7:00 am came early Wednesday morning as we prepared for safari! Richard and Twaha were our own personal travel guides. After about three hours on the road, we stopped at a rhino park to trek with the rhinos. Fortunately it was nap time for the rhinos so we didn't have to run or climb any trees while they chased us. Lunch stop at Masindi where we enjoyed a buffet of rice, spaghetti, veggies, and chicken before driving another two hours to the game park.
Rain threatened to parade on our night time game drive but disappeared as we rode the ferry across the Nile River. Excitement rose as the top popped off the van and off we went! Our first catch was a water buck followed swiftly by several towers of giraffes (tower = grouping of giraffes). The animals continued to appear as we continued on our journey: oribi, hartebeasts, warthogs, elephants and one group got to see hyenas! All too soon it was time to head back to the ranch, Red Chilli, for some dinner and a good night's rest before the morning drive.
If we thought 7:00 am was early, Thursday morning was a special treat as we met to grab our breakfast and leave for the ferry at 6:20 am! But our tiredness was worth it as the sun rose across the Savannah, drenching the green and brown scenery in reds, oranges, and yellows. All of us were hopeful to see a lion so we kept a sharp eye as we drove along next to oribi, hartebeasts, and warthogs enjoying their breakfasts. Giraffes and a few elephants made an appearance, we even saw more hyenas, but still no lion. Until... we found a lion and lioness resting just off the side of the road! We usually have to go off trail a bit to find lions so this was a treat for them to meet us along our path. Richard's van was the second to stop, followed quickly by Twaha. Soon we were surrounded by other safari vans and there was quite a traffic jam, but the lions didn't seem to mind. They were very photogenic and even yawned a few times, which makes for a great picture! While watching the lions we also learned that it is mating season... I'll leave it at that.
Later, we saw two different herds of elephants; one of the herds was rolling around on the road in the dirt making themselves red. There were even some very cute baby elephants! One of the best experiences is getting to sit on top of the safari van with the wind whipping around you and the scenery continually changing. Some of our group would disagree as the bumps have you holding on for dear life, but most everyone at least tried it. We concluded our drive and raced by to the ferry to make it back for lunch.
After some grub and a little respite, we headed back out to the ferry to cross for our boat ride and hike to Murchinson Falls. As we glided up the Nile, we saw hippos, birds, monkeys, and even some crocodiles sunbathing on the shore. Finally, we made it to the beautiful white sweeping Falls. The boat dropped us off to begin our hike. Our guide described three parts to the hike: 1) under the forest where it's cool and descending; 2) no coverage, humid and ascending; 3) descending while the mist from the falls sprays us in welcome. This describes it perfectly! The first trek was nice, cool, easy, then - BAM! - you're heading up stairs and hills in humidity you never thought possible while you drip with sweat until finally you come to Falls where the glorious spray hits you and makes it all worthwhile. There are several beautiful views on the hike up but nothing like standing right over the gorge as water tries to push through the Nile! We tried to capture it with pictures, but nothing can quite capture this beauty God made (so come see it yourself). :)
The climb back down was much easier as Richard and Twaha drove us back to Red Chilli. Michaela, Alex, Emily, and Liz had to switch bandas (rooms) for Thursday night and no longer had a bathroom/shower in their banda. To avoid running into warthogs and hippos in the dark, they snuck in showers at the bathhouse before dinner. The group gathered for dinner that included fish and chips, lentils, or chili con carne with rice. Those that chose the chili were treated to an extremely, and unexpectedly, spicy dinner, which Janice affectionately renamed as five alarm chili. After dinner we had a close encounter with a hippo at camp! It continued to munch around some of our bandas late into the night.
We enjoyed a relaxing breakfast the next morning, full of eggs, pancakes, fruit, and more, and hit the road for Kampala. For those familiar with tsetse flies, we only had one or two make it in our vans the whole trip! After about six hours on the road, with a few pit stops, we made it back to our home away from home. A delicious hamburger dinner was followed by a time of sharing. While we have had many of the same experiences the past two weeks, we have each been impacted differently and have 13 different stories to share.
