We are in the van and rolling by 8:30 a.m. With a short stop included, it is about three hours drive to the hillside community of Masaka Municipality Suburb, one kilometer east of Masaka Town. As we travel, I’m impressed with how lush and green it is in Uganda. I had the images of the savannah in my head before arriving here – low-lying grasslands with the occasional tree. This is rolling hills at nearly 4,000 feet in altitude with so many varieties of green plant life. It seems like banana trees are everywhere. Another type of tree bears jackfruit, a huge prickly light green fruit about the size of two watermelons placed end to end when it is fully ripe. The fruit inside is bright yellow and tastes a little like pineapple. The eight foot tall, purple, green and white sugar canes with the corn husk-looking tops are one of my favorite treats.
We arrive at the steep dirt drive to the school. A sea of elementary school age kids light blue uniforms flow down the hill yelling for us. They are so excited. The kids are everywhere, so we get out of the van at the bottom of the hill and walk up to be safe.
This is a special moment, filled with anticipation, as Melissa is about to meet one of the children she sponsors here for the first time. He is a sweet young boy, very quiet, but very curious. They have a great visit.
Some of the other children.
After songs by the children, we are given a nice lunch with many of the same staples we’ve had with the addition of fried chicken pieces cooked in a wok.
After lunch and Melissa giving her sponsored child several gifts, we are supposed to visit some local homes. I step down to the toilets, and when I return, my people are gone! I am so disappointed. The home visits are one of my favorite things about these trips. That’s where I really learn first hand what people’s lives are like. With everyone else gone except for one other person, it’s just us and a hundred plus kids! They press close. They love to hold hands. As I walk there may be two holding each hand. Even though we don’t speak the same language, we have no problem figuring out how to play together.
When I sit for a break, several little hands glide their hands on my arms, seeing what I feel like, examining my white skin closely, feeling the hair on my arms. Other little hands brush through my hair that sits below my ballcap.
It is wonderful to be with them, but I am exhausted after the hour and a half or so of this before the others return. I know why the animals in the petting zoo need some time away after being viewed and petted constantly! The sun is intense as well, so the heat doesn’t help.
Before we leave, everyone plants trees with the kids. They have been so sweet and a joy.
We start the three hour drive back. About an hour into it, we stop for some pictures at the equator. I have visited the equator on two continents now. It’s kind of fascinating being in that spot.
It’s dark as we approach Kampala and the traffic is crawling. There are many markets along the road, crawling with people. Single candles light some stands, and it is generally very dark. It’s very ethereal.
After dinner of some goat chops (very chewy!) and other goodies, it’s time for some photo work and bed.
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