Abari!
Greetings from Tororo! :) :) Hanna and I ventured out today and found an Internet cafe so I am finally able to write! Hmmm where to begin??? We arrived safely in Tororo last Monday from the post-bus...it took about 6 1/2 hours with LOTS of stops along the way...but we were able to meet some Ugandans AND we got to see a whole bunch of baboons in the road in one town!
Tororo is much different from Kampala...it is a smaller town with the center of town being a rotary with a couple shops and things along the road as well as the market (think Duxbury...? lol) It is still busy here with cars, taxis, bodas, bicycles, and people all sharing the road but not nearly as congested as Kampala...its funny because they drive on the "left side of the road"...which basically means wherever you can drive to avoid everyone and everything else, including potholes. We have become quite accustomed to getting around on bodas...the very first ride was terrifying and exciting at the same time but we're getting the hang of it! Bodas are like mopeds and there's guys all over the place to have you hop on the back and drive you around (don't think about it too hard mom) We have found a couple reliable boda guys who drive us to and from Smile everyday.
The first couple days here were a little rough as the house we are staying in was not quite ready for us and we were a little more on our own than expected. But we are really getting to find our way around grocery shopping at the market and the supermarkets (which are really like small convenience stores that sometimes have things and sometimes don't), riding bodas, and doing our own laundry....as well as making friends with the geckos and other little critters that live with us :)
Oh boy WHAT can I say about Smile and all of those beautiful little children who I already love so much! As expected, it was a little overwhelming at first because there are just SO many children all over! I was afraid I would never learn any of their names. The minute we stepped inside the gate we were greeted with a round of "Mzungu! Mzungu! How are you? How are you?" and instantly had 10 children fighting for our hands and attention. After a few days there though, I can say that I am beginning to learn many of their names and its wonderful to start seeing some of the same faces each day. The children are just so hungry for any sort of love or attention...many of the younger ones especially just long to be held and touched. They are crazy about any kind of books we can bring (oh how we wish we brought more!!) because they do not have books here...or hardly any paper...or pencils...Oftentimes are days are spent just loving on them, reading with them, playing with them, helping to serve breakfast and lunch (porridge and rice). The older ones are especially hungry for the Bible, which is amazing to see...and also quite sad as none of them actually have a Bible. We have 2 children's Bibles with us but again, I wish I had brought more! On Friday we performed a skit about Jonah and the Whale and we have taught them a few songs that they love. This week we will really start to implement some more organized and planned activities like Bible stories, games, and crafts. Prayers for the organization piece would be great because our biggest challenge right now is just how to manage 300-400 kids who are all vying for our attention!
It has also been awesome having Kelly and B here as nurses..they spend much of their time in the clinic doing their best to bandage up wounds and help with the sick children. A few of the children have had malaria. There is one boy named Eli (well, we named him Eli because no one knows his name) who is probably about 2 or 3 years old. He is so sick and very sad...we still have yet to figure out how he makes it to Smile and have had to ask one of the older boys to make sure he gets home. His little arms and legs are so thin and his belly sooo big. He had become my little shadow the other day and it was just so hard to leave him, for all of us. It just goes to show how all kids really are the same and how they all just long to be cared for and held, especially when they're sick.
The teachers at Smile are wonderful and I have enjoyed getting to know them just as much. I am completely amazed at the teaching that they do...though it is nothing compared to what our children get in the States. We have been able to sit in on class time a couple days now (its usually about an hour a day) The P1 class I sat in on had more than 50 kids crammed into a classroom half the size of mine sitting on wooden benches in rows. No paper or pens...just a chalkboard. Constance did a wonderful job teaching shapes with what she had. I was able to make Constance a number line to hang in her room and Christine made her shapes posters. The teacher were so excited!! Stella is another teacher...she is only 22 but I love her story because she says that she used to be just like these kids. Her mother died when she was 4 and her father abandoned her. She got sponsored and it changed her life...her sponsers paid for her schooling all the way up through university and now she is teaching at Smile! Her joy is contagious and I love seeing her teach because I can tell that she really loves the kids. Please pray for the teachers as Smile can be very very draining and they do not get paid well at all.
Well I guess I should wrap this up but hopefully this gives a small taste of all that I've experienced in the past week. I just know that time will fly and I'm already dreading having to say goodbye to the children in about 3 weeks. God is good and oh so faithful and none of this could we do without Him! I am also very thankful for the 5 girls that I am with and get to share these new experiences with...we have had many wonderful conversations and countless laughs!
Goodbye for now ~ hopefully we will be able to make it back here sometime soon!! Thanks for the prayers; they are truly being answered. <3

A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Isaiah 40:3-5

Teammates' pictures!

