July 19, 2005

Laura Bush and daughter Jenna sit with children as they visit the Kagarama Church, Thursday, July 14, 2005, in Kigali, Rwanda.

Here are 2 good (but rare) accounts of the trip the First Lady made to Africa last week, accompanied by First Daughter Jenna, after the G8 talks:
IOL: Africa moved me, says Laura Bush
U.S. first lady says world will help Africa

U.S. first lady Laura Bush said on Friday her weeklong trip to Africa had been very emotional and the developed world was committed to helping the continent. 

Bush visited programs to fight AIDS, help women and educate children in South Africa, Tanzania and Rwanda. She met with orphans and women with AIDS during her travels. 

Lady Laura and Jenna were also going to see daughter Barbara who's been doing volunteer work with child AIDS patients in Capetown, South Africa:

On Wednesday, Barbara remained behind - and behind the scenes - in Cape Town, South Africa, where she has been working as a hospital volunteer with young AIDS sufferers and other patients.

(Well, the AP did report it, but hardly anyone was supposed to notice.
Betcha you didn't know about Barbara's work, either.)
Laura was joined by Britain's First Lady Cherie Blair to commemorate the victims of the Rwandan massacre.
Jenna really seemed to get into her new role as a humanitarian diplomat--she's really growing up and maturing and has come a long way the days of using a fake ID to get a margarita--and she's a natural with kids.
I'm still hoping for that White House wedding in the next few years!
I love the Bush ladies and while I know President Bush is so proud of their work, I'll bet he missed them like crazy.
Of course, he had nothing waiting for him at home but the nagging press gaggle and their obsession with Joe Wilson, Valerie Plame, and "Fire Karl Rove" 24/7...That would drive me to drink and almost has already!