Uganda is a Unique Place

 December 29-January 4

We decided to take a little trip away from Gulu for our Christmas present to each other.  We went to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch (Sanctuary) where they have the only wild rhinos in Uganda. They are white rhinos which were named this even though they are really gray. This identity tag is most likely due to a linguistic misunderstanding. The Dutch used the word "wijde" to describe the wide broad mouth that is a character trait of this particular rhino. The Africans adopted the word and spelled it "wyd." The mix up occurred when English speakers heard "wyd" as "white." In reality the Africans were speaking of the rhino's lips which are wide not narrow and pointed like black rhinos.  

We met our guide who explained a few safety rules then we drove 3 minutes to a nearby watering hole which 3 rhinos were approaching and suddenly we were observing white rhinos in the wild with no fences between us.  It was very exciting!

Follow the leader

The three rhinos at a watering hole were drinking and licking salt form the ground.  There was a mother, a young two year old and an adopted juvenile male.  After this we drove on and found a group of 5 rhinos that were in the bush.  We were able to get much closer to this group, probably 12-14 feet.  Our guide previously told us that he would give instructions in case they charge, which was to hide behind a tree or bush. He explained that the rhino's eyesight is very poor and they won't see us.  Also, they have a poor memory so they will quickly forget why they were charging and go back to grazing.  Fortunately they didn't seem too concerned about us and didn't charge.  We were able to observe and take photos of them for a while as they walked and ate grass.  They eat about 154 pounds of grass a day, I guess when you weigh three tons you don't worry about how much you eat.  They are an interesting animal, being so close to them we noticed how prehistoric they look.

"We haven't re-created the past here... What we've done is reconstruct the past—or at least a version of the past." Jurassic Park

No, he is not charging just walking

Mom and two year old

Shoebill Stork

The next morning we got up early to go out to try to find the elusive and solitary Shoebill Stork.  Our guide told us that we had a 50/50 chance to find one.  They are endangered so there are not a lot of them but a few stay in this area of Uganda.  They lay 1-3 eggs but once they hatch the strongest will push the others out of the nest and only the one will survive.  This plus loss of habitat, illegal bird trading and predators has greatly reduced their numbers. 

We drove to a swamp area and looked for the Shoebill from a bridge that stretched over the swamp but were unsuccessful. Our guide took us and 2 other couples that were in our group to a road nearby that led us closer to the swamp.  We hiked around through muddy areas at the edge of the swamp, thankfully we were provided with rubber boots. There were a lot of birds, one had bright blue wings, but no Shoebill.  Sister Kaiser, the optimist, said we will see one.  Elder Kaiser, the realist, turned to prayer. (Sister Kaiser said she was praying too, that is probably the reason for the positive outcome)  Sister Kaiser was happy when we saw a group of whistling ducks, they were in the swamp surrounded by tall grass so we could only see their heads popping up and down and turning this way and that.  She compared it to "whack a mole" but she would never wack a whistling duck.  There is a whistling duck at the Denver Zoo named Matt Dillion and he is a favorite.  He is very cute and when he whistles it is fun to hear.  

Our guide took us to some flat bottom, wooden canoes waiting for us with a oarsman who have long poles that reach down to the mud and push the canoe along.  Sister Kaiser said this is simply a different version of the Italian gondola rides in Venice. We saw a lot of purple water lilies on the journey along with other tropical water plants.  It was a very peaceful ride since the water was calm and the noise level was nearly non-existent.  We turned into a very shallow area and saw the shoebill a little way off in the swamp. It was very exciting to see him! Our guide allowed us to very carefully stand in the canoes and look over the water grass. Doing this allowed us to get a better look at him.  He was eating his breakfast.  They eat fish, baby crocodiles, and snakes. The shoebill can reach 5 feet tall and has a wig span of 8 feet.  Although called a stork they are more closely related to pelicans. He is another Jurassic Park creature. 

Shoebill Stork

                                                                                       

Breakfast

In the sanctuary we also saw different types of antelope, monkeys, warthogs and zebras.  We were also excited to see a Gray Crowned Crane, Uganda's national bird which is featured on their flag. We really enjoyed a small break, chance to relax and enjoy the unique animals of Uganda.  