Also, some of the girls put up more pictures and may be able to more often on their laptops...here are their links:
braepeterson@blogspot.com
bellsinafrica@blogspot.com

A few more! These didnt' quite make it the last time

On our little hike earlier this afternoon...we were walking for almost 2 hours! Amazing views though....that's what most of the roads look like around here but others are wider. You better be on the lookout for cars and boda bodas cause they don't always look like they're looking out for you! lol


Walking towards the main road the first day we got here from the Inn...



Living room at Matoke Inn...you can just barely see Soleil, the most adorable baby everrr! She's so tiny! :)

Friday when we arrived Carolyn (who was recently on a team here and is now staying for 3 months to assist Karen) took us into town to get our phones and go to the bank. Then we got coffee at this place called Good African Coffee (haha) It was wicked good! And the staff was very welcoming and friendly. Our very first chance to use shillings!

And finally, the picture that was supposed to be first. (ha...told you I couldn't get the hang of all this formatting)...at the Newark airport tryign to figure out how we're going to get all that luggage across the street and on the plane! Our first team task :) I think we did pretty good...none lost!

A few pictures :)

Matoke Inn, where we've stayed in Kampala for the past few days


Virginia and I's room at Matoke Inn ~ first time sleeping with a mosquito net!



In front of Buckingham Palace...this pretty much sums up how we were feeling at this point after an overnight flight and 5 hours of walking around


In London...when we were a bit more lively...or else just forcing ourselves to act it!

London!

Disclaimer: Sorry for the terrible formatting and random order of pictures...I can't get a handle on this blogger stuff, especially with a finicky Internet!!

Well tonight is our last night at Matoke Inn. We leave tomorrow morning at 6 am to get on the post bus…literally a bus that stops at the post offices along the way to deliver mail…it should take us about 5-6 hours to get to Tororo with all of the stops ~ should be interesting! Thought I would try to get a few pics up while I can. The one above is when we first arrived to the Newark airport and got dropped off across the street…6 girls with about 15 suitcases plus carry ons and purses ~ definitely a comical moment that needed to be documented.
It has been a good weekend of orientation with Karen and lots of chances to get to know the rest of the team as well as the great couple that is also staying at the Inn with their baby. Earlier today we went to Watoto church which was wonderful. I think I was surprised at how much like an American church it was, but I think this particular church was originally started by a Canadian…so take from that what you want. The service was in English with contemporary Christian songs, announcements, and even a sermon on the body of Christ very much like what you might see in the States, though perhaps still a little more…lively? than North River  What I was really blessed by was just being able to reflect on the body of Christ and how we truly are brothers and sisters in Him even when far away. It really makes what being a member of the body of Christ really means a little more real. This is also the first Sunday since the bombings last weekend so we spent time in prayer in regards to that..it was really something to be able to pray for Uganda with the Ugandans.
After church the 6 of us went to an Italian pizza place right near church…yes, you read that correctly..it was owned by this sweet little Italian lady and it was GOOD. Afterwards a couple of us decided to walk road…ok quite a bit off the road…and following a little dirt path for awhile through fields and farms. We got a pretty great view of Lake Victoria!
Yesterday we had the last few hours of orientation with Karen…it was really interesting and helpful to hear about Uganda’s history and culture and also more about Tororo and Smile and what we’ll encounter there. It sounds like we have the potential to become quite overwhelmed with the need there…prayers would be appreciated for wisdom and discernment and eyes to see what’s really going on and how God would most like to use us…as much as we would all love to help in every area and try all of it, we know that we will probably need to pick a couple areas to focus on. Many things will be possibilities such as just helping to bathe and feed the children (and just to hold and love on them as most of them are lacking these things), plan activities such as crafts and Bible stories, help out on the more academic side with tutoring and school-related activities, possibly even help out in the classrooms, mentoring the older girls around 12-15 years, spending time in the program for the women, helping in the clinic….annnd the list could probably go on. You get the picture!!
I’m not sure how much internet I’ll really be able to get out there…here the Internet tends to go in and out along with the electricity…however we are fortunate enough to have a generator here at Matoke Inn! I don’t think we’ll be quite so lucky in Tororo! After spending a few days here in Kampala, I am excited to see how Tororo compares and what is in store for us there! Again , prayer request s would just be for our traveling tomorrow which could be very long , a good adjustment to our house in Tororo (we will be pretty much on our own to figure out shopping, cooking, laundry, etc. ~ hopefully there will be someone to help us!), and that our hearts would be prepared to take on whatever God has for us at Smile! More to come soon hopefully 

Long awaited arrival in Uganda!

