Ahhhhhh!!!

Learning lessons quickly. Just wrote a blog and as I was posting it the internet disconnected and I lost it. Here it goes again.

If only there were words to describe this place. There are words I suppose, words like “webale” (thank you) and “oli otya” (how are you?) and “ente” (cow – like the one in our backyard). I wish I knew them all already.

Ok…where to start. There is too much too say. And no way to say it. The trip out here was good…long…but fun to start to get to know the other students on the program. Very cool cats – it should be good. We spend the first night at the university and the last two at our homestay. I am paired with a girl named Megan, who is super nice and we get along great – I have been SO thankful to have her around. Can’t even say.

Our family greeted us with “You are welcome” “You are so very welcome” – to show they are happy to have us there. As everything here, this greeting is backwards from the States – they say you are welcome and we say thank you.

Our family consists of Reverend Henry Musumba, Mama Irene, and little brother Anooke (2 years old – soo cute!!). But there are always more kids around – some live there we think. There’s Rabek (17), Marie (17), Ima, Steven, Elijah, Rita, Deborah, Sandra, and the list goes on. All but Anooke speak at least some English, which is great – but hard to understand still. They often speak Luganda to each other and then look at us and laugh…we have no idea why. Its like being in a nail salon…but worse.

What I have learned so far…I know nothing. I have never felt so stupid or out of place. I am hoping that changes quickly. Megan and I are constantly asking each other what on earth we are supposed to do. Our family is very kind, but quiet – and it just feels like we are supposed to know what to do. And when we ask – sometimes they don’t understand what we are saying…but kindof pretend like they do…which is funny.

I can't imagine not feeling completely out of place here. But I am hoping it feels more and more like home as time goes on.

Our house is much nicer than I expected. Megan and I have our own room – with two beds and a window (that’s it). The backyard is my favorite – with the cow and its one week old calf – so cute! But its loud…it wakes us up each morning with its mooing…we laugh every time. The toilet is outside in a little shack and consists of a rectangular hole in the ground…complete with cockroaches, spiders, geckos, and bugs galore. We have a bucket in our room for if we have a "night call" (have to go at night) because it isnt safe to go outside after midnight. (Just a precaution mom, dont worry!) The bathroom (bathing room…where they shower) is a little cement area where we bring our basins and water. Its right next to the cow. I literally looked at the cow while I bathed this morning. Hopefully the whole bucket shower thing gets easier…its pretty rough right now. My hair is a frizz ball. But I only know from seeing my reflection this morning in a window – no mirrors at home. Which I love.

Ah there is so much to say! Food is good – and plentiful. Ima and Rebek run the house as far as food is concerned and I am blown away by all they cook! They spend most of their days cooking and cleaning up. And they are probably 13 and 17 years old. Very impressive.

Family is very important to them. Whenever someone introduces themselves they always tell about their family too. Really cool.

We went to church to hear our papa preach yesterday and were 2 of maybe 5 white people. But it was in English and we actually knew some of the songs! Our sisters then took us to the market in Mukono (10 min walk away) which was fascinating. I think I got proposed to at least 30 times…haha. More on that later…

I hate to say that I have wished many times that I had chosen the USE track – the people staying on campus…because it would be SO much easier. But I know I will be thankful to be where I am soon. I am grateful at least that I am still excited about all the things I thought I would be…if that makes sense…all one big adventure!

Ok – that’s it for now – I’m gonna TRY to keep these short for those of you (Nate) that don’t want to read a lot…shoot me an email if you care for more details – goodness knows I have plenty to tell. I don’t have internet on my computer yet – just borrowing someone’s right now.

Hope you are all well, I love and miss you!