Leaving American Soil for a new country in a great Continent...

Day 2… It is now 8:30 and we are all at the airport in Washington, D.C. waiting for our flight to Ethiopia which has now been delayed an hour… not departing till noon! So I will be looking for something to eat before I go! We arrived last night on schedule and then the fun began. We gathered our luggage and waited outside for the “Embassy Suites” van to come pick us up. After all the other vans drove by several times the van finally showed up. We loaded ALL 14 BIG bags into the van and headed out to the hotel. When we got there and unloaded all the bags it came to our attention that only two of our team members (the guys) actually had reservations there. The rest of us had reservations at the Hampton Inn!! So we reloaded the luggage (10 bags now times 50 pounds) and headed out to our new location. So much for the best laid plans. By now it was close to 11 and we were all hungry, so we dropped our luggage in our rooms and headed out the door to the only restaurant in walking distance. Fortunately, for us, it was really good! And eat we did! Salads, as this is something we won’t see much of us for the next ten days.

Zach (the youngest member of our team, a high school junior) has come prepared. He emptied his backpack on the plane and had a snack of every variety imaginable. He will not go hungry! Sadly, I think he made his way through most of them on the three hour flight to Washington. He has everything from soup to dessert! The rest of us have pretty slim pickins in comparison. Yesterday he was sharing freely. Today he has figured out if he charges money he can come home having made a profit!!!

The team is doing well. We are very excited about what is ahead of us. We are anxious to get to Ethiopia and begin doing what it is we are meant to do.  I have no doubt that God has knitted together a good group of people who will work well together to accomplish his purpose.  I will update again tomorrow night after we arrive in Addis Ababa. I will be praying for all of you. Love you bunches.

My Bags are Packed...

Today is the big day… again! My bags are packed and I’m ready to go!  Wow, I should put that to music. Oh wait, someone already did. John Denver to be exact, in 1966. For those of you old timers who may remember it was recorded most often by Peter, Paul and Mary. So though I will be on the plane you can start humming away to your hearts delight! Today is also my in-laws 49^th anniversary. So happy anniversary to the two of you.

We leave today and spend the night in Washington, DC and then leave tomorrow for Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. We spend the morning working with Levi Benker’s ministry in Addis (you can look him up on the Internet) and then we will purchase goats for Project 61. That night we will deliver the goats and then the next day we will slaughter them and provide a special meal to the children there.  After that each day will be spent with different organizations until we reach Warancha, an orphanage where we will spend the remainder of our time.

I will be blogging in detail each and every day about the experiences we encounter and the people we come in contact with. I expect both will be amazing. I am excited to get to know this team better and to see where God leads us. My prayer is that we are all open to his guidance and that we are willing to follow his call. I also pray that the team is not overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and smells of Ethiopia but can walk into this as people loved by God and be able to share that love with all we encounter. I hope we can separate tour “Americanism” and just walk in as people. And I hope we can do that quickly so we can love fully and completely in where they are and not spend time evaluating the differences. Instead, I hope we see all we encounter as God’s children completely the same as we are just born into a different place.

We are not there to give of things. We are there to give of ourselves. So let us go in the peace that God has gone before us, he will be there with us, and he will guide us every step of the way. Two days from now I will be in a country I have never seen before in a Continent that I have grown to love. I can’t wait for the journey to begin…

A Day filled with Animals...

Lions and Tigers and Bears…So American…

Giraffes and Antelope and Hippos…So Ugandan…

This morning we went on a land safari and it was quite easy to tell we were tourists. The cameras were out, the heads were sticking out the tops of the trucks and our eyes were all peeled for the next animal is sight. The rains that had poured down on us last night were gone and God blessed us with blue skies and a beautiful sunrise.  It is not often I see a sunrise but it was absolutely beautiful. The roads were bumpy and in many places we were hanging on for dear life but the scenery was stunning. Uganda is so green! We did not see any lions but as for myself, I was not disappointed. We saw lots and lots of giraffes and they just kept posing for the camera. They are such majestic animals and they have always been my favorite! We saw lots of antelope, water buffalo, wart hogs, baboons and the heads of our teammates popping out of their roof. At one point a tree had fallen across the road so our drivers attempted to navigate their own path… unfortunately they got stuck! Their back wheels were spinning and they were going nowhere fast. So we all piled out and out came the shovel. They unburied the back tires and one vehicle managed to make headway. With that he pulled behind the second truck attached a rope and pulled him out. The Mzugus were happy to get back in and head home!! We were also happy we didn’t see lions at that particular time!!!

