Erin's parents - bring Erin's beard trimmer :)
Tiffany's parents - bring my computer!
We love you
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturday!
Hello everyone! Its Mel here.
Well today we broke out of our routine that we have carried on these last couple days and got to experience Uganda on a whole new level. Being that today is Saturday and that we were not able to sleep in unfortunately caused some of us spoiled Americans to be a little grumpy when the day first started but after a good rain shower we all went to our family groups to just do what they do on Saturday mornings: Plant and plow. My goodness...what different concepts of planting and plowing do they have! When I got to the field of my family, I saw 2 of the boys plowing with a pair of oxen, little kids walking behind them throwing the seeds in the ground and then covering them with their bare feet. The other older kids were digging holes in ground with hos. Ruth and I stepped in and helped with the laying and covering the seeds. It was just mind-blowing though to think that we were actually in the same century and world as the home that we left and that we didn't just travel back in time. I mean they were talking about the excitement of this fertilizer that they were just learning about and I just was blown away by how far behind the modern world they are. But it was amazing to be a part of, just to experience their world and think of the things they don't know. Most of us had similar experiences and thoughts. Brian actually got to do some of the steering of the oxen so we all got to work right there with them.
After that new experience we got together and worked on the music we are going to be leading tomorrow night and man not to brag but we sound pretty stinking good :). It was a great time. Following lunch, we made a little adventure into the closest town, Kiwoko, to go to the big outdoor market they had today. On the way there, we took a round about through some "villages." These villages were really just random homes here and there along this muddy path in dense wilderness. Children came out of these huts and houses to say hello and point and wave at these crazy white people walking by. But once again we were all shocked by the condition of the homes these people were leaving in. I mean it looked like something off of National Geographic. The reality is simply unbelievable and I can't picture knowing nothing more than their small sad world. We saw probably around 25 huts on our short walk and each home had people spilling out of it. And this was just on one small dirt path, in one part of this small country the size of Michigan, in this huge world of ours.
On the way to the market most of us got to experience the thrill of riding on a bota bota (a pathetic excuse for a motorcycle used as the taxi service). The market was funny simply because we were such the entertainment and we were all constantly hearing the people say "Mzungu! Mzungu!" (White person.) We were the center of attention.
The night was just dinner and then we went to our family groups and all had a great time as usual. I'm sure I could say more but I am tired and its time for bed so good night all!
God bless!
Mel
Well today we broke out of our routine that we have carried on these last couple days and got to experience Uganda on a whole new level. Being that today is Saturday and that we were not able to sleep in unfortunately caused some of us spoiled Americans to be a little grumpy when the day first started but after a good rain shower we all went to our family groups to just do what they do on Saturday mornings: Plant and plow. My goodness...what different concepts of planting and plowing do they have! When I got to the field of my family, I saw 2 of the boys plowing with a pair of oxen, little kids walking behind them throwing the seeds in the ground and then covering them with their bare feet. The other older kids were digging holes in ground with hos. Ruth and I stepped in and helped with the laying and covering the seeds. It was just mind-blowing though to think that we were actually in the same century and world as the home that we left and that we didn't just travel back in time. I mean they were talking about the excitement of this fertilizer that they were just learning about and I just was blown away by how far behind the modern world they are. But it was amazing to be a part of, just to experience their world and think of the things they don't know. Most of us had similar experiences and thoughts. Brian actually got to do some of the steering of the oxen so we all got to work right there with them.
After that new experience we got together and worked on the music we are going to be leading tomorrow night and man not to brag but we sound pretty stinking good :). It was a great time. Following lunch, we made a little adventure into the closest town, Kiwoko, to go to the big outdoor market they had today. On the way there, we took a round about through some "villages." These villages were really just random homes here and there along this muddy path in dense wilderness. Children came out of these huts and houses to say hello and point and wave at these crazy white people walking by. But once again we were all shocked by the condition of the homes these people were leaving in. I mean it looked like something off of National Geographic. The reality is simply unbelievable and I can't picture knowing nothing more than their small sad world. We saw probably around 25 huts on our short walk and each home had people spilling out of it. And this was just on one small dirt path, in one part of this small country the size of Michigan, in this huge world of ours.
