Beautiful, Wonderful, Fabululous Uganda!

First off, I hope this message finds you happy and well! Along with thirty-two others I arrived here in Uganda last Saturday night after a very long trip consisting of stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, Brussels, Kigali, and finally Entebbe! The Peace Corp group is absolutely fabulous and I am so happy to share this experience with them. However, I must say they are very intimidating. These are some of the most accomplished people I have ever met and according to the director we are one of the most talented groups they have ever had. Many have traveled all around the world while others have their doctorate, some have done both. After my journey here in Uganda has ended I hope to posses some of the qualities they do.

The Uganda I have been experiencing is much different than I remembered. I am currently at a compound in Lweza and it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It is incredibly tropical, hilly, and filled with monkeys and exotic birds. The only downfall of Lweza is due to its location near Lake Victoria, making it rather humid. Even with its humidity, I am in love already. Tomorrow morning we will be moving to Wakiso where the Peace Corps training sit is located and we will be moving in with our home stay families. I am incredibly excited to meet the family I will be spending the next two weeks with and hoping that I will learn the language much faster once I am fully immersed in it. For the past few days the other volunteers and I have spent our time at the compound trying to combat jetlag, get to know one another, get shots, learn Luganda, and listen to several speakers explain to us what we can expect over the next couple of years.

I have so much more to write, but I must be going. Thank you all for your wonderful comments and constant support! I am sorry I have not had time to respond to each of your comments both on here and facebook, but I will try to as soon as possible!

Peace and love

Autumn

A few reminders...

Please know that while I am away that I will be thinking of each of you often. While I know I will make some incredible friends in the Peace Corps and that I will have a new "family" of sorts, no one can replace you. No matter what it is that I am doing or who I am with, I will wish that you were also there to experience it alongside me. While you are here celebrating birthdays and weddings, I will also be celebrating with you on the other side of the world. Know that I would love nothing more than to share Africa with you and that I will always have a place for your smiling face in my hut if you choose to visit. Please mail me photos of everyone and everything often. Please e-mail me every chance you get and tell me everything; never feel that you are bothering me with your problems or triumphs. Know that I would love to hear from anyone and everyone. Know that I have every intention of returning after the end of my service and that I am safe. And last, but not least, please remember me; I need your more than you know.