Go and Seek Adventure

Today is a day of thanks. After a morning of thoughtful discussion in class and a deep-fried lunch (we will not miss that in Uganda!), we spent the day with the people we have to thank most for the opportunity to go on this trip. We had a meeting with Dr. Traxler, our advisor and mentor from the Education Department (Hi Elizabeth!). She helped us cram more supplies and books into our already overflowing suitcases for the Moreau Primary School in Uganda. After acquiring our newly rented flip cameras (we are all way too excited about these... particularly Frannie), we went to the convent on Saint Mary's campus. Sister Madeline Therese Wilhoit, who is in charge of communication between our program and the Sisters in Uganda, welcomed us to her office to discuss aspects of African life and what to expect in and out of the classroom. There, we met Tony, the assistant director of the Ford Family Program at Notre Dame that focuses on human development studies and solidarity. (http://kellogg.nd.edu/fordprogram/) He shared with us his years of experience teaching in Uganda and we enjoyed hearing about the program he is involved in through Notre Dame. The Sisters of the Holy Cross invited us to brinner (they served breakfast for dinner). They were so excited and happy for our adventure! We felt just as popular as Justin Bieber does when he enters a middle school! Many Sisters shared there past trips to Uganda and Africa. Most expressed their desire to come with us and gave their blessings and prayers in our safe travels. They were all so thankful for their experiences abroad and we are grateful for their guidance and aide in ours. One of the Sisters shared with us a small slice of wisdom that we all hope will sum up our experience. "Don't go there shooting for the moon, but don't be surprised if it falls on your lap!"