Mwesigwa and Norah
John
Baby Ruthy
Peter
Moriah
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
the end? or the beginning..
After a long time of traveling and 4 airplanes, 5 airports later.. I'm in Oregon for a week, to be returning home to LA on saturday. Honestly, I miss it too much. It was a struggle to be back in the western world and all of its big and loudness... but I will enjoy some time with my family here and look forward to enjoying all of my fairvilla family when i return home.
I have learned lots... and am still processing for sure. I am excited to see what God has in store for the future... I have this feeling more and more each day that I will be returning to Uganda permanently. Please pray for me to have wisdom in all of that, and to wait on the Lord and his timing.
In the mean time.. thank you friends and family again and again... for all you've poured into my life. I will live to pour out that which you've poured in to others who may not get it otherwise.
Lots of love,
Meg
I have learned lots... and am still processing for sure. I am excited to see what God has in store for the future... I have this feeling more and more each day that I will be returning to Uganda permanently. Please pray for me to have wisdom in all of that, and to wait on the Lord and his timing.
In the mean time.. thank you friends and family again and again... for all you've poured into my life. I will live to pour out that which you've poured in to others who may not get it otherwise.
Lots of love,
Meg
Sunday, July 15, 2007
coming home already?
well...today the church had me come up so they could pray over me and bless me as it was my last sunday...i cried, i don't want to leave. the kids ask me everyday to stay and when i will come back... i hope it will be soon enough.
hopefully i will be hugging you soon- telling you thank you for loving me, for believing in me, for supporting me- family and friends... i know you've given me the life I have. I thank God for it everyday. Spending time in an orphanage for 7 weeks can really do something to you... well many things, but one for sure is make you realize how much you appreciate those who have chosen to love you and invest in your life. So thank you beloved ones.
Pray for the duration of my travels all the way back to Oregon for a week and finally returning home to LA. Pray also for this home, the Kirya family and their continued life-long ministry here- while I leave, they remain completely comitted to the vision God has called them to. Please lift them up.
I love you and look forward to embracing you soon.
meg
hopefully i will be hugging you soon- telling you thank you for loving me, for believing in me, for supporting me- family and friends... i know you've given me the life I have. I thank God for it everyday. Spending time in an orphanage for 7 weeks can really do something to you... well many things, but one for sure is make you realize how much you appreciate those who have chosen to love you and invest in your life. So thank you beloved ones.
Pray for the duration of my travels all the way back to Oregon for a week and finally returning home to LA. Pray also for this home, the Kirya family and their continued life-long ministry here- while I leave, they remain completely comitted to the vision God has called them to. Please lift them up.
I love you and look forward to embracing you soon.
meg
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
July 3, 2007
Today was rainy, but sometimes rain is simply refreshing. There are parts of me that can’t believe my trip is already half way through- and other parts that wish I could spend more time with my friends from home and childhood that I never get to see anyways. But there is so much I want to do here, I feel like I just got here and time has gone by too quickly.
A funny blog story that I must share with everyone… This past Sunday I chose to sit in service instead of teach Sunday school- simply because it’s good for me to be in church as well, and I wanted to hear Pastor John (Deidrah’s husband) speak. So in this church all of the children and adults sing praise and worship songs together in the beginning and then the kids are excused to Sunday school. Throughout worship I had a kid in each hand and a toddler in front of my legs and a baby on my hip ;) No other way I’d want to worship more.. but all that to say, Norah, who is two, began to lean on me and I realized she was going to fall asleep. So I sat down and put her on my lap and within a few minutes she was sleeping. Soon worship ended and all the kids left for Sunday school and the sermon began, but Norah was still asleep so I just let her stay on my lap. However, about ten minutes into the sermon Norah “Su-Su’d” which means “PeePee” in Lusoga, all over my lap. It was so funny—all of a sudden there is a puddle dripping through my chair onto the cement floor and of course I’m sitting in the second row so everyone can see.. and then I walk out of the church and wake Norah up only to realize my entire skirt, legs and shoes are wet in Norah’s SuSu- of course because of the way she was sitting it looks like I wet my pants.. but hey, all you can do is laugh and walk back into church ;)
What other kid stories do I have to share? One neat story is about one of our boys named Mwesigwa. Mwesigwa is six years old, and when I arrived was getting in trouble- and apparently he has been an absolute terror getting in trouble all the time- but I’ve really fallen in love with Mwesigwa and I’ve spent a lot of time trying to affirm him positively and simply see him fresh, pretending I don’t know his track record- and can I tell you I really believe God has big plans for this boy. I see his potential- He is actually very sweet and tender hearted, and one thing I love about him is when he prays. Mwesigwa LOVES to be prayed for when being tucked into bed. Even at nap time, he will ask “will you please come pray for me” – and even today, one of his brothers got hurt and Mwesigwa was first to pray for him with such sincerity. It’s been really neat because he hasn’t been getting in trouble the past two weeks which has been noticed by all- mostly because he used to get into so much trouble. It’s been really fun because he will come to me and say “Auntie Meg, I listened to you, I finished”.. whatever he was told.. and throughout the day I’m able to simply encourage and affirm him in that- I love it. Tonight he very tenderly just wanted to hold my hand and walk around with me wherever I was going in the house, and then when I returned to my desk he would just stand next to me at the desk on his own. I’ve been told his name means “faithful” and I believe it suits him well.
