Greetings to all!
Weebale! Weebale! (whey-baa-ley, ‘thank you’) Weebale Nnyo! (whey-baa-ley, ne-yo, ‘thank you very much’) Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support!!! As you know, I have been in Uganda, Africa most of this summer. Recently, I have returned from my trip, and wanted to update you on some happenings during my time in Africa.
In working with Hope Alive!, I visited all three sites of the ministry. I lived closest to the main office in Kampala, but also traveled north to Gulu, and south of the Equator to Masaka. Each site offered differences in culture and atmosphere. Towards the end of my time in Uganda, we took a trip to Murchison Falls and on Safari – which was a great way to see even more of God’s majestic creation!
Though I would like to easily answer the popular question of “What did you do every day?”, that would take awhile since I did not have one single day that was identical to any other day! My activities ranged everywhere from Staff meetings and fellowship, visiting schools and homes of students, office filing and cleaning, and writing a game activity book, to the ever exciting Saturday Club where I taught music sessions, brought crafts, led games, and spent time with all the kids at club. My favorite part was seeing the smiles and laughter on the kids faces as they tried to keep a beanbag on their head, or raced around playing other fun games! I love seeing kids have fun with their friends!
Since I visited some of the homes of the kids in Gulu, I was able to re-connect with those who came for Saturday Club the next time. One girl was really shy the first time I met her, but her face lit up and she came to give me a hug when she saw me the next time. I have to say, there are a couple kids at each location who have captured my heart. From the littlest ones and their laughter, to the encouraging words from the secondary students, every moment was a joy to see them grow in the Lord and have fun with each other.
Besides my time with the kids, I also made some great friendships and contacts with the missionaries, staff, and mentors. I miss them dearly and will not forget the many memories of laughter and fun had around the dinner table, shopping in town, going to the beach, and other random but fun adventures! Our sweet friendship and times of worship and prayer will be engraved on my heart forever.
Throughout the past 7 weeks, I have experienced and learned many new things – a little of Luganda (the language spoken besides English) and frequently used phrases, eating a grasshopper (tasted like a potato chip), a new oatmeal apple pie topping, the craziness of downtown Kampala, new songs for praise and worship, how to find bargains and barter (which, I’m told I was very good at doing), directing games with the help of a translator, how to throw a knife/chop with a machete, an easier way to peel a mango (good thing, since we ate them all the time), and much, much more!!!
Thank you so very much for all of your prayers that uplifted me throughout my travel, stomach sickness, and ministry! I appreciate the support that you have freely given to me and for the ministry God had me involved in this summer. I look forward to telling you more about my trip in person. Hope to talk to you soon!
serving the King (and now missing Uganda),
Heather Olson
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