So yesterday (tuesday) we began preparation for the Afaayo HIV programme with a new set of Ugandan leaders. There isn’t as many of them compared to last weeks group. It wasn’t easy getting back to work again after a great few days off but we took to the task at hand and got straight to it! So today (wednesday) we were ready to get to work and headed of to the HIV centre to begin our first days work. We played games with the kids first which was a lot of fun then we had some morning tea with pumpkin cake, boiled eggs and fried potatoes. Not bad at all really. After this we had main deck which was full of singing, dancing, drama and laughs. Todays theme was Eternal love so our drama team prepared a version of “The Lost Sheep” which went down well. After Main Deck we split up into age groups to do Bible studies, crafts and games. It was quite tough seeing the kids as they have such a horrible virus put upon them through no fault of their own which is a huge eye opener for all of us. Luckily we have another 2 days working with them so it will be great showing them Love and Joy through our activities.

We are now back at camp chilling before work tomorrow. But now for a special treat for you back home. Each team member will talk briefly on how they have enjoyed their first week! Keep leaving comments and love as we all really enjoy hearing from you!

Hello one and all! Matty Girvan here. Wow, it’s hard to believe we’re home next Tuesday! It’s been awesome so far! Working with the school kids and the Afaayo HIV kids has been immense. They are all legends! Everyone is having so much fun and this experience is seriously once in a lifetime as well as being epic! The days off were unreal, especially our venture in Kampala! Love to all my friends and family for their support! Waylaba!

Jess here! having such an AMAZING time. Loving the culture, it’s such a change but i feel like i am adapting really well. Loved working at schools and Kamapala was such a good time. Enjoying working with HIV kids. Love to family and friends xx

Jade here! Having an amazing time here with the team and its a funny experience trying to adapt to the food. Can’t wait to get back and show everyone the pics. Love yous all. Hope Hfaz isn’t having fun without me xoxo

Hey its Laura F. I’m having such a great time here and its an amazing experience! The school visits were unbelievable ..prob my fav part! Can’t wait till safari :) missing you al so much hope sera noni and hannah make more comments haha XX

Hey it’s Natalie, I’m having a great time, the children are amazing and the weather is BEAUT… gutted we have to wear so much clothes its physically impossible to get a tan haha. Miss you all, see you soon, P.S serious cravings for a mcdonalds double cheese burger! x x

Hey its Kathryn here. Ive had an amazing time so far despite my reflux playing up. Can’t wait for western culture and my own bed! The kids are cute as well. Hope everyone is well at home, miss you all xxxx

Hey Adam here. Hard to believe a week has gone already, but having an amazing time out here. Loving all the kids out here and the different culture. I am looking forward to home for my bed and food, but also to share my experience. Speak soon Love Adam xxxx

Hey Nini reporting! Time is ticking away too fast. i do miss home comforts alot… i dreamt about bacon sandwhichs last night! But apart from that i love it out here. The injustice really stands out here but seeing the smiles and loving nature shows me we have alot to learn from them. Love to all.. miss you xx

Evening Ladies.. stewart (Millhead) here. Having an unreaaal time here in uganda, its my 3rd week here now as i flew out a week early. Was working with street kids and exploring kampala life including swimming, shopping, eating and heading out. Since i joined the CMS team we have been running kids clubs (obv) which has been very successful and great rewarding fun! Miss elborn, chris, arzo and all the lads. Cya’s soon. xx p.s. found out i got into university today :)

Hey Andy Beech here Just want to say im having a great time and dont want to come home anytime soon. Really looking forward to this week. P.S mum don’t want ODI tickets but thanks for the thought

Hello its katie here. Having a great time and things are going by very quickly. Am loving doing the kids club and finding out all about the culture! Trying my best to make the most of being out here. Love Katie!

Hello home! having a really great time but i cant believe its nearly over already! We have made loads of friends so it will be sad coming home, but im really looking forward to sharing all our stories! Love Suzy

Hey everyone! its emma H. I would like to thank everyone for their comments on the blog. Its great to hear them all! I am having a fantastic time and im loving spending time with all the kids! Everything here is so different here compared to home which is a challenge in itself, but i am loving every minute of it Love Emma xx

Hey everyone, having a great time out here. The first week consisted of kids clubs, meetings an general carping around the hospital. The weekend was eventful with another kids club and a Rural Church on Sunday. Today bought and cared for a chicken called laurence featherman. Missing eggy, craig, sam, graeme and all the lads and especially Gillian Love you loads Bbe. anyways hope to see more comments soon on the blogs TTYL AP! xxxx

Hi folks. Having a great time. Lots of new experiences and new friends. Hope you are all well. TTFN Samuel Hamilton Johnston III

Hello Laura here (trotman) Things have been great here and will hopefully only get betters. I would happily stay here past tuesday but would need a few home comforts (Rosie, chocolate cake and KFC haha) Love LT x P.S appreciate the comments lads

Alright Guys! Uganda 2009 has been awesome so far. The children have been amazing and have made the experience so enjoyable for me :) Thanks mum and dad for making the trip possible for me. Missing mum dad jill and mark greatly and missing jade terribly :( … cant wait to see you all soon. Love Davey P.S still havent seen any monkeys :( and mum and mandy Uganda is craft heaven XXX

Hello fam and friends, Sherry here. Apart from feeling unwell, i’ve been having a great time. I’m excited for the week ahead and experiencing more of Ugandan cultute.. but also looking forward to seeing everyone. Bangor and Dublin people included! Byes x

Having a good time havent been sick yet (touch wood) still not used to the showers but ill live, the kids we’re with are great, see you’s soon Tori x

Hey everyone, Emma jackson here. Im having an awesome time- loving all of it. Thanks for al the prayers and thoughts, also great to hear all the blog comments- keep them going! See you when i get home Emma j

Hello everyone!! life is good, having a fab time!! Can’t believe it’s nearly over. Excited for the next few days but also excited for toilets and warm showers again. Missing BPM, galaxy cookie crumble and mcdonalds and of course all friends and family. See yous soon, Love Jo xx

so i think thats everyone… i’m having a great time and looking forward to getting home to see jules!! will miss this special place!!

lots of love

grace and peace

dc