Two happy Ugandans have safely arrived and passed U.S. Customs at Washington-Dulles Airport in Virginia.

Gonsha and Cathy arrived safe and sound in the USA yesterday. When we met up in the waiting area, they were all smiles!  When I travel to Uganda, we arrive late at night and although I’m so happy to be there, I feel like I must look like I’ve traveled for 24 hours. But, Cathy and Gonsha seemed as fresh as the moment they stepped on the plane. On our long drive home, my husband and I drove them through Washington D.C. to get a their first look at our Nation’s Capital.  From the car they saw the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, many Smithsonian museum buildings, and the Jefferson Memorial.  We also drove them through the Gettysburg Battlefield memorials.

We stopped at a scenic overlook of the Potomac River on our way home from Washington DC but the trees had grown up so much that the river wasn’t visible at this point. (KarenBeth, Gonsha, Cathy)

Their first American meal was at a Friendly’s Restaurant.  Gonsha couldn’t believe how large the glass was that they served her Fanta soda in.  I’m sure this won’t be the last thing that seems really “large” in the USA.  I’m going to let the series of pictures tell the story of their first 2 days here. Some their first impressions:  Gonsha “I’m learning so much already!” “Everything is different” She was amazed at all of the different license plates on cars- in Uganda there are only numbers on the plates and no pictures. “The cars are so BIG”. She remarked on how well kept the homes and yards are. “It’s interesting how you can serve yourself at the Petrol stations- In Uganda there is always an attendant.”

At a Gas Station, Gonsha was impressed by the large American Red Cross bus fueling up opposite my car. She asked the driver if she could take a picture and it made me smile because that is what I do all the time in Uganda. She also found the automatic, self-pay fueling machines fascinating.

Cathy “I’ve noticed that Americans don’t like the word “fat” but in Uganda “fat” is just a normal word we use to describe someone- the same way we talk about someone being tall or short” “Customs was so nice and more calm than expected (referring to going through U.S. Customs at the airport)” “It’s a lot greener, with trees and grass, than I expected. Most visitors come to Uganda and remark on how green it is so we thought it would not be that way here”

Clowning around on the balcony of their new apartment on the campus of Wilkes University. The view of downtown is beautiful and they were surprised how nice and large the space is. It is not furnished, except for beds, desks, and dressers, so I borrowed a kitchen table and couch as well as cooking supplies and eating implements from people from my church.

She was amazed at how large the Department of Agriculture was when we drove by it in Washington D.C.  “After seeing many farms (on the way home) and putting into perspective how big America is, I can see why that department would be huge. Just never thought America was big on farming.  Hollywood should do something about that….”

Lunch at Thai-Thai- we had a delicious meal after moving the furniture into their apartment at this Thai Restaurant in walking distance from Wilkes and where they will stay. (Gonsha, KarenBeth, Jeff (husband), Cathy)