Well I’m laying on my bed nearing 11:00pm and I’m much too tired to be writing anymore… Happy 4th of July too all my American friends ☺ Please enjoy lots of bbq, baked beans, watermelon and cake for me! I hope the fire works are lots of fun.. and auntie Besh…make sure you get the good big ones for me ;)
xoxoox
Today was rainy, but sometimes rain is simply refreshing. There are parts of me that can’t believe my trip is already half way through- and other parts that wish I could spend more time with my friends from home and childhood that I never get to see anyways. But there is so much I want to do here, I feel like I just got here and time has gone by too quickly.
A funny blog story that I must share with everyone… This past Sunday I chose to sit in service instead of teach Sunday school- simply because it’s good for me to be in church as well, and I wanted to hear Pastor John (Deidrah’s husband) speak. So in this church all of the children and adults sing praise and worship songs together in the beginning and then the kids are excused to Sunday school. Throughout worship I had a kid in each hand and a toddler in front of my legs and a baby on my hip ;) No other way I’d want to worship more.. but all that to say, Norah, who is two, began to lean on me and I realized she was going to fall asleep. So I sat down and put her on my lap and within a few minutes she was sleeping. Soon worship ended and all the kids left for Sunday school and the sermon began, but Norah was still asleep so I just let her stay on my lap. However, about ten minutes into the sermon Norah “Su-Su’d” which means “PeePee” in Lusoga, all over my lap. It was so funny—all of a sudden there is a puddle dripping through my chair onto the cement floor and of course I’m sitting in the second row so everyone can see.. and then I walk out of the church and wake Norah up only to realize my entire skirt, legs and shoes are wet in Norah’s SuSu- of course because of the way she was sitting it looks like I wet my pants.. but hey, all you can do is laugh and walk back into church ;)
What other kid stories do I have to share? One neat story is about one of our boys named Mwesigwa. Mwesigwa is six years old, and when I arrived was getting in trouble- and apparently he has been an absolute terror getting in trouble all the time- but I’ve really fallen in love with Mwesigwa and I’ve spent a lot of time trying to affirm him positively and simply see him fresh, pretending I don’t know his track record- and can I tell you I really believe God has big plans for this boy. I see his potential- He is actually very sweet and tender hearted, and one thing I love about him is when he prays. Mwesigwa LOVES to be prayed for when being tucked into bed. Even at nap time, he will ask “will you please come pray for me” – and even today, one of his brothers got hurt and Mwesigwa was first to pray for him with such sincerity. It’s been really neat because he hasn’t been getting in trouble the past two weeks which has been noticed by all- mostly because he used to get into so much trouble. It’s been really fun because he will come to me and say “Auntie Meg, I listened to you, I finished”.. whatever he was told.. and throughout the day I’m able to simply encourage and affirm him in that- I love it. Tonight he very tenderly just wanted to hold my hand and walk around with me wherever I was going in the house, and then when I returned to my desk he would just stand next to me at the desk on his own. I’ve been told his name means “faithful” and I believe it suits him well.
Well I’m laying on my bed nearing 11:00pm and I’m much too tired to be writing anymore… Happy 4th of July too all my American friends ☺ Please enjoy lots of bbq, baked beans, watermelon and cake for me! I hope the fire works are lots of fun.. and auntie Besh…make sure you get the good big ones for me ;)
xoxoox
Saturday, June 30, 2007
July already?
Hi loved ones...
This week went by so fast... I can't believe it is already July! This week has been good and bad both.. good in that I feel it was productive, bad in that I think this week all the kids wanted to see if I really was a trustworthy disciplinarian or if I can be pushed over- so they've all pushed the limits like no other. But thats okay, because between some incredible women at SAY Yes and Beaverton I've learned quite a bit, and in the process I am learning lots of patience and appreciation for mothers! :)
I'm falling for the kids.. pretty much all of them. haha. There are a few in particular who I want to smuggle home... but I know I can't yet. They're so funny- here a way of giving a compliment is to say "you look smart" which is like "you look nice" - i started laughing when this morning i came right out to breakfast with wet hair that i hadn't fixed at all and little Robert looks up at me and says "auntie meg, your hairs look smart" :) so funny. Or Norah, who pretty much is at the prime of her terrible two's and gets in trouble everyday.. yesterday I said "Norah, I heard that you are beating your friend Olga in class, if you beat your friends, who will be your friend?" and without skipping a beat she says "Benja will" - Benja, who is one of her 5 year old brothers, is probably the easiest going kid we have. I laughed so hard, because he would, Benja is so sweet. I've enjoyed being able to get to know the nursery school kids as well.. The school in our home is a nursery school with three classes "baby class" (2-3 years) "middle class (4-5years) "top class" (kindergarten) - they then move to primary school in which they will have 75 kids in one class.. one teacher, one chalkboard and a ton of memorization. It's craziness to me.
This week I've also been working with Junior, who we've discovered through different things this week is dyslexic. There was thoughts that maybe he was before, but I'm pretty positive he is through working on his homework with him this week- So I'm trying to research and pray and figure out some things to help him.. if any of you have experience or know please email me and let me know.
I have also enjoyed teaching sunday school the past two weeks.. we've been studying in Daniel and about doing whats right even when others aren't. I've learned how powerful story is here.. as well as memorizing and singing. So a lot of that is happening sunday mornings :)
A big praise is the fact that while i have missed everyone, I don't feel lonely. I am experiencing God's presence so tender and so close day in and day out. Being the extraverted verbal processing one that I am.. this has been really good, because I am learning to rely on God first even more and I'm thankful for that.
