I am back from Uganda. It’s hard to be back, especially since I’ve been immediately thrown back into classes, etc. No time to think & process. It’s really hard to read chapters on things I don’t understand when my head is full of the amazing things I experienced just a week ago. This trip was wonderful, even more so than the last one. I loved being back for a second time & the group I was with was amazing. I could not have picked a better group of people to go with & it’s awesome because most of them I did not know very well before the trip & now we are family. Our family name is Usa (USA, get it?). There were 12 of us all together. Our leaders were Cassie (who was in Uganda when I was last time) & Kristen (who I actually met on myspace when I got back the last time…). The rest are fellow AU students- Josh, Scott, Aaron, Christy, Brittany, Sally, Chelsey, Chelle, & Alissa.I am going to post like I did last time (day to day journal entry) because so many people liked it before & have asked me to do it again. But again, know that even if I was good with words (which I’m not), there is no way I can truly let you know what it was like. Plus I will forget things & probably remember things wrong. My heart was fully in it, but my head wasn’t always fully in it so if you went & need to correct me on something, please do. Please leave me your comments, thoughts, etc. I really love them. Thank you for letting me share this with you.
December 29, 2006
I’m flying over Africa for the 2nd time in 7 months. How weird. With all that has been going on since break started, I kind of lost my excitement & even though I’m on the plane, it still hasn’t really sunk in that I’m actually going to be back in Uganda again in a few hours. Well…I hope no more than a few hours. I’ve slept a little bit so I don’t really know what time it is. I feel like I’ve slept a lot, but I don’t think I have so I have a feeling I’ll be disappointed when I find out how much longer there is. Oh well, at least I feel rested enough.I’m really looking forward to this trip. I think I’m going to enjoy it even more than the last one. I think we have an amazing group & can tell already that we will have lots of fun just by the random convos we’ve already had (like the worst words ever invented).:)
Later…
We’ve arrived! When we got off the plane I smelled it—Africa. This time I wasn’t the only one doing a little happy dance when I stepped onto African land. Everything was just as I remembered. Driving, the sights, the sounds, the smells. I would not trade the fact that I have been here before for the world. I love that Amanda, Moses, Phillip, etc recognize me & everything else; however, a part of me does envy the people who are experiencing it for the first time. Just the complete newness, never-before-seen-it-“ness”, the realizing-your-dream-has-come-true-“ness” of it. We head to the game park tomorrow (eek) bright & early so need to get to bed. I can’t believe I’m here! This is going to be an awesome trip & I’m looking forward to getting to know the others better.
December 30, 2006
When I went to the kitchen this morning looking for Apaphia, there were two women. One I recognized, one was new. The one I recognized was Olivia & as soon as she saw me she said “Welcome back!” & shook my hand. It feels so cool to be remembered, but I found out Apaphia got married & doesn’t work there anymore. Disappointing since I had a picture for her.We left for the game park today & are there now. It’s not nearly as scary as last time. No giant flying ants, no billionepedes, no scorpions, & a lot less lizards in our bondas. We are all in 2 different vans when we travel, I wish we were all in the same one so we could all be able to share
the same experience. My van is me, Chelsey, Chelle, Kristen, & Cassie. It’s fun. Lots of laughs. I love driving & waving to the kids. While I said before that I envy those who are here for the first time, I am really enjoying how comfortable I feel here. While we were driving I literally pinched myself to make sure that me being here was a reality.We stopped at a place they have rhinos. We walked to go find them & so got some close pics. Crazy. They are pretty tame here though because the guys can talk to them to get them to do stuff (like sit back down if they stand up), but they still had guns so it’s a little scary, but in a
good way. We stopped at the same restaurant that we did last time & we stopped at the falls again & got some good pics. I think I could watch the falls forever, kind of like fire, just puts me into a little trance. We are staying in the same “campground” but it’s better this time. I’m sharing a bonda with Brittany. I am loving this trip. Love Cassie & Kristen as our leaders. So good to get to know them.December 31, 2006
This morning we went on the boat ride down the Nile. We had a different boat this time. It was smaller. Just our group & then like 2 other people. We saw lots of hippos & crocs, some elephant, waterbuffalo, warthogs (who we affectionately named Richard, all of them), monitor lizards (mona lisa?), fish eagles, etc. This time my camera didn’t break before we got to the falls thank goodness. It’s nice to have a digital camera this trip. Talked to Kristen a lot on the way back & I may do my next internship with her at the adoption agency she works at.
Later…
When we got back from the boat trip we ate & talked a bunch & then went on a safari drive. We had the same guide that I had last time, Sarah!
I told her that I was there in May & she was my guide & that I was the group who’s bus got stuck & she remembered that. We saw elephants, a couple crossed the road right in front of us & then started to charge the other van. We also saw giraffes, buffalo, kob, lots of birds, Jackson harvest (not the real name, just what they got called by usJ), bush buck,
waterbuck, hippos, crocodile, warthogs (Richard), etc. The vans’ tops went up so we got to stand w/our heads out which was awesome, except the multiple times I banged my head. The drive was really good though seeing the scenery & animals & all the other random stuff like dancing & singing etc. Seeing all of it is kind of overwhelming though if I stop & think about it. Sometimes I’m just like, “That’s cool” or “that’s pretty.” & then sometimes I think “This is Africa. This is God’s creation. This is my dream come true for the 2nd time in 7 months.” In another convo with myself inside my head (I’m not crazy, 
you do it too) I was thinking, “Wow, this is so awesome, can you imagine living here?” & then I was like, “Yes actually, I can & do imagine it about every day.”
