Happy Christmas from Kampala, Uganda!
It’s strange that this year is NOT beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But, we are tremendously blessed to be able to spend the Christmas season with 65 abandoned/orphaned babies. It’s also neat to be experiencing Christmas in a different country with a different culture. We are all celebrating for the same reason, Jesus coming to the world as a baby, but celebrating differently! It makes me so thankful that Jesus came to the world for EVERYONE all over the world!
Here is a brief update on our 2009 year.
December ’08 – We were privileged to celebrate Christmas three times last year. It was our first Christmas and we celebrated at home in Abbotsford. I worked over the holidays and Matt did some much needed relaxing after his finals. It was a very white Christmas in Abby, which made for some fun trips to and from work. After Christmas in Abby we proceeded home to Lloydminster for Kaminski Christmas and celebrated Nic and Aubree’s wedding in Saskatoon! Finally, New Year’s was spent with the Morgan side of the family. It was a wonderful holiday season!
January ’09 – Back to the grind. Matt began his second semester of his second year of school as well as volleyball! Matt’s team last year was a ‘building’ team as there were only two returning players and the rest freshman, mostly walk ons. It was a character building team for Matt. He handled himself so well, loving and leading them! I was back to work at the hospital caring for sick and premature babies. I love my job and work with great people!
February ’09 – February was the month of visitors at our little condo. We do love visitors!!! We hosted many friends and both sets of parents. Mom and dad Morgan were out to celebrate Matt’s birthday, and mom and dad Kaminski came for Matt’s volleyball finals.
March ’09 – March was a month full of culture and athletics. We started off the month traveling down to Seattle to visit our good friends Thomas and Ruth and together we attended “The Lion King”, an amazing play with breathtaking costumes! The following weekend I ran my first half marathon in Abbotsford, the weather was terrible, plus 3 and pouring rain the entire time. I decided after the run that I didn’t want to do a full marathon, ½ were a perfect length for me☺ We also traveled down to Eugene, Oregon to see Rebecca for a weekend. On our way home from our weekend away we stopped in Portland to see the new musical “Wicked”, amazing! We ended the month with Matt’s volleyball banquet. He received so many awards not only for being such a good volleyball player, but also for his leadership and academics. I was a very proud wife!
April ‘09 – We used this month to spend our tax return. I had terrible eyes and was blessed to receive laser eye surgery!!! Matt finished his second year of school and before he started his summer job we went on a little trip to Las Vegas. Neither of us had ever been and it’s a place everyone should go once. Nathan drove up form LA to spend some time with us. Also in April we said good-bye to our good friends Nikki and Morgan Oliver who moved from Abbotsford back to the prairies. Game nights haven’t been the same since!
May ’09 – May was a busy month. Matt started his new summer job with White Glove Landscaping and mowed many lawns over the summer. A pregnant Correna Oliver came to visit and we went to the spa. Matt spoke at a CBC fundraiser banquet about what it meant to be an athlete at CBC. Our very good friends Phil and Cheryl were married and Matt was a groomsman. It was a perfect day! On the weekend of our one-year anniversary we went up to Kelowna to celebrate the wedding of some close friends from Green Bay Bible Camp. We stayed at the camp, the same camp where we were married at exactly one year earlier. Matt planned a beautiful scavenger hunt, which took me all over camp to places that meant much to us. May was also our last month in our beloved little condo. We packed up and moved out at the end of the month. We miss our little home!
June ’09 – We graciously moved into the basement suite of our friends Eddy and Marlene Becker. They blessed us with lodging for the entire summer and we had our little experience of lower mainland country living. The first weekend in June we went to a local bed and breakfast in the area to officially celebrate our first anniversary. It was a beautiful time of relaxation together! June brought an end to our Sunday School teaching experience. Matt and I taught a kindergarten class of kids at our church. I ran my second ½ marathon in Seattle and I like to think that I have ran a full marathon now as two halves make a whole☺ Matt played in a beach volleyball league in the summer which started in June.
July ’09 – EPIC month involving what I like to refer to as the LOVE TOUR! Somehow I was able to take all of my holidays in one chunk and what a treat this was. I spent the first week of July camp nursing at Green bay Bible Camp. The second week Matt and I were at Southridge Camp. Matt spoke for the week (and did a FANTASTIC JOB!) and I nursed. We love camp ministry! The third week was spent with the Kaminski’s at the family at the cabin. The final week was spent in Didsbury with the Morgan’s. It was the BEST month with family and friends and all things summer!
August ’09 – We spent the month of August getting ready for September. We worked tons and said many good-byes. We also made many to-do lists and crossed them off in preparation for our upcoming 8 months. We enjoyed the last little bit of Canada and summer, and then on August 29 we were off to live the dream!
September ‘09 – April ’10 – We are living in Uganda!!! Check out our blog for more details, there is not enough room here. We have been stretched, challenged, and greatly blessed!
Praying that you all can look back on your past year and see the hand of God over it! May you know that you are loved so much that God choose to send His perfect son to this very imperfect world to be the sacrifice for us so that we might live life to the fullest for all eternity – Merry Christmas!
Love,
Matt & Sarah Jane Kaminski
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Road Trip to the North
The Christmas season is such a great time of the year! This year our Christmas will be different, yet somehow similar. How great that all across the world people are celebrating Christmas, Jesus coming to earth as a baby so that He could live and die for us, to save us, HAPPY CHRISTMAS indeed! That being said, there are people and traditions at home that we are missing, but missing is good it means we love. And what a treat to be able to spend Christmas with beautiful babies that we have come to love. There is a song that I enjoy that is fitting for our Christmas this year…
“All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in. A shoulder to cry on if I loose, shoulders to ride on if I win. So much I could ask for but there’s just one thing I need – all I really want for Christmas is someone who will be here to sing me happy birthday for the next one hundred years. It’s ok if they’re not perfect and even if there a little broken that’s all right cause so am I.
All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in tell me in. Tell me I’ll never be alone, someone whose love will never end. Of all that I could ask for well there’s just one thing I need – all I really want for Christmas is a family.”
Kids wanting a mom and a dad for Christmas instead of the newest toy really puts things into perspective!
We are so blessed to have Dan here – WHAT A TREAT!!! We have thoroughly enjoyed having a little piece of home here. He has been working at both the production unit and the babies home and has been introduced to many, many people.
This past week we had the privilege of going on an African Safari! It was a great trip. Something Matt and I have been dreaming about for many years! We saw so many animals and let me tell you seeing them in the wild is sooo much better then the zoo! We did two game drives, one in a bus and the other in a 6 seater open top jeep, which was the full experience, 4x4ing through the African tundra with the sun on your face and animals all around!!! We also took a boat tour down the Nile River to Murchison Falls, surrounded by crocks and hippos the entire way! The hotel that we stayed at was right on the Nile River and had great food and great views. In the evening you couldn’t swim in the pool because the wild hippos would often come up and go for a dip☺ It was fun to experience this with Dan!
On our trip up to the Safari we stopped in at Gulu, a city in the North of Uganda that was very badly affected by the war in Uganda. If you have heard of child soldiers or the LRA this is an area where both were very much present. Watoto is opening a new babies home in Gulu, they have already started another children’s village and their little church that is busting at the seams! They also have a ministry in called Living Hope that cares for the woman who were affected by the war. These women were abused brutally, have been left with HIV and often widowed etc etc. Each lady has her own specific story to tell. They feed 900 women ever week, are teaching women skills so that they can make a living and providing much needed trauma counseling for them. Great things are being done!
We also briefly stopped by an IDP (internally displaced people) camp. These are small areas with rows of small huts that became people’s homes due to the war in the north. The government placed soldiers at these camps to protect the people. The ‘war’ in Uganda ended over three years ago and these camps are still quite full. So much is being done, but so much more needs to be done.
In other news Matt is done at the production unit until the New Year. He had his Christmas party today complete with games, speeches, dancing, local food and the Christmas story. This was the first time Matt has ever gotten a sunburn going to a Christmas party.
We received two new babies this past week, both abandoned at the local hospital. They are beautiful little boys, both just born and doing very well! I have heard that the holiday season is a bad for people abandoning babies, so we shall see what the next couple of weeks entails. I took Nellie to church last Sunday. They were doing a kids Christmas cantata for the service. She loved it!
Stay tuned for the tales of the first Kaminski African Christmas!
“All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in. A shoulder to cry on if I loose, shoulders to ride on if I win. So much I could ask for but there’s just one thing I need – all I really want for Christmas is someone who will be here to sing me happy birthday for the next one hundred years. It’s ok if they’re not perfect and even if there a little broken that’s all right cause so am I.
All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in tell me in. Tell me I’ll never be alone, someone whose love will never end. Of all that I could ask for well there’s just one thing I need – all I really want for Christmas is a family.”
Kids wanting a mom and a dad for Christmas instead of the newest toy really puts things into perspective!
We are so blessed to have Dan here – WHAT A TREAT!!! We have thoroughly enjoyed having a little piece of home here. He has been working at both the production unit and the babies home and has been introduced to many, many people.
This past week we had the privilege of going on an African Safari! It was a great trip. Something Matt and I have been dreaming about for many years! We saw so many animals and let me tell you seeing them in the wild is sooo much better then the zoo! We did two game drives, one in a bus and the other in a 6 seater open top jeep, which was the full experience, 4x4ing through the African tundra with the sun on your face and animals all around!!! We also took a boat tour down the Nile River to Murchison Falls, surrounded by crocks and hippos the entire way! The hotel that we stayed at was right on the Nile River and had great food and great views. In the evening you couldn’t swim in the pool because the wild hippos would often come up and go for a dip☺ It was fun to experience this with Dan!
On our trip up to the Safari we stopped in at Gulu, a city in the North of Uganda that was very badly affected by the war in Uganda. If you have heard of child soldiers or the LRA this is an area where both were very much present. Watoto is opening a new babies home in Gulu, they have already started another children’s village and their little church that is busting at the seams! They also have a ministry in called Living Hope that cares for the woman who were affected by the war. These women were abused brutally, have been left with HIV and often widowed etc etc. Each lady has her own specific story to tell. They feed 900 women ever week, are teaching women skills so that they can make a living and providing much needed trauma counseling for them. Great things are being done!
We also briefly stopped by an IDP (internally displaced people) camp. These are small areas with rows of small huts that became people’s homes due to the war in the north. The government placed soldiers at these camps to protect the people. The ‘war’ in Uganda ended over three years ago and these camps are still quite full. So much is being done, but so much more needs to be done.
In other news Matt is done at the production unit until the New Year. He had his Christmas party today complete with games, speeches, dancing, local food and the Christmas story. This was the first time Matt has ever gotten a sunburn going to a Christmas party.
