Bird Calls

Nvudeyo (I'm back)!

I hope you're all doing well in the states. I really appreciate all the emails I've received from friends in the US. Since I won't have 100% access to the internet while I'm here, I hope you won't mind having a few one-sided conversations. Send funny videos, pictures, life updates, prayer requests, ANYTHING to let me know you're alive.

This blog is just a general update, but there will be many more details to unpack very soon. So whet your appetites before the real entrees begin...

We arrived safely last Friday night and after spending 2 nights in the dorms we moved in with our families. I live with the wonderful Wandera family; I have a new Mama, Dad, 3 brothers (2 around my age) and 3 sisters (from 3-16 years old). I've had a really good experience with them so far- they've had quite a bit of interaction with Americans and thus are very accommodating.

Monday-Friday I attend Uganda Christian University, where I'm taking courses on African Literature (Kelly: I have Dr. Patrick Mukakanya- probably the same guy you had), Contemporary Ugandan Religions (fascinating so far), Faith & Action (sort of a "let's process our experience abroad" seminar). I will also be doing some sort of practicum, but I'll get the details later.

In keeping with the theme of my blog, the most prominent sounds I've heard so far have been the birds. Those things are LOUD- and quite varied. There are some tricky ones that sound like monkeys, others that sound like little kids complaining, a few that bleat with pretty cool rhythm, and a few squeaky, shrill ones. Hopefully I can identify them a bit more as the semester goes on...

Just know that for now, I remember I'm in Africa almost every time a bird sings.

I hope I'll be able to fill you in a bit more soon (and post some pictures... cross you fingers about that one). For now: Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.

Kelly & Elise: When we landed they gave us a cookie snack. Its brand? "Nice."