I have arrived!

 I feel like there is so much to say, but forgive me because I have not fully unpacked everything I would love to mention. So, here goes!

The day I left was perfect.  I was appropriately sent off by New Hope in prayer, had an incredible date with my dad, and went to Orion's graduation party.  I felt again the love and support of friends, and was given a pile of envelopes-organized by Katie O-filled with letters from my closest friends to be opened once a week.  I felt ready, ready in the sense that I knew and felt like I was leaving and looking forward to the journey ahead.  It was a LONNNNNG journey, but enjoyable in some ways.  London by far was the best part of the travel days!  Johnny gave me the number of his friend who lives in London who could not actually meet up with me, but told me what train to take into the city and what to do.  I saw the Buckingham fountain and palace, Kensington gardens, and a butterfly exhibit among many huge museums.  London is beautiful! It is a city filled with history and artistic architecture.

By the end of my London escapade I was exhausted because I had barely slept on the first plane ride and was touring all day.  I slept most of the plane ride from London to Entebbe, thankfully.  I was greeted by David Kamanzi at the airport with the driver and the driver’s wife, who lives in Kampala.  We dropped her off on the way out of the city.  The drive was long, and probably felt longer because of the travelling I had already done.  But, it was also really encouraging because I was greeted by the similar smells, thick red dirt, and familiar places.  We even ate at a restaurant I had eaten at before in Msaka with Come Let’s Dance.  Thankfully, I was able to sleep a little bit in the car ride to Mbarara, but I didn’t want to sleep too much because I feared I would get jetlagged.

We arrived at the house and were greeted by the most adorable children.  They had big smiles on their faces, and it was revealed to me that they all had been praying for me to have safe travels to meet them for quite some time.  They love to sing, dance, and laugh.  They are smart children, and have been so fun getting to know.  David and Esther showed me to my room, complete with a mosquito net!  They have welcomed me so well, and their generosity brought me to tears. 

This morning we distributed the shoes that the Elgin church collected.  These shoes were received so well.  The kids were so thankful to have new shoes and want me to make sure I thank the people that sent them.  John and everyone else that donated shoes, you have given these kids such a gift. This week I will be doing orientation, learning about what JOAC does on the grounds, and how it functions.  There is another volunteer living here as well named Joseph.  He is an EXCELLENT guitar player and will be graduating with a degree in Communications in October.  He will be helping JOAC with online and written communication while teaching me how to play the guitar!  There are a LOT of people living in this house, but I am so thankful to be in a home with such love and unity.