Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 13, 2013

HOW QUICKLY TIME CAN PASS…      

 

Today we woke up and got ready to leave Uganda. I'm not sure you can ever prepare yourself to leave such a beautiful place. I can remember wondering why I was coming this year and without a doubt God has shown his face every single day. The country just has stolen my heart. I don't know if this is because it is the first country I came to serve in or what. But I just love it here. Though the days are exhausting, I always look forward to the next. I am not a morning person (not a surprise to most of you) and yet here I am up and ready to go before the alarm even goes off. The days are packed and the hours just fly by. At the end of the day we collapse into bed but by mornings light I am ready to go. I've said this before but this year has been so different and so good. I have always loved this country and felt like I was coming home when I arrived. But now I am at home here. I no longer feel like a stranger in a strange land. The sights and sounds are no longer new. There is a comfort that is so nice.

 

Driving with Haji has been like being with an old friend. We have gotten beyond the new stage and he is now truly a friend. He is comfortable asking me questions and I do the same with him. We have shared our religious beliefs and how we came to love our Gods. He has thanked me for honoring his beliefs and I have thanked him for doing the same. I have expressed that I am sorry he doesn't know Jesus but I am proud that he honors his beliefs so well. We are no longer formal with each other; not that we ever were. We laugh and joke but have had serious conversations. He has shared his advice when asked and even at times unsolicited (which I have greatly appreciated), and his advice has been really good. He is a very astute man and I appreciate his willingness to share especially since he understands the culture so much better than I do. He has loved being around Jaimie and Liz and is so good with them. He is really going to miss them. They are both fighting over who is his best friend. So we went to Café Java for lunch and then stopped at the big grocery store there. Jen, we did get your spoon. Trust me we would all have afraid to get off the plane if the spoon was not in our possession. We also bought Pringles there as well!! No point wasting a good shopping trip. After leaving there Haji surprised us and blessed us by taking us to his home to meet his wife and his three granddaughters. Actually I only met two face to face. The third, a little two year old would not come out while we were there. His house is so nice and it was great to meet his wife. She is a very beautiful woman and so sweet. But then she'd have to be to put up with Haji. Needless to say, there were several Sudoku books lying around! What a shocker! The road to his house was no wider than the width of one car with DEEP craters on either side. I am not kidding, if he had taken one small misstep we'd have tumbled over. It was almost better than a roller coaster because the end result would have been very interesting. But I never had a single doubt that he would get us there in one piece even as the bottom of the car scraped along the road! I did wonder how many pieces of the vehicle we could leave behind before it would stop running!! Once there he proudly brought out albums of pictures that he has collected along the way of the various teams that have come. He really does consider us family. I'm somewhat surprised that anyone would willingly accept this crazy group as one of their own! Just proves how crazy he is as well!!

 

 

Then we went to the zoo! It is really a reserve where they bring in animals that they have rescued. I have to say it was really cool. We saw zebras and a lion and a leopard and snakes and a camel and lots of monkeys. The zoo is set with Lake Victoria as its backdrop so in addition to it being open it is really beautiful. There were rhinos and cobb and a few giraffe. They had a play area for the kids and music was playing at the restaurant, which sat right off the lake. It was not a huge zoo but well done and made for a relaxing day. The only downside was the heat. It was hot! Liz and I have now seen both the Pittsburg zoo and the Ugandan zoo. I'm thinking that maybe we should spend a day and visit the zoo in SA. And then it was off to the airport. In so many ways it seems like just yesterday we arrived. I can't believe our month is over and it will be another year (hopefully) before I can return and see the people I have come to love. Thank you all for sharing this journey with me and for being a part of our trip. I am so proud of both Jaimie and Liz for their hearts. I cannot wait to see where Liz is led. I do know that wherever she ends up she will be a blessing to all she comes in contact with. She is wise beyond her years. She will just need someone else to make fun of and to pick on during the nights. She is an amazing young woman and is so faithful. Leaving was really hard for her so I know that when she returns she will truly be following her heart. I am thankful for the friendships she formed this trip – ones that will serve her well when she comes back.

 

 

We are getting ready to board to begin our long journey. Again, thanks to all for prayers along the way.

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 12, 2013

Today we left Iganga. Our plan was to leave at 9am and we actually drove out of the Mum at 8:57! That is so amazing. Stephen, James, Ronald, Wilson, and Julie came to say goodbye to us. So we had one more chance to say our goodbyes before heading out. Chimba was supposed to join us for dinner last night but he got tied up with a burial. So after dinner we packed up the fish we had ordered for him and took it out to his house and told his wife she should eat it. She was so excited to see us and we were just as glad to see her. We also delivered the suit we had Patrick make for him. So later in the evening Chimba came to the Mum and Haji told him he had to be at breakfast at 7:30. This morning he came in his new suit and both he and Haji modeled. Both men looked very "smart". And were very happy with what we had done for them.

 

 

 

Needless to say, putting up with us for as long as Haji has he earned every bit of that suit. As for Chimba for all the work he did for Tree of Life he earned his as well. Besides both men are so kind.

 

So then we left and headed to another section of the Nile. Haji has been praying for no rain for the longest time. And after seeing the roads I now understand why. Seriously if we had fallen off the edge we would be in China. Every few miles he would stop a complete stranger to make sure we were heading in the right direction. It took us a while to get there but upon arrival it was worth every bump and hole in the road. However, if you had a bad back this is not a trip to be taken.

 

 

 

The view was just beautiful. Once again, I was in awe of the fact that people were just washing their clothes doing every day things in this majestic river. It was as amazing a view this time as it was in 2010. Just to see the Nile is just so incredible. I have to say it is one of the sights I am really glad that I have seen.

 

 

 

 

I also love all the villages we pass through and all the people we see along the way. No matter how many times I see this country it seems there is always something new to see. Right now we are in a restaurant in Jinja and the Mzungu's outnumber the Africans. It is so weird. Jaimie, Liz and I have all gotten so comfortable here that anyone of us could fit right in. I'm just amazed to see the mixed cultures that come to serve in all the different capacities. I am so sad to be going home to a community that is so closed off. Where everyone goes into their own home and closes their doors to their neighbors. I am going to miss the constant sight of people – the willingness to help out their neighbors, the love they share with one another.  I have loved my time here; I always do. Leaving is always such sweet sorrow. The sights and the sounds are just so beautiful. So now we are wrapping up lunch (the best guacamole and chips ever) and heading back to the van to go to Kampala.

