Mombasa
Day 1- Sunday 22nd
Sunday night at 8:45pm we got on a bus that was going to take us nine hours from everything we knew to our hotel on the beach. It was the longest night ever. They handed out water bottle and requested that all windows were to remained closed- this was difficult for me because I love the cool air and I can't stand feeling stuffy especially while trying to sleep.
Day 2-Monday 23rd
We got to the office at 7:00am and were immediately greeted by ever taxi/tuk tuk/ and matattoo driver in the area asking us where we were going and how much we would pay to get there. You really have to stand up for yourself and tell them to give you space. So we went into the bus station to immediately book our return bus back to Nairobi. We went up to the counter and asked for five tickets in the VIP section of the bus and the lady at the counter told us that they didn't start booking for the 27th until tomorrow which would be Christmas Eve. I was Ike ah what do we do then? We aren't going to be near the bus I rations until Friday?! And she generously took our names and information down and said she would book the tickets for us. So I was relieved and we went back outside to find transportation. We ended up going for a taxi that would take us directly to our hotel. When we got to the beach it was only eight in the morning and we couldn't check in until two so we had a lot of time to kill. So we sat on the beach and it was HOT! All the local people come up to you one after another trying to sell us something or offering us different services and sitting down next to us asking us all about who we are and where we come from and if we know Obama or snoop dog. When we got into our hotel we got all situated a couple of my friends rand to Nakumatt the local mzungu store to get some groceries for our meals because we were trying to save some money.
Day 3- Tuesday the 24th
Christmas Eve we spent ALL day on the beach. It was incredible. We decided that this was the day to ride a camel. EVERYTHING that is for sale on the beach can be negotiated so when we first asked the vendor about how much the camel ride would cost they said 1,000 KSH (which is about $12) I talked it down to $2.50 for a short ride down the beach. We got same which tuff for lunch bread Nutella PB and jelly we sat out and burned pretty bad as well!!! We went exploring as well because we were looking for a deep place to go swimming. As far as one mile out there was only about an knee deep. So it was not really a place to go swimming...more floating then anything we walked super far out while our feet were squishing through the slimy seaweed. For dinner we made home made tortillas and breakfast burritos. Our little studio apt turned into a small restraint in no time. We ended it with watching ELF and eating cinnamon tortillas!
Day 4- Wednesday the 25th
CHRISTMAS DAY!!!! French toast for breakfast. I woke up and stared at the ceiling for a couple minutes I couldn't believe it was actually Christmas I wasn't sure what to expect but this was my first Christmas away from home so it was a totally new experience. We watched ad couple christmas movie and then at 1:00pm walked down to the beach and met up with captain Mia who had arranged for us a snorkeling trip. We walked out to the glass bottom boat and were boated out to the reef and saw all kinds of sea life that is living out there walked around the reef and saw all kinds of animals. After that they boated us over o where all the fish hang out. The cptn jumped in with a piece of bred and went under the glass bottom boat and put the bread in his mouth and let the fish eat off of it! Then we masked up and jumped in and swam around it was more amazing then I thought. It was the first time I had ever done anything like that. Went to a pizzeria for dinner right on the beach called Yuls and got some really good ice cream there too!!
Day 5- Thursday 26th
We decided to check out another beach so we did some research and decided to venture out and find Diani beach. 15km from where we staying. we jumped on sever matatoos, tuk tuks! and even a ferry boat to get there. It took about 2 1/2 hours to get there and sat on the beach for ten minutes and decided we didn't want it to start getting dark so we went back to our hotel.
Day 6- Friday 27th
Longest day of my life. Supposed to leave to Nairobi tonight!!! David and I were up at 6am to go on an all day dolphin trip.we went with a bus packed with tons of other visitors from all over the world. I got stuck sitting in the middle of the front where there was a radio receiver where my head was supposed to to it made the drive that much more exciting. Two hours to the shamani island. Our driver shared all kinds of interesting facts and history of the island. We got to our dhow and boated around this island and to our surprise there were no dolphins on this trip but they boated us out to this small marine park where there was a big reef and I was feeling sea sick and so I didn't jump in but just enjoyed the view. They took us to the land to get some lunch of fish and crabs and rice then walked through the local village where all the kids were selling shells of all sorts we made it back to our hotel at like 7:00 pm and it was time to get ready to get on the bus. We made a stop at a store so we could change out of our beach clothes. We got to the bus station and went in to pay for our tickets that we're reserved for us and they said oh we are sorry. It the busses are no longer running overnight because on the 23rd there was a bad accident where 14+ were injured and killed. Nobody contacted us and there was no way for us to know this. So we had to make a decision. We drove around with the nicest taxi driver named Remy and he helped us go to different bus stations and different hotels looking for any vacancy. When we finally got into a room it was after eleven and we were exhausted.
Day 7- Saturday 28th
We slept all day.
Day 8- Sunday 29th
Woke up and had the hotels complimentary breakfast and then came back to the room to watch a movie and then heading to the beach.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
VBS & Pictures
Well we are finishing up day three of a four-day Vacation Bible school with the sponsored kids. There are about 25 kids on the sponsorship program and they are cuties. Right away I noticed how well behaved the kids are. Vey respectful of adults and there are many leaders among them. They correct their peers whenever they see fit and the play together so nicely. On Monday we had a full work days amount of a planning meeting it was intense. We dissected each day down to even the smallest tasks. We all went around and brainstormed new ideas and as with most teams we came to some minor collisions of conflict which were quickly brainstormed and fixed. It was great. Each day we do a different skit and act it out with costumes and fun props. After the skit we break into small groups categorized by age and dissect the lessons from the bible story we learned about. The kids get here at nine and then leave at 3:00 so we have a packed day. This is the longest the kids have ever spent with the team...it is so fun to be apart of this ministry. The staff and volunteers are so excited to get to know the kiddos personally and they want to encourage them and give them advice or just listen. There has been some language barrier but the kids help each other out. I have been spending most of my week with the younger kids like grade 1-3 (teaching bible lessons, doing crafts, and taking their picture)
We have to make all of our own meals here at this house....There is a shopping center here in Nairobi that is not too far from the house called the junction- you can take a nice long walk or board a matattoo (taxi) for just 10 Kenyan shillings which is close to 10 cents- not too bad. Anyway the junction has KFC. Subway, and even a frozen yogurt place as well as a supermarket called Nakumatt. We have been getting a couple meals worth and actually going grocery shopping it is kind of funny seeing the five of us operate at a grocery store. One might David made teriyaki chicken and fried rice, Tuesday we went out for pizza, Wednesday, Dylan made a chicken Alfredo, and then tonight was chapatis and pizza sauce.
** NEW***
So I have been given the amazing opportunity to work with two or more ministries and I have been given partial funding and I know that the Lord will provide exactly what I need. One of them is located near Kilimanjaro and is a sponsorship school and finds sponsors for the kids that attend school there. The other one is a in the Datooga tribe and are friends of my grandparents. Forrest and his wife Charity are in charge of the outreach ministry there. I am hoping to go there for a couple days in early January. I am so excited that I was not only able to go to one but now possibly three countries in beautiful Africa. God really is the great provider of all of our needs what a blessed reminder.
All I can say at this point that is am so glad I have no idea what tomorrow holds and that I know that. He has it all in his hands. My job is to glorify Him right here right now. I have been reading through all of the encouragement from that journal I had everyone at church write in. What a huge encouragement. I feel like I sometimes forget I have that and there is an positive word or scripture for almost anything I am struggling with. Thank you to those of you who got a chance to write in it. It is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am also so thankful for all of my new friends here in Africa. I know that this place will always have a part of me. I have learned so much already.
We are heading to our Christmas destination on sunday night. The beach Mombasa which is a very touristy place to go but we are so excited. The bus leaves late Sunday night and could be anywhere from 8-10 hours on a bus. We are taking it overnight with the intention and hope that we will sleep through the night...I will let you know how that goes. Dylan and Myleigh have a small candle that smells like a pine tree and thanks to teacher patti I have a small Christmas tree that will go in our hotel room to make it feel like Christmas. Des not feel like it is six days from now.
I talked to my family tonight. I miss them so much! My mom carried the laptop into the girls' room and let me wake them up I softly said good morning Viley I had never seen her jump up so fast. A go was so excited(as excited as you can be when you first wake up) to see me. Then they brought me upstairs to the kitchen and I sat on the counter and watched everybody come in and out making lunches and breakfast and preparing for a day of school. Vi quickly reminded me that it was night time here just in case I forgot- she was eating that oatmeal that has the Dino eggs in them when she crunched down on one she jokingly said art here bones in these!? Haha. I miss that little sense of humor. But I am SO SO happy I am here. I wouldn't trade it for the world :)
We have to make all of our own meals here at this house....There is a shopping center here in Nairobi that is not too far from the house called the junction- you can take a nice long walk or board a matattoo (taxi) for just 10 Kenyan shillings which is close to 10 cents- not too bad. Anyway the junction has KFC. Subway, and even a frozen yogurt place as well as a supermarket called Nakumatt. We have been getting a couple meals worth and actually going grocery shopping it is kind of funny seeing the five of us operate at a grocery store. One might David made teriyaki chicken and fried rice, Tuesday we went out for pizza, Wednesday, Dylan made a chicken Alfredo, and then tonight was chapatis and pizza sauce.