Today we are finishing up our shopping and packing before heading to the airport. We may be leaving Uganda, but this country and its people will remain with us. And we're looking forward to bringing a little bit of Africa back home to share. :)
See you soon friends and family!
Mzungu Bloggers
Friday, August 12, 2016
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
The Village People
The travelers have returned... to Kampala! :)
Later that afternoon, we were treated to another work of the Lord's, the Source of the Nile River. We took a boat right to where Lake Victoria feeds the Nile River. We heard some trivia: Lake Victoria is the second largest lake in the world, and the Nile River is the longest river in the world. Several of us took pictures of the beautiful, peaceful lake/river, depending on where we were.
Monday morning, the group took off for Kaliro to bless another jjajja house (see above). After blessing the new house, the group was invited to the church in Kaliro where we split into four groups: women, leaders, youth, and children. The women's group started by talking about forgiveness but became a community conservation in which, by partnering with Phoebe (a church leader in this area), there was more back and forth with the women. The leader group shared testimonies back and forth that reached both a personal level and a ministerial level. The youth group covered a myriad of subjects, however by the end they had formed a new youth group that will meet regularly! We pray that they stay faithful to the group and the youth will continue and grow in their knowledge of God. The children's group did story of Daniel, sang lots of songs, and then broke off into different activities (parachute, soccer, bubble, etc.). Some of us were taught a new game, Rice or Meat! It was a short time, but filled with many blessings for all who were there!
In all the churches we visited, we had a goat presentation which is more of a goat project. We gave goats to members of the church, but when their goat produces it's first female they are to pass that baby goat onto another member of the church or community. Thereby, giving forward the blessing they have received because as we have said this weekend it is not our money but God's.
We returned today after an action packed weekend. We ate a little cafe in Kampala for lunch and then split our separate ways. Some of us decided to get a little shopping in before we take off on Safari, others visited Heritage, and some went back to rest and prepare for Safari.
Blessings,
Mzungu Bloggers
We left for Jinja Saturday morning and spent three days in that community and surrounding villages. During this time, we opened three jjajja (grandma) houses. These houses help improve the lives of jjajjas who often care for 10+ grandchildren in small huts that fail to keep out rain and rats. The first was in the village of Kikondo (chee-CONE-doh) where we dedicated a house for Jjajja Alice. This house was sponsored by Vivian Nieman and Dorothy Hampton in honor of their mother - what a wonderful gift that will certainly make a difference in Alice's life. She even has an indoor wash room! We traveled to Danida for our second dedication where Jjajja Merida Bweguyidwa received a house with three rooms - one for her and her grandchildren and two for her to rent. This will allow her to make an income to support her family. The third and final dedication took place in Kaliro where we dedicated a house for Jjajja Feludasi Mukyala. For those who know Reverend Moses Abasula, this is his mother-in-law so this was a very special dedication for Colleen. Jjajja looks after about 12 grandchildren but has over 30! One of her older granddaughters explained how rats would bother her grandma in the night and she did not feel safe bringing her or her children to visit. But this new house will keep jjajja safe and allow more family to visit.
Each dedication was a wonderful celebration filled with singing, dancing, and shouting in praise and thanksgiving. Each jjajja we visited was at least 70 years old with much physical pain in their bodies but this did not stop them from dancing and singing with joy. After Annette, Colleen, Deb, and Nik spoke about the jjajja and the house being dedicated, a plaque was revealed that gave thanks to the sponsor and told the date of dedication. We then entered the house with more shouts and songs, and a bed was put together and made with sheets for each jjajja. At least one jjajja had never had a bed before. She had never experienced sleeping off the ground, away from rats and pests, on a cushion covered with clean sheets. This was a special moment for each jjajja and for us as well. It's difficult to describe with words the rejoicing and celebration that these houses brought to the jjajjas and their communities. Non-believers witnessed these celebrations and praises as well, and they saw how God is at work even in their community. God's love was in abundance and He received all the glory for these houses that will change lives in Kikundo, Danida, and Kaliro.