 

 

 

Leaving Jinja I thought the road would improve quickly; this alone should prove that my memory is awful. But pretty soon we were driving quickly though the roads are still questionable. And then we got close to Kampala and started moving at a snails pace. There was one time we passed a truck with a truck coming right at us. I thought I was going to meet my maker. It was the first time I really thought I was a gonner. But Haji was in complete control and just like that we were back in the right lane (maybe I should say left lane!). So now we are at the Adonai where we stayed last year on our way out. As would have it one of the men we met last year is staying here again. It really is a small world. Love all of you and really appreciate all the prayers you have had for us during this time. I know we have been blessed because of you. Can't wait to get home and share our stories.

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 11, 2013

A MILLION SMALL PIECES ALL COME TOGETHER…

 

Today is our last day in Iganga. I can't believe this trip is about to end. It is so hard to believe we have been here four weeks. I really could stay here another few weeks and probably still not complete all that I want to do. We did so much and had a chance to meet so many great people and learn SO much about this country. I really do feel for the first time like I am coming home with so much insight about so many different aspects of Uganda. The learning curve this time has been amazing and I feel like I am returning with some great ideas about how to serve even better than we have in the past. I have learned that it is about what is best for the people here; not about what is best for the people coming to serve! I may be slow but I have finally figured it out and what a difference it is making in decisions we've made and how we have implemented the things we are doing. I came with one set of beliefs and am coming home with another. And I truly believe that I am coming home a much better person for all that I have seen and learned.

 

I started the day at Musana and spent several hours talking to Andrea, Haril and her mother, Pat about a myriad of issues I had questions about. They were so willing to share their views and answer my questions. I felt like I was sitting among long time friends and talking about something we are all passionate about. I really value what they had to say as they are living here full time and have personally faced many of the issues I was asking about. I appreciated their insight as Mzungus working in Uganda and I valued Haril's take on Ugandan culture. He was able to let me know if my thoughts were correct or if I was looking at them with an American slant. All in all it was a great meeting and I was really sorry to have to say goodbye to them. Next time I go to Colorado to see my friend, Colleen, we are going to have to take a side trip and visit Pat. If she and I lived closer together I think we could get into a lot of trouble together!!!

 

I left there and went to Bulubande where the rest of the team was painting Bible verses on the newly painted walls of the girl's dorms. They had done a wonderful job. The paint odor was awfully strong – after a few whiffs I thought I was going to be a little tipsy for the rest of the day. Liz then painted, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" in big letters on the archway in the entryway to the dorm room. I cannot tell you how awesome it looks. Everyone did a great job and I can't believe that Liz did it free hand.

 

 

As for me, I stood on a wobbly chair to do my piece. Fortunately Jaimie was kind enough to hold the chair so I wouldn't fall to the ground. It was so nice to hear the girls come in and start reading what was written. The boys dorms had not been painted yet or we would have taken our talents into their rooms as well. I have to say with the newly painted walls (the bottom half is dark brown, the top white) and green verses the rooms look really nice. What a difference a coat of paint makes. The rooms are so much brighter and cheerier. And of course there is nothing better after a hard days work than lunch. So once again we were treated to rice, beans, and the best pineapple ever. All was going well until Liz found a bug in her rice. After that it was not quite as appetizing but we did manage to eat quite a bit. It was when she flicked it onto the floor and it almost fell into my coke that I lost a few more years of life!

 

I then went outside and found a few young kids that for some reason had not yet returned to class. I asked Waisuwa to help me organize them into a small circle with their feet pointed up and got some of the cutest pictures. They were all excited to participate and I was only too happy to take several.

 

 

The little girl I mentioned yesterday found me again today and ran up and grabbed my hand. Yesterday I taught her to "gig em". Well today I taught her to puff her cheeks out and blow out air. So she and I did this for a good long while. Then she held up her hands and wanted to be held. She must have seen the sucker written across my forehead because I was only too happy to comply. She and I walked hand in hand all day. She is just so stinking cute. When it came time to leave I took her back to her mother and she wanted no part of that. If I could I would sneak her home in my suitcase. She just touched my heart and once again I fell in love.

 

We then came back to the Mum and we proceeded to try to get everything into our suitcases. This is always such a challenge. I am excited to be coming home and seeing my husband, and being able to see and talk to my family and friends but I am going to miss this country tremendously. I will leave a part of my heart here. We have done some good things and today I really saw and felt God pulling all the pieces together for us. We were able to wrap up a lot of things that until today were really at loose ends. God was really gracious in showing us to depend on him and to trust him in all things. Last night I went to bed in a state of panic as to how things were going to come together. I had a list a mile long. And today one by one they all fell into place. I have such a peace about how we are leaving everything. Our God is so good.

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 10, 2013

Today started out not quite as early as the previous days. There is much to be thankful in that. It poured last night but I slept so soundly I didn't hear a thing. Our A/C unit sounds like the north wind is blowing right through our room. It is very comforting to me and so the outside noises don't even penetrate. So we slept through a major storm only to find new rivers flowing this morning. Now we are not only avoiding the potholes but also the streams. Makes for one exciting ride. I went to Baroda Bank today to deposit funds for Lochoro Evaline. I don't know what led me to believe this would be an easy process. For some reason I thought I could just go to the school, give them money for a new uniform and lunch (so she doesn't have to walk back and forth to school each day) and be done. Instead you have to deposit the funds into a school account in her name at the bank, get a receipt, take the receipt to the school and then the process begins. So this has been done. Check one thing off my list. Evaline was so thankful Esther and Evans for this and wanted to be sure I thanked you. Then we bought more bibles, this time for the prison ministry that we were blessed to see started while the team was here. The man that runs that store is going to be so sorry to see us go! Afterwards we stopped by Phil's to give Aloko Paul his medicine but he was not there. Last night when we went to see him he was not there either time. Jaimie had left his medicine with Ruth, an outstanding young lady, but this morning she returned it to us, saying he had never come home. I am sure hoping that when we go to get him today for his return doctor visit that he is there! Actually no one there this morning at breakfast time except a few kids who claimed to be home sick! So we left there and took Jaimie and Liz to Musana and Judy and I headed out to the women's ministry where there had been a huge communication problem. Irene thought we were staying all day. We knew we could only stay a little more than an hour because we had several things to take care of in town. This was told to Irene on the front end but as we got ready to leave she was upset that we weren't staying. We tried to explain that time just did not permit but that we had loved the time spent with the women. Only two of the women were there today but we sat and beaded with them. I actually made 30 beads in that time and I was getting pretty darn good if I say so myself. If I'd been there a little longer I could have produced quite a few more. I was finally in a rhythm and was on a roll. I even rolled some of the really tiny ones. And the two women said, "they were good!" I've never felt so complimented in my life. I'm pretty sure that was one of my proudest moments!!

