C'est la vie had to be our attitude today as we went shopping at the market. Many of us tried our hands at bartering. Laura went with the bundle approach that she learned off of the TV show American Pickers, and that seemed to work pretty well. Bartering is not a comfortable activity for most of us... We were able to come home with many souvenirs and gifts. We can't tell you any more because you may be on the receiving end of said gifts.
The morning was a bit relaxed, then off to the market, and return to prepare for Logan's (Colleen and Tim's youngest son) graduation. It was a beautiful ceremony that took place outside of Heritage International School. We sat underneath the canopy of a tree, which was fortunate because... you guessed it! It started to rain (well sprinkle, but still). The largest ever graduating class consisted of 14 international students. Many of their parents are ambassadors and government officials. We were taken by surprise a bit when the Ugandan Secretary of Defense showed up for his son who was graduating. He was accompanied by a vehicle full of armed guards along with some additional guards in his car. It was a laid back ceremony. Colleen and Tim are both on the HIS Board, and both participated in the ceremony.Colleen prayed and Tim delivered the graduation speech. What a special moment for the whole family!
On our way back from graduation, Tim and Shelby got into a heated political discussion. Some of the topics you may have heard if sitting close enough: President Obama, "Santorini" who we would refer to as Santorum, Queen Elizabeth being replaced by an impostor - Elton John in drag, and something about John McCain??? You also would have been able to enjoy some of Tim's cowboy Canadian humor and lots of hand gestures from Shelby. Let's just say humorous is an understatement.
Also, Alex seems to think she has a Canadian accent, Eh?
We walked into the Stevenson home to a wonderful surprise... the rest of our luggage arrived!! It felt like Christmas morning for Alex as she finally had her own clothes... It was especially great to get the supplies we need for the village. Thank you for your luggage prayers and praise the Lord we received everything we need!!
We spent the rest of our evening "shopping" off of the dining room table and preparing to go to the village. Which reminds me, we won't be posting for a few days because we will be far away from the city and modernity. Carma has been doing some exercises to help prepare for the hole-in-the-ground toilets.
The mosquitoes swarming the computer station, crickets, frogs (that sound like castanets), and chorus of dogs (that have been wakened by the Muslim call to prayer) wish you good night.
Alex and Laura
YBC-2012-UPPT
Friday, June 8, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Birthday Bashes and Dancing Sashes
A quick bit about Wednesday... another day of workshops and visits.
We received most of our bags. At least everyone has their clothes except Alex. :( And several others are missing supply bags. But we were able to make our jja jja gift bags and bags for the teachers. They were all so excited about their gifts!
Wednesday was also a special day for one of our group... Chelsea turned 18!! Colleen surprised her with a delicious banana cake! As she blew out her candles, we think her secret wish was for Laura to stop making "kid" jokes about her... since she is now an adult ;)
Several of us had the honor of joining a bible study with some women from TAPP. Carma, Kelsey, Chelsea, Sandra, Deb, Sue, and I (Alex) worshiped with these women and shared in a scripture lesson led by Sandra. She did an amazing job of connecting with the women on a personal level that was very appropriate for their lives right now. She read from the Message, and it spoke of how we often have to pack up our tents and relocate (something many of these women experience), but soon we will have a permanent residence in heaven and we'll never have to relocate again. It was very moving to see the women respond with cheers and clapping. The women thanked us with a dance and invited us to join in the dancing... to all our credit, we did our best. Auntie Deb, however, was asked to be in a dance contest... she reluctantly took her place but once the singing began, she blended in with the African women around her, wearing the traditional African sash worn when dancing... and she won the contest! No rigging was involved whatsoever. ;) She was given a name, but it has escaped my mind at the moment. It had something to do with mushrooms.
Now onto today (Thursday)... our last day of workshops.