Well we're finally here!! Its a little surreal that I'm finally in Uganda right now. There is so much I could write about already and my mind is not quite going at the same pace as everything around me yet given the time difference and long 2 days its been! Let's see.....we're so thankful that everything surrounding our traveling went smoothly...on time flights, security, visas, baggage (yes, we managed to get here with 14 bags all arriving on time) We were all SO thankful that we were able to spend the day in London yesterday....walking around in the fresh cool air and getting a little bit of sun definitely helped us to stay awake better than sitting in the London airport for 12 hours would have. Annnnd it was quite a nice perk to be able to take in some of the sights like Buckingham Palace, the London Bridge, Big Ben....and quite a few others we very well may have seen without realizing it. (hey, we were technically walking around in the middle of the night according to our bodies!) Thankfully, on the second flight over to Entebbe, my body got over the illusion that "sleeping" is merely sitting with my eyes closed for 5 hours...which is about as far as I got on the first flight to London. Anyway, thank you everyone for prayers for our safe travels!
Now, on to the best part....arriving in Uganda!! Arrival in Uganda went very smoothly, even getting our visas which we could have been a little nervous about. So far the people here are so very friendly and welcoming! We managed to get all 6 of us and a ridiculous amount of luggage into 2 cars. Kizito was our taxi driver and I had the privilege to sit up front....trying not to hold my breath the whole time due to the fact that we were on the "wrong" side of the road and there seemed to be a few "close calls" with the other cars on the road, lots of people (there are no crosswalks or really sidewalks), and the bikes. I'm sure we amused him as evident in his laughing at our reaction to a HUGE fish we saw riding on the back of a man's bike. Seriously, the biggest fish we ever saw. Apparently there are lots of them in Lake Victoria...the largest lake in Africa...which we flew over and drove by to get here. How else can I describe the ride through Entebbe and ultimately Kampala? That's tough...one work that comes to mind is busy. But not busy as in Route 1 busy...busy with lots of people...children, people walking, cooking, working, talking...and the road lined with little businesses in huts and shacks and small buildings. A few cows on the side of the road...some women balancing huge containers on their head. In many ways it was very much like exactly what you would picture.
We were brought to the headquarters of AIM here in Kampala, the Matoke Inn. Its a building with several rooms to house people like us. I think at this point we're all very grateful to have a place to chill for awhile...its simple and welcoming. Well time to let someone else give an update...I think a nap is sounding good to all of us right about now...later on we'll have lunch and do some logistical stuff with Karen, the contact here. We'll be walking down to the bank, perhaps the local supermarket, etc. Hopefully at some point I can figure out how to get another picture on here!

Here's the team! :)

From left to right: Virginia, Bethany, me, Kelly, Hanna, and Christine

Virginia is from Maryland and our team leader; she's also a teacher. Bethany and Kelly just finished nursing school in Kansas and are actually going to be in Tororo for 6 months as nurses. Hanna just finished school out in CA and Christine will be finishing up school this year in Texas!

Here is everyone that was at AIM orientation; our team of 6, 1 going to Nairobi to counsel missionaries, and 6 going to Kenya to an MK school ~ Courtesy of Hanna :)
Today's the day! Today's the day! :) :) We woke up very excited this morning (I think the actual first word out of my roommate's mouth was "yayyyyyyy!!") I feel nothing but excitement at the moment to finally get going to where we're going! We have a LONG 2 days of travel ahead of us and prayers for safety and that things go smoothly and all that jazz would be appreciated. It was interesting waking up this morning, showering and getting dressed and wondering for just how long I'll really be in these clothes and when exactly the next shower that I'll see will be...! Our flight leaves Newark tonight at 8:50 (I think?) over to London...and yes we're very excited at the prospect of getting to spend a few hours in London since we're there all day tomorrow! (Ironically enough I will not be getting to see Holly who will also be in London...sad day ~ shout out to roomie and colleen!)



