Have you heard of the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"? I'm sure most of you have as it's a beloved children's book. It's actually quite funny, but on Thursday when the title of the book reflected my day perfectly I was not amused. It was one of those days when I clearly should have stayed in bed. From the moment I woke up, nothing seemed to go right and it was actually carrying over from the previous night. The previous night there were a few simple annoyances, like no electricity and then when I went to cook dinner on my gas stove... the gas ran out so my dinner was half-cooked. I went to bed annoyed at the thought of having to run out and get a new gas tank. On top of that I have guests here who had just arrived hours before the gas went out who weren't able to cook anything for themselves for dinner. AND the drinking water was empty, but I couldn't go get new water because... my car battery was dead, again, and I had to charge it before I could go to worship that evening and then hope it started after or I'd be walking home in the dark.
So anyways, back to Thursday. When I woke up I went over my to-do list in my head. The first item was to get fuel in the car and a new gas tank, then I would head to town to have the car battery changed. So after my morning routine of bandage changes, hot compresses (due to the "surgery" mentioned in the previous post), and showering I headed out the door and got in my car... which didn't start. So after not being able to eat breakfast because of no electricity and no gas, I was a bit frustrated to have to sit and wait to charge the battery yet again when I had just done it the night before. As I waited for the car to charge I dealt with someone asking for money and then I still had time, so I cut the dog's hair. Normally she sits nice and lets me do it, but for some reason Thursday was different and she did not cooperate very well. About 30 minutes later the battery was charged enough to start and I headed off to get fuel, a gas tank, a new battery, and clean drinking water. About 5 minutes after I began my journey I was stopped by the police in a speed trap, where there are no posted speed limits. It didn't matter to the officer who was yelling in my face that the speeds are not posted any where, he just continued to yell at me and fine me 100,000/=. There's no use arguing as a guest in this country, apparently you should just know the speed limits everywhere. So I headed off to the petrol station, fueled up my vehicle and got a new gas tank. I then headed to get clean drinking water and to John and Beth's house because I decided I wanted John to come figure out the battery with me. They weren't yet home when I arrived so I sat for about 20 minutes and waited for them.
By this point I was furious. Furious at the stupidity of the past 15 hours. I kept thinking if I had been in America, none of this would have happened. However just that simple thought broke my heart. I hate being annoyed at a place that I love so dearly. After thinking for a few minutes about my anger and disappointment, all emotions turned to sadness. There is no where in the world that I would rather be right now, but I allowed a few bad experiences to taint my heart. In reality none of those things are enough to keep me away from here. Even though we've been without electricity pretty much all week and even though a police officer was yelling at me for 20 minutes about something that I did unknowingly, it doesn't change that I love Uganda and I love Africa.
When Beth came home and saw the look on my face she asked me what happened and I told her all of my frustrations and grievances from the day. She told me it took her a couple of terms to no longer get annoyed at things and frustrated with Africa. I told her I hated that I was so upset by this and she said it was normal and eventually these little things don't bother you anymore. You just go with the flow and remember that you're not in America.
So John checked my batteries out (yes, there are two in my little diesel engine), he found that they were dry. We went and bought battery water, filled them up, and let it run. The battery couldn't hold charge without water in it and I didn't know to be checking to make sure it was there. So $2 later, the battery was fixed (so far so good) and I was on my way to class at the Centre of Hope. My visitors came with me and helped paint a mural on a wall there while I taught my class. My class was so good that day and we had a lot of fun. The lesson went well and I was blessed by the number of students who continually show up to my class. After class I took my guests home and went to hang out with Lino, Angelo, Saudi, and Francis. I really wanted to just chill and be with people who didn't frustrate me and who would remind me why I love being here. After a few very chill hours hanging with the guys and also having my own space, I was refreshed and renewed. I love being able to go there and make myself at home. Lino was sleeping in the tv room, Angelo was listening to music in his room, Saudi was studying and then watching the Cosby Show with me, and Francis came and watched for a bit too. They left me alone when I needed to be alone and made me laugh when I needed to laugh. I'm so grateful for them. :)
On Friday I went with my roommate to visit the home some of our students from the Centre of Hope. These students are some of the sweetest people I've ever known in my life. You may recall that I've mentioned them before, but they're a very large refugee family from an African country that's at war right now. Their religious background and culture, much different from my own has been interesting to learn about this year. I've learned a lot about SOM culture and we've had a blast sharing with each other. If you're on facebook you can look at my album from Women's Day in March. There are many lovely photos of the family in there. Anyways we arrived at were greeted with many kisses on the cheek as is the norm, even in class, we removed our shoes, and went into the house. We were promptly given seats and the hosting began.
