Africa Day 3

So much has happened so far on this trip that instead of even trying to catch up on days, I am just going to offer a brief overview of what has happened and what I have learned. A couple of days ago, I rode a boda for the very first time. For those of you who don’t know what boda bodas are…they are basically a scooter that has room for passengers. There are some things to know with the boda bodas…for example, you want to have exact change. And always negotiate a price before you arrive at your destination. If you want to catch a boda, you simply yell, “boda! Boda! Boda!“ If you are in a group, the nearest person (or two) catches a boda and then you tell them to send friends to get your friends. Before long boda bodas will flock to the area. It is a wonderful way to see the land and see people.

Over the past several days we have had several meetings. One meeting was at the “Invisible Children” office in Uganda, where they shared their four main programs with us. We have also met with people who have grown up and taught during the war and conflict. Their stories were riveting. One of the speakers, Jennifer, discussed coming home to make food for her children and an officer burst through their door telling them the rebels were there and they must hide in the next town…needless to say they did not get to eat that day. The stories were wild.

I love going in town to Gulu. There are many things that are so good here. The streets are crowded and there are no traffic rules, but boda bodas are everywhere (yes!). There are places with internet. The Kope Café is probably my favorite. Jacob works there. It was so exciting to meet him and see him doing so well.

I’m so excited that I brought a Frisbee. A couple of days ago, Amanda and I went out in the front yard throwing it back and forth. A couple of children were walking on the road staring at what the heck we were doing. We asked if they would like to throw it as well. They smiled and shyly nodded yes. We went out into the road where they were and began to throw the Frisbee back and forth with these kids. We showed them how to throw it, and before long we had a crowd of children surrounding us. We also taught them the gator chomp! To catch the Frisbee.

The next day the kids saw our group and then Amanda busted out her kites and showed the kids how to fly them. So cute.

We also met our teachers that we will be working with for the next five weeks. My teacher is in her second year teaching. Her name is Sarah. She seems wonderful…and the head teacher wanted to know if I was interested in Frisbee. ;O)

The more time I spend with the people here the more I fall in love with them. I have spent a lot of late nights with Mandy, Andy, and Nathan. There are an amazing group of people. Mandy is a wonderful woman. She is so easy to talk to, and has such a sweet spirit. Definitely a comfort to have on this trip. Andy is great! He is one of the only people that I can turn to and quote ANYTHING that I find funny…and he is there to finish it. He is so filled with knowledge, and can make a story that would be otherwise bland, a riot. Nathan is great. He has such a humble spirit. Talking to him, you can really start to see his humor and experience…but it is not something he has to advertise right away. He is also the one I go to every time I get freaked (if there’s a frog around…if a bug jumps on me). I also appreciate that he equally loves “Dumb and Dumber” and “Ace Ventura.” Quality person.

Amanda is one of the very first people that I met on the trip. She has one of the prettiest smiles ever, thank God because she is always smiling. Amanda is someone that can get anyone to open up about anything. She takes a genuine interest in everyone and is a great ring leader for girls nights.

Julie is a super-trooper! She is always on the run (literally, I just went with her today) and is probably one of the most honest people I have ever met.

Joe is the most hilarious person I may have ever met. After this trip, when I remember Joe, I am pretty sure that I will not remember his actual voice because he has so many of them. He is always crossing the line, and always making people smile. When it comes down to it though, you can really see his sweet heart and how he makes new people feel welcome.
Pablo will be going to Pabo with me. Thank God. Pablo is so resourceful…he will be a great help. I am also stoked about this information because he is so funny! His dances and imitations are great! We will definitely have a great time!

There are more great people that I will be mentioning along the way as more adventures unfold.

Other than that, I have been enjoying the people, our nightly meetings, and the experience in general. It is amazing how little I miss the phone and the internet. This place is beautiful.

We leave for Pabo on Monday…So next update will be from my school! :O)

Cheers,

Jenni