Laura and Sharon finished the education workshop with lots of laughter! We played many games and activities. I had the teachers split into groups and compete to build the tallest tower out of straws and a roll of tape. We had to wait at least 5 minutes for laughter to subside before talking about the process and applications of the activity. They were having so much fun! We also passed out the teacher gift bags - full of teaching materials. I know it wasn't much, not even enough for one classroom, but it was graciously received. They were practically giddy and I heard one woman say with a big smile, "We are just like children." Patrick Balidawa, chairman of all Church of God schools in Uganda, closed us after lunch with a short presentation, showing thanks and handing out certificates of participation. While I look forward to experiencing new things after the completion of the workshops, I am already missing my new friends!
Denise joined the computer workshop to enlighten everyone on Excel. From what we've heard, it went really well. At the end of the workshop, the participants received nice-looking certificates with the Church of God in Africa symbol included. It was very special for everyone.
Carma, Kelsey, and Chelsea finished up their music workshop, and they had a blast singing and dancing. Be sure to ask Carma to show you her new bootylicious moves... haha African dance moves that is... it's all about the hips.
Sue and Sandra worked in the Children of Promise office organizing pictures and letters of sponsor kids. It was very fulfilling work to see how these children are able to go to school and receive necessary funds.
Deb and Alex had quite an educational day. I "taught" two classes... one was P6 (6th grade) and the other P7 (7th), and Deb was there for moral support. :) I began by talking about the United States for about 15 minutes... then I ran out of things to say. The students, however, had a lot of interesting questions. For example, did you know that the United States is responsible for introducing homosexuality to Uganda? Well, one boy in P7 asked us why that is... Deb and I looked at one another and I said, "You got this one." The first thing she told this boy was that they would have to agree to disagree... and she went on to explain why that simply is not true. The P7 teacher asked us what President Obama's achievements were... Deb and I shared a panicked look and she bravely took that question as well. She used this as an opportunity to explain how people can have different opinions but they still deserve respect... an important lesson for these children. One more unique but tough question we were asked was, "Why did Americans celebrate after the death of Osama bin Laden?" I decided to let Deb rest for a bit so I took that one. We had other questions about US climate, transportation, and culture. But I was astonished at the knowledge these 11/12-year-olds had about the world. They went deep into the heart of issues and asked questions that don't have easy answers... that shows great promise for the future of Uganda.
Around 3:30 we were invited to an African tea party with the jja jjas. It was an exciting experience as we walked into the room to the sounds and sights of singing and dancing grandmothers. Goats and chickens and pigs, oh my! The room was filled with the smell of barnyard animals, but it was a wonderful celebration of life. Each of us was responsible for delivering at least two animals to the jja jjas. Carma and Sandra had particularly stubborn goats, and Carma was overheard sweet-talking the goat, trying to get him to come closer. We were all excited to carry and give away the piglets, but they were not quite as excited. They were squealing and squirming and pooping everywhere, so much so that the African women were afraid to take them. Carma and Alex discovered that they just want to be held close and cuddled... :) The chickens were surprisingly calm. The women expressed their thanks through dance... no matter what age or ailment, they swung their hips and moved their feet as only Africans can. We have pictures and video to help you truly see the beauty in this.
"Wild thing! You make my heart sing!" Or... you make my stomach pleased! We ate dinner at a restaurant called The Lawns to celebrate Tim Stevenson's birthday. Our group joined the six Stevensons at a beautiful open air restaurant. Several of us braved the exotic cuisine... Laura was delighted by a tasty ostrich, Chelsea feasted on scrumptious antelope, and Alex enjoyed a wonderful wildebeast. As a girl, Laura was sometimes nicknamed "wildebeast" (get it? Willowby...), but we discovered that her response to that name can now be "Why thank you... I"m delicious!"
We ended our night by setting things on fire at the Stevenson home... candles and sparklers on Tim's cake! A lovely evening was had by all.
Bye Muzungus! (white travelers)
Laura and Alex
YBC-2012-UPPT
We received most of our bags. At least everyone has their clothes except Alex. :( And several others are missing supply bags. But we were able to make our jja jja gift bags and bags for the teachers. They were all so excited about their gifts!