On Sunday, we split into two groups and headed off to lead Sunday services. Nik, Alex, Sue, Caleb, Janice, Jim, and Greg went to Danida; and Michaela, Emily, Deb, Lizzie, Kelsey, Shelby, and Denise braved the open waters of Lake Victoria to head to Kikondo via boat. Janice led worship at Danida, while Kelsey led at Kikondo. The congregations loved our worship, and although they didn't know what we were saying, they joined along in making a joyful noise. One woman at Kikondo loved the worship so much, she asked for our song book so she could learn the songs, and we happily obliged.
Deb and Nik were the preachers for their respective churches, and they both brought down the house with an incredible message of forgiveness; a topic that many people in the villages struggle with because they have been wronged by many people in their lives. The churches were filled with choruses of "Ameena!" and "Hallelujah!" as we worshiped and read scriptures. It was extremely humbling to see how much joy we brought as we led service, especially because many of us were experiencing some anxiety at leading a service for people who don't speak our language. Alex, Sue, and Caleb led an impromptu Sunday school class in Danida for about 50 kids crammed into a small space. Alex told the story of Daniel and the kids shared worship songs. When asked if any kids had questions for the visitors, several children quizzed them on some books of the Bible... Let's just say the pressure was on and the Sunday school teacher, Lydia, had to whisper some answers.
The services were definitely not possible without the divine intervention of the Lord, and we know that everything that took place was not by us, but as purely the work of the Lord!
On Sunday, we split into two groups and headed off to lead Sunday services. Nik, Alex, Sue, Caleb, Janice, Jim, and Greg went to Danida; and Michaela, Emily, Deb, Lizzie, Kelsey, Shelby, and Denise braved the open waters of Lake Victoria to head to Kikondo via boat. Janice led worship at Danida, while Kelsey led at Kikondo. The congregations loved our worship, and although they didn't know what we were saying, they joined along in making a joyful noise. One woman at Kikondo loved the worship so much, she asked for our song book so she could learn the songs, and we happily obliged.
Deb and Nik were the preachers for their respective churches, and they both brought down the house with an incredible message of forgiveness; a topic that many people in the villages struggle with because they have been wronged by many people in their lives. The churches were filled with choruses of "Ameena!" and "Hallelujah!" as we worshiped and read scriptures. It was extremely humbling to see how much joy we brought as we led service, especially because many of us were experiencing some anxiety at leading a service for people who don't speak our language. Alex, Sue, and Caleb led an impromptu Sunday school class in Danida for about 50 kids crammed into a small space. Alex told the story of Daniel and the kids shared worship songs. When asked if any kids had questions for the visitors, several children quizzed them on some books of the Bible... Let's just say the pressure was on and the Sunday school teacher, Lydia, had to whisper some answers.
The services were definitely not possible without the divine intervention of the Lord, and we know that everything that took place was not by us, but as purely the work of the Lord!
Later that afternoon, we were treated to another work of the Lord's, the Source of the Nile River. We took a boat right to where Lake Victoria feeds the Nile River. We heard some trivia: Lake Victoria is the second largest lake in the world, and the Nile River is the longest river in the world. Several of us took pictures of the beautiful, peaceful lake/river, depending on where we were.
Monday morning, the group took off for Kaliro to bless another jjajja house (see above). After blessing the new house, the group was invited to the church in Kaliro where we split into four groups: women, leaders, youth, and children. The women's group started by talking about forgiveness but became a community conservation in which, by partnering with Phoebe (a church leader in this area), there was more back and forth with the women. The leader group shared testimonies back and forth that reached both a personal level and a ministerial level. The youth group covered a myriad of subjects, however by the end they had formed a new youth group that will meet regularly! We pray that they stay faithful to the group and the youth will continue and grow in their knowledge of God. The children's group did story of Daniel, sang lots of songs, and then broke off into different activities (parachute, soccer, bubble, etc.). Some of us were taught a new game, Rice or Meat! It was a short time, but filled with many blessings for all who were there!
