December 2015

Hello Friends,
Here are some updates on our service trip to Africa:

Who’s coming? So far, 16 people have expressed interest in the trip. They run the gamut from from professors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, to medical doctors and graduate students. Such a varied group will enrich our days with their unique perspectives and contribute to our mission with a wide range of skills. In addition, our collective shared experiences will lay the foundation for enduring friendships, long after our trip has ended.

Travel agent: Carolyn Sweeney with Going Places, 1675 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA, will handle our travel needs.  I strongly recommend travelling as group from the US, as it’s logistically more efficient for everyone.  Contact Carolyn at 510-848-9000.

Deposit: Please send me $100 (cash or check) to “lock in” your spot at the current fare, because as the months progress, ticket prices will climb higher and higher. As a group we have the “buying power” advantage of reserving spots now at a particular price. Even if we complete the final booking months from now, we’ll still pay the current price.

Safety: I know there are growing concerns about safety. Things are quiet in Uganda and life is going on without any problem; therefore, our travel plans remain unaltered.

-Fred, December 2015

October 2015

Hello friends,
Just following up on my last email sent out to you about the trip to Uganda…

Several of you have expressed interest in the trip and have already contacted me. If you have not but are interested please contact me so that you are put on the mailing list.

1st payment: There are no financial commitments required at this time…we are still in the planning stage.  The first payment is due in February of 2016 to book your air ticket. No cash needed, you can use your credit card.

2nd payment: The next payment will be in April to book our lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park (close to the DR Congo border).

The earlier we book our flights and secure lodge reservations for QE National Park, the better. The rest we can be sorted out as we go along.

Cost: $4,500/US

Visit highlights – VIPs: I am working on a visit with our Vice President or the Speaker of Parliament, and a courtesy call on the King of my ethnic community (the Basoga), His Royal Highness William Kadhumbula Gabula IV. If they are within the country at that time, we will certainly get an opportunity to interact with them.

Visit highlights- Jinja: Besides Uganda’s capital of Kampala, we will spend time in the city of Jinja where I went to school and worked for a while. Jinja is considered ‘East Africa’s Adventure Capital.’ It’s where the River Nile begins its long journey to Egypt through the Sudans. There is white water rafting, bungee jumping, horse riding, sunset dinner cruises on the Nile Jinja, great eating places, and lots of souvenir shops. Both Jinja and the big city of Kampala have an exciting entertainment/cultural life. Most likely we will be joined for dinner by the Mayor of Jinja.

Visit highlights- St. Athanasius Grade School Upgrades: As earlier pointed out, we will spend some time working with a poor, rural community on projects that improve the local community grade school. We’ll repair walls, reinforce existing woodwork, and more.  After our work is done, we’ll spend time with the families of the school children to better understand their challenges and triumphs. These truly meaningful interactions are closest to my heart, as their richness fills me with joy and hope, because I see myself in the lives of the children.  I remember myself back in grade school and then reflect on where I am now; my successes all due to my educational opportunities.

Overall, the two weeks are designed to provide you a wide ranging opportunity to learn about Uganda through interactions with both the rich and powerful and those on the lowest rung of the economic ladder.

Here are a couple of things you may need to think about as we go along:

-Departure from the US is tentatively set for 15th June
-Return from Uganda (Entebbe) is tentatively set for 2nd July
-Work on purchasing your air ticket by the end of February (no cash needed, you can use your credit card)
-You will need a passport; if you do not have one, apply for one

Email me in case you have questions.

-Fred, October 2015