Wednesday was also a special day for one of our group... Chelsea turned 18!! Colleen surprised her with a delicious banana cake! As she blew out her candles, we think her secret wish was for Laura to stop making "kid" jokes about her... since she is now an adult ;)
Several of us had the honor of joining a bible study with some women from TAPP. Carma, Kelsey, Chelsea, Sandra, Deb, Sue, and I (Alex) worshiped with these women and shared in a scripture lesson led by Sandra. She did an amazing job of connecting with the women on a personal level that was very appropriate for their lives right now. She read from the Message, and it spoke of how we often have to pack up our tents and relocate (something many of these women experience), but soon we will have a permanent residence in heaven and we'll never have to relocate again. It was very moving to see the women respond with cheers and clapping. The women thanked us with a dance and invited us to join in the dancing... to all our credit, we did our best. Auntie Deb, however, was asked to be in a dance contest... she reluctantly took her place but once the singing began, she blended in with the African women around her, wearing the traditional African sash worn when dancing... and she won the contest! No rigging was involved whatsoever. ;) She was given a name, but it has escaped my mind at the moment. It had something to do with mushrooms.
Now onto today (Thursday)... our last day of workshops.
Laura and Sharon finished the education workshop with lots of laughter! We played many games and activities. I had the teachers split into groups and compete to build the tallest tower out of straws and a roll of tape. We had to wait at least 5 minutes for laughter to subside before talking about the process and applications of the activity. They were having so much fun! We also passed out the teacher gift bags - full of teaching materials. I know it wasn't much, not even enough for one classroom, but it was graciously received. They were practically giddy and I heard one woman say with a big smile, "We are just like children." Patrick Balidawa, chairman of all Church of God schools in Uganda, closed us after lunch with a short presentation, showing thanks and handing out certificates of participation. While I look forward to experiencing new things after the completion of the workshops, I am already missing my new friends!
Denise joined the computer workshop to enlighten everyone on Excel. From what we've heard, it went really well. At the end of the workshop, the participants received nice-looking certificates with the Church of God in Africa symbol included. It was very special for everyone.
Carma, Kelsey, and Chelsea finished up their music workshop, and they had a blast singing and dancing. Be sure to ask Carma to show you her new bootylicious moves... haha African dance moves that is... it's all about the hips.
Sue and Sandra worked in the Children of Promise office organizing pictures and letters of sponsor kids. It was very fulfilling work to see how these children are able to go to school and receive necessary funds.
Deb and Alex had quite an educational day. I "taught" two classes... one was P6 (6th grade) and the other P7 (7th), and Deb was there for moral support. :) I began by talking about the United States for about 15 minutes... then I ran out of things to say. The students, however, had a lot of interesting questions. For example, did you know that the United States is responsible for introducing homosexuality to Uganda? Well, one boy in P7 asked us why that is... Deb and I looked at one another and I said, "You got this one." The first thing she told this boy was that they would have to agree to disagree... and she went on to explain why that simply is not true. The P7 teacher asked us what President Obama's achievements were... Deb and I shared a panicked look and she bravely took that question as well. She used this as an opportunity to explain how people can have different opinions but they still deserve respect... an important lesson for these children. One more unique but tough question we were asked was, "Why did Americans celebrate after the death of Osama bin Laden?" I decided to let Deb rest for a bit so I took that one. We had other questions about US climate, transportation, and culture. But I was astonished at the knowledge these 11/12-year-olds had about the world. They went deep into the heart of issues and asked questions that don't have easy answers... that shows great promise for the future of Uganda.