                                                              Gray Crowned Crane at dusk

Zebras in the early morning

Waterbuck and warthog

 

Ugandan Kob

New Years Eve

We went to Geoffrey's in the morning to work with the boys.  We decided to give a test to see where they are at.  Elder Kaiser took the boys who attend school to help with a little project and Sister Kaiser tested those who do not go to school. When she tried to work with them it was difficult. They were irritable, not focused, and unmotivated. Some of this is lack of good food. It's a very frustrating situation. We decided to call it a day and talked to Geoffrey about our concerns and what we think would help them be more successful. There are too many boys. They get silly or embarrassed or both. The cousins who can read and write want to help so they whisper answers which is preventing real learning for those who need to do their own thinking and learning. The setting is not ideal but we hope we can make a difference in giving these boys a boost that can be life changing.

Temple Preparation Class at Lacor

We went to Lacor for temple preparation class, another good turn out.  Lots of good questions as they really want to learn and prepare to go to the temple.  Temple prep class is our happy place.  

Welcome 2026, New Year's Day

"Apap" grandpa 100 years young!

The wives 85 and 87 years old.

Kendra wanted to make donuts which she started in the morning but had to be put on hold since we had set a time to see Calvin and Eunice at the village where Calvin is from.  He asked us to prepare a speech for the people at the village. Little did we know that family and friends were having a BIG celebration for Calvin's great grandfather's 100th birthday.!  When we arrived Calvin escorted us to seating that was right up front, a place of honor.  We finally understood our assignment. There were lots of speeches including one from Great Grandfather Angulu Albert. He was escorted by his 2 wives who are ages 87 and 85 years old.  They are all doing great, we were impressed.  We enjoyed being with there but we needed to start our journey home before it got dark. We drove for over an hour to get back to Gulu.  It also gave Sister Kaiser time to finish the donuts, which turned out pretty good.

On Friday morning we went with the Elders to introduce them to the family of the young woman we met while looking for a dog to give an egg to (last weeks blog).  The family said they would come to church and the Elders set up a meeting to teach them on the upcoming Tuesday. 

We wrapped up the week with teaching. Friday we went to Lacor and taught seminary.  We taught stories from the Old Testament to help the youth realize that they know a lot about the Old Testament and to realize it is not scary.  We taught them how it all points to Christ.  We helped them understand that as we study from it, we will also be brought to better understand our Savior and the importance of covenants.

Lacor Seminary class

Zone council was the start to Saturday and then we taught English class and temple Preparation Class.  We had planned on Sister Kaiser teaching the lower English group, while I would teach the learners that were more advanced.  Both of the lower level learners were French speaking so we quickly adjusted our plans and switched groups.  In temple prep class we taught lesson three about temples throughout history and the blessing of the temple.  It is always wonderful to help them understand the blessings that the temple can bring into their life's. 

"For behold the field is white already to harvest..."

D&C 4:4

Sunday we had another bad egg and went on another walk that night.  This time two women saw us and approached us.  One was the mother of the young woman that we met last week when we had a bad egg.  Coincidence?? She and her sister invited us to come back to their home.   We had a very nice talk with the father and the two women and Franka, the young woman.  Some of the kids did go to church.  The father said he likes our church because he doesn't see corruption like other churches. He moved his family here from South Sudan so the children would get a better education.  We can tell they are a good family.  Sister Kaiser taught then about temples and eternal families, and committed them to go to the temple some day to be sealed.  The father said they would do that.

The Lord has prepared the people in Uganda to receive the gospel.  The Uganda, Kampala Mission had over 3,600 baptisms in 2025. The Lord's work is rolling forth. 

"..that the kingdom which thou hast set up without hands, may become a great mountain and fill the whole earth;"   D&C 109:72

We wish you and yours a blessed and wonderful 2026.  We hope it is a wonderful year full of great experiences and opportunities to feel the Saviors love for you.  

The End