On the way to the market most of us got to experience the thrill of riding on a bota bota (a pathetic excuse for a motorcycle used as the taxi service). The market was funny simply because we were such the entertainment and we were all constantly hearing the people say "Mzungu! Mzungu!" (White person.) We were the center of attention.
The night was just dinner and then we went to our family groups and all had a great time as usual. I'm sure I could say more but I am tired and its time for bed so good night all!
God bless!
Mel
Friday, August 21, 2009
Friday!
Hello to everyone!
It’s so hard to believe that today is Friday and that we only have one week left of our adventure here in Uganda. This week has flown by with all of us being busy with our jobs around Kasana, doing VBS in the afternoons, and spending time with our family groups in the evenings. As a team we have had so much fun during the evenings getting to know each other better and just laughing. It will be so hard to not see each other every day when we return to the states. I am so thankful to the Lord for all he is doing in each of our lives and for the awesome unity with our team.
During VBS today the kids all seemed to enjoy themselves while we wrapped up the week. Thankfully we were able to get our last story prepared at the last minute for story time. I have gotten really good at my personal improv skills! J Games today also ended up somewhat indoors because of rain, but the kids all had fun anyway.
As far as our jobs in the morning, most everyone has finished up all of the jobs that we set up to do. The guest house we have been staying at during our stay is now landscaped and looking very homey, the medical center was busy with people coming and going looking for medical attention all week, the office where some of the girls have been working have done an awesome job of serving, many kids have received amazing tutoring, and the babies at Hope House have been on a walk every day this week!
Hope all is well with all of you at home!
Sincerely,
Ruth
It’s so hard to believe that today is Friday and that we only have one week left of our adventure here in Uganda. This week has flown by with all of us being busy with our jobs around Kasana, doing VBS in the afternoons, and spending time with our family groups in the evenings. As a team we have had so much fun during the evenings getting to know each other better and just laughing. It will be so hard to not see each other every day when we return to the states. I am so thankful to the Lord for all he is doing in each of our lives and for the awesome unity with our team.
During VBS today the kids all seemed to enjoy themselves while we wrapped up the week. Thankfully we were able to get our last story prepared at the last minute for story time. I have gotten really good at my personal improv skills! J Games today also ended up somewhat indoors because of rain, but the kids all had fun anyway.
As far as our jobs in the morning, most everyone has finished up all of the jobs that we set up to do. The guest house we have been staying at during our stay is now landscaped and looking very homey, the medical center was busy with people coming and going looking for medical attention all week, the office where some of the girls have been working have done an awesome job of serving, many kids have received amazing tutoring, and the babies at Hope House have been on a walk every day this week!
Hope all is well with all of you at home!
Sincerely,
Ruth
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday!
To those that are readers,
I'm Brian
Hi! We are still in Africa, which I find very reasurring. Today I would sum up as a very eye opening day. Not that every day there isn't something that will make us appreciate where we are from and what we have, but today did have its moments. One of the most positive moments today happened in VBS.
Today was the 4th day of VBS and what a day it was. It was awesome connecting with the kids once again, and we finished up with a delightful treat from the kids during sing time. After we finished up our songs, all the kids broke out into a song of their own, and it was joyous. What started as one song soon became 5, perfect unity and resounding through the meadow. A tear would have fallen from my eye had I been there, but this guy was off saving the world one (and only one) person at a time. So when I heard the story I brought forth a half of a tear. (insert smiley face)
The reason I wasn't there was due to a house call I made with one of the nurses on site. She is British and speaking with her is quite fun. The man was 70 years old, (which in Uganda is something that is usually unheard of) who is suffering from a couple different diseases. It was the first time since we have been here that I have left the compound, and it was an experience. The man we treated was unable to walk, and has been unable to for quite some time. This means he isn't able to work, and in the culture we are surrounded with, that usually means the end of life. The man of the house was unable to work in the field, which means he is unable to provide for his family. I asked him a couple of questions and found that he usually gets food and money from friends who stop by.
