Hello From Uganda

I'm at an internet cafe with 8 minutes remaining, but I wanted to say a quick hello from Kampala, Uganda! For those who haven't heard I arrived safely on Aug 25th with all my luggage. Praise the Lord! The past week has felt like more than a week and it has been wonderful. The children were so excited to meet their aunties and uncles from North America. They only learned last week that they get to go to America. We have spent a good deal of time bonding with the kids and the African chaperones. What a wonderful people and a wonderful country! Yesterday we did home visits and saw just how poor some of the children's families are. It was eye opening to say the least. We also got the chance to visit the site where the new school is being built for the children who return from tour. It is beautiful and the project manager has thought of everything. I am so impressed with this little school on the edge of Lake Victoria. I have so much I could say, but I will have to save it for another day...A few things I have experienced...crazy taxi rides in the city, the biggest outdoor market in Uganda, seeing the president's motorcade, a visit to the equator to watch the water spin in different directions on either side, wonderful Ugandan cooking from Aunt Ruth. Next week we raft the Nile River! Most of all I have enjoyed the people and built lasting relationships. Please pray for our continued safety and that the children and African chaperones would be granted their US visas quickly. Thank you for all your support and prayers! God is at work in and around me.

Auntie Angela

Vegas Baby!

Whose idea was it anyway to send 26 African children to Las Vegas...commonly called Sin City? It's been an adventure I must say, and I have enjoyed watching the children and answering their questions. We chatted with the kids soon after arriving about the things they might see in Vegas and the importance of being careful what they look at and shining brightly for Jesus in this "dark" city. Last night as we drove down the strip I was quite proud of the kids. The boys covered their eyes when inappropriate billboards and such came into view. Precious Alice made me smile when she cried. "Mugamba, guard your heart..you are looking at bad pictures!" Lynette immediatly lifted her hands and prayed, "Lord Jesus Savior take these bad pictures away and make this no longer Sin City." It's difficult to explain to the children what happens in Vegas, but I think they grasped what they needed to :). Needless to say, we did not explore the strip with the children, but they did spend a great deal of time in the pool teaching the children to swim. The crowd at the Bellagio was quite impressed with the kids and they had a lot of fun singing (as well as watching the dancing water fountains!). Well, David needs the computer so I must jet for now. We headed back to North Carolina in just a few hours....

snakes, photos, and other stories

Last night I found the children gathered in the yard poking in the grass. They had discovered a small snake. Now, I really don't like snakes, but this one seemed harmless and I found myself pulling it out of the grass with a stick. It had a wound, I presume from the lawnmower that had just passed over it. One of the older boys took the stick from me and a mob of children took the snake to the edge of the yard where they proceeded to beat it with a 2x4, stomp on it, and throw rocks at it. I actually felt bad for the poor little snake. I tried to convince the children it was harmless, but I guess snakes in Uganda are much more dangerous! They thought it was going to kill them. Every day I learn more about how different the children think from me. I was showing them photos on my computer yesterday which was a huge hit. They had never seen a white baby or snow..those were two of their favorites and they freaked out over the pictures. I also showed them a picture of three crosses on a hill at Box R Ranch. They asked me who died there and I could not seem to help them understand that nobody died on those crosses, they were only for decoration and to remember Jesus. It was foreign to them. What fun we have learning about each others cultures. Tomorrow we leave for a few days to Las Vegas...please keep us in your prayers.

This is the day the Lord has made

This is the day the Lord has made...in little Fiona's words that is why today was a very good day. Amen sister! This afternoon I taught english and math to the 3rd graders and they said I was a very good teacher. How encouraging to hear! I feel I have had to forget everything I just learned about the proper way to teach and I must teach the opposite way..the Ugandan way. But that is okay and I did fine. I am retraining my brain and the kids respond well to me. They are so respectful. A teacher does not often hear students in America thanking them for teaching or thanking them for their help after every question is answered. My favorite time of the day has become the evenings right before dinner that I spend with the kids on the back porch. We read and color and play and talk. Today I taught them to sing King Jesus is All and they loved it. I also read a great deal of Curious George while I got my hair braided :)

Please pray for the children in my choir in Uganda that their visas would be granted soon so they are able to come to States with us soon. Pray also for Andrew, my team leader who is currently in Northern Uganda visiting some of the children's homes.

Life at Mirembe House

I have arrived safely at Mirembe House, which is nestled in the woods near Raleigh, North Carolina. I will call this home for two weeks while I learn about living with and teaching the children from Uganda. I continue to pinch myself to make sure this is not a dream. There is nothing as wonderful as waking up to 26 hugs from beautiful African children and giving 26 hugs before bed! The last few days have been laid back, filled with school, playtime, and rehearsals. Today, little Fiona read to me from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I was blown away by hear reading skills and expression. What a treat! One other favorite moment yesterday occurred while I was sitting on the back porch with several of the kids. Little Joshua asked if he could give me fire. Upon seeing my confused look, he motioned and I realized he meant a back rub! Let me tell you..those little hands really did contain fire! Tomorrow I will do some teaching, though I don't know what yet and I am nervous, since I do not even know the children's names yet. It is nearly time for evening devotions, so I must go for now...