Oh the humanity!

I sit here debating even to write down my thoughts... my heart is livid and my stomach is churning with the inhumanity that thrives in this world.  I want to shout... A PERSON IS A PERSON...no matter their skin color... their ethnicity... their gender... their beliefs... or their status! 

Why can't people be treated with respect and dignity? 

Why don't others care instead of looking the other way and covering their ears? 

Is human life not valuable? 

Have we so much of hardened our hearts where we don't care that innocent lives are being taken?

Ok... taking a few steps back to explain my tyraid...

A few weeks ago, I found out that one of my children's father's is from Rwanda.  ( He always hides when the camera comes out and we joked that he was one of Uganda's most wanted... well he kind of is...)  His family was part of the Hutus clan which was responsible for the killing of many Tutsies... the other Rwandan clan.  He was the only survivor of his family and fled to Uganda.

This peaked my interest along with recently taveling near the Rwandan border... so I borrowed a book from a friend entitled "Shake hands with the devil" by Lt. Gen. Romeo Dallaire.  It is a first hand account of the genocide that took place in Rwanda in the early 1990's.  This is not ancient history... this is recent!  Thousands of innocent lives were taken at the guise of "ethnic cleansing" but were you aware of this? 

Most of us are aware of Hitler and what he did to try to annihilate the Jews... but are you aware that this type of genocide has happened time and time again and been swept under the rug?  Even to the point of well known countries not wanting to label what was happening in Rwanda as genocide because then they would have to get involved.  I really think that bothers me even more than the senseless killing as entire governments knowing what is going on and turning their backs...ignoring the problem.  May I add that just because you ignore a problem... doesn't mean that the problem goes away!

I challenge you... if you are reading this post... to see people as God sees them.  Don't let media hide what is really going on overseas.  Read up on international news and pray for the people there.  Don't get distracted by the latest celebrity to get a DUI while entire groups of people are being forced out of their homes and being killed.  Be informed on what is really going on in this day and age!

"You have not because you ask not"

As I sit here tonight pondering and praying for different people and situations that the Lord has laid on my heart, I am humbled by the thought that keeps coming up... you have not because you ask not.

I am currently struggling with this as I know that God has called me to trust Him and not to raise support in the traditional way.  I have been extremely blessed by those that have listened to the prompting of the spirit whether it has been to give financially... to send a ray of sunshine through care packages and notes of encouragement... or through standing in the gap via prayer. 

I struggle to bring up needs both physical and tangible because God knows them... but at the moment I am prompted to humbly ask for you prayers and support as the Lord leads...

...in 3 weeks I start the journey back state side... this brings up some needs and concerns...

-physical... some minor health issues have come up recently that need to be taken care of.  I am currently uninsured which isn't an issue here as I have lived in a clinic here and the medical care is very inexpensive.  Please pray specifically about the medical issues, which insurance to sign up with (looking into the co-op for medical care), along with the finances to cover this.
-heart issues... in this transition and all the emotions that go along with all the unknowns.  Praying specifically for guidance and wisdom in the unknowns as I adjust cultures yet again and leave what has become familiar and home.
-tangible...living overseas has not only been rough on my body but also on my clothes and electronics.  I say this almost comically but it is time to go clothes shopping.  Living here my clothes have taken a beating... what isn't stained... bleached... wholly... or worn out... is long sleeve.  I am coming back to the states with just enough clothes to get me to the east coast!
-As for electronics... my computer is officially a goner!  It is currently in transit to the US  with my Uncle to get the files removed before going to computer heaven.  With grad school starting in 6 weeks... a computer is a must!  Problem is with having to pay for grad school and airline ticlets... finances are short to buy a computer.  Please pray for financial provision for a computer... an updated cell phone as my pay as you go phone is  on its last leg... as well as resources to cover grad school living expenses for the summer (total cost of grad school for the summer is $6500).