 

 

 

 

At the end I took all my beads and put them into the shape of a cross. I took several pictures (shocker, I know) and shared them with the women. Maybe they will have a new artistic idea. I'm excited to get to play with the picture tonight and see what I can do with it.

 

 

 

At the end Judy put all her beads, both made by her and the women, in her backpack to take home. I put all my beads in their hands to use. This little girl (one of the women's young daughters) that I met the first day we sat with the women, who reintroduced herself to me yesterday at Bulubandi came by and just latched onto my hand. She is so cute. What is it about me and little kids. I just fall in love with them all. I have told this woman that when she is old enough to start school I will sponsor her education. Yesterday her mother brought me a mat and a bag of fresh vegetables as a thank you.  So today I taught this baby girl how to "gig em". Gotta educate them right!!!

 

 

 

On our way back to the Mum we stopped in town to buy shoes. Haji was really afraid to let two Mzungus out of the car without Julie to do the bargaining. I needed a certain size. This wasn't my first bargaining trip. I once lived in Mexico – so I'm pretty experienced in the art of bargaining. Besides this isn't my first trip here. So the first shop had the shoes and wanted $35,000. I looked at him like he'd just shot me in the heart. I offered no more than $30,000. He looked back at me with the same expression. So I walked away. He kept telling me how they were worth the full $30 and I kept shaking my head. Then different vendors kept trying to sell me all shapes and sizes. I finally found the size I wanted and he offered what I was willing to pay. He then took me to the front where he was paying for plastic bag to put them in. I told him to keep his money I could carry them without a bag. It was a win/win situation and Haji told me I am now a true Ugandan.

 

Now the three of us, Jaimie, Liz and I are back in Jinja waiting for the doctor to re-examine Paul. We are hoping for a good report so we can all head back with good news. Regardless though, at this point of the trip, if the findings are negative and something more needs to be done, we will let Phil know the doctors findings and count on him to follow through. He seems to be better but getting him the medication every day (three times) has been difficult. We are relying on the older children to make sure he takes it and that just isn't fair to them. Besides when he doesn't come back at night it is hard to get him his medicine! So here is praying for a great checkup. I'll keep you posted after we get home. Right now while I have Internet I am going to catch up on my current events. Tonight is Trivia night again and we are going. Once again I am hoping not to embarrass myself!

 

 

 

 

Well so much for hoping. We did place fourth. Not bad except for the fact that there were only four teams. There were three categories. The first was continents; the second was birth and contraceptives; and the third category was current events. Seven questions per category. Well who doesn't know the continents… apparently, we don't. At least not the questions that were asked. We were sure the team behind us was cheating; but it turned out they were just eating! Our logic was hysterical and obviously very wrong. But we had a great time, and Andrea's mother was thrilled not to be the biggest loser. I'd like to say we lost on purpose to make her feel better, but I cannot tell such a big lie. We did know the answer to the first contraceptive used by the Egyptians. I'd tell you the answer but I think you should all look it up on your own. When it came to current events we actually knew nothing. Thank goodness for Haji. He knew that yesterday in Kampala all boda boda's (motorcycles) had to be registered. We had no clue what the president said during his speech yesterday because although he was on TV ALL day, it being independence day and all, the MUM finally figured out how to mute their TV. So we heard nothing. Essentially we left with big L's on our foreheads. But we had a great time and had a chance to meet several other Mzungus who live here in the Iganga area. Made me sad to think I was leaving Saturday for Kampala. I really do love it here. And I really do feel at home.

 

So now I am off to bed. Tomorrow I am going to Musana to meet with Andrea, Haril and her mother and then to Bulubandi to paint scripture on the walls of the newly painted dorm rooms. Love you all. Sue

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 8, 2013

PERHAPS A TIME FOR CHANGE…

 

The day started by going by Phil's to make sure that Aloko Paul got his medicine and then we dropped Jaimie and Liz back at Musana to work there. They are learning so much talking with Andrea and Pat and they are sharing it all with me. Tomorrow I am going to join them there. I am so excited to spend some time there!! But lets not get ahead of myself. Today Judy and Julie left early to go buy more chickens. This was supposed to be a short excursion but they ended up going to a different location and it was an hour away. So we got a later start than planned. With the chickens in the back of the van we then had to stop at a service station to get the spare tire replaced, as Haji did not want to drive all the way out to Top Hills without a good tire. I have to admit, I've never changed a tire with a trunk load of chickens before. The chickens got a little rambunctious and some took a tumble to the ground. Sadly, by the time we got to the school 15 had died! The good news is that the school was going to cook them up and serve the P7 boarders an excellent meal! As some of you know, the drive out to Top Hills is long and bumpy. Haji thinks that with all the twists and turns, and ups and downs, they may have suffocated along the way. All I know is that I was glad Jaimie was at Musana. She would not have handled this well. Her heart is much too soft to experience this type of drama.

 

So while there we gave out the Bibles we had promised to the Ambassador kids we had interviewed and we distributed the chickens to the first fruits students. I love the concept of this.  A teacher and I went to all the classrooms and asked each individual teacher who the neediest students were that were not sponsored. Based on that information she then selected three from each level that were blessed with chickens. I love the idea of this.

