Mzungu! How are you??

So, yesterday was pretty great.  We got up early to go on our first hike up Wanale Mountain. We left the house at 7:45 and started walking toward the mountains.  The first part of the hike was up a dirt road through lots of little villages.  The whole time we were walking, little kids were running out toward the road yelling “Mzungu! How are you? I’m fine. How are you?”  They get soo excited to see this parade of mzungus walking past their houses. So funny.  When we finally got to the base of the mountain, we were already tired and the hike hadn’t even started yet.  We hiked to the very top of the mountain on a tiny little path that was more like a super steep, stone staircase.  It was probably the hardest hike I had ever done.  The whole time was straight up the side of the mountain.  And we were in the blazing Africa sun.  Sooo exhausting.  But so worth it.  When we got to the top we were met by a bunch of children who live in little huts on the top of the mountain, who continued to follow us the rest of the time we were on the mountain.  The waterfall was gorgeous and the view of Mbale below us was incredible.  Honestly, this place is so incredibly beautiful.  No matter what direction I look, I feel like I am looking at a postcard with a professionally taken picture on it.  Amazing.

                After taking in the scenery we all went for a little swim in the river.  It was freezing, but so refreshing.  The best part was that all of the little African kids were standing along the banks just watching and laughing at us.  We must have been quite a sight for them.

                The hike back down the mountain wasn’t near as exhausting, but it was definitely still an adventure.  The path was so steep that we pretty much slipped and skidded the whole way down.  Be happy I didn’t fall to my death; I had a lot of close calls.  I couldn’t believe that as we were taking all day to get up and down the mountain, Africans were passing us on the trail carrying huge bunches of bananas or other supplies on their heads.  One lady that I passed had an entire tree on her head. Not a joke.  I felt really silly that I struggled so much going up and down the mountain with my tennis shoes and bottle of clean water, when these people make that trek everyday without shoes and carrying all kinds of things. Americans are a little pathetic sometimes.

                Once we got back to the house, we pretty much all collapsed. I filled up on water and a peanut butter sandwich, took a cold shower (which actually felt really good), and then passed out on my bed for a little while.  The rest of the night was pretty uneventful.  Some of us went into town for a little bit to get some food, and when we came back to the house the power was out (which actually happens pretty often).  We spent the rest of the night sitting around wondering what to do without power and ended up going to bed pretty early.  Which was probably needed. 

We had the kids take a group picture of us. It was quite the process. 

                This morning we went to church which was, as they always say, the same no matter where you go.  The church building is really pretty nice, but a little warm which makes it hard to stay awake.  I also am still getting used to everyone’s accent so I really have to listen and pay attention if I want to understand what they are saying.  It was so nice to go to church though. It feels like it has been a pretty long crazy week, and it was so good to have that break from everything and just go to church.  It was also fun to meet so many of the people in the branch, especially the ones who immediately loved me when they found out I was Sam’s sister.  They love her around here, so I am loved by association. Works for me!!

The kids watching all of the mzungus swimming. We had quite the audience!

                I think the rest of the day will be pretty relaxed.  We are going to have a crazy week so it will be nice to just rest up today and get ready for the week.  I will keep you updated!

I went and sat down on the grass and this little boy looked at me and then sat down across from me and gave me the most mischievous little smile. So cute.