These all seem massive to me especially with the thought of coming back to Uganda in August.   My God has never left me nor forsaken me... and I know He will provide in His time.  I am humbled to even share this but as the LORD leads I will follow.  This is not to raise concern but to be open and share what is on my heart.

Thank you for your prayers!

Cultural issues

After 8 months of living in a culture that is not my own...  I am not sure why it still catches me by surprise when something is said or done that doesn't make sense to me. 

I should realize by now that different cultures do things different ways and have expectations that don't meet my own. 

I should be able to just let it go without getting irritated and frustrated.

I should just roll with it and be flexible...

But for some odd reason... it just doesn't happen that way.

Take today for example... last day of the term.  Thought I had learned from the last term so scheduled sponsorship letters to be written, a party with biscuits and juice, and games. School was to be dismissed midday then a parent meeting from 2 to 4pm.  All of my staff were aware of this... had written down the schedule of events and given it to them at staff meeting 2 weeks ago... then did verbal reminders last week with an emphasis to make sure the children knew the times for the parent meeting. 

Last term we had a parent meeting... the teacher's scheduled it for 10am and didn't have anything planned to keep the children occupied... just keeping them closed in to one of the classrooms until meeting time.  When I saw this I made the teachers take them in the yard to play.  The parent meeting which was scheduled to start at 10 am didn't start until 11:30 and ended at almost 4pm.  Lots of endless talk which was very repetitive.  Parents also didn't show up until midafternoon when they were done digging.

So after asking our director of operations and parents what time... we settled ln 2 pm and I put an end time on it so that it wouldn't go on forever and I made it clear... we start at 2 and end by 4 .. which is a foreign concept.  Well would you not believe I had parents coming at 10am ready for the meeting... by  2 pm the room was filled and by 3:45 we were done, room cleaned and I was headed up the hill to the house.

During these parent meetings the parents have a time to share concerns... some are serious and others downright funny in my book...

-children have to cross the swamp to get to school... not bad in dry season but very treacherous right now during rainy season... to solve this the families that live on the other side will bring wood and our work crew will assist in putting together a bridge over the swamp
-one child is teaching other children bad words and bullying on the walk home from school... thes little ones are as young as 3 walking home by themselves so the solution was given to the parent bringing up the concern... meet your child after school is finished andmwalk home with them
-school fees... always a concern but we again stressed that individual families need to come and discuss their situation with us and we have lots of jobs on campus that we are willing to pay for so they will have money for school fees
-children don't want to wear their school shoes as they are heavy and make the children's legs tired... I felt like saying duh... yeah they are heavy when you never wear shoes... but instead I was a goo administrator and explained the importance of wearing shoes ...to cut down on foot infections and jiggers.
-one of the teachers brought up a concern to the parents about sending homework books back to school with the children and not using the pages as toilet paper to clean little ones behinds... 

Again having to train these parents to value their children and their education!

"You have not because you ask not"

As I sit here tonight pondering and praying for different people and situations that the Lord has laid on my heart, I am humbled by the thought that keeps coming up... you have not because you ask not.

I am currently struggling with this as I know that God has called me to trust Him and not to raise support in the traditional way.  I have been extremely blessed by those that have listened to the prompting of the spirit whether it has been to give financially... to send a ray of sunshine through care packages and notes of encouragement... or through standing in the gap via prayer. 

I struggle to bring up needs both physical and tangible because God knows them... but at the moment I am prompted to humbly ask for you prayers and support as the Lord leads...

...in 3 weeks I start the journey back state side... this brings up some needs and concerns...

