African Muzungu

The first day of school can be so exciting! Or scary....   For some of our kids here at Genesis, it’s their first day of school ever.      For others, they come to build on their knowledge from previous teaching. I was struck with the difference between the kids coming in for the first time, and those retuning.  One group is shabby, with dirt stained clothes and uncombed hair.  The other is (mostly) neat with their uniforms from last year and (most) heads freshly shaved.  One group sits quietly, not knowing what to do or expect.  The other group chatters away, requiring frequent intervention from the teacher.  It's a visual reminder of the huge impact we can have on these kids. Yes, we can teach them good hygiene. And to wash their clothes. And to sit well and listen quietly. And to write their letters and numbers. And to play well with each other. But mostly importantly we mu...

There’s a saying here in Uganda that what you are doing as you enter the new year is what you will continue to do throughout the year. New Years 2012 was my first here in Uganda and I took that to heart by entering the new year praying with my grandmother (we call her Gaga). And you know what? It came true! I entered the new year praying, and 2012 ended up being one of the most important and transformational years of my life prayer wise.   Jesus taught me so much about communing with Him in prayer, more than I could have imagined. My sweetest times of 2012 were during my prayer walks with Him, which I learned to love doing around dusk each day. With that in mind, I knew the best way I could think of entering 2013 was the same as before. Spending time in the presence of my God with my Gaga. It was incredible. Gaga is one of the most godly people I have ever known, and conversing with her and listening to her pray over me is one of my greatest privileges in life. I long to be ...

Christmas in Africa is different. Bet you didn’t expect that. JK  But especially here in Mbale, you don’t see every store decked out in Christmas decorations with a new Santa product on every shelf. Lights don’t sparkle on the roofs of each house (or any house for that matter). There isn’t a culture battle over saying ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of ‘Merry Christmas.’ And since most families can’t buy every child and relative a Christmas present, clothes are actually considered a GREAT present (even by the kids)! You even might, if you’re lucky, see a tree decked out for Christmas, African style like this one:  Please note the cotton ball snow Oh wait, you need the full effect.....!! But the best part is that almost every family makes the effort to go to church on Christmas. You remember all of those awkward years when Christmas fell on a Sunday and you couldn’t decide how to handle it? Do we open presents really early? Do we wait until after church? Do w...

What does close to 1000 Ugandan kids gathered for a Christmas party look like? Well, if a picture says a thousand words, it’s still not enough, but here’s just a taste! Part of the crowd from above Watching the Jesus film The highlight of my Christmas: a Christmas skit put on by some of the sponsored kids. Seriously, there were no words for how funny and precious this was!! Cooking in the village for a crowd Washing hands before lunch (yes, all 1000 washed hands before eating!) Enjoying Pilau (beef mixed with rice) and beans All Smiles Cakes for 1000 takes a LOT of work!! Even if you do cut very small! Waiting in line for clothes and sweets It definitely was an incredible day of laughing, entertainment, teaching, eating, dancing, and the kids even received a piece of clothing, some candy and a balloon hat!  And if some video of a muzungu lady dancing who looks just like me shows up on youtube, ...

I love my new puppy.  I love my new [roommate's] kitty.   My new kitty does *not* love my new puppy... but he loves her!! And yes, their names are Buddy and Bunny. And no, that wasn't planned. :)