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.

 

 

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 2, 2013

LUNCH UNDER A TENT

 

Today started with a trip out to Idudi to meet Andrew Wambi, a pastor who has started a school and church. He is not a part of Tree of Life but he is mentored by our two pastors, Wilson and James. Andrew did not know we were coming but he was so accommodating and thankful we had come. He first shared with us how the school came about and then led us to the school so we could meet his students and the teachers. The kids came out and sat so quietly. The school is only Nursery through P4 so the faces of the kids were all so stinking cute…AGAIN! Seems they get cuter every day! He had five of the kids who are a part of their choir sing for us. What sweet voices they had. Then unbeknownst to us Andrew took us to the new farm they had bought to build their new school on. To get there we drove down roads that barely qualify as roads. The van barely fit between the bushes. He was so excited about this piece of property and what he was planning to do. Afterwards we were blessed to go to his house and meet his wife and two children; his two year old daughter Faith and his 3 month old son, Israel. In between all this, we went and visited with Rehema and her extended family. Danny, this is the young girl you told me about whose father just recently passed away of AIDS. Her mother had already died previously and this precious 5 year old is now parentless. It was a sweet, but somewhat awkward moment. I told them that we were there as an extension of you Danny. We prayed over the family for strength and let them know that people half a world away were praying for them. But we also felt that we were imposing on their grief. Rehema's sister came in wailing. I asked Andrew if it was appropriate for me to go to her. He said yes and so I did. I held her for quite awhile and let her cry for her loss. And then we started talking. She told me about her family and her children. The sadness she felt was so raw. My heart just broke for her. Death is so common here and yet the loss is felt just as strongly.

 

When we came back to the Mum Jaimie, Liz and I came to our room and just sat under our mosquito net and relaxed. We talked about things we had done in life and about how this trip was impacting us. We then decided we were hungry and so we ordered spring rolls. They were delivered right to our room and so we proceeded to eat lunch under our make shift tent. They were yummy – in fact the best food I've had at the Mum yet. Haji continues to eat fish and chips unless he changes it up a little and has chips and fish!

 

We then went to the kid's house this afternoon to see the kids. Tomorrow we are headed to Jinja to take Aloko Paul to a doctor to look at his ears. He's been suffering from ear infections for years and Jaimie is passionate about getting him looked at. So we are picking him up at Phil's tomorrow and heading in. We had sweet Moses Okere translate for us so he would not think we were taking him to nowhere land tomorrow. We will all head to Bulubandi in the morning to finish up some things and then Judy will stay behind to finish what we don't get done, and then will work with Julie in the afternoon. In the evening we are all heading to Sol Café for a Current event trivia game. I am sure I will not win… but I am going to give it the good old college try. Tonight when I get back to the room I am going to cram!!! If anyone knows anything that has happened in the past week or so worldwide, an email would be helpful. But only email me. The rest of the team is on their own!!! I wish I could communicate better with the little boy I sponsor at Phils. He has looked so sad these last few times I have been there. He always comes to me with a hug but that huge smile of his has been missing. I did have Moses ask if he was feeling OK and he said yes. So next time I go I will be trying to get to the bottom of it. He just is making me sad cause he is sad. Debbie and Greg if you are reading this, I have bought him a Ugandan soccer outfit (shorts and a shirt) to give you for him to wear on his flight home. I have no idea what size to tell you so I bought something I am hoping will fit him. He loves soccer so I thought it might be appropriate. He really hasn't grown much since last year. Still as cute as can be. I just need to see his smile. I am missing that spark that he has! We left there and drove back out to Musana to see if we could find Haji's camera. He thought he had left it there last night. As we got close to the school we ran into Haril. He very kindly got out of the car that was taking him into town and went back with us. We had a great time talking with him. He was telling us of his first trip to America…Colorado in the winter. Hearing him tell us of the layers of clothing he had on, I couldn't decide weather to laugh or cry. I hate to be cold. So I could definitely sympathize. To deal with a new culture and be freezing at the same time – not sure that was fair. He was talking about the moving doors, the size of the malls, the grocery stores and that they have everything in them; it was so interesting for us to hear Haril talk about adjusting to culture from another perspective. Now we are back at the Mum waiting for dinner. They are back on Uganda time though my stomach is on US time. I am hungry!!! So I am ready to eat and go to sleep. I am serious about trivia facts. I will be forever thankful for any emails that may come my way. And in all seriousness… I will NOT be sharing. Just for once I want these young people to think I know something!!! I love you all. Sue