-physical... some minor health issues have come up recently that need to be taken care of.  I am currently uninsured which isn't an issue here as I have lived in a clinic here and the medical care is very inexpensive.  Please pray specifically about the medical issues, which insurance to sign up with (looking into the co-op for medical care), along with the finances to cover this.
-heart issues... in this transition and all the emotions that go along with all the unknowns.  Praying specifically for guidance and wisdom in the unknowns as I adjust cultures yet again and leave what has become familiar and home.
-tangible...living overseas has not only been rough on my body but also on my clothes and electronics.  I say this almost comically but it is time to go clothes shopping.  Living here my clothes have taken a beating... what isn't stained... bleached... wholly... or worn out... is long sleeve.  I am coming back to the states with just enough clothes to get me to the east coast!
-As for electronics... my computer is officially a goner!  It is currently in transit to the US  with my Uncle to get the files removed before going to computer heaven.  With grad school starting in 6 weeks... a computer is a must!  Problem is with having to pay for grad school and airline ticlets... finances are short to buy a computer.  Please pray for financial provision for a computer... an updated cell phone as my pay as you go phone is  on its last leg... as well as resources to cover grad school living expenses for the summer (total cost of grad school for the summer is $6500).

These all seem massive to me especially with the thought of coming back to Uganda in August.   My God has never left me nor forsaken me... and I know He will provide in His time.  I am humbled to even share this but as the LORD leads I will follow.  This is not to raise concern but to be open and share what is on my heart.

Thank you for your prayers!

Cultural issues

After 8 months of living in a culture that is not my own...  I am not sure why it still catches me by surprise when something is said or done that doesn't make sense to me. 

I should realize by now that different cultures do things different ways and have expectations that don't meet my own. 

I should be able to just let it go without getting irritated and frustrated.

I should just roll with it and be flexible...

But for some odd reason... it just doesn't happen that way.

Take today for example... last day of the term.  Thought I had learned from the last term so scheduled sponsorship letters to be written, a party with biscuits and juice, and games. School was to be dismissed midday then a parent meeting from 2 to 4pm.  All of my staff were aware of this... had written down the schedule of events and given it to them at staff meeting 2 weeks ago... then did verbal reminders last week with an emphasis to make sure the children knew the times for the parent meeting. 

Last term we had a parent meeting... the teacher's scheduled it for 10am and didn't have anything planned to keep the children occupied... just keeping them closed in to one of the classrooms until meeting time.  When I saw this I made the teachers take them in the yard to play.  The parent meeting which was scheduled to start at 10 am didn't start until 11:30 and ended at almost 4pm.  Lots of endless talk which was very repetitive.  Parents also didn't show up until midafternoon when they were done digging.

So after asking our director of operations and parents what time... we settled ln 2 pm and I put an end time on it so that it wouldn't go on forever and I made it clear... we start at 2 and end by 4 .. which is a foreign concept.  Well would you not believe I had parents coming at 10am ready for the meeting... by  2 pm the room was filled and by 3:45 we were done, room cleaned and I was headed up the hill to the house.

During these parent meetings the parents have a time to share concerns... some are serious and others downright funny in my book...

-children have to cross the swamp to get to school... not bad in dry season but very treacherous right now during rainy season... to solve this the families that live on the other side will bring wood and our work crew will assist in putting together a bridge over the swamp
-one child is teaching other children bad words and bullying on the walk home from school... thes little ones are as young as 3 walking home by themselves so the solution was given to the parent bringing up the concern... meet your child after school is finished andmwalk home with them
-school fees... always a concern but we again stressed that individual families need to come and discuss their situation with us and we have lots of jobs on campus that we are willing to pay for so they will have money for school fees
-children don't want to wear their school shoes as they are heavy and make the children's legs tired... I felt like saying duh... yeah they are heavy when you never wear shoes... but instead I was a goo administrator and explained the importance of wearing shoes ...to cut down on foot infections and jiggers.
-one of the teachers brought up a concern to the parents about sending homework books back to school with the children and not using the pages as toilet paper to clean little ones behinds... 

Again having to train these parents to value their children and their education!

Cultural issues

After 8 months of living in a culture that is not my own...  I am not sure why it still catches me by surprise when something is said or done that doesn't make sense to me. 

