So today is my last day in Mukono...tears...tomorrow morning (I never thought it would be soo soon!) we leave for Rwanda at 5 am. After a full 13 hours of traveling by bus we will spend 10 days there learning about the genocide and the work the church has done/is doing to rebuild from that. It should be interesting...but also challenging and hard stuff to learn about just cause of the topic. IMME students are separated from USE, which is a bummer, but it will hopefully be a good last two weeks with everyone I have gotten so close to. Right now, since I'm in the process of saying goodbye to everyone here, I would rather just come home. That seems to be the consensus - if we have to leave our families, just let us go home! But alas, we must go to Rwanda. I'm sure it will be a good time once we get there - this is just the hard part. Anyways, prayers would be greatly appreciated...
I am so thankful to be so sad to leave. As backwards as that sounds...I have had such a great time, and have come to love and care for these people so much! Saying goodbye to my brothers this morning was tearful to say the least...what a blessing they have been in my life this semester. They have loved us and showed us so much grace in our time with them. I could take about them for days. Oh that the Lord would continue to bless and care for them.
And if you could be praying specifically for my mother and brother Elisha - they both have malaria right now. They are on the road to recovery, but just that God would give them strength to do all they need to everyday. Especially Elisha, since he is taking exams at school right now. But it is beautiful - he still wakes up just singing songs and praising the Lord as always. What amazing grace the Lord gives us.
I miss you all very much and am truly looking forward to seeing you when I get back!
A song we sang at the Easter sevice at the Cathedral:
"Because he lives, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living just because He lives."
Sorry this isn't longer...let's chat when I get back. :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Baptism, Worship, and Questions
So I started typing out the details of the story but decided I would really rather tell you all in person. So suffice it so say, I was baptized in Lake Victoria on Saturday - with my close friend Kaia and another friend Aaron through a Calvary Chapel church we have been going to in Kampala...it was amazing. It definitely felt really real - not just something where I was going through the motions. God was definitely there and working and changing mine and other people's lives. Glory to Him on high! I am so thankful to be His beloved child and to be able to live my life for Him only.
Something else that was really cool recently - yesterday USP led community worship (the rough equivalent of chapel - we have it twice a week). Our group (the Americans) lead a service every semester - and we were free to come up with whatever we wanted. We started with worship songs - with all 38 of us up on stage singing/playing guitar, bass, drums, and piano. Then Kristen and I led the congregation in intercessory prayers after which we performed a skit/drama. It was to the Linkin Park song, "In the End". It was really intense. With no speaking, just acting, it showed two people struggling with their sins, trying to pull away from them to God. (They were held back by ropes held by "demons") They were pulling and trashing but could not reach Jesus until they let go of the ropes (sin) and went to Christ. It was really powerful - and everyone clapped and cheered when Geoff finally let go of his sin and fell into Jesus' arms...but the other girl Lillie, couldn't let go and fell back into sin's grasp. It was really powerful. They we had a short message - more about how as Christians we are called to let go of our sin, give it up to God, and hold onto the hope of Christ. Eph 3:15-21. After that we did what is called cardboard testimonies. Those of us who were willing has written a sin, or something we stuggle(d) with on a piece of posterboard, and on the back written how God redeemed or restored us. We walked up on stage one at a time and held up the sin side. Then we flipped it and walked on. It was amazing. It was cool to see so many of us willing to be vulnerable and honest before the whole school community - and even more amazing to hear everyone applaud as we revealed how God had restored us. The focus was very much on the freedom received in Christ and God's redemption. Some people make some pretty intense confessions, and it was really moving. Then to close we sang Amazing Grace...which just summed it all up. Truly how great that grace does appear, the hour we first believe. What a blessing to witness that first-hand. God is so great. It was also incredible to talk to UCU students afterwards and hear them be honest with us about things they struggle with, and tell us we were not alone in our stuggles, and just hear how touched they were by it all. God's grace truly covers all. His love his amazing, steady, and unchanging. Even in Africa. God be praised.
Sorry for the preachy feel to this...but God has just been really good. I am so thankful. I was gonna write out some questions I've been having through class discussions and stuff but I am so overwhelmed by it sometimes I don't even know where to start. Basically, I would love to chat upon my return. And I am grateful that God is the same God yesterday, today and forever. In the US, Africa, and the world. What more can I depend on but that.
