Greetings from Uganda,
Yes, we made it back from the Mpigi District, Kyamukama (Cha-ma-ka-ma) and had a sensory overloaded time. We sometimes felt like goldfish in a bowl because of always being watched. Many of the people had never seen white people before.
We were the first white people at the Kyay Church and the warm greeting was overwhelming. They were so happy to see us and the worship was exhuberant! If we would welcome others into our churches the way they welcomed us...North America would be a changed country.
Let me back up a little bit and give some details of our trip to the village. It took us 5 hours to get there going 25 - 40 mph over a "main road" with pot holes every 5 feet (literally). There were many places where we felt the washboard effect of the road...'pum-ba-dum, pum-ba-dum'. We also had a lovely place to eat lunch...just along side of the road because there was no place to stop. As we were there, people just kept coming out of the bush to see us. We also had our first bush bathroom experience. We started at 12:30p.m. and arrived in the village around 5:30p.m. or 6:00p.m.
As was mentioned, our welcome was overwhelming at the Kyay Church. From there we went to Kyamukama (Cha-ma-ka-ma) and were greeted warmly there as well. It was getting dark and we had to pitch our tents quickly. We had 10 tents for us and our two drivers. The stars were amazingly brilliant and we could see The Southern Cross, Venus and others. It was nice to have the full moon to use the latrine and the open shower. The shower had four scrap metal walls on two sides tied together with bamboo. It also had a short metal wall on the third side and the fourth side had some material over it. We had a 5 gallon of cold water and a 2-3 gallon of hot water for 16 people to wash up. Obviously, water is very scarce.
The next day, about 250 people came to the 3 acres of land where the village was located. We split the community of people up into five groups: women, men, pastors, children, and youth. The groups talked all day about many different subjects, and the children played outside. That evening, we gave away six goats, eleven chickens, four bicycles, and one pregnant cow. The community was so appreciative of their gifts that they gave us a goat and a chicken as a token of their gratitude.
Sunday morning, we went to two different churches. Josh preached at one church and his mother, Debbie, preached at the other. Both did a great job and the services were wonderful. At both services our group passed out shoes, clothes, and stuffed animals. The congregations were very grateful! After church we ate brunch and then headed back on the road (we wanted to leave by 9:30, but we left right on time at 12:30 :) ). When we got back into Kampala, we headed to the Kasubi school, to change clothes into the traditional dress. We went to an introduction, which is like a wedding. It was very interesting and full of entertainment and excitement. There we were served dinner, without utensils, so we had to eat with our fingers...such a cultural experience! Then we were able to head back to the Stevenson's for nice showers.
Today we are heading to Mutungu Church of God, where we are dedicating a Jajja (grandmother) house, attending the graduation of the tailoring students, and building a fence at the church.
We are having an amazing time and we miss everyone!
God bless,
The Uganda Team

Dear Friends and Family,
We greet you with warm and loving hearts from Uganda.
On Wednesday, the music conference concluded with the Hanson, Joel, Kelsey and Paul Show! They had their choir behind them and songs and dance filled our sights and sounds. We had the privilege of watching the grass dances performed by Joel, Kelsey, Paul and Hanson! It was great fun! Spirits were high as we headed home to the Stevensons. God's name was glorified! WAHOO!! :)
Thursday proved to be another busy, filled day. Melanie and Zola concluded their Education Workshop- It was a great success as the Head Teachers (Principals) soaked up the things that we learned. It was an amazing experience to impart new knowledge to people who were like sponges- eager to learn.
Kathryn, Alex and Paul met Paul's sponsor child at their home. It was a moving experience as Jajja (Grandma) Loy explained that the only letters (in the mail) she gets are the letters from Paul to his sponsor child.
Trish, Denise, Zola, and Kelsey went to three Jajja visits. Once again, an emotional but strengthening visit. It's amazing to see how much the Ugandan people appreciate any little thing that we do. They are a grateful people.
Josh was our die-hard as he finished painting the buildings at the Kasubi School with Sunday (one of our drivers). He has been our fearless leader with co-leader, Deb Breeden. They have kept us on track and constantly pointing us to the Lord for guidance.
Audrey, Deb Breeden, Joel, Kathryn, Alex and Steve visited with people from the Tapp Organization. They communicated and expressed God's love to a people who are thirsting for relief. Audrey continued to teach how to make journals to a group of ladies for their livelihood and memory books for those that are dying. In this way, the children will remember their parents.
In the afternoon, Zola taught another group of ladies how to knit and her suitcase of yarn was gratefully received by each person there. Also in the afternoon, Bernie taught the high schoolers about family relations. (He was planning on teaching about History but God had a different thing in mind.) Debbie Weiger had an opportunity to talk with two gentlemen about the Lord in the afternoon and it was good!
Sandra kept busy with Kathryn, Steve and Paul continuing to imput data for their library of 2000 books. Trish and Denise were the ones who began the work in the library. Their three-day struggle with frustrating computers, lack of internet access and trying to organize the library
gave way to the relief that Sandra, Kathryn, Steve and Paul brought. Sandra also accomplished so much with organizing the Children of Promise letters and pictures with Debbie Weiger's assistance.
We are on our way to the village and will not have access to the internet until Sunday night. It is Friday morning (10:30a.m.) here and 3:30a.m. Friday morning in the U.S. We love you all and are so grateful for your prayers and support. All of our love to you.
In Christ,
Melanie and the Ugandan Team

We Are Here!

After a LONG journey, we arrived safely Monday morning. All are well wit the exception of swollen ankles. Our first day, we visited Heritage and Bukasa schools, had orientation with Colleen, and unpacked the supplies we brought.
Tuesday, Colleen divided us into different groups to go to Kasubi school. Our tasks were: a music workshop, library training, Children of Promise office work, JjaJja visits, painting, book making with TAPP ladies, and playing with Kupona kids. Wednesday, education workshops began with teachers from all over to Uganda. Two of us (Sandra and Paul) met their sponsor children. That was exciting! Several have now ridden on Boda Bodas...That was Awesome! The knitting workshop is now taking place outside under the tent. It has been busy!
We have had no internet access at Stevenson's. We are currently using computers in the internet cafe at Kasubi.
All for now...please keep us in your prayers.

Departure Day

Yeah! It is finally here...We meet in the church parking lot at 1:30 to pack the church bus and then head to the Indy airport. Departure time: 5:08pm. I am grateful this morning for many things: a good night's sleep (I rarely sleep well the night before traveling); Alan and the kids for helping make this mission trip possible; all my prayer partners and financial helpers, including the Park Place Church community; for the neat group of 15 with whom I will travel; and I am actually packed and ready to go! Wow! I wonder what God has in store for us? I am eager and anxious to go find out!

We are Uganda Bound!

Sandra

We are down to ten days until departure. Tomorrow we will meet with our families, pastors and prayer partners for the Pizza, Prayer and Packing Party! The donations and financial gifts continue to come in and my hope is that we will be able to get everything in the 16 suitcases set aside for supplies and under the 50 lb. weight limit!

Not included in the weight limit will be the gifts of animals and bicycles. So far we will have the opportunity to gift 12 bicycles to pastors and dozens of goats and chickens to widows and grandmothers. Yeah!

We would like to extend the invitation to all readers to pray for the group as we lead workshops . . . as we visit those living with HIV/AIDS . . . as we paint and build fences . . . as we share bible stories . . . as we make new friends and for some of us as we reacquaint ourselves with some old ones.

Together we want to be the hands and feet of Christ in this place and for His purpose. Our journey begins May 22!