In 2010, Africa and its people captured my heart. I left a piece of my heart there. That happened again this past June.
After having experienced Uganda already, what exactly drove me to choose to return to a place filled with so much heart-break, desolation, and evil? At first I would have given you a true, but simplistic, answer that I enjoy mission work, and I love knowing that I made a positive impact on the Ugandan people's lives. But really, it's much deeper and more than that. Yes, I have been called by God, but it's more than just my obedience. It's more than just spreading the Message throughout the world. It's about having my heart broken, being stripped of personal comfort and security, and being humbled. Over and over again. Forcing myself to step into a place where I know I will be left completely vulnerable to emotional turmoil is by no means easy. And even sometimes terrifying. But it is necessary.
After that, you may be thinking, "That still doesn't sound like something that would drive one to take the leap...", which is true. The beauty, joy, and life of the people and the culture is unlike any I've ever experienced.
Seeing the people constantly praising God--spending hours singing and dancing, loving each other, and rejoicing in everything, then traveling home with them to see their one room shack, in which 8 people live and finding out they, along with several family members, are living with HIV/AIDS and don't get enough food each day.
Watching children run around without pants, worms in their belly, flies swarming them, and not knowing where they will get there next meal, but seeing them laugh and giggle and skip around in the school yard, just grateful they get to come and learn.
Spending an afternoon in a jja jja's brand new house, while we hear her story of how she has no income and poor health, but all her kids are dead, so she has 11 grandchildren who live with her and are completely dependent on her. Yet she feeds us a traditional African feast (more than enough food), serves us cake, and she can't stop smiling, singing and dancing.
Each of these things brought so many tears to my eyes, happy and sad. But in that jja jja's house, as we sat on mats in the empty home and sang Jesus Messiah, I felt the presence of God stronger than ever. It was in that powerful moment, surrounded by my team and the jja jja that I had my heart broken again. That's the moment where I remembered what it's all about..."He humbled Himself and carried the cross, love so amazing...The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all."
Kelsey Stiers
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Me?
I have been received well since returning to the States. Everyone is excited to hear my stories and see pictures. I am thrilled by these responses. I have to admit though, I have found it difficult to say anything about my trip. I have to assume I am experiencing culture shock, although it looks differently than I anticipated.
People want to know, "what was the most.... the best... the one thing..." I couldn't answer these. After two weeks in Uganda, I felt that the vast experiences could not be compared. Which is "better"? A woman I met once, never knowing her name, but when I gifted her a mattress she hugged me so closely, pressing her cheek against mine? Or, the group of 22 educators that I bonded with over three days of laughs over language barriers? I can't call one better than the other, or more meaningful even.
I am gradually becoming more "myself"... if that's possible. Many will say things like, "I could never do that!" or "It takes a special person..." Maybe many of you feel the same way? That it takes a special person to poop in a hole and eat weird food? For me, that is the easy part. The challenge is coming back home and finding balance in my life. Discovering the new "myself," how my life will change, and how to let loose of these memories and experiences I have been holding tight and keeping private.
The trip was amazing! Indescribable in many ways., but I will keep trying to find the words :)
Maybe God is nudging you to do something. Overseas, around the US, in your city, in your home. Maybe your return question to God is, "Me?" Get up! Go, do, experience. The one thing I know for sure, as Christians we can't afford to keep quiet and sit still.
Laura Willowby
People want to know, "what was the most.... the best... the one thing..." I couldn't answer these. After two weeks in Uganda, I felt that the vast experiences could not be compared. Which is "better"? A woman I met once, never knowing her name, but when I gifted her a mattress she hugged me so closely, pressing her cheek against mine? Or, the group of 22 educators that I bonded with over three days of laughs over language barriers? I can't call one better than the other, or more meaningful even.
I am gradually becoming more "myself"... if that's possible. Many will say things like, "I could never do that!" or "It takes a special person..." Maybe many of you feel the same way? That it takes a special person to poop in a hole and eat weird food? For me, that is the easy part. The challenge is coming back home and finding balance in my life. Discovering the new "myself," how my life will change, and how to let loose of these memories and experiences I have been holding tight and keeping private.
The trip was amazing! Indescribable in many ways., but I will keep trying to find the words :)
Maybe God is nudging you to do something. Overseas, around the US, in your city, in your home. Maybe your return question to God is, "Me?" Get up! Go, do, experience. The one thing I know for sure, as Christians we can't afford to keep quiet and sit still.