I should realize by now that different cultures do things different ways and have expectations that don't meet my own. 

I should be able to just let it go without getting irritated and frustrated.

I should just roll with it and be flexible...

But for some odd reason... it just doesn't happen that way.

Take today for example... last day of the term.  Thought I had learned from the last term so scheduled sponsorship letters to be written, a party with biscuits and juice, and games. School was to be dismissed midday then a parent meeting from 2 to 4pm.  All of my staff were aware of this... had written down the schedule of events and given it to them at staff meeting 2 weeks ago... then did verbal reminders last week with an emphasis to make sure the children knew the times for the parent meeting. 

Last term we had a parent meeting... the teacher's scheduled it for 10am and didn't have anything planned to keep the children occupied... just keeping them closed in to one of the classrooms until meeting time.  When I saw this I made the teachers take them in the yard to play.  The parent meeting which was scheduled to start at 10 am didn't start until 11:30 and ended at almost 4pm.  Lots of endless talk which was very repetitive.  Parents also didn't show up until midafternoon when they were done digging.

So after asking our director of operations and parents what time... we settled ln 2 pm and I put an end time on it so that it wouldn't go on forever and I made it clear... we start at 2 and end by 4 .. which is a foreign concept.  Well would you not believe I had parents coming at 10am ready for the meeting... by  2 pm the room was filled and by 3:45 we were done, room cleaned and I was headed up the hill to the house.

During these parent meetings the parents have a time to share concerns... some are serious and others downright funny in my book...

-children have to cross the swamp to get to school... not bad in dry season but very treacherous right now during rainy season... to solve this the families that live on the other side will bring wood and our work crew will assist in putting together a bridge over the swamp
-one child is teaching other children bad words and bullying on the walk home from school... thes little ones are as young as 3 walking home by themselves so the solution was given to the parent bringing up the concern... meet your child after school is finished andmwalk home with them
-school fees... always a concern but we again stressed that individual families need to come and discuss their situation with us and we have lots of jobs on campus that we are willing to pay for so they will have money for school fees
-children don't want to wear their school shoes as they are heavy and make the children's legs tired... I felt like saying duh... yeah they are heavy when you never wear shoes... but instead I was a goo administrator and explained the importance of wearing shoes ...to cut down on foot infections and jiggers.
-one of the teachers brought up a concern to the parents about sending homework books back to school with the children and not using the pages as toilet paper to clean little ones behinds... 

Again having to train these parents to value their children and their education!

Transitions

It is that time again to be transitioning back to the US.  In a little less than a month I will begin my journey back to Hawaii.  With stops in 5 countries and 3 continents, the plan is to visit as many friends as possible on my way back to graduate school. 

The transition to Uganda was one filled with many emotions and I suspect that the transition back is going to be filled with just as many.  As I reflect back over the past 8 months in Uganda I am amazed at what I have learned and been able to experience.  I have built many friendships and have become an honorary fair skinned mudugav!  These children have forever become apart of my heart.  The number of unknowns seems insurmountable  but I know who holds my tomorrow!

20 questions from the brown eyed cuties

One thing that has been learned in Uganda is be flexible and expect the unexpected! 

Today as we were driving to town down Hoima Road... the tube leading to the radiator exploded sending water flying.  Immediately we pulled off the road into what happened to be a gas station and set to work fixing the problem.  Hannington sees the issue ...  gets the exploded hose... hops on a boda and goes to town to find a replacement.  Meanwhile Kimberly gets out of the vehicle to go exploring and get food while John and I sit in the car.

I am knitting so I am really oblivious to the children trying to start a conversation with John until they come to my side of the car.  I can't really ignore them as there are 4 little girls ranging in age from 2 to 6 and the older two girls spoke really good English.

