Sunday, July 10th
In about ten days I will be able to sleep in my own bed, eat American food( think I am having an AMAZING steak first) and catch up on my DVR which is probably about almost full by now. We arrived in Mbale yesterday afternoon after what seemed like a very long ride from Kampala. This city is a lot different then Kampala. It seems to be a tad bit smaller than Kampala which means you would think there would be less traffic and sadly a bit dirtier. The most beautiful part is that out to the left of our hotel is a Mountain called Mt. Elgon. We are staying at a hotel here on on of the main streets in town. Thankfully they have screens on their windows which means we can sleep with the windows open at night and get the cool fresh air coming in. Tonight there seemed to be a storm happening off in the distance. There was thunder but mostly lightning occurring. We ate a a near by Indian restaurant and then came back to the hotel to rest and relax. All in all today was a very relaxing day. Most of the shops and things in the city are closed on Sundays so we were able to rest and prepare for the week ahead of us.
Tomorrow I will have my first boda boda experience which is a motorcycle. They drive the motorcycles and you sit on back holding on for dear life because they weave in and out of traffic and around the huge potholes in the street. We have seen the women here ride side saddle on the boda bodas and I have decided to be the brave and bold one out of the group and do the side saddle riding. I am praying that all of my dancing training and God have prepared me for this ride. I am ready and can not wait to tell this story. Who knows, this could be just the children’s book I have been waiting to write! Until tomorrow....
Monday, July 11th
Today started out with a lovely walk through Mbale to the school called Namatala. This school has a library in it that is about 6 years old. We were able to visit one classroom and sing a children’s song with them before beginning with the libraries. It amazes me every time we walk into a school because it causes such a commotion that the mzyngus are there. The kids all want to shake our hands, introduce themselves, feel their skin, and they love to see us act silly and crazy with them. After we visited for a little while, we got started on the library there. The task on hand for today was to make sure the entire library was in order. Since this library is several years old and will be restocked next year, we had to take out a lot of the books that were falling apart. We worked straight through the day because this library really needed the work. The books needed to be put back into order as well as dusted off because of all the red sand and dirt that is all over Africa.
After we finished in the later afternoon we decided to get an early dinner. We went to a place called Mt.Elgon restaurant. It is a beautiful hotel that charges way too much because they have a swimming pool and are closer to the mountain. They did have a great meal though which I was very grateful for. It is funny but one thing we have noticed is that things here in Uganda happen on Uganda time. This time is very different then American time which we want to happen right away because we are all in a hurry. Well here in Uganda, things happen when they get to it or when they do. There is never any rush and they actually sell t-shirts stating this. So we ordered our meals and had some time to relax. The special that I got today was chicken enchilada and boy was it DELICIOUS! It was chapati which is a tortilla like flat bread but softer then a tortilla almost more buttery, one of my favorite foods here so far, and amazing chicken inside. They had guacamole and a salsa with fried mexican like chips. It was fantastic!
Once we were finished there it was time to take the boda bodas back to the hotel. There were none so we started walking until enough came by that we could all fit on. Today in Kampala the taxis were on strike so it was a very big day for the bodas. We hoped on, two ladies to a boda, and started off down the road. I sat on the way back end and held on to the back as we went down the road. I had my sunglasses on and hair tied back and was just cruising along. Our driver did a very nice job and did not go to fast or in the pot holes. The other boda drivers like to get so close that I could have reached out to touch them. He dropped us off and I have learned another thing about Uganda. Ugandans think that they can charge myzyngus a special price and then Ugandans a cheaper price. We knew the boda should be about 1,000 shillings which is not even a dollar in the U.S. but because there were two of us maybe about 2,000 shillings. Except that when we got off the boda he told us it was 3,000 shillings which was obviously the myzungu price. So instead of doing that we paid 4,000 and hoped that this boda would appreciate our very generous nature and then in turn show kindness to others. All in all, it was a pretty good ride. It was quite thrilling to be able to do this and have the experience. The funny thing is that I have not given up on the side saddle idea, as well as now I want to take a boda everywhere. I have noticed that most people do not drive, they walk to and from where they are going or mostly take a boda. I think I may even have to start my own little boda company back in the U.S. and call it Busy Boda by Lani. It will be just for short little rides around town, and amazingly enough I have seen beds/mattresses/and even refrigerators being tied up to these things and hauled away.
The trip is going by so fast. We will be seeing the rest of the 8 or 9 schools here in Mbale until Thursday, then it will be time to head back to Kampala before we go out on safari for a day or two. I was told it might be a real safari like sleeping in tents at night. I keep praying that a cabana will become available or something just a little more comfortable then a tent on the ground out in the wild situation. Then the drive there is about 7 hours on Friday, a boat ride down the Nile River in the morning with a game drive in the afternoon on Saturday. Then a 7 hour ride back to pack up for leaving on Sunday. We leave bright and early for the airport the next morning, Monday,and wa-la we are back in the U.S. on Tuesday.
Tuesday, July 12th
Today was a great day! I appreciate your love for me, as people here in Uganda would tell you, but I mean it for you. Thank you for continuing to read about my journey as it is coming closely to an end. We began our day with a most delicious omelette here at the hotel for breakfast. We went out to Namaquaqua which is a school with a most lovely librarian named Hydrera. We began just helping her put away a few books, and get her library ready for restocking next year. We pulled a lot of books that had been used and loved a lot as I would say and either patched them up or took them to give away to the teachers. Next year most of the libraries that we have visited will be restocked with a large quantity of brand new books. These schools here in Mbale are also many years old and will be updated with a few of the new systems that are being used with the newer libraries. Another thing to realize is that these schools are sitting with 1-3,000 students at any time so their books are being used again and again.
After this school visit, we went on a walk up to the next school, St. Joseph’s. This school is just on up the road about 15 or so walking minutes, up and down the red sand/dirt roads. What I like best when we walk is that everyone you meet out in their communities want to stop to say hello and visit just a little. They are always interested in what we are doing, and also to say thank you for loving them and Uganda so much. It is here where you see many children not in school because they can not afford school fees or the ladies out doing the wash for the day. It is also on this path that I realized how badly so many kids need to be educated because we are continuing them on a cycle of not being able to be responsible in the world because they are not involved in school. An idea of a mobile teaching unit that would go from community to community teaching a select set of lessons: how to buy things at a market, how to understand money, how to cook and have clean drinking water, how to get from one place to another being safe, etc. Just the basic skills that a person would need to live day to day on so that they can be safe, healthy, and happy.
At St. Joesph’s we met Sister Maria Gavarti who is the headmistress and such a stitch! She is only one of many Sister Maria Gavarti’s at this school, and I just wonder how they tell each other apart. This library is run by a man named Michael that really is able to handle the children with discipline and love. A man and teacher after my own heart! This library was opened just a few weeks ago, and is already doing well. It was beautiful to be able to see how a library is put up and then is working so well in just a few short weeks. The students were able to show off their reading skills which was quite a joy for me to hear their beautiful accents reading books such as “Go, Dog, Go!” and “Cinderella”. Sister had us to her office after we spent some time in the library, and we had a most wonderful chat. She cracked jokes the entire time. Even as we were leaving, she told us a quick story how she was climbing and walking up in the mountains to go to another Sister’s burial for her mother and how she had to come home the next day, take a valium and go right to bed. You would have just truly enjoyed this woman if you were able to meet her.
We began down the road again as our driver Hamado was a little lost. We met up with some students walking down the road and little children from the village. We continued our walk and began singing songs with them as we did. Hamado arrived and it was time for lunch at “Chat and Chino” in downtown Mbale. This is a wonderful little cafe here in town that many people love to go and eat at. I ordered the nachos which looked amazing since I was nosy and asked the girl at another table what she was eating then continued to order the same thing. It was fried round small chapati( the thing I mentioned I enjoyed so much like a tortilla but better) with beans and cheese on top. Next, I added on some of their delicious red salsa like sauce.... and WALA! it was sooo good I might just have to get some again before we leave. Of course, there was some amazing avocado that came with it too! The Ugandan time set in here at the restaurant and we waited almost an hour just to get food. I’ve decided that they must do this so that you slurp your first soda down while you are waiting, and then have to order a second to have with your food.
We walked back towards our hotel and just about one block past to another school that we knew was going to need a lot of love. This school, Northroads, seems like a school that could use a lot of help. This school’s headmaster is currently in the process of being fired but in the meantime never comes to school. The librarian has changed many many times, and this school of 3,000 plus obviously is in dire need of direction. We found out today that the librarian has not been paid for almost the last 2-3 months. I do not know what I would be doing if this had happened to me. It would be a scary thought to know that I couldn’t afford anything. Being able to hear his story about this trying time, made me truly appreciate how even though things may be tough they can always be tougher.