I would really appreciate prayers as we finish up school here with finals in a week and a half. Just on how to best spend the rest of my time here, and to deal with the craziness of having to say goodbye to such close friends possibly forever. I am so thankful to have formed these relationships that I will be sad to leave...but still sad to do it. Anyways, God is good. And I am just going to keep following his lead step by step. Striving to follow Joshua 1:8...
Lastly how about a little poem about my little 2 1/2 year old brother, Anooke:
Big eyes and a loving face
Calling my name over and over
Each time he speaks with grace
Full of joy he shares with us
His eyes tell of his innocent love
His prayers betray his kind heart
His small hand smooth as a dove
His hug sweeter than any other
Such a blessing to have as a brother
We learn from him and he from us
I only wish I could explain to his mother
What a beautiful treasure she bore
Hope you are doing well, and enjoying the joy of God's goodness and love.
Love and peace to you all.
Something else that was really cool recently - yesterday USP led community worship (the rough equivalent of chapel - we have it twice a week). Our group (the Americans) lead a service every semester - and we were free to come up with whatever we wanted. We started with worship songs - with all 38 of us up on stage singing/playing guitar, bass, drums, and piano. Then Kristen and I led the congregation in intercessory prayers after which we performed a skit/drama. It was to the Linkin Park song, "In the End". It was really intense. With no speaking, just acting, it showed two people struggling with their sins, trying to pull away from them to God. (They were held back by ropes held by "demons") They were pulling and trashing but could not reach Jesus until they let go of the ropes (sin) and went to Christ. It was really powerful - and everyone clapped and cheered when Geoff finally let go of his sin and fell into Jesus' arms...but the other girl Lillie, couldn't let go and fell back into sin's grasp. It was really powerful. They we had a short message - more about how as Christians we are called to let go of our sin, give it up to God, and hold onto the hope of Christ. Eph 3:15-21. After that we did what is called cardboard testimonies. Those of us who were willing has written a sin, or something we stuggle(d) with on a piece of posterboard, and on the back written how God redeemed or restored us. We walked up on stage one at a time and held up the sin side. Then we flipped it and walked on. It was amazing. It was cool to see so many of us willing to be vulnerable and honest before the whole school community - and even more amazing to hear everyone applaud as we revealed how God had restored us. The focus was very much on the freedom received in Christ and God's redemption. Some people make some pretty intense confessions, and it was really moving. Then to close we sang Amazing Grace...which just summed it all up. Truly how great that grace does appear, the hour we first believe. What a blessing to witness that first-hand. God is so great. It was also incredible to talk to UCU students afterwards and hear them be honest with us about things they struggle with, and tell us we were not alone in our stuggles, and just hear how touched they were by it all. God's grace truly covers all. His love his amazing, steady, and unchanging. Even in Africa. God be praised.
Sorry for the preachy feel to this...but God has just been really good. I am so thankful. I was gonna write out some questions I've been having through class discussions and stuff but I am so overwhelmed by it sometimes I don't even know where to start. Basically, I would love to chat upon my return. And I am grateful that God is the same God yesterday, today and forever. In the US, Africa, and the world. What more can I depend on but that.
I would really appreciate prayers as we finish up school here with finals in a week and a half. Just on how to best spend the rest of my time here, and to deal with the craziness of having to say goodbye to such close friends possibly forever. I am so thankful to have formed these relationships that I will be sad to leave...but still sad to do it. Anyways, God is good. And I am just going to keep following his lead step by step. Striving to follow Joshua 1:8...
Lastly how about a little poem about my little 2 1/2 year old brother, Anooke:
Big eyes and a loving face
Calling my name over and over
Each time he speaks with grace
Full of joy he shares with us
His eyes tell of his innocent love
His prayers betray his kind heart
His small hand smooth as a dove
His hug sweeter than any other
Such a blessing to have as a brother
We learn from him and he from us
I only wish I could explain to his mother
What a beautiful treasure she bore
Hope you are doing well, and enjoying the joy of God's goodness and love.
Love and peace to you all.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Adventures both internal and external
Let's start with external...
