Dear Friends and Family,
It is 2 PM Saturday at Mwangaza and 6 AM for you in Central Daylight Savings time. We are in the office and on internet for the first time since landing.
Mwangaza is busy on this Saturday, with staff present for a special one day seminar for the teachers of Ngteau LSS, including lunch with minced meat (ground beef) and chipatis -- like a deep-fried tortilla . Ngteau is one of the 5 Pilot schools with whom we have work in 2010 & '11, and we are hearing some good things about the growth of their teachers and students in the last 2 years.
Our trip was smooth and each flight landed earlier than scheduled. We even had an empty seat next to us on the way to Amsterdam, which helped with relaxing and resting a bit. Our KLM clear allowed an extra kilogram for 2 suitcases, so it was not necessary to choose what had to stay behind. The water filter system (more about that on the next blog) arrived safely and customs waved us through without checking to see what was in the box. Allen and Andrea were there to welcome us warmly, transfer the heavy luggage, and transport us safely to Mwangaza's guest house, our home for the next 7 weeks.
Both of us slept a few hours on the second flight and arrived with enough energy to unpack last night, though this morning Mike had to search for the location of some items he put away then. We slept from midnight until about 8, which is a good indicator for quick recovery from jet lag.
Sharon said to tell you that "we must have arrived at Chrismas", for this small tree greeted us when we stepped outside this morning:
Nemayan stocked our pantry with necessities for the first week's meals, and Rachel provided fresh flowers (note in the picture below). No wonder we feel so welcomed and comfortable in our Mwangaza home.
Kellen Msseemmaa, wife of David/Daughter-in-law of Pat, Sister-in-law of Nese, stopped by this morning with a phone for us to use while we are here. This phone will also be available for use by the other USA folks coming in June. Since many of you know the Msseemmaas, will include a picture of Kellen and her younger sister, who is living with her at Enaboishu LSS, where Kellen is teaching economics. Timothy, another Enaboishu teacher, who is also from Uganda, escorted Kellen to our home.
Later today we will purchase a sim card and minutes, enter lots of phone numbers from past years, and let folks know we are in country. Texting and calling are essential for keeping in contact and coordination while we are here.
For now we will say "Farewell" and continue settling in. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for our leaving, traveling and arriving.
Peace and love,
Mike and Sharon
It is 2 PM Saturday at Mwangaza and 6 AM for you in Central Daylight Savings time. We are in the office and on internet for the first time since landing.
Mwangaza is busy on this Saturday, with staff present for a special one day seminar for the teachers of Ngteau LSS, including lunch with minced meat (ground beef) and chipatis -- like a deep-fried tortilla . Ngteau is one of the 5 Pilot schools with whom we have work in 2010 & '11, and we are hearing some good things about the growth of their teachers and students in the last 2 years.
Our trip was smooth and each flight landed earlier than scheduled. We even had an empty seat next to us on the way to Amsterdam, which helped with relaxing and resting a bit. Our KLM clear allowed an extra kilogram for 2 suitcases, so it was not necessary to choose what had to stay behind. The water filter system (more about that on the next blog) arrived safely and customs waved us through without checking to see what was in the box. Allen and Andrea were there to welcome us warmly, transfer the heavy luggage, and transport us safely to Mwangaza's guest house, our home for the next 7 weeks.
Both of us slept a few hours on the second flight and arrived with enough energy to unpack last night, though this morning Mike had to search for the location of some items he put away then. We slept from midnight until about 8, which is a good indicator for quick recovery from jet lag.
Sharon said to tell you that "we must have arrived at Chrismas", for this small tree greeted us when we stepped outside this morning:
Nemayan stocked our pantry with necessities for the first week's meals, and Rachel provided fresh flowers (note in the picture below). No wonder we feel so welcomed and comfortable in our Mwangaza home.
Kellen Msseemmaa, wife of David/Daughter-in-law of Pat, Sister-in-law of Nese, stopped by this morning with a phone for us to use while we are here. This phone will also be available for use by the other USA folks coming in June. Since many of you know the Msseemmaas, will include a picture of Kellen and her younger sister, who is living with her at Enaboishu LSS, where Kellen is teaching economics. Timothy, another Enaboishu teacher, who is also from Uganda, escorted Kellen to our home.
Later today we will purchase a sim card and minutes, enter lots of phone numbers from past years, and let folks know we are in country. Texting and calling are essential for keeping in contact and coordination while we are here.
For now we will say "Farewell" and continue settling in. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for our leaving, traveling and arriving.
Peace and love,
Mike and Sharon
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