Its a really long, long way to Masaka

Our day began with a heartwarming breakfast and goodbye with Bishop Emmanuel and Robert. They presented us with a lovely plaque and some t-shirts as a memento of our visit. We felt incredibly grateful for their hospitality and the incredible work they are doing for communities in northern Rwanda.

The Bishop had generously given us the use of his car and driver whilst we were visiting the projects and he continued the sacrifice by having Simon take us to the border.

We were pleasantly surprised by how efficient and painless the crossing was. Much improved from the last time Carmen had to do it!

We were met at the border by our dear friends, Archdeacon Patrick and Eriab the best driver in Uganda, our trusty guides for the rest of our trip. There’s an awkward section at the border between Rwanda where people drive on the right and Uganda where you drive on the left.  I think free-for-all aptly describes it! 

Pretty soon after Kabale, the first big town after the border, the landscape starts to flatten out. We were driving through rolling hills and farmland lined with Ankole and goats for most of the rest of the journey.

It’s a long drive up to Masaka but there was plenty to look at to keep us entertained.  The road was bustling with small towns lining the way, with street vendors selling all manner of things from fruit and veg to coffins!  And you wouldn’t believe the things you can get on the back of a motorbike, we saw one guy with a double bed strapped to the back! 

At one point the heavens opened and we were very glad to be on a tarmac road.  Just as quickly as it started to rain (and hail!) it stopped.  Later on we got a little lost and had to stop and ask directions.  It cost Patrick 3 red cabbages, a carrot, and some beetroot for the answer!

We finally arrived at Banda Lodge in Masaka around 7pm. We were tired and very stiff but happy to finally be here. We are looking forward to reconnecting with our partners, the church communities they work with and seeing how the projects are progressing. And meeting the sponsored children of course.