In the afternoon we set out for a river safari upon the African Queen. With the exception of two other young ladies we were the only ones on board. They had drinks and a bathroom on board so we were set.  Right at the start there was a small herd of hippos in the water so we saw them right off the bat. We proceeded to see many more (that is when you realize you are NOT in Texas anymore), along with more antelope, many different species of birds, elephants (though only from a distance), wart hogs, and crocodiles. The crocodiles we saw were huge and amazingly fast. Made me glad I was on board and not in the water.  As for the hippos we decided they have a pretty good life. They basically stay in the water all day and then according to our guide travel up to five kilometers at night in search of food. In Les’ words, “They play at the pool all day and then go out to dinner!” The boat took us all way down to the Falls we saw yesterday and we had a chance to soak in the view from a distance. Wow! What a powerful sight. The whole trip was so relaxing and just beautiful to take in. And the water was so smooth. After almost two weeks of Ugandan roads it was nice not to be jostled for a change!

Tonight we ate dinner outside and feasted on a buffet. I had medallion steaks and they were fabulous. At one point the waiter tried to take my plate and I almost took his hand off. I still had four bites left! The chef had come by both nights to say hi and he got raving reviews tonight. The food was awesome. For the first night since we’ve been here Hajji did not have fish! I’m still trying to recover from the shock. Then they built a bonfire and had a group perform music with African instruments and singing. We sat down there for a while as a group and listened. I love the excitement and enthusiasm they show in their music and dance so it was a pleasure to sit and listen.

Tomorrow will again be an early day, as we have to catch the ferry at 7:00 to head back to Kampala. I wish you all well and love each one of you with all my heart. Can’t wait to see you.

God's Beautiful Artwork...

Days of travel and a day of Rest…

I am sorry I didn’t blog last night. We travelled from Iganga to Kampala during the day and by the time we reached our destination about 8:30 I was tired and not feeling great. I decided sleep was the most important thing and hit the pillow about five minutes after arriving. So today I will try to make up for it. We left Iganga early and stopped in Jinja for lunch and a little shopping. This is the same town I have shopped in for the past two years so I know the stores fairly well. They also have a great little restaurant there called the Source Café where I actually ordered a good old-fashioned cheeseburger. It was yummy. I bought a few things there but am saving my pennies for when we shop the market in Kampala on Tuesday. After lunch we boarded the bus and headed to Trevor’s house for our bar-b-q. It was awesome. We ate, talked and then wandered his property to see all that he is doing. He is an amazing guy with quite a vision. We took away several ideas Tree of Life can implement. Afterwards we headed for the hotel, a short distance away but a long ride due to traffic. In case you are wondering, traffic is universal. Only here there are no signs to designate who has the right of way. The biggest vehicle always wins! Being a bus worked to our advantage but it was still a long ride and Hajji did a great job maneuvering through the cars. It is good to be a boda boda (motorcycle) here and you can just go around all the “parked” cars. Of course, you are taking your life in your hands every time you do!  Finally, we arrived at the hotel only to be told by our fearless leader that we would be leaving at 5:30 in the morning. Yes, for those of you who thought you read that wrong, I did say 5:30. So, a new hotel, with an actual shower and I went to bed without one!