We received two new babies this past week, both abandoned at the local hospital. They are beautiful little boys, both just born and doing very well! I have heard that the holiday season is a bad for people abandoning babies, so we shall see what the next couple of weeks entails. I took Nellie to church last Sunday. They were doing a kids Christmas cantata for the service. She loved it!
Stay tuned for the tales of the first Kaminski African Christmas!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
A Trip to the Zoo
Greetings to all, happy holiday’s (perhaps a bit premature) and we trust that the majority of you reading this blog are enjoying the snow. I think SJ and I are both slightly missing the powdery white stuff. 40 degrees above zero feels a bit weird in December. My internal holiday clock is totally messed up. So please, if you are not enjoying the snow, the ice, the minus 30, the defensive driving and that storms, just think of us sweating our faces off and enjoy it a little for us. That would be great.
Today was also exciting as we were, once again, able to spend a very special day with the children from Nakasongola. Sarah, myself, and two other volunteers (Jess and Edith) were invited to spend the day with the kids in Entebbe. When we joined up with the kids we met them at the Entebbe International Airport where they were enjoying some sodas and watching the airplanes land, take-off and just chill on the tarmac. Something, to many of us, so “normal” and mundane and certainly not worthy of two hours; but something, to the kids, new and tremendously exciting. Another thing that the kids found very exciting/scary were stairs. Yes you read correctly…stairs. The majority of these kids had never scene or climbed stairs before. (you don’t need stairs in mud huts☺) It was fun to be able to experience this with them, they were very cautious in climbing up and down the stairs and held very tightly to our hands for extra support!
Next we proceeded to the Entebbe Wildlife Reserve (zoo). Along with the kids, we were excited to be able to see lions, rhinos, zebras, chimpanzees, monkeys (in and out of cages) and many other animals. After checking out all the animals we enjoyed lunch right on the edge of Lake Victoria. While swimming was tempting, the water didn’t look all that appealing. Sarah and I both stepped in just to say that we had been in Lake Victoria, but that is as far as we went.
All in all it was a GREAT day!
Today was also exciting as we were, once again, able to spend a very special day with the children from Nakasongola. Sarah, myself, and two other volunteers (Jess and Edith) were invited to spend the day with the kids in Entebbe. When we joined up with the kids we met them at the Entebbe International Airport where they were enjoying some sodas and watching the airplanes land, take-off and just chill on the tarmac. Something, to many of us, so “normal” and mundane and certainly not worthy of two hours; but something, to the kids, new and tremendously exciting. Another thing that the kids found very exciting/scary were stairs. Yes you read correctly…stairs. The majority of these kids had never scene or climbed stairs before. (you don’t need stairs in mud huts☺) It was fun to be able to experience this with them, they were very cautious in climbing up and down the stairs and held very tightly to our hands for extra support!
Next we proceeded to the Entebbe Wildlife Reserve (zoo). Along with the kids, we were excited to be able to see lions, rhinos, zebras, chimpanzees, monkeys (in and out of cages) and many other animals. After checking out all the animals we enjoyed lunch right on the edge of Lake Victoria. While swimming was tempting, the water didn’t look all that appealing. Sarah and I both stepped in just to say that we had been in Lake Victoria, but that is as far as we went.
All in all it was a GREAT day!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Rwanda
This past weekend Sarah and I had the opportunity to travel to Rwanda for a short four day get-a-way that turned out to be both relaxing and educational. Our hope for the trip was to get a little time away from Uganda, to see Kigali (one of Africa’s most beautiful cities) and to also learn a little more about Rwanda’s history by visiting the Kigali Genocide Museum. Prior to our departure we prepared ourselves a little by watching the movie Hotel Rwanda, which is by no means an easy movie to watch but a good way to learn and remember what happened in Rwanda 15 years ago. It was at the same Hotel Rwanda (the Hotel des Mille Collines) that we stayed and we had a wonderful stay.
Side note – Before arriving at the hotel we waited 3 hours in Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) before our plane even showed up, and another hour in the Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) before our shuttle showed up. I suppose it wouldn’t be an African trip if we didn’t spend time waiting.
Anywho…back to Kigali. Our stay at “Hotel Rwanda” was wonderful and our visit to the genocide museum was tough but good. It is hard to believe that such atrocities happened in the country of Rwanda in 1994 and the surrounding world did nothing about it, a hard reality to swallow. The museums consisted of four exhibits. The first was pictures, stories and actual items from the Rwandan genocide. The second was dedicated to telling the stories of other genocides that have taken place over the years throughout the world. There were, unfortunately, far more than I had previously known about. The third exhibit told stories of children who were killed in the Rwandan genocide. And the fourth was a self-guided walking tour among gardens and mass graves right there at the museum. Again, it was a difficult museum to tour but a good experience.
I went away from my time in Rwanda relaxed, thankful that I have never had to experience violence like what occurred in Rwanda and many other countries around the world, and sorry for those who have. God’s heart must hurt so much because of what his creation does to one another. May his peace and love come and flood our lives, our world and our future.
Side note – Before arriving at the hotel we waited 3 hours in Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) before our plane even showed up, and another hour in the Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) before our shuttle showed up. I suppose it wouldn’t be an African trip if we didn’t spend time waiting.
Anywho…back to Kigali. Our stay at “Hotel Rwanda” was wonderful and our visit to the genocide museum was tough but good. It is hard to believe that such atrocities happened in the country of Rwanda in 1994 and the surrounding world did nothing about it, a hard reality to swallow. The museums consisted of four exhibits. The first was pictures, stories and actual items from the Rwandan genocide. The second was dedicated to telling the stories of other genocides that have taken place over the years throughout the world. There were, unfortunately, far more than I had previously known about. The third exhibit told stories of children who were killed in the Rwandan genocide. And the fourth was a self-guided walking tour among gardens and mass graves right there at the museum. Again, it was a difficult museum to tour but a good experience.
I went away from my time in Rwanda relaxed, thankful that I have never had to experience violence like what occurred in Rwanda and many other countries around the world, and sorry for those who have. God’s heart must hurt so much because of what his creation does to one another. May his peace and love come and flood our lives, our world and our future.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
a little bit from both of us
A little bit from Matt:
I got a little break from the production unit this past week and spent my days in Kampala. Monday and Tuesday I had the opportunity to make my way to an area called Ntinda, an area I had not visited. There myself and two other workers from the shop installed some kitchen cabinets at a very nice Ugandan home. But my highlight from the week took place on Wednesday and Thursday as I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Global Leadership Summit, Ugandan style. I was accompanied by my lovely wife, a friend of ours from Australia and one of my co-workers from the shop. For those of you who do not know what the Leadership Summit is, it is a leadership conference that was founded by Bill Hybles, the pastor of Willow Creek church in Chicago. This conference takes place in Chicago annually and is broadcast out to roughly 150 other churches across North America. This years speaking roster consisted of Bill Hybles, John Maxwell, Wayne Cordiero, Gary Haugen and Tony Blair, just to name a few. Uganda has hosted this conference once before and is truly passionate about raising up strong Christian leaders with hopes of turning their country around.
I was quite excited to attend the conference not only to receive some solid teaching on leadership but to expose my friend Frank, the head foreman from the production unit, to these teachings and to a side of Kampala that he has never been apart of. The conference was held in one of Kampala’s finest hotels complete with course material and meals. I fully expected the conference to be very North American in nature and after about thirty minutes in attendance realized that my expectations were way off. The conference as a whole, apart from the Mzungu speakers via DVD, was completely and utterly Ugandan. The praise and worship was in Lugandan, the technical side of things was a little shaky, the lunch was Ugandan dishes, the sessions rarely began as scheduled and the who’s who of Ugandan Protestantism was in attendance and introduced. It was definitely a cultural experience.
At the end of it all I enjoyed some wonderful teachings from some of the world’s top leaders and was truly challenged by what was taught. But most of all I was blessed to have shared the experience with Frank. He listened intently, he took notes, we discussed how what was taught could be used at the shop, he enjoyed the food (as any Ugandan would) and he received a certificate at the end. But what stuck me most was a comment he made. He told me that he had passed by that particular hotel a number of times and always thought that he had absolutely no reason to enter, as if it was out of his “league”. Frank was so excited and thankful that I asked him to come, that he finally entered that hotel and that he learned valuable lessons in leadership that he could take back to his work.
A little bit from SJ:
Within one day a nurse has the ability to have such drastically high moments and such drastically low moments – this past Saturday I experienced a high high followed so closely by a low low – I rest in the fact that our God is sovereign and His plans are best!
This past Sat. a few of us rented a car and drove out to Nakasongola for the day. Edith, one of the volunteers from Australia drove the rental care (Australians drive on the same side of the road as Ugandans☺). Edith did a great job at getting us there and back on some not so fantastic roads! We had only a few hours to spend with the kids and we had some things to finish for their sponsorship profiles. Another volunteer that is working with Watoto with us has so graciously volunteered to do the sponsorship profiles for the orphanage during her free time from Watoto – amazing! And we also brought with us the HIV testing kit so that we could finish what we had started a few weeks ago when we did full physicals on the kids. We tested each of the kids, gave them a colorful band aid (which they loved), a lollipop and then Edith prayed over them. I think the kids were very confused as to why these Mzungu’s whom they were coming to love would want to make them bleed and then put there blood on strips…weird concept if you have never had a blood test.
I was expecting the results of the test to be very disappointing. Many of these kids come from horrific backgrounds, from bad home situation, from living in a prison because the police took pitty on them from living on the streets, from homes where both parents and many siblings have died from AIDS. BUT God is soooo good! He is faithful…ALL of the kids were NEGATIVE!!!!! We had a little dance party to celebrate – thank you Jesus!!! It was sad to say good-bye to our precious friends, but what a treat of health!
While in Nakasongola I got a call from the Babies Home asking if on our way through the city we would stop by the home to give IV drugs to Harrison – our newest admit to the babies home. He was septic when he arrived to us and is nearing the end of his treatment and doing well! I said sure as I like to lay eyes on the sick babies at least once a day. When we got there Harrison was looking fantastic. I gave him his meds and then we were about to head back home when Zack arrived back from the surgery. Not to get into too much detail, but he looked terrible. Zack was our 6 week old 1.1kg malnourished little man. I saw him last on the Friday night – just 24 hours ago and I had made the comment to the nannies about how good he was looking and he was gaining weight nicely. Sat evening he looked bad, I assessed him and everytime I touched him I caused him pain. He was a sick little man. I called the bosses of the home to come in. We started his IV and antibiotics. A couple of hours later his breathing was very labored and he was having frequent episodes of apnea and his little heart rate would slow to less then 60 – it should have been above 100/min. We started Zack on all the proper meds, started him on CPAP which gave him temporarily respiratory relief and he even seemed to be on the up swing. Matt and I finally left the home at about 12:20am. Des, the nurse in charge of all Watoto spent the night with Zack. I told Zack before I left that heaven was a great place and not to stay on earth for our sake – Zack’s earth was so full of hurt, pain and neglect for his 6 weeks of life. I didn’t sleep well at all and finally at 6am I got the call saying that Zack had died. Des said that he was doing great – and then just suddenly his little heart just stopped…it was his time to go to Jesus…Zack will never feel hurt, pain or neglect again. We were able to love Zack for the two weeks we shared, but he has never experienced love like he is experiencing now!
