Hey Lugazi team!

I think it's time I introduce myself too (sorry, I'm a blog rookie so I've been a little post shy - I've been reading your great posts, but despite Jesse's efforts, I hadn't figured out how to post until now - uhhh it's the easiest thing ever if I actually accept the invite!)...

I met many of you while I was in Provo, but not all. I'll be your country director alongside Jesse.. I'm living in Seattle, WA. Just finished grad school at University of Washington. I am SO ready to get out of the rain and over to sunny Lugazi. I work at a little non-profit called the Fabric of Life Foundation. We support cooperative projects that aim to help women and their families - our biggest project is a school in Bamako, Mali that helps girls and young women move themselves from begging to self-sufficient. I fell in love with West Africa last summer and I'm anxious to set foot in East Africa.

I think this summer is going to be amazing! I believe we have the opportunity of a lifetime. First and foremost, I look forward to our team working side-by-side with Ugandans, and learning all that we can. While we have so much to give, we also have so much to learn. I believe we'll make relationships that last a lifetime. And while we'll "wrap up" some really cool projects by the end of the summer, it's the fact that those projects will carry on that makes them all the cooler. And the fact that the relationships we build will mean eye-opening cultural exchange on both ends and lifelong friendships that foster sustainable knowledge exchange and development. Jesse and I are working on getting in touch with our in-country partners now to build relationships early on. I feel so fortunate to be part of this!!

Please feel free to call me anytime to talk about project ideas, travel questions, etc.: 505-239-3869. Or email me arielmacpherson@gmail.com. I'll be reaching out to you guys in the next couple weeks just to check in. Wish I were closer to you all!

Ari