Bodas, burns and babies

So some of you may realize that I have actually already returned from Africa . . . but since it was nearly impossible to do anything on the super slow and unreliable internet there, my attempts to post were completely fruitless and frustrating. Hence, you will get my experiences piecemeal as I post over the next few days (which is better anyway, because now you will get pictures at the same time).

Oh and by the way, I had an awesomely incredible experience and if it hadn't been for my four boys waiting for me to come home, I think I could have stayed much, much longer. But I am so grateful for this opportunity and thanks to everyone who helped keep things running smoothly on the homefront while I was gone - especially my awesome hubby!

So the following has nothing to do with anything, just randomness from my trip . . .

In Uganda, one of the most popular forms of transportation is called a boda (pronounced boh-duh). It is dirt bike/motorcycle thing where you pay the driver the equivalent of a quarter or fifty cents and you can get pretty much anywhere in town. It is a little scary at times because there are not the traffic laws there are here and drivers will generally use any means necessary to reach their destination - including darting between trucks and buses, passing seconds before oncoming traffic reaches you, and speeding around on the shoulders of the road. Despite this, I rode one at least once a day, long distances and short, dirt roads and paved highways. Sometimes I thought it was kind of exciting and sometimes I had white knuckles. I was totally amazed at the local women who could sit side saddle, holding a baby and groceries and manage to balance and be totally at ease.

Bodas waiting outside the local "supermarket"

Woman catching a ride and transporting water on a boda

One bummer about the bodas - on my second ride I got a nasty burn on my leg from the exhaust pipe, despite having been warned to be careful. Not cool. But that may have been the only downside to my entire trip, so I'll take that over any other myriad of things that could have happened. It is still healing and funky looking, and I'm sure it will leave a pretty little scar, but it will make a great conversation piece, right?

One of my favorite things in Africa: kids carrying their siblings around. Although I am torn about kids taking on that much responsibility, but it is cute to see, because they are always so proud to show you their little baby and they love it when you ooh and aah over their little one. (Yes, one of the babes in the picture is totally asleep on her sister's back.)

This little baby was being held by her 5 or six year old sister, while her mom was learning how to make paper beads in one of our women's groups. The little one kept fussing, so of course, I couldn't resist any longer. I took here for awhile and she totally fell asleep in my arms. When she woke up, it was time for her to do her thing, and since most babies don't wear diapers, I used my jedi-like reflexes and professional mom skills to quiickly avert a poop disaster. Amazingly, I came out clothes and arms clean, although I think the mom was a little embarrassed. She ran out with the babe before I could tell her I have been pooped on many times and it really does not bother me. At any rate, the other volunteers were awed by my skills.

Don't worry, there are many more stories to come and they are not all about poop or nasty burns. And yes, I did work on some actual projects while there, so you will hear about those too.