Ups and downs…Jesus is in charge of all of them! And so we go on…resting in the fact that our God is sovereign and that we are to be His hands and feet, but he is in control. And I smile when I think of Zack – pain free and loved! And we go back to work – because there are 65 more beautiful lives that need love and care!
I am thankful for the opportunities that God is blessing Matt and I with! May we be faithful to Him in and through all things!
I got a little break from the production unit this past week and spent my days in Kampala. Monday and Tuesday I had the opportunity to make my way to an area called Ntinda, an area I had not visited. There myself and two other workers from the shop installed some kitchen cabinets at a very nice Ugandan home. But my highlight from the week took place on Wednesday and Thursday as I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Global Leadership Summit, Ugandan style. I was accompanied by my lovely wife, a friend of ours from Australia and one of my co-workers from the shop. For those of you who do not know what the Leadership Summit is, it is a leadership conference that was founded by Bill Hybles, the pastor of Willow Creek church in Chicago. This conference takes place in Chicago annually and is broadcast out to roughly 150 other churches across North America. This years speaking roster consisted of Bill Hybles, John Maxwell, Wayne Cordiero, Gary Haugen and Tony Blair, just to name a few. Uganda has hosted this conference once before and is truly passionate about raising up strong Christian leaders with hopes of turning their country around.
I was quite excited to attend the conference not only to receive some solid teaching on leadership but to expose my friend Frank, the head foreman from the production unit, to these teachings and to a side of Kampala that he has never been apart of. The conference was held in one of Kampala’s finest hotels complete with course material and meals. I fully expected the conference to be very North American in nature and after about thirty minutes in attendance realized that my expectations were way off. The conference as a whole, apart from the Mzungu speakers via DVD, was completely and utterly Ugandan. The praise and worship was in Lugandan, the technical side of things was a little shaky, the lunch was Ugandan dishes, the sessions rarely began as scheduled and the who’s who of Ugandan Protestantism was in attendance and introduced. It was definitely a cultural experience.
At the end of it all I enjoyed some wonderful teachings from some of the world’s top leaders and was truly challenged by what was taught. But most of all I was blessed to have shared the experience with Frank. He listened intently, he took notes, we discussed how what was taught could be used at the shop, he enjoyed the food (as any Ugandan would) and he received a certificate at the end. But what stuck me most was a comment he made. He told me that he had passed by that particular hotel a number of times and always thought that he had absolutely no reason to enter, as if it was out of his “league”. Frank was so excited and thankful that I asked him to come, that he finally entered that hotel and that he learned valuable lessons in leadership that he could take back to his work.
A little bit from SJ:
Within one day a nurse has the ability to have such drastically high moments and such drastically low moments – this past Saturday I experienced a high high followed so closely by a low low – I rest in the fact that our God is sovereign and His plans are best!
This past Sat. a few of us rented a car and drove out to Nakasongola for the day. Edith, one of the volunteers from Australia drove the rental care (Australians drive on the same side of the road as Ugandans☺). Edith did a great job at getting us there and back on some not so fantastic roads! We had only a few hours to spend with the kids and we had some things to finish for their sponsorship profiles. Another volunteer that is working with Watoto with us has so graciously volunteered to do the sponsorship profiles for the orphanage during her free time from Watoto – amazing! And we also brought with us the HIV testing kit so that we could finish what we had started a few weeks ago when we did full physicals on the kids. We tested each of the kids, gave them a colorful band aid (which they loved), a lollipop and then Edith prayed over them. I think the kids were very confused as to why these Mzungu’s whom they were coming to love would want to make them bleed and then put there blood on strips…weird concept if you have never had a blood test.
I was expecting the results of the test to be very disappointing. Many of these kids come from horrific backgrounds, from bad home situation, from living in a prison because the police took pitty on them from living on the streets, from homes where both parents and many siblings have died from AIDS. BUT God is soooo good! He is faithful…ALL of the kids were NEGATIVE!!!!! We had a little dance party to celebrate – thank you Jesus!!! It was sad to say good-bye to our precious friends, but what a treat of health!
While in Nakasongola I got a call from the Babies Home asking if on our way through the city we would stop by the home to give IV drugs to Harrison – our newest admit to the babies home. He was septic when he arrived to us and is nearing the end of his treatment and doing well! I said sure as I like to lay eyes on the sick babies at least once a day. When we got there Harrison was looking fantastic. I gave him his meds and then we were about to head back home when Zack arrived back from the surgery. Not to get into too much detail, but he looked terrible. Zack was our 6 week old 1.1kg malnourished little man. I saw him last on the Friday night – just 24 hours ago and I had made the comment to the nannies about how good he was looking and he was gaining weight nicely. Sat evening he looked bad, I assessed him and everytime I touched him I caused him pain. He was a sick little man. I called the bosses of the home to come in. We started his IV and antibiotics. A couple of hours later his breathing was very labored and he was having frequent episodes of apnea and his little heart rate would slow to less then 60 – it should have been above 100/min. We started Zack on all the proper meds, started him on CPAP which gave him temporarily respiratory relief and he even seemed to be on the up swing. Matt and I finally left the home at about 12:20am. Des, the nurse in charge of all Watoto spent the night with Zack. I told Zack before I left that heaven was a great place and not to stay on earth for our sake – Zack’s earth was so full of hurt, pain and neglect for his 6 weeks of life. I didn’t sleep well at all and finally at 6am I got the call saying that Zack had died. Des said that he was doing great – and then just suddenly his little heart just stopped…it was his time to go to Jesus…Zack will never feel hurt, pain or neglect again. We were able to love Zack for the two weeks we shared, but he has never experienced love like he is experiencing now!
Ups and downs…Jesus is in charge of all of them! And so we go on…resting in the fact that our God is sovereign and that we are to be His hands and feet, but he is in control. And I smile when I think of Zack – pain free and loved! And we go back to work – because there are 65 more beautiful lives that need love and care!
I am thankful for the opportunities that God is blessing Matt and I with! May we be faithful to Him in and through all things!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
November 15, 2009
Last weekend I really got a taste of the poverty that plagues the city of Kampala, the country of Uganda and the continent of Africa, and realized just how complex a problem it is. On the evening of November 8th I accompanied Roger, from New Beginnings, into the downtown slums of Kampala. These slums are home to thousands of men, women and teenagers many of whom struggle with addictions. It is also home to Joshua and Joseph, two young men whom Roger has befriended over the years. Earlier that evening Roger asked me if I was interested in visiting Joshua, Joseph and the many other young residents of the slums and if I would “give them a word”. Unsure of what giving them a word meant and even more unsure of what I was going to say I agreed without hesitation trusting God would give me something intelligent to say.
We arrived after dark and the streets were busy with vendors, avid football (soccer) fans and people seeking an evening meal. The dirt “roads” were eerily lit by candles, kerosene lanterns and the odd street light; hardly a place appealing of an evening visit. With that being said I felt perfectly safe during my visit and even welcome.
We eventually found Joshua and Joseph; rather they found us, as it is not an easy task finding a Ugandan in the dark. I was quickly bombarded by names, handshakes and questions. After a meeting and greeting nearly twenty young men Roger told them all to sit and listen to what the pastor, me, had to say. They quickly sat and were ready to hear whatever it was that I had to say. Roger wanted me to mention that the streets were no place for them to live but other than that it was up to me. I started out with who I was and why I was in Uganda and then proceeded to tell them that the God who loved me and brought me to Uganda also loved them and had a plan for their life. I also encouraged those who had families to go home as the streets were only going to bring them harm.
I am not sure if anything I said that night sunk in but I trust God has a great plan for their lives and that he used me to play a small part in getting them on track. I did however come to the realization that getting people off the streets and pursuing something productive is no easy task. You cannot simply throw money at the situation, as they will most likely spend foolishly. You cannot tell them to get a job as few, if any, posses any type of training or education. And you cannot tell them to go to school as most secondary schools in Uganda cost money, money that they do not have or cannot keep. So how does one begin to find a solution to this problem? The only answer that I can think of is to develop friendships. To spend time with them, learn about them, earn their trust and love on them. That in my opinion would be a good start.
Things at the babies home, and specifically in the premie room have been busy the last little while. Last week Sarah received Zack, a 6 week old, 1.1kg term baby who is severely malnourished. We ask that you would all pray that Zack would begin to gain weight and strength so that he may enjoy a normal life. For those of you wondering how Meg is doing, she took her first bottle this past week and is making Sarah very proud. It was a measly 18ml but a huge step for Meg. Outside the babies home Sarah treated herself to a new African hairstyle. Pictures are available on Facebook.
Life at the shop is as busy as always and a little more stressful as Gerry is on a much deserved leave visiting family and friends back in Ohio. While my goal is still to get to know the people that I am working with, much of my time has been spent constructing kitchen cabinets for a job in Kampala. They turned out not too bad if I do say so myself. Those of you interested in the timber kiln…It is currently on its maiden voyage and so far so good. While the sun has not been out much at all the last little while, the timber is drying slowly but surly. With all of the building going on within Watoto much furniture will need to be constructed in the next few months. I am looking forward to learning much. Please pray for continued safety at the shop (God gave us 10 finders and we would like to keep in that way), that my relationships would continue to deepen and that God would give me opportunity to encourage and minister to my new friends.
We arrived after dark and the streets were busy with vendors, avid football (soccer) fans and people seeking an evening meal. The dirt “roads” were eerily lit by candles, kerosene lanterns and the odd street light; hardly a place appealing of an evening visit. With that being said I felt perfectly safe during my visit and even welcome.
We eventually found Joshua and Joseph; rather they found us, as it is not an easy task finding a Ugandan in the dark. I was quickly bombarded by names, handshakes and questions. After a meeting and greeting nearly twenty young men Roger told them all to sit and listen to what the pastor, me, had to say. They quickly sat and were ready to hear whatever it was that I had to say. Roger wanted me to mention that the streets were no place for them to live but other than that it was up to me. I started out with who I was and why I was in Uganda and then proceeded to tell them that the God who loved me and brought me to Uganda also loved them and had a plan for their life. I also encouraged those who had families to go home as the streets were only going to bring them harm.