After just beginning this library, we had to stop and decided to go back tomorrow in order to be able to finish. We went back to the hotel and got everything ready for this evening with Pastor Okumo and his family. This family is dear friends to our team as well as Trudy. They welcomed us into their home and we all had a most delicious meal together. I love to hear them talk, and hear Pastor Wilberforce’s stories about growing up here in Uganda as a young man. They are such wonderful people. After dinner, we all indulged in a little guilty pleasure that we have picked up here in Uganda. It is a nightly soap opera called, Mari Mar. Not only does it make me laugh because it is probably the lowest quality TV soap program around, but the people here are so into it. At our hotel, people come into the cafe just to watch the program and have a soda. They are all so tuned in, and so quiet during the show. It is an Asian soap that is dubbed into English, and wait here is the best part the dog talks( or you can hear his thoughts) and sounds like he is Hispanic like the Taco Bell chiuaua. It is so silly that I Iaugh mostly when watching it. I have a hard time following it because it reminds me of the old kung fu movies that are dubbed and they are done talking but the lips are still moving.
Tomorrow will be our last full day here in Uganda, and I am determined to ride a boda side saddle all by myself. I also am excited to visit some of the newer libraries to see how they are working as well as finish our big job at Northroads.
Wednesday, July 13th
Today was another wonderful day in Mbale. It was beautiful and the sun was shining brightly. We started out visiting two of the newer libraries and checking out how they were doing. We also were able to check in with the librarians to make sure that they were doing well. We also went back to Namatala and surprisingly enough spent a large amount of time there again. The librarian there has been around for several years and just really needs extra help. Libraries of Love has a very specific way of trying to run the libraries with a system that they know works well. For whatever reason, this woman just needs extra help because from the looks of things she just has a hard time understanding the system. So we were able to help again and try to make sure that things were where they were supposed to be.
While we were walking into Namatala today, we saw a very interesting thing happening. Caneing. This is where a teacher, usually a male, takes a switch and makes the student bend down on one knee to hit their bottom with the switch. The issue is that they usually have a line of children that this is happening to and they do it in front of all the others. As we made our way past, Trudy went up to the man and asked if caneing here in Uganda was illegal. It is illegal in the schools, but happens more often that anyone thinks or really wants to know. As one of the teachers explained to us, “ It is one of the ways most people communicate here.” He said that most adults were caned as children and were communicated why they did something and why it was inappropriate, but to show those feelings they got caned. He said that culturally it just continues, and is a normal part of life for the people and children here. I honestly am not sure on the whole thing. I think I need some time to marinate on these thoughts, and I would like you to as well.
After a lovely walk through town and another lunch at Chat and Chino, we were back off to Northroads. We were able to finish putting everything back into place and repairing a lot of the books so they would be in good shape for awhile. We realized that the card system needed some loving. We had a good 2 hours of just figuring and re-configuring the whole system. We got all the way through it, and just as it started to rain a little bit we were on our way back to the hotel. We had an earlier dinner complete with 2-4 blackouts that lasted a few minutes and then back to our rooms to pack up to head on back to Kampala in the morning.
I didn’t get to ride my boda sideways but that is okay, I did get to ride a boda and sit on the back! Mbale has been a wonderful area and I hope to maybe get some more time to spend here soon. I am looking forward to be able to visit with some of the children at the Mokono orphanage that we will be visiting tomorrow. I also am really looking forward to going on safari this weekend. We will be taking an early morning ride down the Nile River followed by a game drive in the afternoon. I am not sure able the situation for sleeping, currently we believe we will be in tents. Although, I am hoping and praying a little for at least the cabana option. The next time I will be writing I will be back stateside at home. I will write all about the safari, and my overall thoughts of this amazing trip. So please, pray for a safe journey home and for travel. I truly appreciate everyone being able to stay with me through this journey. Everyone has been really supportive and I can not wait to share some of my favorite pictures.
Love to all,
Lani
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Uganda, You have my heart!
Well folks I have to start out by saying.. I am so glad that one I am part Puerto Rican and two that my parents have been able to take me to Puerto Rico.. because I have never eaten or seen so many plantains in my life!!! Uganda has been amazing, and in the last 4 days all I can say is that it has been a whirlwind. We have been to numerous schools, completed one entire library, repaired and redid another library, been to one orphanage and on about 5 home visits. ( and now I can add been to the mall and markets here in Uganda)
I will begin with my first library that I have helped put together. We arrived at a military base with Ugandan soldiers that had machine guns and uniforms on. It was a little unnerving especially when they began to check the car and ask us if we were press. Everything was fine once they realized that we were not press and that we were there to do the library. We went to the school that was on the base called Bombo Army S.S. school. This is a secondary school that is much like our high schools. The area around the school is barracks and training areas. You would think that it would be a nice area because it is military, when in all reality it looks like slums or a true ghetto three stories or more high with apartment like homes that have been built and never once repaired in over 20 plus years. Usually, the older students do not pay attention to what the team does but almost immediately as we were getting out of the car, students wanted to know all about what we do and why we were at their school. They were very friendly and although we didn’t know what they were saying, it did seem like they may have been making fun of us a tad bit. We walked into a room where students were in a study hall like class, and there was a green cage with textbooks locked up. On the opposite wall there were the shelves that had been built for this library and had already been put in. Our task was to unload over 2,000 plus books and categorize them for fiction and non fiction. There had to be over 150 boxes of books, and at first it seemed like an overwhelming task. Once I learned the system that they had in place it went very smoothly. The students in the room were able to help us once they were finished with their work, and one of the students in particular Ronald was going to be library helper. He helped us and I could tell was very proud to be bestowed this honor.
It is so interesting to me the way the culture here treats visitors. You feel very honored to be their guest. They spoil you with a mid-morning break of samosas( really great baked pastry with some type of green pea mixture inside), tea, bottled water, etc. Then comes lunch which is filled and piled on with food of all kinds. Usually there is a fried chicken and grean bean with carrots, matoki( steamed platains), white rice and red beans, and the list just keeps going on and on. Then comes more bottled water and sodas and even sometimes more food. The people here are just so wonderful and polite, and even when meeting them for the first time will say, “ Thank you for loving Africa or Thank you for loving Uganda.”
I know I got off subject but here we go back to Bombo Road school... So we are tirelessly working in the hot afternoon without a lot of windows and all of a sudden there is a ribbon on the door to the library and a big group of people are outside of the door. They explain to us that we will be having a big assembly and grand opening ceremony for the library, RIGHT NOW! Forget that we are not even done, we were very close but not completely, but they want us to take pictures and be on stage in front of the entire school. We are hot, sweaty, and our clothes are drenched. Everyone else is in their what we would call dress up clothes. ( No wonder they don’t understand the crazy myzungus-white people) So we go and we walk into an assembly hall that is filled to the brim, I mean even kids were standing outside and coming in from the windows filled. They sat us on the stage and I felt like I was at a concert. The hype man as we would call him begins and gives us a run down of the entertainment, who is giving speeches, etc. Since this is a school on the military base, the big high head man was there as well. I think the celebration was more for him which is better bc I don’t like the attention. So we begin with dancing groups or troupes, and singing, then come the acrobats going up to the ceiling, and all the while these are high school kids from the school and local kids from the neighborhood entertaining us. It was so overwhelming to see how excited and appreciative they were just to be given a library. It really touches my heart to see the love of reading I try to instill in my students, come through and touch people all the way on another continent.
As the week continued we visited other schools and got to do many tours. We also went into a school called Bat Valley and basically re-shelved their entire library to make sure things were in order again. The schools are enormous to me, and I wonder how the teachers here do it. Most teachers are sitting with at least 100 students in their class, and that is a small class. They have hand made teaching posters up all around their walls because a teacher’s store is not even a concept here. It amazes me how they have created each thing by hand so that students will be able to learn. It again touches my heart to see their dedication to their job, their country, and their students.