This weekend a group of the USP students (26 of us) went to Jinja and went white-water rafting and bungee jumping on the Nile! We stayed at a hostel that was SOOOO chill. The staff was awesome - full of guys with dreads and fros and great senses of humor. The white water rafting was on up to class 5 rapids which was more than absolutely epic! Our guide's name was Nathan and he was HILARIOUS! The boat I was on was a blast, we joked around the whole time, but also got serious for the insane rapids we had to tackle. A few funny stories...one time when our raft flipped my friend Charles and I who were in the front got tangled up as we launched into the water...once we figured out where the surface was he goes "Oh no, Nicole, we're going the wrong way!!" He was so disoriented he thought we were being pushed upstream...how that would even work I have no idea. But it was super funny especially because then I was confused for a minute, too. Anyways...we did make it safely back into the raft. On another rapid, called Silverback (like the guerillas) I literally could not breathe. We got rocked down the falls and seeing as Charles and I were in the front got the brunt of the waves to the face. The only thought in my head was "Can't breathe, can't breathe, can't breathe, ahhhhhh, need to breathe, I see air, must breathe....ahhhh!! Gasp!"It was crazy. And awesome. Bungee jumping the next day was also completely epic and such an insane rush of adrenaline I don't even know how to describe it. I highly recommend the process to anyone considering it. Oh and after diving off the platform at the bottom I was dunked into the Nile waist-deep. Definitely went through the whole "Can't breathe!...water...can't breathe... so muchwater!..." thought process again. It was such a blast hanging out with USE people that I don't usually get to spend alot of time with. Ahhhh, I'm just so thankful to be here!!!
Ok so to more internal adventures...a little list of the plethora of things I have learned/am learning...
-The water bottles full of awkward yellow colored liquid substances on the sinks are SOAP! Yes...I JUST figured this out...and only because someone told me. :)
-How to stave off a cow when walking by a stray one...pick up a stick and wave it in its face
-Being okay with Ugandans not answering questions when you ask them...whether by way of just laughing it off or simply not answering. (Just not required here...)
-Consequently...how to avoid answering questions or requests if you so desire...just laugh :)
-When passing through narrow pathways or doorways if there are Ugandans in the way they will move out of the way, but that means leaving a good inch for you to push through...don't feel bad though, just go.
-Crossing the street involves insane amounts of trust and boldness...but you better just get up and go or you will stand there forreeeevvveeerrrr!
-Rejecting offers from Boda Boda men (motorcyclists who are EVERYWHERE to give cheap rides to people...the source of most of the proposals I have received)...just say "Kula" (grow up) and your problems will be solved!
-Stopping, catching, riding, and stopping a matatu (taxi vans)
-Appreciating the night bucket in my room (for short calls)
-How to quickly drink SUUUUPer hot tea (trick from dad...ask him if you could also benefit from this :))
-Walking to school without being run over by bodas or cars who are trying to avoid the crazy ruts in the road...they will drive literally inches next to you
-How to make a huge group of school kids laugh...just say "Hi!"
-Cutting pinneapples
-Making juice the REAL way
-The beauty of febreeze and fabric release spray
-"Fake" bathing when you are in a rush and don't feel like tackling the basin...just clean your legs and feet and they will think you are clean ;)
-How to truly appreciate even the smallest piece of chocolate...mmm...
-Appreciating my friends' parents and relatives for the packages they send and sweets I therefore get to partake in
-The widespread influence of Spanish soap operas
-What it means to offer my presence to others
-To appreciate/value other people for the presence (not necessarily deep conversation) they offer
-Seeing God's beauty and bounty and blessings in a WHOLE new way
-the joy of a simple life
-What all you really DON'T need to get by...everything from a big bedroom, to running water, to lots of clothes, to a huge variety of food, ...
-Africa is beautiful. The people. The food. The smells. The sounds. The geography. The trees. The birds. The cows. The insects. The faith. The love. The community.
-Oh so much more...but this list is getting long...so I will leave you with that for now. Can't wait to share more later!
A few other random things - sorry for not responding to e-mails in a long time, mine hasn't been working for a while now...its very temperamental. Also, I was just talking to one of the interns and he said that if people are going to send letters/packages they should probably do it in the next week or so or else they won't get here on time. We leave campus April 22nd - he said that they usually get alot of packages after everyone has gone and its very sad. Not to be rudely asking for things - but just a warning that if you were going to...the sooner the better or it may be best to just save the postage. Thanks. :)
Love you all. Be blessed.