I am not sure if anything I said that night sunk in but I trust God has a great plan for their lives and that he used me to play a small part in getting them on track. I did however come to the realization that getting people off the streets and pursuing something productive is no easy task. You cannot simply throw money at the situation, as they will most likely spend foolishly. You cannot tell them to get a job as few, if any, posses any type of training or education. And you cannot tell them to go to school as most secondary schools in Uganda cost money, money that they do not have or cannot keep. So how does one begin to find a solution to this problem? The only answer that I can think of is to develop friendships. To spend time with them, learn about them, earn their trust and love on them. That in my opinion would be a good start.
Things at the babies home, and specifically in the premie room have been busy the last little while. Last week Sarah received Zack, a 6 week old, 1.1kg term baby who is severely malnourished. We ask that you would all pray that Zack would begin to gain weight and strength so that he may enjoy a normal life. For those of you wondering how Meg is doing, she took her first bottle this past week and is making Sarah very proud. It was a measly 18ml but a huge step for Meg. Outside the babies home Sarah treated herself to a new African hairstyle. Pictures are available on Facebook.
Life at the shop is as busy as always and a little more stressful as Gerry is on a much deserved leave visiting family and friends back in Ohio. While my goal is still to get to know the people that I am working with, much of my time has been spent constructing kitchen cabinets for a job in Kampala. They turned out not too bad if I do say so myself. Those of you interested in the timber kiln…It is currently on its maiden voyage and so far so good. While the sun has not been out much at all the last little while, the timber is drying slowly but surly. With all of the building going on within Watoto much furniture will need to be constructed in the next few months. I am looking forward to learning much. Please pray for continued safety at the shop (God gave us 10 finders and we would like to keep in that way), that my relationships would continue to deepen and that God would give me opportunity to encourage and minister to my new friends.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
November 3, 2009 – New Beginnings Orphanage
This past weekend we had the privilege of traveling three hours north of Kampala to an area called Nakasongola, which is home to an orphanage called “New Beginnings.” Roger, an Irish man, is the brains, passion and inspiration behind the orphanage. He came to Uganda, saw a need and is meeting that need. The orphanage is small with only 24 children, but is growing all too quickly. New Beginnings is currently under construction building their third dormitory. The kids were beautiful! They have nothing and yet they are FULL of joy! They were so excited to have visitors. Six of us traveled out and we were the first “team” that has come to visit. They treated us like royalty. People have so little and yet are so giving – many lessons to be learnt there!
Our two days were jam-packed!!! We did a lot of playing☺. Matt played hours worth of soccer in the hot sun with the young men of New Beginnings. Another nurse and myself did full physical assessments on the kids, which was their first. Roger was VERY grateful. I had also brought up HIV testing kits…but was sold the incorrect strips☹. I specifically asked questions so that this would not happen, but in Uganda anyone can open a pharmacy regardless of training or education. So the HIV tests will have to be done on our next trip! Auntie Michelle (one of our other team members) brought supplies to do a craft with the kids, which they loved. We had the 24 kids from New Beginnings and then others seemed to appear out of nowhere to craft it up!
On Saturday night after supper we had a dance party with the kids. We danced for about an hour with them and they dance for over two!! Ugandans are born with the innate ability to dance! After the dancing, Roger set up a white sheet in a hut and we sang along to some karaoke – good times!
Sunday we went to church. Real African bush church. We didn’t understand most of what was said, but they did translate the message for us. Summary of the message…get your act together cause we are all dying. They get right to the point here☺. After lunch Roger and the kids took us on a walk around the surrounding area. Uganda really is a beautiful country! The air was fresh and the bush so green and lush compared to the red soil. As we walked many people came out to the bush to greet the six white strangers☺. We saw “real” Africa, mud huts and naked babies! After our walk we were off! It was sad to leave as the kids ran after the van. They each stole a piece of our heart!
It was so nice to get out of Kampala and to the country. The people were SO grateful and appreciative of us. It was a humbling experience. Hopefully we will be able to see the kids again. Hopefully we will be able to get the right HIV tests next time, test the kids and get them on medication if needed. If you think about it, pray for Roger and these 24 kids. God is doing great things – we were so blessed to be apart of it! Also… One of the girls from our “team” is creating sponsorship profiles for the kids (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more).
After reading over this post I have realized that it covers all of the facts from the weekend, but not all of the different emotions that we felt. I guess some thing’s are for the here and now. I hope that someday you all will be able to experience little pieces of heaven like we experienced this past weekend!
Our two days were jam-packed!!! We did a lot of playing☺. Matt played hours worth of soccer in the hot sun with the young men of New Beginnings. Another nurse and myself did full physical assessments on the kids, which was their first. Roger was VERY grateful. I had also brought up HIV testing kits…but was sold the incorrect strips☹. I specifically asked questions so that this would not happen, but in Uganda anyone can open a pharmacy regardless of training or education. So the HIV tests will have to be done on our next trip! Auntie Michelle (one of our other team members) brought supplies to do a craft with the kids, which they loved. We had the 24 kids from New Beginnings and then others seemed to appear out of nowhere to craft it up!
On Saturday night after supper we had a dance party with the kids. We danced for about an hour with them and they dance for over two!! Ugandans are born with the innate ability to dance! After the dancing, Roger set up a white sheet in a hut and we sang along to some karaoke – good times!
Sunday we went to church. Real African bush church. We didn’t understand most of what was said, but they did translate the message for us. Summary of the message…get your act together cause we are all dying. They get right to the point here☺. After lunch Roger and the kids took us on a walk around the surrounding area. Uganda really is a beautiful country! The air was fresh and the bush so green and lush compared to the red soil. As we walked many people came out to the bush to greet the six white strangers☺. We saw “real” Africa, mud huts and naked babies! After our walk we were off! It was sad to leave as the kids ran after the van. They each stole a piece of our heart!
It was so nice to get out of Kampala and to the country. The people were SO grateful and appreciative of us. It was a humbling experience. Hopefully we will be able to see the kids again. Hopefully we will be able to get the right HIV tests next time, test the kids and get them on medication if needed. If you think about it, pray for Roger and these 24 kids. God is doing great things – we were so blessed to be apart of it! Also… One of the girls from our “team” is creating sponsorship profiles for the kids (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more).
After reading over this post I have realized that it covers all of the facts from the weekend, but not all of the different emotions that we felt. I guess some thing’s are for the here and now. I hope that someday you all will be able to experience little pieces of heaven like we experienced this past weekend!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
October 25, 2009 - Celebrate Good Times. Come on!
Two months till Christmas!!! Just in case anyone is counting☺
We have been blessed to have a group of 9 strangers now friends at the guest house. We have had many good times of fellowship together. It’s almost like we are one big family since we live under one roof and eat all or meals together! There have also been plenty of Dutch Blitz games played – love it!
Two weeks ago I celebrated my 25th birthday. One quarter of a century done! It was a memorable one. Matt and I went out on our first ‘date’ since we have been in Uganda. We went to a wonderful Italian restaurant called Mamba Point. The ambiance and the food were both fantastic!!! We both had entrees and then shared a chocolate fondue for dessert, mmmmmm!!! My actual birthday was a workday. Matt left at 6 in the morning and when I woke up my present awaited me. When I got to work at about noon, a beautiful bouquet of calalilly’s was delivered. The calalilly’s here are huge and beautiful!!! For supper Matt bought all of the ingredients and had our cook make sweet and sour pork, one of my favorite meals of all time! For dessert the girls at the guesthouse had a cake! I finished the evening off with phone calls from home from both sets of parents – a great day indeed!
Lots of moving around has happened at the babies home. A group of toddlers graduated out to the village this past week and thus everybody moved up to the next room. So…three of my babies graduated up to the monkey’s room (3-6 month room) and we gained 4 new babies in the prem room. Twins and a singleton from Gulu (northern Uganda) and then another prem named John who is just over a kg. Meg continues to do so well – praise the Lord. Her current weight is 940 grams! She is doing so well! I have enjoyed having another NICU nurse here for the past couple of weeks! It has been so nice to have someone to talk preemies with☺
Over the past two weeks myself along with 4 other nurses have completed a babies home clinic. We ran all the babies through full physicals. We noted current and potential problems. I will closely follow up on some of the babies.
Yesterday Watoto church held a baby dedication for babies from Bulrushes. I had the privilege of dedicating Zara to God. There were about 15 babies in total. Zara looked beautiful in her little dress. She was a good girl, no crying or vomiting during the whole dedication. It was fun to have her in church. I think that during the worship time she experienced a stimulation overload with many new sights and sounds. She was staring with wide eyes. She was exhausted by the time we got home. She is a special girl!
Matt had a busy week at work, working long hard days. This past week he finished the timber kiln finally and is excited to see if it works as well in reality as it does in theory. It was a hot week and working outside next to this solar powered kiln made for very HOT days for him! Another project that Matt worked on this week was an oval dining room table. This is the first oval table that the production unit has ever made.
Until next week…
We have been blessed to have a group of 9 strangers now friends at the guest house. We have had many good times of fellowship together. It’s almost like we are one big family since we live under one roof and eat all or meals together! There have also been plenty of Dutch Blitz games played – love it!
Two weeks ago I celebrated my 25th birthday. One quarter of a century done! It was a memorable one. Matt and I went out on our first ‘date’ since we have been in Uganda. We went to a wonderful Italian restaurant called Mamba Point. The ambiance and the food were both fantastic!!! We both had entrees and then shared a chocolate fondue for dessert, mmmmmm!!! My actual birthday was a workday. Matt left at 6 in the morning and when I woke up my present awaited me. When I got to work at about noon, a beautiful bouquet of calalilly’s was delivered. The calalilly’s here are huge and beautiful!!! For supper Matt bought all of the ingredients and had our cook make sweet and sour pork, one of my favorite meals of all time! For dessert the girls at the guesthouse had a cake! I finished the evening off with phone calls from home from both sets of parents – a great day indeed!
Lots of moving around has happened at the babies home. A group of toddlers graduated out to the village this past week and thus everybody moved up to the next room. So…three of my babies graduated up to the monkey’s room (3-6 month room) and we gained 4 new babies in the prem room. Twins and a singleton from Gulu (northern Uganda) and then another prem named John who is just over a kg. Meg continues to do so well – praise the Lord. Her current weight is 940 grams! She is doing so well! I have enjoyed having another NICU nurse here for the past couple of weeks! It has been so nice to have someone to talk preemies with☺
Over the past two weeks myself along with 4 other nurses have completed a babies home clinic. We ran all the babies through full physicals. We noted current and potential problems. I will closely follow up on some of the babies.