In all the churches we visited, we had a goat presentation which is more of a goat project. We gave goats to members of the church, but when their goat produces it's first female they are to pass that baby goat onto another member of the church or community. Thereby, giving forward the blessing they have received because as we have said this weekend it is not our money but God's.
We returned today after an action packed weekend. We ate a little cafe in Kampala for lunch and then split our separate ways. Some of us decided to get a little shopping in before we take off on Safari, others visited Heritage, and some went back to rest and prepare for Safari.
Blessings,
Mzungu Bloggers
Friday, August 5, 2016
Tumaini = Hope
Yesterday was another day in Kampala, but it would be more focused on Kupona, the TAPP office here in Kampala. TAPP stands for Tumini AIDS Prevention Program, and it supports those women and men who have AIDS and tries to promote the prevention of AIDS. To start the morning off, Nik, Emily, Kelsey, Liz, Caleb, Alex, Michaela, and Janis went on TAPP visits with Josephine. We visited three different women in various situations, but all with AIDS. Zula was new to the TAPP program; she had four children and was abandoned by her husband. Fiona also has four boys and another baby on the way this month (praying for a baby girl!). Judy had three boys, her youngest is HIV positive. All of them have little to no family around them to help, but they find community through the TAPP program.
Shelby and Denise continued to share their knowledge during more IT classes. Deb and Sue helped out in the Children of Promise; helping with any paperwork that they needed. Jim continued repairing the TAPP wall (and completed it!). One of our number was not feeling well, so Greg recuperated for this weekend and is now ready to go!
After lunch, we were treated to a concert by a group of four students going to perform in Germany. They were absolutely wonderful and a blessing to all of us. They sang in three different languages and then did a traditional dance!
Afterwards, some of the group returned to Kupona for a chat sessions with some of the TAPP ladies. They also make learned about a new project TAPP is doing, COFFEE! Look out because all of us will return with some in our luggage!! Those who did not grace TAPP stayed to help in the Children of Promise office or hung out with Primary students who were standing in the yard.
Too soon our time to leave arrived and we piled into the car giving hi-fives along the way (as Alex said whoever invented hi-fives must have been a cool person as many of us gave one to any child who passed). Our van pulled out to carry us to Banana Boat. Little did we know we would end up sitting in the worst traffic Nik has ever known! Eventually after all our waiting (or sleeping), we made it in time for them to reopen the store just for us! We pursued under the time crunch of ten minutes (which turned into 30) we all made our purchases which you will have to wait and see in person.
Several of us also got to meet our sponsor children. Denise and Jim got to spend some time with Denis, and he stayed for lunch. Sue, Michaela, and Alex were able to meet their sponsor child, Patricia. Deb will be meeting hers and her Sunday School group's sponsor this weekend. It was a gift for each of us to meet our children and spend as much time with them as we could learning and sharing.
When we finally made it home, there was a delicious lasagna waiting for us (meat and veggie). Conversations varied from one side of the table to the other as we discussed family or the activities of the day until Nik called us over for devotions. It was a hard day to process and some of us still are. The women we met yesterday live a hard life, but they always have such joy for visitors! This is the true miracle, that these who have so little and such pain can be seen with smiles and hugs for whoever comes no matter what they bring with them! We left in prayer and with heavy hearts.
Today we will travel to Jinja and bless two jjajja houses. We will stay there for the next three nights where we will visit churches and bless another jjajja house, as well as some sight seeing. Until then...
Blessings from Uganda,
Mzungu Bloggers
Shelby and Denise continued to share their knowledge during more IT classes. Deb and Sue helped out in the Children of Promise; helping with any paperwork that they needed. Jim continued repairing the TAPP wall (and completed it!). One of our number was not feeling well, so Greg recuperated for this weekend and is now ready to go!
After lunch, we were treated to a concert by a group of four students going to perform in Germany. They were absolutely wonderful and a blessing to all of us. They sang in three different languages and then did a traditional dance!
Afterwards, some of the group returned to Kupona for a chat sessions with some of the TAPP ladies. They also make learned about a new project TAPP is doing, COFFEE! Look out because all of us will return with some in our luggage!! Those who did not grace TAPP stayed to help in the Children of Promise office or hung out with Primary students who were standing in the yard.