On our way back we had to wait for the next ferry across the Nile & so stopped & hung out at a hotel. That’s when Dominic, one of our drivers, informed Kristen & me through actions what happens to the elephants & monkeys when they eat the things on the “sausage trees” (they get
drunk.) It was pretty entertaining. I love our drivers.
After dinner we got into groups & discussed what we were teaching at the TAPP training next week. Social workers are teaching basic communication & counseling. Now it is about 45 minutes until 2007 (Uganda time). Brittany & I just got done having a pretty long conversation so now I need to brush my teeth & get to bed because we are going on an early game drive tomorrow.
This morning we went on the boat ride down the Nile. We had a different boat this time. It was smaller. Just our group & then like 2 other people. We saw lots of hippos & crocs, some elephant, waterbuffalo, warthogs (who we affectionately named Richard, all of them), monitor lizards (mona lisa?), fish eagles, etc. This time my camera didn’t break before we got to the falls thank goodness. It’s nice to have a digital camera this trip. Talked to Kristen a lot on the way back & I may do my next internship with her at the adoption agency she works at.
Later…When we got back from the boat trip we ate & talked a bunch & then went on a safari drive. We had the same guide that I had last time, Sarah!
I told her that I was there in May & she was my guide & that I was the group who’s bus got stuck & she remembered that. We saw elephants, a couple crossed the road right in front of us & then started to charge the other van. We also saw giraffes, buffalo, kob, lots of birds, Jackson harvest (not the real name, just what they got called by usJ), bush buck,
waterbuck, hippos, crocodile, warthogs (Richard), etc. The vans’ tops went up so we got to stand w/our heads out which was awesome, except the multiple times I banged my head. The drive was really good though seeing the scenery & animals & all the other random stuff like dancing & singing etc. Seeing all of it is kind of overwhelming though if I stop & think about it. Sometimes I’m just like, “That’s cool” or “that’s pretty.” & then sometimes I think “This is Africa. This is God’s creation. This is my dream come true for the 2nd time in 7 months.” In another convo with myself inside my head (I’m not crazy, 
you do it too) I was thinking, “Wow, this is so awesome, can you imagine living here?” & then I was like, “Yes actually, I can & do imagine it about every day.”On our way back we had to wait for the next ferry across the Nile & so stopped & hung out at a hotel. That’s when Dominic, one of our drivers, informed Kristen & me through actions what happens to the elephants & monkeys when they eat the things on the “sausage trees” (they get
drunk.) It was pretty entertaining. I love our drivers.After dinner we got into groups & discussed what we were teaching at the TAPP training next week. Social workers are teaching basic communication & counseling. Now it is about 45 minutes until 2007 (Uganda time). Brittany & I just got done having a pretty long conversation so now I need to brush my teeth & get to bed because we are going on an early game drive tomorrow.
January 1, 2007Despite needing to get up early this morning, Brittany & I talked even more last night so we were awake when it turned the new year which we knew because we could hear people yelling. It was strange because we were talking about Quakers. We laughed when we realized that it was the first 15 minutes of 2007 & we were in Uganda talking about Quakers. Just weird.
On the game drive today we saw lions. They were pretty far away though. We saw more of all the stuff we saw yesterday too. On the ferry
back from the game drive I was talking with Scott (he was with me on the trip in May) comparing this trip to the last one & telling him how I think it’s better this time & about my slight envy of everyone seeing it for the first time, but how much I enjoy being able to kind of sit back & watch the others see it for the first time & how I don’t think I’ve ever felt this comfortable with a group of people I don’t know very well.On the way back to the Stevenson’s (the missionaries we stay with) Kristen shared her ipod with me & we listened to Patty Griffin &
talked about all the singers we like & Cassie told us all a lot about Uganda which I always love to hear about. We stopped at the same restaurant again & heard some Shania Twain playing on the radio there.We are now back & Eric opened the gate. We we got out I said “Eric right?” & told him I’d been there before & he said, “I remember, nice to meet you again.” I didn’t think any of them would remember me because I’m sure they’ve had tons of visitors since then, but it is so nice to be remembered. Colleen (the missionary) gets back from Canada tonight. I was hoping she would be here when we got back, but no luck. Scott & I are so excited to see her again. It’s so great to be here with him again.
January 2, 2007- morning
Nothing like a cold shower at 5am in Africa. I took one that early because I was the only one who still needed a shower & I didn’t want to be in anyone’s way in the bathroom this morning. Plus I couldn’t really sleep because I have to teach about body language & ending a session at the TAPP (Tumaini AIDS Prevention Program) training. We weren’t suppose to go until like Wednesday, but found out last night that some stuff had already been taught so we may have to teach today. I hope not. I’m not a big fan of speaking in front of people & I’m not good at it either. We also found out last night that Colleen won’t be back until tonight. Sad times.
Every night we are going to have devotions & “interview”. We all in pairs have to lead devos one night. Chelsey is my partner. I’m not a huge fan of leading devos because I don’t feel like I know God-stuff really well & am always afraid of getting something wrong when I’m with people who are Bible & Religion majors & stuff, but I did it last time so it will be fine. It’s good to do this kind of stuff because I would like to be someone who is comfortable with it & it is one of my goals to get out of my comfort zone.
I have some wonderful news! I was told that if I just write a letter saying why I want to meet my Compassion sponsor child, they will probably be able to work it out! If so I will get to meet Rachael this time! I didn’t think it was going to be able to happen, but it sounds like it will.