Laura Willowby
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Last night, a friend asked me how this trip was different from my first two trips with the Park Place teams. I heard myself say something like what follows and it occurred to me, "Hey! This is what I need to post as my blog reflection!" So here goes...
I went to Uganda for the first time in 2008. I can now look back and say my experiences were primarily physical in nature, with all the senses barraged by new things. There was so much to take in with my eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. To list all of those sensations is content for another post:)
Missions trip #2 in 2010 was more emotional. I kept asking myself Why? Why am I here? How can I help? Why does such poverty and disease continue? What is God saying to/ asking of me?
This trip felt more spiritual for me. Physically, not that I wouldn't have new sensations, I went more familiar with what I might encounter. Emotionally, I was more at peace with the questions of the two previous trips. I didn't necessarily have specific answers , but I was more OK with NOT knowing exactly why I was going or what it all meant.
Prior to this year's journey, our team could be seen wearing t-shirts that read, "Shaped by the Moment" with the shape of Africa in place of the A in "Shaped." With this frame of mind, I went into this trip looking for God, paying more attention to what He wanted me to see, hear, and do. At least three experiences spring to mind where I really noticed God at work.
1) In the various times we shared a testimony, scripture or Bible study.
I should not be amazed that God was in these experiences because we and MANY others
prayed for them. I just smile at how scriptures rose to the surface that had something
significant to say in THAT place, in THAT moment. I know I was touched and I trust that
those with whom we shared were, also. ( Exodus 4: 10-17, esp. v17 God said to Moses,
"Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.")
I will end my reflections by highlighting a couple of themes that surfaced
for the 2012 Uganda Missions Team.
I went to Uganda for the first time in 2008. I can now look back and say my experiences were primarily physical in nature, with all the senses barraged by new things. There was so much to take in with my eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. To list all of those sensations is content for another post:)
Missions trip #2 in 2010 was more emotional. I kept asking myself Why? Why am I here? How can I help? Why does such poverty and disease continue? What is God saying to/ asking of me?
This trip felt more spiritual for me. Physically, not that I wouldn't have new sensations, I went more familiar with what I might encounter. Emotionally, I was more at peace with the questions of the two previous trips. I didn't necessarily have specific answers , but I was more OK with NOT knowing exactly why I was going or what it all meant.
Prior to this year's journey, our team could be seen wearing t-shirts that read, "Shaped by the Moment" with the shape of Africa in place of the A in "Shaped." With this frame of mind, I went into this trip looking for God, paying more attention to what He wanted me to see, hear, and do. At least three experiences spring to mind where I really noticed God at work.
1) In the various times we shared a testimony, scripture or Bible study.
I should not be amazed that God was in these experiences because we and MANY others
prayed for them. I just smile at how scriptures rose to the surface that had something
significant to say in THAT place, in THAT moment. I know I was touched and I trust that
those with whom we shared were, also. ( Exodus 4: 10-17, esp. v17 God said to Moses,
"Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.")
2) At the dedication of Jja Jja Maria's new home near Entebbe. We had visited Maria at her former home located in a Kampala low-land. Whenever there was a heavy rain, Maria's home often flooded, sometimes bringing bugs and snakes, and always damaging her few material possessions. The day we dedicated her new home, we were preparing to pray and cut the red ribbon when the rain we’d observed building in
the clouds began to fall. We quickly
crowded into her new 2 room brick structure with a corrugated tin roof. It was hard to hear, but we listened intently
to the jja jja and members of her family express their joy and gratitude for their
new home. It did not go unnoticed by
many of us that perhaps God sent the rain to remind us all of His faithfulness. “All I have needed, Thy hand hath
provided. Great is Thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me.” (Lamentations 3:23)
3)
The noticeable absence of anxiety in my heart and mind.
On the past two trips to Uganda, I struggled to
determine what gifts I had to offer this team and the people with whom we would
serve. As I said before, I don’t
necessarily have specific answers to the questions that weighed on me in
2008-2010. What I do know is that God
gave me a peace, peace of mind and heart, a lack of anxiety or worry regarding
His plan for me in Uganda. I simply knew
I was to go and make myself available to love and be used by God. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace
at all times and in every way. The Lord
be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians
3:16
HOPE. Several months prior to leaving, Deb Breeden
gave each member a Mudlove bracelet inscribed with the word HOPE. One reason this word is so special to us is
because of the relationships we build with people in TAPP, the Tumaini AIDS
Prevention Program. Tumaini is the
Swahili word for hope. Some may think we
go to share hope with these friends living positively with HIV/AIDS. What we find is that they personify the Hope
we all find in Jesus Christ. May the God
of HOPE fill US with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that We
may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
JESUS
MESSIAH. Our team prepared several
songs for the trip, anticipating that we might be asked to share in various
settings. One of the songs, “Jesus Messiah”,
seemed to become our Team Song, as we shared it repeatedly. Several phrases from the song played over and
over in my mind as we traveled throughout Uganda:
·
Love so amazing, LOVE SO AMAZING!
