Monday, February 23, 2009

One post from Uganda

So I'm here in Uganda, I've sort of turned my heart towards home. Today the Internet connection is speedy enough for me to blog for the day. I have so many things to tell you about my trip, but the best thing is that my friends are all doing very well. They aren't starving and they are very secure. Most secure in God's arms, but physically in a compound that gives the kids freedom to roam a little and still be safe.

I have to stay awake on the first leg of my return flight after spending a day travelling to Kampala and shopping for a few last minute items like malaria test and Bilharzia treatment then onto Entebbe to be dropped off at the airport. Staying awake at the right time coming over here made jet lag adjustment very minimal. I'm hoping to take a nap in Amsterdam. Please pray for my return flights. I had no troubles getting over here and I hope it is the same on the way home.

Please praise the Lord also for MM and the boys. It's been some fun for them while I've been away, but I think they are just barely keeping their heads above water and waiting for my return. Praise the Lord for the work he's doing over here. It's seems it's slow progress discipling but there is lasting fruit. Praise the Lord for all that he's shown me and all the blessings he's poured out on The Woottons and Connie!

Monday, February 9, 2009

We made it to Orlando...

After dropping the kids at G & Ps we departed but not before changing the oil in the van - very important DFs, very important...

I'd say that is was all fun and games leaving today, but a dead battery, Sunday drivers on Monday and defective printers at the car shop prevented such an adjective (or would that be an adverb... -I'm leaving for Uganda I don't care!).

We arrived and had a great time getting here after the bumpy start. As I type this Isaac and Clea are at home sleeping, preparing to get up in the AM and look for fuel. There was none in all of Ft. Portal. They are making their way to Entebbe to pick me up tomorrow...

About the good word on my last post: Blow some points on the Hyatt Regency at the Airport. Yes the rooms are outrageously priced , but if you have enough bonus points that you'd otherwise waste - they are worth it. Not only that but they checked my flight times and arranged to come pick us up and take me to my terminal so I'd be there on time! How totally cool is that. I'm so glad I stayed here.

Sorry if you've never traveled internationally, but it is really nice to know that I can eat a brunch in the hotel before we are set to go and then all my baggage and my car will be taken care of - It's way cool. The only problem we have encountered so far is that we don't exactly know what a good tip is for the valet service and the bell-hops! So, chime in here for me...

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Bags are packed. now what

Without giving away any details to strangers, I'm leaving very soon!

I find it incredibly funny that my carry on weighs more than each of my checked bags...  
I have more stuff for my friends than I do for myself (OK the cured meat may be a little selfish, but I can't possibly eat 4 pounds of salt pork, 4 pounds of summer sausage and 2 pounds of pepperoni while I'm there.  Besides it'll give me a great opportunity to go on that beans and rice diet I've been wanting to try....

I spent last Friday with a missionary friend of mine.  She spent the past year in Switzerland.  Some people think that it was vacation, but I tell you the truth, it was not.  She spent more than a few hours alone - really alone - no TV, radio or phone or anyone else.  It wasn't a journey where she was supposed to be alone, but after her daily work was done (ministering to a precious aging servant!) all she had was time.  She could get on the computer, but even that was limited...  Emailing your kids is just not the same as talking to them or being with them.  Emoticons don't even come close to sharing all the feeling in your voice or face...  It was so encouraging to know that God showed up when she hadn't planned it.  

I have no real plans for what I'll do or be in Uganda other than a servant to my dear friend and her family!  Perhaps that's the best place for me to begin - with nothing to offer but me.  I could ask to go on safari or some exotic journey, but Uganda is exotic enough TYVM!  I'm content just doing whatever my hands find to do...

Like now, I have shoes to shod on my 3 yo, dinner to make ready and tidying up along with folding laundry...  

May the Lord Bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace forever...