January 2, 2007- afternoon
Today was the 1st day of TAPP training. We taught a bit. Everyone did a great job. I taught body language & ending a session. Pretty sure I sucked on the 1st one. I shake so bad & I hate it & the shaking made me even more nervous & so I talked way too fast. The 2nd part was a little better, but still definitely not good. Oh well, either way, we all did better than we did when we had to teach at the youth convention on my last trip. It worries me though, what if I can never do it well? How am I suppose to live & work here when I suck at teaching groups? (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ---added January 15th as I was rereading 
this). After we taught we had lunch & then a woman spoke who once had a CD4 count of 4! She was very sick, but looking at her now I couldn’t even tell. I’m not sure what her CD4 count is now, but much higher than 4, praise God. We also had some singing & dancing in there of course. At the end we split up into groups & went on home visits. Out of us United Statians (my word for what I often inaccurately call Americans) I was with Scott & Kristen. We walked to an old woman named Justine’s home. I LOVED walking there, seeing all the people & the beautiful children so excited to see us & waving & yelling “Mzungu! Mzungu!” On the way I talked to a guy from Paliso district which is the same district the village we visited last time is in. He was teaching me words in his language. When we got to the home there was a baby crying inside & cute kids outside. The woman we visited was the grandma of 2 children that lived with her. One was a boy who was 2 & a 4 month old girl named Jennifer (my future African baby’s nameJ). None of them had been tested for HIV.
Kristen, George, & I & a young girl went to get water. As soon as we started walking toward the well a ton of kids suddenly appeared with water jugs following us. It was the most beautiful sight as we were walking down the narrow path toward the well with the beautiful trees & plants lining it & I turned around & saw Kristen walking with tons of children surrounding her & holding the hands of 2 of them. Gorgeous.
We got the water & even more kids were down there. I love them. We brought the water back & talked a little more with the woman & then went back to where the training was. On the way backed I talked with Joshua. I was telling him how I had been there before, that I’m studying social work at university, how the weather in the USA is, etc. & then he asked me if I went to Anderson University because he was at a conference sometime last year and there were students there and one had an AU shirt on. I said yes & asked him if it was the youth convention in Kasubi. He said yes so I told him that Scott & I had been there with that group. Scott & I then talked to him about having been in Uganda before & how glad we were to be back again & that we wanted to come back again. Joshua said to me, “When God opens a door, no one can close it.”
We got back from our visits & just hung out waiting for everyone else to get back & a couple people shared their testimonies. Then there was a little African style dance party & we headed back to the Stevenson’s. I knew this before, but I found out even more so today that Cassie is an amazing person. Anyway, when we got back to the house we got greeted at the door by Colleen.
It was so good to see her again & I found out that I get to meet my little Rachael! It’s REALLY going to happen. I am going to go to the Compassion office tomorrow to sign some papers & then will go to meet Rachael later this week, probably Friday or Saturday. I can’t believe it.
Right now there are 3 amazing women (Kristen, Cassie, & Colleen) talking downstairs that I admire so incredibly much. If I could be a fraction of the women they are, things would be good. I am so blessed, we all are, to have them to look up to on this trip.
Nothing like a cold shower at 5am in Africa. I took one that early because I was the only one who still needed a shower & I didn’t want to be in anyone’s way in the bathroom this morning. Plus I couldn’t really sleep because I have to teach about body language & ending a session at the TAPP (Tumaini AIDS Prevention Program) training. We weren’t suppose to go until like Wednesday, but found out last night that some stuff had already been taught so we may have to teach today. I hope not. I’m not a big fan of speaking in front of people & I’m not good at it either. We also found out last night that Colleen won’t be back until tonight. Sad times.
Every night we are going to have devotions & “interview”. We all in pairs have to lead devos one night. Chelsey is my partner. I’m not a huge fan of leading devos because I don’t feel like I know God-stuff really well & am always afraid of getting something wrong when I’m with people who are Bible & Religion majors & stuff, but I did it last time so it will be fine. It’s good to do this kind of stuff because I would like to be someone who is comfortable with it & it is one of my goals to get out of my comfort zone.
I have some wonderful news! I was told that if I just write a letter saying why I want to meet my Compassion sponsor child, they will probably be able to work it out! If so I will get to meet Rachael this time! I didn’t think it was going to be able to happen, but it sounds like it will.
January 2, 2007- afternoon
Today was the 1st day of TAPP training. We taught a bit. Everyone did a great job. I taught body language & ending a session. Pretty sure I sucked on the 1st one. I shake so bad & I hate it & the shaking made me even more nervous & so I talked way too fast. The 2nd part was a little better, but still definitely not good. Oh well, either way, we all did better than we did when we had to teach at the youth convention on my last trip. It worries me though, what if I can never do it well? How am I suppose to live & work here when I suck at teaching groups? (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ---added January 15th as I was rereading 
this). After we taught we had lunch & then a woman spoke who once had a CD4 count of 4! She was very sick, but looking at her now I couldn’t even tell. I’m not sure what her CD4 count is now, but much higher than 4, praise God. We also had some singing & dancing in there of course. At the end we split up into groups & went on home visits. Out of us United Statians (my word for what I often inaccurately call Americans) I was with Scott & Kristen. We walked to an old woman named Justine’s home. I LOVED walking there, seeing all the people & the beautiful children so excited to see us & waving & yelling “Mzungu! Mzungu!” On the way I talked to a guy from Paliso district which is the same district the village we visited last time is in. He was teaching me words in his language. When we got to the home there was a baby crying inside & cute kids outside. The woman we visited was the grandma of 2 children that lived with her. One was a boy who was 2 & a 4 month old girl named Jennifer (my future African baby’s nameJ). None of them had been tested for HIV.Kristen, George, & I & a young girl went to get water. As soon as we started walking toward the well a ton of kids suddenly appeared with water jugs following us. It was the most beautiful sight as we were walking down the narrow path toward the well with the beautiful trees & plants lining it & I turned around & saw Kristen walking with tons of children surrounding her & holding the hands of 2 of them. Gorgeous.