Yesterday Watoto church held a baby dedication for babies from Bulrushes. I had the privilege of dedicating Zara to God. There were about 15 babies in total. Zara looked beautiful in her little dress. She was a good girl, no crying or vomiting during the whole dedication. It was fun to have her in church. I think that during the worship time she experienced a stimulation overload with many new sights and sounds. She was staring with wide eyes. She was exhausted by the time we got home. She is a special girl!
Matt had a busy week at work, working long hard days. This past week he finished the timber kiln finally and is excited to see if it works as well in reality as it does in theory. It was a hot week and working outside next to this solar powered kiln made for very HOT days for him! Another project that Matt worked on this week was an oval dining room table. This is the first oval table that the production unit has ever made.
Until next week…
Monday, October 19, 2009
October 18, 2009 - Jesus called His Faithful Servant home.
Early Sunday morning we got a phone call from home telling us of news that a wonderful man from home had been hit by a drunk driver and killed. We were consumed with sadness…he was a GREAT man. A fantastic dad, husband, leader, servant, lover of life and Jesus wanted him home. We are humans and cannot comprehend or see much big picture though our tears, but we do know that God is sovereign and so we rest in that knowing that we are indeed living for eternity and know Dale has received this. We are praying for the McCaw family and all that know them. May we rest in God’s peace through this situation and have HOPE that this is not the end!
With Hope – Steven Curtis Chapman
This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...
We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again
With Hope – Steven Curtis Chapman
This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...
We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again
Saturday, October 10, 2009
October 10, 2009 - Happy Thanksgiving Canada
We began this past week with an evening of Uganda culture. We tagged along with a Watoto team from Australia to the Ndere Center. It is an outdoor amphitheatre with picnic tables and chairs. We were fed BBQ meat with rice and salad. The entertainment was dancing. The dances showcased the different regions of Uganda – very interesting the dances are very different styles depending on where you are from. There was also a little audience participation/dancing going on throughout the evening!
Another outing that we had, with a number of the other volunteers, was brunch on Sunday before church at Kampala’s Serena Hotel. It was such a treat to have a breakfast buffet. Matt had four HEAPING plates full of food. The grounds of the hotel are gorgeous and the food and drinks amazing to our taste buds that are getting bored of rice six times a week☺
This past week Matt and I didn’t see very much of each other. I was on night shift, which is from 5pm-12am. It was is a quiet shift and gave me good opportunities to give Meg some kangaroo care (for all you non NICU nurses that means a good cuddle skin to the skin). Meg is finally putting on weight!!! She continues to amaze me and really truly is evidence of the power and grace of God. Keep praying for her! I have been doing many nursing duties this past week, which is nice – feels good to be using those skills! I’m really enjoying getting to know the nannies better and better and building relationships with them.
Matt was busy out at the production unit. He and his guys made 200 dining room chairs and are almost done making their solar powered timber kiln. Matt got a break from the matatu (taxi) this week and was able to travel in and out of town with a Watoto team that was here to build a house at the village.
The guesthouse that we are staying at has been greatly increasing in numbers of Watoto volunteers. Matt is now here with 7 females! This past week we had small group at our guesthouse as there is so many of us here. Matt lead it – I wasn’t able to be there as I was working, but I heard he did a GREAT job!
This past Friday was Uganda’s independence day. Amazingly, it is not that big of a deal here. It is considered a national holiday and some people get it off work. Some shops were closed, but not all. It seemed as though it was just another ordinary day in Kampala. At the babies home we had a little party. Decorated with the colors of the Uganda flag. We had games for the nannies to play and everyone had a small piece of cake and a whole bottle of soda!
This week has had its moments of frustration. We are loving the people that we are getting to know, but there is a lot of corruption here. Being white has it’s frustrations as we are seen as money to people – things that the locals pay $2 for we are charged $10…etc. We have other frustrations as well – surprises to us. We knew certain things would take time to adjust to, but never imagined the things that actually give us the most frustration. So be in prayer for our hearts. That we would be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to become angry. We have come to love and sometimes that is hard task!
This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving. We are missing home. The fellowship of the holiday and also the food from the holiday! Home is in our heart and mind especially this weekend! We are thankful for so many things, and are finding new appreciation for so many things living over here! May you all find time to sit and be thankful this weekend!
Love to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
Another outing that we had, with a number of the other volunteers, was brunch on Sunday before church at Kampala’s Serena Hotel. It was such a treat to have a breakfast buffet. Matt had four HEAPING plates full of food. The grounds of the hotel are gorgeous and the food and drinks amazing to our taste buds that are getting bored of rice six times a week☺
This past week Matt and I didn’t see very much of each other. I was on night shift, which is from 5pm-12am. It was is a quiet shift and gave me good opportunities to give Meg some kangaroo care (for all you non NICU nurses that means a good cuddle skin to the skin). Meg is finally putting on weight!!! She continues to amaze me and really truly is evidence of the power and grace of God. Keep praying for her! I have been doing many nursing duties this past week, which is nice – feels good to be using those skills! I’m really enjoying getting to know the nannies better and better and building relationships with them.
Matt was busy out at the production unit. He and his guys made 200 dining room chairs and are almost done making their solar powered timber kiln. Matt got a break from the matatu (taxi) this week and was able to travel in and out of town with a Watoto team that was here to build a house at the village.
The guesthouse that we are staying at has been greatly increasing in numbers of Watoto volunteers. Matt is now here with 7 females! This past week we had small group at our guesthouse as there is so many of us here. Matt lead it – I wasn’t able to be there as I was working, but I heard he did a GREAT job!
This past Friday was Uganda’s independence day. Amazingly, it is not that big of a deal here. It is considered a national holiday and some people get it off work. Some shops were closed, but not all. It seemed as though it was just another ordinary day in Kampala. At the babies home we had a little party. Decorated with the colors of the Uganda flag. We had games for the nannies to play and everyone had a small piece of cake and a whole bottle of soda!
This week has had its moments of frustration. We are loving the people that we are getting to know, but there is a lot of corruption here. Being white has it’s frustrations as we are seen as money to people – things that the locals pay $2 for we are charged $10…etc. We have other frustrations as well – surprises to us. We knew certain things would take time to adjust to, but never imagined the things that actually give us the most frustration. So be in prayer for our hearts. That we would be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to become angry. We have come to love and sometimes that is hard task!
This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving. We are missing home. The fellowship of the holiday and also the food from the holiday! Home is in our heart and mind especially this weekend! We are thankful for so many things, and are finding new appreciation for so many things living over here! May you all find time to sit and be thankful this weekend!
Love to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Oct. 4 - one month done
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight if God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” – James 1:27 (NLT).
James was a smart man and I have found much of what he had to say applicable to our first month in Uganda. In chapter 1 verses 19-27 James talks about how Christians must be slow to anger because anger does not produce righteousness, and how Christians must also stop talking about how religious they are and start acting like it. Both of these things are hard to do especially in a foreign context. It is sometimes very easy to get angry and frustrated at the way things are, and very easy to step aside because it would be too difficult to try and fix all that is “wrong”. But I think verse 27 puts things into perspective and simplifies what religion/service/missions is to look like. It is about loving people and building relationships. After a month I believe that is what SJ and I are here to do and I am excited to see what relationships God brings our way.
It is hard to believe that a month has passed since we first stepped foot in Uganda. We have learned an overwhelming amount of information. It has been a good month full of new relationships, new food, new experiences, cuddling and caring for babies, building furniture, pouring concrete, taxi rides and tons of sunshine. But, it has also been a frustrating month full of new relationships, new food, taxi rides, riots and getting ripped off (I am not good at bartering as of yet). Missions is rewarding and difficult at the same time and I think both SJ and I have a new found appreciation for full-time missionaries. We have also noticed just how drastic the gap is between the wealthy here in Uganda and the rest of the population. There is a very small middle class. It is unsettling to see the slums and the poor on a daily basis and then have the opportunity to walk into a shopping center that sells big screen TV’s, Spalding golf clubs, leather couches and laptop computers.
This past week was quite busy both at the babies home and at the shop. Sarah made two visits to the local Mulago hospital with Meg, Bulrushes smallest baby. Both times Sarah felt like she was on display as the locals take notice (they stare) when a lone mzungu walks in with Uganda’s smallest living black baby in her arms. We still have not really gotten used to being stared at, I’m not sure anyone does. I think I have experienced a little of what a zoo animal must feel like. The preemie room also graduated all of its male residents to the next room up leaving Sarah and the nannies with an all female occupancy. On a sad note - the second baby, since our arrival, past away yesterday. She was a 10-month-old girl and her small mal-nourished body was overcome by her illnesses after much fighting. This next week will be Sarah’s first working all nights (5pm-12am), which will clash with my days (6:30am-7pm). Please pray for her strength and energy, and safe travels home.
At the shop this past week I spent much of my time sorting and organizing drawers and drawers of tools, parts and junk. I have also been helping with the creation of our very own timber kiln. For those of you who have no idea what that is…it is basically an old shipping container that will heat up, via homemade solar power, and dry wet timber making it more workable. The last few days we have inserted drains in the floor for the condensation to escape and poured a concrete floor; all by hand, no mixer. Tuesday I found myself in Kampala doing a little work at Watoto church and wandering around downtown markets shopping for materials with one of the shop’s foremen. What a wonderful yet chaotic experience. You can get absolutely anything that you could think of. You just have to find it. Relationally I am making progress with many of the guys and can somewhat communicate in Luganda with them. Please pray that God would provide opportunity to deepen these relationships.
Despite the ups and downs of life here in Uganda God is most certainly constant and working wonders. We were reminded today at church that God is on a mission to build His church, weather we are on board or not. What a magnificent promise! Our mission, if we choose to accept it, is to simply love our God and others and to SERVE. May God grant us the strength and the patience to serve the people of Uganda well and you the same in your context.
Blessings,
- Matt & SJ
James was a smart man and I have found much of what he had to say applicable to our first month in Uganda. In chapter 1 verses 19-27 James talks about how Christians must be slow to anger because anger does not produce righteousness, and how Christians must also stop talking about how religious they are and start acting like it. Both of these things are hard to do especially in a foreign context. It is sometimes very easy to get angry and frustrated at the way things are, and very easy to step aside because it would be too difficult to try and fix all that is “wrong”. But I think verse 27 puts things into perspective and simplifies what religion/service/missions is to look like. It is about loving people and building relationships. After a month I believe that is what SJ and I are here to do and I am excited to see what relationships God brings our way.