** NEW***
So I have been given the amazing opportunity to work with two or more ministries and I have been given partial funding and I know that the Lord will provide exactly what I need. One of them is located near Kilimanjaro and is a sponsorship school and finds sponsors for the kids that attend school there. The other one is a in the Datooga tribe and are friends of my grandparents. Forrest and his wife Charity are in charge of the outreach ministry there. I am hoping to go there for a couple days in early January. I am so excited that I was not only able to go to one but now possibly three countries in beautiful Africa. God really is the great provider of all of our needs what a blessed reminder.
All I can say at this point that is am so glad I have no idea what tomorrow holds and that I know that. He has it all in his hands. My job is to glorify Him right here right now. I have been reading through all of the encouragement from that journal I had everyone at church write in. What a huge encouragement. I feel like I sometimes forget I have that and there is an positive word or scripture for almost anything I am struggling with. Thank you to those of you who got a chance to write in it. It is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am also so thankful for all of my new friends here in Africa. I know that this place will always have a part of me. I have learned so much already.
We are heading to our Christmas destination on sunday night. The beach Mombasa which is a very touristy place to go but we are so excited. The bus leaves late Sunday night and could be anywhere from 8-10 hours on a bus. We are taking it overnight with the intention and hope that we will sleep through the night...I will let you know how that goes. Dylan and Myleigh have a small candle that smells like a pine tree and thanks to teacher patti I have a small Christmas tree that will go in our hotel room to make it feel like Christmas. Des not feel like it is six days from now.
I talked to my family tonight. I miss them so much! My mom carried the laptop into the girls' room and let me wake them up I softly said good morning Viley I had never seen her jump up so fast. A go was so excited(as excited as you can be when you first wake up) to see me. Then they brought me upstairs to the kitchen and I sat on the counter and watched everybody come in and out making lunches and breakfast and preparing for a day of school. Vi quickly reminded me that it was night time here just in case I forgot- she was eating that oatmeal that has the Dino eggs in them when she crunched down on one she jokingly said art here bones in these!? Haha. I miss that little sense of humor. But I am SO SO happy I am here. I wouldn't trade it for the world :)
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Gungor & Skittles
sometimes when you change your environment it gives you a new perspective on the past. Being here in Kenya has changed my attitude towards Uganda and everyone I know there. It was dark when my eyes opened Saturday morning. All of the lists I have been making were ready to be fulfilled. I clicked my phone on thinking that it was time to get up and the numbers 2:55am popped up. How had I not slept through the night!? I layed there for a while, listened to the rain & the sounds of music in the distance, and just stared at the top bunk. It all seemed surreal still that i even whispered it out loud, "I'm going to Kenya today" this trip came so quick not only does it mean Christmas is right around the corner but it also means that I am done with the majority in Uganda and everyday is going to be one day less. I definitely want to live each moment to the fullest and have no regrets. We left the guesthouse at 6:00am-it was rainy. I stared out the window while I was listening to the song Ocean (where feet may fail) and just looked at all of these buildings that I was looking at. All these people have their own stories and own individual stories. Who am I to tell God that I am inadequate-He placed me here. All I have to do is trust Him and do his will. Stop being afraid of what others will think and just serve. This is not about us and it is all about him!
We got to the airport and had no problems getting through customs and sat at our gate. David and the girls were all sitting in row 16 & 17, somehow I got all the way back at seat 31a so I got all situated and waited to see who I was going to sit with. As you all ow it's like airplane Russian roulette you never know who you are going to end up with. The doors closed and the seat next to me was empty so I had extra room it was great it was a short 45 minute flight so it seemed as if we started our decent as soon as we reached our height. They served chicken baguettes with a sweet bread and a cup of juice. As we began to get close to the ground the clouds opened in a spot so I could see everything below. Kenya is flat and very green. Pics could see animals running on some of the grassy plains and lots of vegetation from gardens. It was so fun seeing Africa from the sky. When we got to Uganda it was so late and we couldn't see anything.
Once we landed we had to fill out all of the paperwork and got up to the counter to get our visa and realized we didn't have any American currency because we have been in Uganda for three months and we are out. Thankfully David had money...I don't really even want to now what they would do if he hadn't been there. We were met by our EAC friend Dorothy who is the only Kenyan who lives here at the house. Driving back to the house took about an hour and so I noticed quite a few differences to Uganda right away. Like for example it's obvious there is more money here...lots of big businesses that I recognize from home and nice cars. Also. NO Boda boda, apparently it is a rare thing for people to ride bodas here (I knew that would make you happy mom). The house is smaller but very nice. Two stories the girls rooms and main bathroom are upstairs and downstairs there is a living room/ office and a small kitchen and small powder room. It sits in the middle of slum area but we have a guard that comes at night. Breakfast is wonderful- chai tea and real toast such a huge upgrade. Wow.
This morning we went to church we have to walk because we don't have a ministry van (like a real church and not a village church, it was so bizarre) and they had a Christmas special today everyone was dressed up in their Africa clothing and there was sawdust layed down in the aisles. They even had a sheep they they walked through during the service. Sang lots of familiar Christmas songs as well as some traditional praise songs. Sifa means praises and wamilala means forever. Those are my Kenyan words at day two. Dorothy had to go run errands so it is just us white people at home so we had to make our own lunch eggs, toast, rice yum! I am laying in my bunk eating skittle and listening to music. We are hoping to go find McDonalds later and go see more of Nairobi. Those of you that know me know I don't like mcds but I would anything that tastes like home at this point!
Ya that is Kenya so far.
We got to the airport and had no problems getting through customs and sat at our gate. David and the girls were all sitting in row 16 & 17, somehow I got all the way back at seat 31a so I got all situated and waited to see who I was going to sit with. As you all ow it's like airplane Russian roulette you never know who you are going to end up with. The doors closed and the seat next to me was empty so I had extra room it was great it was a short 45 minute flight so it seemed as if we started our decent as soon as we reached our height. They served chicken baguettes with a sweet bread and a cup of juice. As we began to get close to the ground the clouds opened in a spot so I could see everything below. Kenya is flat and very green. Pics could see animals running on some of the grassy plains and lots of vegetation from gardens. It was so fun seeing Africa from the sky. When we got to Uganda it was so late and we couldn't see anything.
Once we landed we had to fill out all of the paperwork and got up to the counter to get our visa and realized we didn't have any American currency because we have been in Uganda for three months and we are out. Thankfully David had money...I don't really even want to now what they would do if he hadn't been there. We were met by our EAC friend Dorothy who is the only Kenyan who lives here at the house. Driving back to the house took about an hour and so I noticed quite a few differences to Uganda right away. Like for example it's obvious there is more money here...lots of big businesses that I recognize from home and nice cars. Also. NO Boda boda, apparently it is a rare thing for people to ride bodas here (I knew that would make you happy mom). The house is smaller but very nice. Two stories the girls rooms and main bathroom are upstairs and downstairs there is a living room/ office and a small kitchen and small powder room. It sits in the middle of slum area but we have a guard that comes at night. Breakfast is wonderful- chai tea and real toast such a huge upgrade. Wow.
This morning we went to church we have to walk because we don't have a ministry van (like a real church and not a village church, it was so bizarre) and they had a Christmas special today everyone was dressed up in their Africa clothing and there was sawdust layed down in the aisles. They even had a sheep they they walked through during the service. Sang lots of familiar Christmas songs as well as some traditional praise songs. Sifa means praises and wamilala means forever. Those are my Kenyan words at day two. Dorothy had to go run errands so it is just us white people at home so we had to make our own lunch eggs, toast, rice yum! I am laying in my bunk eating skittle and listening to music. We are hoping to go find McDonalds later and go see more of Nairobi. Those of you that know me know I don't like mcds but I would anything that tastes like home at this point!
Ya that is Kenya so far.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Thanksgiving, a wedding, Christmas parties, & school celebration
Thanksgiving and a wedding all in the same week
Thursday we had thanksgiving and it was one of the most amazing thanksgivings of my entire life. Let me back up to Wednesday night- the killing of the turkey. I had to sike myself up for it and prepare myself. It was super exciting and scary all at the same time. Obbo (our gate guard) was the one who agreed to do the home of killing it. He grabbed the neck and started ripping the feathers off of the neck and took a knife right to its neck and let it bleed out. One of the most interesting things I have seen since I have been here. David (a new MST who will be here for 6 months) and Obbo cleaned it up and got it spiced and all ready for our big day. Thursday was so exciting. I was up early because I new that the day was going to be jammed packed with fun and entertainment so I spent the morning giving thanks to god for everything he had done in my life. I also spent some extra time writing individual notes to everyone on staff and just thanking them for all of their hard work with EAC. I used the stickers that Tina Sherwood had sent me. Next was time to go shopping-- we first went to Quality and bought everything we needed from vegetables all the way to cake mix. Someone headed over to the local market to pick up potatoes. When we got back to the house it was time for business. Time to attempt at an American thanksgiving in Uganda & in all honesty we came pretty close. I was very proud. Scott got started on mashed and roasted potatoes and did a lot of hard work all of us Mzungus were in the kitchen even though others put a lot more effort into the cooking then I did. David made homemade stuffing and it was almost better than home in my opinion. Turkey cooked for four hours and was ready to eat. Scott also made lots of steamed veggies to go with our turkey. Jose (MST from Puerto Rico) purchased the turkey and made dessert which consisted of chocolate pudding, and vanilla cake with strawberries from a can. It was definitely a meal to remember. The turkey tasted just like home and we even had gravy for the mashers. We also played a little Christmas music while we cooked. I can't believe it is almost Christmas. We also have a new girl Amber from Iowa who works as a nanny at home and she and I are sharing a room and getting to know each other. So fun! She is only here for two weeks I feel like our short termers only get a glimpse at how amazing our time is. It is such a wonderful reminder to have that same energy and the same drive as when I first arrived in Africa. Anyway all that to say Amber was a huge help in the kitchen as well all of us worked hard to people and cut potatoes. And ended up have plenty of extra for all of our neighbors. I also ran down to the little shack store down the hill from our house that I buy my Mountain Dew from. I told her we needed 24 sodas and she was ecstatic. So excited for all of the business we give her. I often find myself returning empty bottles even if I am not going to make a purchase just so I can talk other and ask her about her day. She is a sweetheart. We turned the office into a dining room and set places for everyone we had to put a desk on the end of the table just so everyone could fit. We art lots of food and drank soda until it was all gone. The. We danced. Yes like physically moved and danced and worshipped The Lord. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to bring that home with me. After a big meal to have dance party and burn some calories. It was so fun and continued on until late at night. It was so fun and we spent all evening laughing and just moving. My movement is not so great so I mostly watched.
