and so the days get hotter and longer.

Dirt, sweat, and joy.

So much goes on here. 

I don’t even know how many words it will take to fill you in on the last 2 days.

Saturday:

First of all, as soon as we got here, there was a water shortage. The people of Nyahuka and district of Bundibugyo were without water. Amy Johnson (our team leader, the wife of Travis, and mother of 3), sent us a text “continue to conserve water. No water is flowing into tanks this am. Pray for wisdom in handling water”. Electricity is also limited here and we are always trying to conserve energy as well. 

I remember back home, sometimes we just turn on the light or leave it on for hours in a room just because a brighter room cheers up the atmosphere. Here, we read and converse in the natural dim sunlight up until the sun goes down, and the room goes dark.

On Sunday, we went to a local church, Bundimulinga. Church starts at 10:00am, but in Africa, never show up at the time they tell you because no one else will be there. So we went to church at 11:00am, with African time. The entire service was comprised of intervals of prayer, exhortations, and a sermon, interlaced by singing, all in Lubwisi, except for the sermon which was delivered in heavy african english.

Dirt & Sweat: 

This morning, before the day began, Sarah and I put on our leggings underneath our long skirts and we laced up our runners and ran for a 1/2 mile down the dirt road from our house. Running, just for sheer exercise, is a very bizarre idea to Africans. Because they work hard enough in a day. A workout is not necessary. 

So as we ran, hundreds of people nearby stood to watch, and several “picky-picky”’s and “bota-bota”s, which are motorcycles (they call them picky-picky because they pick people up! Haha), would give a friendly honk and zoom past us. When we ran up the 2^nd big hill and decided to turn back, about 20-some kids started running after us! It was hilarious as they chased us and giggled with joy until the adults told them to stop. I would turn around and they would stop and giggle, and then when I started running again I could hear their little feet patter along. As we ran, we smiled and waved, saying, “Olayo!”. One man along the path said, “you are warming?”. African english is so unique.

Amazing Race: BUNDIBUGYO:

Today was the first day of our Amazing Race: Bundibugyo, which is designed by Amy Johnson, our team leader. It is basically our one week invigorating and exciting orientation to the local language, culture, and daily labour duties. Our task #1 was to hoe our own garden. So we went with Gladys (a local who has been working for missionaries) to the market and bought 2 “ensukas”, which are hoes, and we got nice and dirty in our garden of pumpkins, tomatoes, and weeds (until we slashed it all off). We sweated and slashed under the African sun, while we learned Lubwisi words and sang Lubwsis songs with Gladys.

This afternoon, we also spent time with Vincent, who is a local teacher and also fluent in English, and he gave us a tutorial of Lubwisi. We sat under the Kintubi, which is a community hut made from palm branches that sits outside of people’s homes (since it is not often normal for people to enter your home, unless they are close, they would meet you at the hut on your front lawn). Then he took us around the village to practice what we learned. The families were overjoyed to see us as we went around and conversed with the new phrases we learned. They hollered with laughter and beamed as soon as they heard their own heart language coming out of our mouths...especially from the Asian-looking one. Next week, we will start to have more normal weeks where we will spend time at the health centre and work with the local people.

Prayer praises: 

1. We arrived in Uganda safely with all our luggage. Nothing was missing. Praise the Lord, as losing luggage in the transition between Toronto and Kampala, Uganda, was very likely.
2. We travelled safely between all the crossovers and layovers different cities. Nothing detrimental happened. Sarah & I were safe and healthy throughout almost one full week of travels/commute.
3. My jet lag has been much better! On my first night, I woke up at 3:00AM and laid in bed, wide awake until morning. I had a terrible time trying to sleep. I still have sporadic episodes of intense drowsiness in the middle of the day, in the middle of conversations, at the dinner table, etc.
4. The water pipes from the waterfall have just been fixed! The village is now slowly getting clean water from the waterfall. The water tanks are slowly filling. Students might be able to return to school next week!

