Greetings from Uganda! You may notice that you're receiving two updates today, Thursday's and Friday's.  If you are reading this blog you may already know we had technical difficulties with our other blog, so we created a new one and appear to be good to go now! We hope to upload updates daily basis, dependent on internet availability.

Our Friday morning began bright and EARLY, with breakfast at 6:00 am. By 6:30 we were on our way to the weekly market.  Our mission, to purchase baskets, jewelry, and stuffed animals that aren't available in the village of Muko.  When we reach Muko we will pick up baskets and jewelry made by the ladies of the village. All these beautiful handicrafts will be brought back to the United States in the empty luggage space previously occupied by tools and sponsor gifts, and sold in our Midland store, Uniquely Uganda, and various craft shows around the state.  All profits generated by the MEP program go right back into ACT to benefit the people of Muko. Dodging the early morning traffic crowding the dusty streets of Kampala, we reached the market as vendors were still setting up.  Blankets and tarps covered the packed dirt, and canopies sheltered us from the bright sun, as we wandered among piles and piles of baskets, beaded jewelry, bright fabrics, wooden carvings and items made of horn, making our selections and bargaining for the best prices. After hauling our treasures back to the Adonai House, Elizabeth, Diana, Karen, Lisa and Barbara stayed at the inn working on various things (including the blog), while Dave and David battled the boda bodas and traffic of Kampala in search of a printer and circular saw. More importantly they concluded negotiations for the expansion of solar power capability at the ACT center in Muko. A side note.....the population of greater Kampala triples during the day from 1.2 million to 3.6 million, so you can just imagine the congestion and chaos!

Later in the afternoon, the group reviewed the plans for the upcoming days, and Diana was blessed with a very special visitor, her brother's adopted daughter, Suzan and her son Malcolm, who live here in Kampala. Dinner was followed with some relaxation while Karen and Elizabeth rehearsed for the ecumenical service in Muko next week.  A little bit of rain, a lot of sunshine, and even more smiles and laughter.....all in all a very good day.  Tomorrow we'll be on the road by 9:00 in the morning (Ugandan time) for our 8 hour van ride to Kabale. The journey continues!