 

 

What I didn't like is that the distribution came from us. I really think we need to reconsider how we do things. As Mzungus we need to stay in the background. Nothing should be perceived as coming from us. We need to help them become self sufficient and every time we distribute something it is seen as coming from the "rich Mzungu".  This does not help in our efforts to make them self sufficient… This is something we really need to give some serious thought to. It is not about us. When we were done with this we left and went to Bulubandi and distributed the chickens there. Again, we distributed them and we shouldn't be the ones doing this.

 

We need to stop being perceived as the Mzungu who brings things. I know I am as guilty as anyone. I love to give. It is who I am. I don't want us to be looked upon as a source of money only. We should be coming to serve the people. I want us to be a source of God's love.  This way all the children would be loved the same!  I really think we need to consider how we do our trips and the way we approach the kids. We need to help them become self sufficient – from the pastors right on down to the kids. Ok, enough of my philosophy for the night. I just need to act on what I think is best for this country and the kids we work with.

 

I want to help without hurting. I have learned a lot this trip. I have a lot to think about and that is for me a good place to be. I need to absorb all that I have seen and felt and figure out what is best for the people here. I know that my heart wants to help. I just need to figure out the best way to do that without causing harm along the way.

 

So with that said, I am going to turn in for the night. Tomorrow after Musana we are going into town for some last minute supplies. I have to say, that I am emotionally drained as well as physically exhausted. I think that is true for Jaimie and Liz as well. We have all grown so much and I have loved having them on this trip. I may have lost a lot of my sanity but I feel I have gained two daughters. I wouldn't trade a moment of the time I have spent with either of them. Tami and Janet you have raised two fine women. You should be very proud of them. I know I am!

 

I love you guys.

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 7, 2013

CHICKENS IN A BAG

 

The morning started off with a really bad migraine. I got up, showered hoping that would help, went for breakfast, asked for a piece of French toast, took one whiff of it, gave it to Haji and went back to bed. I knew I was not going to be a part of anything at least for the near future. With that I slept until 2 at which point feeling better I called Haji and headed out to Bulubandi. On the way I stopped at the school that Lochoro Evaline (Esther and Evans child) goes to and spoke with the headmaster. She needs a new uniform (hers is torn in inappropriate places) and wanted to know how I could buy her a new one. I also talked about how to fund her education for next year. Even something as simple as buying a uniform is not easy. I have to go to a bank and deposit funds, get the receipt, give it to the school and then they will provide what she needs. So Wednesday I am set to do that. I will also pay the funds (around $20) for her to get to eat lunch at the school every day so she doesn't have to walk back to the kid's house and possibly miss some classes. The school paperwork made it seem like it was a Muslim school but as we drove in though the gate there was a Muslim greeting immediately followed by a Christian sign. Turns out it was founded by a Muslim but now is being run by Christian ownership. I was really glad to see that! Evaline and I talked to the headmaster together. I gave the headmaster my email information and asked her to contact me when the new-year began so we could be sure her educational fees were covered.

 

Then it was off to Bulubandi. We were going to start the First Fruits program today by giving two hens to the families in the most need. Well this didn't turn out quite like we planned. Judy had brought with her 200+ canvas bags and so we decided to put the chickens in the bags to carry through the community. Nothing like having chickens hanging on your shoulders.

 

 

As we started our journey it soon became apparent that the whole idea had not been communicated very well as the gentlemen who were leading us (the pastors were busy and thus had assigned someone to help with this plan) were in no way stopping and delivering the chickens to those in need. The first several houses were very nice and there appeared to already be chickens in the yard. The question of do you currently own any livestock or chickens was always answered with a no and we had no idea if the chickens wandering around were theirs or their neighbors. That is until the question was answered no and there was chicken feed sitting right there at their feet. Fortunately at this point (about 8 chickens into the process) the skies started to open up and we saw lightening. We quickly decided to scurry back to the school. I am so glad we did as it gave us a chance to re-evaluate how we want to do this again tomorrow. What we have decided to do is to limit it the two schools. This is a 100% change from what I was thinking yesterday. In this way we can know that the kids we are giving the chickens to have never received anything along those lines from their sponsors. We can also look at all the students including the non-sponsored ones and pick the ones most in need, which accomplishes what we originally set out to do. We plan to select 4-5 kids from each grade level and bless them with the chickens. I'm hoping this will work better. I guess I will find out tomorrow. Meanwhile both Jaimie and Liz spent the day at Musana. They spent time making beads with four other women in the craft room. They were really proud of themselves – they made about 30 beads (which in reality does not make even one necklace!) In the afternoon they worked in the donation room organizing all their stuff. In between the two projects they had a chance to eat beans and rice with the teachers. They both loved the day and are looking forward to going back tomorrow. Andrea has told them to bring their toothbrushes, as they will be on latrine duty! That I would pay to see.

 

For dinner tonight, Andrea, Haril and Pat (Andrea's mom) joined us at the Mum. The service was not very good (I think they had to go out and catch the fish and chickens) but the company was great. I don't think we've laughed that hard since we've been here. And by the way, I would not have been a complete idiot on trivia night. She repeated some of the questions and I actually knew the answers. No one was more surprised than I was! When it came time for praying over our food we couldn't even get the prayer out because we were laughing so hard. It's the first time I've ever had to use a back up prayer person. I'm so glad God has a sense of humor. We did give Haril several bags of beef jerky and gave Pat and Andrea each a bag of peanut butter M&M's. It was like Christmas in October. Liz and I still have enough food left over on our snack shelf that we could open a small grocery store.

 

So now it time to sign off and consider getting some much needed rest. Tomorrow is another busy day. We will be heading to Top Hills and then to Bulubande. I hope all of you are doing well. I love you guys.

 

Here's Liz with Paul Losiya:

 

This little girl is too cute:

 

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 6, 2013

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN YOU GET ON ONE BENCH???