We got the water & even more kids were down there. I love them. We brought the water back & talked a little more with the woman & then went back to where the training was. On the way backed I talked with Joshua. I was telling him how I had been there before, that I’m studying social work at university, how the weather in the USA is, etc. & then he asked me if I went to Anderson University because he was at a conference sometime last year and there were students there and one had an AU shirt on. I said yes & asked him if it was the youth convention in Kasubi. He said yes so I told him that Scott & I had been there with that group. Scott & I then talked to him about having been in Uganda before & how glad we were to be back again & that we wanted to come back again. Joshua said to me, “When God opens a door, no one can close it.”We got back from our visits & just hung out waiting for everyone else to get back & a couple people shared their testimonies. Then there was a little African style dance party & we headed back to the Stevenson’s. I knew this before, but I found out even more so today that Cassie is an amazing person. Anyway, when we got back to the house we got greeted at the door by Colleen.
It was so good to see her again & I found out that I get to meet my little Rachael! It’s REALLY going to happen. I am going to go to the Compassion office tomorrow to sign some papers & then will go to meet Rachael later this week, probably Friday or Saturday. I can’t believe it.Right now there are 3 amazing women (Kristen, Cassie, & Colleen) talking downstairs that I admire so incredibly much. If I could be a fraction of the women they are, things would be good. I am so blessed, we all are, to have them to look up to on this trip.
January 3, 2007
I’m at the house by myself which is very strange. We went to the TAPP training again & it was good. Sat with Christy on the way there & we decided we need to have a movie night when we get back because we like a lot of the same movies. We also sang some En Vogue & Madonna.The training was really good today. Cassie taught & it was great. One of the things she taught on was relational needs. At the airport in Chicago she gave us a paper to do & give back to her that figures out what our relational needs are that way we are aware of them and can provide each other with what we need. Mine were acceptance, affection & comfort. Mostly the whole group had affection so that need has been greatly met on this trip for everyone. I was kind of surprised by comfort because when I’m sad or upset I normally try to hide it, but I guess just because I don’t get it, doesn’t mean I don’t need it. I guess I just am waiting for someone I’m comfortable with before I seek it, or just wish someone would see through me & know I need it & give it to me. I know I want it, but since I hide it & am too chicken to actually let people know what I need & feel, I don’t always get it. (do those sentences make sense?)
At the training today there were some kids around that we played with bouncy balls with & stuff. We also tossed around the football with people some. At 3 I went with Edrin to go to Compassion’s office. On the way there Bob Marley winked at me. Well, maybe it wasn’t Bob Marley, but he had dreads & it sure looked like him. I also saw a kid who’s shirt said, “It doesn’t look like crap” on the back. Very interesting. I also talked to Edrin about Irene (a little girl I met multiple times last time I was here & who wrote me this summer) & showed him the letter she wrote me. He knows her, but pretty sure I won’t get to see her this time. I thought I was going to the office to sign papers, but that didn’t happen. A woman was trying to organize for me to meet Rachael, but it was very confusing. It was like I was suppose to know how the visit works. She gave me a paper I’m suppose to fill out after my visit. Colleen said she’d get me transportation but I don’t know how all that works or what time we’d leave or how long I’d stay, etc. so we are suppose to call tomorrow at 9 to work it all out, but I assume we will be at the TAPP training or on the way at that time. I really don’t like being unorganized, but I guess that’s just how it is. I hope it works out okay.Edrin brought me back to the house because he said it would be too late to go back to the training. I hope the others get back soon. I’m sad because at the training this afternoon they were going to play games & I’m missing that for something that took less than an hour & didn’t really accomplish much & actually made me more worried than excited. I’m worried, but normally the things I’m most worried about turn out to be some of the best experiences & my worries are never justified.
Later…
After dinner tonight while we were waiting to start devotions & interviews I was lying on Kristen’s lap while she played with my hair talking to her & Chelsey. Chelsey is really awesome & it’s neat to see her opening up as she gets to know us better. I’m really glad I’ve gotten this opportunity to get to know her outside of classes. Plus she’s freaking hilarious.I did my interview tonight. The 1st question was just people who most impacted me & how that & other things led me to this trip. I said how my dad died so my mom was left with me & my brothers & my grandma moved in & so her & my mom were the most influential on me. I don’t really know how or when my love for Africa started, but I told them the things I assume contributed & how I signed up for the Tri-S trip for last May & it confirmed my love & then I was invited on this trip & so here I am. Two questions are always asked in our interviews, pet peeve & something they don't know about me. For my pet peeve I said hearing people chew their nails. For something most of them don’t know about me I said that I skinny dipped in the Chesapeake Bay twice this summer. They seemed to like that answer.
