Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Psalm 119:169-176

"May my cry come before you , O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word. May my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your promise. May my lips over flow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees. May my tongue sing of Your Word, for all Your commands are righteous. May Your hand be ready to lift me, for I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands."
This is Medias and her little boy, Micheal. He is one and a half. The other photo is of Ellen and Harriet. On Monday, yesterday. Harriet started a school for young ladies to learn cooking and house work. With Harriet's drive and ability, and Ellen's help as mentor and leading morning Bible studies I believe it will be a success. We decided that we would sponsor a young woman from the Pregnancy Center who needed help in providing for a future for their child. We notified Veronica who runs the Pregnancy Center and she prayed and thought about which girl would do the best in this program and benefit the most. Medias came immediately to mind. She is 22 yrs old, made it through Junior year in high school. She is a hard working girl and has the added blessing of a mother who is helping her in every way. The first two days of class went well. She and her mother were so grateful for this scholarship. They thanked God and all of you who support this little ministry.


Sunday, March 14, 2010

Animals in Uganda


1-Achole long horn cattle, they are everywere and I love them.
2-Female Bush Buck.
3-Impala.
4-Zebra.








Traveling the road to Kamwege


Harvesting the tea by hand. Acres and acres if tea.
This is how they deliver milk to the processing plants. They use bicycles to deliver everything! I even saw someone delivering a broken bike on the back of another bike.
Delivering banana's to town. They will make numerous trips in a day.





Pictures from the medical clinic

These photos are of the medical clinic that I helped with in a town outside of Kamwenge, it was held in a local church. Over 150 people came to be treated while I was there.


1.'Giving out the eye glasses' (it was actually a photo opp.!) The glasses will be given out later by the doctor.

2.Everyone there also got a pill for deworming.

This is the doctors office.





Mango Tree Kids

This is Idah and her husband handing out the clothes to the Mango Tree Kids. They sang for me and danced for me. The other photo is Maria and Jude, I don't think they knew each other before this day. They go to different schools and live on opposite sides of town.


Maria and me

This is the other child we support. That is her stepmother next to her with her youngest son in front of their home. Of course the other two people in the picture is me and the Honorable Idah! Loreli had knit a pretty pink scarf for her and she was absolutely thrilled with it. She wore it with her new purple dress to see the rest of the Mango Tree Kids get the other things I had brought with me for them.

Pictures from Kamwenge


Hello, I am safely home and have gotten my pictures all on the computer here. I am thankful for all your prayers. The trip went well, but I have a cold and it always takes a while to re-adjust to being back in the states. So, I will go back in time and add some more pictures while I relax today.
This is Idah Mehenge and Jude, one of the children we support through 'Party for Uganda'. He is an orphan in the Mango Tree Kids from Idah's Parents Concern ministry in Kamwenge. I was able to see him again and visit him, and his uncle at their home. He was excited to meet me again, but a bit overwhelmed too.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Kamwenge

Hello, I am back from my travels to Kamwenge and Fort Portal. It was a good trip, I got to meet Maria and her family and see Jude and his uncle. We gave them some special things and met the rest of the Mango Tree Kids to give them the clothes that were sent. It was a wonderful time. They send their thanks and love to all that were involved in what I brought. We also went to a medical clinic where I helped distribute medicine and we told them about the glasses that were sent. Again, they were so thankful for all that has been provided. I kept trying to remind them that all the things are sent in God's name. I am sorry I can't get any pictures on right now and might have to wait until I get home. Even Internet can be more difficult in Africa. So, thank you again SO much for your prayers. They have been very needed. But I am safe and looking forward to seeing you all again soon. Love in the name of Jesus,Suzanne

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Traveling to Church

A photo of the van-load we picked up off the side of the road on the way to church. Cute, aren't they?

This next photo catches 'picture perfect' a typical scene in Uganda. Herds of cattle crossing the road, dozens of people walking and cars trying to get on their way as well. It also demonstrates how amazing my camera is, I was in the van moving over incredibly rough roads when I took this picture!! I can not express how grateful I am for all that this camera has allowed me to do. It has enabled me to bring you all a piece of Uganda. How cool is that?

