In the jungle, the mighty jungle..

THERE ARE NO GOOD ROADS IN ALL OF UGANDA!!! We left Kampala at 5:00am to head to the Paraa Lodge for the safari. Even though most of us didn't have enough sleep the night before, it was next to impossible to try to 'catch up' on our rest!! I 'lion napped' for the first hour and then just gave up! We drove for about 6 hours through rough, rugged roads, admiring the changing landscapes as we went! The Murchison Falls was first on the agenda and what a breathtaking view that was. All of the Nile River flows together at this one point and then flows on northward. It really was a gorgeous view--plus the weather was fantastic!! We took many photos and prayed that none of us would get too close to the edge!!
After another long drive, we arrived at the Nile River edge where we waited for the ferry to take us across to Paraa Lodge. I hadn't been on a ferry for years when I used to cross the Mississippi River at Meyer, IL, with Mom and Dad. We were greeted by several huge elephants who were drinking water. Mama and baby seemed quite calm but we stayed our distance. We had a very informative guide, Sarah, who joined us for the safari and we headed off in our trusted bus. There were many beautiful specimens to see-elephants, deer of all kinds, water buffalo and many giraffe. Giraffes have always been my childhood favorites so I was most excited to see them. Dianne spotted them first, seeing their heads sticking out from a distance. Unless you have a scope, the pictures are that great, but we did manage to get a few photos--enough to prove to my family that I really was there! I have to admit that Dianne and I are both pinching ourselves to remind us where God has sent us!!! The beauty of this country is abundant; in the people as well as the animals. We are so fortunate that we responded to this call in our hearts to leave the comforts of our home in Illinois to experience this creation!! It will be hard to leave. We may physically leave, but part of our heart will stay with Uganda!!!
Speaking of leaving, I am uncertain as to my departure date. Possibly as early as Tuesday, but possibly the 20th. We'll be checking with the airlines tomorrow. I miss everyone at home. Later!!! God bless!!