Phil 2:3-4
This weekend a group of the USP students (26 of us) went to Jinja and went white-water rafting and bungee jumping on the Nile! We stayed at a hostel that was SOOOO chill. The staff was awesome - full of guys with dreads and fros and great senses of humor. The white water rafting was on up to class 5 rapids which was more than absolutely epic! Our guide's name was Nathan and he was HILARIOUS! The boat I was on was a blast, we joked around the whole time, but also got serious for the insane rapids we had to tackle. A few funny stories...one time when our raft flipped my friend Charles and I who were in the front got tangled up as we launched into the water...once we figured out where the surface was he goes "Oh no, Nicole, we're going the wrong way!!" He was so disoriented he thought we were being pushed upstream...how that would even work I have no idea. But it was super funny especially because then I was confused for a minute, too. Anyways...we did make it safely back into the raft. On another rapid, called Silverback (like the guerillas) I literally could not breathe. We got rocked down the falls and seeing as Charles and I were in the front got the brunt of the waves to the face. The only thought in my head was "Can't breathe, can't breathe, can't breathe, ahhhhhh, need to breathe, I see air, must breathe....ahhhh!! Gasp!"It was crazy. And awesome. Bungee jumping the next day was also completely epic and such an insane rush of adrenaline I don't even know how to describe it. I highly recommend the process to anyone considering it. Oh and after diving off the platform at the bottom I was dunked into the Nile waist-deep. Definitely went through the whole "Can't breathe!...water...can't breathe... so muchwater!..." thought process again. It was such a blast hanging out with USE people that I don't usually get to spend alot of time with. Ahhhh, I'm just so thankful to be here!!!
Ok so to more internal adventures...a little list of the plethora of things I have learned/am learning...
-The water bottles full of awkward yellow colored liquid substances on the sinks are SOAP! Yes...I JUST figured this out...and only because someone told me. :)
-How to stave off a cow when walking by a stray one...pick up a stick and wave it in its face
-Being okay with Ugandans not answering questions when you ask them...whether by way of just laughing it off or simply not answering. (Just not required here...)
-Consequently...how to avoid answering questions or requests if you so desire...just laugh :)
-When passing through narrow pathways or doorways if there are Ugandans in the way they will move out of the way, but that means leaving a good inch for you to push through...don't feel bad though, just go.
-Crossing the street involves insane amounts of trust and boldness...but you better just get up and go or you will stand there forreeeevvveeerrrr!
-Rejecting offers from Boda Boda men (motorcyclists who are EVERYWHERE to give cheap rides to people...the source of most of the proposals I have received)...just say "Kula" (grow up) and your problems will be solved!
-Stopping, catching, riding, and stopping a matatu (taxi vans)
-Appreciating the night bucket in my room (for short calls)
-How to quickly drink SUUUUPer hot tea (trick from dad...ask him if you could also benefit from this :))
-Walking to school without being run over by bodas or cars who are trying to avoid the crazy ruts in the road...they will drive literally inches next to you
-How to make a huge group of school kids laugh...just say "Hi!"
-Cutting pinneapples
-Making juice the REAL way
-The beauty of febreeze and fabric release spray
-"Fake" bathing when you are in a rush and don't feel like tackling the basin...just clean your legs and feet and they will think you are clean ;)
-How to truly appreciate even the smallest piece of chocolate...mmm...
-Appreciating my friends' parents and relatives for the packages they send and sweets I therefore get to partake in
-The widespread influence of Spanish soap operas
-What it means to offer my presence to others
-To appreciate/value other people for the presence (not necessarily deep conversation) they offer
-Seeing God's beauty and bounty and blessings in a WHOLE new way
-the joy of a simple life
-What all you really DON'T need to get by...everything from a big bedroom, to running water, to lots of clothes, to a huge variety of food, ...
-Africa is beautiful. The people. The food. The smells. The sounds. The geography. The trees. The birds. The cows. The insects. The faith. The love. The community.
-Oh so much more...but this list is getting long...so I will leave you with that for now. Can't wait to share more later!
A few other random things - sorry for not responding to e-mails in a long time, mine hasn't been working for a while now...its very temperamental. Also, I was just talking to one of the interns and he said that if people are going to send letters/packages they should probably do it in the next week or so or else they won't get here on time. We leave campus April 22nd - he said that they usually get alot of packages after everyone has gone and its very sad. Not to be rudely asking for things - but just a warning that if you were going to...the sooner the better or it may be best to just save the postage. Thanks. :)
Love you all. Be blessed.
Phil 2:3-4
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
a week in the village
So I just got back from a week in rural Uganda - specifically in Kaptchorwa (which means friend, btw). We stayed with families and just hung out with them living life in the village. It was nice to have a week off from school - but certainly nothing like your usual Spring Break vaca. It's so hard to try to describe what it was like so I will try to give you a brief idea, post some pics when the internet cooperates, and hope to talk to you more in person eventually.
