As I sit in Carol’s room sitting to write this blog, the roosters crow in the background and I have a gorgeous view of the city of Kampala. What a whirlwind last couple of days. I have faced my fear of small planes and seen an area of the world that is completely new and different to anything I have ever seen.

Two nights ago, after a little over twenty six hours of travel,  layovers in Amsterdam and Detroit, and a stop in Rwanda, we made it to our hotel in Kampala. At that time I was so  exhausted it seemed almost surreal that was as actually in the middle of Africa.

The first plane ride was a  nerve racking, we were in a twenty six passenger plane. A plane so small that not all the bags would fit in the overhead bin.  I felt claustrophobic just sitting in my seat. I swear that first plane ride took longer than the  other plane rides combined.

Yesterday morning, I woke up slightly more rested, to a beautiful view of the city.  It became completely clear to me ready or not I’m here.   We had a light breakfast and then we went off in search of a bank to exchange money.  We went to a market to shop for souvenirs. I met a local artist and we talked about his work and the fact we both had brothers named Stephen. He told me some about his life and his faith. We visited both the Roman Catholic and Anglican Ugandan martyrs shrine.  My favorite part however has been driving around and seeing all the different parts of town and  looking briefly into  the lives of the  people. Seeing women carrying baskets on there heads, smelling trash burning and seeing children laugh and play music are sights completely new and exciting.

Today, we have a busy day ahead of us. I cannot wait to explore this beautiful country.