First we were given juice, then we sat and chatted for a bit with everyone as more came home and the greetings continued. After a while a meal was served and it was grand. SOM food is filled with lots of yummy spices and it was very tasty. They had slaughtered a goat for us, so along with rice and veggies we ate lots of goat meat. Also, apparently goat stomach is a delicacy and it was prepared a bit differently from the meat. It was cooked with sauteed vegetables and served separately from the rest of the meat. Now as most of you know (if you've ever eaten a meal with me) that I have a major problem with textures. Anything that jiggles in the slightest or is slimy is a no no and makes me gag. Well the goat stomach was quite jiggly and they kept putting more and more on our plates (to show respect, no doubt), and let me tell you, I struggled. I began to pray for Jesus to help me just swallow and not gag or vomit in their living room. I'm sure you know, it's rude not to eat what you're served and thankfully Jesus helped me stomach the stomach. :) I wasn't able to eat a ton of it, but at least I was able to eat some and not offend anyone. They had been cooking and preparing all day and it was evident.
We continued to chat and they talked a lot about the current state of their home country. We met their little cousin who had just arrived with a gun shot wound to the stomach. She is only 11 years old and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She's now had 4 surgeries and is on lots of medication. They had her show us her belly and it's not only swollen as though she's swallowed a watermelon, she also has huge scars and part of her insides are outside because she can't use the bathroom. It was horrible to see and to know that she is one of thousands who are victims of war. It becomes very real when a child is standing before, not speaking English, but showing you her pain. The desperation in her eyes was gut wrenching and the pain was clear. They are traveling to Nairobi with her today to try to get better medical attention with the very little money that her mom has. She has been in this sick state for 7 months now and there's no end in sight. The evil of war strikes again and will continue until Jesus comes back. Come Lord, Jesus, come!
It was an honor to be invited and I know it was an honor for them to host us. They were just at our house a few weeks ago and we had a blast (photos are on facebook). Hopefully more photos of this visit will be up soon. Please pray for their lives, which are always in danger because of a terrorist group, pray for the little girl, pray for their souls to be saved.
Africa is amazing and beautiful, and it's broken and bleeding. When I think about it, it's not much different than America except it's broken in a different way. The people here blow my mind and I adore them so much! This continent with it's many, many different cultures and ways of life is phenomenal and awe-inspiring, thanks be to God. My hope is that even if you don't ever get to come and live here and experience the things that I've been able to, that you get a good picture of it through the honest words of my heart. Much love to you all.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Visas, A Birthday, and "Surgery"
Oh hey, end of July... when did you get here? This month has flown by and it's very hard to believe that next week is August. August means a lot of things for me right now, but I'll talk about that later. Since I last updated I've been pretty busy with life from donor relations to teaching my class at the Centre, to babysitting big boys, it's been hectic. You would think that I'd eventually just drop from lack of rest, but God's a lot stronger than me, thankfully! We had a team here, briefly and I was able to go out to Buvuma Island with them. This time around my experience was much less dramatic and a lot smoother. I was able to get through the day with no one offering to buy me as payment for something. :) I have had lots to do, but have been hindered by little things that seem to pop up each day. Regardless, God has been carrying me every single day and continues to speak through the noise.
Jade and Shelah have been in the States since mid-June and I've had the privilege of "babysitting big boys" as I like to call it. Lino and Angelo have had to stay here this summer instead of going to the States because they have been working on getting their Canadian visas and plane tickets are NOT cheap either. I'll explain the Canada thing later. Anyways, though I've not been staying at their house because it would be improper for a single female to stay on the same compound as 4 guys, I have been over there nearly every single day. My good friend, Francis is staying at the house with the guys, but has his own schedule too, so we've been working together to make sure the guys make good choices this summer without their guardians around. We've spent time swimming, playing basketball, and cooking lots of yummy food, but mostly we've been working. The guys have been working at the Centre of Hope tutoring, teaching, painting, cleaning, and being amazingly helpful. It's kept them on a regular schedule and pretty busy. I'm grateful for that because I don't like babysitting grown-ups! They have done a mostly fantastic job and have shown up for work each day. I'm so impressed with them and thankful for their work.
