First Impressions

Karibu! Karibu! Karibu!

We are so thankful that our plane landed safely in Uganda yesterday morning and that after a short delay, all 18 pieces of luggage arrived as well. Just before deplaning, one gentleman from Uganda asked Vicki whether we were coming as "missionaries from the United States". When she answered yes, he replied "What do Americans know about God?" It definitely was a refreshing perspective to remind us that we are coming not just to teach, but perhaps even more so to learn.

We had a sweet reunion with Aunt Karen and met Bethany (our additional team member, another AIM MK), changed into skirts and then boarded two small MAF planes for Bunia. Dan had the chance to take the controls for most of the flight (which allowed him to log an hour of flight time toward his credentials). We were taken off guard when we were greeted immediately with Swahili (Karibu means "welcome") and gorgeous sunny weather upon our arrival in Bunia.

We enjoyed our first African meal of Nile perch for lunch and have had quite an interesting time flushing the toilets and taking cold showers. But, Hakuna Matata, right? Many of us had a chance to walk through town yesterday and to meet some of Aunt Karen & Uncle Gregg's old friends. We enjoyed some time visiting with Carol (who used to care for the Lewis boys) and her three precious girls.

There are not many white people in Bunia so everyone stops and stares as we walk through -- we were the "first white people" for some kids yesterday. As Young Greg said, that was a special occasion to be a part of. Vicki amused us all when she joined in on a game some young girls were playing (she assures us it's much harder than it looks). We also had a chance to try grinding some leaves with sticks. Good stuff.

We have had multiple opportunities to use our limited knowledge of Swahili as well, as many of the students and their families at the seminary speak no English. Saint Jess led our team devotions last night on the topic of joy based on many verses in Philippians, and we went to bed early as we were all exhausted.

Today is pretty laid back - we will be doing some preparation for camp and attending an English service this afternoon. Overall, we have been blessed beyond measure already.

Some initial impression:

• Very social culture
• Lots of children
• Close quarters
• They have very little
• Women have beautiful dresses
• Roosters crow at all hours of the day and night

- Lauren for the team