I arrived in Uganda late in evening on August 11, from there we took a short trip to a hotel. I would consider it more of a resort seeing as how I basically slept like a princess my first night in Uganda with running HOT water, electricity and wireless internet...did I mention the candies on my pillow?
Anyway, after my arrival I woke up quite late the next morning and had breakfast with Eric and Dianna. After breakfast we took the "3 hour" drive to Mbale which could also take 2 hours, 5 hours or maybe even 6 hours, you just never know! In our case it took about 5 hours. The uncertainty lies in the fact that the roads are often full of traffic heading both ways down a two lane road consisting of mutatu's, boda-boda's, pedestrians and any other vehicles. Did I mention livestock sitting on the side of the road and even crossing in front of you at times? Driving in Uganda is crazy, but it is definitely and interesting adventure!
When we arrived at the Tuininga compound we were greeted by 8 excited children, 3 dogs and one MA all ready for the return of mom and dad. It was a warm welcome and I made myself at home there. It wasn't much of a transition, Christi (their current MA) and I became fast friends, their children were great the whole week, and I made many new friends. I am so thankful to the Tuininga family for allowing me a chance to see into their life in Uganda, it is truly amazing what God is doing in Uganda.
My trip was enjoyable overall, I never got sick, we had nice weather, my body was just a lot more tired than usual. I only caught ringworm, I will definitely take that over other possible illnesses! The whole two weeks I was there I never truly had a 'bad experience' and the culture of Uganda made my heart happy because everyone is so friendly all of the time and most of the time it is impolite to not say hello or greet a stranger on the road.:) Africa forever captured my heart with it's culture and it was an experience I will forever remember.
I arrived home after 36 hours of travel and layovers to Grand Rapids, on Sunday August 25. I was never more thankful to see my bed that night. I could hardly keep my eyes open and I went to bed at 8:30. The next morning I began a new job and semester of classes. God is forever faithful.
Let me show you some pictures of the trip. I don't have a ton, perhaps because I like to just experience:)
A morning walk with the older children.
The three compound pups; Faith, Grace and Heidi.
The house I was blessed to stay at, a downed power line and Mama Rachel:)
Here are some photos from the hike we took:
A view from the top of Mt. Wanale
Our hiking group at the top:)
The crazy ladder we climbed down!
We literally slid the whole way down...
Three children we met at the bottom and gave sugarcane to:)
A few pictures from our last night out together...
The group minus Martin, so thankful for all of them.
Since he wasn't in the last one, here is a pic of Martin and I.
Kenyan poker, a new favorite game!
Just for fun, a pic of Christi and I!:)
Will I return in January?
As of right now, the answer is unfortunately no. Through much prayer and counsel upon my return I realized that I really desire some day to work with local preschools and help them to develop and establish solid long lasting programs that truly enhance the children they serve. I wait in anticipation for the opportunity to serve in this way whether it be in Uganda, America or another country. Regardless of not returning in January this trip opened my eyes to the world, a completely different culture, and I made many wonderful friends along the way.
As I wait and depend on the Lord for the next step join me in prayer for doors to be opened for a job or a mission opportunity in the coming months to serve in preschools. I have started applying for jobs and I am still open to going abroad and serving in preschools as God opens doors. I will also be working to finish my degree in December (Lord willing), which will be a burden lifted from my shoulders when it is all said and done!
God has been and always will continue to be faithful, that's one certainty I will never let go. His gospel is reaching the lost through servants like the Tuininga family among many others and for that I am truly thankful!
Also, in the next few months remember my friend Ashley as she sits on near bed rest due to a car accident last week. She and her husband are due to have their first child (a baby girl) in December, and her husband is away finishing his degree out of town until then.
As a final note, a huge hug and thank you to all who have made this possible through prayers, encouragement, monetary support and care for me. We serve an amazing God who makes all things possible for His glory and our good!
Waiting on Him,
Amy
