There's a first time for everything!

There is the first time you ever have to wait for news of results of an AIDS test for a child you just met. The feeling of panic, only to cry happy tears that the test have come back negative!!!!!!

There is the first time you enter a village that happens to be the first village netted, by BUY-A-NET in September 2006.

There is the first time you are invited into a home to see the net hanging, over the bed, with a proud mum telling you that the people in the village feel that thier lives have become better since the nets have arrived. They are women regardless of where they live, and swept the dirt floor before I walked in to see their net hanging. They have pieces of broken lace atop the net to make it look pretty. They are so proud to show me the nets, and how their children sleep under them. I was proud to be there. Proud of these women, and proud of the organization that I volunteer my time, and my heart with. Proud that we can make a difference in the lives of so many people with a single net. BUY-A-NET has not only changed the lives of the people of Uganda, but mine as well.

This week, my first week in Uganda, has been a bit of a whirlwind. Busy, sad, and emotionally exhausting all at the same time. The smell is something that is hard to get over too...there is no sewage system, no where to put garbage, and when it rains, it all just washes down the road, together. I am getting better at holding my breath when need be, but these lovely people have to endure it evey minute of every day.

My face gets sore by the end of the day, from smiling. Every person I walk by, every child I see, constant smiling. There is a lovely woman who works at the residence we are staying at. Her name is Susan. Yesterday I gave her a knitted bear. She is pregnant and has nothing for her child. She was so thankful that she in turn, made me a boy and girl doll out of banana leaves. They are amazing. Such a unique craft that is something to be cherished, as the wool bear is for her baby.

I have a busy week this week as we are doing some travelling and netting some villages. I am so excited. I have learned so much in 7 days...and continue to do so every minute, with each person I meet.

Please post a comment, I love getting messages from home. It's like opening a gift, and makes my face a little more sore from smiling.

As the title of this blog goes, there really is a first time for eveything...but one thing is for sure, this first trip to Uganda, will not be my last!

Love to you all, Nance