This started a game where they would ask a question then run off to tell someone... guessing their mother and aunty ... then run back to ask another question.  It went something like this...  what is your name?   Nze Mamma Angela.... then they would run away in giggles to return with another question... where do you come from?  the village of Nabisooto... they would run off and then after 30 to 45 seconds they were back... do you have a house or do you live with your mamma? I have a house... and this went on for about 20 minutes until Hannington came back with the part and had the car fixed.  We went through every question from what my mama and tata's names were... if I had a sister... what her name is... what were the names of my cousins... where did all thse people live... and the list could go on with the same routine of them asking one question... running away excited to share the answer and then coming back.  On several occasions I did get the opportunity to ask my own questions so I did find out names and ages, where they go to school and what classes they were in.  I also found out why their English was so good... their mamma/aunty is educated and speaks English to them all the time.

If I had to guess... the question with running off in bwtween was the mama's way of working on their English conversational skills!

Lions...tigers...and bears... oh wait

Those animals don't live in the same area... they are even from different continents....Africa...Asia...and North America depending on the type of bear!

So after today's adventure ... should is say lions... elephants... and warthogs oh my!  Today I kicked something else off of my bucket list and as I lay here under my mosquito net in my bed at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains... I want to share what all we saw...

This journey begins last Thursday when Hannington dropped me off in Kampala at my friend Sarah's house... spent the night there and then were to set off on our great adventure Friday morning.  However due to some mechanical details with the car... we got a bit of a late start.  Stopped by Makindi market  for Alyssa to purchase some African made craft items.  Then we got on the road praying for safe travel and to not get stopped by the police.  Crossed the equator and then headed to Masaka where we met some of Sarah's friends at Hope Alive.

Saturday...while Sarah and Alyssa went on home visits and Saturday club... I stayed in the hotel with a massive headache.  The power was out so all day so the workers below had the generator running for their power tools.  Great for a headache!  By evening was feeling better.

Sunday... Went to Masaka Baptist Church then met up with the driver that was hired to take us the rest of the way to Kasese.  The road gets really bed and Sarah didn't want to take her car on the Safari.  While driving down the road we saw monkeys and elephants and a myriad of other animals.  By mid evening we made it to Kasese and met up with some English friends for tea!  Sarah and Alyssa are staying with these friends and I am staying across the road at Rwenzori The Gardens hotel.  So when I was ready to go the armed security walked me to the hotel.

Monday... started very early.... I was up a bit before 5am... met up with Henry our driver at 5:45 and then picked up Sarah and Alyssa.  We headed to Queen Elizabeth National Park which was about 45 minutes away.  We picked up a park ranger and paid our park fees and off we went....

The first highlight of the day was going to the bathroom... expecting to find a pit latrine and actually finding a clean toilet!  Oh the simple joys in life.

As we are driving through the African plains we see lots of kobs which kind of look like deer and are everywhere... we see a few warthogs that when they run their tail goes straight up like  a warning beacon.  Then we come upon a lioness laying in the tall grass next to a rock just watching a group of kobs playing nearby.  We sat watching her through binoculars from the top of the car before moving on.  As we were driving I kept praying to see more lions and as we came around the bend there were two male lions just relaxing about 10 feet from the vehicle.  Of course we stopped... turned off the engine and watched these magnificent creatures for about 15 minutes before other vehicles started showing up.  These lions are brothers and looked like they had been out for the kill this morning as they still had blood in their mouths and one had an injury on his hind leg.  It was an amazing glimpse of God's creation.

Throughout the drive we say everything from water buffalo to warthogs  to several kinds of deer to a turtle and mongoose.  Once we dropped off the park ranger we headed to the lodge for tea and lunch before heading out on the Kazinga Channel for a boat tour.  I was super concerned about getting motion sick but it was quite a slow, smooth ride.  We saw elephants playing in t he water... lots of cape buffalos and hippos.  This was upclose and personal with the animals.  Also saw crocodiles and lots of varieties of birds.  Two hours of watching these creatures in their own habitat was absolutely amazing! 

