Meeting a 15/yr friend of a friend's daughter a few months back, and learning she had spent 6/weeks in Uganda this past summer, was thrilled and quite impressed with her blog. Seeing her again (with pink hair and as charming as ever) at a Sweet 16th Birthday party last evening, I asked her permission to post the link, which she gladly gave:

http://madelineinuganda.blogspot.com...et-access.html

She had gone over with her mom who stayed with her for 2/weeks, then left Madeline on her own at the orphanage - with no electricity (except 2/hrs generator 6-8pm; otherwise lanterns), no hot water, no flush loos, cots for sleeping and local foods - sets the scene. When she finally was able to get into town and find an internet cafe, she started her blog. The above link is the first commencing 16th July. Then whenever back in town, added to it till her last entry on departure (31st Jul) which, needless, to say was an adventure, many adults would have gone into panic over. But not Madeline... she just went with the flow; though in conversation last night indicated she was quite upset. A cool cookie!

The ongoing entries can be accessed from the left blog column.

I believe you'll enjoy with laughs, smiles, tears, the adventures of this amazing and quite gutzy city young lady in a remote Ugandan community... the kids, the elders, drivers, etc.

Oh, and she's going back again this summer.

Thankyou, Sandi, this looks like it will be a delightful read! I am printing it out, and putting it in date order with the rest of the trips reports for East Africa that I am reading for the index!

Thank you for the link Sandi. Lynda, would we expect anything OTHER than <u>date order</u>? Happy bus reading.

Hi Sandi,
Thank you for posting this.
Madeline's a pretty impressive woman. I thoroughly enjoyed her insights.

I think you may get more exposure over at the lounge with this seeing that not many of us are traveling these days :'(

Thank you so much for posting this! What a wonderful read and what an experience for a 15 year old. Simply reading this should make us all thankful for all we have. Happy Holidays!

This is great, Sandi. Thanks for sharing. It almost makes up for the lack of trip report from your May journey.

Happy Hannukah, Christmas, New Year, Winter Solstice, whatever you are choosing to celebrate this season. I know you will do it with style!

I loved reading this. Way to go madeline!

I'm so pleased that you've enjoyed Madeline's adventure... I sure did in our initial conversation and then thru the blog.

In fact, the entire group of 15 - 17/yr olds, both girls and boys, all shades and ethnicities, were quite impressive: smart, talented (theatre, music, bands, drama, writing... you name it) and community projects; many already with professional creds in their fields. All heading off to college. A darn good representation of the next generation. Their parents have done good!

Leely - believe me, I have a note that daily pops up &quot;Finish trip report&quot; and do a few lines daily. Eventually, it'll be posted... I ask patience, si vous plais!

The best of the season to all!