We've just returned to Bududa after a heartwarming month of visiting with family and friends in the States.
Our first day back to the States in mid-March, we ran into a 10" snow storm in Philadelphia (Noreaster #4, we were told) and had to sit tight in front of Will and Holly's cozy fire----beautiful all around! As soon as we could escape the snow, we headed south for a week in Charleston, SC, with Derek and Courtney. We broke up this leg of the trip with a warm and welcoming overnight stay in Durham, NC, with Joanie and Ed. Our visit south was timed to celebrate Derek's birthday, which was a real joy sprinkled with a touch of envy----Oh, to be 24 again! We also got to hit our favorite birding spots and even got to visit with Barbara, our friend who leads the programs in Bududa, and her partner George, in George's nationally registered home on the waterfront in Beaufort, SC. Along our way back to Philadelphia, we stopped in Chincoteaugue, one of our favorite east coast spots, and celebrated Karen's birthday on the March Blue Moon, the second such moon of 2018. We also got to see our first rocket launch from Wallops Island. NASA was testing a new parachute material for possible use with the Mars Rover.
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| Snowed-in day after we arrived in Philly. Just what we needed! |
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| Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Beidler Forest, SC - a favorite birding spot! |
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| Nine baby gators sunbathing on Mama's back, Caw Caw Nature Preserve, SC. Can you find them all? |
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| Best buds! Cassie and Aria on Derek's porch, Charleston, SC |
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| Hanging out with Derek and friends, Charleston |
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| March 31....Karen's birthday and 2nd Blue Moon of the year, Chincoteague, VA |
Back in Philadelphia we were able to celebrate Easter with my sister, Karen, and Craig and Lynn, who we've shared many Easters with. We then had a wonderful visit with past colleagues, students, and friends at Penn Charter. Karen and I got to speak with the Lower School students, reunite with Lower School faculty, and have a lovely dinner reception with my old work teammates at Darryl's house. Penn Charter Athletics graciously gave us 10 soccer balls to bring back to Bududa. We also got to see the Phillies play from Diamond Club seats with Charlie and Debbie----and the Phillies beat the Reds! We had two terrific visits with long-time friends and college mates that were just amazing. One in Mt. Airy, hosted by Pete and Diana and Julie and Steve, and the other in Medford, NJ, hosted by Judy and Rob.
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| Enjoying a Phillies' game with Debbie and Charlie....and they even won! |
Next it was off to New York to visit Karen's family and our friends up that way. We attended a lovely memorial service for Karen's mom, Louise, who passed at the grand old age of 95 in December. It brought some closure for Karen and her sisters, surrounded by family and friends. Dale and Ellen hosted us for a night, in their new home, and Christine and Bob traveled from Massachusetts to be with us all. It was great to reconnect again. We were able to hit several sporting goods stores and buy 10 pairs of close-out soccer shoes to take back to Bududa along with the soccer balls. Soccer is a passion over here and these gifts are so appreciated.
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| A huge treat....soccer shoes for the Bududa Vocational Academy students |
Finally, on our return trip, we had a planned, long layover in Cairo and we were able to make a stop to see the Sphinx, Great Pyramids, and the old marketplace in Cairo. This was a dream come true for us both that has piqued our imaginations since childhood----and seeing these sights in person was more awesome than we ever could imagine.
So, we are safely back in Bududa with more adventures and stories to come. Thanks to everyone back home that welcomed and cared for us----you are all the best! Peace be with you.
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| Dream come true! Seeing the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. Breathtaking and sooooo much fun! |