We drove today forever before the sun even came up in the sky. This meant I could NOT take pictures so I actually turned on my Kindle and read for a while.  I think this is the first time I’ve read since I’ve been here so I’m not sure I know who the characters are but it was good to relax. Besides it was cold outside so it was good to have the window closed. Once the sun came out all bets were off and the pictures began. We did stop at Murchison Falls (at the top, there was no climbing for this grandmother…) and it was amazingly beautiful. A guide did walk us to all the best spots to see the view and it was spectacular. Needless to say, it was a photographer’s Heaven. Every picture was more beautiful than the last. And then we saw a rainbow just filled with color. I just could have stayed there all day, but eventually they made me leave so we could get to the Lodge. Liz, this year we are ACTUALLY staying at the lodge. It is beautiful. The bathroom has no water on the floor, no bugs and HOT water. The view off the back porch (yes, back porch) is the Nile River, hippos and the whole deal. When we were at the falls we were the only ones there. No one was in my way taking pictures. There were no signs telling us to stay back. It was just us and the water! Amazing!!! However, the roads to get there were something less than great. Imagine the biggest pothole ever and then add another foot. That might begin to resemble what we saw. We did see baboons and warthogs and in the distance hippos. Tomorrow we will go on the land safari in the morning (begins at 6:30) and then the land safari at 2. It has been raining all afternoon (while we were safely in the hotel) so we are all praying for nice sunny (even cloudy) skies tomorrow. No rain would be great!!!

I would write more but am exhausted and am going to bed. Will write more tomorrow after our excursion. Wish you all could join us on this amazing adventure. Love you all and miss you.

A special day in many ways...

Today the team all went different directions. It was a day with nothing in particular originally on the schedule but as the week progressed team members found things they either wanted to revisit or felt they needed to do. As for me, it was a chance to visit with Phil and see the kids! He picked me up from the Mum Hotel a little after 10:00 and we headed to the Kid’s house. On the way we stopped in town for something and as I looked across the street I thought I saw a woman I recognized. Now we are in Iganga and really, what are the chances?  But then our eyes met and it was Mama Jonah. I jumped out of the car and we ran into each other’s arms and stayed that way for a good couple of minutes. It was SO good to see her smiling face. Liz, I immediately asked her if she wanted to play a game of charades. Her response was only if she could act out dodge ball! Some things are just too good to be forgotten. Oma (the young lady who is visiting from the States was with us as well) so I had a chance to meet her. When we arrived at the kid’s house the children were not there as they were all in school so I had a chance to visit a little with Esther and see the changes to the places. Phil walked me around the perimeter and showed me the new land and explained what they hoped to do. I met the new couple working there, As we drove into the property I said hello to Moses and he said hello back. Then he took a second look. Then a third look (getting much closer to my face this time as he can hardly see). When he finally realized it was me, a smile spread across his face and he welcomed me with open arms. His expression was priceless when he finally could see it was me! Within 30 minutes the younger kids and a few of the older ones came back. They must have had no idea I would be there, but when they saw me standing there they broke into a run. They all wanted hugs and I just relished the moment. The kids have all grown in the past year but they are still a sweet and loving bunch. I wish I had had letters for all of them, as I hated handing them to some but not all.  Those that received letters or gifts were so appreciative and wanted me to express their gratitude to their sponsors.