·
EMMANUEL (God with us)
·
LORD OF ALL
·
All our HOPE is in YOU; All our HOPE is in YOU;
·
All the GLORY to You, God, The Light of the
world
Perhaps you may never travel to Uganda or to anywhere
outside of where you live. It will be my
prayer that no matter where any of us may be, we will all know this HOPE that
is in JESUS MESSIAH, and that we will be unable to keep it to ourselves!
Sandra Overstreet
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Uganda, is that place for me
How does one begin to reflect about an eighth trip to
a country so economically poor, but to a people so unselfishly generous?
By saying it was a journey, with a group of
individuals, uniquely gifted, tender hearted and with the desire to improve the
lives of others if there was any way possible, but also saying each day was a gift
to us from our Father who desires for us to love, as Christ loved. To seek our
inner most thoughts and find the person He desires for us to be. To continually
reach for our full potential and sometimes that means we must leave who we are
in our comfortable places and . . . go.
Go . . .
to the unknown,
the uncomfortable,
the different. But go.
It is in these places and moments of time that we
place our hand in the hand of Shepherd and allow Him to lead.
It is in these places and moments of time that who we
have been is being molded into who we are to become. And that is why this is
trip number 8.
I want to be transformed daily into my full potential
in Christ and sometimes that means I must leave those that know me, leave that
which is familiar and go. In Uganda, there are women who know me and challenge
me to be a better person just by their witness. There are men who get up early
to take care of their families needs, then go off to work for hours tending to
the needs to travelers and their employer with never a negative remark, only
kindness and generosity. . . those men challenge me to be a better person. There
are grandmothers tending to the needs of their orphaned grandchildren without a
steady source of income. . . these grandmothers challenge me to be a better
person. I think you get the message. Sometimes I need to see that my life with
all of its tests are minor compared to those living in Uganda. . . and I’m
challenged to be more grateful.
I need to sit on a mat on the ground inside a mud hut
or handmade mud brick room and listen to the life story of a woman living with
HIV/AIDS and have my heart broken.
I need to sing with my fellow travelers about Jesus,
our Messiah as we celebrate the gifting of a new home to a grandmother caring
for eleven grandchildren and feel the Spirit move in my heart afresh.
I need to go,
I need to be challenged,
I need to be broken
And I need to feel the spirit afresh in me.
Uganda, is that place for me.
Deb Breeden
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Love Means Never Having to Say Goodbye
What an exciting day!!
This morning and afternoon was spent in celebration with jja jja Maria. We drove about an hour to Entebbe (where the airport is) to dedicate a new house for a grandmother. Dark rain clouds followed us the whole way there, but the first drops didn't fall until we were standing outside her house ready to cut the ribbon. Sandra and Denise helped Maria ceremoniously open her home, and then the rain began pouring down. We all rushed inside the concrete structure and listened as rain pounded on the tin roof. That did not stop the celebration, however, as we sat on the floor singing songs of praise. The rain actually signified a great blessing... it was a sign of cleansing of the past and preparation for a brighter future. Maria's former home flooded every time it rained and bugs and snakes often found there way into her rooms. In her new home, she can stay dry and snake-free.
Our time of singing was full of joy and smiling faces. God's presence was all-encompassing as we sat on colorful mats and watched Maria soak in her new home. We enjoyed a traditional meal to celebrate the opening. Maria began preparing the food early this morning (probably while most of us were still sleeping), and she took care to maintain certain traditions. Our table consisted of two pieces of cardboard and carefully laid banana leaves. Many of the dishes were steamed in banana leaves. Maria unwrapped the food in a traditional fashion and laid it carefully aside. The first dish she opened was the "cake," which was really a pumpkin cooked with rice... interesting to say the least. Individual "chicken luwobos" were served, meaning we each got chicken and potatoes that had been steamed and wrapped up in a banana leaf. Other foods served included rice, matoke, ground nut sauce with and without mushroom, and eggplant.