Around 3:30 we were invited to an African tea party with the jja jjas. It was an exciting experience as we walked into the room to the sounds and sights of singing and dancing grandmothers. Goats and chickens and pigs, oh my! The room was filled with the smell of barnyard animals, but it was a wonderful celebration of life. Each of us was responsible for delivering at least two animals to the jja jjas. Carma and Sandra had particularly stubborn goats, and Carma was overheard sweet-talking the goat, trying to get him to come closer. We were all excited to carry and give away the piglets, but they were not quite as excited. They were squealing and squirming and pooping everywhere, so much so that the African women were afraid to take them. Carma and Alex discovered that they just want to be held close and cuddled... :) The chickens were surprisingly calm. The women expressed their thanks through dance... no matter what age or ailment, they swung their hips and moved their feet as only Africans can. We have pictures and video to help you truly see the beauty in this.
"Wild thing! You make my heart sing!" Or... you make my stomach pleased! We ate dinner at a restaurant called The Lawns to celebrate Tim Stevenson's birthday. Our group joined the six Stevensons at a beautiful open air restaurant. Several of us braved the exotic cuisine... Laura was delighted by a tasty ostrich, Chelsea feasted on scrumptious antelope, and Alex enjoyed a wonderful wildebeast. As a girl, Laura was sometimes nicknamed "wildebeast" (get it? Willowby...), but we discovered that her response to that name can now be "Why thank you... I"m delicious!"
We ended our night by setting things on fire at the Stevenson home... candles and sparklers on Tim's cake! A lovely evening was had by all.
Bye Muzungus! (white travelers)
Laura and Alex
YBC-2012-UPPT
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Workshops and Visits and Food, Oh my!
Imagine your life flashing before your eyes... That is what it is like everyday when we are in the vans. Our very skilled and daring drivers somehow manage to maneuver their way through the busy streets. It's something like driving down a one lane road (such as Rangeline) with 3 vans driving next to each other one direction, while another van is heading straight toward you, and at least 3 motorcycles weaving in and out... at a very high speed, and pot holes that have been said to have pot holes inside of the pot holes. Not only do they get us to our destinations safely, they also entertain us along the way, by pointing out things like a "hardware store" which was actually just a man on a bike with weird things for sale. Moses (one of our drivers) cracked up laughing for quite a while at his own joke. Very funny!
Deb, Sandra, Sue, and Alex visited 3 jja jjas (grandmothers) in the morning to deliver food and talk about life. The first jja jja visited, Christine, met with us outside of her house under a gorgeous tree. She was very grateful for us and our gift of food. She asked us to pray for her many physical ailments.
Our second jja jja visited, we are pretty sure she said Margerine, but we are also pretty sure that's not her actual name... Margerine was wondering where she would find her next meal because she did not have money to buy food. Our gift of sugar was especially pleasing to her, so that she could add it to her tea. She also is suffering from many physical ailments as well as a lack of job or source of income. We prayed with her and are also planning to provide money for rent and materials to make mats that she can sell as a source of income. We also are trying to get her glasses to help her see when making the mats.
Our last visit was too far away to walk, so the public bus was arranged as our transportation. The four of us, plus our translator, were crammed into a bus holding roughly 18 sweaty people in a van that should probably only hold 12. Maria, the jja jja, lives in a dank home due to rain but insisted on inviting us in. She was so grateful to have us there and was simply amazed that we came all the way from the US. Upon receiving her bag of food, she immediately opened the loaf of bread, eating and singing a song of praise simultaneously. After praying for her health and new home (in the process of having one built for her, like the jja jja houses we have sent money for and also helped build), she wanted to accompany us to the bus stop despite the pain her hunched back and crippled feet would cause her. She said, "You traveled all this way, so I can travel this short way with you."
The trip back to Kasubi was on boda bodas, which are motorcycles with a padded seat on the back for one, two, maybe even three people. We held on for dear life as we were weaved through traffic. It was one exhilerating ride and definitely a memorable experience.
Denise worked in the Children of Promise office in the morning and then went on some additional jja jja visits after lunch.