I'm also incredibly thankful to Jesus for this special time with Lino and Angelo because this fall they are heading off to Canada to finish high school. They were accepted into an international exchange program and just this week finally received their student visas into Canada for a year. This has been a huge prayer requests for months, ever since they were accepted into the program. It's not very easy for Sudanese citizens to gain visas, so I'm praising the Lord for His mighty hand in this situation. Many people were involved and helped in the process to expedite it and I'm sure it was by God's work. I'm thrilled for them to have this opportunity and also to get out of Kampala and away from the negative influences here! They have struggled a bit here and there with making the best choices and their friends here have played a major role in that, so I'm praying that as they leave this environment they'll fall into step with the right people. I'm praying even now that Jesus would bring some awesome, strong, faithful men and friends into their lives to influence them for the Lord. Join me, please.
So, as excited as I am... I'm also INCREDIBLY sad. Selfish, I know. I have a very special bond with Lino, largely because of my time with him last time I was in Uganda, but also due to relationship building this time. The guy is like my little brother and there's no one in Uganda that I would rather spend time with. He has been many things for me from a friend, to a student, to a punching bag like all little brothers are meant to be. We fight (play fight) all the time, but we laugh even more. Lino's favorite thing to talk to me about is music because our tastes are similar... he loves to debate on the best of the best in today's music industry. We've shared many very real and deep conversations about life, about how his heart is, about his life goals, and so much more. The idea of him not being around makes me want to cry right now and I still have another month with him. When I heard the news about the visas coming through on Monday I was of course excited with him, but after I hung up the phone I sat on my bed and cried. Just for a minute though, because then I went over to celebrate with the guys. On top of my relationship with Lino, is my relationship with Angelo. It's very delicate and this summer has been great for us. I know all about his life story, he's told me (like the other guys too) and that's caused a bit of sensitivity. Angelo is incredibly intelligent and a very sweet guy. I've enjoyed our recent conversations and the time we've been able to spend sharing and laughing. He's going to go very far in life if he stays focused and I know he can. I love Lino and Angelo with all my heart and am blessed by them every single day whether they know it or not. Will you pray for them, myself, Jade and Shelah, and everyone else who has been touched by them and will miss them so much? Pray for our hearts as they're so sad, yet so excited and proud. Pray for them as they embark on this awesome journey and adjust to life in the West (and in the frigid Canadian air).
That's enough of that... it's making me too sad. On to happier items! This past weekend was Lino's birthday so we kidnapped him for the day. We went to the house, told him to get ready, blindfolded him, and all piled into my car. We headed to Entebbe to spend the day at the lake. It was a very relaxing, chill afternoon by the water, chatting, laughing, eating, and playing. The weather was perfect thanks to the amazing breeze off the lake. The sun was bright and Lino was happy. After that we went home and cooked him dinner, bought some pop, I made homemade brownies, and we celebrated. It was so nice to get out of the city for just a little bit and spend some quality time together as a family. The next day I took Lino shopping at Owino, a large market in town to get some clothes as his present. At least he chose something warm for Canada... and something that says Chicago on it!
Heading out of town, I bought Lino some mangoes and a coke for the road. :)
Group at the beach
Singing Happy Birthday to the oldest "13 year old" I know
Showing off his new digs
On a totally different subject... a week ago I had "surgery" to get rid of an infection that I've had for over a year. Let me tell you how my day went that day. First you should know that I was just going to get a different antibiotic. I've been taking them on and off for months, but thought I just didn't have the right one. I was told that someone needed to use my car so I hopped on a boda and went to pick up my friend, Abraham, one of the Sudanese guys who said he would come with me. We got to the house, he hopped on the back of the boda and we headed off to IHK (International Hospital of Kampala). Now before I move on I should tell you that I did some research on the internet so obviously I was an expert at knowing how to cure myself. So upon arrival, I signed in, was sent to the cashier to pay before being seen, brought the receipt back to reception, and sat in the waiting area. After just about 10 minutes the doctor called me back. So we went back and I described my symptoms and told him all the different antibiotics that I had tried. I then suggested that something more than medicine was needed because that's what the websites said... and the web is the source of all knowledge. He thought for a minute and then brought us back to an area with a sign above it reading "casualty". This did not give me a good feeling at all, but I followed him to where the bed was a sat down. Abraham followed and I'm SO glad that he did because about 5 minutes later the doctor comes back in rolling a little cart with a bunch of sterile stuff on it. I didn't know what it all was, but I saw lots of needles and surgical tools.