It is hard to believe that a month has passed since we first stepped foot in Uganda. We have learned an overwhelming amount of information. It has been a good month full of new relationships, new food, new experiences, cuddling and caring for babies, building furniture, pouring concrete, taxi rides and tons of sunshine. But, it has also been a frustrating month full of new relationships, new food, taxi rides, riots and getting ripped off (I am not good at bartering as of yet). Missions is rewarding and difficult at the same time and I think both SJ and I have a new found appreciation for full-time missionaries. We have also noticed just how drastic the gap is between the wealthy here in Uganda and the rest of the population. There is a very small middle class. It is unsettling to see the slums and the poor on a daily basis and then have the opportunity to walk into a shopping center that sells big screen TV’s, Spalding golf clubs, leather couches and laptop computers.
This past week was quite busy both at the babies home and at the shop. Sarah made two visits to the local Mulago hospital with Meg, Bulrushes smallest baby. Both times Sarah felt like she was on display as the locals take notice (they stare) when a lone mzungu walks in with Uganda’s smallest living black baby in her arms. We still have not really gotten used to being stared at, I’m not sure anyone does. I think I have experienced a little of what a zoo animal must feel like. The preemie room also graduated all of its male residents to the next room up leaving Sarah and the nannies with an all female occupancy. On a sad note - the second baby, since our arrival, past away yesterday. She was a 10-month-old girl and her small mal-nourished body was overcome by her illnesses after much fighting. This next week will be Sarah’s first working all nights (5pm-12am), which will clash with my days (6:30am-7pm). Please pray for her strength and energy, and safe travels home.
At the shop this past week I spent much of my time sorting and organizing drawers and drawers of tools, parts and junk. I have also been helping with the creation of our very own timber kiln. For those of you who have no idea what that is…it is basically an old shipping container that will heat up, via homemade solar power, and dry wet timber making it more workable. The last few days we have inserted drains in the floor for the condensation to escape and poured a concrete floor; all by hand, no mixer. Tuesday I found myself in Kampala doing a little work at Watoto church and wandering around downtown markets shopping for materials with one of the shop’s foremen. What a wonderful yet chaotic experience. You can get absolutely anything that you could think of. You just have to find it. Relationally I am making progress with many of the guys and can somewhat communicate in Luganda with them. Please pray that God would provide opportunity to deepen these relationships.
Despite the ups and downs of life here in Uganda God is most certainly constant and working wonders. We were reminded today at church that God is on a mission to build His church, weather we are on board or not. What a magnificent promise! Our mission, if we choose to accept it, is to simply love our God and others and to SERVE. May God grant us the strength and the patience to serve the people of Uganda well and you the same in your context.
Blessings,
- Matt & SJ
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27 - The week Meg came...
I was thinking that this might be the first week that we could blog and say we had a ‘normal’ week. That we worked and lived as if life is normal here in Kampala, but alas more excitement has ensued. Monday was a normal day – Matt went to work as did I. Tuesday Matt came to work at the babies home. They were having big donors through later in the week so wanted to get some general maintenance and painting done before they arrived. Matt came in a painted and puttered – fixing many small things that will make life a lot more easy at the home. Wednesday we both arrived at the babies home to find out that the donors that were suppose to come on Friday, were instead coming later that day. So I spent the majority of the day painting with Matt. If was nice to be able to work together. The donors arrived and were lovely businessmen from BC’s lower mainland - so I had a nice chat with them. Other exciting news…because of these four men visiting – we finally got a toilet seat for our toilet at the babies home – hip hip horray!!!
Thursday morning I woke up not feeling too well. I was to work the 11-7 shift. Before work Gloria (a co-volunteer with us who has been staying at the same guest house as us) and I headed down to check out a program called Living Hope Watoto. This program takes in women who have been widowed, abused etc and have HIV and brings them in for 12 months, teaches them skills such as jewelry making and sewing and gets them started on ARV medication. After 12 months, the ladies are healthy, have skills and ready to re-enter the world again – it is a GREAT program.
Anyway – following our visit to these ladies we were off to work. At around 3ish we received two new babies at the home. One is a beautiful baby girl who had been abandoned. She is currently HIV positive, she is fairly healthy all things considered. She does have a burn though covering the area of her diaper…don’t know how that happens…she is in good hands now!
The other little girl has been named Meg. She is a miracle! She is 720 grams. Probably less as she was weighed with a cord clamp, IV and NG tube in. We received her at a week old. She is breathing on her own and is currently remarkably stable. We tried to do a gestational assessment on her. She is all over the charts – it is hard to do a proper assessment after she has been alive for a week. I think however that she is older than she should be for her VERY small size. So we are not sure how old she is…we do know that she is small, she is breathing on her own and she is stable. Right now she needs prayer that she would begin tolerating her feeds. She is currently being fed every two hours. She has an IV running, but it is hard to keep IV’s in her – they keep blowing on us. Specialty formula is hard to come by here so I’m hoping that she has a strong, tough stomach!
So to add to this exciting week and the arrival of Meg, for some reason this was the week that my body decided to take a turn for the worse. Thursday, once Meg was settled in it was decided that I would go home for a couple of hours to rest and then come back to stay the night with her. I went home at about 5pm and then headed back in at around 9pm. My WONDERFUL husband came in with me to keep me company through the night (he said if something happened he wanted to be there) – isn’t he the best?! So I got little Meg organized, she settled in so nicely and we had a great night. I felt terrible Friday morning after working nights, but thought it was just lack of sleep. I headed home and slept from 8:30 – 6 when Matt came home from work. I woke up and felt TERRIBLE, my throat was on fire and now there were splashes of white patches all over the back on my throat. The babies home called and asked if I could come in for another night shift – I told them I couldn’t, as I believe I had strep throat – which indeed I did. I went in briefly that evening for about an hour to restart the IV and by the time I came home I was done. I started my antibiotics and went back to bed by 8:30 that night. I slept until 8 the next morning. My fever had broken by the time I woke up but the throat worse then ever! After more resting yesterday and a couple more doses of antibiotics I was feeling a bit better by last night. This morning I have just spent resting again. I am feeling much better!!! I just am weak and tiered after having not really eating for a few days. Thanks for your prayers from home – I am so thankful for them and thankful for a VERY amazing husband that takes such good care of me!
Matt went and got his first Ugandan haircut yesterday. It cost him 5 US dollars and they did a great job. Shaved and trimmed his head and beard! He also found a local video store that rents movies for 1 US dollar – the movies are burnt and recorded in the theatre – you hear the audience laughing in them – but it was still a treat!
We have heard that Canada, at least, has been unseasonable warm – how nice! We have been sent pictures of fall at home – it is such a beautiful time of year – enjoy it for us! Blessings to you all!!!
Thursday morning I woke up not feeling too well. I was to work the 11-7 shift. Before work Gloria (a co-volunteer with us who has been staying at the same guest house as us) and I headed down to check out a program called Living Hope Watoto. This program takes in women who have been widowed, abused etc and have HIV and brings them in for 12 months, teaches them skills such as jewelry making and sewing and gets them started on ARV medication. After 12 months, the ladies are healthy, have skills and ready to re-enter the world again – it is a GREAT program.
Anyway – following our visit to these ladies we were off to work. At around 3ish we received two new babies at the home. One is a beautiful baby girl who had been abandoned. She is currently HIV positive, she is fairly healthy all things considered. She does have a burn though covering the area of her diaper…don’t know how that happens…she is in good hands now!
The other little girl has been named Meg. She is a miracle! She is 720 grams. Probably less as she was weighed with a cord clamp, IV and NG tube in. We received her at a week old. She is breathing on her own and is currently remarkably stable. We tried to do a gestational assessment on her. She is all over the charts – it is hard to do a proper assessment after she has been alive for a week. I think however that she is older than she should be for her VERY small size. So we are not sure how old she is…we do know that she is small, she is breathing on her own and she is stable. Right now she needs prayer that she would begin tolerating her feeds. She is currently being fed every two hours. She has an IV running, but it is hard to keep IV’s in her – they keep blowing on us. Specialty formula is hard to come by here so I’m hoping that she has a strong, tough stomach!
So to add to this exciting week and the arrival of Meg, for some reason this was the week that my body decided to take a turn for the worse. Thursday, once Meg was settled in it was decided that I would go home for a couple of hours to rest and then come back to stay the night with her. I went home at about 5pm and then headed back in at around 9pm. My WONDERFUL husband came in with me to keep me company through the night (he said if something happened he wanted to be there) – isn’t he the best?! So I got little Meg organized, she settled in so nicely and we had a great night. I felt terrible Friday morning after working nights, but thought it was just lack of sleep. I headed home and slept from 8:30 – 6 when Matt came home from work. I woke up and felt TERRIBLE, my throat was on fire and now there were splashes of white patches all over the back on my throat. The babies home called and asked if I could come in for another night shift – I told them I couldn’t, as I believe I had strep throat – which indeed I did. I went in briefly that evening for about an hour to restart the IV and by the time I came home I was done. I started my antibiotics and went back to bed by 8:30 that night. I slept until 8 the next morning. My fever had broken by the time I woke up but the throat worse then ever! After more resting yesterday and a couple more doses of antibiotics I was feeling a bit better by last night. This morning I have just spent resting again. I am feeling much better!!! I just am weak and tiered after having not really eating for a few days. Thanks for your prayers from home – I am so thankful for them and thankful for a VERY amazing husband that takes such good care of me!
Matt went and got his first Ugandan haircut yesterday. It cost him 5 US dollars and they did a great job. Shaved and trimmed his head and beard! He also found a local video store that rents movies for 1 US dollar – the movies are burnt and recorded in the theatre – you hear the audience laughing in them – but it was still a treat!
We have heard that Canada, at least, has been unseasonable warm – how nice! We have been sent pictures of fall at home – it is such a beautiful time of year – enjoy it for us! Blessings to you all!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
September 19, 2009
The last four days have been quite “normal” if I can say that. I mean, as normal as the days can be living in a completely foreign country and culture. But I think after living in Uganda for almost three weeks now, Sarah and I are beginning to feel a little more at home and a little more comfortable and useful in our respective roles.
Sarah received a new preemie baby at the home on Wednesday and she is a tiny little thing for being a month old. She is malnourished weighing a measly 1.8 kg or 4 lbs. Zara is here name, which Sarah thinks is quite similar to her own. Both their names actually mean the same thing – Princess –, which they both certainly are.
