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The children in Gulu, Uganda will steal your heart. Even though we didn't speak the same language, we had so much fun together. My husband and I went to Gulu for a month in 2007 and it changed us forever. We realized what else was out in the world. We formed a life long friendship with people we only saw for a couple weeks and continue to talk to and support them in any way possible. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people that has been stricken with a horrible civil war. Children this age are forced to be soldiers in the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army), forced out of their homes, forced to kill, and to help overthrow the government. I feel fortunate to have met these people and to feel the urge to help them regain their lives. I always want these kids to be smiling.

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Loving Life
by Sarah Blaine, Independence, KY

Sarah's Dream Trip
Uganda

I never imagined I would have ended up in Uganda, Africa at any point in my life, but I am so thankful that I did. It was not an easy trip. Long flight, hot weather, nothing I was used to, but it transformed my outlook on life. I fell in love with the people, culture, and food. I'd have to say that my dream would be to submerge myself in their culture once again.

I'd want to travel with my husband and any other friends or family up for the adventure. Just us, our backpacks, and the thought that this was the trip of a lifetime. I'd want to stay at the Red Chili Hideaway, go on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and experience the wildlife. I'd go boating on the Nile and stare at the wonder of the hippos. I would want to go gorilla trekking and visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. I'd add bungee jumping over the Nile in Jinja. Make that rafting the Nile, too.

Towards the end of the safaris, adventures, and stuffing my face with beans, rice, and curried cabbage, my ultimate goal would be to see Mary and Irene, two locals that we spent the majority of our time with last trip, and their kids. I'd want to fill up on their smiles and friendship for a week before heading back to the States and back to work. The impact that they had on my life was incredible and seeing them again is my dream.

Sarah's Travel Tips

• Baby wipes are a must. They are easily packable and can be used to freshen up in hot weather, clean your hands before you eat with no sink in sight, or when you come upon the bathrooms with no toilet paper.

• Keep your eyes open for opportunity. Talk to the locals, ask questions, do things that you normally wouldn't do.

• Take public transportation. The taxi ride for $70 will get you where you need to go, but the $3 bus ride can lead you to see more and interact with the culture.