As the kids came in today I hugged them all. Some of course I know better than others and some have a very special place in my heart. I’m happy and proud to report that Emma is back in school. He decided not to stop after P-7 but is not in S1. He gave me a big hug (he is like a son to me) and then before I knew what hit me my camera was off my shoulders and in his hand. He has always loved taking pictures since my first trip when I showed him how. Jeri he loved getting your letter; he is such a special young man. Okere Moses was next. I gave him the soccer shoes from you, Jen and Blake, the note and the picture. He loved the picture and was so proud of the shoes. I am so glad you answered the phone because he just loves talking to you. He could talk for hours if I didn’t eventually say hang up. He paces the ground as he talks and just grins from ear to ear. You guys mean the world to him and it is written all over his face. You are a true blessing to him. Sorry it was so early but I was leaving for the hotel at 2 our time and I didn’t want to miss the chance for the two of you to talk. Courtney and Brian, sadly I did not see Amei. He is the first student in the group to go to Senior 5 and he goes to a different school. Peter’s school only goes through S4. I did give the backpack to Phil and asked him to give it to Amei and to pray over him. I’m sorry he wasn’t there because he, too, holds a special place in my heart. I did get to see Caroline, Rehema, Angela and Sylivia. All four girls are doing great. They look great and I have enough hugs to share with both Liz and Amanda. All asked about you Liz and said to tell you they miss you terribly. Sylivia was very thankful for the Bible and very, very happy that she got to hear your voice and talk with you. Sorry for the wake up call. However, you sounded quite awake!!! I spent a lot of time hugging on them and still could use some more! I saw Phiona and am amazed at how tall she is getting. She still has her trademark beautiful smile. I also saw Adrian. His smile continues to melt my heart and his energy level has not decreased, nope not one single bit!! He remains as precious as ever and he gave out good hugs and lots of smiles for pictures. I told him, Debbie and Greg, that you send your love and that you couldn’t wait for him to come home! He just grinned. I had brought him three little matchbox cars, one being a dump truck. As we were sitting in a circle today he scooped up dirt, filled the truck up and zoomed it around and around and around.  Eventually the kids returned to school but came back for lunch around 1 pm. I stayed and talked with them during lunch (taking more pictures) and just had a chance to see how they were doing. When it came time for them to leave, and I realized I wouldn’t see them again for a while it was really hard. They are a great bunch of kids and I love them so very much. We hugged and said our goodbyes. I then turned around and realized Susan had arrived while I was playing with the kids. She looks great; better than she’s looked in a long time. I gave her a huge hug and we had a chance to talk a little. Her babies are now three and one. Hard to believe they are growing up so fast. She was hoping I had the whole day to spend there so I would get to see them and Scovia but I had to be by three as we were taking off for another school. I was deeply sorry I didn’t get to coddle her children or give Scovia a hug but it was great to see Susan. She still has that wonderful impish smile. Gotta love that! It was a great visit with the kids and I am so thankful I got the chance to see them.

This afternoon we went to see another school that has been started by three American girls (two sisters and a friend). The sisters now live here (I hope I have this story right) and the third is involved in the fundraising end from Colorado. They have 80 students that board but educate 200 in all. The facility was bright and cheerful and they are currently building housing for the staff on site. The dorms are like bunkrooms; very spacious. They have vegetable gardens that the children help maintain; a computer lab, a clinic on site, and all the buildings are painted different bright colors. It was impressive to say the least!

We came home and tonight was our farewell dinner with the pastors and those who have helped make our trip what it’s been. We started by the Americans telling what was our blessings had been in regard to what the pastors had done for us and with us. For me this was really easy. They have been a great group to work with. Their hearts are amazing and they truly have partnered with us the entire time. Then they spoke and hearing what they had to say was really touching. They feel equally as blessed to have worked with us. There is such a mutual respect and such a love for one another; it is great to experience and to see. Steven, who was the main speaker for the Pastors, said he was glad I had come. He then proceeded to talk about how I had climbed this rock when we had gone to the farm. That was all nice and friendly until…he said it wasn’t bad for a 70 or 80 year old! Now I’m back to being Grandma! The team thought that was SO funny. I’m still looking for the humor!!! It was a great ending to a great trip. The pastors here are amazing people. I am so touched by each and every one of them. They have great hearts and great senses of humor. They love God and shows in everything they do. They smile every time I see them and constantly remind that life is a joy.

Tomorrow we leave for Kampala and begin our journey home. We will stop in Jinja for a little shopping and then head to Trevor’s house (a gentleman they have worked with in the past) for a little Texas bar-b-que. When he invited us earlier in the week we all looked like kids in a candy store. Not a one of us can wait for dinner tomorrow night! Then on Saturday we head to the Paara Lodge for our Safari (a photographer’s dream). I will try to promise to stay in the car!

I have blessed in ways I didn’t know were possible. God has worked in amazing ways and I see him everywhere I turn. I love you all and am looking forward to sharing my stories in person.