The power and internet has not been co-operating well, so I am hoping by the time I finish writing, everything is still working and I can get this blog post out. Fingers crossed!!!
After traveling for close to forty hours, the excitement of being greeted by David at the airport, then a long drive to Bujagali late on Sunday night, we were all extremely glad to fall into our beds at Eden Rock.
But Monday morning found us waking up to the roosters crowing and the sound of the Nile rushing past out the front. We were all refreshed and keen to check out the mighty Nile and to reconnect with friends in the village.
Helen, Jan, Sue and Terry in front of the mighty Nile River
We set off through the village towards the education centre with lots of children following along, making us feel like pied pipers. Everywhere we looked there was beautiful smiling Ugandan faces!
Helen was reunited with many children from her previous visits.
Jan,Terry and Sue quickly made friends with the local kids.
Jan,Terry and Sue quickly made friends with the local kids.
Next we set off to check out the actual Bujagali Falls. This is quite an attraction in Uganda and one of the areas with grade five rapids that white water rafters and kayakers flock to.
On the way there we met up up Emma and Janet who are two of the kids that Helen has had a lot to do with during past visits. Through knowing so many of the local people it now gives us access to many things that other tourists would not have the opportunity to do. Janet and Emma took us to an area in the river where the local people do their washing, bathing and collect water from. This gave Sue, Terry and Jan a real insight into what local life is really like.
Helen helps Janet to do her washing.
Emma and his friend show Sue and Jan Bujagali Falls
After a quick trip to Jinja town to go to the bank the day was rounded out with a visit to HUGs Kybiriwa piggery and then onto a Bayuala Bar to sample the local brew. So by the end of our first full day in Uganda the volunteers had certainly got a taste for what Uganda is all about.
Tuesday morning found us waking up bright an early to set off back to Kampala. We had arranged to visit the clinic and hospital that Judy Steel has helped establish in the slum areas of the capital city. Judy is a retired Australian nurse who has been working in Uganda for the past ten years. Helen, Sue and Terry had all read her book 'Mamma Judy' and watched the 'Talking Heads' special which she had featured in a few days before we left Australia. It was very exciting to actually visit and see with our own eyes what had been achieved there. And as HUG is looking to establish a clinic at Suubi it was an wonderful chance to learn from their experiences and make great connection.
Helen chats with Judy Steel and her fabulous Ugandan counterpart Persis.
Wednesday morning David collected us early from Kampala Back Packers so we could head off to Suubi. It was an exciting day for everyone; for Helen she would being seeing old friends and for the volunteers, they would be seeing the centre which they had read and heard so much about for the first time.
Firstly we headed to the supermarket in Kampala to collect our supplies for the coming week. Then it was off to the material shop to buy fabric which Jan will use to teach the Suubi Sewing Ladies with. This created lots excitement amongst the material traders; it is not very often that a bunch of muzungus (white people) walk into their shop and spend that much money!
Jan selects material which was purchased from money she had been given to use prior to leaving Australia.
After making our way though the crazy Kampala traffic jams it was afternoon before we were on the road again. In Masaka town we stopped into buy paint and fruit and vegetables so it was getting dark by the time we were finally pulled into Suubi. But what an amazing surprise was waiting.........all of the ladies from the centre had gathered to welcome us!! After lots of HUGging, yipppeeeing and a river of happy tears, they all sang, danced and played the drums. For Helen it was like coming home to family and friends and for the volunteers this was a wonderful way to meet the Suubi community for the very first time.
Suubi Ladies preforming their welcome.
Although it was very late and dark many of the Suubi community were there to welcome us.
So I'm sure this is just the beginning of a fabulous six weeks in Uganda for this years HUG volunteers. Hopefully the internet and the power will behave a little better over the coming weeks and we can keep you all updated on everything we are doing while we are here.
HUGs from the team.
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