Uganda Blog by Sue Henderson, October 1, 2013

DAY OF REST THEORETICALLY

 

Today was designated as a day of rest. I've waited a long time for today… to sleep late, lounge, do nothing. But this is Uganda and I should have known that schedules are meant to be broken. We did sleep later than usual though our phone abruptly rang very loudly at ten a.m. to announce that if we didn't show up soon we would miss breakfast. As many of you know, I am not a morning person, so you would be proud to know I did not bark into the phone. I kindly told the person on the other end that we would NOT be coming and rolled over and went back to sleep. I did wake up shortly afterwards and sat outside (it was a perfectly beautiful day) and started labeling all the kids names to pictures we had taken. Jen Taylor took at least six of each child, so as you can imagine I only made it through one and a half classes. At one Steven and James came by to discuss our schedule for the next two weeks. They are so good about taking care of us. We invited them to join us for lunch and today I ordered Egg fried rice. It was actually really good. Beats many of the places in SA. Haji, in case you are wondering, ordered fish and chips; as opposed to the fish and chips he has ordered every night since we've arrived!

 

At four we left for Musana, a school started by three young ladies out of Colorado. Two have since returned to the US and one, Andrea is now here and has married a wonderful Ugandan by the name of Haril. They graciously had invited us to dinner where they served Ugandan burritos. Somehow Uganda has the best guacamole ever!! We sat and talked to them for several hours learning about how they have made their school such a success. I am so excited for Liz. When she eventually moves here she already will have a wonderful friend. She is really sweet (unlike Liz) and the two of them will really enjoy having one another to bond with. She commented that she has no social life so she does keep up on current events. In fact on Thursday we are going to the Sol Café (a restaurant that helps support their ministry) for a game of trivia. She has told us the questions will be current events. I tried to bribe her to give me the questions ahead of time but to no avail. I really wanted Liz and Jaimie to think I was smart!! Then one day next week we are going to take them to dinner. Her mother was here visiting so we had a chance to talk with her as well. One thing is for sure. They all know we are crazy but they all know we love the people we are here called to serve.

 

I have formed a really special relationship with the Pastors this trip, especially James and Stephen. We have joked and kidded but also touched on some really important issues. I have sought their advice and what they have told me has been great. They are just good people. So is Haji. We are very much interested in their thoughts and opinions and so we inquire and are learning so much with what they share. Life long friendships are being made.

 

With that I am going to sleep. Tomorrow we are going to see Andrew Wambi. I have never met this man but have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. To my family I miss you guys so much. Seester, I miss our daily conversations. It is just not the same. I love you all.

Uganda Blog, by Sue Henderson, September 30, 2013

Adios, and A New Wonderful Friend

 

We bid our team goodbye yesterday and came into the hotel and fell into the chairs in the "reception" area. We were really sad to see them go but exhausted to the point of collapse. We sat there for a while speechless (which for this group is almost miraculous) not because we had nothing to say but because it took too much energy to speak. Then we slowly got up and meandered to our rooms where we proceeded to veg out for a while. The team now consists of four – Judy Benson, Jaimie Piatnik, Liz Mendoza and me. Vicki Smith (a wonderful woman on the Tree of Life board with me) had connected me with a young lady by the name of Desire. She is the sister of a young man that Vicki sponsors. She has recently graduated university with a degree in social work. Anyway, we had asked her before we came if she would be able to join us for dinner while we were in Kampala. So yesterday she came out to the hotel and joined us for a meal. She came in and what a beautiful woman she was. Oh, my goodness, she was stunning. I'm trying to figure out what she was thinking as she walked into this hotel, not knowing us from Adam, and meeting probably the four weirdest Mzungus ever. Right away I think we all felt a connection and like we had known each other forever. She started to tell us what she does when we asked if she could back up and tell us her story. And so she began…

 