Life at the Production Unit is quite busy as we have a lot of furniture to build. I feel as though I am finally settling in and able to work, joke and converse (some in Lugandan) with my fellow co-workers. Since arriving I have been working along side a fellow named Rashid building some heavy-duty chairs and couches for the various children’s homes. After much prep work we were finally able to begin assembling and it was great to see a finished product. I have also had the opportunity to teach a little as well. At Suubi there is a vocational school where kids that are interested in the trades can learn theory and practical skills. As part of their training they are able to come down to the shop and work along side the guys there. It was a neat experience to do a little teaching. Relationship wise I feel as though I am beginning to get to know the guys and am excited to go deeper over the next 7.5 months. I have especially got to know a fellow named Richard as well as I can, due to language barriers. Richard has definitely been my guardian angel during the first three weeks as he has gone out of his way everyday to teach me how to take the matatu’s (14 seat public transit). If it wasn’t for him I would have been completely lost, especially walking between the old and new taxi parks which is about a 5-10 minute walk through a sea of taxis, bodas, buses and Ugandans. I have learned to run when crossing the street, swivel my hips to avoid people and vehicles and not to fear when oncoming traffic is in your lane. It is absolute chaos.
Outside of work we have gotten to know many new mzungu’s (white people) and Ugandans and feel blessed to have met them all. It is amazing how God has provided us with a little community in such a short time. We have also found out that we will be able to move to the Suubi village in mid-October, which will allow us to have our own two bedroom flat. We will cook and clean for our selves and have one of the greatest views out our front window (pictures coming soon). Being at Suubi will also give us opportunity to deepen relationships and have people over. We are looking forward to the move.
We hope you all are doing well and love hearing from you. Keep it up.
God’s blessings!
Sarah received a new preemie baby at the home on Wednesday and she is a tiny little thing for being a month old. She is malnourished weighing a measly 1.8 kg or 4 lbs. Zara is here name, which Sarah thinks is quite similar to her own. Both their names actually mean the same thing – Princess –, which they both certainly are.
Life at the Production Unit is quite busy as we have a lot of furniture to build. I feel as though I am finally settling in and able to work, joke and converse (some in Lugandan) with my fellow co-workers. Since arriving I have been working along side a fellow named Rashid building some heavy-duty chairs and couches for the various children’s homes. After much prep work we were finally able to begin assembling and it was great to see a finished product. I have also had the opportunity to teach a little as well. At Suubi there is a vocational school where kids that are interested in the trades can learn theory and practical skills. As part of their training they are able to come down to the shop and work along side the guys there. It was a neat experience to do a little teaching. Relationship wise I feel as though I am beginning to get to know the guys and am excited to go deeper over the next 7.5 months. I have especially got to know a fellow named Richard as well as I can, due to language barriers. Richard has definitely been my guardian angel during the first three weeks as he has gone out of his way everyday to teach me how to take the matatu’s (14 seat public transit). If it wasn’t for him I would have been completely lost, especially walking between the old and new taxi parks which is about a 5-10 minute walk through a sea of taxis, bodas, buses and Ugandans. I have learned to run when crossing the street, swivel my hips to avoid people and vehicles and not to fear when oncoming traffic is in your lane. It is absolute chaos.
Outside of work we have gotten to know many new mzungu’s (white people) and Ugandans and feel blessed to have met them all. It is amazing how God has provided us with a little community in such a short time. We have also found out that we will be able to move to the Suubi village in mid-October, which will allow us to have our own two bedroom flat. We will cook and clean for our selves and have one of the greatest views out our front window (pictures coming soon). Being at Suubi will also give us opportunity to deepen relationships and have people over. We are looking forward to the move.
We hope you all are doing well and love hearing from you. Keep it up.
God’s blessings!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
September 15, 2009
Today my first baby went to be with Jesus.
Baby (I don’t want to post his name on the internet so Baby he will be) was approx 1 year old and weighed 5 kg. He was at the babies home for just over a month. Annie called me in this morning to the clinic where he was staying to consult regarding his current state. By the time I had reached him he was already doing what they call the ‘death moan.’ We assessed him, checked over the brief charting that was there from the night before. I took his temperature – 34.7 I wasn’t sure that the thermometer was accurate but he did indeed feel cold. His hands and feet were so cold and his perfusion was terrible. As I have been learning about malnutrition I have learned that hypothermia is a common side affect and something that needs to be watched for. Hypothermia will cause their little bodies so slowly shut down. We did our best to warm this little man up – a held him close, we put warmed blankets on him, all to no prevail. Within the hour we were up at ‘The Surgery’ – the best clinic/hospital in the area – the public hospitals here are death traps…literally. On the way to the Surgery Baby was having frequent apniec episodes needing much reminding/stimulation to breath. I held him closely the whole way to the Surgery - his level of consciousness wasn’t great but every once and awhile he would turn his big brown eyes and look at me as I was talking to him and praying for him. By the time we got to the Surgery Baby was tiring out. Besides being malnurshed he also was fighting TB and he had no reserve left in him to fight…he look his last breath on his own just as I was steps away from the clinic bed. We worked on him for over 30 min. but he was already gone. He died peacefully – we worked on him to try to bring him back, but really why would you want to stay in this world when you can see Jesus waiting with open arms for you!
I cleaned his little body up, swaddled him and we left the surgery just the same way as we had come in, just with this time with one less soul with us. I held his little body the entire way back to the babies home. Life and death – so real here. To have driven to the clinic with a little boy fighting every breath he took to the most peaceful looking little boy on the way home. I couldn’t help but think that this little malnourished man is now with Jesus, probably chubby as can be!
The staff and nannies were able to say good-bye once we arrived at the home. Death is so much apart of life here, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy… I bathed his little body, put a new sleeper and hat on him and wrapped him tightly again. Just his body is left and he is in such a better place.
What an honor it is to nurse. What an honor to be able to hold a little boy as the King of Kings decides that now is his time to come to Him. This little boy was abandoned and mistreated, I am so happy that God saw fit to bless him with his final month full of people that cared for him and loved him.
Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be apart of this little man’s life even if for a short time. Thank you for allowing me to hold him as he died – I thank you that we have hope in you through your Son.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Thank you!
We wanted to thank you all for your encouragement and prayers over the past couple of days - you guys are the BEST! It is so good for our hearts to know that we are so supported in prayer and love as we are on this adventure!
Things seem to be calm today in Kampala and the worst of everything seems to be behind us - praise the LORD! They talked today in church about fear vs. faith - so practical at a time like this. Also, some of the songs that I have song for years in church that we sang this morning have taken on a whole new meaning.
"Your name is a strong and mighty tower - your name is a shelter like no other - your name let the nations sing it louder - cause nothing has the power to save, but your name!"
Amazing how is the time of conflict that Jesus can give such peace!
Thank you all again for your love, encouragement and prayers! We are on to a new week - we hope for great things - to God be all Glory!
Side note...they might be moving Matt and I to Subbi Village where Matt works. That way only one of us has to commute and we will be safe just outside of Kampala - we will keep you all up to date:)
Things seem to be calm today in Kampala and the worst of everything seems to be behind us - praise the LORD! They talked today in church about fear vs. faith - so practical at a time like this. Also, some of the songs that I have song for years in church that we sang this morning have taken on a whole new meaning.
"Your name is a strong and mighty tower - your name is a shelter like no other - your name let the nations sing it louder - cause nothing has the power to save, but your name!"
Amazing how is the time of conflict that Jesus can give such peace!
Thank you all again for your love, encouragement and prayers! We are on to a new week - we hope for great things - to God be all Glory!
Side note...they might be moving Matt and I to Subbi Village where Matt works. That way only one of us has to commute and we will be safe just outside of Kampala - we will keep you all up to date:)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Together Again!
We are back together again - PRAISE THE LORD!!! We went into the babies home today - many nannies have not been able to get to work becuase they can't leave their homes so they needed all hands on deck. Two of the nannies were attacked, one in front of her children. It has become senseless attacks! Matt was able to hire a private taxi early this morning before the riots started again. He paid a fortune to get in, but it is so worth it! He met up with me at the babies home. It's so good to be back together! Things seem to be settling down somewhat. We hear less gunfire, but we shall see the true story after we watch the news tonight. Thank you all for your prayers - they have been felt! Keep them coming!
Love,
SJ & Matt
P.S. - if you have time you should watch 'Kirk Franklin in Uganda' on you tube...it's a little peice of what's going on here
Love,
SJ & Matt
P.S. - if you have time you should watch 'Kirk Franklin in Uganda' on you tube...it's a little peice of what's going on here
Friday, September 11, 2009
Rioting
It has been an interesting couple of days here in Kampala…we have had our first taste of the roots of the tribes that exist here. To make a very long story short for you all - there is a President of Uganda – he is in charge of the whole country. There are many tribes within Uganda. There is one major tribe called the Buganda tribe. They still have a King. He lives in Uganda in a large palace. He does not have any political power but his influence is GREAT!
Yesterday the King sent his Prime Minister ahead of him to go to a spot that he is to visit on Sat. The government would not let the King’s Prime Minister through and this made the tribe of Buganda VERY unhappy and thus riots have broken out throughout the city. The riots are so bad that the police could not handle them and had to call in the military – the military has not been called in for over 4 years. People are just doing crazy things.
The riots all started yesterday. Matt has been stranded in the village since they started and we are not quite sure when we will be able to be together again as tomorrow could be the worst yet as it is the day that the king is suppose to make his visit. I made it home from the babies home last night only by God’s grace! What is normally a max. 30 min trip took us just over three hours – people were trying to flee from the city only to all end up in traffic and while we were sitting in mass chaos our car broke down! We truly had angels watching over us. We are now stranded at our guest home away from the city center, but were awakened again this morning by the sound of gun shots. It is just crazy – people are so angry at so much and it seems to all be coming to a head!
Matt and I are both safe in our separate locations – we wish we were together but we will stay put until things have settled down. This all seems like a bad movie. PLEASE pray for safety and for peace for this country. It is so hard for us to understand everything that is happening – it is so African. We do not understand the history that comes with tribes etc.
Love to you all!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
PICTURES!!!
So we have figured out how to upload pics on this slow internet! The only problem is that they will be on facebook and not on the blog - so sorry blog readers. If you don't have facebook - it's time to join or find a friend that has.
We will try to upload new pics once a week.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Saturday, Sept. 5
Happy weekend to all! We have almost made it through our first week in Uganda and everyday we feel a little more comfortable about our new surroundings! Matt and I have both had two full days of work. We are learning our new jobs quickly!
