Hey everyone,
After a long 36 hours of travel we are all home safe and with all of our bags. We are so thankful for everything that we have experienced in the last couple of weeks. Many amazing memories have been shared amongst all of us. We are excited to be home to see our friends and family but a piece of us will always be in Uganda. It's an amazing country that is doing amazing work. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Please keep praying for Uganda.
Uganda team 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Goodbye Uganda
After another long journey on rough roads, we reached out destination at Paraa lodge. Needless to say it was beautiful. Waking up to the Nile or swimming in a pool after long hot days was a treat.
We headed out on a safari in which we saw, hippos, giraffes and some variations of antelopes. Again we headed back to Kampala for our last night.
Today (Thursday) we are meeting for the last time with Justus to ask some final questions. It has been amazing, and words cannot describe our experience but we are all very excited to reunite with our loved ones once again. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It has been amazing to know who is behind us and cheering for us.
Much love from the Uganda team,
Amy, Taryn, Wilma, Randy, and Bill
P.S. Sorry this is a short version, with the problems with the internet we have to keep it a short message.
We headed out on a safari in which we saw, hippos, giraffes and some variations of antelopes. Again we headed back to Kampala for our last night.
Today (Thursday) we are meeting for the last time with Justus to ask some final questions. It has been amazing, and words cannot describe our experience but we are all very excited to reunite with our loved ones once again. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It has been amazing to know who is behind us and cheering for us.
Much love from the Uganda team,
Amy, Taryn, Wilma, Randy, and Bill
P.S. Sorry this is a short version, with the problems with the internet we have to keep it a short message.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Meetings, Chocolate and Shopping
Thursday
We began our day again on African time. We showed up promptly to our pastors meeting and were greeted by a few there. So we began to chat with them rather then moving into the church to start the meeting. We knew the many others would be along at some point so we spent some time outside, visiting with our new friends. Once all arrived we began the meeting with a prayer and an introduction. All of the pastors mentioned their marital status, with some adding they had one wife. So Randy added playfully, he too had only one wife.
The meeting was a highlight for us all. Many challenges were brought to the table such as: transportation, expectation and educating the people. But even more impactful were the amazing success stories of CHAP that we are eager to share with people when we get home. We were humbled at the amazing work that God is doing here for and through His people.
In the afternoon, we visited a clinic where Randy and Wilma gave their gifts of medical supplies. With Randy in his element, he joyfully gave the gifts while trying to explain what they were for to the staff at the clinic. We all prayed that the translation was clear especially for the children's tylenol.
We (Wilma, Taryn and Amy), decided to walk a bit back to town. Muriam joined us for the walk and tour. It has been a highlight for all of us to be able to build strong friendships with the great people here.
On Friday we split the day with shopping in Kampala and a visit to the youth centre and Taso, the AIDS support organization.
Yesterday we began and spent our morning painting for CHAP. With a little muscle and a few buckets of paint, we were able to give a small facelift to one of their areas. With a few streaks of paint left on us, we picked up a few shopping items before visiting our soon-to-be new 'families'.
With poverty and health issues affecting Ugandans each day and after seeing it first hand, we decided to jump in and help. So, that afternoon, some of us began our journey with our sponsored child. We had a rare opportunity with this type of sponsorship as we were able to visit our sponsored children and their families in their community. Being able to actually meet and shake hands with families that we would correspond with through letters and pictures in the days to come, was unforgettable. Through the organization, we had bought a bag of rice and sugar and brought this with us when we visited. It was unbelievable to be able to see how far our sponsorship stretches and the impact it makes.
Sunday, our last day here, came quickly. Our team spoke at two different churches and reached that moment where we must say goodbye. Tears streamed down our faces and the faces of those we had spent time getting to know. The journey to Kampala was somber after leaving friends that we had build a friendship with. We hope we will be able to return again.
We are now in Kampala awaiting our safari and are looking forward to seeing some of the beautiful and unique animals here. Lots of picture taking moments I'm sure.
Thank you for your continued patience with the technology issues here. More posts to come and many more stories I'm sure.
We began our day again on African time. We showed up promptly to our pastors meeting and were greeted by a few there. So we began to chat with them rather then moving into the church to start the meeting. We knew the many others would be along at some point so we spent some time outside, visiting with our new friends. Once all arrived we began the meeting with a prayer and an introduction. All of the pastors mentioned their marital status, with some adding they had one wife. So Randy added playfully, he too had only one wife.
The meeting was a highlight for us all. Many challenges were brought to the table such as: transportation, expectation and educating the people. But even more impactful were the amazing success stories of CHAP that we are eager to share with people when we get home. We were humbled at the amazing work that God is doing here for and through His people.
