Day 33

Dear Family and Friends,

Today the girls went to school and Rachelle, Dave and I went on a tour of places to stay here with Florence and Jennifer. I think we have a couple of good options of where to stay next time we come. The guesthouse here has been nice, but the wildlife inside has been way to much for us to return. There have been spiders, GIANT flying cockroaches, bats, beetles, lizards, mosquitoes, ants, rats and mice...we have also rescued too puppies and one kitten while here that were left to die on the street.

As we reach the end of this FIRST trip to Uganda, here are some random thoughts:

1. The school system is harsh. The school supply list actually includes razor blades. Why you might ask? To sharpen their pencils of course. Can you imagine? Tardiness is also a no no in Uganda. Children are threatened with a beating with a stick if they are late.
2. Uganda is covered in palm trees, but no coconuts are to be found.
3. Public transportation is cheap and easy. Matatu's are the way to go and there are plenty of them.
4. Oatmeal is Uganda is toasted...YUM!
5. It is easy to feel like a celebrity in Uganda when you are white. The children follow you everyone yelling, muzungu!!!! All with bright smiling faces and waves. :)
6. We share the streets with goats, dogs, ducks, chicken, roosters and long horn cattle. You have to watch where you step!
7. There is no air conditioning to be found - we did find an ATM booth however that was air conditioned and we have returned several times.
8. The traditional wedding gift to the brides family is livestock - if you're sister is a particularly good cook, the family will ask for many cows!
9. Motorcycles create their owns lanes of traffic, basically anywhere they can sneak though cars will do.
10. Water shortages - which are often - make for smelly companions. Love you Dave and Rachelle! :)

Just having some fun!

Things we have enjoyed and will miss are:

1. The amazing worship filled services at Gaba Community Church
2. Our new family in Gaba - what lovely, happy, godly people.
3. Shows you the influence that one godly strong Christian mother can have on a family.
4. People are friendly and happy - it's a joy to be around them.
5. The African craft market - has been great fun every Friday. We have yet to miss one.
6. The presence of God that shines through the evil here in Uganda.
7. The sweet little children that we see everywhere we go.
8. Godfrey our driver - he has been a good friend and a wealth of information.
9. The great food!
10. Rachael and Fiona. What a blessing these girls are. They are already our daughters, even if the court system doesn't recognize it yet.

This may be the biggest adventure of our lives and despite numerous setbacks, we have enjoyed it. And, it's not over yet. We will be back to see God's plan through and to see what He has in store. And, we will bring Rachael and Fiona home!

Big day tomorrow. Sarah will be going to the courthouse to confirm (hopefully) if the judge will be there on Thursday to see us. Then we fly out late that night.

Thanks for taking this journey with us. And, for your numerous prayers!

Love,
Sara, Dave and Rachelle (This was a team effort!)

Tyler - See you in just a couple of days! "See" you on Skype tomorrow! Love you! XOXOXO