4 day re-cap

Hello!
I have not updated anything since Thursday! Let me catch you all up!

On Friday we went to the MUBS graduate campus to hear a speaker present on GENDER ISSUES in Uganda. He was a very interesting man and very passionate about his studies in women’s equality. He gets teased by his colleagues who call him “Sister Batema”. I could not be a woman here in Uganda- I am too strong willed, determined and independent for that junk. Bow to your man? After you just brought his sippers? PLEASE. Next

After the gender issues talk, we went to the Inspector generals office. This is the man who is "supposed" to regulate the corruption in Uganda. It's funny though how the president just happens to be able to APPOINT the inspector general. Uganda has made great strides thus far, but still has a LONG way to go- especially in terms of their government. I am one to steer clear of politics---- but I know that this system just isn't right.

So we have gone to many different events and have had appointments with important individuals in Uganda. It constantly surprises me when someone's cell phone rings. And no, not just vibrations or a quick little beep. I am talking about a full blown loud ringtone! Every single last event at least one cell goes off. I asked the MUBS about it and its not seen as disrespectful or a disturbance. Interesting. It's not like its LAW in the US, but it is common courtesy.

Saturday we went into the Rural Areas and visited one of our professors home town. We got the chance to visit a cocoa farm and see how the rural people lived. I actually got really light headed during this part of the day and had to sit out in order to recharge. My sugar dropped (sorry mom!) guess i didnt have enough to eat that morning. Matt took very good care of me while I didn't feel good. A few hours later I felt a little better after lots of starbursts and sugar water- it was time to eat and hand out our gifts to the families we visited. Before leaving for Africa, I remember laughing at my mom because she wanted to get the family OVEN MITTS. I thought it was the silliest idea ever! Turns out it was one of the best gifts of the evening because everyone else seemed to forget about the WOMEN of the house and just focused on the farmer husbands. They were so appreciative of the mitts and sent their love and thanks to you mommy! It's amazing- something so simple to me, meant the world to these women.... that was touching. She actually took a picture with me and wanted you to see it mom! haha Ill put it up

((pretty sure pics are getting put up today!))

Sunday we got the chance to visit a church. It was nice to see how people of this country worship the Lord. No matter where you are in the country, it seems that one thing is constant- and that's the Glory and Praise to God. I am glad matt and i decided to get up early and attend this service.

After church we went to the most touching event yet. A primary school for children with disabilities. I am definitely my mothers child- Sunglasses on, lips quivering and eyes watering. It was not like it was a sad sight to see- not at all. I did not pity these students. It was more like tears of joy. Someone cared enough to start this school and help out children in need! The guy who runs the institution is also disabled and is so PASSIONATE about what he does. Uh! this was SO touching and amazing! Definitely my favorite of the trip thus far.

Today, or last night, 8 PEOPLE GOT SICK. And Matt was one of them :( They all got sick at 4:00am throwing up and stomach aches--- 8 different people in 6 different rooms. It was crazy this morning! We still don't know what happened, it can't be food poisoning because if we thought it was one dish-another person who didn't get sick ate it, and vice versa. We left this morning to discuss microfinance inUganda which was really interesting... but I was just so worried about Matt and the others students that I couldn't fully wrap my head around the discussion. I was happy when our professors canceled the rest of todays events. We were supposed to have an AIDS dicussion and meet the prime minister. This was a good decision because we have been attending 2-3 events per day and waking up early and heading to bed late. Everyone seems to be better now...a 24 hour virus or something.

Tomorrow I am excited! We are going to the market for more shopping! Yayyyy!

Less than 10 days left!

Happy belated birthday to Mommy and Bobby! Miss you guys and love you much!

Love Always
Danielle