Later on Day #1

After spending some time in a mall in Kampala (exchanging money and looking around), we drove to Jinja. It is different from Kampala and the Arise Africa guest house is much more peaceful than the first. I am really looking forward to our stay here. According to Deb, many students have a hard time leaving Jinja. That's what happened to Kate (the graduate from Spring Arbor who is now living with her Ugandan husband in Jinja).
Not too long ago we all rode on the back of boda bodas (small motorcycle-type bikes). It was funny observing Kate as she bargained with the drivers on how much we'd pay them. I'm not sure I could be strong like that... I'm stubborn with people I am comfortable with, but I feel like I would cave in a situation like that. But the ride was a lot of fun. I was a little nervous, so I clung on tight to the seat back and to Ashley, one of my group members. I've always said I'd never ride a motorcycle, but that was pretty close to one. We survived and I think I'm looking forward to doing it again.
Listening to Kate talk tonight makes me all the more excited about the rest of our trip. Not only that, but the ministry she has started sounds exactly like the type of ministry I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. I am drawn to children who are poor and oppressed and her ministry focuses on reaching the "neediest of the needy." I would love to come back and help with this...