She is the oldest in her family. Her mother married a Muslim man and converted to Christianity when she was a very young girl. As a result of this, her father left her mom and married another woman leaving her mom with she and her brother and two other children. She said they struggled for years to survive. And yes, I mean to survive. To feed themselves so as to not starve. But her mother continued to rely on her faith and instilled this faith in her children. She fought for them to go to school and did whatever it took to make sure they got an education. They moved constantly because they did not have money for rent but still her mother kept them together. Now she has a university degree. She has adopted a baby girl she has named Gift and is passing that legacy on to another generation. She was amazing. She has the strongest faith and actually has been tested and put it into action. Just listening to her passion for people and seeing the way she lives and loves others was amazing to see. Around 10 pm we finally asked her to spend the night (we did not want her to take a boda boda (motorcycle) home in the dark and we all went to bed refreshed but tired. Sitting in that small group and sharing like family was really a wonderful experience. This morning Haji dropped us at the US Embassy and she went off to work.

 

The US Embassy was an interesting experience. For me, I was a little surprised by how easy it was to get in. I expected much stricter levels of security. Maybe it's because we all look so innocent (Steve, you can stop laughing now!) but we passed security, they checked our backpacks, wanded us, looked at our passports and sent us to the next station. They had a list of things we couldn't take in, including computers and phones, so we put our stuff into a locker and were passed through the gate. When we walked into the compound, it was like walking into Utopia. It was beautiful. Once there we walked through a metal detector and were asked to take a seat. Sadly, the woman we were to meet was in South Africa attending an emergency meeting and was not there to see us. This would have been good information to have ahead of time, but it was good to see the procedure to get in so we didn't feel anything was lost.

 

We dropped Judy and Liz at the bank to exchange money while Haji looked for a parking space. We ended up parking in front of the book store we had stopped at two weeks ago and so Jaimie and I walked in. We were hoping to see if they had collected the books for our secondary school but alas they had nothing. Meanwhile back at the ranch, Judy and Liz were done exchanging money and were standing on the street corner waiting for us. Two Mzungus, and money do not equal a good situation. However, they did have ample opportunities to pick up a man! Sadly, there were none they wanted. As they were starting to quake in their boots I was strolling through the bookstore without a care in the world. Last week as we were distributing Bibles I was surprised to learn that many of the Ugandans prefer the Bible in English as opposed to Lugandan. I really thought that buying them in Lugandan was the best way to go. So later in the day I asked Haji when he reads the Koran (he is Muslim) does he prefer to read it in English or Lugandan. Again, his response surprised me. He said the Koran was not translated into Lugandan and he couldn't find one in English. So he hadn't read the Koran in a while. I asked if he would like one and he said yes. So I thought for about two seconds and told him if I could find one I would buy one for him. I really believe I was supposed to do this. Many of you may disagree but I think as Christians we are called to love our brothers. I hope that by giving to him and loving him he may come to know Christ. When we gave the Koran to him today he was very, very thankful.

 

Then we went and visited the market. Liz and Jaimie were adamant that we only spend ten minutes. Well, that lasted about ten minutes. I love that market. I love walking around it and seeing all the wares that people have to sell. Most of them I have already bought on previous trips but I still love seeing what they make. Jaimie bought a mandolin (?) and serenaded us all the way home to Iganga. The words made no sense but she enjoyed strumming and singing. We then stopped in Jinja and ate again at the Source of the Nile and wandered those shops. Finally, we headed back to Iganga in rain like I have never seen before. It poured. It seemed the harder it rained the faster we drove. I had front seat honors because it is the only seat with a window that rolls down and the view is great… especially when you see the truck coming directly at you!!

 

While in Jinja eating there was a woman at the next table… a Mzungu. So naturally I asked where she was from and she told us she was from Witchita Falls, Tx. Small world! Turns out she is a nurse working in Jinja. So we started talking to her about Jaimie's little boy that she sponsors and his ear problems and asked her advice on where she might take him. She immediately recommended a doctor in Jinja not far from the café and so off Judy and Jaimie went to talk to him. So after walking several blocks they walked in and met Dr. Charles, a pediatrician from Britain. He answered their questions and we have scheduled a time for him to see Paul on Thursday afternoon. We then went back and asked Phil if he would let us take Paul to Jinja to see the doctor and he said yes. It is awesome how this has all come together. Dr. Charles said that if Paul needs tubes or other surgery he has a doctor he recommends in Kampala and Phil has already said we can take him!!!