The doctor had a little friend with him to assist him and that's when I knew it was going to hurt. He asked me to lay down and told me he was going to cut open the infection to drain it. So in the already very painful spot he began injecting local anesthetic to numb the area. The injection alone was enough to put me over the top. It hurt so bad!! Shots don't bother me in the least normally, but shots into an infected, painful area, with stuff that burns were horrible! Huge, jumbo tears betrayed me and started streaking down my face as I began to sweat from the pain. The next thing I know the doctor is poking me asking if the area is numb and even though my answer was no, he cut me. Squeezing Abraham's hand with all my strength I kept still so as not to cause any unnecessary cuts. After the cut was made there was a ton of pressure followed by lots more pain. After about 10 minutes though, he was finished and I was bandaged up and still shaking. Abraham wiped my face from the ridiculous mascara everywhere and 5 minutes later we were leaving. I had already called my boda guy and he was outside waiting to take us home. I was so grateful that Abraham came that day because I wasn't stable enough to get on a boda by myself and make it home, but I would have tried. With him there, there was no chance I'd fall even if I passed out or something. About 3 minutes into our drive home my phone was ringing and my friend, Francis was behind us in his car. We pulled over and he drove me the rest of the way home and then took Abraham home. I came home and was very glad that I brought some vicodin with me from the States. I took a vicodin and slept for the rest of the afternoon. That night I woke up at 3am with a high fever, covered in sweat, but I didn't want to eat anything to take another vicodin, so I just took some ibuprofen and laid there. At about 7 I fell back asleep until 10. That next day I was sore and it was hard to move, but was able to lay in bed most of the day. That night I was supposed to go sit with the guys while Francis was gone and they were great. They cooked dinner and we all just laid around and watched movies.
They didn't put stitches in order for the infection to continue to drain, so I've had an open hole for a week now. Unfortunately not all of it has drained and I may have to do it all over again. I'm praying for healing before that has to happen. My "Africa Mom", Beth is a nurse and has been taking care of me. And that's my latest medical adventure. I hope it didn't gross you out too much. Please pray for healing and pray that this is the last illness I encounter this year. I'm very tired of being sick! I just want to be healthy! Thanks friends! Much love to you!!
Jade and Shelah have been in the States since mid-June and I've had the privilege of "babysitting big boys" as I like to call it. Lino and Angelo have had to stay here this summer instead of going to the States because they have been working on getting their Canadian visas and plane tickets are NOT cheap either. I'll explain the Canada thing later. Anyways, though I've not been staying at their house because it would be improper for a single female to stay on the same compound as 4 guys, I have been over there nearly every single day. My good friend, Francis is staying at the house with the guys, but has his own schedule too, so we've been working together to make sure the guys make good choices this summer without their guardians around. We've spent time swimming, playing basketball, and cooking lots of yummy food, but mostly we've been working. The guys have been working at the Centre of Hope tutoring, teaching, painting, cleaning, and being amazingly helpful. It's kept them on a regular schedule and pretty busy. I'm grateful for that because I don't like babysitting grown-ups! They have done a mostly fantastic job and have shown up for work each day. I'm so impressed with them and thankful for their work.
I'm also incredibly thankful to Jesus for this special time with Lino and Angelo because this fall they are heading off to Canada to finish high school. They were accepted into an international exchange program and just this week finally received their student visas into Canada for a year. This has been a huge prayer requests for months, ever since they were accepted into the program. It's not very easy for Sudanese citizens to gain visas, so I'm praising the Lord for His mighty hand in this situation. Many people were involved and helped in the process to expedite it and I'm sure it was by God's work. I'm thrilled for them to have this opportunity and also to get out of Kampala and away from the negative influences here! They have struggled a bit here and there with making the best choices and their friends here have played a major role in that, so I'm praying that as they leave this environment they'll fall into step with the right people. I'm praying even now that Jesus would bring some awesome, strong, faithful men and friends into their lives to influence them for the Lord. Join me, please.