Sorry this is a short update but I need to catch myself a boda before it gets dark.. hope you are all taking care- I love you and am praying for you!
This week went by so fast... I can't believe it is already July! This week has been good and bad both.. good in that I feel it was productive, bad in that I think this week all the kids wanted to see if I really was a trustworthy disciplinarian or if I can be pushed over- so they've all pushed the limits like no other. But thats okay, because between some incredible women at SAY Yes and Beaverton I've learned quite a bit, and in the process I am learning lots of patience and appreciation for mothers! :)
I'm falling for the kids.. pretty much all of them. haha. There are a few in particular who I want to smuggle home... but I know I can't yet. They're so funny- here a way of giving a compliment is to say "you look smart" which is like "you look nice" - i started laughing when this morning i came right out to breakfast with wet hair that i hadn't fixed at all and little Robert looks up at me and says "auntie meg, your hairs look smart" :) so funny. Or Norah, who pretty much is at the prime of her terrible two's and gets in trouble everyday.. yesterday I said "Norah, I heard that you are beating your friend Olga in class, if you beat your friends, who will be your friend?" and without skipping a beat she says "Benja will" - Benja, who is one of her 5 year old brothers, is probably the easiest going kid we have. I laughed so hard, because he would, Benja is so sweet. I've enjoyed being able to get to know the nursery school kids as well.. The school in our home is a nursery school with three classes "baby class" (2-3 years) "middle class (4-5years) "top class" (kindergarten) - they then move to primary school in which they will have 75 kids in one class.. one teacher, one chalkboard and a ton of memorization. It's craziness to me.
This week I've also been working with Junior, who we've discovered through different things this week is dyslexic. There was thoughts that maybe he was before, but I'm pretty positive he is through working on his homework with him this week- So I'm trying to research and pray and figure out some things to help him.. if any of you have experience or know please email me and let me know.
I have also enjoyed teaching sunday school the past two weeks.. we've been studying in Daniel and about doing whats right even when others aren't. I've learned how powerful story is here.. as well as memorizing and singing. So a lot of that is happening sunday mornings :)
A big praise is the fact that while i have missed everyone, I don't feel lonely. I am experiencing God's presence so tender and so close day in and day out. Being the extraverted verbal processing one that I am.. this has been really good, because I am learning to rely on God first even more and I'm thankful for that.
Sorry this is a short update but I need to catch myself a boda before it gets dark.. hope you are all taking care- I love you and am praying for you!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
June 23, 2007
Greetings to all of you who are reading!
It has been yet another eventful week here in Jinja! This week seems like it flew by for me… maybe its because I’m now into my routine and the sense of everything being so new and confusing isn’t so much anymore. Although it was going to be last week, this was the first week that Diana, the girl I am filling in for during her leave, has left for her 3 weeks. But hey, somehow the fort didn’t burn down so I guess that’s good ☺
It’s been a lot of fun actually… This week was salary week so I was able to interact with all of the workers that way, as well this week we sent a letter to parents regarding school fees that need to be paid, so several of them came in to work out an agreement for their child’s situation… which was fun for me because that means I got to meet new people, interact and listen to stories. I was also able to accomplish all of the shopping (mostly) on my own…. There were still a few things I got help from Deidrah for, and praise God for this dear man, David. David and his wife have a produce stand in the main market, but he is so honest and helpful. Because for most everything you negotiate prices here, I’ve been warned that due to my “muzungu” (white) skin, it will be assumed that I can pay more… but David has been very honest and helpful.. and when I’m not sure where the best place to get something is he will show me and walk around the market to help me carry bags (its kinda funny, but those little things you don’t think about.. like how do you carry 18 kilos of potatoes, 4 bags of produce, rice and popcorn all at once?) So everyone should thank God and clap for David ☺ I really enjoy the main market… it has EVERYTHING you can think of… it sort of looks like a massive Saturday market or farmers market, but African style of course. But I love the sounds, the smells and the hustle and bustle of people… its so much fun stimulation in one atmosphere! (Grandma, we could do some great people watching here… too bad you’re not here with me)
The best news of this week would be my little MaryBelle. MaryBelle came home last week two days in a row with a 28% on one exam and a 30% on the other.. since those days I have been making homework sheets for her and during play time we've spent about an hour a day studying. On Thursday MaryBelle came home with a exam score of 70%!!! we rejoiced much! Now we're shooting for 80%! Praise God!
This week I also got sick. It was sort of inevitable due to the fact that almost all of the kids are sick right now. I was having sinus pressure and stuffed up nose for a few days, which wasn’t a big deal, but then I started having a sore throat and so the combination of having to breathe out of my mouth with a sore throat was not helpful and it all went down hill from there. On Wednesday I decided to take a half day off and just slept for the afternoon. Deidrah used to be a nurse which is great so she got me some drugs, but I have a very high pain tolerance, so unfortunately after taking them and sleeping all day I got worse, not better. At about 7:00 pm I had completely lost my voice to nothing and was in really bad pain, so she took me to the doctor, who said I have “toncilitis” and prescribed super dee-dooper pain killers as well as a strong antibiotic and by the next morning I was already feeling much better. I’m still not recovered fully, but getting better each day and rejoicing that it was as short lived as it was.