We had a visitor crawl in during our meal... a large red bug about 2 inches long. We watched as it crawled slowly onto the banana leaves and food, but it then took a turn toward Sue and Carma. Sue swiped it back toward the food, but it returned with a vengeance. Its speed doubled and chaos ensued. Alex, Sue and Carma jumped up, knocking over Mountain Dew and Coke in the process. We chased the bug toward the door where it was squished... or so we thought. It could not be killed. But we were able to get it outside and return to our meal.
When we told Maria we were leaving soon, we asked if she wanted to say anything. And she replied, "Why do you have to go?" It was such a sweet time we had with her, and she was so happy to celebrate her home-opening with us. She also sends her greetings to all of you!
After saying our goodbyes, we heading for the Botanical Gardens. We had an hour to walk around the gardens/park, and we saw beautiful flowers and hungry monkeys.
Tonight we had our final devotions together where we spent time affirming one another. It was a wonderful way to end this journey and challenge ourselves to think about our next journey... returning home. We also took time to pray over Colleen (and Tim in spirit) as they continue their ministry in Uganda.
This is our last blog from Africa, but each team member will be posting a reflective blog over the next two weeks so be sure to keep checking for those! Thank you for your prayers and support for these past few weeks... we would appreciate continued prayer as we adjust to life at home.
We are leaving for Entebbe Airport tomorrow morning at 5:45 am (10:45 pm your time), and our flight leaves at 9:10 am (2:10 am for ya'll). We should reach London by 4:00 pm (12:00 pm). We will spend the night in London (warm showers and pizza!), and we leave from Heathrow Monday morning at 11:45 am and arrive in Chicago at 2:15 pm. Our plane departs Chicago at 6:05 pm and lands in Indy at 8:00 pm... where we will be looking forward to seeing many of your smiling faces!!
Signing Off,
Alex and Laura
YBC-2012-UPPT
This morning and afternoon was spent in celebration with jja jja Maria. We drove about an hour to Entebbe (where the airport is) to dedicate a new house for a grandmother. Dark rain clouds followed us the whole way there, but the first drops didn't fall until we were standing outside her house ready to cut the ribbon. Sandra and Denise helped Maria ceremoniously open her home, and then the rain began pouring down. We all rushed inside the concrete structure and listened as rain pounded on the tin roof. That did not stop the celebration, however, as we sat on the floor singing songs of praise. The rain actually signified a great blessing... it was a sign of cleansing of the past and preparation for a brighter future. Maria's former home flooded every time it rained and bugs and snakes often found there way into her rooms. In her new home, she can stay dry and snake-free.
Our time of singing was full of joy and smiling faces. God's presence was all-encompassing as we sat on colorful mats and watched Maria soak in her new home. We enjoyed a traditional meal to celebrate the opening. Maria began preparing the food early this morning (probably while most of us were still sleeping), and she took care to maintain certain traditions. Our table consisted of two pieces of cardboard and carefully laid banana leaves. Many of the dishes were steamed in banana leaves. Maria unwrapped the food in a traditional fashion and laid it carefully aside. The first dish she opened was the "cake," which was really a pumpkin cooked with rice... interesting to say the least. Individual "chicken luwobos" were served, meaning we each got chicken and potatoes that had been steamed and wrapped up in a banana leaf. Other foods served included rice, matoke, ground nut sauce with and without mushroom, and eggplant.
We had a visitor crawl in during our meal... a large red bug about 2 inches long. We watched as it crawled slowly onto the banana leaves and food, but it then took a turn toward Sue and Carma. Sue swiped it back toward the food, but it returned with a vengeance. Its speed doubled and chaos ensued. Alex, Sue and Carma jumped up, knocking over Mountain Dew and Coke in the process. We chased the bug toward the door where it was squished... or so we thought. It could not be killed. But we were able to get it outside and return to our meal.
When we told Maria we were leaving soon, we asked if she wanted to say anything. And she replied, "Why do you have to go?" It was such a sweet time we had with her, and she was so happy to celebrate her home-opening with us. She also sends her greetings to all of you!
After saying our goodbyes, we heading for the Botanical Gardens. We had an hour to walk around the gardens/park, and we saw beautiful flowers and hungry monkeys.
Tonight we had our final devotions together where we spent time affirming one another. It was a wonderful way to end this journey and challenge ourselves to think about our next journey... returning home. We also took time to pray over Colleen (and Tim in spirit) as they continue their ministry in Uganda.
