Is this real life?

After nearly a 2 year lull in extensive traveling, I packed up my new husband and set off for Uganda!

#1 question from friends and family before leaving...what/how will you pack for two years? We were each allowed 3 50lb bags on our British Airways flight, we managed with 5 total, one being Brad's golf clubs! With plenty of organization and sunscreen we managed to pack up our clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, tent, sleeping bags, toiletry essentials, and probably not enough books in my opinion as I could average one per week.

My parents drove us to O'hare, helped us carry those 5 50lb bags, then waited to make sure we got our boarding passes. After we got the all clear, we exchanged tearful see-ya laters and Brad and I were on our way!

Our first flight was to London. We had an 11 hour lay over in London, and were determined to explore Buckingham palace, Piccadilly Circus, Baker Street, and much more. However, the mix of an unfortunate “beef” dish on the flight and lack of sleep left me vomiting with a migraine (thanks for having me keep the migraine meds in the checked baggage mom). I attempted to nut up in order to not disappoint Brad, but made it as far as the steps to Buckingham before I felt that overpowering urge to spew. I sprinted into the park behind a tree, and with the grace of God held it in! Not proper at all. If you've kept up with my blogs in the past, it's clear now that I have a complete lack of maintaining bodily fluids in new foreign lands.

Brad at Buckingham

We decided to be lame and just head back to the airport and maybe get some sleep. One more 8 hour flight and we were in Uganda! Customs was a breeze, then we stepped out of the airport to be greeted by our driver. After a three hour drive from the airport we arrived at our new home.

This is what I call “fancy Africa”. Our house is quite large and equipped with proper toilets, showers, washing machine, refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave (I haven't even owned a microwave in over 5 years before now), and so on. Our view of the River Nile is to die for! The house is pretty secluded and quiet, every night and morning is a symphony of crazy birds and a cow that sounds like an elephant. We have a house maid, a cook, a gardener, and a night watch guard. I think we could get used to this! Brad has yet to experience “real Africa,” no matatu rides, bus rides, bike bodas, begging glue sniffing children, bony gristly meat, hardened corn meal. Maybe later, but for now I am loving this house and life style!

Our house is next door to the owners of Nile River Explorers, Jon and Trish, as well as quite a few other expat families. We haven't really gotten to know the locals, outside of our awesome house maid and night guards (Judith, Charles, and Emma). The expat families have been overly welcoming, making us feel very happy to live here. Our first night here, Misty and Jon, a missionary couple from the states who have 2 young girls in the school, showed us around town and took us for pizza. Upon arrival Debbie and Salam, doctor and owner of NGO from Australia and Ethiopia 2 girls in the school, gave us a welcome basket of food and they are our constant go to for questions and answers. Jon and Trish, mentioned above and also have the 2 coolest kids and dogs EVER, have hooked us up with rafting, a great cookout, and beer. Davey, my friend who works at NRE, has made us feel like we have an instant friend by showing us around and taking us out to a great Indian dinner. This really only touches on the kindness and extension of hospitality we have received. We are so grateful for all of these people, I can't even describe how awesome they have all been. Jinja has embraced us and we are happy to call it home.

Rafting the Nile

Daily life is slow, but good. I am the full time tutor of 4 girls, Maryam and Lele in the 6^th grade, and Yamina and Aida in the 8^th grade. They come to our house around 9am and complete the majority of their classwork online. I basically oversee, answer questions, and supplement with little activities or projects. After quietly sitting at a computer all day, I have decided to spend the last 45 minutes of each day doing something interactive whether it be yoga, discussing current events, PE, paddle boarding in the river, or art. The girls go home just after 3, then Brad and I usually have a cup of tea, read, work out, cook dinner, unwind from a hectic day, and go to bed around 8:30 as there's not much to do after dark, and it gets dark at 6:30.

Yamina, Aida, Lele, Maryam

We are adjusting quickly to life here, simple to do in such a peaceful and beautiful place! 

~Samantha