 

Finally we arrived at the Mum and they welcomed us with open arms. James and Steven were here so we sat with them and talked for a while and then went to our separate rooms. Little Lizzie did laundry Ugandan style in a bucket in our bathroom. Our bathroom now has laundry hanging everywhere. Tomorrow we are resting and then going to Musana to meet with Haril and Andrea for dinner. Very excited to sit with them and get to know them better. Every time I come I seem to meet new people and reconnect with others. I continue to say this country is wonderful. The people are kind and gentle. There is so much to love and as I get to know the people better and am sharing truly from the heart I know I am making life long friendships. I have been deeply blessed.

 

One last detail… there are several round a bouts in this country. Every time we come to one we start yelling, "Haji, Haji, Haji" and every once in a while he rewards us by driving in circles around them. With that we all raise our arms like we are on a roller coaster. He probably thinks we are crazy… I think he is right.

                                                                                                   

Two Days Without a Blog is like a day without Sunshine

OK, I'm back on line. It is only 5:19 on Sunday, and the first half of the team is headed to the airport to begin the long flight home! The rest of us are sitting on our beds taking a deep breath and preparing mentally for the next two weeks. For myself, I am very ready for a horizontal time out!!!

Friday morning we started by going to jail! They finally caught up with us and decided that is where we belonged. Can't say by the makeup of this team that they have it completely wrong!! We were greeted with nothing but kindness and welcomed into their temporary home. As we walked into the general area where there were approximately 100 men all dressed in yellow shirts and shorts, and three women, they were all singing for us. We were asked to introduce ourselves and share a word. This was something that was not on our schedule – in fact we knew nothing about it. Steven has asked us if we would take part in this as this is a ministry he is trying to start. In hindsight it was such a blessing. We all loved it. And he was so thankful that we were willing to step into this with him. This team has really been willing to do whatever they've been called to do. And when someone has been called to do something the team has been really willing to follow where they led. 

After that, we headed to Kyemba's house for lunch. He could have fed a Roman army and had leftovers. We sat under a tree and ate all that we could, and even then there was a ton left over. The amount they cooked could have fed us for a week. He is such a wonderful man. He joined us in most of our adventures at Bulubandi and Top Hills taking an active roll in the building of the desks. Really I'm not sure we could have accomplished all we did without his active involvement. So we sat as a family and it was such a good time. We left there and headed back out to Kokombo where the team was really touched the first day. John went immediately to work continuing in the construction mode building shelves for the nurses quarters. The rest of us were in awe of a goat that had just delivered a baby. The baby was so stinkin' cute! So small and so dang cute! We then all wandered walking among the kids until Glenn pulled out the magic guitar. At that point the whole crowd sat down and listened and joined in. He is like a magnet. I got to hold the baby and sit and relax. It was wonderful. We left there and headed back to Phil's for a final goodbye. The team has really loved seeing their kids. They are such a beautiful group of kids. I loved seeing all the hugs and stories being shared back and forth. We all walked away with sadness that we had to leave them behind. 

Saturday we got up and headed to Musana a school headed by a young American woman. It is such a fabulous place; hard to believe it was started by three women in their early 20's. The work they are doing there is amazing. Sadly, I was at the start of a migraine and I had to back out of the tour and spent that time sitting on the bus getting the headache under control. I've seen the place before and on Tuesday the four of us (Jaimie, Judy, Liz and I) are going there for dinner. I will have a chance to see it all and sit in conversation. I am so excited to do that. Our team was so impressed with all they've done in five short years. Wow is all I can say. Then we headed into Jinja for lunch and a little shopping (best guacamole ever) and then headed out to see the Nile. I have to say it is the first time I have ever squatted to go to the bathroom with the view between my legs being the beautiful Nile River. Kind of different to go to the bathroom with the Nile behind you and Bessie the cow in front! After all the girls peed on one section of the hillside Glenn then came over and told us about this great spot to walk down to the water. We all at once said we had just emptied our bladders in that exact spot. Glenn without missing a beat said, "I will be sure not to lick my sandals." The Nile is so pretty. Somehow just knowing it is the place where Moses was put in the basket is so cool. It is also cool to see that the natives don't think it is anything special. Haji then proceeded to take us on to Kampala where we spent the night. Kampala traffic is like nothing you have ever seen. It is worse than SA traffic I have ever experienced. And at a moment's notice the roads may be closed and then you are sent to a detour that doesn't resemble anything road like. Always and adventure. Especially with motorcycles pulling in and out. Not surprised that so many people are killed in accidents. It is crazy. It is definitely survival of the fittest!! 

