Some of my favorite pictures and memories of the last 2 months...

Some Photos Courtesy of: Jill, Abby, Chelsey, Alyie, and Sarah (cotn kid)

VIDEOS COMING SOON!

the final countdown

Cheers to an amazing week.  Jeffery let me drive the van around Lira. Holla! I had to drive on the left side of the road and steer from the right side.  It was quite the experience to drive with no traffic lights and babies and bicycles popping out from every angle.  I wanted guidance and Jeffrey just stuck his head out the window saying, “Look, baby chickens!” I respond, “No Jeffrey, I am trying not to kill us or a small child.”

  On Monday night we got to go to Hadrine’s (head of the children’s home) home.  She made us dinner and invited her single friends over to discuss relationship differences between Americans and Ugandans.  We talked about an American typical dating scenario, marriage, and involving families.  The let us know that dating is very secretive here, it is unacceptable for a woman to approach a man because she will be seen as a prostitute, and that about 7 out of 10 women are being beaten by their husbands.  It was so amazing to sit with them and hear from them they wanted things to start changing.  It was easily one of my favorite nights in Uganda.  Talking about love and culture, yep that’s my love language. 

On Tuesday we went to Jeffrey’s school, called “Integrity”.  It was about an hour drive until we pulled up to about 100 kids below the age of 6 singing to us and waving a leaf in the air.  Precious.  Him and his wife run the school and his brother is a teacher at Integrity.  Mary, his wife, showed me around their home and told me next time I come to Uganda I will stay with them.

This week I was able to sleep in the kids home with them and dance with them.  We also introduced the money management system on Tuesday and Wednesday night.  It could not have gone any better.  The kids were so excited and had so many questions.  They were excited to use their money and buy their first item.  The COTN staff is thrilled about the new program and thanked us for leaving something with them to continue after we leave.  I feel very blessed to have been able to be a part of it. 

My time in Uganda has been exceptional.  My love for Africa continues to grow and saying goodbye to my amazing new friends will be one of the hardest things I have to do.  These kids are beautiful.  They study hard, they laugh loud, they worship faithfully, and they love with everything they have.  God has been so alive in their lives and it’s a blessing to see.  It’s a bittersweet leaving, however there is always a time for hellos and a time for goodbyes.  My friendships wont end with these people the moment I get on the plane.  I plan to write them, send pictures, and God willing come back someday.  Thank you again for this amazing experience to give and receive the love of God.  With 3 days left we are having our farewell dinner and heading to Sipi Falls where we will stay in a bungalow that is tucked in over the side of a mountain.  We will hike and enjoy the last sweet moments we have to share together.  I have made amazing friends from Florida, Washington, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, and grown in my friendships with the girls from San Diego.  They are a blessing and I treasure the amazing summer we shared together.  I am ready to take what God has shown me here and bring it back to my life in the states.  I am ready to hug my mom and dad.  To kiss my grandpa on the cheek and eat grandmas cheesey potatoes.  I am ready to shop with Sarah and laugh with Greg and to watch the bachelor re-runs with all my girls at home.  I am ready to talk, laugh, and go to a baseball game with Ryan and for a coffee date with Kate.  I am ready for ice cubes, salads, jeans, and 2-hour church services.  I am ready to cherish the coming year; a year of excitement and uncertainty.

Please continue to pray for our safe travels home.  I have 29 hours of flying to endure until I reach California soil on Wednesday night.  Apowyo Matek (thank you) from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement, prayers, and love.   I could not have done and continue to do this without you.