2nd Saturdy in Uganda

Acholi Quarters: IDP

We were greeted by 100's of children screaming with joy. I was one of the first people through the crowd. Children were coming up to me left and right. Not for the cookies I was carrying but for a hug. They wanted to be touched. Their smiles were big and their hugs even bigger.

We de-wormed around 300+ today. I wish we could've had doctors to do a full on medical clinic there. So MANY children had ringworm and had it bad. We've seen many poor and impoverished people on this trip but these were the worst. They had to leave their homes with nothing and you can tell they haven't recieved much either. Most everyone we meet has dirty clothes but these people had ragged clothes. Pants with no butts, shirts with huge holes. I wished we had clothes to give them.

This time in Africa has been hard and amazing! So many hurting people but they have the Joy of the Lord in their hearts. I'm not sure how to explain all the sights and sounds and smells to others when I get home. But I look forward to my return.

I will probably not write any more today. And we leave here at 6am tomorrow to go to Entebbee to get on the plane to London. Overnight in London on Monday and fly home by 2pm on Tuesday. Since I have no more minutes on a phone card.....Dad, happy birthday!

I'm looking forward to being home. I just pray God keeps the memories fresh. It's hard for me to keep memories it seems so I hope God can keep the images and sweet memories in my mind as only he can.

Thank you Jesus
This has been a blessing!
Erika

An awesome 2nd Friday in Uganda

6 souls saved

1 muslim
1 catholic

This morning was a little slow. We had to wait for some british doctors to arrive. They helped us at our medical clinic. This clinic was also in a slum.

So many things I could mention about this afternoon

We went to a slum. Many people are displaced from Northern Uganda and others are just poor from central uganda. A large percentage of the households in this area are children run. Meaning there are no parents and the oldest child (no matter how young) takes over the running of the house.

I met a girl named Betty. Both of her parents died recently of Sickle Cell. She was 13. I began to pray for her to have peace but instead my heart ached with the heart of God and I began sobbing. Aindrea was with me but she could not pray either so we called Kim over and she prayed with fervor over this young woman. I pray she has hope and peace

Martha helps bring children in off the streets to have a home in the slum and to go to school via sponsors. She was a beautiful young woman of God! I hope to stay in contact with her via email

Lastly, outside of our clinic there was a tree. The tree was full of green leaves, all but the very top. One branch stuck out of the top and it was bare and in the shape of a bent arm with a hand that reached toward the sky. I felt God telling me through that vision that HE was holding these people up. That they mattered to him.

God is Good

Erika

2nd Thursday in Uganda

Morning was spent at Watoto Bulrushes. It is a baby home in Kampala operated through the Kampala Pentecostal Church and begun by people in Canada. It was so different than even the hospital. It was clean. 96 babies, many mothers and many more volunteers. When I say mothers I do not mean the children's mothers but there's always 1 or 2 people per room of 10 - 20 children who are the head and they are called the mother's, the children call them mama too. I fed one named Isaac and got my picture taken with him to show my Isaac.

I am still amazed at the sheer number of orphans!!

This afternoon I played hide and go seek with the children at New Creation Family Home. They got a new swingset today and they loved it. Just 2 swings but they just kept swinging and taking turns. So much joy in that home. I'm sure there's sorrow sometimes but more than anything there is love and joy.

I want my house to be a house of love and joy.

Erika

2nd Wednesday in Uganda

Today was a layed back day. In the morning we went and taught at the New Creation Centre for a couple hours. It was pretty fun. We had it scheduled that we would go there and teach them anything we wanted about America but then when we got there 2 of their 3 teachers were sick. So we ended up teaching for a long time without any supervision. It was interesting. The kids learned a lot about Michigan and the Great Lakes LOL. Those kids are SO beautiful! They sing a song that goes like this, "How many times, how many times, how many times Lord...have I called out your name? Rescue me. Rescue me my Jesus, rescue me, rescue me King of King. Rescue me, rescue me" Then it repeats but it's beautiful!

Then in the afternoon we actually got to relax at the house. Some went shopping, some stayed home, some rode on a Bota Bota (motorcycle taxi). It was good to have a little down time.