Today (Sunday) we got up and went to Gaba Church for worship. The church had lost its power so the pastor just started preaching without any music or singing. His sermon was on not having sex before marriage. He talked to the men and the women and how they were to keep themselves pure before marriage. He was serious and humorous at the same time. He preached in English and his co-worker translated in Lugandan. After the service the screen announced that the next service started in 2:30 minutes. By then the power was back and so we stayed for the worship portion of the service. It was awesome as it always is. I love that part of the service. They are so joyful. After that we went to a nice Italian Restaurant where I ordered a wonderful cheese pizza and just about ate the whole thing. As a final stop Haji dropped the bulk of us at a market for last minute shopping and then took Glenn and Jaimie to go buy a second guitar to leave behind. We had the chance to shop in the rain which is interesting since none of the market stands had power. So we literally couldn't see anything without the flashlights from our cell phones. Seriously after you walked in you could not see any of their wares to purchase. But it was fun to see.

Finally we came back to the hotel and let the team pack and change into comfy clothes to fly home. Please keep them in prayer for safe travels. As for the rest of us we'd appreciate prayers as well. We are on our last two weeks. It will be a slower two weeks but we will still be trekking on. 

Love all of you and wish my family could be with me to experience this with me.

Uganda Blog by Liz Mendoza, September 28, 2013

Today we began our journey to Kampala. All the pastors were there to see the team off. We did pretty good, we were only 15 minutes behind schedule. The team said their final farewells and we loaded the bus. 

Next stop Musana.

Bliss. Pure bliss as we pulled up to their gates entrance. The campus is beautiful, it has such a peaceful presence about it. We got to tour the whole campus. Breathtaking. The things they have done in the past five years is astounding. It feels like walking into another world. Everything they do is for the benefit of the children. You can see the glimpses where the American culture has been of an influence. But above all else they want to make sure the kids stay very much apart of their culture. So on holidays they make sure they go home to their community and family. Their goal is to be self sustaining in the next 5 years. Incredible. They have a church on the campus with a beautiful mural on the wall that one of Andreas sisters did. It's breathtaking. Glenn spotted a drum and asked if he could play. Of course that led into song, we sang Jesus before me, Jesus behind me, Jesus inside me, Alleluia. Andrea asked if Glenn could stay, that the kids would love it. We then got a tour of the teachers quarters and the section that they lived in. It's beautiful, it feels like it's own little oasis. Very peaceful. Very freeing. It was time for us to leave, I'm glad we get to go back on Tuesday to have dinner and talk with them more. 

Next stop. Source of the Nile cafe. Off to Jinja we went. We stopped there for lunch before heading to take the team to see the Nile. The Nile is one of my favorite parts of this country. It's such a powerful water source, I literally could just sit there and watch it all day. We went to one part, but it was so commercialized. It was cool to get our feet wet with the Nile, but all the venders were a little too much. So Haji tried to get us into the new dam area....but we were denied. They said you had to have an appointment. Haji said, "this is Africa, we don't make appointments". Better luck next time. We drove around for a little longer, then haji stopped in the middle of the road in a town and asked some guy on the street something. We kept driving. Next thing you know we drive down this windy little road and we can see the Nile. That's the Nile we were looking for. The powerful waves that can knock you over. We first had our adventure of using natures bathroom. Always entertaining. Then we headed out to get a closer look. We found a huge rock to sit on. You could see the water rushing and just crashing down. I love the roar of the river churning. I could've sat there all day. I love it. It was getting later in the day and we still had a ways to go to Kampala. So we loaded up and off we went. 

