Let me show you my home!

Coming back from rural Kitgum, I felt like I was reentering civilization.  Gulu suddenly seemed like a huge city, containing everything I could possibly need; a bar of soap, tissues,  …CHOCOLATE (although to my muzungu friends I traveled with in ’09, I have yet to find a Cadbury bar!!).  Its good to be back.  It was also so good to see my family again.  As crazy as they are, they are awesome.  They also aren’t treating me as a visitor so much anymore, which is pretty cool.  And I now have my own room!  Janice has gone back to boarding school, and the twins are sleeping in their own beds (why they did not sleep there before is beyond me).  Although I will miss Janice’s late night phone calls and the twins snoring away, It’s nice to have a little peace and quiet.  I actually slept without earplugs last night!

So here is a little tour of my home.  It really is nothing like my grass-thatched hut in Kitgum, but both have their own homey qualities.  And I especially appreciate the shower here.  After attempting to wash with a small basin with cloudy water for a week, I  am welcoming the cold shower happily!

This is my home! Sisters, brothers, and friends playing on the front porch.  Doesn't look like what I thought my house in Gulu would look like, but not complaining :)

This is our yard, where I do my laundry.

Here is a view to the front gate.  Most houses here are not in enclosed compounds like this, but it makes me feel safe because I am so far away from town.

Here is my sister Merina in our outdoor kitchen.  Today, Mama made goat intestines for lunch. Mmm, mmm, yummy! (Just kidding)

This is the road I live on.  There aren't many people around.  It's about 3K to town, but the roads get more populated the closer you get.

This is our garden.  My family grows most of their own vegetables and fruits.

Neighbors!

Living the life of luxury.

The sitting room.  We spend most of our time here.

Next stop: Kampala!