Prayer requests:

1. Team unity, especially that our roles here would be Christ-centered, and that we (especially Sarah & I) would not compete for Survival of the Fittest! Funny, but It’s often  difficult, when adapting to a new place, meeting new people, trying new things. Pray for discernment, that we will each hear from God and the individual & unique calling He has for each of us.
2. I have not had too episodes many of diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting yet. Thanks to your prayers. Please continue to pray for health & safety, as the mosquitoes are bad at night, and some days are long and exhausting. The water from the river is also contaminated, but thank God they just got some clean water flowing. Clean water and adequate food & nutrition is a concern here. 
3. Learning the new language & culture, Lubwisi of the Babwisi people. It’s coming along slowly, but it makes such a difference when people see us using their language instead of English. Pray that our eagerness and genuine love of Christ will softly touch these hurting & suffering hearts. 

We're here, Uganda!

June 17th, 2011

Africa is beautiful.

It’s been a few stressful days of travelling with all our baggage.

Sarah and I had a nice layover in London for 11 hours. We left our luggage at the Heathrow airport for a fee. Then we took our day packs and crossed the British customs, exchanged some euros, and hopped on the Underground tube on the Piccadilly line to Covent Gardens. A day of exploring:)

England is beautiful too. All the historic buildings are so characteristic and intricately designed. Every street and corner reminded me of Mr. Bean movies. Every rugged looking structure wrapped in vines was like a scene from Harry Potter. We ran around the city with a map in hand and a camera, and we somehow managed to touch all the major tourist sites and get back to the airport in time within the allotted time. 

The days and months leading up to this missions trip, I was bombarded with questions of “are you ready?” or “are you excited?”. But even getting 7 bottles of bugspray, 3 bottles of sunscreen, and enough packets of tissue to last me a year (and packing suitcases with Mom for days), or attending the intern training did not necessarily make me “ready” for what Africa had to offer. I believe this trip however, will equip me for a bigger adventure, and prepare me for His call to the field.

As we flew over the African terrain after a 9 hour flight, my excitement finally built. Seeing the lush green physical geography was breathtaking. It’s more beautiful than National Geographic pictures. And I was just beheld by what this country might have to offer, and how God will change me and use me.

We are staying in the ARA (American Recreation Association) where everything is catered to your "American" from treadmills to Philly Cheese Steaks. Tomorrow we take an early flight on a small 6-seater bush plane to Bundibugyo! Can't wait! Please continue to pray. Will update once we arrive at our final destination!

I'll have a Philly Cheese Steak please.

Americans are wonderful.

They love my Canadian accent. They think it's cute when I say "Mmm-hmm" instead of "Uh-huhhh", or the way I say Out and About.

The Appalachians just outside our hotel

It's been a wonderful two days at the SPADE conference centre, an Amish country in Steinsville, PA, 1 1/2 hours west of Philadelphia. We had a total of 15 interns together, and we did our training retreat style.

A tour of the Amish-country hotel

We talked and shared about what it means to abide in Jesus, and being humble as we serve others overseas.

We spent time sitting in the fields alone, surrounded by the Appalachians, talking with Jesus & reading the Word.

We played Bocci.

We roasted giant marshmallows.

We barbecued and ate tender seasoned chicken on a skewer.

And ate ice cream & brownies on waffle cones right before bedtime.
I guess it's our last chance of fine dining before we depart.




It's too bad the England, Vienna, and Kenya team left today, when we just met yesterday.

2011 Summer Interns

Sarah & I fly tomorrow (since flights to Uganda are only available every 2 days) to London, where we will have a 12 hour lay-over before we head to Uganda.