This afternoon I have planned an “internet café” field trip for our kids Saturday fun…we have reserved all 24 of the computers they have and we will play some fun and educational games on the internet and give the kids a chance to explore computers a bit… I hope it goes well.
Another fun part of this week was Tuesday night in which I made my Dad’s spaghetti for the kids… it was pretty hilarious because there are certain ingredients that we can’t get.. so instead of meat balls or italian sasauge we had hot dogs.. haha but the kids don’t know.. and the tomato paste here is literally paste.. so that was interesting, because it was so thick and bitter.. that’s okay I added lots and lots of sugar. Haha. It was pretty fun to make dinner for 40 people.. in one GIANT saucepan. The kids reaction was interesting, some loved it and most complained it was too hot. It definetly wasn’t hot, but because their diet is so bland I’m sure their mouths were on fire. Oops. Oh well it was a fun experience anyways and I think they liked the fact that “auntie meg” made dinner.
I hope you are all getting settled into summer and enjoying whatever that means for you. You are all missed, and God constantly brings individuals to mind. I wish I could talk to you all. Please keep me updated on your lives and let me know how I can be praying for you.
LOTS and LOTS of love. Oxoxoxxo
p.s. I could totally be happy living in uganda…
Greetings to all of you who are reading!
It has been yet another eventful week here in Jinja! This week seems like it flew by for me… maybe its because I’m now into my routine and the sense of everything being so new and confusing isn’t so much anymore. Although it was going to be last week, this was the first week that Diana, the girl I am filling in for during her leave, has left for her 3 weeks. But hey, somehow the fort didn’t burn down so I guess that’s good ☺
It’s been a lot of fun actually… This week was salary week so I was able to interact with all of the workers that way, as well this week we sent a letter to parents regarding school fees that need to be paid, so several of them came in to work out an agreement for their child’s situation… which was fun for me because that means I got to meet new people, interact and listen to stories. I was also able to accomplish all of the shopping (mostly) on my own…. There were still a few things I got help from Deidrah for, and praise God for this dear man, David. David and his wife have a produce stand in the main market, but he is so honest and helpful. Because for most everything you negotiate prices here, I’ve been warned that due to my “muzungu” (white) skin, it will be assumed that I can pay more… but David has been very honest and helpful.. and when I’m not sure where the best place to get something is he will show me and walk around the market to help me carry bags (its kinda funny, but those little things you don’t think about.. like how do you carry 18 kilos of potatoes, 4 bags of produce, rice and popcorn all at once?) So everyone should thank God and clap for David ☺ I really enjoy the main market… it has EVERYTHING you can think of… it sort of looks like a massive Saturday market or farmers market, but African style of course. But I love the sounds, the smells and the hustle and bustle of people… its so much fun stimulation in one atmosphere! (Grandma, we could do some great people watching here… too bad you’re not here with me)
The best news of this week would be my little MaryBelle. MaryBelle came home last week two days in a row with a 28% on one exam and a 30% on the other.. since those days I have been making homework sheets for her and during play time we've spent about an hour a day studying. On Thursday MaryBelle came home with a exam score of 70%!!! we rejoiced much! Now we're shooting for 80%! Praise God!
This week I also got sick. It was sort of inevitable due to the fact that almost all of the kids are sick right now. I was having sinus pressure and stuffed up nose for a few days, which wasn’t a big deal, but then I started having a sore throat and so the combination of having to breathe out of my mouth with a sore throat was not helpful and it all went down hill from there. On Wednesday I decided to take a half day off and just slept for the afternoon. Deidrah used to be a nurse which is great so she got me some drugs, but I have a very high pain tolerance, so unfortunately after taking them and sleeping all day I got worse, not better. At about 7:00 pm I had completely lost my voice to nothing and was in really bad pain, so she took me to the doctor, who said I have “toncilitis” and prescribed super dee-dooper pain killers as well as a strong antibiotic and by the next morning I was already feeling much better. I’m still not recovered fully, but getting better each day and rejoicing that it was as short lived as it was.
This afternoon I have planned an “internet café” field trip for our kids Saturday fun…we have reserved all 24 of the computers they have and we will play some fun and educational games on the internet and give the kids a chance to explore computers a bit… I hope it goes well.
Another fun part of this week was Tuesday night in which I made my Dad’s spaghetti for the kids… it was pretty hilarious because there are certain ingredients that we can’t get.. so instead of meat balls or italian sasauge we had hot dogs.. haha but the kids don’t know.. and the tomato paste here is literally paste.. so that was interesting, because it was so thick and bitter.. that’s okay I added lots and lots of sugar. Haha. It was pretty fun to make dinner for 40 people.. in one GIANT saucepan. The kids reaction was interesting, some loved it and most complained it was too hot. It definetly wasn’t hot, but because their diet is so bland I’m sure their mouths were on fire. Oops. Oh well it was a fun experience anyways and I think they liked the fact that “auntie meg” made dinner.
I hope you are all getting settled into summer and enjoying whatever that means for you. You are all missed, and God constantly brings individuals to mind. I wish I could talk to you all. Please keep me updated on your lives and let me know how I can be praying for you.