Good reminder

Written 9th April 2014

Oh how easy it is to be deceived by things that look good and look like what you want and desire.  As I was reading Ezra this morning, I was reminded how the enemy comes not in a red outfit with a pitchfork but as a wolf in sheeps clothing.  He doesn't look bad so he is allowed into the flock. 

In verse 2 the adversaries of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin come up and say... "Let us build with you for we worship your God as you do...".  At first glance it looks pretty good but is it the best.

I have been struggling with settling for good or waiting on God's best and how to tell the difference.   Our modern culture says... do what feels good... do what makes you happy...no need to wait...we all worship the same God just call him different names...

We need to stand firm as Zerubbabil and say "You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the LORD, the God of Israel."

Ultimately God doesn't want us to settle or waste time playing with things that are "just good".  He wants what is best for us.  So in life application... I am not going to be deceived by what feels good but leaves you empty... I want his fulfilling best.  I am not going to settle for empty flattery but promises that will be kept.  I don't  want a wolf in sheeps clothing butnthe shepherd himself!

Contentedness

Written on 2nd April 2014...
I love how when a Biblical topic is about to be taught, situations come up that show how much you...the teacher still need to learn this lesson.  Due to going to Kampala Thursday and Friday, I talked to my Bible study ladies to see if we could move our lesson up to today. 

Well it just so happens that we are covering verse 27 of Proverbs 31.  This verse says...

"She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self pity) she will not eat."

Lately it seems like I have been struggling with being content... with where God has me at this point...with the fact that I am single and it would be really nice to have a lifelong partner by my side...with the fact that no matter how much I try I can't change a culture... and with the fact that I know the next 10 weeks of my life and that is about it.

As I trek to become more like the Proverbs woman... God is directing my heart to be more content with what He is doing in my life. 

Who let the dogs out?

Written April 1st, 2014

Sitting in my office this morning... I hear one of the teacher's sing "who let the dogs out?" And the children answer "woof woof"... it continues... "who let the cats out....meow meow...who let the goats out....maa maa... who let the children out... whah whah"...

I guess they are learning their animal sounds today!

When the muzungu runs...

...things happen!

I was warned before moving to Uganda... that people do not run in the village unless they are in trouble or they are chasing someone that is in trouble.  Running raises people's eyebrows and gets people attention.  So when I go running...it is noticed.

Today from my office window I noticed a girl wielding a stick at another student during recess.  Knowing it would do me no good to yell over the other kiddos playing and the tractor... I took off running across campus.  Of course by the time I got there... the stick was gone and everyone was looking innocent however I did talk to the one I saw with the stick.

As I was walking back to my office ... one of my teachers met me and said "I saw you running...what is the trouble?"  I told her about the situation and that I took care of it.  However while I was walking off I could tell she was scolding the children in Luganda...  not sure if it was for the stick or making Mamma Angela run!

The real meaning of Easter

With Easter being a couple of weeks away... I have been working with the little brown eyed cuties at chapel on Friday and children's church on Sunday with Resurrection eggs.  Many have never seen a plastic easter egg but they are very familiar with real chicken eggs.  These 'special' eggs are assisting in teaching the real meaning of Easter... which is Jesus took our sins to the cross and conquered death and the grave allowing us the opportunity to spend eternity with God.  

This morning at children's church...due to the rain... I started off with 7 children (compared to the 30+ that were there last week).  We went through the resurrection eggs up to the part where the guards are sitting at the foot of the cross gambling for Jesus' belongings.

As we were reading the story in the children's bible there  was a picture of the three crosses... they knew that Jesus was on one but they were curious about the other two.  I told them that they were theives... these children are very familiar with what happens to theives in the village... if they are caught... they are killed.  SO with this concept I was able to bring in the verse..."for the wages of sin is death" and explain that we are all sinners and that blocks our way to God.  Because of our sin we deserve death which means separation from God. 