Friday we went to Lukemero to do letter writing with one of the primary schools that our sponsor kids go to. We get paired up with a class and then have to walk them through the process of writing a Christmas card to their sponsor and tell them how everything is going and how their school term worked. I feel like I could write them on my own without the guide because I have helped revise and re write them over over again. We presented the kids with safi drinks and chapatis. Yum! We got back home and began to rest and get prepared for the long day on Saturday
Saturday we were up early for the wedding and let me tell you it was beyond amazing! One of the best weddings I have ever been to in my whole life. Consisted of an incredible ceremony (which were of course late to running on Africa time and all) the reception followed quite a few hours later in which we all attended. Felix asked if I would take some pics for his wedding and I of course agreed. But when I got there I felt guilty being a white person with a pink dress and wanted to avoid the appearance of making a scene (especially since I had a better camera than the real photographer) so I passed it along to my sweet date Victor and he was able to get some great shots and I got to enjoy the wedding to the fullest. At the reception the bride and groom had one of the most beautiful entrances ever they danced the whole way to their table. I sat at a table with Victor, Christine, and Amber. And we had a great time. Lots of food and drinks were served. It was a lot like a wedding at home. Speeches we're given by friends and family, bouquet was caught by a young boy, and the cake was cut!!! Here is something different when cake is being served you don't get a slice of cake they cut it up into a pile and you get to just take a chunk of cake off of the platter. AND the bride and groom had several extra cakes made one for his and her family and then they also had cakes made for their employers as well-thought that was kind of different. Then we danced and danced and danced. I seriously didn't know I could dance that much. I had so much fun and was so thankful for the company I was with. :)
Fast forward two weeks:
Saturday we had the sponsor party maybe I should back up just in the slightest this week has been jammed packed with all kinds of running around with Christine looking for stuff for the Sunday school christmas party while the rest of the team carried on with projects in the village. Any way I will get to that later...Saturday we had 300 kids here and they spent time dancing and singing christmas songs getting letters and gifts from sponsors they came from all over the place even our Zirobwe kids made it out here to Kampala. Even my sweet Dora was out here-it was a huge surprise to me and I was so excited so I ran to my room when I saw her and stuffed a bunch of candies and a few shirts and a pen so she could get a gift from her sponsor(ME) so fun. We had a great time are lots of food and soda and then sent them home the party lasted all day and we had an incredible outcome.
Now Sunday the Christmas part you have all been waiting for....was more than words could ever describe but I will do my best. I was up at 4:30am Sunday just because I was so so excited to give the kids food and gifts. I had assigned everyone roles and sent Francis to go rent a taxi because we had more people and needed space for everything. So we were able to buy 200 pairs of shoes for the children of Zirobwe. Along with. A huge cake, a Christmas tree, a blow up Santa, sodas, and food!! We ended up hosting it in the newly built cattle dashed on our property because we didn't want to distract the big church so we brought the generator out there and had 300+ people attend our party. And even was able to get our very own to DJ for us. Wilson gave a speech. I even won the dance competition- don't know how that one got rigged. Lol. It's was an incredible daft full of laughter and fun.
Tuesday was another crazy day I wanted to get a George (our first sponsored kid of EAC who is living with us and going to university) a Christmas present and asked him what he needed and he said he needs a backpack to get from Kampala to his home village so we took a taxi half way into town and had to Boda the other half. We went into the heart of downtown city which is like the armpit of Seattle area. And George and I were going to share a Boda and the driver said we couldn't so long story short we all got separated and I stood on a street corner for 45 min waiting to see George or David. Had three people grab my arm and tell me to go with them, had one guy get on his knees and beg me to talk to him and just constantly being talked to "mzungu"!!!! After 45 minutes of standing in a place I had no idea where I was or where my friends were I saw George and he was running towards me he felt so awful we ended up getting two great backpacks but man I don't ever want do this day again to top it off I thought my phone had been stolen at the supermarket Tuskys and so I spent a good hour there looking through footage in the back room and couldn't see anything...ended up being in my duffle bag under my bed. I ended the day just laughing. Such a good reminder that the things that are so important to us here on earth are going to go away one day. (:
Wednesday we were able to do a ceremony at the primary school next door-Ebenezer. We finally own the property and it officially belongs to Empower A Child. Everyone in the community was invited and we picked up sodas on the way and made a big meal for everyone. I must say that Zirobwe is my favorite place to be and I really am going to miss them. Not only was it a celebration event but it was also my last day in the village until January!!! Last day with my family. I wanted to be there to enjoy in the celebration. Of course immediately I was greeted by members of the family and enjoyed spending time with them. I tried to think of a gift that could be beneficial to their income and that would be helpful. Nina suggested I but them a goat. I have never bought or handled goats in my life is sounded like a fun challenge and I was so in! Now the thing you should know when anyone in Zirobwe has any questions about ANYTHING they always send Luka because he is always so willing and happy to run errands no matter how near or far they are. So I told uncle to keep it a secret from him because it was his gift. Anyway he ended up being the one to run the errand and find out proves for us. So when he went to show us where they were I asked mama Luka if she would walk with us and of course she said she would love to. As we walked she would point at different plants and trees and try her best to explain what it was in the little English she knows. She grabbed my hand at one point and we walked hand in hand. She didn't know why I was walking with them but all she knows is that she wants to teach me everything about the village. It is such a beautiful friendship that we have. When we got to the place it was far off from the road and there were about 10 goats in a feeding area-completely covered in the greenest jungle looking area. I immediately saw a momma and a baby goat and chose them and Christine told them there that it was their christmas gift. I have never seen anyone so thankful in my whole life. I feel so blessed to be able to give them something they will be able to continue to enjoy . My heart is so full and wish I could express this joy more. When we got back mama Luka leaned over to Christine and asked her if I like bananas (in Luganda) and I love them especially the little baby ones they are so sweet. She gave me a huge bowl of them. When it was time to go my heart began to break she leaned her forehead against mine and said, " I am missing you already my sahnanee" <3 then as I was heading to the car two of our older Sunday school boys and their moms came over to me and asked me to live with them and not go to Kenya I replied to them that I wasn't sure how my mom was going to take that and they quickly said we will love you like we are your mom! Everyone out there has adopted the fact that my new name is muwala Wamusumba (daughter of a pastor) I really feel at home there and I cannot wait to get back there in January. (:
Thursday we had thanksgiving and it was one of the most amazing thanksgivings of my entire life. Let me back up to Wednesday night- the killing of the turkey. I had to sike myself up for it and prepare myself. It was super exciting and scary all at the same time. Obbo (our gate guard) was the one who agreed to do the home of killing it. He grabbed the neck and started ripping the feathers off of the neck and took a knife right to its neck and let it bleed out. One of the most interesting things I have seen since I have been here. David (a new MST who will be here for 6 months) and Obbo cleaned it up and got it spiced and all ready for our big day. Thursday was so exciting. I was up early because I new that the day was going to be jammed packed with fun and entertainment so I spent the morning giving thanks to god for everything he had done in my life. I also spent some extra time writing individual notes to everyone on staff and just thanking them for all of their hard work with EAC. I used the stickers that Tina Sherwood had sent me. Next was time to go shopping-- we first went to Quality and bought everything we needed from vegetables all the way to cake mix. Someone headed over to the local market to pick up potatoes. When we got back to the house it was time for business. Time to attempt at an American thanksgiving in Uganda & in all honesty we came pretty close. I was very proud. Scott got started on mashed and roasted potatoes and did a lot of hard work all of us Mzungus were in the kitchen even though others put a lot more effort into the cooking then I did. David made homemade stuffing and it was almost better than home in my opinion. Turkey cooked for four hours and was ready to eat. Scott also made lots of steamed veggies to go with our turkey. Jose (MST from Puerto Rico) purchased the turkey and made dessert which consisted of chocolate pudding, and vanilla cake with strawberries from a can. It was definitely a meal to remember. The turkey tasted just like home and we even had gravy for the mashers. We also played a little Christmas music while we cooked. I can't believe it is almost Christmas. We also have a new girl Amber from Iowa who works as a nanny at home and she and I are sharing a room and getting to know each other. So fun! She is only here for two weeks I feel like our short termers only get a glimpse at how amazing our time is. It is such a wonderful reminder to have that same energy and the same drive as when I first arrived in Africa. Anyway all that to say Amber was a huge help in the kitchen as well all of us worked hard to people and cut potatoes. And ended up have plenty of extra for all of our neighbors. I also ran down to the little shack store down the hill from our house that I buy my Mountain Dew from. I told her we needed 24 sodas and she was ecstatic. So excited for all of the business we give her. I often find myself returning empty bottles even if I am not going to make a purchase just so I can talk other and ask her about her day. She is a sweetheart. We turned the office into a dining room and set places for everyone we had to put a desk on the end of the table just so everyone could fit. We art lots of food and drank soda until it was all gone. The. We danced. Yes like physically moved and danced and worshipped The Lord. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to bring that home with me. After a big meal to have dance party and burn some calories. It was so fun and continued on until late at night. It was so fun and we spent all evening laughing and just moving. My movement is not so great so I mostly watched.
