Senior Reading - December Part 1

On December 2nd (for anyone following my crazy calendar) I had the incredible honer of being invited to read at Missouri State English Department's Student Invitation Reading. 

That's a mouthful. 

My knees shook and my palms sweated and I was pretty sure that nobody cared one smidge about Africa or me. 

But I did it anyway.

It's funny how doing something you're scared of, while it's terrible in the moment, and even for a few minutes afterward, it's hardly ever regretted. Even if you make a fool of yourself. 

Cause hey, at least you  made a fool of yourself doing something worth doing. 

Week 16

I've missed this...

1) Matching mini mugs for shot glasses! Yay thrifting!

2) Adorable letters written by my Ugandan nieces and nephews

3)  Movies that make me feel nostalgic, romantic, poetic, and utterly in love

(being with the boy snail helps too)

4) A roommate that brings me flowers

5) Swoon worthy Etsy finds

here




Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love) - Cole Porter (Sung by Ella Fizgerald)

Uganda 2011 Entry 6

Things to remember when coming back to the states:

-waving at people on the side of the road will now get me funny looks

-nobody knows what Jongu means

-cutting people off in traffic is now considered dangerous

-going to the ghetto does not mean I will automatically have 20 kids swarm me

-speed limits are no longer just "general guidelines"

-air conditioning is a necessity

-parents don't generally let children flip off the back steps into the yard

Despite having a bit of culture shock and a lot of jet lag...it's good to be home. Even if I did leave part of my heart across the sea and in a little country called Uganda. 

Uganda 2011 Entry 5

Well now...where to begin. 

There have been several team members that have fallen ill including myself. Amy and Anna are worse off than me however, so please, if you think of it...pray for recovery and health for the whole team, especially Anna and Amy. They are real troopers. 

Now for an addition of things Hannah learned this week. 

I learned:

-a song from Mama Grace can cheer even my worst moods

-what Amoxicillin, Flagyl, and Bactrim do (working the pharmacy without a degree...whew!)

-that a two year old saying your name for the first time is cause for a celebration

-that Jesus is my everything (ok so re-learned)

-that praying for someone forms a connection not easily broken

-how to clean up a Mercury spill (google you are so good to us)

-just how big cockroaches can get

 

 Now on to getting better so I can join the team tomorrow!

Uganda 2011 Entry 4

Hello!

Updates from here out will probably be short and sweet. The team arrived yesterday and I have to say, being around so many familiar faces has really been good. I loved hugging the same people on the same soil that I did last year. 

 

Leaving the children's home however was terrible. I knew I was going to see the kids in two days and I still almost burst into tears. Mama Sherry said leave it to me and Kristal to cry, but they really feel like my nieces and nephews. 

Speaking of nieces, thank you for those who prayed for Betty. She is a girl from the school who was hit by a boda boda (motorcycle) the other night. She's doing very well all things considered and was smiling very big when we went to see her.

The team jumped right in today with our first medical clinic in Jjokolera. I was working in the pharmacy so I didn't get to interact with many people, but Jesus revealed to me a wonderful truth: this is a family affair. Today I got to work along side my brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, Papas and Mamas in Christ. It was wonderful. 

I love you all so much, but I have to say, I'm really starting to fall into a groove here. It's getting harder and harder thinking about coming home. Oh Uganda, how you always manage to steal my heart!

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

Silence

Realizing how hard it is to communicate without talking gives me a new appreciation for those that have no choice. Because at the end of the day, I get to talk again. There are some that don't.

Part of the way I communicate is through this blog. So today, instead of telling you about myself and the things I love and rambling on about my life.

I'm staying silent by choice for those that don't have one. 

Go check out Invisible Children for more details, including a live feed all day. 

Memory 9

See this is why I love my life.

I just asked my new friend Ceisha, "I need something to write about, what makes you nostalgic."

Her answer...

Maci Schwenk

...the zoo.

Which is weird, because at the daycare last week the kids took a trip to the farm. Which in turn reminded me of an epic trip to the zoo with my beautiful group of friends, CHEMM (Cadie, Hannah, Emily, Maci, and Moree...we're weird. we know)

There were rhinos. Moneys. A lion. A giraffee with an obnoxiously long tongue. 

Zoos are epic even still. But do you remember those amazing gift shops? The stuffed animals you just had to have. 

Or the bird show with the parrot that could talk. 

Or your mom telling you that flamingos were pink cause they ate shrimp and your mind being blown. 