So, as excited as I am... I'm also INCREDIBLY sad. Selfish, I know. I have a very special bond with Lino, largely because of my time with him last time I was in Uganda, but also due to relationship building this time. The guy is like my little brother and there's no one in Uganda that I would rather spend time with. He has been many things for me from a friend, to a student, to a punching bag like all little brothers are meant to be. We fight (play fight) all the time, but we laugh even more. Lino's favorite thing to talk to me about is music because our tastes are similar... he loves to debate on the best of the best in today's music industry. We've shared many very real and deep conversations about life, about how his heart is, about his life goals, and so much more. The idea of him not being around makes me want to cry right now and I still have another month with him. When I heard the news about the visas coming through on Monday I was of course excited with him, but after I hung up the phone I sat on my bed and cried. Just for a minute though, because then I went over to celebrate with the guys. On top of my relationship with Lino, is my relationship with Angelo. It's very delicate and this summer has been great for us. I know all about his life story, he's told me (like the other guys too) and that's caused a bit of sensitivity. Angelo is incredibly intelligent and a very sweet guy. I've enjoyed our recent conversations and the time we've been able to spend sharing and laughing. He's going to go very far in life if he stays focused and I know he can. I love Lino and Angelo with all my heart and am blessed by them every single day whether they know it or not. Will you pray for them, myself, Jade and Shelah, and everyone else who has been touched by them and will miss them so much? Pray for our hearts as they're so sad, yet so excited and proud. Pray for them as they embark on this awesome journey and adjust to life in the West (and in the frigid Canadian air).
That's enough of that... it's making me too sad. On to happier items! This past weekend was Lino's birthday so we kidnapped him for the day. We went to the house, told him to get ready, blindfolded him, and all piled into my car. We headed to Entebbe to spend the day at the lake. It was a very relaxing, chill afternoon by the water, chatting, laughing, eating, and playing. The weather was perfect thanks to the amazing breeze off the lake. The sun was bright and Lino was happy. After that we went home and cooked him dinner, bought some pop, I made homemade brownies, and we celebrated. It was so nice to get out of the city for just a little bit and spend some quality time together as a family. The next day I took Lino shopping at Owino, a large market in town to get some clothes as his present. At least he chose something warm for Canada... and something that says Chicago on it!
Heading out of town, I bought Lino some mangoes and a coke for the road. :)
Group at the beach
Singing Happy Birthday to the oldest "13 year old" I know
Showing off his new digs
On a totally different subject... a week ago I had "surgery" to get rid of an infection that I've had for over a year. Let me tell you how my day went that day. First you should know that I was just going to get a different antibiotic. I've been taking them on and off for months, but thought I just didn't have the right one. I was told that someone needed to use my car so I hopped on a boda and went to pick up my friend, Abraham, one of the Sudanese guys who said he would come with me. We got to the house, he hopped on the back of the boda and we headed off to IHK (International Hospital of Kampala). Now before I move on I should tell you that I did some research on the internet so obviously I was an expert at knowing how to cure myself. So upon arrival, I signed in, was sent to the cashier to pay before being seen, brought the receipt back to reception, and sat in the waiting area. After just about 10 minutes the doctor called me back. So we went back and I described my symptoms and told him all the different antibiotics that I had tried. I then suggested that something more than medicine was needed because that's what the websites said... and the web is the source of all knowledge. He thought for a minute and then brought us back to an area with a sign above it reading "casualty". This did not give me a good feeling at all, but I followed him to where the bed was a sat down. Abraham followed and I'm SO glad that he did because about 5 minutes later the doctor comes back in rolling a little cart with a bunch of sterile stuff on it. I didn't know what it all was, but I saw lots of needles and surgical tools.
The doctor had a little friend with him to assist him and that's when I knew it was going to hurt. He asked me to lay down and told me he was going to cut open the infection to drain it. So in the already very painful spot he began injecting local anesthetic to numb the area. The injection alone was enough to put me over the top. It hurt so bad!! Shots don't bother me in the least normally, but shots into an infected, painful area, with stuff that burns were horrible! Huge, jumbo tears betrayed me and started streaking down my face as I began to sweat from the pain. The next thing I know the doctor is poking me asking if the area is numb and even though my answer was no, he cut me. Squeezing Abraham's hand with all my strength I kept still so as not to cause any unnecessary cuts. After the cut was made there was a ton of pressure followed by lots more pain. After about 10 minutes though, he was finished and I was bandaged up and still shaking. Abraham wiped my face from the ridiculous mascara everywhere and 5 minutes later we were leaving. I had already called my boda guy and he was outside waiting to take us home. I was so grateful that Abraham came that day because I wasn't stable enough to get on a boda by myself and make it home, but I would have tried. With him there, there was no chance I'd fall even if I passed out or something. About 3 minutes into our drive home my phone was ringing and my friend, Francis was behind us in his car. We pulled over and he drove me the rest of the way home and then took Abraham home. I came home and was very glad that I brought some vicodin with me from the States. I took a vicodin and slept for the rest of the afternoon. That night I woke up at 3am with a high fever, covered in sweat, but I didn't want to eat anything to take another vicodin, so I just took some ibuprofen and laid there. At about 7 I fell back asleep until 10. That next day I was sore and it was hard to move, but was able to lay in bed most of the day. That night I was supposed to go sit with the guys while Francis was gone and they were great. They cooked dinner and we all just laid around and watched movies.