This is our last blog from Africa, but each team member will be posting a reflective blog over the next two weeks so be sure to keep checking for those! Thank you for your prayers and support for these past few weeks... we would appreciate continued prayer as we adjust to life at home.
We are leaving for Entebbe Airport tomorrow morning at 5:45 am (10:45 pm your time), and our flight leaves at 9:10 am (2:10 am for ya'll). We should reach London by 4:00 pm (12:00 pm). We will spend the night in London (warm showers and pizza!), and we leave from Heathrow Monday morning at 11:45 am and arrive in Chicago at 2:15 pm. Our plane departs Chicago at 6:05 pm and lands in Indy at 8:00 pm... where we will be looking forward to seeing many of your smiling faces!!
Signing Off,
Alex and Laura
YBC-2012-UPPT
Friday, June 15, 2012
Human Beings Vs. the Tse Tse Flies
Safari! We left bright and early for our safari adventure, Wednesday morning. We stayed at the Red Chilli "Rest Camp." We slept in bandas with animal names. Alex and Laura, the hyenas, made sure to terrorize all of the other nocturnal animals that we hunt. Just kidding. Instead, a hippo was seen lurking behind the bandas during the dark of night. Then this morning, we witnessed a baboon trying to nab our belongings, but we chased him back into the forest with our laser eyes.
Our adventure consisted of 2 game drives, which means driving around in a safari van on trails through the forest and savanah looking for animals of all kinds. One of our drives was in the evening, and the other was in the early morning. Our drivers, Dominic and William, are the best because they let us ride on top (The vans have a special top that pops up so you can stand on the seats and look out. It gives a nice view). Several safari drivers will let you ride on the back, but Dominic let Kelsey and Laura ride in the front on top. Only once did we fear for our lives... that was when we went illegally off-roading to locate the lions. We saw Mufasa and two of his sons... Simba was still galavanting with Pumba and Timon. We also saw many of Pumba's relatives. Here are some more animals we met along our journey (all spellings are subject to change): heartabeast (Kelsey and Laura renamed them hortelopes because they look like a cross breed of a horse and an antelope), water buffalo, cape buffalo possibly the same as the waterbok, orribi - teeny little bambis, African Kob - national animal, giraffes, elaphants, hippos, baboons, warthogs, the African crane - national bird, fish eagle, owl, and lots of other birds. We hope we're not forgetting anything.
Dominic told us lots of interesting facts. He showed us this bush, the whistling acacia, which has lots of black seeds or fruits or something small. Black ants eat them, leaving holes, and when the wind blows it makes a whistling sound. Also he told us that the leaves are very sweet, so giraffes love to eat them. They can only eat at each bush for a few seconds because the ants will crawl out when the bush is disturbed and bite the lips of the giraffes. Laura joked about how the giraffes must get neck cramps because the bushes are actually pretty short. William enlightened the group with info about the termite/ant hills (they work together). White ants come in after all the other termites and ants have done all the work and then the queen white ant does something crazy and all the ants fly out the top at night and people eat them??? We're not too sure...
After our morning drive and lunch, we took a 2 hour boat tour on the Nile. We had a guide, who didn't really tell us much of anything. But it was a good time, and we saw lots and lots and lots of hippos, crocodiles, baboons, elephants, warthogs, and more birds. The boat took us into Murchison Falls. We were dropped off at a tiny gap between trees. We jumped from the boat onto some rocks and then hiked up to the top of the falls. We ended up in 2 groups: the fast ones and the slow ones. George, our guide, hiked with group 2. Alex and Laura didn't really get to know George as we were in group 1, but word on the trail was that George is awesome. He was very helpful to the hikers, gave lots of information, and possibly led a church service. It was VERY hot and humid, so many of us were suffering from heat exhaustion and both groups needed to take a few breaks. There were several open places where you could see the falls. Beautiful! Once at the top, there was an oasis of cooling mist. (Some of the sweatier hikers, appreciated the camoflauge the mist provided.) We took lots of pictures and were all in awe of the gorgeous view of the crashing waters and rock formations.
