We woke to rain this morning in Wakiso that followed us as we drove to Jinja. The muddy streets were slick and red, and we saw people struggling to walk while others rode bikes or bodabodas (motorcycles) through the mud. Phoebe was amazing driving through puddles and maneuvering through what seemed to us to be crazy traffic. I enjoyed watching the landscape change as we moved along roads I’d traveled several times before. The tea fields were being harvested and the papyrus was feathery full. Little shops were doing a wet business and school children were running and bouncing home in the drizzle in coordinated uniforms. Hello Uganda. It’s nice to be here!

We arrived at the Nile hotel and were greeted by our old friend Innocence. What fun to see this lovely man and be greeted so graciously with the familiar Ugandan words “you are welcome.” I’m in a room where I’ve stayed many times over the years, so it feels familiar and cozy.

We went to Jinja to see Tabitha, one of our tailors and Phoebe’s assistant coordinator.  We sat on her couch telling stories and reminiscing about past times together. Tabitha has been sewing MoonCatcher kits for us for years and is not only a skilled tailor but a valued friend as well. We put together plans for a school visit and basket shopping when we get back from Kenya – where we are headed tomorrow.

We ate dinner under the giant Mango tree in the Nile’s side yard. I’ve sat under that tree many times, writing, reading, and enjoying a meal with friends.

Off to bed. Tomorrow is an early start for Kenya. It will be a joy to see Agnes and Jacky.