Friday we went to Lukemero to do letter writing with one of the primary schools that our sponsor kids go to. We get paired up with a class and then have to walk them through the process of writing a Christmas card to their sponsor and tell them how everything is going and how their school term worked. I feel like I could write them on my own without the guide because I have helped revise and re write them over over again. We presented the kids with safi drinks and chapatis. Yum! We got back home and began to rest and get prepared for the long day on Saturday
Saturday we were up early for the wedding and let me tell you it was beyond amazing! One of the best weddings I have ever been to in my whole life. Consisted of an incredible ceremony (which were of course late to running on Africa time and all) the reception followed quite a few hours later in which we all attended. Felix asked if I would take some pics for his wedding and I of course agreed. But when I got there I felt guilty being a white person with a pink dress and wanted to avoid the appearance of making a scene (especially since I had a better camera than the real photographer) so I passed it along to my sweet date Victor and he was able to get some great shots and I got to enjoy the wedding to the fullest. At the reception the bride and groom had one of the most beautiful entrances ever they danced the whole way to their table. I sat at a table with Victor, Christine, and Amber. And we had a great time. Lots of food and drinks were served. It was a lot like a wedding at home. Speeches we're given by friends and family, bouquet was caught by a young boy, and the cake was cut!!! Here is something different when cake is being served you don't get a slice of cake they cut it up into a pile and you get to just take a chunk of cake off of the platter. AND the bride and groom had several extra cakes made one for his and her family and then they also had cakes made for their employers as well-thought that was kind of different. Then we danced and danced and danced. I seriously didn't know I could dance that much. I had so much fun and was so thankful for the company I was with. :)
Fast forward two weeks:
Saturday we had the sponsor party maybe I should back up just in the slightest this week has been jammed packed with all kinds of running around with Christine looking for stuff for the Sunday school christmas party while the rest of the team carried on with projects in the village. Any way I will get to that later...Saturday we had 300 kids here and they spent time dancing and singing christmas songs getting letters and gifts from sponsors they came from all over the place even our Zirobwe kids made it out here to Kampala. Even my sweet Dora was out here-it was a huge surprise to me and I was so excited so I ran to my room when I saw her and stuffed a bunch of candies and a few shirts and a pen so she could get a gift from her sponsor(ME) so fun. We had a great time are lots of food and soda and then sent them home the party lasted all day and we had an incredible outcome.
Now Sunday the Christmas part you have all been waiting for....was more than words could ever describe but I will do my best. I was up at 4:30am Sunday just because I was so so excited to give the kids food and gifts. I had assigned everyone roles and sent Francis to go rent a taxi because we had more people and needed space for everything. So we were able to buy 200 pairs of shoes for the children of Zirobwe. Along with. A huge cake, a Christmas tree, a blow up Santa, sodas, and food!! We ended up hosting it in the newly built cattle dashed on our property because we didn't want to distract the big church so we brought the generator out there and had 300+ people attend our party. And even was able to get our very own to DJ for us. Wilson gave a speech. I even won the dance competition- don't know how that one got rigged. Lol. It's was an incredible daft full of laughter and fun.
Tuesday was another crazy day I wanted to get a George (our first sponsored kid of EAC who is living with us and going to university) a Christmas present and asked him what he needed and he said he needs a backpack to get from Kampala to his home village so we took a taxi half way into town and had to Boda the other half. We went into the heart of downtown city which is like the armpit of Seattle area. And George and I were going to share a Boda and the driver said we couldn't so long story short we all got separated and I stood on a street corner for 45 min waiting to see George or David. Had three people grab my arm and tell me to go with them, had one guy get on his knees and beg me to talk to him and just constantly being talked to "mzungu"!!!! After 45 minutes of standing in a place I had no idea where I was or where my friends were I saw George and he was running towards me he felt so awful we ended up getting two great backpacks but man I don't ever want do this day again to top it off I thought my phone had been stolen at the supermarket Tuskys and so I spent a good hour there looking through footage in the back room and couldn't see anything...ended up being in my duffle bag under my bed. I ended the day just laughing. Such a good reminder that the things that are so important to us here on earth are going to go away one day. (:
Wednesday we were able to do a ceremony at the primary school next door-Ebenezer. We finally own the property and it officially belongs to Empower A Child. Everyone in the community was invited and we picked up sodas on the way and made a big meal for everyone. I must say that Zirobwe is my favorite place to be and I really am going to miss them. Not only was it a celebration event but it was also my last day in the village until January!!! Last day with my family. I wanted to be there to enjoy in the celebration. Of course immediately I was greeted by members of the family and enjoyed spending time with them. I tried to think of a gift that could be beneficial to their income and that would be helpful. Nina suggested I but them a goat. I have never bought or handled goats in my life is sounded like a fun challenge and I was so in! Now the thing you should know when anyone in Zirobwe has any questions about ANYTHING they always send Luka because he is always so willing and happy to run errands no matter how near or far they are. So I told uncle to keep it a secret from him because it was his gift. Anyway he ended up being the one to run the errand and find out proves for us. So when he went to show us where they were I asked mama Luka if she would walk with us and of course she said she would love to. As we walked she would point at different plants and trees and try her best to explain what it was in the little English she knows. She grabbed my hand at one point and we walked hand in hand. She didn't know why I was walking with them but all she knows is that she wants to teach me everything about the village. It is such a beautiful friendship that we have. When we got to the place it was far off from the road and there were about 10 goats in a feeding area-completely covered in the greenest jungle looking area. I immediately saw a momma and a baby goat and chose them and Christine told them there that it was their christmas gift. I have never seen anyone so thankful in my whole life. I feel so blessed to be able to give them something they will be able to continue to enjoy . My heart is so full and wish I could express this joy more. When we got back mama Luka leaned over to Christine and asked her if I like bananas (in Luganda) and I love them especially the little baby ones they are so sweet. She gave me a huge bowl of them. When it was time to go my heart began to break she leaned her forehead against mine and said, " I am missing you already my sahnanee" <3 then as I was heading to the car two of our older Sunday school boys and their moms came over to me and asked me to live with them and not go to Kenya I replied to them that I wasn't sure how my mom was going to take that and they quickly said we will love you like we are your mom! Everyone out there has adopted the fact that my new name is muwala Wamusumba (daughter of a pastor) I really feel at home there and I cannot wait to get back there in January. (:
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Christmas letters
Today (Saturday-November 23) we spent the day in the village with all of our sponsored kiddos. We were helping them write letters to their sponsors thanking them for their continued support and wishing them a merry christmas. Just as an FYI if you sponsor a kid please please take time to pray and thank The Lord for the people that help your children write to you. Let me tell you first hand it is NOT easy. We had an early start this morning and all crammed into our two vans and headed to the luwero district of Zirobwe. We had all been split up into teams to work with the different age groups. I was paired up with Christine that you met in my last blog and we had p.5 and p.6 so they were in upper middle school. Anytime we go out there is always exciting and today there was added excitement due to the fact that even though I knew it was going to be hard work that there was a blessing in disguise somewhere. So- as I am trying to working the positive- I put on my big girl skirt rolled up my sleeves and prepared for that patient endurance talked about in Hebrew 10. (; we were given a templet to work with and had children write out the best we could- some came back with perfectly structured letters while others took all day that is when your countenance begins to show. There were quite a few children that I had never met before but also some that are always hanging around the church.
I immediately ran into my African mom and she said Shananeee with a big smile on my face and hugged me a lot and then simply said, "I like you a lot" I do t know what it is about that phrase but the simplicity and straight forward aspect of it makes me so overjoyed. No big ordeal just straight to the point. I remembered I had a job so I got back to helping the kids write letters (so hard when you don't keep your focus) a few moments later Dora, Grace, and Jennifer were walking towards the church.( Those are my girls and mama lukas daughters.) so I saw them and ran to say hi! They all smiled and said hello I asked them about their week and just small talked and I said Ndi musanyufu okoba!!!! Which means I am so happy to be here to which they all look at each other and giggle because of the way I pronounce it or they think it's funny to watch a mzungu fail at luganda. I really feel at home here and I am learning little by little how to make small talk. The only problem I have come across is when I get to a point in the conversation where someone tries to keep talking to me in luganda and I have not a clue what they said so my default response is always, " Mmmhhhmm" with a big grin on my face. Lol. Probably not the smartest idea. I walked into the church with the girls and mom said something to her and Dora brought over the most beautiful gift I could ever receive and said here Shan this is from my mom. I was confused at first but Mama luka came over to me and told me she had made it as a gift for me. Literally my favorite people out there I am sure you already got that though.