Here comes the battle of the humans vs. tse tse flies! Very exciting... or terrifying, and perhaps even disgusting. Dominic and William picked us up in the vans at the top of the falls. They had the windows closed and the air conditioning on. We have NEVER had air conditioning anywhere in Africa. I thought, we must look really pathetic... or what a nice treat! Nope. It was only because of the tse tse flies. They were swarming the vehicles. It was like a plague. These are a special type of biting flies that are very painful and leave red marks. Dominic told us that the tse tse flies are attracted to the colors white, black, and blue. I said, "Oh great. Look at my white skin and these blue shorts." Dominic just laughed. He showed us a trap that the men hung while "mowing" the grass with pongos/machetes. There is a net with strips of blue and black cloth hanging. The flies will get caught in the netting. How resourceful! Well... we were fine because of the windows being up. However, when we left the park this morning, we were surprise attacked by a swarm of tse tse flies. They caught us with our guard and windows down. Dominic and Laura were already prepared with weapons (rolled up paper and cardboard). Deb quickly ripped her Wheat Thins box in half, arming both herself and Chelsea. The rest used their hands as the most dangerous weapons. We began to attack like ninjas. Alex, in the back of her van was swatting like crazy with a flip flop in each hand. Sharon and Sue had their weapons of choice, while Denise "conserved," shooing the flies back into the wild. The attack lasted for several minutes. There was much chaos and screaming. The only casualty was Dominic... he took 3 bites for the team while driving us safely during the attack. Human beings conquer all! Dominic turned around and said, "The theme in this van is Human Beings vs. Tse Tse flies." And then did some ninja hand motions. It was hilarious.
Everyone was pretty tired from our battle, so most of us slept in the vans on the way back to Kampala. This forced our drivers to drink Red Bulls since we were so boring. Before crashing, Dominic gave me a lesson on many tree names. He also made sure I saw a pineapple plant. Who knew pineapples grew out of the ground?! Probably lots of people, but I didn't until today.
More rest and shopping at the Stevenson's. Plus really good meatballs and rice. YUM. We reunited with the STW interns and shared a late night of talking, singing, and blogging. We can't believe we only have one more day!
Your Tse Tse Slayers,
Laura and Alex
YBC-2012-UPPT
Our adventure consisted of 2 game drives, which means driving around in a safari van on trails through the forest and savanah looking for animals of all kinds. One of our drives was in the evening, and the other was in the early morning. Our drivers, Dominic and William, are the best because they let us ride on top (The vans have a special top that pops up so you can stand on the seats and look out. It gives a nice view). Several safari drivers will let you ride on the back, but Dominic let Kelsey and Laura ride in the front on top. Only once did we fear for our lives... that was when we went illegally off-roading to locate the lions. We saw Mufasa and two of his sons... Simba was still galavanting with Pumba and Timon. We also saw many of Pumba's relatives. Here are some more animals we met along our journey (all spellings are subject to change): heartabeast (Kelsey and Laura renamed them hortelopes because they look like a cross breed of a horse and an antelope), water buffalo, cape buffalo possibly the same as the waterbok, orribi - teeny little bambis, African Kob - national animal, giraffes, elaphants, hippos, baboons, warthogs, the African crane - national bird, fish eagle, owl, and lots of other birds. We hope we're not forgetting anything.
Dominic told us lots of interesting facts. He showed us this bush, the whistling acacia, which has lots of black seeds or fruits or something small. Black ants eat them, leaving holes, and when the wind blows it makes a whistling sound. Also he told us that the leaves are very sweet, so giraffes love to eat them. They can only eat at each bush for a few seconds because the ants will crawl out when the bush is disturbed and bite the lips of the giraffes. Laura joked about how the giraffes must get neck cramps because the bushes are actually pretty short. William enlightened the group with info about the termite/ant hills (they work together). White ants come in after all the other termites and ants have done all the work and then the queen white ant does something crazy and all the ants fly out the top at night and people eat them??? We're not too sure...
After our morning drive and lunch, we took a 2 hour boat tour on the Nile. We had a guide, who didn't really tell us much of anything. But it was a good time, and we saw lots and lots and lots of hippos, crocodiles, baboons, elephants, warthogs, and more birds. The boat took us into Murchison Falls. We were dropped off at a tiny gap between trees. We jumped from the boat onto some rocks and then hiked up to the top of the falls. We ended up in 2 groups: the fast ones and the slow ones. George, our guide, hiked with group 2. Alex and Laura didn't really get to know George as we were in group 1, but word on the trail was that George is awesome. He was very helpful to the hikers, gave lots of information, and possibly led a church service. It was VERY hot and humid, so many of us were suffering from heat exhaustion and both groups needed to take a few breaks. There were several open places where you could see the falls. Beautiful! Once at the top, there was an oasis of cooling mist. (Some of the sweatier hikers, appreciated the camoflauge the mist provided.) We took lots of pictures and were all in awe of the gorgeous view of the crashing waters and rock formations.