 

Today once again started early. I was at breakfast with my computer in hand long before I needed to be there but it was good to have some time to try to catch up. Liz went to bed last night with a headache and woke up not feeling good so we left her at the Mum to sleep. The good news is that when we returned she was watching the Big Bang Theory so I'm guessing she is feeling better. Good news for me as I was really missing her good sense of humor. I did NOT like her not feeling good. The mama in me was coming out…

 

So off we went to Top Hills for church today. The drive there is long but it is also beautiful. We travel on the red dirt roads through the greenest of sceneries. All along the way there are people; children playing, mothers nursing babies, or cookies, people of all ages working. The great thing is that everyone is outside so we don't only get to enjoy the beauty but the people as well. It is a photographer's paradise. No matter how many pictures I get there is always something new around the next bend. I spend every second in the car with my head looking and observing. I don't want to miss a second of this country. We arrived there at about 9:15 and the Sunday school class had already started. Irene's husband, Patrick, is the Pastor out there and as you can imagine the little church was full. The first rows were filled with children. So I sat in the first row with about three. Before long, our little bench had six children and me. One little boy just sat and grinned at me. His resemblance to my sponsored child at Phil's, Adrian, was uncanny. He could have been his identical twin brother. His smile just melted my heart. With the little bit of bench that I had he took my hand and grinned for the remainder of the service, which for those of you who have been in Uganda know can be a while. I taught him how to say "I love you" in sign language and then the little girl next to me started showing me pictures from a picture Bible. Each time she wanted me to tell her the story. I'm not sure the Pastor appreciated this but she may have learned something. I certainly had her attention. The service was really good and his lesson was on bringing Jesus into your heart. At the end he asked if anyone wanted to invite Jesus into their lives and a father of one of our sponsored children (Lee Bowers your child) came to the front and before everyone said that he had been away from the church for seven years and today he was asking forgiveness and coming back to God. It was really a cool moment. The whole community was so excited for him. Yahoo! Then of course, we had the honor of having the girls' choir sing and dance for us. At the end of the service one of the girls handed Patrick a note and asked if they could sing one more song for us.  And so they did…in English no less. I love the enthusiasm with which they sing. Glenn, I love your singing. I hope you are working on those dance movements for when we get back! After the service Jame's wife cooked us a great meal. So we all sat together and feasted. It was so good! As we were eating I could hear a guitar in the distance and I knew it was not Moses because I could see him from where I was sitting. He was eating with us. When I peaked out the door there was another young man playing the guitar we had given to Top Hills. He is Moses' first student and I have to say he sounded really good. Moses was really excited about already finding someone to teach and says they have been working together some every day. He even requested a picture of teacher and student. I told him that you, Glenn, would be so proud of both. I also told Moses that as we come back in the future we would like to hear him play for the children as you did. He was very excited at the prospect of being able to do this. Who knew God would work so quickly in passing this skill on. Your work here is taking off.

 

And so we headed back to the Mum. But not without another adventure to add to the list. What do you get with three Mzungus and a nail? Probably the same thing as you'd get back home… a flat tire. So in the middle of nowhere we pull off to the side of the road. Judy asked if we could stay in the car and Haji, being Haji said yes. I suggested we get out. It is hard enough to use a jack without all our additional weight to lift (no offence intended to Judy or Jaimie… well maybe some to Jaimie!) Out came the jack and every time we thought the men (Haji and Stephen) were close to getting the tire off the ground, the jack slipped. I am telling you it was hot. You could have fried an egg on any one of our heads! Meanwhile, the men were working hard. The three of us pulled the girl card. "Oh, it's so good to have such strong men around. I'm glad we don't have to do that, we might break a nail". Haji just laughed! Jaimie in the meantime is sticking her thumb up trying to hitch hike. It is hard to be in control of this group. Meanwhile traffic is speeding by in the wrong direction and we are trying hard not to get killed. Have to say I'm sorry Liz missed this. I'm sure she would have added a little humor to the situation. When they finally got the old tire off there was a huge hole in it. As they put the new tire on, that had been riding underneath the car all this time; it was practically orange in color. It was so dirty. In contrast to the lug nuts it looked very out of place. The only thing that would have added to this was if a monkey had jumped out of the woods and landed on one of our heads! But alas before long we were "back on the road again!" Then he stopped in front of a man on a bicycle carrying a load of matoke (bananas). I was probably not more than two feet from him when I said, "Can I take a picture of your bananas?" I probably looked as stupid as I sounded. Jaimie was cracking up in the back seat. Fortunately the guy had a good sense of humor, nodded yes, and started smiling.

 

After a little break Jaimie, Liz and I headed to Phil's house. We saw Caroline Amulen who had heard we were in town and came to the kid's house in hopes we were there. She hasn't changed one bit. It was great to see her and talk to her for a while. We spent time with all the kids and watched as little Adrian pushed a wheelbarrow around the yard. I sat in the back with the girls talking about school. Poor Jesca (the matron) was telling me about her daughter, Jennifer who was sick and in the local "hospital". She was so sad. So as we left we offered Jesca a ride to see her daughter. When we got there she asked me to go in and so I did. Poor Jennifer was lying in bed asleep. I asked if I could pray over her and so I did. She woke up and when she saw me she gave me the beautiful smile and thanked me for coming. She is as beautiful as ever. I felt so bad for her seeing her so sick! But I was so glad I went in. Then we went into town to find more Oreos. Some things are just worth the time! It took two supermarkets but we did find "the worlds best biscuits" but not before we almost got killed crossing the road. Haji said we were so bad at this that he actually moved the van so we wouldn't have to cross back. But coming out of the store we didn't see him. Even though we heard a whole chorus of  "Jaimie's" coming from the boda boda drivers we kept on going. Finally we heard a familiar voice calling her name and looked back to see Haji just laughing at us. He is such a character and so much fun!

 

So another day ends and I am hoping for a good nights sleep to get ready for another busy day. I want to thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. Liz and I are going to eat Oreos. Bet you wish you were us!!!

Uganda Blog by Liz Mendoza, October 6, 2013

Playing in traffic

Today I wasn't feeling too good so I decided to stay back. The rest of the gang headed to Top Hills, while Judy gave me a pill to help me not throw up. I slept it off, and felt much better when I woke up. Apparently they had an adventure this morning with a flat tire on the way home. 

 

The team finally came home around 2pm. I was watching The Big Bang theory when Suebee walked through the door. I was feeling much better so I headed to Phil's with them. We went to drop off Alokos medicine and play with the kids a bit. So our surprise Carolyn Amulen was there visiting. It was so good to hug her neck and see her. We stayed for only a bit then took Jesca, one of the matrons, with us so she could see her daughter Jennifer in the hospital. 