First of all Kaptchorwa is BEAUTIFUL! It is in the mountains, with fields everywhere and hills and waterfalls and amazing hikes. Hikes were probably my favorite part of the week. We got there Friday night...Saturday my host father (a very kind primary school teacher, and translator at the church and for a radio station) took me on what he called a "short walk". This ended up including hiking a mountain...in a long skirt and sandals. Gotta love it. It was really nice though - we had a great view of town and home and on the way down greeted every family we passed (I had to learn to greet in the language quickly). The families were always friends and often relatives in some way. Sunday was church - about a 45 minute walk away. It was a typical Ugandan Anglican service...which are interesting and need a whole blog of their own... After church we were invited to lunch my a couple in the church. They hosted both my family and another family who was hosting a student (cooincidentally Megan - the girl I live with in Mukono - so it was really fun to see her and have lunch). Monday also included a hike with my cousin Cherub. It was incredible. We went up to the falls and frolicked through the tall trees - I seriously felt like Pochantas! It was nice to spend one-on-one time with her and talk while we hiked. She is 19 and SO nice - it was interesting to hear the questions her and my family had about the US...lots of stereotypes that aren't true AT ALL!
One frustrating thing through the week was my family not believing me about alot of things. Not a big deal really - but after a while it was a bit annoying. Things like the fact that it was colder at home than it was there (it was cool at night which was a welcome relief from Mukono but still barely sweatshirt worthy), the fact that we had mountains and that I wasn't afriad to climb them, and lots of polictics. It was fun to sit and chat with my dad about these things though, and just interesting the view they had of the US.
Tuesday and Wednesday were the hardest days for me. I literally did not leave the compound of our house and just sat around with my sister, Charity (9). She is really nice, but couldn't move around much because she is in a full leg cast. It was fun to play games with her and talk about stuff, but after 14 hours a day I was a little stir crazy. It also didn't help that my mom and Cherub were working around the compound all day...but refused my help anytime I offered it. I thought about home WAY more than I have being in Uganda...and then was frustrated with myself in that. But God totally worked through it and proved ways He was faithful in that. For example Tuesday night my parents both mentioned something about how grateful they were that I could be there with Cherub since she had just gotten out of the hospital a week ago (after 3 months) and had been pretty depressed till this week. Just little ways God showed His continued goodness.
Thursday was really fun. I fetched water from the river with Cherub and carried it back up the hill on my head! She's much better than I am...and was somehow able to balance the huge jerry can without her hands!!! Oh man. Hardcore for sure. Then I had the pleasure of watching my mom slaughter the beautiful rooster that had been chillin at the house all week...then helped her pluck the feathers off and begin to prepare it for cooking. We then ate it a few hours later. So sad. For lunch my dad came home and brought a visitor who was very eager to interact with a Muzungu. (Typical) He was very nice, with lots of questions, and it was refreshing to be eating lunch with people rather than by myself. After lunch my dad took me on an EPIC hike up to the highest point of Kaptchorwa. This (again in an ankle-length skirt) involved legit rock climbing up the side of the mountain. Even more hardcore were the people climbing with huge bags of flour or cabbage or milk on their heads! Woah man. Beautiful view again, and after we got to visit Megan at her house and take some tea. Then we went to the Bishops house for dinner - who is my dad's brother. Took tea again, and had more lively discussions involving many questions about the US.
Friday I was reluctant to leave, but also ready to be back with white people.
We spent the weekend at Sipi Falls - reunited with both the IMME and USE group - as well as some Ugandan Honors College students from UCU. SO FUN! It was so nice to swap stories and relax and laugh and make jokes people could understand, and just be at ease with friends. We also went on some intense and sweet hike up to waterfalls - and even got to jump in and swim for a bit! We even played a game of rocks (spoons the card game but African style) which was crazy funny. The weekend was seriously such a blessing - and made me even more grateful for the friends I have made here - and am continuing to make.
Oh and let's not forget the bed bugs I brought with me from Kaptchorwa! Too funny. I have a ridiculous number of bites...but think I have successfully rid myself of them - Praise the Lord.
And this is random but nonetheless important - I had the immense pleasure of helping my neighbour/brother (back in Mukono) Samuel with his chemistry homework two nights ago! What a treasure. I've been thinking about just what it is I want to do with my life and this was a strange affirmation of my passion for chemistry and possibly for teaching. Just another cool God thing.