In the afternoon, we visited a clinic where Randy and Wilma gave their gifts of medical supplies. With Randy in his element, he joyfully gave the gifts while trying to explain what they were for to the staff at the clinic. We all prayed that the translation was clear especially for the children's tylenol.
We (Wilma, Taryn and Amy), decided to walk a bit back to town. Muriam joined us for the walk and tour. It has been a highlight for all of us to be able to build strong friendships with the great people here.
On Friday we split the day with shopping in Kampala and a visit to the youth centre and Taso, the AIDS support organization.
Yesterday we began and spent our morning painting for CHAP. With a little muscle and a few buckets of paint, we were able to give a small facelift to one of their areas. With a few streaks of paint left on us, we picked up a few shopping items before visiting our soon-to-be new 'families'.
With poverty and health issues affecting Ugandans each day and after seeing it first hand, we decided to jump in and help. So, that afternoon, some of us began our journey with our sponsored child. We had a rare opportunity with this type of sponsorship as we were able to visit our sponsored children and their families in their community. Being able to actually meet and shake hands with families that we would correspond with through letters and pictures in the days to come, was unforgettable. Through the organization, we had bought a bag of rice and sugar and brought this with us when we visited. It was unbelievable to be able to see how far our sponsorship stretches and the impact it makes.
Sunday, our last day here, came quickly. Our team spoke at two different churches and reached that moment where we must say goodbye. Tears streamed down our faces and the faces of those we had spent time getting to know. The journey to Kampala was somber after leaving friends that we had build a friendship with. We hope we will be able to return again.
We are now in Kampala awaiting our safari and are looking forward to seeing some of the beautiful and unique animals here. Lots of picture taking moments I'm sure.
Thank you for your continued patience with the technology issues here. More posts to come and many more stories I'm sure.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The many adventures of the Mazunga crew
Tuesday
Today we broke into two teams at seperate locations. Our objective for the day was to accompany those from CHAP (Community HIV/AIDS prevention) who are administering HIV rapid tests and councelling with the VCT (voluntary councelling and testing).
Taryn and Randy went to St. Thomas Church in a rural area. They had the opportunity to assist in testing and counselling. Randy poked while Taryn recorded and councelled clients who tested positive. The total for their day was 173 tested and 8 positive.
They experienced an hour and a half of a much needed African rainfall. Because of the delay in testing they ventured into the Pastor's home for lunch, good news no fish heads, but had the opportunity to enjoy a taste of fresh cow's milk straight from the source in the backyard. yummmm??? :}
Meanwhile..... back at the ranch or Kijyndi village
Pastor Bill;), Wilma and Amy accompanied Collins and Patrick to another test site in Kijndi, a fishing village near Lake Victoria. We assisted in making cotton balls and watched the testing process. We caught ourselves waiting for the facial expression of those receiving results. Of the 86 tested, 11 were positive and received counselling. During the long process the Mazunga's (yellow people, us) were an attraction for all the young children. Bill started teaching letters and numbers but the children bored of him and Amy and Wilma heroicly took over. Starting with a free horse ride on the knee, to outside playing games like duck duck goose... Even without being able to communicate verbily the children caught on quickly and enjoyed the many games and songs. The adults looked on in laughter. It was an enjoyable time outside with the children, laughing and playing like we were kids. Bill was left behind standing guard of our bags. Needless to say we slept like babies.
Wednesday
Today we were scheduled to teach at 9 in the schools but because of African time, we are now bumped to 10:30. The pace is much slower and laid back and to be honest we are quite enjoying it. The days are very full, leaving us physically and emotionally exhausted at night.
Daily
We travel on the crazy, bumpy red shale roads with lots of dust, pot holes are an understatement and our backs and bums will never recover :). There are times we fear for our lives because of the travel on the crazy, narrow roads. Everytime we pass a vehicle we shreak and Wilma closes her eyes. The passing is so close and fast we could reach out and touch them! Travelling in itself is an experience.
Today we broke into two teams at seperate locations. Our objective for the day was to accompany those from CHAP (Community HIV/AIDS prevention) who are administering HIV rapid tests and councelling with the VCT (voluntary councelling and testing).
Taryn and Randy went to St. Thomas Church in a rural area. They had the opportunity to assist in testing and counselling. Randy poked while Taryn recorded and councelled clients who tested positive. The total for their day was 173 tested and 8 positive.
