Hi, again. The past few days have been very productive here at PCAU. I finished going through all of the children’s files for the Road to Hope Program. Lydia (PCAU’s Social Worker) and I are formulating a plan as to how to move forward. I have shared some ideas that I had on how to manage this so that the documentation process is not too overwhelming, as the staff here is terribly busy. Our goal is to keep the program as organized as possible. We are waiting for some other PCAU staff to weigh in on our ideas, but so far, so good!

I am finding that every day I experience something new! When Rose (PCAU’s Country Director) comes to work, she usually is able to give me a ride home. This is a special treat to get a break from the crowded taxis on the road. So, Tuesday night after work I hoped into Rose’s car expecting to go home, but instead she asked if I would want to join her on some patient visits. I told her that I would be glad to. Our first stop was a hospital in Kampala, so Rose showed me a bit of the city as we drove through it. Uganda has such an interesting culture and I really enjoyed learning about everything I saw. We entered the hospital and outside of the patient’s room was a Priest and he led a prayer circle for the patient. Now, I have no idea what he was saying, but I decided to pray hard anyway! After that, I stayed in the hallway while Rose visited the patient. It did not seem fair to me that the patient should have to meet a stranger during his final days. Although I chose not to meet the patient, I was so incredibly glad that Rose invited me to go with her because I was able to see the city, visit a Ugandan hospital, and get to know Rose a bit more. She has accomplished so much and has such an inspiring faith and outlook on life.

My time in the village seems to get more interesting every day. I got home from work last night to a power outage, so I gave my neighbors a little flashlight they could use to finish their homework. After that, I decided I was going to fix myself some dinner, but we found a dead rat in my kitchen, so I aborted that plan. Luckily, a girl from the village told me that she would clean it out for me. I did not hesitate one bit in taking her up on that offer, but I promised I would pay her because I am so thankful she saved me from doing it myself. Every person I have met has been so generous and kind.

As far as today goes, I had very low expectations for the Fourth of July. However, Lacey (Global Partners in Care) has a good friend who graduated from ND with her and works at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala. He was nice enough to invite me to a barbeque that the people at the embassy usually enjoy. I quickly took advantage of this opportunity, excited for a little reminder of home. What a unique way to celebrate the Fourth of July!

I am settling in more each day that I am here and have had a few days this week where I have been less homesick. As of now, I am not sure what my plan is this weekend, but I will, hopefully, have a fun update for you all next week!!

Thanks for reading. The more I learn about PCAU, the more amazed I am at all that they have been able to accomplish and the harder it will be for me to head home.