Another day was spent going out to an orphanage called Oasis of Life that has been looked into by a woman here from the states adopting a little girl, Mercy. I have been a follower of her blog ( ) and you need to check out her story. You will want to keep reading and reading and reading more about their journey. She was asked to look into this orphanage, and when we had found out about it our team decided that we wanted to contribute some things to help make this a better place. We knew walking in that it was going to be a hard time, but I never expected to see what I saw that afternoon. You walk into a small courtyard that has a small house maybe by our standards a 2 bedroom home. This is where the girls sleep at night. There are about 60-80 children and I would say about 25/30 are girls. You immediately walk into the home and the smell of how unclean and not taken care of just punches you in your face. There are hardly any windows so it being dark doesn’t help much. We saw how most of the girls are sleeping 2 to a bed, and the bigger girls in jr. high/high school were sleeping 16 to one small room. They would pull in mattresses and sleep on the floor at night. The bathroom conditions are terrible. I don’t even consider it a bathroom since if you could imagine a toilet being put underground and the only way to use it is to squat. The worst part is that many of the children are young and have not been trained to use this latrine. They were able to just get fresh water being able to be used, and had a small storage room where they put their things. At this point, my mind was just blank. All I wanted to do was cry but knew that I had to hold it together because the children here were looking to us. I do have to say that this has been the hardest thing I have had to do in awhile. I had to keep my composure because these kids were looking to me and the team to see our reactions or how to be. They seemed like happy children, and do not know any better but what really tears up my heart is that they deserve more. They deserve to sleep in their own beds, and have nutritional food, and learn life skills so that they can be responsible young people as they grow up. I wanted to take care of all of their problems right then and there, but knew that at this moment it was not my job. Thankfully, Melissa has been able to do a lot for this orphanage as she has been here adopting her daughter, Mercy. She has answered many prayers for this place and these children. We were able to give them brand new backpacks for school, toys, cloth diapers, balls, jump ropes, and candy. I felt that we were able to do some good for those children. Who knows, maybe we will find more things to be able to do to help this orphanage.
While visiting a school called Namagoona, we wanted to be able to do a few home visits. There are quite a few children that are sponsored by people we know at home, and this gives us a time to visit with their families. In years past, we have brought them bags with plastic plates, bowls, and silverware. This year we did the same but had a wonderful woman named Sarah Natunga who helps us make sure these children are taken care of, help us at a local market shop to get some of the basics for food that families could use. We got them tea bags and sugar, posho which is like a thicker version of cream of wheat, beans, flour, and bread. When we went to visit each home we gave the family each bag of their own so they could eat well. I really enjoyed being able to go into the local homes and visit. Again, the ladies would welcome you in and no matter how old they were they would want you to sit and be comfortable before themselves. I had trouble with this because as a guest, I want them to be more comfortable than myself since it is their home. They would say thank you about 100 times and truly be so appreciative and grateful.
These homes were small mud brick homes that had maybe 2 or three rooms. There was the living room maybe no bigger than 2 closets, a bedroom right off of it and possibly another bedroom off of the first. Usually we did not go any further than the living room but was able to see that the living situations here were not good. The people here take a lot of pride in their country but usually do not have any organization skills. They seem to pile things on top of one another and just leave them that way. They usually just throw things like garbage on the ground and don’t seem to flinch about it. There is a lot of garbage all over but people don’t seem to be doing anything about it anyways.
Onto my favorite part so far other then the libraries and kids.. of course SHOPPING! There are a bunch of shops everywhere you look. Each one seems to sell a little bit of this and then next door a little bit of that. Some shops only sell eggs whereas the neighbor next door only sells bread and milk. There are shops where you can buy airtime as they call it but really its minutes for their cell phones, as well as paying to charge your cell phone because many people do not have electricity in their homes. The supermarket type of shops have cigarettes but not in packs, you can by them in 1s, so how ever many you want. It seems that most people do not smoke but I have seen some just buy one cigarette at a time. You can also get your tea leaves/bags and rice or beans, etc. by the pound or how ever much you need or want at these shops. Of course, being people not from the country we were looking more for gifts/crafts. We went to a craft market in Kampala that had two different sections. It was very nice and there are a lot of different kinds of things to find. They have some very beautiful prints and clothing. I have really enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful clothing that many of the women here have. I was able to buy a few souvenirs and my favorite unusual one is a cap opener. It looks very much like a judge’s gavel except it has a nail in it to open soda cans or glass bottles with caps. The soda pop here comes in glass bottles that are opened with this fun opener.
We have also moved on to Mbale which is the other bigger city in Uganda. We are here until Thursday then will travel back to Kampala for a night before heading to Merchasin Falls for the safari and game drive until Sunday. Sunday evening we sleep one last night in Kampala then it is back to Entebbe on Monday for our flight to London before heading home.
I feel like I have learned a lot about myself as a person. When traveling with such a small team you get a chance to really learn a lot about others and yourself. I have found that while I have opinions about many different things, I tend to be more of a listener when others talk. I have really been trying to keep gossiping about others and their stories to myself because I do not feel like I have a right to tell other’s stories unless they have shared with me that is okay. I do not try to fill dead air with noise just because I like to hear myself talk or feel uncomfortable with the silence. I have found that I really like my quiet time and am soaking it up now before I come home and have to get back into the swing of things. I also have felt how a very strong heart tug towards one particular student at one of the schools as well as a travel bug that I have ignited. I want to travel and see many things and immerse myself in others’ culture. I want to be able to have an open heart and mind about other people and respect that their culture is different and not try to change them.
I am sorry for the long delay, in Mbale there was no wifi that I could find so I had to wait until now to send these emails.
I will begin with my first library that I have helped put together. We arrived at a military base with Ugandan soldiers that had machine guns and uniforms on. It was a little unnerving especially when they began to check the car and ask us if we were press. Everything was fine once they realized that we were not press and that we were there to do the library. We went to the school that was on the base called Bombo Army S.S. school. This is a secondary school that is much like our high schools. The area around the school is barracks and training areas. You would think that it would be a nice area because it is military, when in all reality it looks like slums or a true ghetto three stories or more high with apartment like homes that have been built and never once repaired in over 20 plus years. Usually, the older students do not pay attention to what the team does but almost immediately as we were getting out of the car, students wanted to know all about what we do and why we were at their school. They were very friendly and although we didn’t know what they were saying, it did seem like they may have been making fun of us a tad bit. We walked into a room where students were in a study hall like class, and there was a green cage with textbooks locked up. On the opposite wall there were the shelves that had been built for this library and had already been put in. Our task was to unload over 2,000 plus books and categorize them for fiction and non fiction. There had to be over 150 boxes of books, and at first it seemed like an overwhelming task. Once I learned the system that they had in place it went very smoothly. The students in the room were able to help us once they were finished with their work, and one of the students in particular Ronald was going to be library helper. He helped us and I could tell was very proud to be bestowed this honor.
It is so interesting to me the way the culture here treats visitors. You feel very honored to be their guest. They spoil you with a mid-morning break of samosas( really great baked pastry with some type of green pea mixture inside), tea, bottled water, etc. Then comes lunch which is filled and piled on with food of all kinds. Usually there is a fried chicken and grean bean with carrots, matoki( steamed platains), white rice and red beans, and the list just keeps going on and on. Then comes more bottled water and sodas and even sometimes more food. The people here are just so wonderful and polite, and even when meeting them for the first time will say, “ Thank you for loving Africa or Thank you for loving Uganda.”
I know I got off subject but here we go back to Bombo Road school... So we are tirelessly working in the hot afternoon without a lot of windows and all of a sudden there is a ribbon on the door to the library and a big group of people are outside of the door. They explain to us that we will be having a big assembly and grand opening ceremony for the library, RIGHT NOW! Forget that we are not even done, we were very close but not completely, but they want us to take pictures and be on stage in front of the entire school. We are hot, sweaty, and our clothes are drenched. Everyone else is in their what we would call dress up clothes. ( No wonder they don’t understand the crazy myzungus-white people) So we go and we walk into an assembly hall that is filled to the brim, I mean even kids were standing outside and coming in from the windows filled. They sat us on the stage and I felt like I was at a concert. The hype man as we would call him begins and gives us a run down of the entertainment, who is giving speeches, etc. Since this is a school on the military base, the big high head man was there as well. I think the celebration was more for him which is better bc I don’t like the attention. So we begin with dancing groups or troupes, and singing, then come the acrobats going up to the ceiling, and all the while these are high school kids from the school and local kids from the neighborhood entertaining us. It was so overwhelming to see how excited and appreciative they were just to be given a library. It really touches my heart to see the love of reading I try to instill in my students, come through and touch people all the way on another continent.
As the week continued we visited other schools and got to do many tours. We also went into a school called Bat Valley and basically re-shelved their entire library to make sure things were in order again. The schools are enormous to me, and I wonder how the teachers here do it. Most teachers are sitting with at least 100 students in their class, and that is a small class. They have hand made teaching posters up all around their walls because a teacher’s store is not even a concept here. It amazes me how they have created each thing by hand so that students will be able to learn. It again touches my heart to see their dedication to their job, their country, and their students.