They experienced an hour and a half of a much needed African rainfall. Because of the delay in testing they ventured into the Pastor's home for lunch, good news no fish heads, but had the opportunity to enjoy a taste of fresh cow's milk straight from the source in the backyard. yummmm??? :}
Meanwhile..... back at the ranch or Kijyndi village
Pastor Bill;), Wilma and Amy accompanied Collins and Patrick to another test site in Kijndi, a fishing village near Lake Victoria. We assisted in making cotton balls and watched the testing process. We caught ourselves waiting for the facial expression of those receiving results. Of the 86 tested, 11 were positive and received counselling. During the long process the Mazunga's (yellow people, us) were an attraction for all the young children. Bill started teaching letters and numbers but the children bored of him and Amy and Wilma heroicly took over. Starting with a free horse ride on the knee, to outside playing games like duck duck goose... Even without being able to communicate verbily the children caught on quickly and enjoyed the many games and songs. The adults looked on in laughter. It was an enjoyable time outside with the children, laughing and playing like we were kids. Bill was left behind standing guard of our bags. Needless to say we slept like babies.
Wednesday
Today we were scheduled to teach at 9 in the schools but because of African time, we are now bumped to 10:30. The pace is much slower and laid back and to be honest we are quite enjoying it. The days are very full, leaving us physically and emotionally exhausted at night.
Daily
We travel on the crazy, bumpy red shale roads with lots of dust, pot holes are an understatement and our backs and bums will never recover :). There are times we fear for our lives because of the travel on the crazy, narrow roads. Everytime we pass a vehicle we shreak and Wilma closes her eyes. The passing is so close and fast we could reach out and touch them! Travelling in itself is an experience.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Planes trains and automobiles.
We traveled for what felt like days. We journeyed on planes, trains and automobiles to arrive at our destination of Buikwe. After many sore backs, bums and airplane food we are very excited to have arrived and lay horrizontaly. We were warmly welcomed by our hosts, and are being treated very well.
Saturday
We had a rest day in which we traveled to the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria. There we sweat out everything we had been eating for the past few days. We also ventured to the Bujagali falls (also the Nile) and watched young Ugandan men crazily float down the falls with a just a jerry can hoping for tips once they've survived. We also bravely took a boat ride where they bailed as fast as the motor went. The sights were beautiful and we very much appreciated the falls. We also learned that we too are a tourist attraction because of our yellow skin and blond hair.
Sunday
Today we split into two groups and traveled to two rural churches. The teams were Bill and Amy and the other team was Wilma, Taryn and Randy. At these churches Bill preached and Amy gave her testimony. Wilma preached at the other church while Randy gave his testimony. The whole experience of worshiping with Ugandans brought tears to our eyes and movement in our feet. Their passion for praising God with hearts of gratitude is second to none. We have learnt a lot.
Monday
The plan for today was to do home visits and encourage the leaders who are running programs. We met many people living with HIV who touched our hearts. It was difficult to see how this disease has ruined the lives of so many people in Uganda. We now have a better understanding as to what they actually deal with here. We really appreciate the work of IN Uganda, we have seen the support of Crossroads church has made a difference. There are many sad stories of which we will share when we will return to Canada. Just know that our hearts have been deeply touched our eyes have cried and we feel for the people here.
More to come as we have access to interent.
Please keep praying.
Saturday
We had a rest day in which we traveled to the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria. There we sweat out everything we had been eating for the past few days. We also ventured to the Bujagali falls (also the Nile) and watched young Ugandan men crazily float down the falls with a just a jerry can hoping for tips once they've survived. We also bravely took a boat ride where they bailed as fast as the motor went. The sights were beautiful and we very much appreciated the falls. We also learned that we too are a tourist attraction because of our yellow skin and blond hair.
Sunday
Today we split into two groups and traveled to two rural churches. The teams were Bill and Amy and the other team was Wilma, Taryn and Randy. At these churches Bill preached and Amy gave her testimony. Wilma preached at the other church while Randy gave his testimony. The whole experience of worshiping with Ugandans brought tears to our eyes and movement in our feet. Their passion for praising God with hearts of gratitude is second to none. We have learnt a lot.
Monday
The plan for today was to do home visits and encourage the leaders who are running programs. We met many people living with HIV who touched our hearts. It was difficult to see how this disease has ruined the lives of so many people in Uganda. We now have a better understanding as to what they actually deal with here. We really appreciate the work of IN Uganda, we have seen the support of Crossroads church has made a difference. There are many sad stories of which we will share when we will return to Canada. Just know that our hearts have been deeply touched our eyes have cried and we feel for the people here.
More to come as we have access to interent.
Please keep praying.
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