Lunch with Abdul and Saidah's family

This photo was taken outside of their home. Abdul and Saidah are in the middle, their eldest Safike is in front of mom with Sowifa and Sakure close by. The littlest boy and the girl are neighbor children that Saihad teaches Bible lessons to, often feeds and generally mothers. They always have extra children in and around the house. The other photo is Sowifa in the overalls that came with me from the states. From one farmers son to another!!

Church in Sedukeu, a suberb of Kampala

Sunday

'Your word, O Lord is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
You established the earth, and it endures,
Your law endures to this day, for all things serve You.'
Psalm 119:89-91

Finally, the sun came out and stayed out all day. We were able to make it to church today, I am very grateful. We went to the church that Abdul and his family attend, it is nearby the fish farm and right up the road from were they are living. I went there the last time I was in Uganda. It is always nice to see some familiar faces. We thought we would be late since we had some van troubles on the way there. The van was over heating, Herb wants to put a bigger engine in the van but for right now they can't. So we pulled over and waited for it to cool enough to open the engine and add some water. We did and were able to travel on. We got to the 'road' that leads to the church and the fish farm. I am using that term very loosely, it is more what we would consider a well used trail. Barely enough room for vehicles to pass each other much less all the foot traffic that is every where. And ruts like you've never seen. I swear Herb is a miracle worker with where he takes that van!! You have to see it to believe it.

We picked up Abdul's children and some local kids walking to church, turned around and headed back up the road to church. Saidah met us at the church. We got there and church was just starting even though we were late, typical Africa.
There is a fairly new pastor at the church, it was a nice service. The singing was lively, the kids were adorable, and the message was scriptural. What more could one ask for? He preached and his wife translated into lugandan, the native language. We then headed to Saidah and Abdul's for lunch. They have three adorable boys, Sakore is 5, Sowifa is 7, and the eldest is Safike at 10. They keep Saidah and Abdul on their toes, especially Sakore! But they are good boys altogether. Saidah is a very good cook, and we enjoyed a delicious Ugandan meal with pineapple, sweet potatoes, irish potatoes, matoke, boiled eggs, and fried eggplant. All the food we ate was grown at the farm. I gave some of the clothes I had brought to Abdul's family because they recently had a fire and lost most of their things. I was glad we were able to help them as they start over. They are both a huge help to Herb and Ellen, Abdul can fix just about anything. And Saidah is willing to pitch in with anything. So Abdul and Herb looked over the van while we passed out the clothes, then, after some pictures we headed back to town.

We spent the rest of the afternoon resting, reading and getting things ready for the week. Ellen and Herb are helping with Ben and Annette's marriage seminar tomorrow so they were preparing for that and I had to get ready to go to Kamwenge with Ida. I was also able to get some of the crafts packed for the flight home. I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon and will be gone until Wednesday night. I am looking forward to being back in Kamwenge and seeing Jude and Miriam. (They are the children from the Mango Tree Kids that we support through the ministry.) But, being gone will make things hectic towards the end. That is always the way it is though. Please pray for safety in travel and that I will be able to accomplish all that God desires of me in Kamwenge and in the rest of my short time here. Also, Herb is not feeling well, so,please keep him in your prayers too. I am going to try to post again in the morning and hopefully get some pictures from today on, but if I don't then I will catch up with you all on Thursday. Good-night, and pleasant dreams.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Hello again, it is late at night here in Uganda, the music is blaring from the bars at Kabalagala. They will be playing all night, it gets quiet at dawn, which is around 6:30. I run my fan and wear ear plugs. Kampala is a busy city! We had more thunderstorms and rains today. It is a bit early for the rains to come. We had Harriet's delicious pancakes for breakfast as well as porridge, fruit and tea. Then Herb headed out in the van and Ellen and I got ready to go to market. Herb came back and 'picked' us and dropped us down town. The traffic was bad as usual in Kampala. We went to a different market then Fridays. I was able to get many things, and I was even wheeling and dealing! They always barter here in Uganda, it's expected. I did fairly well, compared to my first trip to the market on '03!! We spent a few hours going through the shops. Then, it started to get HOT and we were getting hungry so we packed ourselves up and found a taxi. That would be a 'special hire', that is what they call what we would say in the States a 'taxi'. They call the vans that work more like a public bus taxi's, while a special hire is usually a Toyota corolla or such. Those you pay to take you directly somewhere. They are a bit more money but when you are loaded down with bags it is so worth it. We found some lunch and then both crashed for a while.