When Christine and I were working with writing letters she had remembered to tell me that her dad had a garden out in Zirobwe and that she was bummed I couldn't meet him today and she sent Luka to go get some pineapples from her dads land. She explained that I loved pineapple Nyo Nyo Nyo (so so so much much much) ..he cam back with four HUGE pineapple. Not long after that a lot of the kids were done with letter writing so we handed out porridge and buttermilk rolls. I was still helping the older kids revise their letters and this is when I really started enjoying helping with letter writing. Each of the older kids sat around together and worked on their letters together as a community it was so sweet. They helped one another out when they were struggling and if someone wanted to give up or just not do it they began to encourage one another. It was an example and a reminder that is what the body of Christ should look like. It was a challenge to be looking for ways that I can connect with people this week and pray for those who are struggling.
New foods I tried today:
G nuts or ground nuts- they look like they have a peanut shell and you bite it open just like a peanut shell but they look like little mini brains inside of it they are soft and chewy and resemble the flavor of peanuts just slightly. Someone told me today that if you drink them with cold Mountain Dew that they are the best!
Berries: they call them strawberries and they look like grapes they taste nothing like either. (: Kennedy brought me a whole bag of them but then decided he wanted them back I was not at all offended
We are headed back in the morning for Sunday school and we will be working on the Christmas skit.
Be praying for our guesthouse and the necessary funding to come in for that. ALSO WE STILL ARE NEEDING FUNDING FOR OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY THAT IS SO CLOSE. If there is anyway you can be involved please contact me directly!! Continue to pray for our MST's, staff members, and volunteers as well as we finish up this years work. And may our break be a time of refreshment as well as a time of reflection of Gods grace I'm our life.
Also side note if you read this far: Thank you. Sometimes I ramble on like now but I know that someone somewhere is reading it may The Lord bless you in more ways than one!! (:
Uganda Shan aka Muwala Wamusumba
I immediately ran into my African mom and she said Shananeee with a big smile on my face and hugged me a lot and then simply said, "I like you a lot" I do t know what it is about that phrase but the simplicity and straight forward aspect of it makes me so overjoyed. No big ordeal just straight to the point. I remembered I had a job so I got back to helping the kids write letters (so hard when you don't keep your focus) a few moments later Dora, Grace, and Jennifer were walking towards the church.( Those are my girls and mama lukas daughters.) so I saw them and ran to say hi! They all smiled and said hello I asked them about their week and just small talked and I said Ndi musanyufu okoba!!!! Which means I am so happy to be here to which they all look at each other and giggle because of the way I pronounce it or they think it's funny to watch a mzungu fail at luganda. I really feel at home here and I am learning little by little how to make small talk. The only problem I have come across is when I get to a point in the conversation where someone tries to keep talking to me in luganda and I have not a clue what they said so my default response is always, " Mmmhhhmm" with a big grin on my face. Lol. Probably not the smartest idea. I walked into the church with the girls and mom said something to her and Dora brought over the most beautiful gift I could ever receive and said here Shan this is from my mom. I was confused at first but Mama luka came over to me and told me she had made it as a gift for me. Literally my favorite people out there I am sure you already got that though.
When Christine and I were working with writing letters she had remembered to tell me that her dad had a garden out in Zirobwe and that she was bummed I couldn't meet him today and she sent Luka to go get some pineapples from her dads land. She explained that I loved pineapple Nyo Nyo Nyo (so so so much much much) ..he cam back with four HUGE pineapple. Not long after that a lot of the kids were done with letter writing so we handed out porridge and buttermilk rolls. I was still helping the older kids revise their letters and this is when I really started enjoying helping with letter writing. Each of the older kids sat around together and worked on their letters together as a community it was so sweet. They helped one another out when they were struggling and if someone wanted to give up or just not do it they began to encourage one another. It was an example and a reminder that is what the body of Christ should look like. It was a challenge to be looking for ways that I can connect with people this week and pray for those who are struggling.
New foods I tried today:
G nuts or ground nuts- they look like they have a peanut shell and you bite it open just like a peanut shell but they look like little mini brains inside of it they are soft and chewy and resemble the flavor of peanuts just slightly. Someone told me today that if you drink them with cold Mountain Dew that they are the best!
Berries: they call them strawberries and they look like grapes they taste nothing like either. (: Kennedy brought me a whole bag of them but then decided he wanted them back I was not at all offended
We are headed back in the morning for Sunday school and we will be working on the Christmas skit.
Be praying for our guesthouse and the necessary funding to come in for that. ALSO WE STILL ARE NEEDING FUNDING FOR OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY THAT IS SO CLOSE. If there is anyway you can be involved please contact me directly!! Continue to pray for our MST's, staff members, and volunteers as well as we finish up this years work. And may our break be a time of refreshment as well as a time of reflection of Gods grace I'm our life.
Also side note if you read this far: Thank you. Sometimes I ramble on like now but I know that someone somewhere is reading it may The Lord bless you in more ways than one!! (:
Uganda Shan aka Muwala Wamusumba
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Update
What's New?
It has been a very long time since I have updated you on what is going on and for that I apologize. Things here in Uganda, Africa are going incredibly good at the moment but at the same time it comes with its own sets of trials. In the last couple weeks we have done a lot of resting and getting back into our normal routine from what we had been working with when the Ignis team was with us. Some weeks back we had a slight change in some of our staffers-some we're let go while others were added to the team: Christine- a super fun and energetic girls who loves to color coordinate everything and she is so stubborn her personality it a lot like mine and I have loved getting to know her in this short time she has worked here, Victor- he is our new PR who has a huge heart for The Lord and a great sense of humor always gives an encouraging word, Viola- our cook. Need I say more?! She is incredible as well and so humble, and lastly Rose who is our sponsorship coordinator she is soft spoken but also is very sweet. They have been a great addition to the team and I feel like they have been working with us since the beginning. Scott- one of the. UK leaders is still hanging out we us here working alongside Wilson and trying to get the Ebenezer primary school that is right next to our land out in Zirobwe. They are constantly working on meetings and any problems that arrive here in ground(please keep them in your prayers).
Have there been any new volunteers?
After the Ignis team left we had a girl arrive from the UK named Becky she had been studying to become a doctor and was just finishing up her pediatrics and we were able to clean wounds and pull Chiggers out that were in the village. She was very excited to share stories of her several other short term missions she had been on and share with me about her relationship with Christ and how her mission trips helped her spiritual growth. One thing that I learned from her was that everyone should be accepted and to always include others. She was a huge encouragement and an incredible source of joy in the mere two weeks that she had been there. Last Thursday the day Becky actually left we got a new volunteer from the states named Jose he is in his 30s works in real-estate and has travelled all over the world and decided it was time to give Africa a try he is here for two and a half weeks and is working hands on in the primary schools. The kids love listening to him talk since he is originally from Puerto Rico. Next week we have a girl named Amber who will be with us until December, a boy named David who will be here for 6 months, and one of. Hannah's friends is coming to see her!
What have your challenges been and how can we pray for you?
A couple things have been challenging me in the past couple weeks. First of all it seems like my energy is beginning to wear out. I don't have that same renewed strength day in and day out. It seems as if I am not as excited as I was when I first got here. Also some relationships with on the ground team that have been kind of bugging me. I knew there would be challenges but they were most definitely unforeseen ones in the beginning. God is working and doing big things in my own life though he has taught me the importance of spending time with him more and to be growing spiritually, to take time to meditate on the word in my free time and to not worry what others think or say about me, to remember to glorify God in any and every situation. I am still loving the village it is my favorite day of the week when Sunday comes around and I get to spend time with all of my favorite kids and mamas they seriously always shine the light of Christ no matter what the situation is. Continue to pray for our Christmas party we only have $150 out of the $2,000 we need so pray that the. Lord provides just like we know he always does.
How have you adjusted to the food? And have you found any sources of good snacks?
The food has been fine. It actually seems to get better and better. Sometimes it gets too much of the same thing and I want to eat something else ( that's where your incredible donations of snacks have come in). It's so nice when I haven't totally loved a meal or it gets boring to go grab some wheat thins or cookies that have come in a care package. Tuskys (the albertsons of Uganda) has all kinds of snacks and munchies definitely not the selection of home but it definitely has done the trick.
What is your favorite thing to eat/snack on?
Bounty (it's like a almond joy without the almond) bars and I actually have ventured out and eaten ground beef in a patti form and in a biscuit almost like a cheeseburger. The cheese here is very gross but our chef cuts up all kinds of veggies to go on it too yum!
Have you been homesick?