After we dropped her off we headed to the supermarket. We were out of water (or atleast we thought we were, Judy had some in her room). Haji parked on one side of the road while we walked across the street. I tell you what Sue is going to kill both of us. Jaimie had already made it to the other side. I normally stay with sue to make sure she crosses over and still comes out alive. She stepped right in front of this big truck (that was going slow and she had time to cross in front of) but what she failed to see was the boda boda coming from the other way. We ended up in the middle of the road, with the truck honking at us. I finally pushed her and said go now. Crossing the street here is a lot like playing frogger. We went inside purchased what we were looking for then began our journey back. Jaimie heard somebody calling her name but when she looked back she didn't recognize them. We made it all the way to the other side and realized we were missing something. Where did Haji go? We looked around and saw Haji and the boda boda drivers sitting there just cracking up. They were now on the other side of the road. We now had to cross the road for the third time. This time it was clear and much easier. The boda boda drivers were laughing. Haji said we had crossed the road very badly, therefore he asked if the boda boda drivers could make some room so he could park. They were all trying to get out attention before we walked to the other side, but we ignored them because we didn't recognize any of them. We were told not to talk to strangers, and we were doing just that. Little did we know the strangers were trying to help us. Oh lord. Always an adventure. 

Here's the cookies sue almost died for: 

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 5, 2013

The alarm went off this morning really, really early. By really, really early I mean 6 am. The breakfast area is supposed to be up and running at six but when we walked in there was not a sole in sight. The lights were not even on. So after waiting a while we went back to the room and got good 'ole American oatmeal and dug in! But breakfast so early in the morning just means our stomachs start growling by ten o'clock. Our day started at the market – not at all like any market most of us have ever been before. Bicycles with huge baskets on the back carrying chickens and goats. I'm amazed at how many chickens they can stuff in. They ride down the street to the market with little chicken heads poking out I imagine yelling, "save me, save me". They sell (auction) chickens, goats, sheep and cows along with all kinds of vegetables. The market was a good distance from Iganga and we took a friend of Julie's, Peter, so he could pick out non-diseased chickens. Interestingly, he bought all hens. This way they can produce eggs right away and they said there are always roosters around. And you know what happens when the roosters find the hens! She did not elaborate but we all got the message loud and clear. We also got the proper paperwork and because of we are Mzungus they required everything to be done "according to law". So this group of chickens will be distributed first and then more will be bought for the remainder of the first fruits program. I am glad we will not be returning for that adventure though I am very glad we got to see the market in full swing. It is another side of Uganda I have now been privileged to see. After purchasing we proceeded to put all 50 hens in the back of the van and drive off with them where we deposited them with Peter for the weekend.

 

We all had the honor of getting some of the chickens out of the van. Though they were tied together at the feet the first several I picked up were really feisty and they practically turned themselves upside down to peck me. I was afraid I was going to drop them and at that point I wasn't sure I really cared.

 

Then we left and went into town and did some shopping for the kids. The best find of the day was Oreo cookies and chocolate vanilla swirl ice-cream. I didn't eat the ice-cream but the Oreos were good. I was sorry my mom taught me to share. Just as I opened the package Haril drove by and I gave him two. Then I offered Haji two. Coveted as they are I did share. Then we ran into Pat, Andrea's mother and have arranged for them to come to the Mum and share dinner with us Monday night. What a blessing they have been. We are now back at the Sol Café getting ready for lunch. I love this place both because it supports Musana and because their chicken is so good! After lunch we are going to go by Julie's hair salon so we can see it. I'm excited to see what she has as I've never had to opportunity. Then off to the Mum where I hope to spend the afternoon putting names to pictures so I don't have to spend the next month at home trying to match them up. (Update: I got very little of this done. The option was pictures or a nap. Somehow the pictures did not win out!)

 

Yesterday, to catch you up a little we spent the day at Top Hills. We stopped at Phil's first so we could give Aloko Paul his medicine. We are so medically inclined we have them marked at pink, white and BIG. That is how we tell them apart (Tamara you and Kari would be proud!) The drive to Top Hills is a long one but the countryside is beautiful. It is so green mixed with the red dirt roads – I just love looking out the window. Again, I have to say some of the potholes would leave you in China if you fell in. There really isn't much but green between Iganga and there and I love watching Haji avoid the holes even if it means driving on the wrong side of the road. We arrived to do several projects but it seemed all the classes were in testing and so we sat under the tree and talked. Eventually a few of the younger kids came out and we started to help them write thank you letters for their gifts of goats, chickens or money. In my case, I loved doing this with them. I had a great opportunity to talk to them (although I did get help from one of the pastors to translate) and found out so much about them. I had them giggling and felt like the relationship became so much more important than the letter. Because they were young they loved coloring and drawing the pictures. Sponsors as you read these letters know they are very appreciative of all you do. I explained that you help them to go to school. They poured their hearts into coloring and we had great time writing. I wish each of you could meet your child. They are so dang cute. Picture after picture I take and still I wish I could take more. I want to bring home every smile. And capture every personality. I want to save it in a bottle so I can pull it out when I most miss this country which I know will happen as soon as I lift off from the ground.

 

Jaimie and Liz were in charge of picture taking. They only had one class left – P7 (middle school seventh graders). All those boys thought they were so cool that older girls were taking an interest in them. The pastors were getting a kick out of watching. All we could hear from the distance was a bunch of laughter, both from the Mzungus and the class. Wish I could have been a fly on the tree to hear what was actually being said. They did ask a boy to help them with pronunciation of names and from what I understand he rocked. So before we could hardly say "Jack Rabbit" they were done. Such an efficient pair! Meanwhile we were continuing to write letters with a new group of kids. I sat with Ronald this time and he knew everything about every child. I would ask a question and he would answer. He finally told me they all were his neighbors. I must say I was impressed he knew everyone so well!

 

Note the frog in the hair...I probably now have warts. 