Here comes the battle of the humans vs. tse tse flies! Very exciting... or terrifying, and perhaps even disgusting. Dominic and William picked us up in the vans at the top of the falls. They had the windows closed and the air conditioning on. We have NEVER had air conditioning anywhere in Africa. I thought, we must look really pathetic... or what a nice treat! Nope. It was only because of the tse tse flies. They were swarming the vehicles. It was like a plague. These are a special type of biting flies that are very painful and leave red marks. Dominic told us that the tse tse flies are attracted to the colors white, black, and blue. I said, "Oh great. Look at my white skin and these blue shorts." Dominic just laughed. He showed us a trap that the men hung while "mowing" the grass with pongos/machetes. There is a net with strips of blue and black cloth hanging. The flies will get caught in the netting. How resourceful! Well... we were fine because of the windows being up. However, when we left the park this morning, we were surprise attacked by a swarm of tse tse flies. They caught us with our guard and windows down. Dominic and Laura were already prepared with weapons (rolled up paper and cardboard). Deb quickly ripped her Wheat Thins box in half, arming both herself and Chelsea. The rest used their hands as the most dangerous weapons. We began to attack like ninjas. Alex, in the back of her van was swatting like crazy with a flip flop in each hand. Sharon and Sue had their weapons of choice, while Denise "conserved," shooing the flies back into the wild. The attack lasted for several minutes. There was much chaos and screaming. The only casualty was Dominic... he took 3 bites for the team while driving us safely during the attack. Human beings conquer all! Dominic turned around and said, "The theme in this van is Human Beings vs. Tse Tse flies." And then did some ninja hand motions. It was hilarious.
Everyone was pretty tired from our battle, so most of us slept in the vans on the way back to Kampala. This forced our drivers to drink Red Bulls since we were so boring. Before crashing, Dominic gave me a lesson on many tree names. He also made sure I saw a pineapple plant. Who knew pineapples grew out of the ground?! Probably lots of people, but I didn't until today.
More rest and shopping at the Stevenson's. Plus really good meatballs and rice. YUM. We reunited with the STW interns and shared a late night of talking, singing, and blogging. We can't believe we only have one more day!
Your Tse Tse Slayers,
Laura and Alex
YBC-2012-UPPT
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Meeting Our Children of Promise
Today we planned visits with Children of Promise that we have sponsored. The children were brought to Kasubi to meet with us. Several in the group were able to become first time sponsors. They selected children to sponsor and were even able to meet with them the same day. It was very special!
Alex had an especially wonderful day as she found out what happened to one of her friends from her previous trip. Daisy was a young girl (about 3 or 4?) when I came two years ago, and she had severely bowed legs. When I met her last time, she was wearing a frilly white dress... something that might be worn in a wedding. She was irresistibly adorable and heartbreaking at the same time. It was unsure whether she would get the surgery she needed or not. I do not know if she remembered me the next day or any day after that, but I have carried her with me the past two years. Some of you received a picture of me with a little girl... that's Daisy. As people were looking for children to sponsor, and as my mother was deciding who to sponsor, I asked Colleen about Daisy, and to be honest, I feared the worst. But Colleen's face lit up and she said, "These are the stories I love to tell." I welled up with tears of joy before I even knew the whole story. I found out that Daisy got her surgery and can run and walk like any child should, and she is also being sponsored by a family in Germany! How exciting! But wait... it gets better. After I met with our youth group sponsor child, I saw a young girl walking around the grounds at Kasubi. It was Daisy. I went over and talked with her mother, then I played with her for a bit and we took more pictures. It was truly incredible! She is the face of hope for me, and I will never forget her.
Alex, Chelsea, and Laura were privileged to meet with Jackline, the PP Youth Group sponsor child. She is adorable! Jackline shared a few songs from her school and told us about how she likes to play chase with her friend. We gave her a backpack full of gifts and even painted our nails together. She was very shy, but she was so excited to meet us. We showed her pictures of the youth group and Pastor Josh. She was holding the stuffed animals we gave her so close to her chest and very tightly! When it was time to leave, she gave us each a hug. Maybe the best hug I've ever received. We took plenty of pictures and even some video to share when we get back. We want to send her some copies of pictures, so it would be great to include some notes to her as well! Get on that Josh and youth kids! :)
Denise, Shelby, and Marvin were able to lead another Excel workshop. We know they feel that the work they have been able to do is only the tip of the iceberg (well, there is no such thing here in Uganda, but you get the idea), but we also know that they have provided something very meaningful to the participants. They have opened a new door, with new possibilities.
