Hi Friends
I am feeling kinda homesick today. Tired from being in the van for 9 hrs...Don't think I am complaining cuz I am not! We drove a long ways to see: girafe,elephants,warthogs,water buffalo, tons of hippo,alligator,baboons, a lion, jackal,leopard, water buck...and here's one for you to look up....MONITOR LIZARD
While on the safari a few of us needed to stop for a quick potty in the bush. I picked a safe looking tree only to have this HUGE monitor lizard crawl out and scare me to death!
The animals were amazing. I enjoyed most the elephant and baby that came right up to the lodge and stood eating about 10 feet from me!
It was quite an experience. We rode for a few hours up the Nile River. Really, I simply can't believe it.
I shared a room with a gal my age last night. She is from South Dakota and has been here 10 yrs and has a house and this is home. I asked her a lot of questions and I am pretty sure that if I decide to come back I can stay with her. Why would I want to come back?
1. Bring enough $ to buy books for those 2 villages and take them to the villages and spend some time helping the teacher get organized.
2. Figure out a way that we could have a well put in so the 2 schools could have water- Of course you know I wouldn't do the figuring out- some of you could though!
3. Do some more outreach medically in those type of villages

Anyway- There's lots to think about.

Tomorrow Darla Gibson & I will report to the New Hope Clinic to help out. The usual staff has been working for days without time off so we will cover! Whoopee! Let me give you a visual on this clinic.... They have built it out of bricks & have about 12 rooms connecting to a long hall. It has a roof and cement floor AND THAT IS IT...2 rooms are useable. The rest of it looks like a forgotten bldg...why? No money. They only need about 2,000 to finish. Pretty cheap. Anyone want to donate? No water or toilets in yet.
I went over to Rogers(Row jay) house yesterday. He has chickens and its a tidy little brick place. He has NO WATER or TOILET...
So, all of you can smile cuz he is getting estimates this week. The money you donated is going to give him a water tank (they collect rain water) and eliminate the outhouse.
Oh, some of the pit toilets are simply cement slabs with a hole. Try squatting over it. It's not easy and its gross to boot. I couldnt do it too many times. Actually the one time is enough!
My sister Laurie needs to return with me. I am telling you Lor...these kids and this place is
calling your name! I am loving the soft curley hair and their black skin is so soft and sweet.
We have been eating so much. The food has been great. Tonight- Mashed potaotes they call-
Irish meal, stew, pineapple, banana cake, oh and usually collard greens and egg plant. This isn't what they eat.
The family units grow their veggies and then trade between themselves.

Up north from here they have just opened a facility for the children who were involved with the war activity. Many of the kids are children soldiers who were trained to kill and have killed their families. Some actually had to eat pieces of their loved ones. Here is a challenge for my friend Erika and son Rob! xxxxooo

I am developing the neatest friendships.
But am missing you at home.

Dear Mikayla....I love You more than the OCEAN! Nonee
Keep reading books!

Love to All
Sue