My name is not mzungu!

It's hard to believe it's been just one week since I got here...

First off, the landscape is stunning! It is so green and lush. There are hills after hills of beautiful trees and plants. Kampala (30 min ride away) is another story, it's like NYC Chinatown on speed. Plus LOTS of pollution. Ahh, city life.. I will definitely get some pictures up soon!

On Saturday, I moved into my house with Courtney and Adam. We also live with Deo, who is a local. He's very thoughtful and is really great with the kids in the soccer program. It's a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom...with a toilet!! And running water! Can you believe it?! Our kitchen consists of 2 stone fire pits - which if I do say so myself, I have become pretty adept at getting going - can you believe THAT is the question? I had trouble starting a grill with pre lit charcoal before I left (embarassing, but true). Each night is a new adventure with the electricity. That'll take some getting used to. Plus, it gets dark around 7:30 and it's not really safe for us to 'move at night'. We've had some entertaining talks by candlelight already.

Speaking of those kids! They're out of school for 3 weeks; we arrived in the middle of their first week. School starts back up Sept 6, so it was a nice to get here without having to dive right into everything. This week I feel a bit antsy though... don't get me wrong, I love just relaxing and hanging around, but since we are known as "mzungus"..(white people/foreigner) so it's tough to go anywhere, even down the street for food (more on THAT later!!! mmmm) without being stared at, called, hailed or any other means by which to get our attention. Usually it's just kids which is sometimes cute - they seem to almost sing "Hi mzungu" -but most times a bit overdone. I'm trying to have an open mind about it all and be as friendly as I can but sometimes it's just the last thing we want to hear! I really hope (believe?) once we settle in a bit more and people begin to realize we are here for a LONG time, then maybe our names will replace mzungu. Sometimes I feel discouraged because I want to try & build relationships in my time here, not just put on programs and trainings but many seem so hesitant against that forging that path but I really hope that it's just a caution and not something more steadfast. Hopefully once we get busy we won't even notice!

In the past week, we've attended a few trainings (soccer practices) I really do believe the youth involved appreciate it and will hopefully be willing to attend other events we put on. These trainings are sometimes their only chance for fun. If they are home, they would likely be doing chores so they are very disciplined because they know that if they aren't they will be sent home. Very different from the kids I coached in NYC...!

When the youth are back in school we will hold a day of training for girls and a day for boys, and then Saturday AMs for all kids. A few days a week, we will also be at a place called Hope School leading classes. I'm looking forward to having the art & English classes since the headmaster informed us there is no art teacher and she feels that is a very important part of their day! Just call me bob ross. Plus, we hope to get things going at the Ndejje Youth Center soon. First up is the big Welcome Party which I'm stoked about!! We were told today, parties here MUST include food. Um........ duh! Once the word is out about the center and interest is just through the roof (a girl can dream, can't she!?) we will be able to start planning programs for the community. Definitely more to come on that, I'm so excited!

What else can I share? Well of course, the food. It's like I've died and go to produce heaven. The pineapples are bigger than my head and the juiciest things ever and cost 50 cents. Bananas are a delicious staple and mango season is coming up! YES. Avocados are everywhere...need I say more? Tonight I discovered kikamando.. It's red beans mixed with chapatti, which is sort of a mix between the most delicious tortilla you've ever had and naan. The roommates and I have a chapatti count and yours truly is leading with 10, but I think Courtney just brought home 3 for dinner though..shoot!

Hopefully this covered the basics but I've gone on way long enough already. Will I ever be brief in my updates? Probably not..... but I hope it wasnt too painful...

Thank you as always for your support over the last week and good vibes as I traveled, too. I know have a long road ahead, but with each day that passes I feel a little more at ease. We wonder outloud a lot if we will ever feel less like outsiders, but are not so sure of that. Either way, I'm so glad to be able to share the ups & downs with you, at least virtually for now. Please know I miss you and think about home, (wherever that may be!) often...

And as I can hear some kids whistling the world cup theme, I will get back to my African life. Until next time...