Webale, Jesu!

Jambo!

I have returned from Uganda and already miss it. It was such a wonderful trip and God used the team to accomplish many great things. 

Last year, I went to Uganda for the first time. Honestly, I did not enjoy myself as I found it challenging to adjust to the culture, food, people, and most of all the overwhelming poverty that surrounded me. It was difficult for me to accept I could not fix it. The was no magic "easy" button and I couldn't forget what I had seen. It took me months to process everything I learned and God still uses that trip to teach and bless me to this day. I am so thankful I got to go last year. To me, it is mind blowing that I went to Uganda for a second time. Because if you had asked me during my trip last year, I can promise you I would I have said I would never come back. 

This trip was different in all aspects: I got the chance to build relationships with the people we worked with, the food was good, I loved the people's way of life, and strengthened relationships with people on the team. I discovered more of who I am and found a hidden confidence I had never had before. I felt alive and joyous; something that was missing last year. I saw the Lord work in mighty ways and witnessed people give their lives to Jesus. I felt burdened for the children who longed for help because their parents had died or are going to die from AIDS. I was blessed to meet the people my dad is working with on businesses and had the opportunity to grow my own bead business. I learned more about leadership. I could go on and on, but you get the picture- the trip was fantastic. 

On the medical aspect, I believe we serviced close to over 500 people and filled 4,000 prescriptions. There was a lot of ring worm, gastrointestinal irritation, and STDs. We also saw measles, mumps, and cancer. The doctors and nurses were great and worked very had without complaining. 

The younger people worked with the kids and kept them entertained while they waited. They played all sorts of games, colored, and just hung out. It was fun getting to know them!

Boda Boda

It has been a while since I have made any updates...

Went to Hilton Head and brought my friend Christin. It was great hanging out with family and spending time on the beach. It was probably one of the best weeks I have ever spent there. 

Camp Ba-Yo-Ca! 

Where to begin? I learned so much as a counselor. I had a cabin of five girls with another counselor, Devin, and they were from Western Heights. They were there on scholarship. At first, it was difficult to overcome what I call a "culture barrier." They were super sweet girls and it was fun to see the transformation that took place over the week. They were more open and learned to have fun. I was so blessed to be a part of the cabin.

AFRICA!

I leave for Uganda on Monday. I am very excited. I am looking forward to doing the HisKids Sports program. It is evangelism through games. I also am excited to work on my bead business and am looking for new products to sell. There is an endless potential for growth and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store. Our main purpose of this trip is medical. Please pray for the health of all team members, safe travel, and most importantly that Jesus Christ will be exemplified in all we do and that His plans will be accomplished.