Too soon our time to leave arrived and we piled into the car giving hi-fives along the way (as Alex said whoever invented hi-fives must have been a cool person as many of us gave one to any child who passed). Our van pulled out to carry us to Banana Boat. Little did we know we would end up sitting in the worst traffic Nik has ever known! Eventually after all our waiting (or sleeping), we made it in time for them to reopen the store just for us! We pursued under the time crunch of ten minutes (which turned into 30) we all made our purchases which you will have to wait and see in person.
Several of us also got to meet our sponsor children. Denise and Jim got to spend some time with Denis, and he stayed for lunch. Sue, Michaela, and Alex were able to meet their sponsor child, Patricia. Deb will be meeting hers and her Sunday School group's sponsor this weekend. It was a gift for each of us to meet our children and spend as much time with them as we could learning and sharing.
When we finally made it home, there was a delicious lasagna waiting for us (meat and veggie). Conversations varied from one side of the table to the other as we discussed family or the activities of the day until Nik called us over for devotions. It was a hard day to process and some of us still are. The women we met yesterday live a hard life, but they always have such joy for visitors! This is the true miracle, that these who have so little and such pain can be seen with smiles and hugs for whoever comes no matter what they bring with them! We left in prayer and with heavy hearts.
Today we will travel to Jinja and bless two jjajja houses. We will stay there for the next three nights where we will visit churches and bless another jjajja house, as well as some sight seeing. Until then...
Blessings from Uganda,
Mzungu Bloggers
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Carpe Momento
Carpe momento. Seize the moment. Live in the moment.
As we sat for devotions tonight, led by Emily and Janis, we were challenged to live and be present in the moment. Each of us is carrying our own hopes, dreams, expectations, etc. that turn our focus to future possibilities - the "what could be's" and the "what if's". These are not inherently bad or evil, but they can take us away from experiencing all that God is doing in the moment, where we are presently, with the people sharing space around us.
Here is a snapshot of what we did in the many moments of today:
Deb, Sue, Alex, and Kelsey traveled with Annette (jjajja program manager) on three jjajja visits. We took a taxi (i.e. a van with 5 rows of seats that filled every seat and then some) to our first visit. This jjajja is living in a small mud/brick space and taking care of 7 grandchildren, one of whom she is raising as her own after finding her as an infant on the side of the road. She is experiencing serious pain and swelling in her legs, but that does not keep her from caring for her grandchildren. She was so grateful for the bags of food and bag of gifts that she began dancing and singing, despite the pain in her legs. We visited two more jjajjas who are both experiencing pain in their bodies and are taking care of 7+ grandchildren. The pain and hardship that these women live with everyday was evident, but what shined more brightly was the joy they felt for having visitors and receiving gifts. After another taxi ride and boda boda (motorbike) ride, we made it back to Kasubi for a late lunch.
Denise and Shelby spent the morning and afternoon at Kasubi leading an IT workshop that focused on Excel and Word. How wonderful they can share their skills with teachers and leaders at Kasubi! This knowledge will enhance the education and work being done at Kasubi and is invaluable to both the teachers and leaders and the students at Kasubi who range from preschool to high school.
Nik spent his morning teaching calculus to four high school students. He did not know what to expect even as he walked up the stairs to the classroom, but God provided at the right moment and they had a great lesson. He, along with Caleb, Michaela, Emily, and Liz, visited two jjajjas in the afternoon. (They also survived boda boda rides!) They were able to bring gifts and greetings to these souls who give all they have for their children and grandchildren. These visits show a mix of beauty and pain that words can't quite describe, but these women are truly amazing warriors.
Before their afternoon jjajja visits, Michaela, Caleb, Emily, and Liz spent the morning with children at Kasubi. Michaela and Caleb led a PE class with students in P1 and P2 (1st and 2nd grade-ish) playing with soccer balls and the parachute and learning other fun games. Emily and Liz played with the preschool kids who also enjoyed the parachute and especially bubbles. Bubbles are always a hit!