Matt works at Subi Village in Watoto’s Production Unit on the West side of Kampala – we live on the East side of Kampala – therefore transportation is proving to be a challenge! Matt is on the road by 6:30am, at work from 8-5 and then gets home around 7pm. It’s a long day. He takes a Matatu – a 14 passenger Ugandan taxi. He is learning his route with help from a local named Richard, who also works at the Production Unit. Matatu’s stop at certain stages, similar to a Canadian bus. The trip is long, hot and squishy! This is the cheapest form of transportation and truly a Ugandan experience. The locals are impressed and think he is crazy for taking the Matatu’s to and from work work. I will never take these without Matt. On his first day, walking from one taxi park to another, many local grabbed at Matt’s backpack. Luckily Matt is a big guy!
At work, Matt has been learning how the shop runs. He worked along side another Ugandan man named Rashid the last two days learning the ropes! Matt’s boss, a man from Ohio, told Matt that as he sees ways to improve speed and efficiency that he could make it happen. Besides Matt’s boss, his boss’ wife, and the head of the mechanics department, he works with all locals. The locals speak Lugandan to each other, which is a local language. Matt is trying to pick up on this! Lunch for Matt has beans and porcha (excuse my Ugandan spelling – it’s all wrong!). At lunch he plays checkers and scrabble with the men – both games are very popular here.
I have spent two days with the babies and it is exhausting. The other volunteers say that after the first week you get use to the pace and the children. I have spent a couple of days with the 9-12 month olds. There are 12 kids this age. They wake up at 7, are changed, fed, bathed, play, fed again and then are napping by noon. At 3, we get them up, give them a snack, play, have supper at 5, bathe at 6, have milk at 6:30 and go to bed by 7. It’s amazing how much faster I am getting even after two days. I can feed three babies at once. We run 12 kids through the bath, diaper and dress them in sleepers in about 30 min. The kids are beautiful and I am trying very hard to put names to faces. The first day I learned who they were by what they were wearing and then we changed them all and I had to relearnJ. I think that by next week I will be in with the preemies, although I feel somewhat attached to my other kids already! I wish you all could see where I get to work. 75 babies in one place really is a sight to see!
Last night we went out on the town after work. Most of the volunteers at the babies home, another local and us headed out to a restaurant call MnPorcha. It is a beautiful patio/restaurant attached to a local hotel complete with a live local band. It was great! They had little lounging areas with pillows and couches. The band had about 10 people in it and was fantastic! It was a very fun night!
I think that’s about it for now. Internet here is costly and SLOW so we will try to blog at least once a week minimum. We will also try at some point to upload photos onto our facebook for you to look at, but again the internet is SLOWJ.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
We Made It!
We have arrived! We had a very uneventful flight – no delays, not problems at customs and all our bags arrived no problem – praise the Lord!
The first day we spent getting to our guest home where we will be staying for the first little bit at least, unpacking and having cat naps – the time change is killing usJ (we go to bed at 10 wake up between 1-3ish and then fall back asleep between 6-7ish) – pray that our bodies adapt quickly! The evening of our first night we met a US marine pilot who was staying at our same guest home – he took us out and gave us a brief tour of Kampala – we rode in his US military vehicle complete with a military escort – very nice!
Our guest home is lovely. We have a private bedroom and bathroom. We have a flushable toilet (not all of the TP always goes down – but far better than a squattie pottie) and our own little shower that even sometimes has hot water depending on what time of the day you shower. There is a large green backyard area with many flowers. We are very safe in our area – we are in a suburb of Kampala (I believe they would consider it a rich area) we have a 24 hour guard as well as very high walls surrounding us. We eat our breakfast and supper and the home in the basement with the other guests. The food as been filling – they are very generous with their servings – so far so good – we have not been sick although you do at times feel yourself digestingJ The food is somewhat similar to ours – just with a very strong Ugandan feel to it – if that makes any senseJ
Day two we were toured around with Jonathan from Watoto – he has been our contact since we began this whole journey. He showed us the two children’s villages as well as the baby’s home. Matt met the men he will be working with and I met the ladies I will be working with. Watoto is so well set up – all of the facilities seem to be quite well run, organized and cleanJ
Today was our first day to figure out how to get around on our own. Transportation will be a big challenge here. There are three different methods…1. Boda boda’s – these are small motor bikes that weave in and out of traffic – they say 10 people a day die in Kampala on these bikes – Watoto doesn’t want us to ride these – we don’t want to either – traffic here is CRAZY – we have only been here three days and already been in a fender bender. 2. Taxi’s – this is like a mini bus – they fit 14 people in them and take the same route daily stopping at different spots – 14 people in a TINY little van with no A/C 3. Private Hire – the most expensive of the three – basically the same as hiring a taxi in north America
Today we took a private taxi into downtown Kampala to buy cells – we did well for our first trip in!
I think that is about it for now – we will see how many pictures we get up here – I understand that everyone likes the pics so I will do what I can – internet is SLOW here!
Matt and I both start work tomorrow. Thank you all so much for your encouragement, support, love and prayers – we appreciate them all! Goodnight from Uganda!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Good-Bye Canada
Well we are OFF! It has been a busy, but a good month and now we are READY to go!
We finished work on Tuesday - Matt is happy he will not have to mow anything for at least eight months!
We handed the Mazda in yesterday - it was a sad day for me saying good-bye to my first car. Many good memories in that car!
We were so blessed by people's giving. We were able to purchase donations to take over to Uganda with us. Matt is bringing beach volleyball's for the kids - I'm sure they will all be pros by the time we leave.
I made sure that we took an adequate amount of babies clothes for the babies I will be working with. We are taking just over 75 outfits - including preemie clothes!
All packed and ready to go!
And so with no house, car, cel phone:), or set of keys we are off. We do however have one full 5x10 storage locker, 5 suitcases, and a desire to love on and serve the people of Uganda. Thank you to all of you that have prayed for us, sponsored us, and encouraged us thus far. We will do our very best to update this blog as regularly as possible. Be blessed!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Morgan Week
Our last week of vacation was spent with the Morgan side of the family in Didsbury. Before we left Lloyd we stopped at the Parkinson's new home for a tour and one last look at Correna pregnant:)
Alise drove us down to Didsbury and stayed the night - we took some pics in a very pretty Canola field.
The Monday of our week inthe Dids we headed to the Calgary Zoo - love the ZOO!! (you may notice that something is missing from all of these pictures - Nathan couldn't make it up to Canada - he had to stay and work - he was missed!)
Here we are hiking Johnston Canyon in Banff - it was a lovely hike.
Mom and Dad doing a little caving by some waterfalls.
The end result of the hike.
Group shot...minus Nathan!
Dayla and Trish came up for supper one night - here we are playing a little pre-supper Dutch Blitz.
We were also able to see Morgan and Nikki - we picked them up for the Calgary airport post 6 weeks of traveling. It was nice to see them...we miss them living just around the corner from us!
It was Rebecca's birthday while we were in Didsbury - we celebrated with ice-cream cake!
We finished our week with a brief glimpse into Mom and Dad's trip to Turkey. The scarf I'm wearing is my souvenir from Turkey - it's beautiful!
Kaminski Week
We spent the next week of summer with the Kaminski side of the family. We traveled lots, visited lots and relaxed lots!
We had a get together in Outlook with family - below is Dan , Matt and I with Grandma Akre.
Good times at the cabin!
Sunsets in Sask - there is NOTHING in the world like them!
Our last time together before Africa.
We ended the weeks visit with a BFF reunion in Lloyd - love these girls!
Southridge Bible Camp
After my week at Green Bay, Matt and I headed to Sask. to spend a week at Southridge Bible Camp! We love camp - it was fun to go and serve at a camp that has directly influenced both our lives! We worked with a GREAT staff!!! Matt was camp speaker and did a FANTASTIC job!!! I worked as camp nurse and helped out wherever needed.
Matt used lots of practical illustrations in his speaking. Below was his talk on crossing the Jordan River.
Matt as Jesus and I was a Pharisee.
This was the camp wheels for the week. Below is Aubree, Correna, Baby P and myself probably up to no good:)
The wonderful staff we were privileged to work with!
Nursing at Green Bay
I spent my first week of holidays back at Green Bay Bible Camp, but this time I was in the role of a nurse. It was a very fun week - so fun that I only took two pics of the whole week:)
My friend Tammy (whom I worked with at Kelowna General) came for a visit - so good to see her!
I got to spend some time with my good friend Jenn!!! Here we are finding 'treats' as we were cleaning out the nurses supply closet.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Running in Seattle
Matt and I headed down to Seattle this weekend - we visited with good friends and I ran my second 1/2 marathon.
To begin our weekend - as always when we head to Seattle - we must first wait in the border line. We only had to wait for 1:40 this time! Whenever we decide it's a good time to head to the states apparently so does all of Canada! The border guard asked us four very quick questions and we were on our way! As a reward, we stopped for ice-cream once we were in the states!
Sat. morning we were up at 5:45 - the race started at 7am. Here we are waiting in traffic to get to the race at 6:30am on Sat morning!
This is the crowd that Matt & Ruthie had to find me in...soo many people. There were over 21,000 participants in the 1/2 and full marathons plus all of the families!
Here I am! This is probably 20 min post race...I had already drank one bottle of 'gatorade', one bottle of water, three orange pieces and as you can see was working on my banana.
I did it!!! 1/2 marathon #2 COMPLETE!
I came in 5536 out of 15,541 runners in my race. 11,339 of those racers were women and I was the 3218 woman to cross the line.
This marathon was called the Rock n' Roll marathon - there were bands every mile of the race - it was rocking:)
Because the race was such an early start we still had the full day after to play in the beautiful weather. We always have so much fun with Thomas and Ruthie. We played a little bocce.
Went on a little nature walk.
We went to supper at BJ's. This is Matt's NEW favorite resturant...he scouts them out in the US - whenever we go to the states he checks to see if we will be near one. Thomas and Ruth were kind enough to take us to one in WA. We ate WAY to much but it was sooo good!
Such a GREAT weekend with GREAT friends!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Manicure!!!
My husband is AMAZING!!!
Earlier this year Matt brought home a little treat for me! A gift card for a local spa for a manicure with MY HUSBAND!!! I always tell Matt how much he would like a pedicure - they give you a massage, file your feet down - it's great! So for a treat Matt decided to come with me for the manicure experience! We finally used the card this past week. We wore the slippers, the white bathrobes, sat in the free steam room, ate the free food, drank the free drinks - we were there for about two hours and our manicure only took one hour! Matt is such a good sport - he took full advantage of the spa experience and I think thoroughly enjoyed himself! There was a shower 'room' in the men's side and being that his manicure was done before mine he came out from the men's lounge fully shaved, clean and smelling fantastic!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Dinosaurs!!!
On Saturday, Matt and I headed into Vancouver to a mall that had a little dinosaur display on. They had a life-size T-Rex that moved and made noise. It was a lovely afternoon - a little bit of dinosaurs and a little bit of shopping!
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