One of the questions they asked me was if I had any siblings so I told them David & that Adam died & that I sort of have a stepbrother & so I explained that Mom & Dennis are in the process of divorce & that that is why I had to move out of my house 2 days before Christmas. Then Alissa asked me what one of my happiest memories was & I told them about last trip & we went to the village & they started singing for us & I started happy bawling because that was the moment I realized & it really sunk in that my #1 dream & goal in life had come true. As I was telling this story I unexpectedly started crying right there in the living room with everyone looking at me. I was afraid of crying during my interviewbut did not think it would be happy tears for that experience. Weird.
Devotions after interviews were really good led by Christy & Sally. They talked about the word ubuntu which means “I am because we are” in South African. It was really good & a lot of what was read & said touched me. Good stuff.
Scott noticed I was sort of upset tonight (just the worry about meeting Rachael & such) & asked me about it once & was smart enough to ask me a 2nd time which I was more honest then. I just told him that I was a little worried & that I’m someone who likes things to be organized, but that it will turn out okay because it always does. It was sweet of him to see that I wasn’t okay & care enough to ask multiple times.
January 4, 2007I called Compassion this morning & set up my visit. I had to call later than I was suppose to, but it’s Uganda so it was okay. I’m feeling much better about it now. The plan is (whether it will happen this way or not) that Edrin, his wife Annie, & I will go to the Kampala Compassion office & meet Habba from the Jinja Child Development Project. Then that person will go with us to see my little girl. I’m excited. Still worried, but not as much. At TAPP training today Colleen, Brittany & Cassie all taught & did awesome jobs at it. While we waited for lunch I
talked to this woman named Judith. She’s doing an internship with TAPP. She’s so sweet. Before lunch David took us to see where & how our food was prepared & we helped carry some food back & then had lunch. Colleen talked about her parents & growing up in Africa. Amazing. Seriously. I cannot imagine. She has so many awesome stories.After lunch we planted trees. We each got a tree & chose a partner from Africa to help us plant it & care for it. I don’t know the name of the guy I chose because I can’t say it, but he is the one I met on our home visit who was teaching me
words in his language. I thought about choosing Joshua or Judith, but they had already been chosen. The guy I chose seemed very happy. He grabbed my hand & tried to hurry out the door because he wanted to be first. We weren’t, but that’s okay. My tree is along the road, closest to the building. As we walked around planting trees there was an amazing soft warm rain coming down. We sang “This is the day that the lord has made” & then replaced the word day with just about everything we could think of “rain, place, people, tree, country, etc…” as well as some other songs. It was just a really awesome experience.
When we got back from planting trees we “graduated” & all got certificates, Bibles, & T-shirts. My Bible was in Luganda so I think I should learn it. Each district got a bike also. We went out to take pictures & say goodbyes. There were 3 young girls & a young boy around & I took them a big bouncy ball. They said thanks & I asked them their names. The boy was David. Then I took a picture of them & let David take one of me & the girls. On the car ride home I rode with Moses, Josh, Chelle, Chelsey, Kristen, Christy, & Sally & we sang Disney & musical 
songs the whole way home. Good times.January 5, 2007
Today is a work day. They are working on a new TAPP office, but not me. I’m going to Jinja to meet Rachael! When I came out of my room Kristen asked why I was wearing a skirt & them remembered & gave me a big hug.
At breakfast we listened to some great pop music (Christina, Britney, TLC, LFO, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Mariah, Spice Girls, etc.) & had some little dance parties. Christy & Cassie’s was the best & luckily Scott got some of it on video.
Now everyone has left & I am waiting on Edrin & his wife so that I can go & meet Rachael. I can’t wait to meet her & I’m looking forward to coming back & telling the others all about it. Still a little nervous, but my excitement outweighs it.
After…I just got back from my visit! Edrin picked me up a little after 10, was suppose to be 9…welcome to UgandaJ. His wife & cousin came along. We stopped at the Compassion office & picked up Habba who works for the Jinja Child Development Center. On the way to Jinja there was a big traffic jam because of a big accident with three big trucks. We made it though. The ride to Jinja is so beautiful with the tea fields & everything. The sky was SO blue. In Jinja we crossed the Nile & I saw big monitor lizards & on the way back I saw a big snake in the water.
We got to the church/center & met Auntie Sara & took a tour of the place. Then they had soda & water for us and after they were done we walked to Rachael’s home. She greeted me part way and gave me a big hug. She is so beautiful. And almost as tall as me & she’s only 10. We went to her home and her uncle & grandpa greeted us. Her grandma came shortly after & did their happy yell which is call uvelating (I’m guessing that’s how you spell it, but I like to call it ovulating). She was so pleased I was there. Rachael gave me two necklaces & a bracelet she made for me that were like the TAPP necklaces. I gave her one of my bracelets & all the things I 
brought for her- bubbles, yo-yo, bouncy balls, paddle ball, floppy flyer, jumprope, notebook, crayons, pens, & pencils. She recited 5 Bible versus & sang a song which I videotaped. She’s so smart. She wants to be a lawyer. Edrin & Habba took pictures for me.The family wanted to make us a traditional meal, but they tell them not to because we did not have a lot of time and because it can cost a lot of money, but they had bought us sodas & water & muffin-like things. Rachael told me that within the past year she had fasted & prayed that her sponsor would come visit her & now she has a
testimony because it came true. Then she said “I am so happy, the tears come to my eyes.” Then she started crying & put her head down & cried. We went outside & I played with the bubbles with her & two little boys who live near her. Then we played jumprope & Frisbee. Then we went inside, Edrin prayed, we sang a song & then left. Rachael, her grandma & her uncle walked with us back to the project. Rachael carried my bag & we held hands and talked the whole way. We said our goodbyes & hugged. As I waved goodbye as we drove away I started crying. She was so beautiful, sweet, & smart. Dimples. Absolutely wonderful. Edrin, Annie, their cousin, Sara, Habba, & I all ate “fast food.” All the normal food we’ve been having, it was just 
already ready. Then we said our goodbyes to Habba & Sarah, who is the sweetest woman ever. She kept thanking me for being there & telling me how wonderful it was that I had come. On the way back Colleen called us to see how the visit went so I got to tell her a little about it. I can’t believe I really met Rachael! I can’t wait for the others to get back so I can share my joy.When we got back I just hung out outside with Castro, Godfrey, Annie, Edrin, Thomas, & the dogs. It was fun. They were funny. Just chilling with the Ugandans.
