Sunday, July 21, 2013

Notes From My Journal and Memories Part 1

Row 27 seats F & E

6-24-13
Portland to Africa...
Somewhere over the good ol' USA
12:32 PM

In the AIR . . . going to O'Hare! I still feel like it's a dream- sleep deprivation over the last 2 days may be contributing to that feeling.

Sitting in row 27, seat F -window seat- a great view of the wing. If I look straight down I can see bits of clouds floating above the green mountain sides . . . even some snow.

Everything is going great . . . my seatbelt fits and my tray table is fully extended. I am reading a book called " 7- An Experimental Muting Against Excess" (Hey if you are going to work with orphans in Africa - why not go all the way and become radical in your world view?)

Catherine is in seat 27 E- the middle seat, and Bri'Anne is on the aisle seat. About 3 minutes after take off Catherine whipped out her Bible and asked if I'd like to hear a verse, "Of course". 

She leaned over and spoke right into my ear: 

"Hebrews 13:5-6 
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said "Never will I leave you: never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

What a powerful and comforting verse to take to heart as we begin this journey. Thank you Father for never leaving me . . . I will not be afraid.


Got the coveted wing seat going from Brussels to Uganda too.

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6-25-13 Tuesday
Rider Hotel- Seeta, Uganda
2:20 AM

We are in Uganda!!!
Writing from my bed . . . under the mosquito net. I feel unhappy that I can't tell my loved ones that I'm safe- the internet is down and there are no phones to be used yet. I just hope my family and friends don't worry too much. I think Paul won't  . . . God please help them to be at Peace.

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Adventure Village Orphanage
A ministry of Christian Life Ministries- Seeta, Uganda
Population 750 children

6-25-13 Tuesday
Rider Hotel- Seeta, Uganda
6:25 PM

Just got back from Day One at the orphanage . . . I am wiped out! We didn't even unload the Container today, it's still in Kampala . . . we just played with the kids- they are so full of life . . . asking questions, singing and dancing.


Our first Bus ride to the Orphanage! 


Jackie "There it is!!"

We arrived before lunch time. The children each have their own bowl that they bring to a central kitchen where it is filled with maze (local type corn) and beans. I think they have a little free time to run around, then they go back to the school which is located on the grounds of the orphanage. 
Someone brought out the drums . . . happy faces.


After the school children went back to their classrooms for the afternoon we walked around the orphanage and found these two best friends chatting on a porch. Mum Bett and Mum Harriet. 


 Oh yes! 
The preschoolers only have a half-day of school . . . time to play!

Catherine stealing my Preschooler . . . 

Ha Ha . . . got her back.

After school:
Laughing at my funny photos from Trailside Preschool.

Marylin & Edgar's wedding

Me in Alaska with the Biggest Snowman ever . . . what is snow?

 My family and . . .

bff Laura Lyon.


After school a boy named Isaac asked me if I would take him with me when I leave. His dad has died and his mother lives in another village -unable to care for him. He said he has a brother, but hasn't seen him in years (his brother was a very sick baby when they came to the orphanage and they were separated).  I wonder what happened to his brother, if he is even alive.

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