Sarita

When I was in Uganda this last time, there was a little girl named Sarita who was around on our work days. She was wonderful. We didn't talk, but we were friends. She hung on Chelsey & I a lot & she stole both of our hearts away. She held my hand a lot, I held her a lot. One time I was sitting down & she was sitting on my lap & she would lean back & then I would tickle her stomach & she would giggle. It was a beautiful sound. Especially compared to the cough that she had. The cough that scared me because I just have no idea what it's from, what it will lead to, if it's serious, if it's not. Tuesday chapel was about AU-EA with an emphasis on our trip. Some of the people on our trip told stories in first person of some of the people we met on the trip. They all did an awesome job! Then they showed a slideshow of some of the pics from our trip & Sarita was in so many of them. Some with me, some with Chelsey, some with other kids, and some by herself. It twisted my heart up all over the place and I have not been able to stop thinking about her since. I normally think about her every day anyway, but since that chapel it has been almost constant...

I got this from http://ugandacan.org. If you don't know what it's talking about then look up the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) & learn about the 21 year war in northern Uganda.

Today's New York Times includes a compelling article about Ugandans' fascination with the award-winning film "Last King of Scotland," which portrays the reign of dictator Idi Amin. Unfortunately, when speaking about the state of Uganda today, the article completely overlooks the 21-year suffering of northern Ugandans. In it, Uganda is described as "one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa." This is hardly the case. For the last 21 years, the people have been condemned to a brutal war that has left 1.7 million people displaced (80% of the region) and over 30,000 children abducted and forced into soldiering. If this leaves you outraged, consider writing a short letter to the editor to the New York Times or write an email to the article's author Jeffrey Gettleman. The neglect of the international community and media has perpetuated this conflict, and even after 21 years, that neglect will remain alive unless we speak up.

e-mail

My e-mail: jemulligan@hotmail.com

More Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH4XjZb6ovg <------ this is another video of Murchison Falls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAllNlbDvWA <----- this is a video of us driving through Kampala.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhqZHQzFD_Q <----- another video of Sauda dancing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce2RkImLTg8 <------ this is a video from our work day at the new TAPP building. It's singing during the tree planting led by Annie & Pastor James.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYnyOsyldB8 <------ This is a video of the missionary Colleen Stevenson talking about sponsoring a kid. Let me know if you want to sponsor one & I can hook you up.

Videos

Please tell me whether or not all these videos work for you! Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8MteGnkmS8 <---- this is a video of my sponsor child Rachael singing to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St84qrN3uAU <---- this is a video of a game the kids in Uganda taught us. I love the end with the kids on the winning team jumping around celebrating. It's a beautiful sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGggUnKoNy4 <----- this is a video of Sauda dancing (I wrote about it in my post about my last trip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffxks5uTTcQ <----- this is a video of everyone singing the song "All Around" at the TAPP training.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2xpR6um_Ck <----- this is a slideshow of some pics from both of my trips to Uganda. The song is by the Paul Coleman Trio & the words are PERFECT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRMipR5uXtI <----- this is a video of our boat ride on the Nile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5LPJE2DCR8 <----- this is a video of some crocodiles that we got pretty close to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPv12TeNrYM <------ a video of what we see as we drive through Uganda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhbTTuplOSw <------ video of some crocs & a monitor lizard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH4XjZb6ovg <----- video of Murchison Falls, part of the Nile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDFh8MrLqks <----- video of a giraffe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AJc8mvp2x8 <----video of lots of crocodiles on our Nile boat ride

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umNAT8bRx18 <----- video of an elephant as it crossed the road right in fron of our van

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixB6iZvGDw8 <------ this video has a story behind it. our group would often have "true confessions." One of Chelseys (the girl filming) is that she lies a lot, but always admits it. This video is an example of one of those times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9QaEelhszI <------ this video is of a crowned crane which is the national bird of Uganda & on their flag.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVOINRrR_po <------ this is a video of singing at the church service we went to. recognize the song?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxV2lSOpM0Q <------ this is a video of giraffes and elephant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyk_HSamG_Q <----- this is a video of the tree planting ceremony we had, it is Brittany who is planting her tree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOlG0TmnT9k <----- this is a video of the rhinos!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOFbPO3BlEg <----- this is a video of my friend Judith leading everyone at the TAPP training in a song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0M5dCxRPNA <----- another video of lots of crocs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-JQ_E80WoQ <----- this is the video "documentary" we made on the first day of the new year when we saw lions (lioness, lioness', lionesses, lionessesses? -you'll understand when you watch it). :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBSFgsNTQHM <------ this video is more singing at the TAPP training.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFY1C0iEHMo <----- this video is on the safari

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrQo52TNKbE <----- this is a video of a couple giraffe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdgqmlKlKzM <----- this is another video on the safari

HIV/AIDS

Before I went to Uganda for the first time in May, I had never met a person with HIV or AIDs (at least not that I was aware of). I cared about the issue. But that's what I saw it as- an issue. I knew some of the basic facts, I was in Acting on AIDS & participated in a lot of the activities, I felt bad when I heard the stories, etc. But it wasn't a part of my world.