Today is actually Thursday here and we are going to Watoto Baby orphanage. It'll be great. Other than that I'm not sure what I'll we're doing. I'll update you tomorrow.

Love to you all
Erika

2nd Tuesday in Uganda

Ok, so our bus is from the early 90's (don't think school bus think small battle creek transit bus) But anyway it's almost 2 decades old Plus it gets driven around Africa which is a rough and dusty terrain

This morning our bus was at the shop It was supposed to be here at 10am but instead we left at noon You just learn to go with it and make the best out of every situation So we did We played a game of - boys vs girls keep away football (yes we made it up) Young and old alike played and it was a lot of fun Even the kitchen staff joined in :)

Then we went and visited the headquarters for the invisible children bracelet campaign There were around 20 Acholi people there making bracelets The director said there are also 5 different places at the IDP camps that make bracelets and ship them to Kampala The money raised sends children to school and replaces bracelet supplies It's a wonderful cause

Today we learned that Joseph Kony has taken his LRA army to Congo and there has been some peace in the NOrth for a year and a half, two years But sadly he's begun some of the same tactics in Congo The Acholi people are slowly moving home if there's a home to go to The night commuting has stopped and there is beginning to be some hope for these displaced people

We ate lunch on the bus and did 2 de-worming clinics back to back Gwame orphanage and Bethel orphanage

At Gwame mariah and I played a game of catch with 5 girls That was a lot of fun!

At Bethel Eve walked me through the foundation of the new church they're building It's huge! The best part is, their current church is a temporary structure Reminded me of the Old Testament tabernacle, just think sheet metal not cloth. The sign on their church said, "Talk less, pray more"

Beautiful

I love you all and miss everyone

Tell the kids I love them and I can't wait to come home and show them pictures of the kids I've met and been able to play with

Erika

The 2nd Monday in Uganda

This was a hard day. I will not share all the details but when I get back to the states, if you have more questions I would answer them. Now on with the blog

Mentally exhausting. That best describes today Neonatal ICU, Pediatric surgical unit and burn unit to start the day Shopping and lunch then off to the Uganda Jesus Village All orphans, 50-70 or so, from Gulu. (If you don't know about Gulu you should look up invisible children)

But let's begin at the beginning

Mulago Hospital - NICU
around 30 babies
2 nurses
1 doctor (reading a newspaper)
So many tiny babies (around 10) and around 20 full term babies that were sick. Hard to see but you could tell everywhere you went that the nurses cared. That was good

Mulago Hospital - Pediatric Surg Unit
I prayed over a young boy named Frances He was waiting for surgery for an obstructed bowel His dad was holding him and they both looked scared Touching Frances you could tell he had a fever His father was so grateful that I had stopped to pray I have prayed for him many time today I hope his surgery came soon and that he comes out of it good

Mulago Hospital - Burn Unit
Will not share but can talk about it at home

Shopping - Good but high priced, done shopping now :)

Uganda Jesus Village - Beautiful
These are Acholi children from Gulu. Three gave testimonies All lost their parents somewhere along the ages of 2 - 5 But all were thankful for Uncle Memory (the young man who began UJV) for now they have a home and "mother's", they can read and write, speak english and go to school. One girl said in her testimony, "I did not know how to sing until I came here." What a beautiful testimony of how God can touch a soul

I can sing!
Erika

Sunday in Uganda

So before I truly start blogging you need to know that the reason I am not using any periods is because on this computer the period button is broken and a pain in the butt. Sorry if it makes these hard to read :(

What a mighty God we serve!

We've been singing on the bus for 2 days and it's always true Worship this morning was great The preaching ok His verses were good though 1 Thess 3:3 and James 5:11 He talked about how life should be dangerous as a Christian We were called to a life of hardship and toil Fitting while on a mission trip

You should have seen the faces on the young people we gave clothing to today Some left with the dress they got on top of their clothes Their smiles could light a small village!