MMmmmm. Lunch. The food has been so delicious. Lots of fresh fruit, pineapple, papaya, mango, pineapple, apples, and did I mention pineapple? YUM. (A phrase I said loudly at lunch and then quickly regretted once realizing how horribly American I must have just sounded.) For lunch we also enjoyed rice, crazy good chicken, potatoes, cabbage, squash of some sort, and something that looked like a thick tortilla... oh and an avacado that Laura keeps trying to leave out (but ate, as her mom would have wanted).
Laura and Sharon led a workshop for educators. It was very exciting to watch the adults join into group games. We juggled about 5 balls across a large circle, sharing much laughter. One of our balls was actually a skirt tied up - we are trying to encourage "out of the box" thinking. There is a definite lack of materials and we want to inspire creative thinking and problem solving for these amazing and intelligent educators. The education system here is set up as a lecture/rote memorization style of learning. We are stretching everyone's comfort zone as we encourage these hands on activities. The group discussion and collaboration the head masters shared was irreplaceable and inspiring. There have been some minor issues with the language barrier, but I for one am learning to let the workshop go where it may instead of guaging "success" on my own desires for the workshop.
Carma, Kelsey, and Chelsea led a worship workshop. They had anticipated a workshop geared toward children, but were surprised by a much wider age range. They quickly regrouped and went with the flow. We can't share in as much detail since neither of us took part, but word on the street is that the workshop was a crazy good time. Carma said it was almost like being in a Zumba class as the students have become the teachers of dance... African dance :) Everyone reported having so much fun!
Shelby and Marvin are leading an IT/computer workshop. The experience was very rich for our leaders and they reported having felt that they were able to make a difference. They came prepared to share much needed information that could not have been generated solely here in Uganda.
ARE YOU STILL WITH US???
Good, give yourself a high five. We have reached what you really want to hear about... the update on our luggage. We received an addtional 4 bags. : \ Word has in fact been given that our luggage will arrive tomorrow!!!! Except maybe Alex, those have yet to be discovered. We are expecting to be blown away with excitement when we come back tomorrow to find ALL bags, including the mysterious bags of Alexandra C. Hammel. Hopefully they didn't get put on bus #436...
Good night and good day (cuz you all are probably all still at work while we should be sleeping)
Alex and Laura
YBCof-2012-UPPT
(Your Blogging Correspondents of the 2012 Uganda PP Team)
Deb, Sandra, Sue, and Alex visited 3 jja jjas (grandmothers) in the morning to deliver food and talk about life. The first jja jja visited, Christine, met with us outside of her house under a gorgeous tree. She was very grateful for us and our gift of food. She asked us to pray for her many physical ailments.
Our second jja jja visited, we are pretty sure she said Margerine, but we are also pretty sure that's not her actual name... Margerine was wondering where she would find her next meal because she did not have money to buy food. Our gift of sugar was especially pleasing to her, so that she could add it to her tea. She also is suffering from many physical ailments as well as a lack of job or source of income. We prayed with her and are also planning to provide money for rent and materials to make mats that she can sell as a source of income. We also are trying to get her glasses to help her see when making the mats.
Our last visit was too far away to walk, so the public bus was arranged as our transportation. The four of us, plus our translator, were crammed into a bus holding roughly 18 sweaty people in a van that should probably only hold 12. Maria, the jja jja, lives in a dank home due to rain but insisted on inviting us in. She was so grateful to have us there and was simply amazed that we came all the way from the US. Upon receiving her bag of food, she immediately opened the loaf of bread, eating and singing a song of praise simultaneously. After praying for her health and new home (in the process of having one built for her, like the jja jja houses we have sent money for and also helped build), she wanted to accompany us to the bus stop despite the pain her hunched back and crippled feet would cause her. She said, "You traveled all this way, so I can travel this short way with you."
The trip back to Kasubi was on boda bodas, which are motorcycles with a padded seat on the back for one, two, maybe even three people. We held on for dear life as we were weaved through traffic. It was one exhilerating ride and definitely a memorable experience.
Denise worked in the Children of Promise office in the morning and then went on some additional jja jja visits after lunch.
