Uganda 2011 Entry 3

A slow day today. Currently sitting on my bed with Bena Banana. She's singing some song and playing with connect the links. Kristal and I got our hair braided today. I feel very African. All the kids are incredibly pleased. 

The rest of the team starts arriving Wednesday and we move to Maria's place on Friday so we are entering the last few days living here at the home. It's bitter sweet. I love these children, but something in me is craving to be back in a place where my own culture is more present. 

Last year when we came, although we were in Africa, I'm beginning to realize we weren't incredibly immersed in the culture where we were living. Of course during the day we would be out in the city, but at night I was surrounded by comforts of home. I have loved living in a truly Ugandan home, although the western influences are still here, but I'm looking forward to having some comforts like running hot water and food that is more westernized. 

I was feeling slightly homesick today, especially since we haven't been very busy, so I picked up Anne of Green Gables to read. It's amazing how a book can take away such feelings. It transported me back to when I was little and watching the movie with my mom. It was like being home without having to move. 

So I guess what I'm trying to say: I love this home, I love these children, I will be extremely sad when I leave, but I'm looking forward to Maria's place and the next chapter of my trip. 

"I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."

- L.M. Montgomery

Uganda 2011 Entry 2

Friends and adventurers. 

I have so many things to share and I wish I could go into so much more detail than I'm about to go into. Things are as lovely and wonderful as ever. This week we've been working hard on getting things ready for the team and also working on getting the school moved over to the new location. It's been a fun change having such a small group of us. Right now it's only Mama Sherry, our driver Henry, Jaja Ruth (Jaja means grandma), Auntie Kristal, Mama Sarah (from the home) and me. 

It's been lovely driving about and talking with all these women. They have such beautiful stories to tell. Jaja is a teacher and has been such a huge help with setting up the school, Mama Sherry is as courageous as ever, facing problems with a smile, and Mama Sarah, Auntie Kristal and I...well lets just say the laughing really doesn't stop, from pineapple hunting to eating chapatis that are still too hot. 

The kids are as beautiful as ever. Everyday I recieved sweet notes, hugs, and occasionally kisses (if they aren't too grown up for them). I've loved playing Auntie and running around with them whenever I can. 

Some wonderful highlights:

Michelle laughing while we play peekabo

singing Carol to sleep

playing Old Maid and Slap Jack

Mama Grace dancing to my i-pod

Sharon saying goodnight 5 times each night

Uganda 2011 Entry 1

So lovely. Mama Sarah has internet access that's almost as good as home so I'll be able to update you!

The first few days have been wonderful. Kristal and Mama Sarah met Mama Sherry, Ruth, and I at the airport and we spent the day running errands (buying food, exchanging money ect) and also got delicious Ugandan pizza. No laughing. It's amazing. 

I got to see all my kiddos from last year that night. They have grown up so much. I'm having so much fun getting to know them on a more personal leverl. Last year we were always in a big group. Now I have time to talk to them one on one. We write letters back and forth and draw pictures. It's beautiful. These kids love like nobody I have ever met in my life. They are some of my favorite people in the world. 

I've also enjoyed getting to know Mama Sarah better. She is the administrator for Mama Sherry and she's so funny. We have so much fun ridding around in the van with her and laughing. 

Other than that, it's been lots of running errands with Mama Sherry and seeing the new property and building for the school. 

I love this land.

5 Days

here 

To do:

- pack house up

- finish shower gift for best friend

- girl night

- spend time with family

- pack suitcase 

- repack suitcase when I realize I left out donations

- repack suitcase one more time when I realize it's over 50 lbs

- get sleep (optional)

- say goodbye to the kiddos at work

- wish dad early Happy Father's Day 

- kiss the boy snail goodbye

- get myself (along with 50 lbs of suitcase) to Uganda

Winner!

After a random number generator, the winner of the giveaway is...

...drum roll please...

Bethany Grace Parry!

Who is unfortunately unable to give a speech considering she's in South America currently. 

In other news, two weeks until Africa and I'm running around trying to get everything done as well as traveling back and forth between Kansas City and Springfield every weekend. 

Here are some lovely shots I caught on one of the car rides. We were on the outside of the storm that destroyed Joplin. My love goes down to you all. 

Bubbles!

Oh silly me. How did that get in here!

Enjoy today!