Another day was spent going out to an orphanage called Oasis of Life that has been looked into by a woman here from the states adopting a little girl, Mercy. I have been a follower of her blog ( ) and you need to check out her story. You will want to keep reading and reading and reading more about their journey. She was asked to look into this orphanage, and when we had found out about it our team decided that we wanted to contribute some things to help make this a better place. We knew walking in that it was going to be a hard time, but I never expected to see what I saw that afternoon. You walk into a small courtyard that has a small house maybe by our standards a 2 bedroom home. This is where the girls sleep at night. There are about 60-80 children and I would say about 25/30 are girls. You immediately walk into the home and the smell of how unclean and not taken care of just punches you in your face. There are hardly any windows so it being dark doesn’t help much. We saw how most of the girls are sleeping 2 to a bed, and the bigger girls in jr. high/high school were sleeping 16 to one small room. They would pull in mattresses and sleep on the floor at night. The bathroom conditions are terrible. I don’t even consider it a bathroom since if you could imagine a toilet being put underground and the only way to use it is to squat. The worst part is that many of the children are young and have not been trained to use this latrine. They were able to just get fresh water being able to be used, and had a small storage room where they put their things. At this point, my mind was just blank. All I wanted to do was cry but knew that I had to hold it together because the children here were looking to us. I do have to say that this has been the hardest thing I have had to do in awhile. I had to keep my composure because these kids were looking to me and the team to see our reactions or how to be. They seemed like happy children, and do not know any better but what really tears up my heart is that they deserve more. They deserve to sleep in their own beds, and have nutritional food, and learn life skills so that they can be responsible young people as they grow up. I wanted to take care of all of their problems right then and there, but knew that at this moment it was not my job. Thankfully, Melissa has been able to do a lot for this orphanage as she has been here adopting her daughter, Mercy. She has answered many prayers for this place and these children. We were able to give them brand new backpacks for school, toys, cloth diapers, balls, jump ropes, and candy. I felt that we were able to do some good for those children. Who knows, maybe we will find more things to be able to do to help this orphanage.
While visiting a school called Namagoona, we wanted to be able to do a few home visits. There are quite a few children that are sponsored by people we know at home, and this gives us a time to visit with their families. In years past, we have brought them bags with plastic plates, bowls, and silverware. This year we did the same but had a wonderful woman named Sarah Natunga who helps us make sure these children are taken care of, help us at a local market shop to get some of the basics for food that families could use. We got them tea bags and sugar, posho which is like a thicker version of cream of wheat, beans, flour, and bread. When we went to visit each home we gave the family each bag of their own so they could eat well. I really enjoyed being able to go into the local homes and visit. Again, the ladies would welcome you in and no matter how old they were they would want you to sit and be comfortable before themselves. I had trouble with this because as a guest, I want them to be more comfortable than myself since it is their home. They would say thank you about 100 times and truly be so appreciative and grateful.
These homes were small mud brick homes that had maybe 2 or three rooms. There was the living room maybe no bigger than 2 closets, a bedroom right off of it and possibly another bedroom off of the first. Usually we did not go any further than the living room but was able to see that the living situations here were not good. The people here take a lot of pride in their country but usually do not have any organization skills. They seem to pile things on top of one another and just leave them that way. They usually just throw things like garbage on the ground and don’t seem to flinch about it. There is a lot of garbage all over but people don’t seem to be doing anything about it anyways.
Onto my favorite part so far other then the libraries and kids.. of course SHOPPING! There are a bunch of shops everywhere you look. Each one seems to sell a little bit of this and then next door a little bit of that. Some shops only sell eggs whereas the neighbor next door only sells bread and milk. There are shops where you can buy airtime as they call it but really its minutes for their cell phones, as well as paying to charge your cell phone because many people do not have electricity in their homes. The supermarket type of shops have cigarettes but not in packs, you can by them in 1s, so how ever many you want. It seems that most people do not smoke but I have seen some just buy one cigarette at a time. You can also get your tea leaves/bags and rice or beans, etc. by the pound or how ever much you need or want at these shops. Of course, being people not from the country we were looking more for gifts/crafts. We went to a craft market in Kampala that had two different sections. It was very nice and there are a lot of different kinds of things to find. They have some very beautiful prints and clothing. I have really enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful clothing that many of the women here have. I was able to buy a few souvenirs and my favorite unusual one is a cap opener. It looks very much like a judge’s gavel except it has a nail in it to open soda cans or glass bottles with caps. The soda pop here comes in glass bottles that are opened with this fun opener.
We have also moved on to Mbale which is the other bigger city in Uganda. We are here until Thursday then will travel back to Kampala for a night before heading to Merchasin Falls for the safari and game drive until Sunday. Sunday evening we sleep one last night in Kampala then it is back to Entebbe on Monday for our flight to London before heading home.
I feel like I have learned a lot about myself as a person. When traveling with such a small team you get a chance to really learn a lot about others and yourself. I have found that while I have opinions about many different things, I tend to be more of a listener when others talk. I have really been trying to keep gossiping about others and their stories to myself because I do not feel like I have a right to tell other’s stories unless they have shared with me that is okay. I do not try to fill dead air with noise just because I like to hear myself talk or feel uncomfortable with the silence. I have found that I really like my quiet time and am soaking it up now before I come home and have to get back into the swing of things. I also have felt how a very strong heart tug towards one particular student at one of the schools as well as a travel bug that I have ignited. I want to travel and see many things and immerse myself in others’ culture. I want to be able to have an open heart and mind about other people and respect that their culture is different and not try to change them.
I am sorry for the long delay, in Mbale there was no wifi that I could find so I had to wait until now to send these emails.
Departure from the US
* Sorry this is so late being put up. Life has taken over and I was not able to post while away! *
As we drove in a nice big black Suburban our suitcases were piled high and in every nook and cranny possible we could find. We had a wonderful drive to Chicago International Airport with the appropriate stop at good ole Cracker Barrel. It was going to be our last good home cookin meal, so we ate up!!
We arrived at the airport and to our shock the British Airways lines were completely bare. We went right up to the counter, checked in, got our luggage squared away and prayed that it would meet us in Entebbe in 2 days. We made it through security without any extra hassle and oddly enough had time to kill. Our first flight to London went very smoothly with a wonderful take off and landing, I would rate it a 5 out of 5. The plane was mostly okay except for some rude passengers who would not give us space in the overhead containers. Thankfully, we found some and stowed away our things. I proceeded to sleep, eat, and watch some wonderful movies I have been wanting to see. It’s amazing that it took me to be on an airplane for 7-8 hours to do so.
As we arrived in London, I began my accent which sounded more like an Aussie so I thought I better quit before I make anyone else crazy. We had our carryons held on to as we began our 12 hour layover, and had time to enjoy the city. We got our Underground day tickets, like the El in Chicago it is London’s subway system. You can just imagine how much I loved it!! You know how much I love riding the El, and I mean that sincerely, but this was about 10 times better. There were so many characters that got on and off the train, or tube as they call it in London. We had the European travelers that kept making fun of the last stop, Cocksford, and how they were going to get “off” there. We had the very stylish 20something Londoner off to shop and see friends. The Aussie drinking a beer in the middle of the day, and then us the Libraries of Love bright red t-shirt Americans taking it all in. We got off at Pickadilly Circus, and boy I just wanted to move there. Imagine being on the strip/downtown Chicago/ touristy places with everything you could think off. You had the carts and storefronts with men selling London tourist magnets/t-shirts/postcards/etc... all the way to McDonald’s and The M&M store. It was crazy!!! We had lunch at McDonald’s bc what else do you eat in probably the most expensive city in the world, and now I can say that I have eaten NUGS or chicken nuggets all the way to London, England. ( As far as they go, a little bit better in London-although they did not want to give us sauce or ketchup and I couldn’t find any out. The fries were not as salty, so if you know me, I would not give them 5 stars. Also, amazingly enough there were no regular sodas all diet.) After that meal, we decided it was best to do a red bus tour of the city to see it all in 2 hours, before we needed to get back to the airport.
The red bus tour was amazing! If you are ever in London, please take the time to do this. We drove around the city for 2 hours with a great guide. He was very humourous and witty, as those English tend to be. He knew a lot about the city and had some great jokes to go along with it! I have seen the London Bridge, which I hate to tell you is not the one we sing about in America. The one we sing about is a tiny no nothing thing, kinda sad and mad that we have been lied to since childhood...Thanks Mom and Dad! JK!!! The queen was unfortunately not in when we went by her doorstep, but I think I was more excited to see where all of the Royal Wedding took place, and the rows of the PREMIUM shopping district there! After another trip back on the tube, Oh I sound so British these days, it was back to the airport for another round of 8 hours of flying. I have to tell you by now that I was exhausted, had only gotten a few hours of sleep, and was getting very slap happy.