Yes, I miss my family A LOT ---BUT I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be. I am able to Skype with them often and what's app and FaceTime
Praying for you all often and so thankful for the Lords continued grace. I am that'll for today and hopeful for tomorrow. (:
It has been a very long time since I have updated you on what is going on and for that I apologize. Things here in Uganda, Africa are going incredibly good at the moment but at the same time it comes with its own sets of trials. In the last couple weeks we have done a lot of resting and getting back into our normal routine from what we had been working with when the Ignis team was with us. Some weeks back we had a slight change in some of our staffers-some we're let go while others were added to the team: Christine- a super fun and energetic girls who loves to color coordinate everything and she is so stubborn her personality it a lot like mine and I have loved getting to know her in this short time she has worked here, Victor- he is our new PR who has a huge heart for The Lord and a great sense of humor always gives an encouraging word, Viola- our cook. Need I say more?! She is incredible as well and so humble, and lastly Rose who is our sponsorship coordinator she is soft spoken but also is very sweet. They have been a great addition to the team and I feel like they have been working with us since the beginning. Scott- one of the. UK leaders is still hanging out we us here working alongside Wilson and trying to get the Ebenezer primary school that is right next to our land out in Zirobwe. They are constantly working on meetings and any problems that arrive here in ground(please keep them in your prayers).
Have there been any new volunteers?
After the Ignis team left we had a girl arrive from the UK named Becky she had been studying to become a doctor and was just finishing up her pediatrics and we were able to clean wounds and pull Chiggers out that were in the village. She was very excited to share stories of her several other short term missions she had been on and share with me about her relationship with Christ and how her mission trips helped her spiritual growth. One thing that I learned from her was that everyone should be accepted and to always include others. She was a huge encouragement and an incredible source of joy in the mere two weeks that she had been there. Last Thursday the day Becky actually left we got a new volunteer from the states named Jose he is in his 30s works in real-estate and has travelled all over the world and decided it was time to give Africa a try he is here for two and a half weeks and is working hands on in the primary schools. The kids love listening to him talk since he is originally from Puerto Rico. Next week we have a girl named Amber who will be with us until December, a boy named David who will be here for 6 months, and one of. Hannah's friends is coming to see her!
What have your challenges been and how can we pray for you?
A couple things have been challenging me in the past couple weeks. First of all it seems like my energy is beginning to wear out. I don't have that same renewed strength day in and day out. It seems as if I am not as excited as I was when I first got here. Also some relationships with on the ground team that have been kind of bugging me. I knew there would be challenges but they were most definitely unforeseen ones in the beginning. God is working and doing big things in my own life though he has taught me the importance of spending time with him more and to be growing spiritually, to take time to meditate on the word in my free time and to not worry what others think or say about me, to remember to glorify God in any and every situation. I am still loving the village it is my favorite day of the week when Sunday comes around and I get to spend time with all of my favorite kids and mamas they seriously always shine the light of Christ no matter what the situation is. Continue to pray for our Christmas party we only have $150 out of the $2,000 we need so pray that the. Lord provides just like we know he always does.
How have you adjusted to the food? And have you found any sources of good snacks?
The food has been fine. It actually seems to get better and better. Sometimes it gets too much of the same thing and I want to eat something else ( that's where your incredible donations of snacks have come in). It's so nice when I haven't totally loved a meal or it gets boring to go grab some wheat thins or cookies that have come in a care package. Tuskys (the albertsons of Uganda) has all kinds of snacks and munchies definitely not the selection of home but it definitely has done the trick.
What is your favorite thing to eat/snack on?
Bounty (it's like a almond joy without the almond) bars and I actually have ventured out and eaten ground beef in a patti form and in a biscuit almost like a cheeseburger. The cheese here is very gross but our chef cuts up all kinds of veggies to go on it too yum!
Have you been homesick?
Yes, I miss my family A LOT ---BUT I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be. I am able to Skype with them often and what's app and FaceTime
Praying for you all often and so thankful for the Lords continued grace. I am that'll for today and hopeful for tomorrow. (:
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Heartbroken Happy?
We used the Sunday school shelter for the first time today. It has been a work in progress for the past couple of weeks and today was the first Sunday we had Sunday school under it. For the past two months we have been using the primary school next door known as Ebenezer. The same school we teach at every so often and where a lot of our kids go to school. 'Mualawa musumba' means Daughter of a pastor -so that is what all the kids call me now instead of Shannen. After Sunday school Luke came to me and said would you walk to our home I have a gift for you. When we got to the house Luke went inside and came back with long sugar cane that was twice my height that he wanted to gift to me. He said "I want to you to have this I asked my mom yesterday." (Now what I didnt know-when I asked Joseph about it later is that Luke really wanted me to have one so he asked his mom if he personally could give me one and he would work to earn it) also that this is how they make a living, they sell sugar cane to pay for basic needs like food. It is such a huge blessing to give that they willingly give. Part of me wants to deny it when they give me gifts like that immediately and tell him to sell it for food but I never do for two reasons: 1) it is rude culturally 2) I could not not except a gift from their sweet faces. I thanked him with a 'Webale Nyo' (thank you very much). Jennifer was still upset so I picked her up and she was reluctant to have me hold her but I held on anyways and took her to the shade, gave her some water, and because we were quite a ways away from the church I pulled out a granola bar from my purse and split it between the kids- they hadn't eaten at all before then. They ate it so quick. We stood there for a short moment in silence when Luke piped up and said, "In which month do you leave?" When I told him March he replied quickly with "mom was wanting me to ask you if you would spend your christmas with us here in Zirobwe at our house." This is where my heart broke and I was so happy at the same time. They have little to offer but they wanted me to be with them for the holidays since I am not around my family. I explained that I was going to Kenya for a month over Christmas so I wasn't going to be around, but you bet I would be there with them if I was going to be here in Uganda. I asked them if they could have anything what would they want for Christmas their response says a lot about the condition and the culture that they are apart of here is a list of things that they told me: rice, matoke (cooked banana), chicken, soda, and beans. This is a part of every meal I have and this is the only thing that they asked for. I am planning on buying everything on that list and getting them each a present that they get to open. My heart breaks and is also so incredibly thankful for he love that this family shows to me every time I see them. Grace is the one that is so protective of me. Even when mom tries to hug me or sit with me she always pushes them off and says my shannenneee!! Instead of getting gifts this year I am going to give until I can't give anymore.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Zirobwe
Just got back from four days in the village and all I can say is that I cannot wait for EAC to move out there permanently. Tuesday we went out there in the evening and had chapattis and pineapple for dinner and set up our tents. We hung out with the kiddos until we started devos. Some of our kiddos stay for devotions and sing the songs with us. Sepha is our moody little lady-if you aren't giving her your full attention she is not happy. But she loves The Lord with her whole heart and it is so inspiring to see her sing the songs like "set a fire down in my soul that I can't control because I want to know you" it is super cute at such a young age. Wednesday i got up at about 5:40am just as the sun was getting up and the bright pinks and reds were coming up just as the big bright African sun was rising it is one of the most incredible sights to see. So beautiful. I wish words could describe how it actually looks. We got to teach at the primary school next door to the church called Ebenezer. We know most of the children that go there so it was fun to be able to interact with them on a whole new level. All the kids call me Madame when trying to get my attention. Wed- we worked on numbers 1-20 and made a poster with the spelling of each number we taught the kids to songs about numbers and had them come to the front of the classroom and point out individual numbers. After that was done around we went back over to the church where we had set up camp and had some lunch. We have pineapple everyday and I am so loving it. Rest time/free time was until 3:30 we could spend some time just laying down in our tents or play with the kids. There are always kids hanging around even when you tell them all to go. I. The evening we ran a program with the kids and played games with them. We have devotions as a team in the evening and there are a particular few that stay around and sit through a devotion even if they don't get through the whole thing. Then it is time to say goodnight (my least favorite part of the day). Our generator stays on until 10:00pm and then it gets pretty dark in there. There a fireflies that are all around and flashes of lightning that are so incredible. Thursday we did the same thing only we worked on ABCs with the kiddos. It was HOT inside and out there was no way to escape the heat. In the afternoon when we were playing soccer with the kids it started to rain and then it started to pour and we all just stood out there ion the rain and got muddy and soaking wet it was so fun.We have a volunteer named Tim here right now from Haiti and he has been teaching English to the people in the village. After his night class he decided to let a Japanese lantern into the sky so everyone gathered around there were probably 30 of us around and my sweet Grace jumped right into my arms and looked up as the lantern floated to the sky - it felt like a scene from the movies it's hard to even put into words. Her mom who speaks little to no English walked up to me and said, "I like you a lot" a small phrase that made a. Huge impact-something that will stay with me forever. Friday we taught in the morning packed up camp and then headed back home.
Now on a side note I just want to tell you a little bit or a lot bit about my favorite family.
Luca- he is the dad very hard working and always involved with what's going on at the church he knows zero English
The wife- I'm not sure of her name but she always has Jennifer on her back and works super hard in manual labor as well. Always has a smile on her face
Shakira- (sponsored) about 14 and she smiles so wide and always wants to know how I am doing
Rita-(sponsored) her sponsors pay for her to go to school in Kampala an hour and a half away from the family I haven't met her yet.
Luke 11-(sponsored) my first favorite kid in the village one of the kindest boys you will ever meet. Always one of the first to greet me when we get to the village. The reason I met this whole family
Joseph 8-(sponsored) the crazy one of the group-always getting into so etching but he loves to play with my hair and cares about you.
