to refrain from the street meat. The car was so packed that upon a sudden stop, Sr Rosemary got a pineapple to the coconut. On the way across the Nile we not only saw baboons but monkeys too. It's great to be back in Africa!