It's July 17th and we're preparing for our  journey to the northwest of Uganda.  We will be visiting Cornerstone Leadership Academy Jakana-Matugga, stay at Ekitangaala Ranch for three nights, head up to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, go on safari in Murchison Falls State Park, take a ferry down the Nile and go to the top of Murchison Falls.  I spent most of the day updating the blog and packing; I did grab a couple photos of Aunt Cathy, Christine (house lady) and more birds!

On the 18th we headed out the door to our first destination Cornerstone Leadership Academy Jakana-Matugga which is an all-girls school. Along the way I snapped photos of a lady surrounded by chickens on a boda-boda (motorcycle for hire-the most efficient form of transport) and the roadside businesses that line all major roads.  

Once arrived we were greeted and given a tour of the chapel, the general assembly room (where some students eat too), kitchen and library.  We then were led by the mzee (Mmm-zay. A term of respect for older men in Swahili) who watches the gate and grounds to where the food is grown and down to the well and water pump (the child in doorway was at a homestead we passed while hiking to the well, fruit growing, and bird nests).  The water is pumped up to the large black containers by the school.  The students then pump the water into the five gallon jerry cans so that they have water to shower, wash clothes, and (after being poured through a Tiva water filter) used to cook and drink.  We then hit the road again to make it to Ekitangaala by night fall...more on that next post!   xoxo, emily