They didn't put stitches in order for the infection to continue to drain, so I've had an open hole for a week now. Unfortunately not all of it has drained and I may have to do it all over again. I'm praying for healing before that has to happen. My "Africa Mom", Beth is a nurse and has been taking care of me. And that's my latest medical adventure. I hope it didn't gross you out too much. Please pray for healing and pray that this is the last illness I encounter this year. I'm very tired of being sick! I just want to be healthy! Thanks friends! Much love to you!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Chicken Slaughter
Well Jodi and Jacob are back safely in America, bags and all. Sounds like they had a pretty uneventful trip home and that's just the way I like it. I know I've already said this, but having them here was a huge blessing. We had so much fun on safari and I really enjoyed the other days we had off when we were able to just be here and in the city. I loved showing them Kampala and what my life is about. I look back on our three weeks and think about all of the things that we did and saw and I'm amazed. Why amazed? For the most part everything went really well. We didn't have any major problems with anything. There are always a few things that come up that are annoying, but their trip here was relatively smooth. WGM people were great and very gracious. Jacob was able to stay on my compound, just next door the whole time instead of having to be down the hill from us. We had a blast having a water balloon fight with my neighbors and enjoying lunch with them. They were welcomed so nicely at retreat too.
My prayer now is that they are forever changed. I feel like I could have done a better job showing them why I love this place. I could have done better at not complaining when little things came up. Ultimately though, God is bigger than all of those things and I know He wants to show them big things. There is so much beauty here... in the smiles on people's faces as you walk by, in the scenery, in people's honest search and need for God. I hope they saw those things. One of the most important parts of my ministry is relationships and I'm really glad that they got to meet so many of the people I come in contact with every day. Between coming to some church services, hanging with Heritage students, coming to my ESL class at the Centre of Hope, and hanging with the Sudanese guys I hope they got a taste of what I do. I just have to keep reminding myself that Jesus is in control and will be glorified.
So aside from running sports camps, we were able to visit a baby home (orphanage), go to the Equator, buy a goat and some chickens, slaughter those chickens for dinner, go to the village, go on safari including a boat ride on the Nile river, and so many other things. It seems like everyday was an adventure. I especially liked killing the chickens... I was glad that they were able to experience that while here. Not that we don't do that in the States, but I feel like it's a bit different here. The new goat is curtesy of the support that Jodi and Jacob raised. His name is Lazarus. Here's hoping this one doesn't get stolen too. RIP Nico. Here's a lovely video of Lino and Hussein killing our dinner...
So after going nonstop for the past 3 weeks or so, I dropped the kids off at the airport at 6am Sunday morning. From there I came home, showered, and left for "visit day" for the Sudanese guys in boarding school. After I picked up Lino, we met Francis in town, and headed out to Abraham's school. We only spent about an hour there because we got permission to take him out of school for the day. The four of us then went to lunch at the mall (it was a really nice lunch for Abraham since all he's been eating at school is pocho.) and then went home and hung out for the afternoon. I left to go to a prayer meeting at five and then went right back to join everyone for volleyball and dinner. I left there at 9pm, came home and hung out with 3 former Heritage students until about 2:30am. Needless to say, I was exhausted from nearly a month of little to no sleep. I crashed heard, but was awoken by a 7am phone call (which I ignored) and then again at 9. So after about 6 good hours of sleep I got up and started my day of running errands. By about 2pm I was beyond exhausted, but we were having out 4th of July celebration/bbq as a mission at 4. I laid down for an hour because I had a ridiculous headache and then when 4 arrived it was back up and at 'em. At 9pm I couldn't hardly stay awake, even though we were playing a rousing game of 4 square on my patio. I went to my room got ready for bed and was asleep by about 9:30pm. I only woke up once when my roommate blew a fuse and my fan went off. I got up, switched the breaker and was back asleep within 10 minutes. I didn't wake up until 9am this morning. It was glorious! I spent most of the day cleaning and trying to catch up on emails. I'm still WAY behind, so please have patience with me. You're not forgotten!
