Yes, the laughter and awesome memories have really been a big part of making it through the past couple crazy weeks of school. Many of the girls on my floor have had birthdays this month. We have gone out for early breakfast before classes, had cupcakes in our lounge, and even sang the loudest happy birthday song you have ever heard in the student dining room! My birthday was on Monday, September 19th, and I am now officially 21!!! I celebrated by going home for part of the weekend to see family, Midnight toast of sparkling pomegranate juice with my roommate and friend across the hall, Thai food for dinner, and out with a couple girls from my floor for yummy cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory! It was a fun day, even if I was at school and had classes.
God has been good in giving answers to prayers, such as which ministries to be involved in this year. Yet, I am still not sure on a couple, whether I should stay with them or not be involved and if I should fill that time with a different ministry he has brought along my path.
In regards to classes, I love what I am learning and some have been challenging my knowledge of the Bible in different ways. Conducting for band has been an awesome and practical class that I have been soaking in every minute of information! For band I tried out to be a student conductor, and though I did not make the 2 spots (only 3 of us tried out), I am still going to be very involved in rehearsals and sectionals when needed.
Something you can be praying for me in is my 'sickness' for Uganda. I really miss the friends I made and all of the kids there. Saturday Club, staff meetings, stories and laughs around the dinner table, and even, yes I am going to say this, the bumpy roads and crazy traffic! It was a huge part of my life for the summer, and I find myself dreaming of being back there when someone mentions Africa, Uganda, or something relating to it, like mangoes. I am not sure right now if that is where God wants me to go or not, or if he has used Uganda as a step for another country or opportunity. Please continue to pray that God would make it clearer each day.
With all that has happened, I will be posting a few pics from the last couple weeks so you can 'see' what has been fun and exciting instead of just hear about it! Looking forward I have a couple large reading assignments and Moody will be concluding their year-long 125th celebration with a fancy banquet on October 1st.
Talk soon.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
September already?
Wow! Time has flown by this year and I cannot believe that it is already September 8th! School has kept my brain thinking with homework and music practice, and life has been crazy busy! The new development on my hall floor is that some of the rooms have bed bugs - currently my room is bug-free. Phoebe and I are hoping to keep it that way and are taking many precautions til the other rooms are done having bugs stay in their rooms. Please continue to pray that we do not get them and they don't spread to others. On a lighter note, last weekend I was able travel to St. Louis to visit family there, but also to celebrate the wedding of my cousin Angie Rill. Her and her now husband Andy Parker asked me to play piano for their wedding, and though it was a lot of practice beforehand, I am honored and blessed to have had them ask. The time there was blessed having been unable to see all the extended family at the last wedding and over the summer since I was in Uganda at that time.
Now it is back to the schedule of classes and life. I have decided to not be on our floor's Ministry team this semester, but instead am going to head up a worship night every so often for our floor. Should be a good experience!
Well, I am off to another day of classes and also the kick-off of the worship team's Thursday Night Praise tonight!
Now it is back to the schedule of classes and life. I have decided to not be on our floor's Ministry team this semester, but instead am going to head up a worship night every so often for our floor. Should be a good experience!
Well, I am off to another day of classes and also the kick-off of the worship team's Thursday Night Praise tonight!
Monday, August 29, 2011
One Week down - many more to follow...
I have officially been in classes for an entire week this fall semester...only now I have to make it through the rest as well! Overall, I think I am going to enjoy all of my classes. I have a lot of reading, but other than that, only 2 final exams (papers I don't count since they are due before the final week anyway). The classes I am taking this semester are: Systematic Theology 2, Historical Theology (with Dr. Quiggle who lives 2 doors down from me back in Wheaton), Weight Training, Symphonic Band, Missionary Relationships (relationships with the church-missionary-agency), Piano Service Playing 1, and Conducting (IV) for Band. I am really excited about the band conducting, as it is something I have always had an interest. Weight training should be nice too because we don't have work outside of class. Our dorm floor has also changed, as many new freshman have come this semester. I am excited to get to know the new girls (two of whom are the sisters of 2 of my friends) and also strengthen friendships with the returning girls. We have a new RA as well, and she is so encouraging - Love ya Tabitha!
Some fun things that have happened are a few trips to the beach for some sun and ultimate frisbee, dressing 'work-out-like' with the girls for our hall meeting, and even an Aaron Shust worship concert - which was the highlight so far of my semester and such a refreshing time worshipping the Lord. Yay for ministry with music and the encouragement of other believers!
I also have been preparing music for my cousin's wedding this weekend, which is both fun and a lot of practicing...but mostly fun picking out music and such. Can't believe that in 5 days she will be married!