Or maybe the little villages they set up so you could see how the people in Africa lived? No? Just me? Well that's ok. Not everyone can have a secret love obsession (but not so secret) with a whole continent. 

Zoos make me happy. End of story. 

Bookstores, twins, Neverland, Africa, Disney, and love

After watching Alice in Wonderland tonight I have decided to adopt her practice.

"I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." - Lewis Carroll

1) I shall own a lovely used bookstore on the beach one day with the hippie.

here

2) I will adopt twins from Africa.

3) I will continue to dream about Neverland until the night I die in my sleep as a very old woman at which point I will actually take a trip there.

4) I will travel to Africa regularly, always stopping to say "I love you" to every beautiful person I meet. 

5) I will take my children to Disney Land every 2 years while they are growing up, and it will always be a surprise. 

here

6) I will always live in a place that I love.

30 day music challenge:

Day 24: a song you want to play at your funeral

I used this before, but I just adore it so much. It makes me feel understood by the world. 

Dream - Priscilla Ahn

Week 6

1) This fantastic coffeehouse in St. Louis. All non-profit that goes towards clean water in Uganda. Coffee and Uganda mixed in one non-profit. Yes please!

2) The Fremont House now has a blog! Excitement!

What do you think my first post should be about?

3) This new Invisible Children movie trailer. I was there the night of the bombings they talk about.

For those of you that don't know, Invisible Children is the organization that started my passion for Africa and specifically Uganda. They hold a special place in my heart. Please check them out!

4) This exciting giveaway through a new favorite blog Coffee and a Cardigan. 

So cute right!?

5) TOMS bracelet! I know! Free with a "personal note" from Blake Mycoskie. 

See...this is why I love this company.

Whew! That's a lot of love. I covered all my bases, coffee, Africa, TOMS....such a good Monday.

30 day music challenge:

Day 15 – A song that describes you

This is hard cause thanks to Maci's annual "Hannah's Songs" CD, I always have a song that describes me. But one of my favorites is...

Dream - Priscilla Ahn

Week 2

About 2010!

How I have missed you all! I'm so sorry for my absence. So much has happened. Quick run down. 

* I moved in with the hippie

* I went to Kansas City 2 weekends in a row

* I got sick 

* I got better

* My computer broke

* My computer got fixed

* Christmas happened

* New Years happened

* Hannah almost went crazy not blogging

So...five things I loved about 2010...let's review shall we?

1) Went to Montana with my brothers

2) Went to Uganda, Africa

3) moved and then moved again.

4) Saw jenny&tyler in concert

Lastly...my favorite Christmas present. 

5) Anyone recognized this beauty? I'll give you a clue. 

And better yet. After I was already overjoyed to recieve this beautiful necklace, my roommate one-uped my brother and made this beauty for me?! How lucky am I to have the friends and family I do? 

Yup...pretty lucky. 

30 day music challenge

Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event

There are few songs that can take me so completely back to a single moment in my life. This one takes me back to Junior Year of high school, Sadie Hawkins dance, last dance with what was to be my first love. 

Getaway Car - Audioslave

It's lovely to be back. I missed you all. 

I refuse to use lyrics from my song choice...

I'm making Christmas presents this year. I went thrifting last night to start getting some stuff and gather inspiration. I sure as heck found some. 

What is the Purpose of a Banana? 

I have no idea, but soon-to-be roommate Malory taught me how to bind my own book, so I'll never know!

I also found a new little critter to join the wander and the runaway team. Want a clue?

You have to help me convince Koni he's not creepy and actually quite lovable. Just look at those eyes! It was nothing but love at first sight.

 I also started work on my "Discover Beauty" shirts for Africa. More to come, but here's a sneak peak. Who wants one?

And finally, my 30 day music choice of the day.

Day 02 – Your least favorite song

I'm sorry your ex-girlfriend was a pain Steve Holy, but we don't want to hear about your new one. 

Brand New Girlfriend - Steve Holy

Faint Not

There is something about connecting on a deep heart level with people that can't be described in words. At least I can't

I will just say this...

...Jenny was wearing African paper beads from Uganda. Tyler was wearing TOMS. We had a conversation about one of my favorite songs "Desperate Faces" and how we all love it. They released a new song about caring about the poor and destitute and not becoming apathetic. 

I will say it again. 

jenny&tyler write songs about my life. 

And now they know they do too. 

"It's not that we don't know or we're not shown the proof of poverty. It's not that we don't have the tools to go to break this yolk of slavery. We quit because it's not an easy fix and then forget that they're even there. We forget to care."

