Greetings from Bududa!!!

Karen and I are sitting safely at the Bududa Learning Center after a three day journey that included a 19 hour plane ride and an 8 hour van ride that has transported us across several continents, 7 time zones, and a myriad of different sights, sounds, and habits to arrive once again back in Bududa.  Being able to publish our blog is proving a bit more complicated than expected, so we will be brief in order to get this post out to you.

On the way to school today, about a 1 mile walk, we have see a few old friends and many incredible birds---in fact we are just looking at the Wire-tailed Swallow from our school window! This morning, we've already toured the school and met all the teachers and many students. We watched students working in carpentry, masonry, tailoring, computer studies, and nursery teacher training, along with classes in math, English, and technical drawing. The school is an active, stimulating place with terrific programming in the classrooms.

A common theme we already have encountered is the tremendous set of obstacles that have to be overcome in order to move forward.  On the village level, it rained most of yesterday afternoon and the main dirt road in this region was reduced in spots to impassible mud.  We did finally make it through, but with great effort.  On the individual level, many of the students are orphaned (losing at least one parent) and most are needed at home to help manage family life.  This creates a pull for students and the school that is a challenge to manage.  We spoke a length with Head Master Steven about the complexity of operating the school and we know these will be challenges to face in the days ahead.

The guesthouse that will be our home for the next number of months is up a hill with a wonderful view of the one road below from the front porch that links us to the school and the village. It is quite nice and cozy with partial electricity and comfortable living areas. We will add photos to this blog as soon as we are able.

Hope you are all doing well. We miss you all. Stay tuned.