Janis led a music class with the young kids this morning and high school kids this afternoon. With no preparation or knowledge of how these lessons would go, she prayed that God would get her through. And He showed up in a major way! She was able to teach the students different music skills and learned some things herself. She even had a mini jam session with the older students as they taught her a song and she joined in on the guitar. She was then treated to a (mostly) private concert as some of the students shared their choir with her. This was a special experience that could only have been designed by God.
Jim and Greg left the Kasubi site to work at the TAPP office just down the road. After much rain on Wednesday evening, a wall in the back of the TAPP office came down! Jim and Greg contributed their skills and determination to this project of rebuilding the wall. What wonderful timing that they are here to help with this!
We were all reunited again at Kasubi around 4:30 to have a goat presentation. Yep, goats! Park Place provided the funds to purchase 10 goats that were given to local jjajjas, several of whom we had visited earlier in the day. This was a joyful celebration filled with smiles, tears, dancing, and singing. Thank you Park Place for making this moment possible!
Dinner and devotions concluded the evening, where we spent time reflecting together. We head to bed thankful for these moments... and looking forward to the moments that will fill our day tomorrow. :)
In Christ,
Mzungu Bloggers
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
We Made It!!
Greetings from Uganda!
After two very long flights, almost missing the second, we arrived in Uganda Tuesday night. We made it with 27 out of 28 bags... poor Deb has no(ish) clothes. But her bag will hopefully arrive tomorrow!
Today started with a delicious breakfast of toast, cereal, fruit (Ugandan pineapple is the best!), and ground nuts. The next few hours were spent in orientation - learning about the culture of this beautiful country and a few dos and don'ts. Ahem, politics are a no-no Nik. ;)
We then enjoyed a late lunch of meat and cheese sandwiches with watermelon and warm cookies. Then it was time to get to unpack our 15 bags of supplies. Some sorted and inventoried medical supplies that will be disbursed to various medical clinics around Kampala. Others put together gift bags filled with vitamins, personal care items, and toys - these will be given to jjajja (grandmother) homes and TAPP families. These will bring such joy!
Dinner consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, and brownies. After almost two days of airplane food, each meal was a feast!
(Side note: Tim, Colleen, and Alex were late to dinner because they visited the Rotary Club of Muyenga - the largest Rotary club in Africa!)
Our beds are calling us now as we look forward to our first day working in the city tomorrow! Excitement is mixed with some nerves as we know we will be stretched out of our comfort zones and challenged to try new things. But we trust that God will provide us with the tools (and confidence and strength) we need.
Thank you for your love and prayers!
- Mzungu Bloggers
After two very long flights, almost missing the second, we arrived in Uganda Tuesday night. We made it with 27 out of 28 bags... poor Deb has no(ish) clothes. But her bag will hopefully arrive tomorrow!
Today started with a delicious breakfast of toast, cereal, fruit (Ugandan pineapple is the best!), and ground nuts. The next few hours were spent in orientation - learning about the culture of this beautiful country and a few dos and don'ts. Ahem, politics are a no-no Nik. ;)
We then enjoyed a late lunch of meat and cheese sandwiches with watermelon and warm cookies. Then it was time to get to unpack our 15 bags of supplies. Some sorted and inventoried medical supplies that will be disbursed to various medical clinics around Kampala. Others put together gift bags filled with vitamins, personal care items, and toys - these will be given to jjajja (grandmother) homes and TAPP families. These will bring such joy!
Dinner consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, and brownies. After almost two days of airplane food, each meal was a feast!
(Side note: Tim, Colleen, and Alex were late to dinner because they visited the Rotary Club of Muyenga - the largest Rotary club in Africa!)
Our beds are calling us now as we look forward to our first day working in the city tomorrow! Excitement is mixed with some nerves as we know we will be stretched out of our comfort zones and challenged to try new things. But we trust that God will provide us with the tools (and confidence and strength) we need.
Thank you for your love and prayers!
- Mzungu Bloggers
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