As we entered the terminal to board our plane to Entebbe, Uganda I was welcomed by a most unsuspected sighting. We walked up and there sitting in one of the chairs waiting for the plane was a very scruffy looking African American man that looked so familiar I almost said hello. Then I look next to him and the White woman he was with looked familiar as well. He stood up and went to the bathroom, and had to walk past me. As he did, he was towering above me, now I know most of you tower above me but I mean REALLY up there like touching the clouds!! I was trying to be nosy and look at their luggage tags but I couldn’t see a name. As I was staring, okay at this point GAWKING, I realized that the man was Rick Fox. ( Google him if you don’t know him) Then, I kept looking back at the woman. She had nice sweats on, but the amazing jewlery gave her away that she was probably a celebrity as well. So I see an E on her luggage tag, kept staring and honestly was not more than 2 arms lengths away, then I realized that she was so so so so thin I finally realized who she was. ELIZA DUSHKU. I knew her from TV shows and what not but finally when I saw her with more meat on her bones, I realized that YES celebrities think they have to be thin and WAY to thin if you ask me, but it was her.
Regardless, we got on the plane and I had my celebrity sighting at the London-Heathrow Airport. I again watched movies, ate, and DEFINETLY slept more like way more and then arrived in Entebbe.
As we arrived in Entebbe, I immediately could not believe that I was actually in Africa and none the less in Uganda. We recieved all of our luggage, and I was so excited that we had everything with us from the start. We were picked up by Trudy, the woman who began Libraries of Love, and our driver Martin. We were again piled into a big van/bus but the funny thing was, they drive on the opposite side of the road and in the car. I felt a little silly for not knowing that, or realizing that would be happening. The strange thing about these van busses is that they hardly have any trunks so again we manuvered around the luggage and found our way into Kampala.
The words that I would describe this beautiful place in will not do it justice so you know, but I will try to paint a picture for you the best I can. As we entered Entebbe I saw neighborhoods with lots of people young and old alike. They had shops or small storefronts that remind me of tin shacks and houses that only had fabric hanging for the doors. Most people were outside as some or most do not have electricity inside. They seem to be very dark inside except for the daylight. Since we are so close to the equator the sun rises at 7 A.M. and sets at 7 P.M. each day. The roads are a reddish looking hard mud and have been used many times. There are lots of big bumps to slow people down, and many potholes from wear and tear. There are people and children everywhere. I of course want to take all of the little ones home with me, but I know this is not possible as of right now. We arrived at the African Children’s Choir school to a beautiful facility and Lake Victoria in the background. The climate is warm even though it is their Winter, and I laugh when I see the Ugandans in their sweaters and winter jackets. The school is comprised of orphans or children without homes who are schooled and trained in singing groups. They then travel and sing and give concerts all over the world. After this stop at a beautiful school, we went on to our guest house, the place where we are staying. It is up in the hills of Kampala and over looks the city. It has a cute cafe/restaurant and the staff are all wonderfully nice people. Look forward to more as I continue the journey... I have even stories to tell.
As we drove in a nice big black Suburban our suitcases were piled high and in every nook and cranny possible we could find. We had a wonderful drive to Chicago International Airport with the appropriate stop at good ole Cracker Barrel. It was going to be our last good home cookin meal, so we ate up!!
We arrived at the airport and to our shock the British Airways lines were completely bare. We went right up to the counter, checked in, got our luggage squared away and prayed that it would meet us in Entebbe in 2 days. We made it through security without any extra hassle and oddly enough had time to kill. Our first flight to London went very smoothly with a wonderful take off and landing, I would rate it a 5 out of 5. The plane was mostly okay except for some rude passengers who would not give us space in the overhead containers. Thankfully, we found some and stowed away our things. I proceeded to sleep, eat, and watch some wonderful movies I have been wanting to see. It’s amazing that it took me to be on an airplane for 7-8 hours to do so.
As we arrived in London, I began my accent which sounded more like an Aussie so I thought I better quit before I make anyone else crazy. We had our carryons held on to as we began our 12 hour layover, and had time to enjoy the city. We got our Underground day tickets, like the El in Chicago it is London’s subway system. You can just imagine how much I loved it!! You know how much I love riding the El, and I mean that sincerely, but this was about 10 times better. There were so many characters that got on and off the train, or tube as they call it in London. We had the European travelers that kept making fun of the last stop, Cocksford, and how they were going to get “off” there. We had the very stylish 20something Londoner off to shop and see friends. The Aussie drinking a beer in the middle of the day, and then us the Libraries of Love bright red t-shirt Americans taking it all in. We got off at Pickadilly Circus, and boy I just wanted to move there. Imagine being on the strip/downtown Chicago/ touristy places with everything you could think off. You had the carts and storefronts with men selling London tourist magnets/t-shirts/postcards/etc... all the way to McDonald’s and The M&M store. It was crazy!!! We had lunch at McDonald’s bc what else do you eat in probably the most expensive city in the world, and now I can say that I have eaten NUGS or chicken nuggets all the way to London, England. ( As far as they go, a little bit better in London-although they did not want to give us sauce or ketchup and I couldn’t find any out. The fries were not as salty, so if you know me, I would not give them 5 stars. Also, amazingly enough there were no regular sodas all diet.) After that meal, we decided it was best to do a red bus tour of the city to see it all in 2 hours, before we needed to get back to the airport.
The red bus tour was amazing! If you are ever in London, please take the time to do this. We drove around the city for 2 hours with a great guide. He was very humourous and witty, as those English tend to be. He knew a lot about the city and had some great jokes to go along with it! I have seen the London Bridge, which I hate to tell you is not the one we sing about in America. The one we sing about is a tiny no nothing thing, kinda sad and mad that we have been lied to since childhood...Thanks Mom and Dad! JK!!! The queen was unfortunately not in when we went by her doorstep, but I think I was more excited to see where all of the Royal Wedding took place, and the rows of the PREMIUM shopping district there! After another trip back on the tube, Oh I sound so British these days, it was back to the airport for another round of 8 hours of flying. I have to tell you by now that I was exhausted, had only gotten a few hours of sleep, and was getting very slap happy.
As we entered the terminal to board our plane to Entebbe, Uganda I was welcomed by a most unsuspected sighting. We walked up and there sitting in one of the chairs waiting for the plane was a very scruffy looking African American man that looked so familiar I almost said hello. Then I look next to him and the White woman he was with looked familiar as well. He stood up and went to the bathroom, and had to walk past me. As he did, he was towering above me, now I know most of you tower above me but I mean REALLY up there like touching the clouds!! I was trying to be nosy and look at their luggage tags but I couldn’t see a name. As I was staring, okay at this point GAWKING, I realized that the man was Rick Fox. ( Google him if you don’t know him) Then, I kept looking back at the woman. She had nice sweats on, but the amazing jewlery gave her away that she was probably a celebrity as well. So I see an E on her luggage tag, kept staring and honestly was not more than 2 arms lengths away, then I realized that she was so so so so thin I finally realized who she was. ELIZA DUSHKU. I knew her from TV shows and what not but finally when I saw her with more meat on her bones, I realized that YES celebrities think they have to be thin and WAY to thin if you ask me, but it was her.
Regardless, we got on the plane and I had my celebrity sighting at the London-Heathrow Airport. I again watched movies, ate, and DEFINETLY slept more like way more and then arrived in Entebbe.
As we arrived in Entebbe, I immediately could not believe that I was actually in Africa and none the less in Uganda. We recieved all of our luggage, and I was so excited that we had everything with us from the start. We were picked up by Trudy, the woman who began Libraries of Love, and our driver Martin. We were again piled into a big van/bus but the funny thing was, they drive on the opposite side of the road and in the car. I felt a little silly for not knowing that, or realizing that would be happening. The strange thing about these van busses is that they hardly have any trunks so again we manuvered around the luggage and found our way into Kampala.
The words that I would describe this beautiful place in will not do it justice so you know, but I will try to paint a picture for you the best I can. As we entered Entebbe I saw neighborhoods with lots of people young and old alike. They had shops or small storefronts that remind me of tin shacks and houses that only had fabric hanging for the doors. Most people were outside as some or most do not have electricity inside. They seem to be very dark inside except for the daylight. Since we are so close to the equator the sun rises at 7 A.M. and sets at 7 P.M. each day. The roads are a reddish looking hard mud and have been used many times. There are lots of big bumps to slow people down, and many potholes from wear and tear. There are people and children everywhere. I of course want to take all of the little ones home with me, but I know this is not possible as of right now. We arrived at the African Children’s Choir school to a beautiful facility and Lake Victoria in the background. The climate is warm even though it is their Winter, and I laugh when I see the Ugandans in their sweaters and winter jackets. The school is comprised of orphans or children without homes who are schooled and trained in singing groups. They then travel and sing and give concerts all over the world. After this stop at a beautiful school, we went on to our guest house, the place where we are staying. It is up in the hills of Kampala and over looks the city. It has a cute cafe/restaurant and the staff are all wonderfully nice people. Look forward to more as I continue the journey... I have even stories to tell.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Libraries of Love 2010/2011
Feel free to watch this amazing video to see what happens with Libraries of Love! So excited!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wisdom for Today
"A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy and wrath are as rottenness of the bones."