LOTS and LOTS of love. Oxoxoxxo
p.s. I could totally be happy living in uganda…
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Journal 4
June 16th
Today was quite the day…. Our home, AFTC, participated in the local representation of a national annual day called “Day of the African Child”. Every year on June 16th there is a day to celebrate children as well as educate the community on issues regarding African children. This years theme was child trafficking. So in between speeches children from different groups like schools, scouts and orphanages participated by representing songs, dramas, drumming and dances and poems. It was fun to watch some of the traditional dances with the drumming – I love it ;) Our kids did a great job as well… they sang 3 songs and recited a poem with hand motions and all – It was very cute.. especially when they said “Give us medical care” and all gave themselves injections in their bums ;) Robert, one of our kindergarten boys, led the group in the mic with all his might.. it was adorable. Everyone is napping now as I sit here typing while laying on my bed resting as well.
Last night I sitting on the floor with the aunties as we were preparing six loaves of peanut butter and jelly for lunches today and the floor began to rumble… we had a small earthquake. It wasn’t too bad but we definetly stood up to hold the cupboard doors shut as the dishes rattled. It only lasted about 4 minutes or so. But hey, it was an earthquake so I thought it was worth reporting ☺
Please continue to pray for me to have wisdom and creativity from heaven as I seek to assist and support this home, nursery school and Sunday school in the very best way I can. Yesterday was a difficult day, it seemed like every time we turned around there was some kind of problem needing to be addressed. As you can imagine, days like this cause both kids and grown ups to be tired and weary. In addition to it being a weary “day in the office” there have been 5 cases of Malaria in the past two weeks and it seems like everyone is coughing and sick with your typical cold. It was pretty funny when I told the kids to line up for meds last night.. there were so many they had to sit against a wall to wait their turn and they took up the whole distance of the wall. I am also not feeling well, with sinus infection symptoms and a sore throat and aching body… but PRAISE the Lord NO MALARIA even after being off on my meds. So for that I am very grateful.
How are all of you? I think of you all the time. Amanda Joelle I can’t wait to hear about your time here as well…Kaylamayla I just miss you too much and I can’t wait to hear everything about Europe. TT I’m praying for your summer courses… hang in there sis. Saaas… I miss your hugs ;) Heather, how is your new home? Miss VannySchmanny I found a pair of express jeans in the market yesterday and was thinking about you ;)
Someone please send me an update on Beaverton-Four camps… I’ve been praying for them lots… my heart is there and missing it lots.
Today, June 16th is my Momma’s Birthday… so if you know her, you should call her and tell her how wonderful she is. Mom, as I’m here living in another home and exploring the world for myself, I’m realizing that most everything I do and think is because of you and your love for me. Thank you for giving me everything you have, especially your words, which I hear repeat themselves in my mind all the time. I wish you could be here experiencing Uganda with me.
Well that should be enough writing for today… LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!
Today was quite the day…. Our home, AFTC, participated in the local representation of a national annual day called “Day of the African Child”. Every year on June 16th there is a day to celebrate children as well as educate the community on issues regarding African children. This years theme was child trafficking. So in between speeches children from different groups like schools, scouts and orphanages participated by representing songs, dramas, drumming and dances and poems. It was fun to watch some of the traditional dances with the drumming – I love it ;) Our kids did a great job as well… they sang 3 songs and recited a poem with hand motions and all – It was very cute.. especially when they said “Give us medical care” and all gave themselves injections in their bums ;) Robert, one of our kindergarten boys, led the group in the mic with all his might.. it was adorable. Everyone is napping now as I sit here typing while laying on my bed resting as well.
Last night I sitting on the floor with the aunties as we were preparing six loaves of peanut butter and jelly for lunches today and the floor began to rumble… we had a small earthquake. It wasn’t too bad but we definetly stood up to hold the cupboard doors shut as the dishes rattled. It only lasted about 4 minutes or so. But hey, it was an earthquake so I thought it was worth reporting ☺
Please continue to pray for me to have wisdom and creativity from heaven as I seek to assist and support this home, nursery school and Sunday school in the very best way I can. Yesterday was a difficult day, it seemed like every time we turned around there was some kind of problem needing to be addressed. As you can imagine, days like this cause both kids and grown ups to be tired and weary. In addition to it being a weary “day in the office” there have been 5 cases of Malaria in the past two weeks and it seems like everyone is coughing and sick with your typical cold. It was pretty funny when I told the kids to line up for meds last night.. there were so many they had to sit against a wall to wait their turn and they took up the whole distance of the wall. I am also not feeling well, with sinus infection symptoms and a sore throat and aching body… but PRAISE the Lord NO MALARIA even after being off on my meds. So for that I am very grateful.
How are all of you? I think of you all the time. Amanda Joelle I can’t wait to hear about your time here as well…Kaylamayla I just miss you too much and I can’t wait to hear everything about Europe. TT I’m praying for your summer courses… hang in there sis. Saaas… I miss your hugs ;) Heather, how is your new home? Miss VannySchmanny I found a pair of express jeans in the market yesterday and was thinking about you ;)
Someone please send me an update on Beaverton-Four camps… I’ve been praying for them lots… my heart is there and missing it lots.
Today, June 16th is my Momma’s Birthday… so if you know her, you should call her and tell her how wonderful she is. Mom, as I’m here living in another home and exploring the world for myself, I’m realizing that most everything I do and think is because of you and your love for me. Thank you for giving me everything you have, especially your words, which I hear repeat themselves in my mind all the time. I wish you could be here experiencing Uganda with me.
Well that should be enough writing for today… LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!
