4 more precious days…

yep, that is how many days I have left in Uganda. That fact is both happy and sad. I look forward to seeing friends and family whom I have not seen for awhile, yet I am also going to miss my many new family and friends here.

The past week has been one of many lasts…my last Saturday Club, my last trip to Gulu, my last staff meeting, my last time seeing some of the kids I have been blessed to now know…the list is just going to grow! :( Each day I think is going to get harder, but I am enjoying the many ‘lasts’ that are left. Despite this, our trip to Gulu was one of many firsts for me. It was my first time buying a tailored skirt from a shop (now that was an adventure!), first time holding a gecko, first time directing games with the help of a mentor who translated for me, first time on a Safari…In Gulu we enjoyed meeting up with some of the mentors and the fellowship we had with them. Home visits were a part of this trip on Friday as well and I enjoyed meeting more of the youth who are in Hope Alive!. Saturday Club was a blessing to experience at a different site, as there are different things they do because of the different gifts and abilities that God has given those in leadership. Saturday evening we had the best supper I have ever had here in Uganda. We went to the Gulu site manager’s home (Simon), and his wife, Miriam, cooked up a storm and blessed us with her delicious meal and avocado juice – which was almost, just almost, as good as chocolate. (Did I really say that? – yep, it’s true). Their family is such a wonderful example and blessing of being Christ like. Miriam has become one of my new role models, and I look forward to someday meeting the little one that will be coming soon!
Sunday we headed toward Murchison Falls and saw monkeys, baboons, warthogs, and giraffes on the way. We crossed the Nile River, had a lunch with warthogs enjoying the shade just a few feet away, and then headed south on the Nile in a boat. We saw many hippos and a few crocodiles while on the boat. Across the river there was an elephant wading in the water and the rest of the herd was nearby. The boat took us towards Murchison Falls, and we got off and hiked to the top. This hike was breathtaking in more ways than one! The hot sun and the fact that we have pretty much been in a car or boat the past few days took the breath out of our lungs. Snatching your breath away even more though was the amazing views we had of the Falls, nature, and the Nile. There was one point where I almost just told our guide to leave me behind because I could have stayed there for hours just basking in God’s creation! At dinner that night we talked about the day and everyone said one word of what they saw about God – imagination, creative, powerful, - mine was ‘majestic’. The majesty and glory of God could not be missed on this trip! Monday’s Safari was awesome as we saw many of the 44 different kinds of mammals and 450 different kinds of birds that are in the park. We weren’t sure how the day was going to go as we were stuck in a ditch no more than 30 feet from a herd of elephants in the first 15 minutes of our safari. Yet, our driver, Charles, was able to make it out and we were able to enjoy the many giraffes, water buffalo (made me think of VeggieTales…), elephants, cobs and other gazelle-like mammals, birds, monkeys, and even a new gazelle-like baby who was born just minutes before we arrived!!! It was almost as if we were live on a nature show as we watched as the little one tried to stand and get nourishment from his mother.
We headed home Tuesday, and Wednesday was filled with laundry, unpacking, and a trip to town with Shammah to have my camera fixed (all better now!). Thursday was a Fun Day with the staff and mentors of Hope Alive!. This was an awesome time of fellowship and a great way to stay out of the office! Haha. We played some bocce, ladder ball, card games,hung out on the tire swing and swing set, and enjoyed some worship time with an impromptu percussion section. The day was complete with 5 hours of laughter and baking with Alicia – 2 apple pies, cinnamon rolls, crumb cake – a very sugary ‘dinner’!
Today I went to a new craft market to get some things to bring home as a memory of this time – a flag to decorate my dorm was one of these that I bought. It was a great time with Shammah, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and her heart for the Lord! Tomorrow I am hoping to attend an AWANA Club and Sunday will be my last time worshipping at Lugogo Baptist. Who knows what new blessings and experiences God will bring these last few days, but I look forward to every one of them!

Thank you for all your prayers and support! If you could add safety traveling home this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, I would appreciate it greatly. I leave Uganda at 9am Tuesday and should be home Wednesday afternoon.
Look for a picture update coming soon...