SHE MADE IT!

This is Charlee's sister posting in behalf of Charlee to let you all know she made it to Uganda! She is safe, and absolutely loving it. She says the food is wonderful, and the scenery is breath taking. The people are grateful and so kind. I don't quite know how many details to give away because I want to give her the opportunity to describe it herself. Just know that she is doing great. She asked me to post the phone numbers to reach her. Give her a call to hear all about it for yourself!

011-256-773-326-822 or 011-256-774-270-209

The best time to get a hold of her is in the evening. She is 8 hours ahead of DC time so keep that in mind.

layover

Amsterdam – Something about boarding a plane that is crossing an ocean is more nerve-racking than jumping from state to state. I’m not sure why because I imagine that a water landing would be much softer than a ground landing, but that’s just it – the ground offers a solid landing. Hmm. Well, I made it. Here I am in Amsterdam for 3 hours before I head out to Entebbe airport. When I get there, at 8:50 pm, John Wanda’s brother who lives in Kampala will have a sign with my name on it. My travel companion is Mike. In our haste to get to the next gate, don’t ask me why we would possibly be in a hurry while on a 3 hour layover, we went through the wrong customs station. I turned around to walk back and suddenly the police whistled at me. I guess that was a no-no. Well, my passport is stamped for Amsterdam.

We just bought adapters and batteries at the Duty Free store. The man at the check out noticed that I have a Dutch last name. I’m very Scandinavian – I guess I’m in (or near) the motherland. Surprisingly, I hear American accents everywhere. I commented to Mike that I love European culture as I saw a few men dressed in their soccer jerseys and a couple women totally hipstered out. But I think I would see those things in the Dulles airport in DC and the only reason they stand out now is because I’m in Europe. Hmmm…

Well, so far so good. I can’t wait to be done carrying this load, but I’m afraid that burden won’t be gone for a few more days.

I’m off!

Up, Up, and Away!

It's here! At 6 pm today, I board a plane and surrender to the unknown! Days like this encompass a myriad of emotions, primarily excitement and stress. Going to Uganda on humanitarian service is something that I'm making happen, it's not just happening to me. Accomplishing something of this magnitude is incredibly rewarding, and it never could happen without all the people who love and support me.

Please email me - it might take a day or two to return a note, but I will have access to the internet occasionally.

If anyone needs to reach me, please call 011-256-774-270-209 . That's a cell phone number that is available for my use. But make sure to keep in mind that they are 8 hours ahead of EST so please don't call too late (best time to call is mid-morning here).

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! to all everyone of you! I've had so many supportive and very generous people influence this decision. Because of your giving to me, in any kind of way, I am able to give to the people of Uganda.

Please check my blog often. I'll try to update it as much as possible.

Love you all!

Charlee

Only in Savannah!

One of those moments when you're SO glad you have a camera.