MMmmmm. Lunch. The food has been so delicious. Lots of fresh fruit, pineapple, papaya, mango, pineapple, apples, and did I mention pineapple? YUM. (A phrase I said loudly at lunch and then quickly regretted once realizing how horribly American I must have just sounded.) For lunch we also enjoyed rice, crazy good chicken, potatoes, cabbage, squash of some sort, and something that looked like a thick tortilla... oh and an avacado that Laura keeps trying to leave out (but ate, as her mom would have wanted).
Laura and Sharon led a workshop for educators. It was very exciting to watch the adults join into group games. We juggled about 5 balls across a large circle, sharing much laughter. One of our balls was actually a skirt tied up - we are trying to encourage "out of the box" thinking. There is a definite lack of materials and we want to inspire creative thinking and problem solving for these amazing and intelligent educators. The education system here is set up as a lecture/rote memorization style of learning. We are stretching everyone's comfort zone as we encourage these hands on activities. The group discussion and collaboration the head masters shared was irreplaceable and inspiring. There have been some minor issues with the language barrier, but I for one am learning to let the workshop go where it may instead of guaging "success" on my own desires for the workshop.
Carma, Kelsey, and Chelsea led a worship workshop. They had anticipated a workshop geared toward children, but were surprised by a much wider age range. They quickly regrouped and went with the flow. We can't share in as much detail since neither of us took part, but word on the street is that the workshop was a crazy good time. Carma said it was almost like being in a Zumba class as the students have become the teachers of dance... African dance :) Everyone reported having so much fun!
Shelby and Marvin are leading an IT/computer workshop. The experience was very rich for our leaders and they reported having felt that they were able to make a difference. They came prepared to share much needed information that could not have been generated solely here in Uganda.
ARE YOU STILL WITH US???
Good, give yourself a high five. We have reached what you really want to hear about... the update on our luggage. We received an addtional 4 bags. : \ Word has in fact been given that our luggage will arrive tomorrow!!!! Except maybe Alex, those have yet to be discovered. We are expecting to be blown away with excitement when we come back tomorrow to find ALL bags, including the mysterious bags of Alexandra C. Hammel. Hopefully they didn't get put on bus #436...
Good night and good day (cuz you all are probably all still at work while we should be sleeping)
Alex and Laura
YBCof-2012-UPPT
(Your Blogging Correspondents of the 2012 Uganda PP Team)
Monday, June 4, 2012
Late: London and Luggage
Jubilee? How about Jubi-not!
We began our journey with a near two-hour check in at the airport in Indy... causing us to arrive at the gate for the final boarding call.
Next. Once we arrived in London, we ate at a local pub called Sawyer's Arms. We enjoyed some traditional cuisine, such as fish, chips, and mushy peas (well, just brave Laura). We then ventured to find our tour bus stop only to find that the tour buses were not running due to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee!
Alternate plan? We decided to walk to Buckingham Palace... upon arriving at the Palace, we found a sign: Buckingham Palace closed to public. Also closed were several roads that provided the most direct paths to other London sites.
How about we go see the flotilla on the River Thames?! What, the Queen's gonna be there? Sweet! And we can see Big Ben and Westminster while we're there! After weaving through the millions of people there, due to the Jubilee/Jubi-not, we came to a road block. "You shall not pass!" So we watched people on the bridge, a mere 20 yards away, as they waved and cheered for the Queen who was floating by on her ship.
Finally, we were able to capture some of London's beauty when we saw Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The bells of the abbey were ringing in celebration of the Queen. It was about this time that the rain began at a slight drizzle.
It was time for us to begin heading back to Paddington Train Station and from there to Heathrow Airport. The plan was to catch a city bus so we would not have to walk. A few minutes into our walk, we realized we only had 11 out of 12 people with us. After some calm, cool thinking by both the lost and the seekers, our member was returned to us approximately 20 minutes later. During that anxious time, the rain picked up.
Grateful to have our team back together, we waded through the streets of London to several bus stops. We waited for the mythical bus 463, but it never arrived. So Carma energentically attempted to hail a cab but to no avail.