In the afternoon Sarah came to visit. I had decided to give her some of the clothes we brought for the prisoners. I also sent some clothes, a blanket, and a stuffed animal for the little boy that was in the prison with his mother. They try to get the kids out with a relative, but this boy was still nursing so for the time being needs to stay. They are very concerned with the effect that prison life can have on the children, sometimes it is hard to find a family member to take the child of an inmate. It is a sad tale. I also donated the funds to buy soap so the prisoners can wash there clothing. We were able to give those things to Sarah so the next time she goes to Soroti she can take them. She was very grateful. Thanks to all!

I did not have time to write about my trip to market on Friday. It is again getting late and I am tired, but I will tell you a bit. I was able to say 'hello' to some familiar faces and greet some new. Robina, Margaret was there, as was Lamla, the two Graces, Joy and Mama Abraham. The only pictures I took were of two adorable little helpers. The one little boy was wearing the beads and picking up others to hand to me. The girl was having lunch and laughing with her mother until she saw me. Then she got all serious and shy. Her mother was able to get her to give me a little smile. She smiled the most when I showed her herself in the camera. Digital can be a wonderful thing. Then Harriet and I got down to business. We worked as a seamless team, I picked out what I wanted and she wrote everything down and payed the ladies. We bought A LOT of beads in a short amount of time. Then headed back to the house by bota bota for a much deserved cup of tea and a rest. Harriet is such a blessing and a joy. God bless you all and thank you again for all your prayers.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Sarah's family


This photo was taken at Sarah's home out side of Soroti. Her mama is standing next to her, then Aunty Beatrice and cousin Micheal. We had a nice meal and I got a tour of their farm. They have cows, goats and chickens. They also grow croups such as millet and casava.

Solot Rock


This was the view from my room in Soroti. We climbed all the way to the top, what a view!!

Helping Mom in the market place to sell beads!!

My trip to Soroti

Hello, it has been an eventful set of days since last I was able to get on here and update you all. I took a bus east to Soroti town with Sarah to visit the prison there. Sarah is a Ugandan lady who is starting a mission in the prison to help to educate the prisoners and to bring them some hope. She is also a gospel singer and is putting together a special concert at the prison with some other artists. They will put on a concert and bring in some good food and have some games for the inmates. She was traveling up to her home town to set up some last details of the concert and was kind enough to bring me along. She has a real heart for ministry to the prisons. It was quite an experience for me. One must be very careful in Uganda when you are taking pictures. They do not allow pictures of bridges, police stations, and certainly not the U.S. embassy which you pass by in town. So I was obviously not able to take any photos at the prison. But I was able to visit. I was able to climb Solot rock there in Soroti which I will have pictures of and Sarah took me to her village to have dinner with her family. What a special time that was.

Before I continue on and tell you more about my visit to the prison I would like to make sure you know about the horrible mudslide in a near by district in Uganda. We drove by on our way to Soroti. The number of dead is still climbing. Whole villages were swept away. The death toll could reach 400. Please pray for the people here in Uganda and for the survivors and those who tried to rescue people. It was a horrible tragedy that is rocking the entire country.

I will say that my trip to the prison in Soroti was better then I was anticipating. I am not saying that it is not a tough place to be. Most of the men and women there are among the poorest of the poor,but the chaplain and his wife are caring people who have a huge desire to better the present situation of the prisoners as well as improve their chances once they are released. I met Isreael on Tuesday afternoon the day before we went to the prison. I was able to give him some books for their little library they are trying to start for the prisoners. He was so greatful. I had a restful night at the Holiday Inn in Soroti and we went to the prison at about ten the next morning. First we went in and met with a lady, I am not sure exactly what her position was, but she showed us some of the crafts that they are teaching the prisoners how to make. They were quite good and I told them I would buy some after we were done. Then we went in to great the O.C. That would be the Officer in Charge. He was a tall, imposing man with a gentle and caring demeaner under the authority. It was obvious he genuinely cared for the people under his care and wanted to make things better for them. He had a good relationship with the chaplain and was very gracious to me as a guest.