Journal 3
June 12, 2007
So I had to write an update today because I did something crazy that everyone ought to know about ☺ I ate a grasshopper! Yup, that’s right… I ate a grasshopper. My dear Ugandan sister Diana convinced me that they’re “really nice” and “just like chips or sweets” hahaha… not so much… but after much freaking out I made up my mind and chomp chomp away grass hopper eating I did! Although I forgot my camera at home (I know what you’re thinking, I don’t know what’s wrong with me either) there is another visitor here who used hers to document this event so you will have a few pictures to see that I did in fact consume grasshopper! Haha.
The past two days I’ve spent mostly in the office trying to wrap my brain around how to create/implement different systems to try and make things run smoother. There is so much that takes place, it’s truly an amazing place- I’m praying that God will give me some insight and ideas of ways to make the burden seem lighter for everyone.
I’ve had a tough time watching kids get sick… since I’ve been here we’ve had two cases of Malaria. Malaria is really awful… it’s a super high fever with shaking and throwing up and moving from hot- to cold in extremes… I hate watching these little ones suffering. Selfishly, It’s been a good opportunity for me to get some one on one time as they have stayed home from school and I’ve been able to check on them regularly. I treasure one on one time and it’s pretty difficult to get. I also got some time with MaryBelle, who didn’t do so well on her mid-term tests, so I gladly took the opportunity to go over them with her and help figure out what she isn’t understanding.
I hope that all of you are doing well and that summer is bringing rest and the joys of a new season. Know that I’ve been praying for all of you who are preparing for camps at Beaverton, for all of my friends who are wedding planning, and those of you recent graduates who are seeking direction for the next season of life ;)
Please continue to pray for me and for my communication with all who I am working with. Pray that I would have understanding of how best to bless this place and these hard working men and women, as well as how to love and teach the children.
So I had to write an update today because I did something crazy that everyone ought to know about ☺ I ate a grasshopper! Yup, that’s right… I ate a grasshopper. My dear Ugandan sister Diana convinced me that they’re “really nice” and “just like chips or sweets” hahaha… not so much… but after much freaking out I made up my mind and chomp chomp away grass hopper eating I did! Although I forgot my camera at home (I know what you’re thinking, I don’t know what’s wrong with me either) there is another visitor here who used hers to document this event so you will have a few pictures to see that I did in fact consume grasshopper! Haha.
The past two days I’ve spent mostly in the office trying to wrap my brain around how to create/implement different systems to try and make things run smoother. There is so much that takes place, it’s truly an amazing place- I’m praying that God will give me some insight and ideas of ways to make the burden seem lighter for everyone.
I’ve had a tough time watching kids get sick… since I’ve been here we’ve had two cases of Malaria. Malaria is really awful… it’s a super high fever with shaking and throwing up and moving from hot- to cold in extremes… I hate watching these little ones suffering. Selfishly, It’s been a good opportunity for me to get some one on one time as they have stayed home from school and I’ve been able to check on them regularly. I treasure one on one time and it’s pretty difficult to get. I also got some time with MaryBelle, who didn’t do so well on her mid-term tests, so I gladly took the opportunity to go over them with her and help figure out what she isn’t understanding.
I hope that all of you are doing well and that summer is bringing rest and the joys of a new season. Know that I’ve been praying for all of you who are preparing for camps at Beaverton, for all of my friends who are wedding planning, and those of you recent graduates who are seeking direction for the next season of life ;)
Please continue to pray for me and for my communication with all who I am working with. Pray that I would have understanding of how best to bless this place and these hard working men and women, as well as how to love and teach the children.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
9 days!
Hello beloved friends and family...
I have been in Uganda for 9 days now... and It has been a full and eventful week! I am actually writing at the internet cafe right now, so this will be a short update, but I will try to write more frequently throughout the week so I can upload them on the weekends. Today my heart misses home, as in Portland home, for it DOWNPOURED all day... I think God was thinking of me and my love for the rain ;) We almost didn't make it to church because the minibus (which was taking all 39 of us) was stuck in the puddles...more like gaping holes ;) But at last we did, we got to church in time for the sermon, which was so good for me to hear.
This next week please be praying for me as I now will be fulfilling Deidrah's administrator position while her administrator is on leave for two weeks... this means I am in charge of all the shopping, accounting, attending mtgs for "day of african child" this weekend, and plenty more of office type stuff :) I am enjoying Jinja and the Ugandan's here so much. I will miss Diana, who is the administrator I am covering for, while she is gone. She has been a very good friend to me and helped me to learn all I need to know to make my way around town.
Last night I was able to attend a Ugandan wedding in Kampala, the capital. It was incredible... I'm told it was a "well to do" wedding, it was definetly a party!
I have now been able to learn all of the children's names and have also been having fun teaching them games and reading books. Thanks to Melinda who has given me games out my ears that take nothing but kids and smiles :) I also subsitute taught "top class" this week, which was the kindergarteners... that was an interesting expereience :) Please pray as I will teach the sunday school the next two sundays from now... I think we are going to talk about Daniel, but I'm still praying about it.
Happy Birthday to Aunt Charity and soon to my Mommma - I miss you family.
To my Malawian family, I miss you so much... Being in Africa makes me think about you all the time. And here in Uganda, I'm now a "muzungu" not an "azunugu" but hey, its all the same. And the samosas- they're still wonderful! :) Oh and for Vic... "oonnne, two...oonnne, two"
Okay, all for now.. but please leave me msgs and tell me how you all are!