It was a long journey to Kampala, we didn't make it till 8pm. Which meant that we were traveling in Kampala at night, not so fun. It's a super busy city and there's little light anywhere. Since its Saturday night, the streets were a buslin'. Tomorrow we will head to Gaba Church, then some shopping before we take the team to the airport. 

Day 12

Yesterday was our last day to sleepy the Mum. I am going to miss the feeling of home there, and waking up with so many welcomes by the staff and pastors. It was such a great stay, we are sad to see them go. One last farewell with out fabulous Tree Life Pastors, and we were off (just a little late susie-quzie.)

We made it down to Jinja to head towards the source of the Nile. I can now say that I have put my feet in the Nile river. It was refreshing after all the Jesus walking we have been doing. I have been a little sad as we have not had a chance to be with little bitties, but has been refreshing getting a little break. Dang. That sounds rough. This trip has drained our cup and I think it's about time to get refueled.

After being at the source, I think Haji had other plans. He took a different route to see if the police would just let us into another damn @ the Nile. After Haji sweet talking the guard, nothing happened. No appointment. Oh well.
That was the 2nd run in the the law today. This morning it was because the bus was missing a sticker. The cop wanted to give Haji a ticket. He exchanged words, and next thing you know, she is laughing and we are driving off. Go team Haji. THEN he took us down this other 30 minute road to see if he could find the Nile again. Well, he did, and it was better than the first.

We made it Adonai with a wonderful dinner spread. Beds are unmade and people ready to be done.

Sorry such a short blog....maybe will elaborate tomorrow. Sleepy time.

Uganda Blog by Liz Mendoza - September 27, 2013

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! (Isaiah 52:7 NLT)

James led us in devotion this morning. He was talking about how before we were born God knew that we would be here. It is not an accident. We bring forth the good news to those we come in contact with. We are climbing mountains everywhere we go, it's the people who do not yet know Christ that are the mountains. And how every step we take God is there to protect us. 

Today we headed to prison. When Sue asked Stephen if we could vote someone to spend the night at the prison, he said he chose her. We had to wait a little bit, for they were getting things prepared for us to go in. We went into what we would consider a country jail. The people who were in there were for minimal crimes like stealing or fighting. We walked through this small door into a section that felt like a barn. The door leading to the courtyard area was a wooden door with the number count of people in which prison on it. We walked through a small door, and before us were about 50+ men all in yellow singing and clapping.  It was a unique feeling walking through that gate and into the open area. There was a peacefulness that I can't explain. We took our seats at the front, and had the opportunity to say who we were and give a word of encouragement. Of all the things we have done thus far, this has been one of my favorites. We were able to bring them blankets, sugar, soap, and a few solar lamps. It truly was an honor to meet the faces that we have been praying for. We sang a song for them and they sang a song for us. It was a sweet time and I'm so glad The Lord have us the opportunity to experience that. 

On the way to the market today, Haji decided to do donuts in the road. He's a nut. They have roundabouts and Hadji kept going around and around and around. The locals were looking at us like we were crazy. Its because we have a crazy bus driver. We headed back into the market to get some more items for our kids. It's always an adventure. I was looking for a backpack, there's not quite the selection like there is in the states. You have about 5 choices. Everyone was able to find what they were looking for except these little croc like looking sandals the kids wear. We went to a different little section to find them. While everyone was picking out these shoes, I was distracted by the cutest little baby. Then another man with a naked baby came up and said, "this baby is an orphan". When I asked how come, I think there was a language barrier for i got no answer. Instead he asked if he could have my number. Not sure how we got from orphans to numbers.....that was a fast turn in conversation. I politely said no I can't, though there's another language barrier because he went away laughing. I need to learn this language faster. The language barrier makes things a little uncomfortable at times and always confusing. I kept sue out of the street once again and off to Kyemba's house we went. 