Anyways, thank you for all who prayed for Jodi and Jacob's trip. I know we had some awesome prayer warriors and Jesus answered your prayers! I also want to thank those who have been praying for my health. The mono type symptoms that I had for a month are finally gone. I was kind of sick the first few days of last week and for a day of safari, but since then I've been fine. The headaches are much less intense and almost gone and I'm not feeling so exhausted anymore (aside from the lack of sleep thing). I'm thankful for the prayers and thankful to be feeling so much better. I'm at about 97%, which is a nerd thing to say, but I just did, so deal with it. :) Much love to you all!
My prayer now is that they are forever changed. I feel like I could have done a better job showing them why I love this place. I could have done better at not complaining when little things came up. Ultimately though, God is bigger than all of those things and I know He wants to show them big things. There is so much beauty here... in the smiles on people's faces as you walk by, in the scenery, in people's honest search and need for God. I hope they saw those things. One of the most important parts of my ministry is relationships and I'm really glad that they got to meet so many of the people I come in contact with every day. Between coming to some church services, hanging with Heritage students, coming to my ESL class at the Centre of Hope, and hanging with the Sudanese guys I hope they got a taste of what I do. I just have to keep reminding myself that Jesus is in control and will be glorified.
So aside from running sports camps, we were able to visit a baby home (orphanage), go to the Equator, buy a goat and some chickens, slaughter those chickens for dinner, go to the village, go on safari including a boat ride on the Nile river, and so many other things. It seems like everyday was an adventure. I especially liked killing the chickens... I was glad that they were able to experience that while here. Not that we don't do that in the States, but I feel like it's a bit different here. The new goat is curtesy of the support that Jodi and Jacob raised. His name is Lazarus. Here's hoping this one doesn't get stolen too. RIP Nico. Here's a lovely video of Lino and Hussein killing our dinner...
So after going nonstop for the past 3 weeks or so, I dropped the kids off at the airport at 6am Sunday morning. From there I came home, showered, and left for "visit day" for the Sudanese guys in boarding school. After I picked up Lino, we met Francis in town, and headed out to Abraham's school. We only spent about an hour there because we got permission to take him out of school for the day. The four of us then went to lunch at the mall (it was a really nice lunch for Abraham since all he's been eating at school is pocho.) and then went home and hung out for the afternoon. I left to go to a prayer meeting at five and then went right back to join everyone for volleyball and dinner. I left there at 9pm, came home and hung out with 3 former Heritage students until about 2:30am. Needless to say, I was exhausted from nearly a month of little to no sleep. I crashed heard, but was awoken by a 7am phone call (which I ignored) and then again at 9. So after about 6 good hours of sleep I got up and started my day of running errands. By about 2pm I was beyond exhausted, but we were having out 4th of July celebration/bbq as a mission at 4. I laid down for an hour because I had a ridiculous headache and then when 4 arrived it was back up and at 'em. At 9pm I couldn't hardly stay awake, even though we were playing a rousing game of 4 square on my patio. I went to my room got ready for bed and was asleep by about 9:30pm. I only woke up once when my roommate blew a fuse and my fan went off. I got up, switched the breaker and was back asleep within 10 minutes. I didn't wake up until 9am this morning. It was glorious! I spent most of the day cleaning and trying to catch up on emails. I'm still WAY behind, so please have patience with me. You're not forgotten!
Anyways, thank you for all who prayed for Jodi and Jacob's trip. I know we had some awesome prayer warriors and Jesus answered your prayers! I also want to thank those who have been praying for my health. The mono type symptoms that I had for a month are finally gone. I was kind of sick the first few days of last week and for a day of safari, but since then I've been fine. The headaches are much less intense and almost gone and I'm not feeling so exhausted anymore (aside from the lack of sleep thing). I'm thankful for the prayers and thankful to be feeling so much better. I'm at about 97%, which is a nerd thing to say, but I just did, so deal with it. :) Much love to you all!
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