African Adventure - December 26 - January 9 - Day 1-2

December 26, 2021

We loaded up 7 extra suitcases of donations for Saint Bakhita's, plus our own large travel backpack and carryon and flew out of South Bend Airport at 1 PM.

The complexities leading up to the departure were harrowing.  Initially we planned to travel with 20 ND students.  Over the course of fall semester the number became 14.  In the three days before departing, the number dwindled to 7.  Exposure to COVID, being positive for COVID, and an eaten passport all contributed '_'

Our flight from South Bend...

The students were all traveling from their home locations, which added to the "excitement" (and the cost '_').  We all had different COVID requirements for whatever countries our flights connected to.  I was fairly certain we would lose at least one more along the way.  Delighted to report that this was not the case!  Even our family was informed we needed an extra PCR test, beyond the one we did in the US, as connecting through Brussels required a test within 24 hours of passing through the country!  This meant that we spent our 6 hour layover in Chicago in line with hundreds of other people for a COVID test - which in and of itself seemed risky.  We had an appointment at 2 PM, waited in line until 5:30 PM, and then ran to catch our flight.  Ugh!  It was soo painful!  And the kicker is, no one in Brussels asked to see our $600 worth of COVID tests from Chicago.  I think I will turn them into jewelry '_'

We were so short on time, and starving, so ran into Tortas and ordered chips and guac for our group to eat on the plane.  We walked right on the plane and setlled in.

We travelled just over 8 hours to Brussels.  Once there, we had croissants and cappuccinos.  

Then back on the plane for another 8.5 hours to Rwanda.... Poor Lily was once again dealing with motion sickness, but handled it like a pro.

Short stop in Rwanda where we didn't leave the plane, yet more forms were needed with COVID declarations.  Then less than an hour to Uganda.  

We landed in Uganda and had to head straight to COVID testing, which is only $30pp here! - and then visa processing.  It took us until 2 AM!  The kids were troopers.  This is how amazing we all looked for the COVID testing, which required prison-booking photos.  Our third negative test in 72 hours!

We headed out to the airport shuttle, which funnily loaded our luggage through the windows.  Three students had already arrived, so there 10 of us.

WELCOME TO UGANDA!