Lastly time was spent at the family home Such beautiful children I know they have a good, even great, life here but I wish I could take one home.....Mercy

God grant me wisdom

My love to you all

Erika

Saturday in Ugana and some tidbits

So, Kati asked me some general questions that I am going to answer. I am staying at maria's place which you can find online i believe it's: mariasplaceinuganda. com There's pictures and everything on the site. It's beautiful here in uganda. Almost always 80 - 85 during the day and 65 - 70 at night. It's on the equator so the sun always rises in the same spot overlooking maria's backporch which is where i like to read my bible in the morning :) Many tropical plants and greenspace. So many flowers and they are all gorgeous!

Now on to Saturday's blog

"We must always remember to help our neighbor."

- Rosemary of Jokolera

What a beautiful village. Not beautiful in buildings but in people We recieved a warm and generous welcome from all This village has gone rough a lot No one was my age, 23 and younger or 50 and older Grandparents taking care of grandchildren because their children (the parents) have been taken by AIDS A whole generation - missing. But this fact alone has not kept these people down. They are poor but they have a joy and concern for each other that I do not often see.

God has a place here in these people It just breaks my heart to see some of these people (young, 15 or so) so broken and seeing no end to their suffering 95% have hope and beautiful smiles but 5% seem to have lost all hope as if nothing will ever change and they can't think of any good beyond their misery. Those are the faces that break your heart for you know that it breaks the heart of God. I just want to speak to their soul and say,

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declare the Lord, 'Plans not to harm you but to give you a HOPE and a future.'

Friday in Uganda

This morning very interesting We went to a school for the physically disabled, 1 of 3 in the whole country We did our normal stuff and then... the children showed us around their grounds I met a young man (sebu) of 14 years named Henry Henry appeared to have Cerebal Palsy His hands were deformed his teeth were forward and his feet were slightly turned so his walking was slow But he PROUDLY showed me his classroom - primary 7 Then he showed me his seat and his notebook, he was learning exclamation mark He was so smart It took him a while to say his words but I understood everything he said and he understood me He was a beautiful child of God He had joy in his heart All the children did

Our afternoon was spent at the market and then to the Eagle's Next High School assembly That was interesting

Coming to the close of the first week it's been great Our purpose is being served and God's purpose is moving forward These children get to be loved and touched and held in these few days and in doing so see Jesus Something they'll remember for the rest of their lives And so will I

Today is Saturday and we are going to the AIDS village of Jokolera We will be doing a medical clinic, VBS and a de-worming clinic Busy day ahead Love to you all

Erika

Thursday in Uganda

Today we went to the source of the Nile at Jinja We took a boat ride and lots of pictures The guide showed us a few trees that had thousands of bats in them Yuck!

That took up pmost of our morning We started late because Henry lost his keys in Game (Target) It was funny but a long and hot wait Found the keys eventually in the candy aisle :) then we were off to Jinja

Lastly we went into Jinja and did a de-worming clinic We started with our VBS songs and skit Then we de-wormed around 500 people It was wonderful!

Back home around 9pm for dinner I was way past hungry It's 11:47pm here and I will be on in the next few days I'm sure That's all the updates for now

Love to you all

Erika

Wednesday in uganda

Today was Aindrea's birthday It was fun We had cake and ice cream for her after dinner She's turned into a good friend

This morning we went to Sanyu Babies Home Helped a lot! Babies were in class when we arrived there so we helped watch them while they were sung to Then we fed them a bean and oatmeal mixture for lunch Changed their diaper and clothing and put them in bed Then we went to their gift shop where 100% of the proceeds go to the babies home It was again a time of humility as I got on all 4's to clean oatmeal and pee off the floor But I was so 100% willing because God was using me

And I found most of the mazungu in Uganda, they're at Sanyu :-)

Came back to Maria's for lunch Then we went to our medical clinic in the slums where the Sudanese refugees live I took vitals and it was go, go, go So many people have no illness but they come and bring their children just so they can see a doctor Took SO MANY vitals We were there for 5 or 6 hours and still we had to turn people away One woman had a siezure right there We had to take her to the hospital and sadly enough she has no money so she still only recieved enough medicine for her epilepsy to last 1 month That's a little bit hard to deal with but I am glad that we could help her if even for a month