Later…
When everyone got back they asked me how it went. Colleen hugged & kissed me. It’s nice to have people share in my happiness. Stella (an
artist) came & we ordered wall hangings from her. I got Mom another one that goes with the one I got last time. Dinner was good & fun as always. Afterward I told Kristen & Christy all about meeting Rachael. Chelsey & I had devos. We just asked people if their expectations had been met or exceeded or about the day. I told about seeing Rachael & read Psalm 100 & Chelsey prayed & now it’s time for bed.January 6, 2007
We had another work day today. We fixed a floor
to cement it, plastered, painted, got water from the well (it’s hard to pump that thing!), etc. There were lots of kids. Wonderful kids. They always helped out so much. They saw what needed to be done & just jumped in & did it. A pile of bricks needed to be moved & so we made an assembly line to do it & sang songs as we did it.There was a young girl there named Sarita. Chelsey & I shared her. She hung on us so much. She had a cough. I don’t want to know why.
There was an awesome boy there that I talked to a bit & who always helped out a lot. He had a great shirt on too. It said, “Don’t swallow your gum” & had a dog w/a bubble coming out of his butt. It made me laugh.
At the end of the day we planted a tree. David, the leader of TAPP, said some really nice things. I was holding Sarita & started crying. Most everyone did. We did some singing & then said goodbyes. There were lots of tears today from everyone.
January 7, 2007
Today we split into two groups & each group went to a church. I was with Josh, Kristen, Chelsey, Brittany, Christy, Moses, & David. It was good. Lots of singing & dancing. Scott gave the sermon at the other church and Josh gave the sermon at the one we went to. I guess it was really good, but Chelsey & I missed it because we had to teach Sunday school, but luckily they taped it. We didn’t really know what to expect for Sunday school or what we were going to do, but I wasn’t really worried. As we walked in I looked at Chelsey & said, “how about the story of Jonah?” We taught the kids “This Little Light of Mine” & then I asked if they knew the story of Jonah. After a kid told me that Jonah got eaten by a fish I told them in more detail the story & talked about how Jonah was trying to run from God when he asked him to do something. I asked them what things God asks them to do. They said things like pray, praise him, worship, sing, etc. It went pretty well. I guess I do better when I’m not prepared. When I was done talking to them we had them sing a song for us & then Chelsey prayed & it was time to go back in.
When we went back in the rest of our group was praying for people. People would come up to each of them & they would pray for them. I wasn’t fully sure what was going on so Chelsey & I just went in & stood back. Since I didn’t really know what was going on & am not really comfortable praying out loud & don’t know if I feel like I have the “authority” (not really the right word, don’t know how to explain it) I wasn’t really comfortable with it, but then David said “this boy has malaria & needs someone to pray for him” so I did it.
After the service they gave Josh a pineapple & then we headed to Sam’s, the restaurant we ate at on the last trip. We had a good lunch & then went to the mall so people could buy tea & coffee. The rest of the day was just to relax. We hung out, threw the football, listened to music, & played an intense game of Disney Trivia Pursuit.
Today we split into two groups & each group went to a church. I was with Josh, Kristen, Chelsey, Brittany, Christy, Moses, & David. It was good. Lots of singing & dancing. Scott gave the sermon at the other church and Josh gave the sermon at the one we went to. I guess it was really good, but Chelsey & I missed it because we had to teach Sunday school, but luckily they taped it. We didn’t really know what to expect for Sunday school or what we were going to do, but I wasn’t really worried. As we walked in I looked at Chelsey & said, “how about the story of Jonah?” We taught the kids “This Little Light of Mine” & then I asked if they knew the story of Jonah. After a kid told me that Jonah got eaten by a fish I told them in more detail the story & talked about how Jonah was trying to run from God when he asked him to do something. I asked them what things God asks them to do. They said things like pray, praise him, worship, sing, etc. It went pretty well. I guess I do better when I’m not prepared. When I was done talking to them we had them sing a song for us & then Chelsey prayed & it was time to go back in.
When we went back in the rest of our group was praying for people. People would come up to each of them & they would pray for them. I wasn’t fully sure what was going on so Chelsey & I just went in & stood back. Since I didn’t really know what was going on & am not really comfortable praying out loud & don’t know if I feel like I have the “authority” (not really the right word, don’t know how to explain it) I wasn’t really comfortable with it, but then David said “this boy has malaria & needs someone to pray for him” so I did it.After the service they gave Josh a pineapple & then we headed to Sam’s, the restaurant we ate at on the last trip. We had a good lunch & then went to the mall so people could buy tea & coffee. The rest of the day was just to relax. We hung out, threw the football, listened to music, & played an intense game of Disney Trivia Pursuit.