During our evening devotions, Deb read an excerpt that Pastor Markle had given her. It shared a story of a doctor facing the hopelessness of Africa. A young farmer whom the doctor had helped was able to spot this and said, "Are you wondering why you came? You came for me." We were asked to think of the "one" we came for or who we will be bringing home with us. Several of us shared stories of the lives that have touched us while here. It was a very tender time together. I will save the stories, let them be shared in person by those who told them. They are stories worth hearing.
On our way home, Moses helped us purchase some sugar cane to taste test. Sue gave him some money and it was enough to buy sugar cane for all. We now refer to her as our "Sugar Momma." Pahahahahaha. I know it's corny, but it was really hilarious at the time...
Tomorrow we are off on Safari!!!! We leave bright and early at 6:30am (11:30 pm for you). Once again we will be away from internet usage and will have to relay our adventures to you when we return on Friday evening. Hopefully no one gets eaten by a lion or crushed by a stampede of delicious wildebeasts.
Night friends!
Alex and Laura
YBC-2012-UPPT
Alex had an especially wonderful day as she found out what happened to one of her friends from her previous trip. Daisy was a young girl (about 3 or 4?) when I came two years ago, and she had severely bowed legs. When I met her last time, she was wearing a frilly white dress... something that might be worn in a wedding. She was irresistibly adorable and heartbreaking at the same time. It was unsure whether she would get the surgery she needed or not. I do not know if she remembered me the next day or any day after that, but I have carried her with me the past two years. Some of you received a picture of me with a little girl... that's Daisy. As people were looking for children to sponsor, and as my mother was deciding who to sponsor, I asked Colleen about Daisy, and to be honest, I feared the worst. But Colleen's face lit up and she said, "These are the stories I love to tell." I welled up with tears of joy before I even knew the whole story. I found out that Daisy got her surgery and can run and walk like any child should, and she is also being sponsored by a family in Germany! How exciting! But wait... it gets better. After I met with our youth group sponsor child, I saw a young girl walking around the grounds at Kasubi. It was Daisy. I went over and talked with her mother, then I played with her for a bit and we took more pictures. It was truly incredible! She is the face of hope for me, and I will never forget her.
Alex, Chelsea, and Laura were privileged to meet with Jackline, the PP Youth Group sponsor child. She is adorable! Jackline shared a few songs from her school and told us about how she likes to play chase with her friend. We gave her a backpack full of gifts and even painted our nails together. She was very shy, but she was so excited to meet us. We showed her pictures of the youth group and Pastor Josh. She was holding the stuffed animals we gave her so close to her chest and very tightly! When it was time to leave, she gave us each a hug. Maybe the best hug I've ever received. We took plenty of pictures and even some video to share when we get back. We want to send her some copies of pictures, so it would be great to include some notes to her as well! Get on that Josh and youth kids! :)
Denise, Shelby, and Marvin were able to lead another Excel workshop. We know they feel that the work they have been able to do is only the tip of the iceberg (well, there is no such thing here in Uganda, but you get the idea), but we also know that they have provided something very meaningful to the participants. They have opened a new door, with new possibilities.
During our evening devotions, Deb read an excerpt that Pastor Markle had given her. It shared a story of a doctor facing the hopelessness of Africa. A young farmer whom the doctor had helped was able to spot this and said, "Are you wondering why you came? You came for me." We were asked to think of the "one" we came for or who we will be bringing home with us. Several of us shared stories of the lives that have touched us while here. It was a very tender time together. I will save the stories, let them be shared in person by those who told them. They are stories worth hearing.
On our way home, Moses helped us purchase some sugar cane to taste test. Sue gave him some money and it was enough to buy sugar cane for all. We now refer to her as our "Sugar Momma." Pahahahahaha. I know it's corny, but it was really hilarious at the time...
Tomorrow we are off on Safari!!!! We leave bright and early at 6:30am (11:30 pm for you). Once again we will be away from internet usage and will have to relay our adventures to you when we return on Friday evening. Hopefully no one gets eaten by a lion or crushed by a stampede of delicious wildebeasts.
Night friends!
Alex and Laura
YBC-2012-UPPT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)