First Day Synthesis

The group is sitting around tonight throwing out thoughts. Randy and Paul went to the Bank to exchange the US money into shillings. Byron said the rest of the men felt like monkeys in a zoo when they waited outside the Bank. The local people thought we looked strange. It was different to be in the minority. We can count on one hand how many other white people we saw today. Some were in the hardware store where our men were buying pipe. The women saw two white ladies at the market. Everyone is very friendly and like to exchange greetings with us. Our men moved a lot of water…100 cases onto a truck, then unloaded it at our compound. Elton says he’s overwhelmed by all he’s seen and experienced today. Leon says the boda-boda ride was exciting. We'll try to get some pictures of us on the back of those motorbikes when we're not in such a hurry. Don installed a replacement toilet seat at the compound tonight to increase our comfort. There was a challenge in getting the proper voltage to charge our batteries for the cordless tools. Our own electrician will not take credit for the rigging of the outlet. Randy seems to think that might influence his reputation at home. Lisa and Pat went adventure eating at the market…roasted flying white ants. Pat liked them, thinking they had a roasted nut flavor, but Lisa decided once was enough. Lisa’s highlight was getting to know Grace, our excellent cook. She prepared authentic Ugandan food for us and once again, the pineapple was “over the top”. Grace prepared matoka (steamed green plantains), with a peanut sauce, plus beef stew. For lunch she made black beans and rice. No chance of anyone losing weight on this trip! Byron said he has met more people today than he can remember names. We are seeing things that we have only seen in movies before now.