Day 8

Turns out, Iganga is kind of like home when it rains. Except that they have received a lot of it, unlike us back home. They get their own little road floods, that reminds me of my neighborhood. Except here, the roads are red dirt, not black top. With that, come holes, and ruts, and bumps. Lots of them. Makes for a super fun 1 1/2 ride to Top Hills!

We headed to Top Hills school again today to finish up all the things we were not able to accomplish yesterday. God decided to go along with our plan today, thank you! We split up our team of 12, to finish up desks, teach a sweet man named Richard the guitar (and Glenn got to also add the school's headmaster Moses to the lesson too!), work on child sponsorship applications, and take pictures (ohhh…and mercy bags @ the end of the day). We were all on fire today! Our picture taking group was hilarious!!! Again, I have a WHOLE new respect for Lifetouch. Trying to get 55+kids in order for a group picture (WITH a language barrier to add) and get them to stand still and smile? It takes talent. Thank goodness our team was gifted it yet again today. These kids were cracking us up!! Some of them would not secca (Lugandan for smile) at all, while others looked like they were having a seizure they laughed so hard. I think we had over 1000+ pictures taken from Nursery (kindergarden) through P6 (6th grade). P7 lucked out today with only having time for their group picture. They will finish up a couple weeks later when the group of 4 who are staying for a month come back to Top Hills. We laughed, and laughed and laughed. Things I learned while taking pictures, 1. fart noises are funny, even half way around the world 2. 13 year old kids have somehow learned the eye roll too, half way around the world. Good times, friends. Good times! 

Today was also what was labeled "Goats and Chickens" on our itinerary. :) Tree of Life gave the sponsors the opportunity to sponsor their kids families with a goat, a chicken, or a combo of both. These are given to the child's family, to help bless and support their family. Not only that, but they are teaching them the idea of "first fruits" by asking for them to bless the school back with their first goat or baby chick offspring. What a beautiful picture of giving and giving back, even in hardship. We were able to be a part in handing the goats and chickens to the families and children, and letting them know of the blessing from their sponsor, who was not here. They were so grateful! It was one more way we were able to be hands and feet of Christ. 

Squirrel...I laughed today as I was reminded of the movie Groundhog Day. It is a little like that staying at the Mum and ministering during the day. Every morning, we walk into the hotel dining area. Quick cup of hot water for your coffee. Breakfast time…french toast please (or today I got real crazy and got a veggie omelet.) :) Time for devotion. Hurry people, we have 5 minutes till we need to be on the bus. Check, on the bus. Oh wait. We are not ready yet. Please hold your horses for 30 minutes (or maybe 60 if we are real confused. Ok, on the road. People, kids, people, boda boda here, boda boda there, laughter, bump, bump, more laughter, WATCH OUT CHICKEN CHICKEN CHICKEN, people, stores, laughter, oh goodness, we almost hit someone, ok...we are here. Love on kids…find the holy spirit…time for lunch. Oh yes, my bladder is full. Awesome. Hold a tissue under your nose…cough cough…and run out as fast as you can. (Bathroom breaks are NOT my favorite.) Lunch? Yes, please, I'll take rice, beans, cabbage, pineapple and chapati. Drink? Warm coke please. :) Sometimes I mess things up all crazy like and sit in a different place, or put the food on a different area of my plate. :) It is the most beautiful and life changing Groundhog Day ever though.

We were told to LOAD THE BUS at 4pm to head to the market. Well, that happened for almost half. Then we decided to wait 20 minutes to finish up the desks. Well, 20 turned into about an hour and a half. Totally OK! We had a box of chickens for the bus ride home, that were now becoming kid poking bags. So…we were able to teach the kids a new cheer "Chickens are friends… Be nice to chickens", as Liz pet the chickens. More laughter. That wasn't holding them, so then came the bubbles. That held the kids for a while, especially since Haji was bribing them with 1000 shillings to the kid who could bring him a bubble on their hand. Haji = 1 funny dude. I was able to teach the kids about some American stuff, naming everything on my wrist and head and what it was for (you know me and by silly bling). Watch, bracelet, mosquito bracelet, rubber band, another bracelet, sunglasses, hair tie, and head band. Also taught them all about my family, how old everyone we could see was, then we counted by 10's and 100's. They were so intrigued! It was phenomenal having so many children around and want to pay attention. Oh, PS, there was no market. Hopefully tomorrow. 

Another day of huge blessings, and prayers for a good night's sleep for our team. We need it. Also, please pray for our little ailments to be gone, so that we may all be 100%!

Babe…I love you and miss you and the boys so much. I pray everything is going smoothly. To all the people helping making life work while I am gone, I could not be here with out you, and I will never be able to repay you. Thank you.

Hi Mom. :)

Blessings,

Jen Taylor