Dorine or most people call her Dora- I am going to sponsor her. She is shy until you get her talking and then she is silly
Grace- I don't have much to say about grace except that I love her so much and words can't describe how much I want to bring her home with me.
Jennifer- still only about 10 months old and she is very shy
Such a big family but I feel like I can relate to them. I am so excited to spend the next five months growing closer to them. It makes me nervous though for March.
Half of the UK team arrived with the group from Ignis a design company and they are here to build a cattle shed. I am excited to get to know each and everyone of them. It's going to new crazy couple of weeks. Today we are headed to the village again to show them what our vision for EAC is and show the. What they will be working on while they are here. Also we are going to be doing some house visits where we will be talking to families and then praying with them as well.
Keep us in your prayers because this group of people don't have a relationship with Christ. Also keep the Ebenezer school in your prayers the teachers are very poor and some of the kids don't learn very well. Also there are several headmasters at local schools who are molesting young girls and here there is not much that can be done about that. We have children here who are sick so pray for them. It's cold season here just like home only it is really hot here!!!
Now on a side note I just want to tell you a little bit or a lot bit about my favorite family.
Luca- he is the dad very hard working and always involved with what's going on at the church he knows zero English
The wife- I'm not sure of her name but she always has Jennifer on her back and works super hard in manual labor as well. Always has a smile on her face
Shakira- (sponsored) about 14 and she smiles so wide and always wants to know how I am doing
Rita-(sponsored) her sponsors pay for her to go to school in Kampala an hour and a half away from the family I haven't met her yet.
Luke 11-(sponsored) my first favorite kid in the village one of the kindest boys you will ever meet. Always one of the first to greet me when we get to the village. The reason I met this whole family
Joseph 8-(sponsored) the crazy one of the group-always getting into so etching but he loves to play with my hair and cares about you.
Dorine or most people call her Dora- I am going to sponsor her. She is shy until you get her talking and then she is silly
Grace- I don't have much to say about grace except that I love her so much and words can't describe how much I want to bring her home with me.
Jennifer- still only about 10 months old and she is very shy
Such a big family but I feel like I can relate to them. I am so excited to spend the next five months growing closer to them. It makes me nervous though for March.
Half of the UK team arrived with the group from Ignis a design company and they are here to build a cattle shed. I am excited to get to know each and everyone of them. It's going to new crazy couple of weeks. Today we are headed to the village again to show them what our vision for EAC is and show the. What they will be working on while they are here. Also we are going to be doing some house visits where we will be talking to families and then praying with them as well.
Keep us in your prayers because this group of people don't have a relationship with Christ. Also keep the Ebenezer school in your prayers the teachers are very poor and some of the kids don't learn very well. Also there are several headmasters at local schools who are molesting young girls and here there is not much that can be done about that. We have children here who are sick so pray for them. It's cold season here just like home only it is really hot here!!!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
October 12, 2013 4:23 PM
October 12, 2013 4:23 PM
It has been a whole month since the time I have arrived in Africa and I am still totally in love with ALL of it! Wednesday it was Uganda's Independence Day- so we had a quiet day. We spent the morning at a high school performing a skit, telling the kids why we had come to Africa & sharing about EAC. We made chapattis (thick tortillas) with pizza sauce and bananas for lunch and watched movies all afternoon while we rested for Thursday. For dinner we had French toast.Yum. Thursday morning before we started packing Scott (one of our leaders from UK) led an amazing devotion where we all spent time in worship and just meditating on the word of God. It was so refreshing. We got all packed up to spend the night in the village and headed out. The village it about 50 miles away from the compound so it takes a good hour me a half to get there. We went to a primary school in the village called Christ's ambassador- I shared the bible story of the banquet. We finished early and after the kids aphid asked me questions about the bible I let them ask me questions about America they all wanted to know about NASA and politics: two things I have no interest in. We arrived at the church and set up camp inside the church all in tents. Lizards and spiders are all over the place and grasshoppers- HUGE ones. Once the children see our van they all start slowly making their way over to see us. They ALL ask me to bring them Footballs (soccer balls). Immediately we always see out two kiddos that live next door Sepha and Kennedy. They are both so sweet. Not long after that Alex and Luke made their way over to say hi. We walked down the road to the town center collecting kiddos all along the way yelling Jangu (meaning come) our small following quickly becomes much larger. (; we ran a program there where I was able to share the story of Samson and Delilah - I had some of the other volunteers act it out which makes a whole world of difference. It was so fun and the kids loved it! We got back to camp and had chapattis. Thursday night after dinner we had a time of worship and devotion and my dad had sent me an outline for a devotion on Broken things in scripture. I was nervousness because I was unsure how much sense I was making to the team. Especially after the long day we had just had. God was quick to erasure me though- someone on the team came to me not long after that and shared how he was going through a time of brokenness and how he was unsure how god could use him. It was such a good reminder to me to be open to sharing what I am learning in scripture and how God can use it in my life. Night time in the village is more incredible than words can describe. There are fireflies every sphere the light up the area around the church we even had one that got caught in our tent in the middle of the night. It started to rain and it rained HARD- harder than I have ever heard before and it was on and off all night. We were up at 6:30 am to begin manual labor. We slashed all morning-my arms and lower back are so sore. But it is totally worth it. Today we had a bunch of kiddos here for a party and made them lunch bought them sodas, and launched a Japanese lantern in the sky to signify them moving on to a new grade. Tomorrow we have Sunday school in the village and we have two girls coming who have been here in Uganda for a month with a different organization. Monday is our day off and then back to the village from Tuesday to Friday. Friday is the day that the big UK team comes. I am excited to have lots of people filling up our house. I will keep you posted. (:
P.s. Thank you to everyone who has given my parents money and snacks to send me. I a, so thankful for each and everyone of you.
It has been a whole month since the time I have arrived in Africa and I am still totally in love with ALL of it! Wednesday it was Uganda's Independence Day- so we had a quiet day. We spent the morning at a high school performing a skit, telling the kids why we had come to Africa & sharing about EAC. We made chapattis (thick tortillas) with pizza sauce and bananas for lunch and watched movies all afternoon while we rested for Thursday. For dinner we had French toast.Yum. Thursday morning before we started packing Scott (one of our leaders from UK) led an amazing devotion where we all spent time in worship and just meditating on the word of God. It was so refreshing. We got all packed up to spend the night in the village and headed out. The village it about 50 miles away from the compound so it takes a good hour me a half to get there. We went to a primary school in the village called Christ's ambassador- I shared the bible story of the banquet. We finished early and after the kids aphid asked me questions about the bible I let them ask me questions about America they all wanted to know about NASA and politics: two things I have no interest in. We arrived at the church and set up camp inside the church all in tents. Lizards and spiders are all over the place and grasshoppers- HUGE ones. Once the children see our van they all start slowly making their way over to see us. They ALL ask me to bring them Footballs (soccer balls). Immediately we always see out two kiddos that live next door Sepha and Kennedy. They are both so sweet. Not long after that Alex and Luke made their way over to say hi. We walked down the road to the town center collecting kiddos all along the way yelling Jangu (meaning come) our small following quickly becomes much larger. (; we ran a program there where I was able to share the story of Samson and Delilah - I had some of the other volunteers act it out which makes a whole world of difference. It was so fun and the kids loved it! We got back to camp and had chapattis. Thursday night after dinner we had a time of worship and devotion and my dad had sent me an outline for a devotion on Broken things in scripture. I was nervousness because I was unsure how much sense I was making to the team. Especially after the long day we had just had. God was quick to erasure me though- someone on the team came to me not long after that and shared how he was going through a time of brokenness and how he was unsure how god could use him. It was such a good reminder to me to be open to sharing what I am learning in scripture and how God can use it in my life. Night time in the village is more incredible than words can describe. There are fireflies every sphere the light up the area around the church we even had one that got caught in our tent in the middle of the night. It started to rain and it rained HARD- harder than I have ever heard before and it was on and off all night. We were up at 6:30 am to begin manual labor. We slashed all morning-my arms and lower back are so sore. But it is totally worth it. Today we had a bunch of kiddos here for a party and made them lunch bought them sodas, and launched a Japanese lantern in the sky to signify them moving on to a new grade. Tomorrow we have Sunday school in the village and we have two girls coming who have been here in Uganda for a month with a different organization. Monday is our day off and then back to the village from Tuesday to Friday. Friday is the day that the big UK team comes. I am excited to have lots of people filling up our house. I will keep you posted. (:
P.s. Thank you to everyone who has given my parents money and snacks to send me. I a, so thankful for each and everyone of you.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Another crazy week here at EAC Uganda!! Saturday we were able to sleep in a. Bit and then we headed over to a scripture union party. There were hundreds of high school aged kids who were there to support all of the scripture union leaders who were passing on leadership to incoming kiddos. We next and presented a skit, handed out gift to some of the outstanding leaders, and even was invited on the stage to dance. It was so funny-I was sitting next to another MST from Colorado and she said, " hey wouldn't it be funny if we went up there and joined them" and minutes later one of the students came over to us grabbed my hand and away we went to join them in their dancing....excepts for my friend. (: After the performance we quickly tried to exit the building and were caught!!! The leaders insisted that we stick around to have a bite to eat to show their appreciation...Dylan, Myleigh, Hannah, and I all were very nervous to see what was being served. But here in Uganda it is very rude to turn down food so we had to eat what they gave us and all of it too. So we encouraged and in fact implied that we wanted a very small amount since we had already eaten at the compound. They set up chairs, brought us water, and told us to get comfortable. The plate had two cups of rice and two cups of cooked cabbage(which has made me sick nice I got here and I really cannot eat) a chunk of fried chicken complete with bones and hair and a small potato. I scarfed down as much of the rice as I could and the potato and realize we were coming to a problem all of girls began to exchange looks and facial expressions as to what we are going to do. We ended up finding a small boy from the area and added all of our cabbages and rice and chicken on a plate and he are it all. (:
Sunday we went to Zirobwe again and ran Sunday school. I got to spend time with these three boys and they told me all about what they want to do with their lives when they grow up and asked all kinds of questions about America and all about my family. Alex is a sweetheart him and his little brother stayed after Sunday school and wanted to just play with my hair. Alex wants to become a lawyer and go to college in America. Next is Eddy- he has a sponsor from America whom he loves so much. Eddy tries to act like a to cool for Sunday school kind of a kid but he is such a kind boy who has so many questions he wants to marry a muzungoo. And lastly is Luke who has a younger sister that holds his hand and follows him wherever he goes. Luke wants to become a Doctor.
