Adjustment

Well, I don't know if people are still reading this journal, but I just wanted to continue to update it and the process as I move toward leaving for Uganda. I'm fully back to the swing of things here in the U.S. I'm not yet sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I can tell that I'm much more hurried in life already. It's made me appreciate all the down time of Uganda. I miss not having TV and that temptation. I miss the people and of course I miss the food. I think I gained a few pounds out there.

Since I've been back, I've been trying to set things up for returning to Uganda. I've talked to a few missionaries to find out what obstacles I might face. The biggest obstacle at this point is to figure out if I need a sending agency or if I can go under the covering of Buyamba.  If I go under Buyamba, the next obstacle is to find out the cost of insurance for each year. I think that will be a major cost for me. There are many other things to think about.

The personal items to deal with are my house and my teaching credential. I need to get my house ready to rent. I'm not sure if my roommate is going to continue to live here or if he is moving out in the next month. If he chooses to move out, I will be looking to speed up the process of renting out my house. That means some landscaping in the back yard and a few minor repairs on the house itself. If it wasn't for the house, I could leave soon, but there's work to be done. Secondly, the teaching credential I have in California is good for 4 more years, then it will expire. I am trying to find out what steps I need to take to clear my credential so it is good for life. That's another big hurdle for the year. I am waiting also to hear about that.

So continue to pray for God to open and close doors in preparation for what His will is for my life.

Also please pray for the upcoming camp for the students in Uganda. It is like any other camp...a life changing event where many will hear the gospel for the first time and begin to devote their lives to Jesus Christ. I heard so many stories about how students became Christians because of this camp.

Back in Cali

I am now officially back in the U.S. I arrived in New York about one hour ago, but not without complications along the way. Let’s just say that I’m not real fond of airline personnel or security at this point of my day. One good thing came about, however. I was able to upgrade my seating assignment to business class thanks to some trusty frequent flier miles. That was a blessing because you know what it’s like it economy/coach. I had a nice sleep during my 8-hour flight from Brussels to New York thanks to a seat that completely reclined flat!!! Movie selection on American leaves something to be desired though. I did watch most of Breakfast at Tiffany’s since I had never seen that before…it’s a little shady!

Now that I’m back here, I’m reminded that U.S. is full of distractions and things that we don’t’ need. I think I enjoyed my simple life and even got used to the cold showers after a while. I am still very sad missing my friends in Uganda, but I’m looking forward to many reunions in the U.S. It will be a busy month as I try to reconnect with friends and get ready for the school year (we have homework that I’ve been avoiding!) I thought this would be a good time to review the things that I will miss and not miss about Uganda.

Things I will miss:
    The people! (on my way to the car, I felt like a rock star being mobbed by many students who wanted to say goodbye. Bless their hearts!)
    The simplistic life
    Taxis
    Walking around
    Learning Luganda
    Stories from Pastor Richard
    Pastor Dongo & his family
    All the delicious food & people cooking for me!
    The praise and worship of the students (I can sing worship in Luganda)
    Bible study with the students
    Daily letters from students

Things that I won’t miss:
    Cold showers
    People asking for money
    Not being free to do what I want when I want
    Uganda time (everything is slower there and nothing happens when you schedule it)
Needing to ask others for help
    Slow internet and not having easy access when I wanted it.
    Not being able to understand conversations in Luganda
    Dogs! They bark all night long
    When the power goes out for more than a day!
    Kids asking me if I know someone in the U.S.

The Last Night

This morning was a sad time as my friends from the south left to return to the states. I'm going to miss them so much. They were all like little sisters that I had to watch out for. They also blessed me so much by spending time with me and making sure that I ate breakfast each morning. I hope that those friendships will last through the ages.


Today I spent time furnishing the guestroom that I will be staying in when I return. We bought a couch, two chairs and a coffee table. In addition, I am having a hot water heater installed. One of the only things I really miss about living in the states is hot showers. This will allow at least a little warm water as i bathe. There are still many things that it needs such as a refrigerator and a stove, but it's looking more and more like home. Now I just need to return to raise the support to be able to stay here for a few years. I can't wait and the students here are also very excited!

Well, this will be my last post until I return to the states. I can't wait to greet all of you upon my return to share stories, pictures and video. Please pray for my travel. Bless you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!