Our goal was to be at Paddington at 5:30, but instead that was the time we decided to walk the rest of the way... which ended up taking about an hour (roughly 3 miles). The rain had yet to desist as we slogged through the city... what troopers!
Now freezing and dripping, we rode the train back to the airport where we had to pick up some carry-ons we checked. Some, however, had their carry-on items with them in London... and they were now sopping wet. This caused some security personnel to question the 3 oz. liquids rule. Shockingly, the machine didn't like our tickets, so we had to get all new boarding passes.
After getting through security, changing into our dryish clothes, and reaching our gate, we had about 15 minutes before the plane began boarding. We then boarded the plane for our second 8 hour flight.
Remember when it took 2 hours for us to check in back in Indy? Well, that's because we had 37 bags of luggage and 6 boxes of books. However, only 6 of those made it to Uganda. Denise and Shelby were the lucky two, and the rest of us began the search for our luggage... no one is quite sure where they are or when they will get here. Supposedly, Sue's bags are still in Chicago...
Throughout all this, we have grown closer together as a team. We have maintained positive attitudes, and we learned that how we choose to react to situations is important. We trust that our bags will arrive soon. In the meantime, Denise's wardrobe is located on the pool table for all to enjoy. We are all proud of each other and how we responded in these situations... it's been a crazy couple of days.
When we landed in Uganda, it was truly breathtaking, and funny enough, raining. But it was a cleansing rain that decreased the humidity and cooled the air. We enjoyed a day of rest and orientation in the Stevenson's resort, I mean house. The whole Stevenson family is home (4 kids and 2 grandkids) for their youngest son's graduation. It's been four years since the entire family was together here, and they've been very gracious to share this time and space with us.
Keep us and our bags in your prayers. We begin our workshops and visits tomorrow.
From seven hours into the future,
Laura and Alex
Your Blogging Correspondents of the 2012 Uganda PP Team
We began our journey with a near two-hour check in at the airport in Indy... causing us to arrive at the gate for the final boarding call.
Next. Once we arrived in London, we ate at a local pub called Sawyer's Arms. We enjoyed some traditional cuisine, such as fish, chips, and mushy peas (well, just brave Laura). We then ventured to find our tour bus stop only to find that the tour buses were not running due to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee!
Alternate plan? We decided to walk to Buckingham Palace... upon arriving at the Palace, we found a sign: Buckingham Palace closed to public. Also closed were several roads that provided the most direct paths to other London sites.
How about we go see the flotilla on the River Thames?! What, the Queen's gonna be there? Sweet! And we can see Big Ben and Westminster while we're there! After weaving through the millions of people there, due to the Jubilee/Jubi-not, we came to a road block. "You shall not pass!" So we watched people on the bridge, a mere 20 yards away, as they waved and cheered for the Queen who was floating by on her ship.
Finally, we were able to capture some of London's beauty when we saw Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The bells of the abbey were ringing in celebration of the Queen. It was about this time that the rain began at a slight drizzle.
It was time for us to begin heading back to Paddington Train Station and from there to Heathrow Airport. The plan was to catch a city bus so we would not have to walk. A few minutes into our walk, we realized we only had 11 out of 12 people with us. After some calm, cool thinking by both the lost and the seekers, our member was returned to us approximately 20 minutes later. During that anxious time, the rain picked up.
Grateful to have our team back together, we waded through the streets of London to several bus stops. We waited for the mythical bus 463, but it never arrived. So Carma energentically attempted to hail a cab but to no avail.
Our goal was to be at Paddington at 5:30, but instead that was the time we decided to walk the rest of the way... which ended up taking about an hour (roughly 3 miles). The rain had yet to desist as we slogged through the city... what troopers!
Now freezing and dripping, we rode the train back to the airport where we had to pick up some carry-ons we checked. Some, however, had their carry-on items with them in London... and they were now sopping wet. This caused some security personnel to question the 3 oz. liquids rule. Shockingly, the machine didn't like our tickets, so we had to get all new boarding passes.