Please continue to pray for me and the ministries I will be involved in this semester/year. I am involved on the band leadership board, which is counting as my required ministry involvement (Practical Christian Ministry - PCM) this year. The past years I have been involved on our floor's Ministry team, AWANA leadership, as well as a worship team for mid-week praise to God. I am thinking about finding a different church that I can be more involved in, as well as trying to figure out which of the above ministries (if any) I should still be involved in this year. I have to pretty much decide the next 2 weeks.
I miss Uganda very much, which is another one of the many things on my mind. Is that where God is leading? To do what - work with Hope Alive! or another ministry? When? What/Where else is God leading? What other things should I be doing right now? All this amidst the first week of classes, beginning meetings, and being back at school has made for a very mind-full and stretched week.
Thanks for you prayers. I'm off to get some sleep before another busy day of classes...
Some fun things that have happened are a few trips to the beach for some sun and ultimate frisbee, dressing 'work-out-like' with the girls for our hall meeting, and even an Aaron Shust worship concert - which was the highlight so far of my semester and such a refreshing time worshipping the Lord. Yay for ministry with music and the encouragement of other believers!
I also have been preparing music for my cousin's wedding this weekend, which is both fun and a lot of practicing...but mostly fun picking out music and such. Can't believe that in 5 days she will be married!
Please continue to pray for me and the ministries I will be involved in this semester/year. I am involved on the band leadership board, which is counting as my required ministry involvement (Practical Christian Ministry - PCM) this year. The past years I have been involved on our floor's Ministry team, AWANA leadership, as well as a worship team for mid-week praise to God. I am thinking about finding a different church that I can be more involved in, as well as trying to figure out which of the above ministries (if any) I should still be involved in this year. I have to pretty much decide the next 2 weeks.
I miss Uganda very much, which is another one of the many things on my mind. Is that where God is leading? To do what - work with Hope Alive! or another ministry? When? What/Where else is God leading? What other things should I be doing right now? All this amidst the first week of classes, beginning meetings, and being back at school has made for a very mind-full and stretched week.
Thanks for you prayers. I'm off to get some sleep before another busy day of classes...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
I miss Uganda and now its back to Moody Bible Institute!
Hi Everyone! I'm sure some of you have missed the weekly updates from me, and I am sorry I have not really written in awhile. Once back in America I have had about 18 days to transition from being overseas to being back at university. During that time I have been getting over jet-lag, unpacking, doing laundry, having new adventures in the grocery store (culture shock quite a bit there - I wanted to barter when I stepped up to the cashier, but good thing my dad was there to be in charge of paying! haha), spending time with family (we spent a day around Wheaton and then out to Starved Rock park and hiking trails), laughing with my sisters, writing letters, finishing up paperwork, writing a report on Uganda, packing for college, practicing piano for my cousin's wedding, speaking at church about my trip, and much much more! The culture shock has been interesting. Getting used to a new store and pricing set up - no more doubling to see how much it is in US dollars, and no more prices in shillings so 23.00 is not 2,300 shillings! Busy in Uganda is different that busy in the US. Many many things have been different and I have been learning a lot through my time back in the States - but I miss Uganda SO So MUCH!!
This week I have been at school, all set up in my dorm room and my roommate is here early too. I am on the leadership board of the Moody Symphonic Band, so this week we have been recruiting and listening to auditions of new freshman students. This weekend is also the band retreat when we can get to know the new freshman better. Now I am off to get to know our new girls who moved on my floor and also the new brother floor - beach time! Talk soon.
This week I have been at school, all set up in my dorm room and my roommate is here early too. I am on the leadership board of the Moody Symphonic Band, so this week we have been recruiting and listening to auditions of new freshman students. This weekend is also the band retreat when we can get to know the new freshman better. Now I am off to get to know our new girls who moved on my floor and also the new brother floor - beach time! Talk soon.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Update to Supporters and Prayer Partners (new post on back in the U.S. and the busy life coming soon too...)
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
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
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Back in America!
Hi everyone! I am back in Wheaton now. Thanks for all your prayers! Only a short delay on the flight from Uganda to London, but everything else went smoothly. An update will be written shortly, but sleep is calling my name right now...haha. Looking forward to sharing with you more about the trip and hopefully some of you in person instead of over a blog. Talk soon!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Back to America!
Hi All! I would appreciate prayers for safe traveling home to America. I leave in the morning Tuesday and after a layover in London (I'm staying with a missionary friend from Greater Europe Mission), I will be home in Wheaton Wednesday afternoon. Going to miss everyone here, but I am excited to see family and friends in the States! Hope to hear from you soon and tell you all the things God has been doing in my life this summer! Thanks again for all your support and prayers!
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