You are not so close to the roosters, but you are near to the goats.

I have arrived! Just 24 hours after leaving my home in Pennsylvania, I arrived at Mazzoldi House in Karen last night. I was greeted at the airport by Fr. Ponciano (a member of last time's welcome wagon), my new friend Fr. John, and of course Fr. Kamanzi. I was thrilled and relieved that all of my luggage and all of its contents arrived safely, especially since I was carrying A LOT of donations thanks to the inspiring generosity of individuals back home.

I was looking forward to moving back into my old room (number 21), which Brother Steven had assured me would be mine as often as I returned, but when we arrived at the house, the Fathers steered me towards the administration house. Friends, I have moved up in the world! Apparently, since I am now a part of the administration of the order (a lay part, but a part all the same), I now have accommodations in the main house! The room is not terribly different in size or layout (which I found comforting), but it is on the other side of the compound from the Guest House, so, as Fr. Kamanzi told me cheerfully, "You are not so close to the roosters, but you are near to the goats." I am happy to say that I was woken up by neither this morning.

Now I am getting reacquainted with the place, which isn't really necessary, since as soon as I arrived it felt as though I had never left. My new friend Fr. John will be my companion and guide throughout my travels in East Africa. He and I spent a few happy hours this morning discussing all of our potential destinations over the next month.

A whole month. My, but that's wonderful!

I am hoping to figure out how to connect my laptop to the internet (I am updating from one of the office computers) so that I can share pictures and update more often. Until then, I will do my best to keep this interesting!