January 8, 2006
Last night for devotions we played fun games like mafia. Chelle’s idea. It was a good one. Afterward Colleen jokingly told us to be ready to take HIV tests the next day. She just wanted to scare us & see our reaction, but we all got excited so she decided to set it up for us. So today we all took HIV tests in Uganda. We went to the AIDS center & then had a group counseling session. A guy came & talked to all of us together & answered our questions. Then we went in individually and answered a few questions & then went for our blood test. The lady who took my blood was so good. It didn’t hurt at all. We then had to wait a ½ hour for our results. We went in individually & got our results. They then asked what we were going to do to maintain our negative results, who we were going to share our results with, etc. I had no reason to think that
I may have it, but it was still scary. Just kept thinking, “what if.” & if it came back positive how would I react, would I tell the others, what would I d?. I was worried & really had no reason to be, I can’t imagine what it would be like to have reason to believe you have it. I now understand why people who could be positive don’t want to get tested. It was a really good experience. I want to get tested in the U.S. now to compare the two systems. In Uganda they did so well, but I have a feeling from things I’ve heard that in the U.S. you just take the test & get your results. I doubt in most places the counseling happens like it did where we were.
After our test we went to Kasubi to the TAPP center. We divided into 2 groups & went on several home visits. It’s so sad. I can’t imagine not having God. It would be so hard to have hope without Him. There is so much I could write about these home visits, but I really don’t know what to say, I haven't really been able to process it yet.
After our visits we went to the church there & had lunch. I
saw Hanson, the guy who led worship at the youth convention & 50th wedding anniversary on my last trip, so Scott & I went up to him & introduced ourselves to him again. It was neat to see him again. Scott got to meet his sponsor boy, Vincent & after lunch Sally went to meet her sponsor girl through Children of Promise. It’s so neat.
After lunch the rest of us went back to the TAPP center for the women to show us how they make the necklaces. As soon as we walked up to the building Sauda, a little girl we met the last time we were there & the sponsor kid of a friend of some of us that was in Uganda last time I was there also, ran out to us. I recognized her right
away because she had on the same outfit she wore to the 50th wedding anniversary. She ran out to us & I was like “Brittany, this is Sauda!” & Sauda jumped into my arms. She sat on my lap a lot & I got lots of pics of her because she’s adorable & because I knew Chelsey (her sponsor) would want to see them. She danced for us a lot. So cute. She took my other bracelet which was good because I was planning on giving it to some little girl & I couldn’t think of a better one to have it than her. She’s precious.
The women showed us how to make the necklaces & then we all bought some. At the end David said some really nice things again getting
us all teary eyed since it’s our last day. I wasn’t actually crying until I hugged Annie, Edrin’s wife. When she hugged me she started crying & wouldn’t let go & said “I’ll never forget you.” That’s when I started crying. We then said our goodbyes to everyone, David, Edrin, Judith, etc. Sauda ran to me right before I got in the car & gave me a big hug goodbye. I cried part of the way home. I really don’t want to leave. I hate this part & I think it’s even harder this time than last.
Last night for devotions we played fun games like mafia. Chelle’s idea. It was a good one. Afterward Colleen jokingly told us to be ready to take HIV tests the next day. She just wanted to scare us & see our reaction, but we all got excited so she decided to set it up for us. So today we all took HIV tests in Uganda. We went to the AIDS center & then had a group counseling session. A guy came & talked to all of us together & answered our questions. Then we went in individually and answered a few questions & then went for our blood test. The lady who took my blood was so good. It didn’t hurt at all. We then had to wait a ½ hour for our results. We went in individually & got our results. They then asked what we were going to do to maintain our negative results, who we were going to share our results with, etc. I had no reason to think that
I may have it, but it was still scary. Just kept thinking, “what if.” & if it came back positive how would I react, would I tell the others, what would I d?. I was worried & really had no reason to be, I can’t imagine what it would be like to have reason to believe you have it. I now understand why people who could be positive don’t want to get tested. It was a really good experience. I want to get tested in the U.S. now to compare the two systems. In Uganda they did so well, but I have a feeling from things I’ve heard that in the U.S. you just take the test & get your results. I doubt in most places the counseling happens like it did where we were.After our test we went to Kasubi to the TAPP center. We divided into 2 groups & went on several home visits. It’s so sad. I can’t imagine not having God. It would be so hard to have hope without Him. There is so much I could write about these home visits, but I really don’t know what to say, I haven't really been able to process it yet.
After our visits we went to the church there & had lunch. I
saw Hanson, the guy who led worship at the youth convention & 50th wedding anniversary on my last trip, so Scott & I went up to him & introduced ourselves to him again. It was neat to see him again. Scott got to meet his sponsor boy, Vincent & after lunch Sally went to meet her sponsor girl through Children of Promise. It’s so neat.After lunch the rest of us went back to the TAPP center for the women to show us how they make the necklaces. As soon as we walked up to the building Sauda, a little girl we met the last time we were there & the sponsor kid of a friend of some of us that was in Uganda last time I was there also, ran out to us. I recognized her right
away because she had on the same outfit she wore to the 50th wedding anniversary. She ran out to us & I was like “Brittany, this is Sauda!” & Sauda jumped into my arms. She sat on my lap a lot & I got lots of pics of her because she’s adorable & because I knew Chelsey (her sponsor) would want to see them. She danced for us a lot. So cute. She took my other bracelet which was good because I was planning on giving it to some little girl & I couldn’t think of a better one to have it than her. She’s precious.The women showed us how to make the necklaces & then we all bought some. At the end David said some really nice things again getting
us all teary eyed since it’s our last day. I wasn’t actually crying until I hugged Annie, Edrin’s wife. When she hugged me she started crying & wouldn’t let go & said “I’ll never forget you.” That’s when I started crying. We then said our goodbyes to everyone, David, Edrin, Judith, etc. Sauda ran to me right before I got in the car & gave me a big hug goodbye. I cried part of the way home. I really don’t want to leave. I hate this part & I think it’s even harder this time than last.
