Ponchos and water and money....oh my!

Ok, so the poncho... I met a lady who has been to Uganda a couple of times and she strongly recommended that I bring a poncho.  Since Uganda has 80% humidity, I automatically assumed it would be used for the daily downpours.  But no...the poncho, my friends, is for the following purpose:

Some areas where I will be traveling will not have bathrooms.  I will literally have to squat in the bushes. (Sorry for the visual folks)  The poncho is to cover yourself while taking care of business!

As I mentioned in the previous post, my neighbor brought a poncho to my Bon Voyage party.  She had the guests sign it.  And the joke of the evening was that I would have good reading material in "the bathroom".  She named it "Dr. Josie's Hienie Hider".  It was quite hilarious.

Water
Many people are asking me what the drinking water situation is out there.  It is not good! The Ventura County Public Health nurse, who went over missionary travel instructions with me, advised me not to drink the water and to avoid ice cubes.  We were told that we will have bottled water available to drink. However, I am still brining potable aqua tablets just incase. It's amazing what the Camping isle at Walmart carries!

Money
The money system is weird.  We were advised to bring money that was printed in the last couple of years.  If we don't, we won't get as good of an exchange rate!  Apparently, counterfitting is rampant in the area, so any American dollars printed before 2005 will receive significantly less on the exchange.

Thanks for following my blog.  Please become a follower by clicking on the right.  That will allow me to know who is likely reading the posts.  If there is something that would be of particular interest to my followers, I can make sure to post about it.
Thanks!

6 days and counting!

I can't believe I'm going to Uganda in 6 days!

I have started packing and am realizing that I won't have room to bring many clothing items.

I have had so many dental supplies donated for the trip and purchased a few items as well.  It's more important to have room for those items. Multiple changes of clothing is not really an option.

Last Friday, I was blessed to have a friend host a prayer send off for me and Bonnie (my travel buddy).
About 30 ladies came to pray for us and send us off with well wishes and hugs.  My neighbor was thoughtful enough to bring a much needed poncho so that all the ladies could sign it for me.

Stay tuned for why I need the poncho...

While preparing for the trip has been time consuming and, at times, overwhelming, I have managed to feel a calming sense of peace this week that can only come from a higher source.

I want to thank everyone that has been praying for me and this trip. I can't wait to see what awaits me!