Ok Blog post Part B:

Had to take a little break for our sending off luncheon! Again, I have been so blessed by all of the people here...we had a fabulous sending off luncheon with good old hot dogs, hamburgers, fruit salad, baked beans...as American as they could get I think! I know we all appreciated it. I also have been reminded of the importance and the blessing in sharing our testimony and hearing others' as well as the fruit of sharing Scripture. Our time after eating was spent hearing some testimonies and favorite and relevant Scriptures of many here, joined by most of the staff here at AIM as well. For the next few hours we'll just be hanging out, saying goodbye to the other 7 people who were here for orientation but are not leaving for Africa until next month, and getting the rest of our luggage and supplies in order. AIM has been very supportive and will be sending us over with additional bags of supplies for the kids and fortunately this time around a dvd player with two versions of the Jesus film, one for kids and one for the women. I'm not sure when I'll be able to access the internet again. Once we arrive in Uganda, we will be staying in Kampala through the rest of the weekend for additional orientation, etc. with the contact there before heading over to Tororo on Monday. I'm glad we are finally starting our journey but at this point Monday seems so far away! Well gotta run! Love you all!

Finally here!! Well....New York "here"..

Well I thought I would sneak down here to use the computer just to update everyone on my day. I am FINALLY here in New York!! And I am more excited than ever! All of the people here are wonderful and so welcoming. I've met the 5 other girls I'll be travelling with (yes...now 5...apparently we have 2 girls who just finished nursing school coming with us BUT they are staying for 6 months!) All of the girls are great and I think we're going to have an awesome team...we literally come from all over the US and complement one another well. Its been good to have a little bit of time earlier this evening to just sit and chat and start getting to know one another. I'm so blessed to have them to travel with and share this experience with. Tonight was fairly laidback...getting to know one another over dinner and then some "team building" for the 6 of us. There are a few other people here for orientation who are travelling to a couple different places in Africa so its been fun to hear what everyone else is doing and what they're all about! They have a pretty packed day planned for us tomorrow with sessions ranging from culture and worldview to finance and travel info. I feel so confident that this is where I'm supposed to be and continue to be impressed with AIM...now just for the difficult task of actually getting some sleep tonight! :)

And I'm off! :)

Hey all :)
Well here is my attempt at a blog ...we'll see how it goes! Don't know how much of a blogger I'll turn out to be! Tonight is my last night at home ~ I'll be setting out for New York tomorrow morning, a lovely mini road trip with my mom, little sis, and cousin, for orientation at the Africa Inland Mission headquarters. Hoorayy for finally meeting my team members!! I'm SO excited to meet them and get started! We'll be flying out Wednesday night to London...spend the day in London....then fly from there to Uganda over Thursday night, to arrive in Entebbe Friday morning!
For those who haven't quite gotten the DL on what I'll be doing, I'm going to be staying at Smile Africa Ministries in Tororo, Uganda with 3 other girls helping to take care of and love over 400 orphans and street children, build relationships with and encourage the workers there, and perhaps get to know some of the women in their program for ex-prostitutes and widows. I am so excited to finally be doing something that has been on my heart for a long time now and I PRAISE GOD for His faithfulness and provision! I owe it all to Him, may He receive ALL the glory. It speaks a couple times in Scripture of how Christ "saw and had compassion" (Matt. 9:36) and it speaks way more than a couple times on Christ's attitude towards the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, the lost. As followers of Christ, we are to care about what He cares about, value what HE values.
1 John 3:17-18 says, "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth!"
"If anyone serves me he must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also." John 12:26
I decided to name this blog "because He first loved us".... with a little help from some fabulous friends :) ......and I think it is a perfect fit. It refers to 1 John 4:19, "We love because he first loved us." Without Christ, there is no love. This pretty much sums it up and causes me to reflect on how He showed the ultimate love on the cross and what kind of love that was....sacrificial, selfless...and completely humbling. This is what causes me to seek to serve Him, know Him more, and LOVE others in response.
So as tired and scatter brained as I feel right now, I hoped to give at least a little snippet of where I'm coming from as I embark on this journey! With hopefully more to come! THANK YOU to all for your prayers; I've felt totally overwhelmed by the encouragement and support.
I'm not sure how much access I'll have to the internet over there but I'll try!
And finally, may we all remember those over in Uganda right now in the midst of the bombings in Kampala; send up a prayer for the people who have lost loved ones and who may be feeling scared and confused tonight. Praise Him who is in control here and there, who holds the world in His hands.