Thank you Jesus for a God filled day

Erika

Tuesday in Uganda

I was Jesus today No I didn't rise from the dead, but I was Him While we had our medical clinica and VBS We sang with the kids and played Then we gave de-worming tablets, cookie, toy and toothbrushes out There were still MANY people seeing the doctors when we were done so we painted nails of those in line That's when I was Jesus Kneeling before these women Not washing their feet but humbly bowed before them painting their toes A muzungu (white person) was treating them as Queens and it was a blessing

Another thing I did was sit and talk to a girl named Jane She taught me some uandan words She touched me because she thanked me for talking to her She said, "The other muzungus don't care, they come and give us stuff, but they don't speak to us"

NEVER STOP CARING
NEVER STOP TALKING
NEVER STOP LOVING

Good night
Erika

I escaped and went home

So, yes I eventually escaped the prison that is Heathrow Airport. Here's what I'll say of London....Beautiful buildings, lots of culture and 0 signs anywhere. Even once you get out of the airport there's no signs for buildings or landmarks we had to stumble upon things. On the return trip we have an overnight in London planning to do more sightseeing then. But then we finally got here. And it is beautiful.

We were taken yesterday to the New Creation Family Home (orphanage) and New Creation Center (school). The children greet you with big beautiful smiles and hugs. They don't even know us but they shower us with affection. Show us around and practically do not leave your side. Then they sang for us and did dances. It was heart warming!! Today we are doing a medical clinic and deworming children. Along with that we will be doing a VBS. I can't wait to show pictures.

The team here is great and the food is wonderful. Mom, you would have loved the vegetables last night. Now, I do NOT like peas but they had peas and carrots to put on our rice. It was spicy and it was GOOD! We also had chicken quarters that were marinated and grilled. Fresh pineapple and bananas and fresh juice. Our guesthouse is beautiful and the showers are good. AFter 4 hours of sleep in 48 hours the bed was great!

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Isaac I caught your kiss and hug last night did you get mine?

Mark, I love you and miss you. But look out cause I feel totally at peace and at home here.

Kendall, my beautiful girl I love you bunches!

And Joshy I love you too.

Keep praying, God is going to move.

love ya
me

Currently in London

So, I am at the Heathrow Airport in London and so far it's kind of like a prison. We can't seem to find our way out. And we only got 2 hours of sleep on the plane but now it's 1230 here and we want to go out but can't. AAAaahhhhh. But, we will keep trying and I'm sure we'll find our way to the city for a few hours. Mariah is content sitting here reading but I am going stir crazy. Not to mention we can't find anyone else in our purple shirts and the people who were with us on our flight lost us when we went to the bathroom and we have not seen them since arrival. I've been at Heathrow for almost 3 hours and am ready to leave. But all will be well soon and the traveling will be done and we'll be at our destination to serve. My love to you all.

Erika

website

If you are interested in knowing what I will be doing in Uganda in a few days, take a minute and look at lovingonebyone.com Go to the videos and look at the first video, it's 12 minutes so take some time but you will truly understand what I will be doing and what has drawn me here.

love to you all

erika

24 hours

Now there's 24 hours to the minute. I have done the dishes, caught up on laundry and gone shopping. My house is mostly in order, ready for my departure. Now I'm looking forward to the next 2 weeks. God will be working while I am being Jesus to the least of these. I am thankful to my family and friends who I know are surrounding me in prayer. I love you all very much. And I can not wait until I return with pictures and a new heart for God's children. I am truly blessed to be able to give back what God has given to me.

Thinking of leaving and smiling

erika

One week to go

I have one week almost to the minute until I leave for Uganda. I am excited! The only thing I'm worried about is whether I can get everything I will need packed. I feel ready but not. I have a sneaking suspicion that I WILL forget something. Probably my toothbrush. Or from past events, my underwear. (Ask my mom, she'll know) :) But mostly I just can't wait to go do my part in the crisis in Africa. God is Good.