To my Fairvilla family... I MISS YOU! I'm loving your letters...and chocolate :) Emily, I find myself praying for you in the middle of the night often... and Saas... keep it up with CS Lewis ;) xoxoxoox
love you all,
meg
I have been in Uganda for 9 days now... and It has been a full and eventful week! I am actually writing at the internet cafe right now, so this will be a short update, but I will try to write more frequently throughout the week so I can upload them on the weekends. Today my heart misses home, as in Portland home, for it DOWNPOURED all day... I think God was thinking of me and my love for the rain ;) We almost didn't make it to church because the minibus (which was taking all 39 of us) was stuck in the puddles...more like gaping holes ;) But at last we did, we got to church in time for the sermon, which was so good for me to hear.
This next week please be praying for me as I now will be fulfilling Deidrah's administrator position while her administrator is on leave for two weeks... this means I am in charge of all the shopping, accounting, attending mtgs for "day of african child" this weekend, and plenty more of office type stuff :) I am enjoying Jinja and the Ugandan's here so much. I will miss Diana, who is the administrator I am covering for, while she is gone. She has been a very good friend to me and helped me to learn all I need to know to make my way around town.
Last night I was able to attend a Ugandan wedding in Kampala, the capital. It was incredible... I'm told it was a "well to do" wedding, it was definetly a party!
I have now been able to learn all of the children's names and have also been having fun teaching them games and reading books. Thanks to Melinda who has given me games out my ears that take nothing but kids and smiles :) I also subsitute taught "top class" this week, which was the kindergarteners... that was an interesting expereience :) Please pray as I will teach the sunday school the next two sundays from now... I think we are going to talk about Daniel, but I'm still praying about it.
Happy Birthday to Aunt Charity and soon to my Mommma - I miss you family.
To my Malawian family, I miss you so much... Being in Africa makes me think about you all the time. And here in Uganda, I'm now a "muzungu" not an "azunugu" but hey, its all the same. And the samosas- they're still wonderful! :) Oh and for Vic... "oonnne, two...oonnne, two"
Okay, all for now.. but please leave me msgs and tell me how you all are!
To my Fairvilla family... I MISS YOU! I'm loving your letters...and chocolate :) Emily, I find myself praying for you in the middle of the night often... and Saas... keep it up with CS Lewis ;) xoxoxoox
love you all,
meg
arrival!
June 4, 2007
Update # 1
Hello friends and family!
For those of you who have been wondering… yes I did make it to Uganda ;) Although I was minutes away from missing a connecting flight in Chicago, God is good and I just made it on. My traveling was really not that bad, funny, but it really felt like it went by pretty quickly. I think I have had so much on my mind that I hadn’t been able to think about with being so busy with school and all that I didn’t realize how much thinking I could do during the 32 hours of traveling that my trip took in total. I did loose my baggage, however, which has been a kind of a pain – but it hasn’t been so bad, one of the girls here Anna, is about my size so she graciously offered to share some clothes with me and today I went to the market to purchase some soap, shampoo, a skirt and some other necessities. I’m praying my luggage makes it here soon. Mostly because it has my malaria pills (as well as mosquito repellent) in it, so I am relying on God’s grace for health right now ;)
Jinja is a beautiful city- so much life and activity. I love all the colors, smells, and sounds. The sound of Life. Jinja is far more developed than Ntcheu was, lots more- it almost feels like the states in comparison. I was able to ride on the back of a motorbike back home… let me tell ya, Disneyland gots nothing on this ride ;) My goodness I was hanging on for dear life as we FLY amongst other people walking, on bikes, cars, and over pot- holes, etc. It was fabulous. And here I am, thinking I might die, and I look over and see a woman on a motor bike next to me, sitting on sideways because of her skirt, not holding on to the bike, but talking on her cell phone! I was put to shame ;)
There are 25 children in addition to the six in the Kirya family here. Wow, this is a huge amount of kids to be living in one home ☺ Part of me thinks its craziness and the other part thinks its amazing. I’m still learning all of the names, but they certainly all have named me “Auntie Meg” which is pronounced “Auuntie Magah”. They are absolutely beautiful, very sweet and full of energy! Here in the home is also a nursery school, which I was able to help in the 4-5 year old class today, very fun, very interesting. So different in some ways, yet so the same in others.
Please continue to pray for me, I have much to learn and while I have been shown nothing but love and hospitality, I am far from home and in very unfamiliar territory. Pray for insight, wisdom, sensitivity, strength and for good communication. Thank you for your prayers support- I am so blessed to have all of your love.
Meg
Update # 1
Hello friends and family!