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
— Psalm 145:3-4 (NIV)
The 4 Agreements are:
1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
- don Miguel Ruiz
The 4 Agreements are:
1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
- don Miguel Ruiz
Sunshine after the Rain
What can I say? Spring has sprung, the daffodils have come up and bloomed, the trees are blossoming and the air just smells like spring. I have many things to be thankful, and find myself in a very thankful place. The trip to Uganda just keeps getting closer and seems to be more real. I know that God is preparing me each day with new obstacles and lessons to learn. He has been getting me prepared through daily trials and saying to me through scripture and from others that he needs me to be ready to minister and share with story with others, that I must GO and share how the Lord has been working in my life, and that I need to be open/patient/kind/ and bear all of the fruits that he talks about. I feel that GOing is so important in my life right now. It has brought me in touch with people I would never have imagined getting to know. The Lord has been working on my heart to also remember where I came from. Through different stories of people both in my life and in the Bible, I have found that God makes us for a specific rhyme and reason. We belong to our families to be a part of a special group of people. It is so important to have a sense of who you are in your family, within your friends, and always within God’s hands. I have been fortunate enough to be open to all of these. Each part has been a special experience and I see that who we are is a good mixture of where we came from, who we are in the moment, and how we live our lives in God’s eyes.
I was so blessed to be able to spend some time out in nature today just alone with God. It was so relaxing to be able to have quiet time in the Word. He has me reading the book of Job right now. I feel like I am suppossed to be learning how to live my earthly life in a more positive and open light. I see the contradiction that Job and the others are dealing with in this book. They are trying to be positive and live each moment in just that, in each moment. I have really had to step back and reflect on my own life. I want to make sure that I am being impeccable with my word, and living each moment to the fullest. I want to make sure that I am living my life in such a positive way. I have also been reading The Four Agreements, which is helping to show me how we get so accustomed to our own earthly “stuff”. I know we all strive to be the best people we can be. I know my journey has had it’s ups and downs. I know that sometimes that is how we grow. I am going through another one of my growing times the past few weeks. While it is a good journey, I feel like God has been laying prayer and quiet time on my heart. It is a busy time of year with school, end of year activities, and everything wrapping up and starting again. I still have two more immunizations to get, and need to really get on top of things because July will be here before I turn around. I am so thankful for the Lord and all of you that have been keeping up with my blog and me. I feel so blessed to be able to be in this journey right now. It is funny how a little sunshine and thunderstorms makes you start to see that life is very much like weather. You never know how the day is going to be but you have to just go along with what is being brought your way, and enjoy the ride!
I was so blessed to be able to spend some time out in nature today just alone with God. It was so relaxing to be able to have quiet time in the Word. He has me reading the book of Job right now. I feel like I am suppossed to be learning how to live my earthly life in a more positive and open light. I see the contradiction that Job and the others are dealing with in this book. They are trying to be positive and live each moment in just that, in each moment. I have really had to step back and reflect on my own life. I want to make sure that I am being impeccable with my word, and living each moment to the fullest. I want to make sure that I am living my life in such a positive way. I have also been reading The Four Agreements, which is helping to show me how we get so accustomed to our own earthly “stuff”. I know we all strive to be the best people we can be. I know my journey has had it’s ups and downs. I know that sometimes that is how we grow. I am going through another one of my growing times the past few weeks. While it is a good journey, I feel like God has been laying prayer and quiet time on my heart. It is a busy time of year with school, end of year activities, and everything wrapping up and starting again. I still have two more immunizations to get, and need to really get on top of things because July will be here before I turn around. I am so thankful for the Lord and all of you that have been keeping up with my blog and me. I feel so blessed to be able to be in this journey right now. It is funny how a little sunshine and thunderstorms makes you start to see that life is very much like weather. You never know how the day is going to be but you have to just go along with what is being brought your way, and enjoy the ride!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Evolve... To Develop and Progress
Evolve: to develop and progress
For the past month or so, my walk with God and life with the Holy Spirit, I feel has evolved. So many words come to mind when thinking about this process: change, proceed,. In my head it partly makes sense since my birthday is coming up both my real life birthday and my born again birthday. I feel like a different person then where I was a year ago. A lot of things both good and bad have changed for me. James 1:4 “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
I am so much more thankful about life and the process that we all go through to get where we are supposed to be. I knew that the Lord was calling me and when I answered he showed me how wonderful things could really be. I have seen a progression in this past year to one that I did not know was even coming my way. I have seen the Lord burden my heart with so many things from the smallest ant to the biggest fight of helping those that can not help themselves. I have always tried to be a giving person, but have found that I am giving more with my heart not because I have to but because this is what a child of God does. I have seen that the Lord has given me strength in situations where I was weak before. He has spoken to my heart about obedience and the evolution or changing and developing with him that needs to be taking place. I was always a bit lost thinking that my way was the only way, but the Lord has shown me over and over and over again that this is about him not me in every instance.
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” So here I am being obedient and following the Lord’s word. I do not doubt how Almighty and powerful God is, I just am crying out to him through daily prayer and through my voice in writing this blog to know that I am need of the Lord’s help. He has shown me that I am meant to be in Africa, now I need help with how I am supposed to get there. I know that He will provide everything just as he continues to do through so many people. It can just be a hard time to deal with just like in James with the trials that come up in life. I see that there are so many bigger things in life that are trials but I feel that this burden is just weighing so heavy on my heart. Thank you Lord Almighty for being such a wonderful God who provides all. It is so overwhelming to know that he is a God that always provides no matter what. Thank you Lord!
I also wanted to bring to the attention of anyone that is a follower of this blog a few websites and blogs of those that I have been following. Here are their sites and a brief description of what/who they are.
http://www.roadtomercy.blogspot.com/ An amazing story of Cody and Melissa who are adopting a little girl, Mercy, from Africa.
www.sixtyfeet.org An awesome action-based organization helping children that have been imprisoned in Africa. There is an awe-inspiring back story about how they are helping to bring hope and restoration back into this community.
www.invisiblechildren.com This group of people are bringing the stories of war-affected African children to life through documentaries and speaking tours around the U.S.
For the past month or so, my walk with God and life with the Holy Spirit, I feel has evolved. So many words come to mind when thinking about this process: change, proceed,. In my head it partly makes sense since my birthday is coming up both my real life birthday and my born again birthday. I feel like a different person then where I was a year ago. A lot of things both good and bad have changed for me. James 1:4 “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
I am so much more thankful about life and the process that we all go through to get where we are supposed to be. I knew that the Lord was calling me and when I answered he showed me how wonderful things could really be. I have seen a progression in this past year to one that I did not know was even coming my way. I have seen the Lord burden my heart with so many things from the smallest ant to the biggest fight of helping those that can not help themselves. I have always tried to be a giving person, but have found that I am giving more with my heart not because I have to but because this is what a child of God does. I have seen that the Lord has given me strength in situations where I was weak before. He has spoken to my heart about obedience and the evolution or changing and developing with him that needs to be taking place. I was always a bit lost thinking that my way was the only way, but the Lord has shown me over and over and over again that this is about him not me in every instance.
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” So here I am being obedient and following the Lord’s word. I do not doubt how Almighty and powerful God is, I just am crying out to him through daily prayer and through my voice in writing this blog to know that I am need of the Lord’s help. He has shown me that I am meant to be in Africa, now I need help with how I am supposed to get there. I know that He will provide everything just as he continues to do through so many people. It can just be a hard time to deal with just like in James with the trials that come up in life. I see that there are so many bigger things in life that are trials but I feel that this burden is just weighing so heavy on my heart. Thank you Lord Almighty for being such a wonderful God who provides all. It is so overwhelming to know that he is a God that always provides no matter what. Thank you Lord!