I have been so encouraged by the ways God has been working in this group. Thanks so much for all of your prayers! I love and miss you all!! Take care. Be blessed.
First of all Kaptchorwa is BEAUTIFUL! It is in the mountains, with fields everywhere and hills and waterfalls and amazing hikes. Hikes were probably my favorite part of the week. We got there Friday night...Saturday my host father (a very kind primary school teacher, and translator at the church and for a radio station) took me on what he called a "short walk". This ended up including hiking a mountain...in a long skirt and sandals. Gotta love it. It was really nice though - we had a great view of town and home and on the way down greeted every family we passed (I had to learn to greet in the language quickly). The families were always friends and often relatives in some way. Sunday was church - about a 45 minute walk away. It was a typical Ugandan Anglican service...which are interesting and need a whole blog of their own... After church we were invited to lunch my a couple in the church. They hosted both my family and another family who was hosting a student (cooincidentally Megan - the girl I live with in Mukono - so it was really fun to see her and have lunch). Monday also included a hike with my cousin Cherub. It was incredible. We went up to the falls and frolicked through the tall trees - I seriously felt like Pochantas! It was nice to spend one-on-one time with her and talk while we hiked. She is 19 and SO nice - it was interesting to hear the questions her and my family had about the US...lots of stereotypes that aren't true AT ALL!
One frustrating thing through the week was my family not believing me about alot of things. Not a big deal really - but after a while it was a bit annoying. Things like the fact that it was colder at home than it was there (it was cool at night which was a welcome relief from Mukono but still barely sweatshirt worthy), the fact that we had mountains and that I wasn't afriad to climb them, and lots of polictics. It was fun to sit and chat with my dad about these things though, and just interesting the view they had of the US.
Tuesday and Wednesday were the hardest days for me. I literally did not leave the compound of our house and just sat around with my sister, Charity (9). She is really nice, but couldn't move around much because she is in a full leg cast. It was fun to play games with her and talk about stuff, but after 14 hours a day I was a little stir crazy. It also didn't help that my mom and Cherub were working around the compound all day...but refused my help anytime I offered it. I thought about home WAY more than I have being in Uganda...and then was frustrated with myself in that. But God totally worked through it and proved ways He was faithful in that. For example Tuesday night my parents both mentioned something about how grateful they were that I could be there with Cherub since she had just gotten out of the hospital a week ago (after 3 months) and had been pretty depressed till this week. Just little ways God showed His continued goodness.
Thursday was really fun. I fetched water from the river with Cherub and carried it back up the hill on my head! She's much better than I am...and was somehow able to balance the huge jerry can without her hands!!! Oh man. Hardcore for sure. Then I had the pleasure of watching my mom slaughter the beautiful rooster that had been chillin at the house all week...then helped her pluck the feathers off and begin to prepare it for cooking. We then ate it a few hours later. So sad. For lunch my dad came home and brought a visitor who was very eager to interact with a Muzungu. (Typical) He was very nice, with lots of questions, and it was refreshing to be eating lunch with people rather than by myself. After lunch my dad took me on an EPIC hike up to the highest point of Kaptchorwa. This (again in an ankle-length skirt) involved legit rock climbing up the side of the mountain. Even more hardcore were the people climbing with huge bags of flour or cabbage or milk on their heads! Woah man. Beautiful view again, and after we got to visit Megan at her house and take some tea. Then we went to the Bishops house for dinner - who is my dad's brother. Took tea again, and had more lively discussions involving many questions about the US.
Friday I was reluctant to leave, but also ready to be back with white people.
We spent the weekend at Sipi Falls - reunited with both the IMME and USE group - as well as some Ugandan Honors College students from UCU. SO FUN! It was so nice to swap stories and relax and laugh and make jokes people could understand, and just be at ease with friends. We also went on some intense and sweet hike up to waterfalls - and even got to jump in and swim for a bit! We even played a game of rocks (spoons the card game but African style) which was crazy funny. The weekend was seriously such a blessing - and made me even more grateful for the friends I have made here - and am continuing to make.
Oh and let's not forget the bed bugs I brought with me from Kaptchorwa! Too funny. I have a ridiculous number of bites...but think I have successfully rid myself of them - Praise the Lord.
And this is random but nonetheless important - I had the immense pleasure of helping my neighbour/brother (back in Mukono) Samuel with his chemistry homework two nights ago! What a treasure. I've been thinking about just what it is I want to do with my life and this was a strange affirmation of my passion for chemistry and possibly for teaching. Just another cool God thing.
