We’re off! The ‘two from Minnesota’ are headed to Karagwe. Bags checked, playlists loaded, and farewells made. And don’t forget the chapstick. We begin the lengthy trip that always unfolds in predictable and unexpected ways. We tend to meet good-hearted folks on the plane: some who work in Europe or beyond; others visiting family or embarking on a long-planned trip. For me and ETI, this is always a rich time to get to know our travel partner(s) and go over our hopes and goals for the trip.

I know you have all memorized the goals of the ETI trip but here they are again for your review: The Educate Tanzania Inc (ETI) team will:

· assess progress and articulate plan for KARUCO opening in 10.2016.

· collect baseline data for KARUCO impact study.

· assess progress on ELCT 5 Year Strategic Plan for KARUCO.

And of course, we have our superseding goal of reconnecting with our valued Partners – everyone at KAD as well as getting to know the team from Sweden’s Rural Economic Agricultural Society.

Our team is Jan Hansen (ETI) and Chris Johnstone (University of Minnesota).

FIRST LEG

The first leg is Minneapolis to Amsterdam arriving in the Netherlands early morning. A short layover at Schiphol where we take in the visuals (tulips), load up on good coffee and stretch out – -then… off we go again headed to Kigali, Rwanda. We touch down (presumably pick up a few passengers) and head a short way to Entebbe, Uganda. This is where the real fun begins.

It’s warm (ok – hot), we go through customs and gather around the carousel in hopes of reconnection with our bags. Then we meet our Ugandan friends who pick us up. In years past, we have relied on our dear friend and partner, Charles Lugemwa who founded HOPE Clinics in the slums of Kampala. This year our hotel offered to pick us up. Still – we hope Charles will join us for breakfast the next morning for a visit. After two 8+ hour flights, the hotel (even the airport) is a welcome change from the confines of Seat 31C or whatever. As you can probably tell – I have written this blog prior to the adventure.

Let’s see how close any of it is to reality.

Thanks for joining us.