The Africa Team (Sudan-Caleb, Kenya-Taylor & Adam, Uganda- Sarah & Olvie)

Some praises:

• Thanks for your prayers for an available flight (for those of you that received the news in time). My flight was cancelled right before we were about to take-off. We were told that no flights were available that day (and I was at the bottom of the waiting list). The earliest flight available the next day was full, and the flight after that was filling up. Somehow, by God's grace and provision, as I was waiting at Customer Service to rebook a flight, a plane was sent and enough people cancelled their flight for me to board that night!
• The staff & the training was great in helping us mentally and spiritually prepare. The entire staff at World Harvest prayed for each team. I feel so blessed to be sent in the safety of this organization.
• Sarah Barton, the other intern, is totally sweet & cool. I cannot wait to get to know her more the next 2 months in Bundibugyo!

Prayer requests:

• We have lots of supplies & luggage to bring to the team over there (on top of what we have already!). Continue to pray for efficiency and organization as we travel with this load.
• TIA- This Is Africa. The team in Uganda sent us an email recently, notifying us of changed plans and how "This Is Africa" and we will have to be flexible to adjust to constantly changing plans.

...Until the next time I have internet!

After several nights of packing, living off of meagre hours of sleep, I could not wait until the moment I can just board the plane, close my eyes, maybe read a book, eat some peanuts...and trust that if I don't have everything I need, He is my shepherd I shall not be in want.

Even sitting in the Pearson airport right now, at my gate waiting for boarding, gives me some of that relief.

When I crossed customs a few moments ago, I was definitely being asked more questions than usual. One small asian girl with 2 oversized suitcases, a backpack (which is probably double my width), and a overstuffed carry-on suitcase.
Suspicious? Or simply Spirit-filled, with the intention of giving.
"What are you doing in Philadelphia?", "What do you mean by 'training'", "Why do you have so many suitcases for 'training'", "What do you mean by 'donations'". I am sure he quoted my every word and turned it into a question. I think I would've cried if it wasn't for months of experience with the intimidating interrogation of nurses & patients at my hospital placements.

My sister, Olga, is gonna pop soon (next saturday)! Too bad the baby just couldn't crawl out a little earlier before I leave. But I would probably be at the hospital now instead of the airport if she did. 

Quick prayer requests before boarding:

1. Training & Orientation in Philadelphia for the next 3 days. Pray that Sarah (the other intern) & I will be open and receptive to what God has to speak into us.
2. My clumsiness. I haven't tripped and fell on my face, or spilled my entire backpack out yet...there's more travelling to come! More opportunities for me to be absent-minded and scattered.
3. To always stay connected to God, and never forget the purpose of this trip: To live out His calling for His people as a nursing student. 
4. For my sister's first baby, who is ready to climb out in a few days!

See you later baby niece in 2 months!

eyelids laden with sleep & exhaustion.

Yesterday's labour. Mom doing what moms do best. Couldn't have done it without her!

Brownie mix. Chocolate Cake. Matchbox cars. UNO. Checkkk.

Being able to attend & witness the marriage of two of the greatest people in the world before I leave. I wouldn't have it any other way. A blessing indeed.

They have been such an encouragement to me:)

It's 3:00 AM, three hours after returning home from Johnny & Sophia's wedding. We're still packing, condensing...like trying to zip up a fat suit. And the result is, 50 & 70 lbs suitcases.

Now, I'm down to packing my personal carry-on bag. 

I'm tired of packing, preparing, and stressing. I can't wait till I board that plane, and can breathe without thinking about whether or not I need more band-aids, or an extra packet of tissues (which I have 30 pkgs of already).

The reality of going to Uganda still hasn't hit. It still seems surreal. But most people tell me, it often doesn't settle until you've boarded the plane, or until you're actually there...living, breathing, eating on foreign lands.

i cannot wait till take-off.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! ps.46:10

Four more days: packing up!

My check-in baggage limit (from Philadelphia to Uganda): 3 
Donations & goodies for the Uganda team: 2 suitcases

Personal belongings: 1 hiking pack + 1 carry-on knapsack

I guess I'll be reusing my underwear.
As my dad always says, you can wear one pair of underpants 4 times before it needs to be washed: inside out, front & back. Not exactly the most hygienic, or wisest. But with only one backpack for 2 months, I'll do with what I have. God will provide the rest.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Psalm 62:8