 

Now I am in my room at the Mum alone for the first time in three weeks. I have done something I said I would never do. I have sent Jaimie and Liz into town on their own. They are meeting a young man from Phil's to do a little shopping and to enjoy some time to talk. I can't believe that I sent three 20-somethings on their own. What they don't know is that I have Haji spying on them and keeping them safe. They were so excited to get some alone time to chill and I trust all three of them with my life. I hope they have a really good time. They are buying Emma some futbol shoes (he has been asking me for some for years) and hopefully will also find some shin guards for his poor legs. They are also looking for shoes for Masiat and for little Rashidah at Top Hills. It's been a long time since I've sent a pair of youngsters off by themselves. Tami and Janet are you worried yet??? I can't wait to hear all about their adventure(s). I know there will be more than one!!!

 

At lunch today we started talking about our return trip to Kampala next week and all the cool things we could do along the way. Jaimie, not surprisingly, mentioned bungee jumping in Jinja. I talked to Haji and he said it was along the way so if this is something she would like to do we could stop for her. He asked me if I would do it. My immediate reaction was no. But I just might be crazy enough to try it. I'll have to look at it first and see if I'm brave enough to do something so dumb. I'm not sure following Jaimie's example is something I should strive to do. J We are also thinking of stopping at the zoo in Entebbe. It is a rescue zoo and now that Liz and I have seen the Pittsburgh zoo it sounds like something we should consider. Haji has asked if we go if he can come in and see the animals too. I guess we are not enough entertainment for him. So as we wind down to our last week there are many things to still do and people to see. Jaimie and Liz are going to be spending some time working at Musana next week and are very excited about that. Judy and I will be going to Bulubandi, Top Hills, working some with the Women's Ministry and anything else that the pastor's feel needs to get done. Tomorrow we are headed to Top Hills for church. I have never been there so I am very excited. I love worship in Uganda.

 

Good news! Jaimie and Liz both came home alive and so excited. Haji actually let them drive. And you thought I was nuts. He is like a grandfather with these girls. Anything they want he gives them. There is even a picture of him in the passenger seat. He does look scared to death!!! And then he went around the round-a-bout in circles without any prompting from either of them. They think he is awesome. But then we all know he is. He is like a little kid always pulling pranks. His favorite is blowing his straw cover at one of us. Sometimes he hits us and then he just attempts to look so innocent. Sadly, for him, he can't keep a straight face for longer than a second. Patrick joined us for dinner tonight and Judy, he brought the shirt you asked him to make. I paid him 50,000 shillings which he said you had agreed to. Paige he also brought the placemats and napkins from the fabric you bought. He said there was only enough fabric to make six of each but they are beautiful. The great news is that the total cost was only 24,000 shillings; 2,000 for each as apposed to the 10,000 at Bulubandi. I had planned to have some more made at Bulubandi but for that price I have decided to have Patrick make them instead. They turned out really nice and I will bring them home!

 

Guess this is all for today. Looking forward to a good nights sleep and another good day tomorrow. Can't believe we head for home a week from tomorrow. We miss our team. You guys were a great group and I am so thankful for each and every one of you. To my family… in case you are wondering, I love you all the way to God's house and back times infinity plus one! May God bless you all.

Uganda Blog by Liz Mendoza - October 4, 2013

Today we headed to Top Hills to finish pictures. It's always entertaining. There is this certain roundabout where all the pastors meet us. You never know how many are going to be there. Today it was 4, which left us one seat short. So it was a little tighter ride than usual. Julie was not quite there yet so we ran by the kids house to give Aloko his medicine. We left Judy, Wilson, and Stephen Wasiwa behind to wait for her. We were able to find Paul before he headed to school and get him his medicine. We gave Emma the medicine for Paul for lunchtime since we wouldn't be back in time. One of the matrons has the cutest little boy. He has to be about 2. Everytime we go there he comes in running and hugs our legs, he's the cutest thing ever. And he's so stinking happy all the time. I've never seen him when he wasn't happy.
We gave him his drugs and headed back to get the rest of the gang. We arrived at Top Hills and were ready for the day. The kids were in class and the P7 kids were doing an exam so we couldn't start on the pictures. We sat down with Julie and started on the sponsor letters. We only got through about 6 of them before it was time to break for their lunch.
After lunch we resumed with P7 pictures. These kids. It was Jaimie and I with a bunch of 7th graders essentially. Though it's Uganda, and I'm not quite sure how old any of them actually were. Judy and Sue were working on sponsor letters so it was just the two of us. You know some things are just universal. Like being little turds. We had so much fun with them. There wasn't a teacher, so Jaimie and I were the supervision. Atleast we were having fun. I asked for a volunteer to read the names that way I didn't completely butcher them myself. The kids would get up to take their picture, holding back a smile. All the while the gaggle behind us was in an uproar of laughter. Some of them would smile nicely while others were "too cool". Typical. Sue said the pastors were cracking up watching us. Basically you had two young Mzungu girls with a group of older boys and girls. You do the math. The pastors kept saying, "those two girls, all those boys, you have the right ones doing the pictures". We had a lot of fun and actually got it done in a timely manner. Though Jaimie and I will agree, it's definitely better not to know the language with a group of boys. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Another thing is universal, boys will always think they are so cool! Boys. They did great and our guy reading off names was a huge help. We got all of their photos taken and sent them back to class....to do something more productive.
As Jaimie and I were walking to the van to put the camera away we came across a new little friend. A frog. I thought it was a branch until Jaimie pointed out it was hopping. So the hunt began. Judy kept telling us we were going to get warts. We hunted anyway. I almost had him in my hand till I went to raise him up and he flipped backwards. Jaimie squealed. Then we couldn't stop laughing. We were just an entertaining crew today. The pastors were once again cracking up at us trying to catch the frog. I finally got it. When I tried to show the kids, they kinda backed away. I think they were afraid it was going to jump on them. We put it in Judy's shoulder and Sues head. Crazy Mzungus. Sometimes it's the little things in life. Poor thing was terrified. It finally stopped resisting and just sat in my hand. Don't worry, I put it back where it could hop freely again.
Sue and Judy finished up sponsor letters while Jaimie and I goofed off. No surprise there. Once they finished we loaded up and headed back towards the Mum. We first stopped to let the Pastors and Julie out. Then dropped off Judy at the mum. Sue, Jaimie, and I headed back to give Aloko his medicine for the night. I love those kids they're precious. Jaimie and I just stayed against the wall and observed. It was nice just to watch the kids do their everyday routine. Apparently today was laundry day, for many of the kids were out there washing. We stay with Aloko, Paul Losiya, and one other little boy who I can't place his name at the moment. Paul Losiya hasn't changed one bit. I love that kid. We watched as many of the girls and boys came home from school. It was so sweet to be able to stand there and greet them. They deserve to be greeted everyday when they come home from school. Jaimie sat with some of the kids while Muganda and I played with Nicholas and Adrian. Muganda joined my team in keeping Adrian and Nicholas from passing by us. He's a good partner. It was about to rain so we decided to head back to the van.
Haji was with the van and there was a guy working on the tire. So we sat on a rock pile to wait and told the kids to go back home for it was starting to rain. There has been a clicking noise, so we literally picked this guy up on the way to the kids house and he worked on the vehicle when we stopped. Only in Uganda. It was beginning to rain harder and it still wasn't done. Sue, Jaimie, and I took shelter under what looked like a half built abandoned house. It had a porch covering, and that's all we needed. The car was finally finished and Haji waved for us to come. We hopped back in the car and away we went. Leaving our mechanic to walk home? Haji said he had to go somewhere else. I get so confused in this country sometimes. We pick people up and drop them off. Atleast Haji knows what he's doing.
Tomorrow we have an early morning, for we are meeting Julie at 7am to go to the market to buy chickens. That should be an adventure.