Faint Not - jenny&tyler

I love you more than you will ever know

Part of the reason I went to Africa is to bring back stories. 

This is Bena II (I added the II)

Not to be confused with my sponsor child Bena.

We met her in a slum in Kampala. 

She asked me to be her sponsor. But because of the circumstances I couldn't. But I did get to see the place she lived and meet her mother and sister. Her father was killed by rebels in the north and her family moved to Kampala to escape. They were only supposed to be there for a few months.

They have lived in the slum for 15 years now. 

Sometimes I forget that the stories I hear about child soldiers, refuges, and violence have faces. And looking in Bena's eyes and seeing what she had see through her eyes is something I won't forget. It's true. You can see war in people's eyes. 

I Love You More Than You Will Ever Know - Never Shout Never 

I wrote a note to tell you how you matter

Once again with the Cassie's Therapy Video. I Think the only reason I do this is because I'm always entertained by her quirky and beautiful way of looking at the world (Cassie that is.)

Rule 1: Tag three friends

Maci: cause she didn't do this last time.

Camber: cause she's my new friends and old roomate and I love exploring her brain

Vicki: cause I know she can use a little ray of sunshine. MWAH!

Rule 2: Fill in the non-bolded areas with your own thoughts. Watch Cassie's Therapy Video from the top link to see the original. Below is mine.

Rule 3: Enjoy exploring your own brain. It's rather fun.

abracadabra, wow!

I like girls with colorful hair and boys with music I've never heard before.

photo props we heart it

i like stuffed animals out of the claw machine.

i like bubbles blown while lying in bed.

i like Giraffes with tongues out.

photo props we heart it

i like cuddling with animals.

i like homemade pumpkin bread.

i like TOMS shoes.

i like running barefoot outside in the rain to catch the ice cream man.

i like we heart it.

i like coloring Disney Princess coloring pages.

i like making my bed in the morning.

photo props we heart it

i like picking the first pumpkin of the year.

i love Africa and Bena Banana.

today I felt beautiful, inside and out.

in some ways, i love everything

its less, its less of a thing to like, its less distinct, its less particular

i like things that i like but i love everything

there's more choice in like

cause even the worst things have things you love in them

i don't know what you mean about things i hate

i hate the smell of nursing homes.

i hate lazy days afterward.

i hate craving Chick-Fil-A when it's closed.

i hate negativity.

i hate having winter after New Years.

i hate being forgotten, but in ways, it's sometimes easier than having someone see all of you.

i hate Joseph Kony

i hate not being able to sneeze when you have to.

i hate this, wow...

sorry

I know you will find out who you are

photo props we heart it

Things were planned out for me in Africa. I didn't have to think about anything really from day to day but focused on the task at hand. That might be the hardest thing about coming back to the states thus far in a purely mental sense (not emotional, I still miss those kiddos and friends.)

I am moving back to Springfield on Monday which in-itself is not a huge deal, but it'll be the first time moving out of my parents house and into an apartment that I'll be living in for the foreseeable future.

All I want to focus on is Africa, but life is forcing me to move on. Unfortunate because life requires money. It's so frustrating to see people living with nothing and then coming back to the reality that I owe for first month rent, school books, trash can, shower curtain, electric, pet fee, and washer and dryer.

I'll just go live here.

photo props we heart it

Leaving Town - Dexter Freebish

I left my heart in Uganda

Part of me doesn't want to write about what just happened in Africa. Part of me wants to keep it locked up inside and let it be a secret love there.

But I also want people to understand what happened to me. Why I'm different.

I won't lie. There weren't any gigantic shocks about the living conditions. This sounds so mean, ug. I have seen so many pictures and documentaries and things, it was hard to be shocked, even though the living conditions were so poor.

There was one thing that did shock me though. Joyfulness. The unhappiest time for me there was leaving. You can't help but be joyful in this place. People wave at you on the street and smile. Any child will laugh when you tickle them, and a piece of candy is the greatest gift they've ever received. Even though there is 9 kids shoved into one hospital room, if you paint their nails....

When people hug you there they mean it. They look at you right in the eyes and then embrace you into themselves. Some of the kids I hugged had never been hugged before, so when you hugged them, they didn't let go.

People have always told me that these are the most joyful people you will ever meet. But I know some pretty joyful people here at home. I thought maybe people just weren't looking for joy in the right places here in the states.

Theses are the most joyful people you will ever meet.