Hi Kathy. It’s fantastic that you can have regular communication with the family in northern Uganda. Thanks for all your support.
I know what you mean about the airfare. However, I’m sure coming here would give you an even greater sense of connection.
It’s beyond most of us to fix the world’s big problems so helping one or two individuals is usually all we can do. If everyone did that, the world would be a better place. That means it is a great place to start! 🙂

It’s so true. I know I have far more than most Ugandans …or most of the worlds population. I support a family in Northern Uganda. They use the money for school fees, meds, necessities..and even help their neighbors. I hope one day to actually meet them but often I think the airfare is better spent helping them with day to day living. We talk on Facebook so we do see each other! It truly looks like a beautiful country. The disparity of wealth in the world has always troubled me. I feel better the last five years when I started helping this family. I know they work harder than i have ever worked but will always just scrape by. My family are so happy to help them but I know it’s only 1 family of millions who desperately need help.

Thanks Alissa. Uganda’s a warm and extremely welcoming country but boy does it have its frustrating moments!

“Thanks for the appreciation” Nikki 🙂
I think we could say that about anywhere in the world – some people just want an easy life and can’t be bothered to put in the effort.
Sometimes I get it, sometimes I get annoyed at the assumption we have ‘spare money.’
I had a conversation with the binman in Kampala once. He had asked me for something. I said “there are millions of very poor white people in the world you know” – and he just laughed in my face!
When I visit the UK, for example, I’m shocked to see homeless people on the streets. Those people no longer have villages to go back to…

Love the blog. It is true. When attempting to give information on how be self-sufficient some do not want to hear it, so I move on.

Thanks for reading my Diary – and good luck with your blog 🙂 Mine started as a record of my early days here too – nine years ago now.
Being married to a Ugandan is definitely a good way to help avoid people who want to overcharge the muzungu – tho she probably is assumed to be rich now she is married to you! lol. You can’t win!

….i read some other posts. Good stuff. I hope my blog can be this good one day. I have much respect for your work.

It’s funny how the same situation can be really funny one day, and very annoying indeed the next!

I try and be philosophical: generally we bazungu are accepted very easily in Uganda. In fact, in many cases we are given preferential treatment. It’s humbling, it’s also a responsibility. Therefore, sometimes you have to accept the perception that you have so much cash you don’t know what to do with it (!) That perception really can drive you nuts though when you are struggling to survive yourself.