After we left the house, I asked the nurse a question about what would happen if he was in America. She said that the man would be able to be treated for most of his sickness and would be able to work and especially walk. So now for a little ventilation. If people in America are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on plastic surgery to improve body features that God had originally gave you, and would use that money to sponser a person who would then be able to walk, where is the need for the plastic surgery? A man would be able to provide for his family, live a longer and happier life, and would be able to walk. That was the first eye opening experience today.
The rest of the day was bright and chipper with its humorous moments. Today in the clinic, a man came in because a cow had bit is toe! That was the most unique treatment I gave, but still the funny moments kept rolling on. About 10 children came in complaining about a cough they had that started last night, and it seemed they all had the same symptoms, just a cough. There is not much you can due except maybe give them some cough medicine, but I just wasn't going to start handing out the medicine. The nurse told me that the reason they all are coming in was because they know the Americans showed up with medicine, which means there is a new flavor of cough syrup to be tasted. She promised that if I would hand out one, it would be gone before the child got back home.
Tonight we all enjoyed family groups quite a lot. Me and Andrew ended up talking with the nurse and her husband for about 2 hours, and the biggest eye opener for me this trip. I asked him what the biggest shock of him being here was, and he the time he had spent in the clinic in the city. He said the hardest part was observing the value of life with the people here. Women long to have 14 kids because they are most likely going to raise only about 10. Children would come to the hospital, and if it appeared they were going to die, there would be no treatment given to them. No sense in treating them if they are going to die when someone else would have a chance to live. He said they would wrap up the babies in cloth when they died, and he said he walked in once and there were babies wrapped up in the cloth that were still crying.
That shocked me.
Life is a gift from God, so as I sign out, please make that a prayer for you that life will be recognized as a gift here in Uganda.
God Bless,
Brian
I'm Brian
Hi! We are still in Africa, which I find very reasurring. Today I would sum up as a very eye opening day. Not that every day there isn't something that will make us appreciate where we are from and what we have, but today did have its moments. One of the most positive moments today happened in VBS.
Today was the 4th day of VBS and what a day it was. It was awesome connecting with the kids once again, and we finished up with a delightful treat from the kids during sing time. After we finished up our songs, all the kids broke out into a song of their own, and it was joyous. What started as one song soon became 5, perfect unity and resounding through the meadow. A tear would have fallen from my eye had I been there, but this guy was off saving the world one (and only one) person at a time. So when I heard the story I brought forth a half of a tear. (insert smiley face)
The reason I wasn't there was due to a house call I made with one of the nurses on site. She is British and speaking with her is quite fun. The man was 70 years old, (which in Uganda is something that is usually unheard of) who is suffering from a couple different diseases. It was the first time since we have been here that I have left the compound, and it was an experience. The man we treated was unable to walk, and has been unable to for quite some time. This means he isn't able to work, and in the culture we are surrounded with, that usually means the end of life. The man of the house was unable to work in the field, which means he is unable to provide for his family. I asked him a couple of questions and found that he usually gets food and money from friends who stop by.
After we left the house, I asked the nurse a question about what would happen if he was in America. She said that the man would be able to be treated for most of his sickness and would be able to work and especially walk. So now for a little ventilation. If people in America are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on plastic surgery to improve body features that God had originally gave you, and would use that money to sponser a person who would then be able to walk, where is the need for the plastic surgery? A man would be able to provide for his family, live a longer and happier life, and would be able to walk. That was the first eye opening experience today.
The rest of the day was bright and chipper with its humorous moments. Today in the clinic, a man came in because a cow had bit is toe! That was the most unique treatment I gave, but still the funny moments kept rolling on. About 10 children came in complaining about a cough they had that started last night, and it seemed they all had the same symptoms, just a cough. There is not much you can due except maybe give them some cough medicine, but I just wasn't going to start handing out the medicine. The nurse told me that the reason they all are coming in was because they know the Americans showed up with medicine, which means there is a new flavor of cough syrup to be tasted. She promised that if I would hand out one, it would be gone before the child got back home.
