These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

It is now 1:20am, local time, and I am trying to press the rewind button in my mind so that I may share with you some of the wonderful things we have experienced in the past two days. So here (in some order) are a few of my favorite things as I have been blessed with them in Uganda.

1.       Long Walks

I love long walks at home with Nick or his mom, some of our local friends or my mom. In Uganda, we walk as a team with between zero and 30 precious children. I love to hear them say “Muzungu! Muzungu! How are you? How are you?” and run to follow you or hold your hand. On our long walk into town we also met another Muzungu (white person) who has been assigned to Uganda through the Peace Corp. Her name is Emily and I ask that you remember her in your thoughts and prayers through the next few years. She is sure to bless others and be blessed.

2.       Gardening

I love gardening at home, so when the director, Christine, said that she had a garden for us to visit I was VERY interested! After a wonderful visit to the “other Rock Foundation School”, we got to see Christine’s garden. Passion fruit, papayas, pineapple, mangos, ground nuts, cassava, tangerines, pumpkins, and more! What a garden! And if that wasn’t enough- check out the view…

3.       Having quality time with children

On our first day we went around to most of the primary classrooms. Now, we have visited every classroom and the students are warming up to us quickly. When we went to clean up a few of the bricks that were left behind from a project, the little children were right there to help carry the pieces. When the older students had a break, they introduced themselves to us and shared their love and thankfulness for Rock Foundation School. When we had some “down time” after classes, we got out bubbles and had a blast! Christine’s daughter taught me a new game that we called “statue” and I enjoyed sitting with both of her kids during tea time to read a Boxcar Children book.

4.       Time to talk with and about God

God is good all the time (and all the time God is good) and I love the time we get to spend talking about Him with others and the time I have in solitude with Him in the evenings. I will try to create a post of food for thought (and the soul) when I have the time to really absorb all that God is giving throughout our minutes and hours and days. Sometimes it is a short conversation. Last night it was a 12am-5am “quiet time”. Tonight we walked to the church to join them for part of their all night prayer and worship service held every Friday on the school property. At first it was VERY overwhelming, but really that should not be a surprise because we have an overwhelming God.

5.       Healthy food

Mmmm… Rice, beans, mangos, cabbage, rice, beans, pineapple, chipotti, matokee, rice and beans (I told you I love rice and beans). My mom and I have decided that we must help the cooks and learn their tips and tricks for beans. Thinking about it is making my mouth water right now! For anyone who thought any of us may lose weight in Africa… think again. We are being spoiled by fresh, delicious meals every day! (Oh… and I forgot to mention… for those of you who really like meat... we were gifted with a few chickens since we got here.  One didn’t make it with us for 24 hours. The other two Mom and I are going to “re-gift” to the wedding we will attend next week!)

Well I hope you were able to enjoy some of my favorite things (Ugandan style). If anyone has any questions or requests, I would love to hear from you and make this a blessed experience for all of us!

Until next time- be blessed and be a blessing!