For those of you who have been wondering… yes I did make it to Uganda ;) Although I was minutes away from missing a connecting flight in Chicago, God is good and I just made it on. My traveling was really not that bad, funny, but it really felt like it went by pretty quickly. I think I have had so much on my mind that I hadn’t been able to think about with being so busy with school and all that I didn’t realize how much thinking I could do during the 32 hours of traveling that my trip took in total. I did loose my baggage, however, which has been a kind of a pain – but it hasn’t been so bad, one of the girls here Anna, is about my size so she graciously offered to share some clothes with me and today I went to the market to purchase some soap, shampoo, a skirt and some other necessities. I’m praying my luggage makes it here soon. Mostly because it has my malaria pills (as well as mosquito repellent) in it, so I am relying on God’s grace for health right now ;)
Jinja is a beautiful city- so much life and activity. I love all the colors, smells, and sounds. The sound of Life. Jinja is far more developed than Ntcheu was, lots more- it almost feels like the states in comparison. I was able to ride on the back of a motorbike back home… let me tell ya, Disneyland gots nothing on this ride ;) My goodness I was hanging on for dear life as we FLY amongst other people walking, on bikes, cars, and over pot- holes, etc. It was fabulous. And here I am, thinking I might die, and I look over and see a woman on a motor bike next to me, sitting on sideways because of her skirt, not holding on to the bike, but talking on her cell phone! I was put to shame ;)
There are 25 children in addition to the six in the Kirya family here. Wow, this is a huge amount of kids to be living in one home ☺ Part of me thinks its craziness and the other part thinks its amazing. I’m still learning all of the names, but they certainly all have named me “Auntie Meg” which is pronounced “Auuntie Magah”. They are absolutely beautiful, very sweet and full of energy! Here in the home is also a nursery school, which I was able to help in the 4-5 year old class today, very fun, very interesting. So different in some ways, yet so the same in others.
Please continue to pray for me, I have much to learn and while I have been shown nothing but love and hospitality, I am far from home and in very unfamiliar territory. Pray for insight, wisdom, sensitivity, strength and for good communication. Thank you for your prayers support- I am so blessed to have all of your love.
Meg
Thursday, May 31, 2007
its here!
So... I'm leaving for the airport in 3 hours... I haven't yet gone to bed. Life is crazy in my world... haha. The past week has been so full... graduation, lots of families here for graduation celebrations, church on sunday, memorial day monday, and then our house has been deep cleaning (hoping for that security deposit....lol) and i've been packing both for Uganda and for moving in only 2 days when I return. aye yay ye.... one thing to the next so fast its hard for me to keep up. I'm excited to finally be in Uganda and just be there. I'm not so much looking forward to the traveling time, but hey, it will be a good time for me to mentally process the flying at the speed of lightening pace of my life and hopefully i can sleep as well. I appreciate everyone who has been so good to me in the past few days... between the 500.00 that came in one week, to my precious friends who have been helping me to get everything I need- To my wonderful roommates who have sent me with letters and snacks and journals and love... i am so blessed and im so thankful for that. Thank you all... I love you so much. I know this blog is incredibly scattered...but its nearly 3 am and well I inhaled a lot of soft scrub and scrubby bubbles today and who knows what that can do to your brain cells... ahaha. next time i write I will be in uganda :) <3333 meg
"You Lord are a shield about me, everywhere, everywhere that I go...."
"You Lord are a shield about me, everywhere, everywhere that I go...."
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Getting closer...
I find my mind dwelling on Uganda much these days. So many emotions as I wait in eager expectation and anticipation, yet there is nervousness and fear as well. I was just taking a 15 minute "nap" which really just meant laying on the couch and breaking from the 24 hour around the clock homeworking. As I laid I my mind went to thinking about how comfortable my life is here. I know its good to be content, but something deep on the inside is constantly screaming at me "this isn't it, theres more to this life, you're not living the LIFE that I have for you" - I know God has more in store, and I'm ready to see it. I was in the Library last week, sitting in one of those big comfy lazy boy chairs. Why those are in the library I don't know, because really they're just for taking naps... who can really get work done in a lazy boy when its quiet? Haha, but I was sitting there typing away on my laptop, when all of a sudden I felt this complete discontent with my situation. It wasn't a discontent in an ungrateful way, don't get me wrong, I am so blessed to be in college and having the opportunity to learn. It was just that as I sat there I thought, this is not my life, I was not made to sit and write papers on a laptop, and I began to imagine the numerous little faces that will look up at me as I hold them in my arms. I can see them in my spirit, and I could imagine them as I was sitting in that lazy boy chair. I believe God has graced my life with a means of being a spiritual momma to many many children without. My heart is flooded with excitment as I anticipate being able to love, hold, declare truth over, speak life into, pray for and be Jesus' hands and feet to Ugandan children this summer.
"....you're faithful, and I'm grateful...Lord I thank you..."
<3
"....you're faithful, and I'm grateful...Lord I thank you..."
<3
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Tickets!
So my tickets were dropped off by the Fed-Ex man today.... which means its for real, totaly official, its happening... IM GOING TO UGANDA! ayye ye ye.... im so excited. I'm also really quite nervous to tell the truth... traveling out of the country alone for 30 + hours does not sound appealing to me. To be honest, that traveling part scares me a bit. Partly because I'm not a very familiar with international traveling and how the airport procedures work, etc, but also because I think I'm going to go insane without friends to talk to for that long of time. Haha, those of you who know me well are chuckling with me at the thought of Meg not trying to verbally process for more than a whole day. oooh the poor soul who is going to sit by me in the plane ;) On a more serious note, I really do think that choosing to spend seven weeks in another country on my own, or well, without close friends or internship buddies, is a step of faith God is asking me to take. Am I a bit freaked out? Oh you betchya I am... but I'm also looking forward to the anticipated growth that will come as I'm forced to trust and rely on my good Father more than ever before. Please keep this area in prayer as you remember me both in preparation for and during my trip. Thanks friends... love you all!
...strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord.....
...strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord.....
Sunday, March 25, 2007
starters
hey all... i just began this new blog as a means to update when I'm in Uganda... lets hope it works well :)
meg
meg
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