Monday was our day off because usually Saturday is our day off but we were obviously busy... The girls and I spent two hours doing laundry and hanging them up all over the backyard we filled up all of the clothes lines and then we lined them up all on the barbed wire...bad bad bad idea!!!!! A huge rain storm rolled in and we were outside pulling everything off of the line hoping everything was not going to get wet again. It was actually kind of fun...even though we were all soaked by the time we were done. We also had two guys who run the UK office come in yesterday Dave and Scott is ther names and they are super funny. It's always nice to have fresh faces in the house. We had a planning meeting at 3:00pm and then later made yummy desserts. Ended the night with some DUTCH BLITZ.
Today we went to New brainstorm and handed out bibles to all of the children. They were so excited. We ran the program and Dylan and I lead the worship songs: I love you Jesus, father Abraham, every move I make, Yesu newangu, and JOY!!!! We came home for 22 minutes to get some food and then off to the next project. We went to another high schools scripture union and met two kiddos Sharon and Winne- they asked me what my thought on America were....lol. On the way home we hit another car and it broke the other guys break light and scraped up our van pretty bad. But all in a days work.
On a side note I totally love sitting next to the window in the van- it never gets old. Everyone smiles or glares or waves or sticks their tongue out it is really amusing. Still loving every minute.
Sunday we went to Zirobwe again and ran Sunday school. I got to spend time with these three boys and they told me all about what they want to do with their lives when they grow up and asked all kinds of questions about America and all about my family. Alex is a sweetheart him and his little brother stayed after Sunday school and wanted to just play with my hair. Alex wants to become a lawyer and go to college in America. Next is Eddy- he has a sponsor from America whom he loves so much. Eddy tries to act like a to cool for Sunday school kind of a kid but he is such a kind boy who has so many questions he wants to marry a muzungoo. And lastly is Luke who has a younger sister that holds his hand and follows him wherever he goes. Luke wants to become a Doctor.
Monday was our day off because usually Saturday is our day off but we were obviously busy... The girls and I spent two hours doing laundry and hanging them up all over the backyard we filled up all of the clothes lines and then we lined them up all on the barbed wire...bad bad bad idea!!!!! A huge rain storm rolled in and we were outside pulling everything off of the line hoping everything was not going to get wet again. It was actually kind of fun...even though we were all soaked by the time we were done. We also had two guys who run the UK office come in yesterday Dave and Scott is ther names and they are super funny. It's always nice to have fresh faces in the house. We had a planning meeting at 3:00pm and then later made yummy desserts. Ended the night with some DUTCH BLITZ.
Today we went to New brainstorm and handed out bibles to all of the children. They were so excited. We ran the program and Dylan and I lead the worship songs: I love you Jesus, father Abraham, every move I make, Yesu newangu, and JOY!!!! We came home for 22 minutes to get some food and then off to the next project. We went to another high schools scripture union and met two kiddos Sharon and Winne- they asked me what my thought on America were....lol. On the way home we hit another car and it broke the other guys break light and scraped up our van pretty bad. But all in a days work.
On a side note I totally love sitting next to the window in the van- it never gets old. Everyone smiles or glares or waves or sticks their tongue out it is really amusing. Still loving every minute.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
From Uganda to Kenya?
So this week has flown by faster than I can even type-AHHH!!! Monday we went to the Sanyu babies home- Myleigh and I sorted through the beans and picked out all the yucky ones. There were probably 2,000 small little bugs called bean weaver that were crawling all over the place it was totally gross. We also had a planning meeting at 3:00 to talk about what the week was going to look like. Tuesday we went to brainstorm primary and there were a lot more kids this week than there were last week. Most of the kids don't come to school until the third or fourth week of school because they have no idea what day it is so they just have to guess or wait till someone says that school has started we also went to a second primary school called Good Choice also nicknamed "bad choice" there are like 300 children there who all have separate classes and as soon as the bell rang all of the children run to the meeting area. You have to literally yell to get anything said. Wednesday I got to lead praise and worship for the team devotion and Patrick played the guitar we played: 10,000 reasons, Holy is The Lord, and a couple other songs. we went to Katelmwa hospital and rehab center and ran the program with a small number of children and did the silent skit about how to enter heaven. We also sanded chairs in the workshop for some time there was sand dust everywhere. We also went to a scripture union at Clive College where we go and chat with the kids and they take time out of their lunch to sing praise and worship and listen to a message and pray with them. Sandra (one of EAC team builders) lead a devotion. Some of the kids point and laugh as they don't know how to approach us. Others are so thankful that we are there supporting them. Lots of kids stand outside of the room e gather in and talk, joke, laugh. These students know what it is to be mocked and put down for their faith-it was such a huge encouragement to me that they still meet week after week to come together and thank The Lord for the things they actually do have. I wish I could take them all home with me. Jeremiah 29:11 has been repeating in my head over and over again- reminding me that God has a perfect plan for my life, a plan that gives me an amazing hope for the future. Gives me such a relief to know that he is in control of it all. The food is still really tough for me lots of rice and beans, cooked cabbage, and LOTS of starch. But I really am getting used to it. (: I haven't been eating breakfast because all that is offered is white bread, butter, and sugar. The carbs are killer. Packages cost about $80 to send so if you are interested in helping with cost please please pool together and send packages together so it is not one person many hands make light work. (: (I also LOVE snail mail.
ALSO we have an opportunity to go to Kenya for a month- it costs $400 round trip to get there. If up you feel led at all to donate please inform my parents, and they can enter money into my account so I can purchase that ticket. We will be living with the EAC home in Nairobi, Kenya. YES the same town that was recently targeted by the Somalian rebels. It is completely safe. We have all registered with the American Embassy with the STEP safe traveler program and have updates being sent to us regularly. Kampala, Uganda is next on the Somalian hit list so we are taking extra caution and being very aware of our surrounding. We are staying away from populated areas and keeping our eyes open.
Thank you for all your love and support. Each day is a gift from God and is more and more incredible every day.
Uganda Shan
ALSO we have an opportunity to go to Kenya for a month- it costs $400 round trip to get there. If up you feel led at all to donate please inform my parents, and they can enter money into my account so I can purchase that ticket. We will be living with the EAC home in Nairobi, Kenya. YES the same town that was recently targeted by the Somalian rebels. It is completely safe. We have all registered with the American Embassy with the STEP safe traveler program and have updates being sent to us regularly. Kampala, Uganda is next on the Somalian hit list so we are taking extra caution and being very aware of our surrounding. We are staying away from populated areas and keeping our eyes open.
Thank you for all your love and support. Each day is a gift from God and is more and more incredible every day.
Uganda Shan
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
So I know it has been a while since I blogged. It is so hard to sit down and find time to talk about the days as they fly right past. Yesterday we went to the zoo and met a lady named Beatris on the way over and exchanged info and went on our way it was so fun to talk to her. She invited us to her house for lunch and I was a bit unsure because I had just met her. Later on our way back into town we ran into her-a city of over a three million people and we saw her AGAIN four hours later it was incredible. Last night we got ice cream and it tasted the same-yum!!!! We also got to check out Lake Victoria, it was the first body of water I had seen since I got here and it was so beautiful.
Today went back to the village and all the kids remembered us. They are so sweet and I love going out there. It is such a long journey to get there but totally worth the drive. Below are a few pics from both days. We worked on a video on a tour of the house check it out https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7OSzYuf8qd0&feature=youtube_gdata_player&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7OSzYuf8qd0%26feature%3Dyoutube_gdata_player
And now we are getting ready for dinner we are making mini pizzas and hanging out. (:
Today went back to the village and all the kids remembered us. They are so sweet and I love going out there. It is such a long journey to get there but totally worth the drive. Below are a few pics from both days. We worked on a video on a tour of the house check it out https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7OSzYuf8qd0&feature=youtube_gdata_player&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7OSzYuf8qd0%26feature%3Dyoutube_gdata_player
And now we are getting ready for dinner we are making mini pizzas and hanging out. (:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