I have been so encouraged by the ways God has been working in this group. Thanks so much for all of your prayers! I love and miss you all!! Take care. Be blessed.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Off to the Village!
So just for a quick update and prayer request. We are heading to rural homestays tomorrow - which means we will be out in rural Uganda staying with host families in villages. IMME students will be in Kapchorwa and the USE students in Soroti. Both villages are up north, closer to the areas where the LRA has been through at one point. So they basically live very different lives than what we have seen thus far in Mukono. I am thrilled to meet a whole other family and get to know them and share in their lives for a week. I will not still be paired with Megan, and may be on my own - which I am a BIT nervous about. But excited nonetheless. I would very much appreciate your prayers for safe travels (its about 6 hours on crazy roads) and just health and safety while we are there...for everyone. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. Thanks so much for your prayers and support. I love you all! God Bless!
Oh and I should be back in contact March 2 or so - have a blessed week till then!
Oh and I should be back in contact March 2 or so - have a blessed week till then!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Fun Friends!
Sitting on the porch with Anooke and Samuel - eating Jackfruit - a delicious new fruit discovery!
Learning some African dance moves from Ivan!!
Tea time with Megan! Every morning at about 7:45 or so we have tea and popcorn, and evenings when we get back from school we usually have milk tea and either popcorn, ground nuts, bananas, or my new favorite - kagalagala (little pancakes made from sweet bananas and casava flour! yummy!)
Megan, Imme, Rebecca, and I sitting on my bed. Its weird now at home with our sisters gone to school - we miss them terribly! But are having fun getting to know our brother and neighbors better. 
Some super cute neighborhood kids Megan and I played with for an afternoon!
Sorry this isn't a whole lot of pictures - but I lost my camera so I have to go hunting for times when I can steal pictures from other people. Hopefully I will be able to post some more soon! Love you all, take care!
Sorry this isn't a whole lot of pictures - but I lost my camera so I have to go hunting for times when I can steal pictures from other people. Hopefully I will be able to post some more soon! Love you all, take care!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What's Up, Mzungu?
(One of my favorite greetings I have received on a consistent basis walking through Mukono town..."What's up, Mzungu?" Just makes me smile.)
Ok the infamous task of attempting to write an update on all of the things I’ve been up to here in beautiful Uganda.
Last weekend IMME took a trip down south (5 hours or so – CRAZY dirt roads that it literally blows my mind we drive on…potholes the size of the Pacific Ocean…not kidding) to Rakai – and specifically the little rural village town of Kibaale. We were visiting the Kibaale Community Center – a mission set up and run by a team from Canada (yes, Christa, Canada!). They are sponsored by a private school up there and are very blessed with funds. They have a school with about 800 students from the surrounding villages (some walk 2 hrs to school), a medical clinic, and a farm. One of the things I thought was so cool was the ways they are working towards self-sustainability. For example on the farm they are experimenting with different projects to earn some money for the center. They have cows and chickens right now and are thinking of building a fish pond. The team was so nice and it was great to see the ways God has blessed the missions and is so at work there. Oh, and one of the guys, Sean, works in the communities around fixing and digging wells! I had a great conversation with him and he gave me some sweet ideas of ways I could get involved after I graduate – who knows! Most of the IMME group went on a hike up a “mountain” of sorts – it was awesome. Once at the top we could see Tanzania! (About 14 miles away) It was so beautiful – there just are not words. We had a great time just relaxing and enjoying time with one another. I am so grateful for how close I have gotten with the other IMME students. We went to church in the town and it was wonderful. It was a very simple newly constructed brick building with wooden benches and full of brothers and sisters on fire for Christ. The service was incredible. They had two men playing drums and multiple choirs that came up and blessed us with songs…I could have stayed there and worshiped with them for eternity. I can’t wait until every tongue, tribe, and nation is united together worshiping our Lord.
Another quote from Ragamuffin gospel:
“The gospel of grace calls us to sing of the everyday mystery of intimacy with God instead of always seeking for miracles or visions.”
I am definitely trying to do this while being here. Truly every morning is a new day and God continues to be SO faithful. I am so grateful to be here.
“The deeper we grow in the spirit of Jesus Christ, the poorer we become – the more we realize everything in life is a gift. The tenor of our lives becomes one of humble joy and thanksgiving.”