I also wanted to bring to the attention of anyone that is a follower of this blog a few websites and blogs of those that I have been following. Here are their sites and a brief description of what/who they are.
http://www.roadtomercy.blogspot.com/ An amazing story of Cody and Melissa who are adopting a little girl, Mercy, from Africa.
www.sixtyfeet.org An awesome action-based organization helping children that have been imprisoned in Africa. There is an awe-inspiring back story about how they are helping to bring hope and restoration back into this community.
www.invisiblechildren.com This group of people are bringing the stories of war-affected African children to life through documentaries and speaking tours around the U.S.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Libraries of Love Letter
Dear Blog Followers,
Hello! I hope this letter finds you happy and healthy. I have news that may surprise you! I recently made the decision to go on a trip to Uganda, Africa. I, and other members of my church, have decided to participate in an amazing organization called Libraries of Love. I will be leaving in June and will be in Uganda for about 20 days. I have begun the not so fun process of getting my traveling shots, but it will all be worth it because of what I will be doing in Uganda.
Our team will be going to help with Libraries of Love, which is a nonprofit group that provides libraries for public schools. We will be traveling to Uganda to build bookshelves, arrange the books in proper library order, and decorate the libraries. We will then train the students and teachers to use their libraries. We will also be helping to restock 7 existing libraries in Uganda. As a teacher, I know how essential a fully stocked library is to a child’s education. This trip will allow me to use my teaching skills and my love of children to help change their community for the better. While there, I will also have the opportunity to visit some orphanages, help in other community projects, and share my faith with others.
I will be raising all of my own funds for the trip and I hope you are able to support me on this journey. A donation of just 20 dollars would supply me with food for an entire week! Any amount will help and your prayers during June would also be greatly appreciated.
I also have begun a blog at http://forkintheroad318.blogspot.com/ to document this remarkable experience. I plan on writing about my reasons for wanting to work with LOL, the trip itself, and reflections on it after the mission has been completed. Please help me to spread the word about my trip to all that you know. If you have any questions or would like more information about the trip, you know how I love to talk! Thank you for all of your support and consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Lani Maldonado
P.S. Take a look at www.librariesoflove.org for more information!
Hello! I hope this letter finds you happy and healthy. I have news that may surprise you! I recently made the decision to go on a trip to Uganda, Africa. I, and other members of my church, have decided to participate in an amazing organization called Libraries of Love. I will be leaving in June and will be in Uganda for about 20 days. I have begun the not so fun process of getting my traveling shots, but it will all be worth it because of what I will be doing in Uganda.
Our team will be going to help with Libraries of Love, which is a nonprofit group that provides libraries for public schools. We will be traveling to Uganda to build bookshelves, arrange the books in proper library order, and decorate the libraries. We will then train the students and teachers to use their libraries. We will also be helping to restock 7 existing libraries in Uganda. As a teacher, I know how essential a fully stocked library is to a child’s education. This trip will allow me to use my teaching skills and my love of children to help change their community for the better. While there, I will also have the opportunity to visit some orphanages, help in other community projects, and share my faith with others.
I will be raising all of my own funds for the trip and I hope you are able to support me on this journey. A donation of just 20 dollars would supply me with food for an entire week! Any amount will help and your prayers during June would also be greatly appreciated.
I also have begun a blog at http://forkintheroad318.blogspot.com/ to document this remarkable experience. I plan on writing about my reasons for wanting to work with LOL, the trip itself, and reflections on it after the mission has been completed. Please help me to spread the word about my trip to all that you know. If you have any questions or would like more information about the trip, you know how I love to talk! Thank you for all of your support and consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Lani Maldonado
P.S. Take a look at www.librariesoflove.org for more information!
Short and Sweet
WOW!!! So after the Blizzard of 2011, I survived. I had almost a whole week off of school, and unfortunately was sick the entire week. In a weird way, it was a blessing that we didn’t have school so I did not have to use any of my sick days. Funny thing, is that I keep seeing God work his amazing blessings throughout this week.
I am so thankful for everything that he is doing in my life, and those around me. I have been reading a lot in Nehemiah from start to finish and then back again. I truly believe that after fervent prayer just like Nehemiah “ the hand of God” has been laid upon my life. It is so interesting to see that when my mind is focused on visualizing positive things and I am having a child-like faith, that God is working so hard in my life. We have been learning a lot about having dreams and with those dreams come the passion that leads us to continue on with living out those dreams. I feel so strongly right now about how God is using this knowledge as a tool to something even bigger. Please keep me in your prayers as I have put my deposit down for Africa and so far everything has just been going so well. I am sorry this post is so short but it has really been a crazy week of getting back into the swing of things. Please also send any thoughts, questions, comments to maldonadolani@gmail.com if you are not able to post on the blog.
I am so thankful for everything that he is doing in my life, and those around me. I have been reading a lot in Nehemiah from start to finish and then back again. I truly believe that after fervent prayer just like Nehemiah “ the hand of God” has been laid upon my life. It is so interesting to see that when my mind is focused on visualizing positive things and I am having a child-like faith, that God is working so hard in my life. We have been learning a lot about having dreams and with those dreams come the passion that leads us to continue on with living out those dreams. I feel so strongly right now about how God is using this knowledge as a tool to something even bigger. Please keep me in your prayers as I have put my deposit down for Africa and so far everything has just been going so well. I am sorry this post is so short but it has really been a crazy week of getting back into the swing of things. Please also send any thoughts, questions, comments to maldonadolani@gmail.com if you are not able to post on the blog.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Africa Update
Africa Update: So the dates have been set, and I will be making the first deposit on February 6th. We will be going as the second team for Libraries of Love in Uganda from July 2nd through July 18th. We will be trying to visit as many of the completed 19 schools in Uganda as we can. Our job is going to be to help evaluate what is working and what is not working in the schools. We will also be able to visit classrooms, talk with students, and even teachers about the program. It is such a blessing that we will be able to visit each school that Libraries of Love has provided for. We will also be visiting orphanages and other opportunities for ministry.
Ok, Mari... This one’s for you!
So my dear sister Mari, has been asking me to tell this story for about a week now. After having such an AMAZING time at the Morgan County Health Department getting my immunizations, I thought I needed to share this one with everyone. ( FYI if anyone needs immunizations, go see these ladies. They were so fun!! ) So as you know, if you have been reading this blog, I have felt a calling or burden in my heart about being able to do something more in life, education, etc. I felt this calling a few months ago and just knew that the Uganda trip was calling my name. As I am learning in my new book, it was most likely the Holy Spirit and God working in me. So, I knew that one of the things I needed to get started on was getting the information about immunizations and where I was traveling to so that I could stay safe, medically. After talking with an outstanding woman, Jacquie, at the Morgan County Health Clinic, she had advised me on every shot I would need. If you have known me, you know that while I have had multiple piercings and tattoos, when it comes to getting blood drawn I am a BIG baby.
Well I went on my way and knew that I needed to be a big girl in the situation and got started. I had my immunization records sent over, after many phone calls to a previous doctor’s office. Jacquie was amazing and looked them over for me to tell me exactly what I needed and didn’t need. While we were on the phone one of the many afternoons, she asked me if I had the meningitis immunization. She told me that it had come about around 2003 and that more then likely I didn’t have it. As I was driving home, I received another phone call from her asking me again about the same shot. She said, “ What I see on here looks almost like you had it, but it could also be menarche.” I had no clue what menarche meant but thankfully Jacquie burst out into laughter and said, “ Hunny, menarche just means when you started your period.” After I heard this, I burst out laughing on the phone as well. Jacquie and I could not, and still can not understand why on Earth my pediatrician would put when I began my period on my immunization records.
When I went to visit and get 3 of my immunizations done last week, Jacquie and the nurses had all had a fantastic laugh about this happening. I truly enjoyed getting the immunizations because it felt like we were just laughing and carrying on the entire time. They were all so wonderful, that I think I have been cured of any fears of needles to last a lifetime!
Well I went on my way and knew that I needed to be a big girl in the situation and got started. I had my immunization records sent over, after many phone calls to a previous doctor’s office. Jacquie was amazing and looked them over for me to tell me exactly what I needed and didn’t need. While we were on the phone one of the many afternoons, she asked me if I had the meningitis immunization. She told me that it had come about around 2003 and that more then likely I didn’t have it. As I was driving home, I received another phone call from her asking me again about the same shot. She said, “ What I see on here looks almost like you had it, but it could also be menarche.” I had no clue what menarche meant but thankfully Jacquie burst out into laughter and said, “ Hunny, menarche just means when you started your period.” After I heard this, I burst out laughing on the phone as well. Jacquie and I could not, and still can not understand why on Earth my pediatrician would put when I began my period on my immunization records.
When I went to visit and get 3 of my immunizations done last week, Jacquie and the nurses had all had a fantastic laugh about this happening. I truly enjoyed getting the immunizations because it felt like we were just laughing and carrying on the entire time. They were all so wonderful, that I think I have been cured of any fears of needles to last a lifetime!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Campaign: Help Lani Get to Africa!!