And of course I drew a picture because these children are visual learners.  I also explained that Jesus... who was perfect...took our sin and took the consequence of it.  His death on the cross bridged the gap so that we can get to God.  Our choice is to accept what Jesus did for us by repenting for what we have done wrong and believing that this sacrifice allows us to be with God forever.  After wards I was watching a couple of my girls and I could tell that God was working on their hearts so I lead them in a prayer and as Allen was translating I could see these little hearts being given to their creator. 

This is the real meaning of Easter!

Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs

Thanks to the generous donation of recent books, I have been spending some of my time in the mornings labeling them for the children to checkout.  Basically I am putting a pocket in the back with a note card inside with the book title so that the students can sign them out and we can keep track of what books are out and who has them.  A simple library system ... to introduce books beyond the classrooms and into the community... thanks to my action research project.

The goal has been a pile of books per day... that sometimes I have time for an sometimes they carry me through for a few days.  Well today the book on the bottom the pile was entitled "Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs" by Judi Barrett.  I know they just came out with a movie based on this story but I had never read it. So today was the day that I read the book... and you know what it made me smile.

This is why I think I like books so much and desire to share my passion... they tell a story that evokes emotion.  Books can take you to far off lands like Chewandswallow... they can make you happy or sad... they can grow your knowledge in certain subjects... and they can build your imagination to wonder what would happen if it really rained food!

So at the moment my heart is light and there is a smile on my face!  I want to continue to share this passion with others!

Time flies when you are having fun!

I am laying here in my mosquito net with music playing, the fan on, and a sleeping kitty curled up beside me.  My mind is pondering the simpleness of this life.  Can't believe I have less than six weeks in Uganda before I start the journey to the other side of the world.  Where have the last 7 months gone?

I have learned a lot and grown in the past year.  With just a few weeks left... I have started pondering what this year has taught me...

+It has shown me my strengths... my weaknesses... my wants and my needs.
+it has taught me that I am beautiful...independent... strong...desirable...adventurous. ..compassionate...
+it has grown my desire to be a wife and mother
+it has led me to react as a Southern lady...with kindness and grace in difficult situations and letting the guy in the situation lead
+it has shown me how to be an advocate for these little ones with no voice
+it has taught me to fully trust in God for each and every detail in life

As I ponder what is ahead, I know I face a lot of unknowns and need to continue to be flexible.  I realize that many friends and family that I come in contact with as I transition back will have no clue what my heart is going through.  My home is not in this world but yet my heart is with the people in so many parts of this world.  So when someone asks... aren't you glad to be home?... I struggle to answer as home is where my heart is. 

My biggest fear going back to the land of plenty ... is the overwhelming sense of "too much"... and until you have lived in a place where people live off of less than a dollar a day ... you really can't truly understand the sensory overload.

Other concerns in this transition...
- driving.... besides the fact that I have had a driver for 7 months and have gotten accustomed to riding on the other side and having no traffic laws... this is going to be interesting!
-money and shopping... having to always do the conversion of money when I go to buy something is constant... then having to take a way quite a few zeros as 2500 Uganda shillings to 1 US $...it is common to spend in the millions when we are buying things like school shoes or furniture... or a dresser for half a million...it will also be nice to be able to buy things like apples, oranges, and cheese without having to take out a second mortgage!
-friends... I have been in a place where I haven't heard from very many people over the past 7 months however I am sure from a couple of people's recent comments that many are following my blog and fb posts... I am unaware of what is going on in many of my friends and families lives and it is going to take some time to catch up.  This also goes for world events!
-language skills... after having to learn Luganda and speaking English very s-l-o-w-l-y and using facial expressions rather than words to answer questions... it will be interesting when I get back to using English again full time... then throw in traveling through several countries in Europe.... the South.... and Hawaii... and who knows what might come out of my mouth. So once in Hawaii if I say chi-chi?...I am simply asking What?!  LOL!

I am sure this list will continue to grow as departure day gets closer!  So stay tuned!