Lunch the other day was amazing…just a beautiful time of fellowship with a few Ugandan ladies I have gotten to know and one of the USE guys. We had so much fun talking and laughing and I was reflecting on God’s wonderful treasures he has created:
Their brilliant smiles
Cast light into my small heart
Each time I see them
Such genuine warmth
Is exchanged in their greetings
Each time we pass by
What are we missing
Back at home with just a nod
Each time we rush away
We are too busy
To stop and greet a brother
Each time they are there
Now that the neighborhood kids are back in school its brought a whole new light to our walks to and from school. When we pass by groups of kids walking to/from school we greet them and then as we pass hear them bust up laughing and saying things about mzungus (that’s us..white people). It’s so cute, and so funny. We have met several and hope to continue getting to know them as we journey together.
I’m continuing to learn SO much. Classes are going really well – they are challenging my world views and ideas about salvation and Christianity and missions and way of life. It’s awesome – but definitely a lot to be thinking about and trying to work it all out. I’m journaling a lot and plan to continue working through most of this when I return to the States. For now, one foot forward is the way to go. I’m loving every moment of this.
Hope you are well. I love and treasure you and am praying for you!
Ok the infamous task of attempting to write an update on all of the things I’ve been up to here in beautiful Uganda.
Last weekend IMME took a trip down south (5 hours or so – CRAZY dirt roads that it literally blows my mind we drive on…potholes the size of the Pacific Ocean…not kidding) to Rakai – and specifically the little rural village town of Kibaale. We were visiting the Kibaale Community Center – a mission set up and run by a team from Canada (yes, Christa, Canada!). They are sponsored by a private school up there and are very blessed with funds. They have a school with about 800 students from the surrounding villages (some walk 2 hrs to school), a medical clinic, and a farm. One of the things I thought was so cool was the ways they are working towards self-sustainability. For example on the farm they are experimenting with different projects to earn some money for the center. They have cows and chickens right now and are thinking of building a fish pond. The team was so nice and it was great to see the ways God has blessed the missions and is so at work there. Oh, and one of the guys, Sean, works in the communities around fixing and digging wells! I had a great conversation with him and he gave me some sweet ideas of ways I could get involved after I graduate – who knows! Most of the IMME group went on a hike up a “mountain” of sorts – it was awesome. Once at the top we could see Tanzania! (About 14 miles away) It was so beautiful – there just are not words. We had a great time just relaxing and enjoying time with one another. I am so grateful for how close I have gotten with the other IMME students. We went to church in the town and it was wonderful. It was a very simple newly constructed brick building with wooden benches and full of brothers and sisters on fire for Christ. The service was incredible. They had two men playing drums and multiple choirs that came up and blessed us with songs…I could have stayed there and worshiped with them for eternity. I can’t wait until every tongue, tribe, and nation is united together worshiping our Lord.
Another quote from Ragamuffin gospel:
“The gospel of grace calls us to sing of the everyday mystery of intimacy with God instead of always seeking for miracles or visions.”
I am definitely trying to do this while being here. Truly every morning is a new day and God continues to be SO faithful. I am so grateful to be here.
“The deeper we grow in the spirit of Jesus Christ, the poorer we become – the more we realize everything in life is a gift. The tenor of our lives becomes one of humble joy and thanksgiving.”
Lunch the other day was amazing…just a beautiful time of fellowship with a few Ugandan ladies I have gotten to know and one of the USE guys. We had so much fun talking and laughing and I was reflecting on God’s wonderful treasures he has created:
Their brilliant smiles
Cast light into my small heart
Each time I see them
Such genuine warmth
Is exchanged in their greetings
Each time we pass by
What are we missing
Back at home with just a nod
Each time we rush away
We are too busy
To stop and greet a brother
Each time they are there
Now that the neighborhood kids are back in school its brought a whole new light to our walks to and from school. When we pass by groups of kids walking to/from school we greet them and then as we pass hear them bust up laughing and saying things about mzungus (that’s us..white people). It’s so cute, and so funny. We have met several and hope to continue getting to know them as we journey together.
I’m continuing to learn SO much. Classes are going really well – they are challenging my world views and ideas about salvation and Christianity and missions and way of life. It’s awesome – but definitely a lot to be thinking about and trying to work it all out. I’m journaling a lot and plan to continue working through most of this when I return to the States. For now, one foot forward is the way to go. I’m loving every moment of this.
Hope you are well. I love and treasure you and am praying for you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)