You have not experienced true hospitality until you have been to Kyemba's home. His wife..precious. They're family always welcomes you in as if its where you always belonged. When we pulled up they were wiping down the chairs and had everything ready for us. They sat us under a tree for shade, and asked us to take a seat. They're hospitality is humbling. Kyemba kept telling us to have another round of food. It was all so good, some of the best food since I've been here. Once everyone was done eating, his wife went inside to get a mat and walked over to this area to put it on the ground. Shortly after, a gaggle of children inhabited the mat. His wife grabbed a huge plate thing, piled it with food then set it among the children. Then she told them to wait, she came back with water to wash their hands. Stop it. They weren't even her children, they were her friends'. Not only did she feed us, she fed the sweet babies who live around her. This is something they always do. Chills. We got to see the well they use for water, and after we were treated to some sugar cane. She asked us if we could stay with them tonight. To have that heart. Where all you want to do is cater to people, expecting nothing in return. I hate to say goodbye to this sweet family, because my heart just wants to stay with them forever. 

We finally said our farewells and loaded up to head to Phil's. I love those children, they have such a special place in my heart. Brenda grabbed me to come jump rope with the girls, boy did that wear me out! Apparently I walked away with 11 husbands and a child, they thought it was hilarious. Thank you jump rope game and communication barriers. Phil pulled up and asked Sue to come take pictures of the property in the back. Jaimie and I tagged along. Of course we found a gaggle and of course Jaimie scared them. We played a little Tarzan too! I swung from a vine, it felt like it could break any minute. Glad it didn't, though the kids would've gotten a kick out of that. 

Our team said our farewells to the kids and we headed back to the Mum. The pastors were there to greet us. Since its our last night here, all the pastors joined us for dinner. I tell you they are the sweetest group of men and women. Their hearts for the gospel to be spread in this country is encouraging. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to spend the month with them and see them at work. They love the children, they love the country, and they love this ministry. What a blessing. They have a great sense of humor too, I feel right at home. There hasn't been a day that's gone by that we haven't been continually laughing. Between Haji and Stephen, our abs have gotten the best workout. Haji and I sat at the end of the table and launched straw wrappers at people. I would prep the straw and Haji would launch it. We made a pretty good team. Haji was cracking up, for once the victim was hit he would act as if nothing happened. Of course not for long, for shortly after he would just crack up. He's still a kid at heart. Tonight was our teams last night in Iganga. Tomorrow we will head to Musana to meet Andrea then off to Kampala! The road home for the 8 of them will begin tomorrow. Prayers for safety traveling as they board the plan on Sunday night. We are sad that they are leaving, but excited for what The Lord has in store for the four of us these next two weeks! 

-Liz 

Day 11

Can't say it enough, but Uganda rocks.

This morning we headed to the prison to minister to them and give them some blankets, sugar and a couple solar powered lights. I have to admit, before going, i really had no desire to check off "go to a prison in Iganga" on my list. Criminals are bad, right? Well, let me tell you, if you send a group of missionaries to an Igangan prison, they will get blessed by the prisoners. We did a small church service for the 122 men and 3 women that were there. Seeing their faces light up to Jesus songs, AND even have 2 sing back to us...a sweet song he had written himself. Wowsers. They were so appreciative of us coming and blessing them. Another Uganda time moment, our quick little 30 minute prison trip took about 2 hours. :)

We then headed to the market in Iganga, which is an experience in itself. First we looked for a mixer and amplifier for one of the schools where they hold church service. Glenn and Ronald were in charge...I just got to go hold money. And guess what? Glenn is still the money haggler here too! He even asked the shop owner at one point, "can you come down in price...it's for the kids!" Dang, low blow. The guy didn't budge anymore. :)

We finished up getting supplies for our kids @ Phil's and were blessed my visiting Kyrmba's house for lunch. His family is so warm and hospitable. The food and the company were great. We were even treated to some sugarcane after we finished! Straight from the street, but safe to eat Hinkebein. Liz and Jaimie promised. We then made our way back to the kids house. It was a super sweet time again hanging out with those sweet kids. We got to just be. No agenda, just love on them. It was awesome.

We finished up another great day with dinner here @ the Mum with all the Tree of Life pastors. They are such a God loving group of men and women. It is wonderful to call them friends.

Time for bed, so that we can get all packed up to leave for Kampala in the morning.

Babe, love you, and I am one more day closer to seeing you and my boys. I am proud of all that you have had to juggle while I gone.

Walking into the prison. Didn't scare me one but when they locked us in. Ha!