We then went all together to view the workshops. They are trying to teach skills as well as more formal eduction. They are teaching weaving of mats and baskets, woodworking, and want to teach bead making as well. The grounds of the prison were clean, there were trees for shade to work under and little greenery planted about. They also have a music group that plays native instruments made there at the prison. Next we went into one of the buildings where they were holding class. There were about 20 young men sitting on cow hides in front of a black board. There was no paper, or pens. They did have some educational posters tacked to the walls. One of the inmates was a teacher so he is teaching there. Six of the men got up and demonstrated at the request of the O.C. that they could now write there own names. Most of the men had never been to school. That is part of the reason they end up in prison, with no schooling the opportunities for work are severely limited in Uganda. The chaplain and O.C. want to do everything they can to help provide a way for these people to better themselves and support themselves once they are released. We got to visit the wood working shop as well. They make very nice things there when the machines are working. That is not often as the machines are from when the British left!! Everything is so old, even the O.C.'s secretary was typing on a typewriter that I swear the British had left behind as well!

Our final stop inside was the women's side. There are around 400 men and 20 women housed in Soroti prison. That number can vary. I had been asked to speak a word to the women by the chaplain. I spent a lot of time in prayer the night before. What can I say to these women? Some are there for good reason and need to know God's forgiveness and some are in there for little or no reason and need help forgiving. God led me to the book of Romans. I spoke on 'hope' and what is real hope? Hope is only real when it is based on something real. What is worth hoping in on this earth? All go through some kind of suffering, some more, some less. The only thing worth hoping in is Jesus, and that if He loved us enough to die for us, He loves us enough to be with us every step of where ever we go in life. And He will take us to be with Him when we die. That is the only thing worth putting real hope on in this life.
Romans 5:3-8
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
You so, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Amen and Amen and good night!

Monday, March 1, 2010

FINALLY the PICTURES are HERE!!

Finally Ellen and I were able to figure out how to find my pictures on their computer. Thank you Ellen!! (it was a bit of the blind leading the blind.) But finally here they are, the pictures of my first days in Kampala.
These chickens were at the Afianex Restaurant where we had lunch on Friday(see below) They were also there the other times we have been back. Whether they are the hens that lay the eggs for the omelets or they simply like to wander in there for 'tea' I am not sure but it made me giggle. So typical Africa.
These flowers grow on the wall in front of the new flat. Pretty!

Traffic in Kampala





Typical Scenes in Kampala






I was waiting in the van for Herb and Ellen
on rainy Sunday when I heard a cow mooing. I turned around and was able to get this shot of a man taking his two cows down the side walk.

This is one of the roundabouts in Kampala, with the beautiful blue signature building of down town in the background.

Traveling to church on the back of a Boda Boda, all dressed in her Sunday best. Boda Boda's are motor cycles that function like taxi's in the U.S. They are an inexpensive form of public transit. They got their name from being used to transport people across no-mans-land between borders, border to border,hence the name. They can be rather dangerous to ride as well because the drivers whip in and out of the traffic and the cars can have a hard time seeing them. Most women ride side saddle as we are generally wearing a skirt in public and one would not sit astraddle behind a stranger. All the drivers are men. It is quite an experience!

Visiting


Ben and his wife Annette came to visit on the first day in the new house. They are newlyweds, Herb and Ellen met Ben a while ago but had not met his bride. They are a sweet young couple with a real heart to minister to marriages and families in Uganda. They have a ministry in counseling of marriage relationships, as well as counseling young people and doing leadership training. They are trying to encourage Ugandans to look to the Bible and God for what their relationships should be. We hope to be able to get out and visit them and see what they are doing in Wakiso.

Construction in Kampala Uganda


Shifting Day!

These pictures are of Ellen, Herb, myself and Saidah cleaning the new place, making the beds and setting things in place. Abdul and Saidah work at the farm and help Herb and Ellen out in many ways. Harriet, Abdul, Nelson, and two other young men helped shift things as well. Many hands make light work. We are all glad to be settling in to the new place.

Lunch on Friday


This was my delicious lunch at Afianex Restaurant on Friday. The stew is beef in a bowl of steamed banana leafs. On the plate is yellow matoke, white rice, white posho, and greens. This is a typical Ugandan meal.