Tonight we all enjoyed family groups quite a lot. Me and Andrew ended up talking with the nurse and her husband for about 2 hours, and the biggest eye opener for me this trip. I asked him what the biggest shock of him being here was, and he the time he had spent in the clinic in the city. He said the hardest part was observing the value of life with the people here. Women long to have 14 kids because they are most likely going to raise only about 10. Children would come to the hospital, and if it appeared they were going to die, there would be no treatment given to them. No sense in treating them if they are going to die when someone else would have a chance to live. He said they would wrap up the babies in cloth when they died, and he said he walked in once and there were babies wrapped up in the cloth that were still crying.
That shocked me.
Life is a gift from God, so as I sign out, please make that a prayer for you that life will be recognized as a gift here in Uganda.
God Bless,
Brian
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Africa!
Hello,
Today is new day and that is no more apparent than here in Uganda! With each new day comes a new lesson, not only are the children learning through VBS but we are also learning so much from them. Their joy and love is very humbling, that combined with their overwhelming trust in the Lord has been such an encouragement, especially for a group who is starting to feel the weight of the heat and travel. So please continue to pray for patience and understanding with each other as we enter into a completely new level of friendship. Also another quick prayer request was brought to me in my devotion time through a verse, Ecclesiastes 1:18;
For in much wisdom is much grief,
and he who increases knowledge
increases sorrow.
This verse has taken on new meaning as we have gone new places and seen new and saddening sights. The number of people here is incredible, and we are seeing portions of an extremely diverse and dynamic culture we could have never imagined. Seeing all this and learning at such an accelerated rate it is easy to get overwhelmed and feel sorry for the children and their condition. But that is not the reason we are here. There is so much joy, thankfulness and hope here, that needs to be our focus! Only with the help of the Lord and your continuous prayers will we be able to make the most of the short amount of time we will be here. I apologize for how short this post is but I promise many stories, pictures and videos when we return! Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Andrew
Today is new day and that is no more apparent than here in Uganda! With each new day comes a new lesson, not only are the children learning through VBS but we are also learning so much from them. Their joy and love is very humbling, that combined with their overwhelming trust in the Lord has been such an encouragement, especially for a group who is starting to feel the weight of the heat and travel. So please continue to pray for patience and understanding with each other as we enter into a completely new level of friendship. Also another quick prayer request was brought to me in my devotion time through a verse, Ecclesiastes 1:18;
For in much wisdom is much grief,
and he who increases knowledge
increases sorrow.
This verse has taken on new meaning as we have gone new places and seen new and saddening sights. The number of people here is incredible, and we are seeing portions of an extremely diverse and dynamic culture we could have never imagined. Seeing all this and learning at such an accelerated rate it is easy to get overwhelmed and feel sorry for the children and their condition. But that is not the reason we are here. There is so much joy, thankfulness and hope here, that needs to be our focus! Only with the help of the Lord and your continuous prayers will we be able to make the most of the short amount of time we will be here. I apologize for how short this post is but I promise many stories, pictures and videos when we return! Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Andrew
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday August 18th 2009
We're Here!
All 14 of us arrived safely to Uganda on Friday the 14th with all 42 bags that we had checked and with all our arms and legs intact. After a long journey from Entebbe, we were warmly greeted at Kasana, where we now call home.
Today marks the second day of our VBS, which has gone so well so far. It has been a real blessing to see how excited the kids are to be a part of this. Please continue to pray for us and that the childrens' hearts would be softened to His calling.
We are all busy in the mornings with our assigned jobs that range from teaching various skills and lessons to landscaping. In the afternoons is the VBS and it has been such a growing experience for all involved.
We are all doing well and please continue to pray for our safety and for all that we say and do to be a blessing to those around us. Please continue to check for further updates that follow.
Until Next Time........
All 14 of us arrived safely to Uganda on Friday the 14th with all 42 bags that we had checked and with all our arms and legs intact. After a long journey from Entebbe, we were warmly greeted at Kasana, where we now call home.
Today marks the second day of our VBS, which has gone so well so far. It has been a real blessing to see how excited the kids are to be a part of this. Please continue to pray for us and that the childrens' hearts would be softened to His calling.
We are all busy in the mornings with our assigned jobs that range from teaching various skills and lessons to landscaping. In the afternoons is the VBS and it has been such a growing experience for all involved.
We are all doing well and please continue to pray for our safety and for all that we say and do to be a blessing to those around us. Please continue to check for further updates that follow.
Until Next Time........
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