When we got back tonight we put a lot of people in Kristen’s extra large Goodwill skirt, played Taboo, etc. We also each had a paper with our names on it & then wrote notes to each other on it. Such a good idea. Cassie’s an awesome trip leader.January 9, 2007
Today was our last day. We went to Heritage International School in the morning & talked to the principal & took a tour & then went shopping. I only bought Charity’s Christmas present because I wanted to give us much money to TAPP as possible. I raised over $800 more than I needed for the trip & gave it to Colleen. It is going to start building staff housing for TAPP. It’s cool because Cassie bought the land & everyone who helped me out is paying for the start of the housing on that land. So to all of you who helped me out on this trip, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
We didn’t leave until evening so after shopping we just spent most of the day around the house packing, playing mafia, relaxing etc. It was hard. I went out & sat on the back porch a lot just enjoying the last of the warm weather, sunshine, & color. I was on the porch swing & Josh saw me through the window & so came out to hug me & talk a bit. I almost started crying. I did cry on & off today out there. Cassie came out & layed on the couch out there with me for a little bit & talked. I just really didn’t want to leave. I love this place, I love our group. I don’t want to leave any of it. I know that all us students go to the same school, but it’ll still be different.
Colleen’s kids came back a little bit before we leave so it was good to see them & spend some time with them. When I said goodbye to Colleen she hugged me & told me to come back & do social work there. Right after I said goodbye to her I started really crying. I tried to make it to the bus, but Kristen & Sally saw me & hugged me. I cried for a little while on the way to the airport & then Chelsey, Chelle, Kristen & I just talked the rest of the ride.
At the airport there was something wrong with Brittany’s ticket & so we weren’t sure if she was going to get on the plane. Cassie came to tell us what was going on & say goodbye to us incase because if she had to she was going to stay behind with Brittany until they got it figured out so we all went & got on the plane without them. Luckily though she & Brittany made it.
January 14, 2007
Now I’ve been back for a few days. Had to start classes the very next day. It’s a hard transition. Not sure it’s going so well, but I don’t think it’s going too well for most of us. I’ve had classes with Chelsey & Chelle which is nice & I’ve seen Brittany a few times. Sally & I are going to get together sometime this coming week. I’m going to be able to do my internship for Social Work Practice with Kristen and all of us are having a reunion on the 28th at her house.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten many things in my telling of my Uganda adventure & if I remember more I will try to add stories. I definitely know I did not at all capture what the experience was really like, but if you ever want to talk to me in person or see pictures let me know. I have been asked again to be the “sermon” at church sometime & tell/show about the trip so if you live near me & want to come let me know & I’ll tell you when I do it. Thank you for letting me share this with you.
Today was our last day. We went to Heritage International School in the morning & talked to the principal & took a tour & then went shopping. I only bought Charity’s Christmas present because I wanted to give us much money to TAPP as possible. I raised over $800 more than I needed for the trip & gave it to Colleen. It is going to start building staff housing for TAPP. It’s cool because Cassie bought the land & everyone who helped me out is paying for the start of the housing on that land. So to all of you who helped me out on this trip, THANK YOU SO MUCH!
We didn’t leave until evening so after shopping we just spent most of the day around the house packing, playing mafia, relaxing etc. It was hard. I went out & sat on the back porch a lot just enjoying the last of the warm weather, sunshine, & color. I was on the porch swing & Josh saw me through the window & so came out to hug me & talk a bit. I almost started crying. I did cry on & off today out there. Cassie came out & layed on the couch out there with me for a little bit & talked. I just really didn’t want to leave. I love this place, I love our group. I don’t want to leave any of it. I know that all us students go to the same school, but it’ll still be different.Colleen’s kids came back a little bit before we leave so it was good to see them & spend some time with them. When I said goodbye to Colleen she hugged me & told me to come back & do social work there. Right after I said goodbye to her I started really crying. I tried to make it to the bus, but Kristen & Sally saw me & hugged me. I cried for a little while on the way to the airport & then Chelsey, Chelle, Kristen & I just talked the rest of the ride.
At the airport there was something wrong with Brittany’s ticket & so we weren’t sure if she was going to get on the plane. Cassie came to tell us what was going on & say goodbye to us incase because if she had to she was going to stay behind with Brittany until they got it figured out so we all went & got on the plane without them. Luckily though she & Brittany made it.
January 14, 2007
Now I’ve been back for a few days. Had to start classes the very next day. It’s a hard transition. Not sure it’s going so well, but I don’t think it’s going too well for most of us. I’ve had classes with Chelsey & Chelle which is nice & I’ve seen Brittany a few times. Sally & I are going to get together sometime this coming week. I’m going to be able to do my internship for Social Work Practice with Kristen and all of us are having a reunion on the 28th at her house.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten many things in my telling of my Uganda adventure & if I remember more I will try to add stories. I definitely know I did not at all capture what the experience was really like, but if you ever want to talk to me in person or see pictures let me know. I have been asked again to be the “sermon” at church sometime & tell/show about the trip so if you live near me & want to come let me know & I’ll tell you when I do it. Thank you for letting me share this with you.