As many of you know, I have started this blog more many reasons but also because I have had a burden to go to Uganda, Africa this summer of 2011 to help build libraries in public schools. I will be traveling with a team from my church, but also with Libraries of Love. ( Check out their website http://www.librariesoflove.org/ ) I will be sending out letters, possibly doing a beading fundraiser, and any other crazy ideas that you think will help me earn the money I need to get to Africa. I am taking any comments, questions, concerns, prayers, and love surrounding this idea of fund-raising. I even thought of making up shirts for people to wear to get the word out. THOUGHTS? Anyways, I will be posting the letter I will be sending but I know how important WORD OF MOUTH is so please, talk about me and this trip to EVERYONE and ANYONE you know. Stay tuned, and become a follower so you will be up to date on EVERYTHING I am doing!!!
WHy, WhY, why and oh yeah... HoW???
After my long weekend, and a lot of reflection about what has been going on in my own life and the lives of those around our country I have asked but only one question, Why? This is a popular question and makes me think of the time when all kids keep asking why until the point that the mom/grandma/dad/ or grandpa says: Because I said so! I have personally been pondering this question and have been perplexed on it for awhile. I have been wondering about the journey and process that life usually takes us on. I have felt a burden, more like a yearning to do more than what I am doing now. I know many people that I have shared this with give me a blank look, but I know what is in my heart. It is this deep feeling that I can be doing more in the realm of children, and education, and life in general. I feel so blessed to be able to have a job and a mind that allows me to be able to do these things.
Since I have seen Eat, Pray, Love I feel that having a balance of eating well and healthy, exercise for the body, and also spirituality/ praying for the mind has been a great combo of how to live life each day. I feel that for me, I have been led to more pray on a daily basis because it helps me really talk to God and tell him how thankful I am to be one of his children. In church on Sunday and in Sunday School( for adults), our pastor has been talking to us about dreams. Here is a synopsis of what he told us to think about this week, " If you were to be taped, like on "What Not to Wear" and the Lord was to follow you around for a week without you evening knowing about it, would you be walking with him the way you should?" What would be on that tape? What things would we see? " When I thought of this idea, it really prompted me to ask myself Why and How do I live my life each second, minute, and hour of the day? I am trying just like any other person to be the best person I can possibly be. By no means does that mean that I am perfect, because I know that I am not. It just means that I am trying, I am not just sitting back and letting things go right by me.
Since I have seen Eat, Pray, Love I feel that having a balance of eating well and healthy, exercise for the body, and also spirituality/ praying for the mind has been a great combo of how to live life each day. I feel that for me, I have been led to more pray on a daily basis because it helps me really talk to God and tell him how thankful I am to be one of his children. In church on Sunday and in Sunday School( for adults), our pastor has been talking to us about dreams. Here is a synopsis of what he told us to think about this week, " If you were to be taped, like on "What Not to Wear" and the Lord was to follow you around for a week without you evening knowing about it, would you be walking with him the way you should?" What would be on that tape? What things would we see? " When I thought of this idea, it really prompted me to ask myself Why and How do I live my life each second, minute, and hour of the day? I am trying just like any other person to be the best person I can possibly be. By no means does that mean that I am perfect, because I know that I am not. It just means that I am trying, I am not just sitting back and letting things go right by me.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Shalom
My word of the today is SHALOM. I am taking it in the meaning of peace. I have been going, going, going for so long now but today I have a sense of peace within me. I don't know if it is being 25 turning 26 in March, having made certain decisions in my life when it comes to faith and religion, or just deciding to live a more balanced life but today I find peace in all that is going on. I am so blessed to have such great friends and family surrounding me in all walks of life. Many people question certain choices that I have made, but I feel so amazing with everything that is going on in my life. I think part of this whole process ( we joke b/c we hate this word but it just is the right word to say) is to be a life-long learner, no matter how much we hate it. I know that part of this process is learning the tools that are making me a better person each and every day. A wise person told me last night that, " I only live for today, because just one day at a time is what we are promised." This advice along with my healthy balance of bible reading, lots of prayer time, and healthy living have made me had this PEACE today, and I look forward to it everyday.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
And they're off....
It's Tuesday and boy I was not ready for everything I found out today! It is my first day back at school, no students today though, thankfully. After getting all of my work completed, I sat down to make a few phone calls to start getting prepared for the trip to Africa. I am so excited about this trip and the amazing work that I will be doing. I am so glad that God has shown me that this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing, because I may have gotten way too overwhelmed otherwise. I called the Health Department and spoke with one of the most wonderful, helpful, and sweet ladies about immunizations. She gave me tons of information so that I can start this process now. I think that I have a list of at least 8 or 9 immunizations I need before going.
Not only will I be meeting and getting started with her, but I will also be working with the closest travel clinic to make sure that I stay healthy for this trip. I feel that God has been working on my heart about this trip for awhile now, and has finally lead me to a place where I feel ready to go. As I was explaining to mom over break, but I have this wanderlust spark in my heart. I know that I love traveling, and right now am being pulled overseas to help do some amazing things. I know that my journey from the past to the present has been crazy and awesome, and I can only wait to see what else He has in store for me. As I learned and was reminded of Sunday in Sunday school, but God knows and foresees everything. He knew that he wanted me to be living and working where I am right now, in order for me to begin thinking about this trip. It is so AWE-inspiring to see the journey that I have been on so far.
My next step will to be to write letters, emails, continue my blog, and get followers to help me make this journey become reality. I know that by my being obedient to this calling that God will help those that I know, and even those that I don't know to help provide for me to be able to go on this amazing trip. I am open to all ideas and would love anyone's help. Please, tell your friends, neighbors, relatives, and anyone else about my blog and to help follow me on this journey. I would also appreciate any prayers as I continue through this journey and just the journey of life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following my blog and helping me to get the word out.
Not only will I be meeting and getting started with her, but I will also be working with the closest travel clinic to make sure that I stay healthy for this trip. I feel that God has been working on my heart about this trip for awhile now, and has finally lead me to a place where I feel ready to go. As I was explaining to mom over break, but I have this wanderlust spark in my heart. I know that I love traveling, and right now am being pulled overseas to help do some amazing things. I know that my journey from the past to the present has been crazy and awesome, and I can only wait to see what else He has in store for me. As I learned and was reminded of Sunday in Sunday school, but God knows and foresees everything. He knew that he wanted me to be living and working where I am right now, in order for me to begin thinking about this trip. It is so AWE-inspiring to see the journey that I have been on so far.
My next step will to be to write letters, emails, continue my blog, and get followers to help me make this journey become reality. I know that by my being obedient to this calling that God will help those that I know, and even those that I don't know to help provide for me to be able to go on this amazing trip. I am open to all ideas and would love anyone's help. Please, tell your friends, neighbors, relatives, and anyone else about my blog and to help follow me on this journey. I would also appreciate any prayers as I continue through this journey and just the journey of life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following my blog and helping me to get the word out.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
As I sit on the train, I begin to wonder about how 2011 will look for me. I have just left Union Station in the beautiful city of Chicago and am heading home to Jacksonville. This visit has taught me many things. I have been able to see the many stages in life that people go through, throughout the years. I have gained the importance of life long friendships, and why people stay in our lives. I have seen how important a simple conversation in a car with your mother is. Yet, it all comes back to God and how he works his amazingness throughout every step we take.
Since it is the new year, i chose not to make a resolution this year. I am promising myself that I am going to live a healthier and more spiritual life. This is a lifestyle change not just something I am going to give up on in a month. I have made some very hard decisions this year, and while I know that God was with me each step of the way, it can still be hard to let go and let God.
As for Africa, I am extremely excited that God is leading me to be involved in this project. I will be getting more information after our meeting tomorrow. I am so excited to find out everything that I can! I normally would be afraid of having to get shots or anything with needles and doctors but not his time! I know that everything will be amazing!! Stay tuned... There is much more to come butthe train is getting a bit bumpy to type.
Since it is the new year, i chose not to make a resolution this year. I am promising myself that I am going to live a healthier and more spiritual life. This is a lifestyle change not just something I am going to give up on in a month. I have made some very hard decisions this year, and while I know that God was with me each step of the way, it can still be hard to let go and let God.
As for Africa, I am extremely excited that God is leading me to be involved in this project. I will be getting more information after our meeting tomorrow. I am so excited to find out everything that I can! I normally would be afraid of having to get shots or anything with needles and doctors but not his time! I know that everything will be amazing!! Stay tuned... There is much more to come butthe train is getting a bit bumpy to type.
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