First Impressions

Hello everyone! Sorry we haven't been able to post this past week. It was quite the challenge getting internet and phones running nonetheless I managed to get my computer running and assisted a few other students with their computers. When we first arrived I was speechless and amazed by how rich the area of Uganda is with beautiful trees and green space where ever I looked. I can now understand why the black stripes on the Ugandan flag represent the rich soil of the country. On our first night we arrived in Entebbe where we stayed at the Banana Village which was surrounded my monkeys, horses and roosters to wake us in the in the morning. The group pulled out our camera's to capture our first encounter with wild life it was amazing! On Friday morning we said our goodbyes to Diana, Michell and Theresa who safely arrived in Kampala that day as well as Courtney and Tara who left for their practicum sites. Janice, Shayna, Lesley, Holly, Emily, Priscilla and I were then off to Masaka! After winding through rough dirt roads we took a left at a bend towards to two large metal gates that led us into our living compound. It has 3 large huts including a kitchen and common area to debrief and hang out. In this area I feel very safe, we have guards day and night as well as secure locks for our doors. I'm sure this gives everyone at home some relief! Presently we are just beginning our practicums and getting a feel for the area. Half of us have greeted our practicum supervisors with Janice as our support. Over the next week the rest of us should have our computers up and running with stories about our placements. So far we have been welcomed with big smiles and such genuineness. Everyday I see something new whether it's a friendly shop owner who we share laughs with and take pictures with or the birds in the tree's with brilliant upside down nests!