After getting through security, changing into our dryish clothes, and reaching our gate, we had about 15 minutes before the plane began boarding. We then boarded the plane for our second 8 hour flight.
Remember when it took 2 hours for us to check in back in Indy? Well, that's because we had 37 bags of luggage and 6 boxes of books. However, only 6 of those made it to Uganda. Denise and Shelby were the lucky two, and the rest of us began the search for our luggage... no one is quite sure where they are or when they will get here. Supposedly, Sue's bags are still in Chicago...
Throughout all this, we have grown closer together as a team. We have maintained positive attitudes, and we learned that how we choose to react to situations is important. We trust that our bags will arrive soon. In the meantime, Denise's wardrobe is located on the pool table for all to enjoy. We are all proud of each other and how we responded in these situations... it's been a crazy couple of days.
When we landed in Uganda, it was truly breathtaking, and funny enough, raining. But it was a cleansing rain that decreased the humidity and cooled the air. We enjoyed a day of rest and orientation in the Stevenson's resort, I mean house. The whole Stevenson family is home (4 kids and 2 grandkids) for their youngest son's graduation. It's been four years since the entire family was together here, and they've been very gracious to share this time and space with us.
Keep us and our bags in your prayers. We begin our workshops and visits tomorrow.
From seven hours into the future,
Laura and Alex
Your Blogging Correspondents of the 2012 Uganda PP Team
Friday, June 1, 2012
We have lift-off...
After months of planning and preparing, we are finally leaving for Uganda tomorrow!! Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement leading up to this point. We appreciate your continued prayer as we embark on our African journey.
Tomorrow we will fly from Indy to Chicago, then Chicago to London. We will spend a day in London on Sunday. Perhaps we'll catch a glimpse of the Royal family! :) We leave London Sunday night and reach Uganda on Monday!
We will be updating the blog as often as possible, so be sure to check back regularly! :)
Blessings,
2012 Uganda Team
Tomorrow we will fly from Indy to Chicago, then Chicago to London. We will spend a day in London on Sunday. Perhaps we'll catch a glimpse of the Royal family! :) We leave London Sunday night and reach Uganda on Monday!
We will be updating the blog as often as possible, so be sure to check back regularly! :)
Blessings,
2012 Uganda Team
Monday, March 5, 2012
Uganda Team Rummage Sale (Part 2)
Our rummage sale this past Saturday was quite successful. We decided to make it a "Priceless Rummage Sale" meaning that most of our items were not priced, but we asked for a donation to be given towards our trip. We were very blessed with those who gave more than perhaps their rummage items were worth, and we raised a good amount of money.
There really were unique treasures to be found among all that was donated. We are so grateful to our church family who took time to help make this a reality by giving us their rummage. We could not have done it without you. :)
We are selling t-shirts now, along with sweaters and hats, that say "Shaped by the Moment." They can also have Park Place church's logo if you so desire. We will be taking orders this Sunday. This is just another way to support our team and sport a one-of-a-kind shirt! :)
We are finalizing our schedule of what we'll be doing in Africa, and I am getting really excited for what's planned. I can only imagine what God has in store for us as well. Only 89 more days until departure!!
Peace,
Alex
Friday, March 2, 2012
Uganda Team Rummage Sale (Part 1)
Hello friends and family!
We have spent the past few weeks collecting rummage for our sale this Saturday. It started out slow, but we have amassed quite a bit this past week. We will spend today organizing the Fellowship Hall in Park Place and pricing everything. It is a long process, but it's worth it! We had a great experience with our last rummage sale, and I know this one will be great as well.
I spent some time organizing with the group last night, and I must say there are quite a few treasures to be found! We will be open from 8a - 2p tomorrow, March 3, at Park Place. You are invited to come and find a treasure you didn't even know you were missing! :)
Thank you for all your support!!
Peace,
Alex
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)