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 3, 2013

ANOTHER BUSY DAY IN PARADISE…

 

This morning started with us returning to Bulubandi to finish up pictures and to have the children who got gifts from their sponsored families to write thank you letters. This was such a neat image… actually both pieces were. Judy was sitting with Julie under a tree with the kids who were writing their sponsors thank you letters for the gifts of goats and chickens. They were all so focused on what to say and their handwriting was perfect. Penmanship was one of the few subjects I use to excel in, and they really put me to shame. They were so thankful for all that you had done. Meanwhile Jaimie, Liz and I were in search of the Nursery kids so we could complete all the school class pictures. Bridget, who is the head English teacher (and speaks better English than we do) walked with us. As we walked into the classroom the entire class stood up and greeted us. Bridget then led them in song; Old McDonald Had a Farm, and one other nursery rhyme. Then she asked us to introduce ourselves and do a dance. So being the first to introduce myself, I did just that. I boogied my little heart off which started the whole class laughing hysterically. Then it was Jaimie's turn and she cheated. She asked the class to show her how to dance. She literally wimped out. And then Liz just tried to ignore the instructions. But I called her out and she politely declined so we started singing "Mary had a little lamb". Imagine my surprise when they knew all the words. A few refrains of that and I think they realized we couldn't carry a tune in a bucket and decided we should begin with what we had originally set out to do. So all the kiddos filed out and we started to take pictures. Jaimie, Liz and Bridget have this down to a fine art. I just sat and enjoyed the kids handing each one a letter that one of the second grade classes I visited had written to the kids.

 

Judy stayed at the school to finish up there while the three of us went into town to eat lunch at the Sol Café, a restaurant managed by Musana. I had the best chicken I've had since I've been here – good 'ole grilled white meat! Then we went to a grocery store where Liz graciously bought brooms and mops for Kakombo, both for the nurses who live out there and the clinic. After watching them clean their rooms we are hoping this will make it easier for them all. We also bought Bibles for all the kids we did the interviews with for future sponsorships. As I mentioned earlier we had them read their favorite passage. After reading they were asked if they had a Bible. They all said no. When asked if they would like to have one, and if they did would they read it, they all enthusiastically answered yes. And so today we bought each of those children one that we will give them before we leave. It was a clear example of lack of communication today however. We kept asking Haji where we could find a mop. He kept telling us in the Bible store. We knew this wasn't right and he was adamant he knew he was correct. We finally figured out he thought we were saying map. A light went off with all of us and we all had a good laugh. We had a really good conversation with him today about his background and his faith. He is such a good man, and so good to us that we want to make sure we honor him in the same way. We asked him if it was hard driving all our teams of Christian groups. He said that no. God was good and we all got along. We asked if he had time to do his prayers and he said yes that when working God allowed him to save those prayers for a later time. He is so open to anything we ask. Which makes for really good conversation.

 

After leaving there we went by Phil's kid's house to pick up Aloko Paul to bring him to Jinja to see the doctor. We arrived early and had a chance to run by some of the shops again and then came to the medical center. This was an interesting adventure. Jaimie was confident she knew the way. Haji was sure she didn't and kept stopping to ask people along the way. He finally gave in and followed her directions, which to his surprise led right to the front door. Sadly, when we got here the doctor had already left so we were left to see his nurse. After asking a series of questions and quickly examining his ears she called Dr. Charles and gave a brief report. Based on her analysis he said he would come back and see him if we could wait 30-45 minutes. Paul reported that his ears had been hurting, and draining on and off since 2008. When the ears drained drops obtained over the counter would be put in. He said he has lost some of his hearing and that when they are draining he is in pain. Paul is so shy and bashful. I had an earache a few months ago and I can tell you they hurt. So now we are in the doctors office waiting for him to arrive. I am so praying that he will have a solution to resolve the problem. No child should suffer for so long without anything substantial being done. He is such a sweet child and it really breaks my heart. So we are patiently waiting. Aloki is eating beef jerky, Liz is sitting on the floor.

 

Dr. Charles came and saw Aloko. He examined him and then asked if any of us were nurses. When we all said no he explained it in really simple layman's terms, "One ear is sicker than the other". The good news – we all understood. He put him on Augmenton (?), a fungus medicine and Tylenol to be taken for the next seven days. The total bill was 45,000 shillings which is less than $25.00. Amazing! He was so gentle and so good. So we will return next Thursday to see how he is doing. Afterwards we ate at the Source Café and watching Aloko eat something other than posho and beans was pure joy. We then dropped him back off at the kid's house and came back – getting back to the Mum around 8! Another full day. I'm sad to report that we missed trivia night but then again that might have been a blessing. None of us have had a single moment to keep up with a single world event in the last few weeks so we probably would have embarrassed ourselves to no end! Besides taking care of this child was much more important. Unless they asked us what room we are staying in at the Mum we probably would have failed! And so another day ends. Sleep will be in short supply and then another wonderful day will begin.