Then I went to Uganda in May of 2006. There we did things with the TAPP program. We went on home visits. I met people with HIV & AIDS, I touched people with HIV & AIDS, I sang with people with HIV & AIDS, I prayed for people with HIV & AIDS, I heard their stories out of their mouths. It wasn't just an issue anymore, it was something affecting people I know.

So when I got back I had a choice. I could leave everything I saw in Africa, I could leave it an ocean & many miles away from me, or it could stay a part of my world. Actually, I'm not sure if it really was a choice. I don't think I could forget if I had wanted to. When I got back I read. I learned in class. I went to other informational things. I got involved in the local ministry. I told others.

Then I went back to Uganda again and it became even more a part of my world. Again I went on home visits, I met people, touched people, sang with people, prayed for people, talked with people that had HIV & AIDS. I learned about HIV and AIDS with and from people who's lives it directly touches. I held children and played with children who's parents have HIV & AIDS. And so much more. When we got tested for HIV in Uganda, I even got a glimpse of the fear of possibly having it, what people who don't have choice of whether it's a part of their world or not go through. It became not only more than an issue to me and a part of my world, but a part of my heart.

check out the awesome shirt I designed, had made, & bought!

More Pictures

Images from Africa

In my last post I mentioned that on our last night there were papers w/each of our names on them & then everyone wrote notes to us. I just wanted to share mine (more like put it on the computer b/c I'll most likely lose the paper).

"I can see your heart and I love it. Continue to pursue what draws you and you will be significant in great healing stories." ~Cassie

"Africa. I was able to see you where you thrive...where your heart is. I believe that I have fallen in love as well (hope you don't mind sharing). Thank you for encouraging me. I'm glad we squeezed in some moments even though there was a secret conspiracy to keep us seperate. I just love you..." ~Sal

"In Africa you are alive. I can see the passion you have for this place in your eyes. I hope that you will be able to make many journeys to Africa. Your passion to help people will truly change lives. Plus I think your sense of humor is probably the coolest ever. Keep me posted on your future travels and updated on your child as well." ~Aaron

"Jilly Bean-- it has been a pleasure getting to know you better on this trip. What are the odds that we would find eachother on myspace & end up together in the country that we love. Thanks for taking good care of me. You are thoughtful, loving, & compassionate. Don't be afraid to express your emotions- they are as beautiful as you are. I love you. I will look forward to joining you in your journey." ~Kristen

"Thanks for bringing a smile to my face as I think about your tender heart which compassionately reaches out to those around you. May the Lord continue to inspire you on to who He has called you to be! Prov. 3:5,6." ~Josh

"So, um, I love you. This place brings out the best in you my dear. I am so glad I got to witness you in this pace with these people whom you clearly love & adore. Your quiet smile does my heart good Jill. you are going to shake things up babe, I can't wait. I love you." ~Britt

"My African friend! More than just that though, you have meant a lot to me this past year. I remember feeling so comfortable around you when we first got on the plane last time, and it just keeps getting better. Your heart for Africa, and your committment to these people is so inspiring. You're awesome, you're awesome, you're awesome. I wouldn't mind if everytime I came to Africa you were with me. To be honest, it's going to be weird if we come without eachother. I hope this trip deepened your passion for Africa, and I can't wait to see what God is going to have for you down the road. Your heart is contagious, so keep it up!" ~Scott

"Thanks for introducing me to Africa! It has changed my life. Oh Jill, we have known each other for awhile, but this trip has definitely strengthened that relationship. I admire you in so many ways- your passion just shines from you. You are just so genuine & I am thankful for your friendship. Can't wait for our many classes together! Much hugs & kisses." ~Chelle

"I have so greatly enjoyed getting to see your heart. Your passion. I love listening to what you have to say-seriously-always. Thank you so much for your openness & your humor. I love you Jill." ~Chelsey

"I love you and you better be giving me calls to hang out when we get back. This friendship is lifelong I can already tell. Thank you for loving so much. Thank you for giving and for being yourself. Thank you for standing next to me even when I smelled bad. I love you and have been so blessed by your heart. We are going to have a fantastic time as friends." ~Christy

"You are truly good people. I have grately enjoyed your dry sense of humor and beautiful compassion during this African adventure. I am so glad you chose social work as your ministry, you have so much to offer." ~Alissa