June 23, 2008:
Friends and Family,
I wanted to catch up on news of the last few days, but also to let you know the team is safely in London by now. I hope you will give them a few days to catch up on their sleep, as we have had a busy schedule.
I have not looked back at my emails, and have definitely not kept good notes, so if I repeat, please forgive me.
Thursday (June 19), we visited our last school, Bat Valley Primary. We again played 'futbol,' sang and shared with the children. The excitement of the children, as they see us again, always spills over onto us and gives us an energy boost!
Our favorite new song this year is one that starts Hallelujah, but then proceeds to verses like:
Shake a friend's hand - shake the hand next to you...
Hug a friend's neck - hug the neck next to you...
Hold a friend's hand - hold the hand next to you.
Scratch a friend's back - scratch the back next to you...
We were always sure team members were standing by kids so we could interact with them to this song. The kids are not used to back scratches, so that part always produced scores of laughter.
Thursday night, we moved from Namirembe Guest Houses to the Red Chilli Pepper Rest Camp in Kampala. It is actually a youth hostel. However, since they were the group taking us to the Red Chilli Pepper Camp in Murchison Falls, and on the safari, it seemed the place to stay for the night. We were in a dorm with two rooms, with a wide opening between.
There were enough bunks in the ladies for all of us - except two, so Donita and I bunked in the men's part of the dorm.
We left at 5:00 in the morning for Murchison Falls. It is a long trip - approximately 5 - 6 hours over horrendous, wash-board roads. There are so many potholes the whole trip consists of weaving from one side of the road to the other, down the middle, back and forth, etc. Honestly, it is indescribable. We probably all lost 10 pounds from bouncing!
The good thing about the ride is that you leave the towns and head past the villages, in the 'bush', which are located beside and off the roads. It seems like something you would see on TV, as you pass little circular mud homes with thatched roofs. Many times they are in clumps of two or three. Small mud-brick homes are also found along the way. Little children can be seen walking barefoot down the long stretches of roads; sometimes young ones are by themselves walking, with no sign of a home or school in sight. Now and then, we would spot a couple little children riding bikes too big for them, grinning from ear to ear. We passed men standing crowded in the back of trucks, along with long-horn cattle. We glimpsed a guy who had two live goats strapped down behind his bicycle seat. Women were working in the fields. There were countless children with their yellow water jugs pumping water from the lone water pump, or getting water from a dirty pond.
On Friday, we went on an early morning game drive. After you cross the Nile on a ferry, and then load into vans - the fun begins. The roads as you enter are covered with baboons. We saw herds of elephants, giraffe, water buck, Ugandan cob, aroibi, bush buck, Jackson Hartebeest, wart hogs :), and African cape buffalo. We also saw many Golden Crested Cranes - the national bird of Uganda. They are gorgeous. A large lion, lioness, and male cub added to our excitement. It is always amazing to just go off road and drive right up beside them. It was and awesome sight as the lion rose out of the grass and started walking.
We took a boat ride down the Nile River to Murchison Falls - which is simply magnificent. Later, we drove to the top of the falls. It should be one of the seven wonders of the world - truly awesome!
On the Nile ride, we were 'up close and personal' with a large herd of elephants - including a couple of new babies, and numerous hippos and crocodiles. We did get to see a hippo fight!
The team also went on a chimp trek through the forest. They were broken into two groups. One group saw many chimps; the others just made up stories about how many they spotted. :) The highlight for one group was when it starting raining while they were in the forest. Everyone said the sounds of the forest made it worth entering.
In the evening, we met for a beautiful devotion. Wilberforce and Melissa B. shared similar scripture about God's creation. Wilber talked of how amazing it is that God is mindful of us, even though He is the creator of all that we had observed throughout the day.
That evening we met and spent time talking about the memories that had been made in the past two weeks. The best memories are always those in which we spent time with the kids. They love to play with muzungu hair, touch members of the team's toes, hold hands, etc. It was interesting for some of our team to be able to sit in classrooms to observe teachers really doing incredible jobs of teaching 100 - 150 students at one time; others enjoyed going into classrooms and letting the kids simply ask questions. Our memories of starting with a bare room and then looking awestruck at the absolutely incredible, beautiful libraries is always truly special.
We also loved that we had the opportunity to share Christ with approximately 9,500 students, teachers, and administrators this year. As I have said over and over - this is as good it gets...playing a part in improving the education of thousands of children (over 16,000 now have access to books through LOL libraries) and being able to let them know that God loves them, and we love them, also.
Speaking of God - this team was definitely a 'God-send'. They were an incredible group of people who spent two weeks, working, laughing, and crying together. Each year, we find that as time together progresses, we all realize how much we have grown to truly respect and love each other....so true once again this summer.
We had one person on our team, Nancy Carlson, who was just with us one week as we created the library. We appreciated her help and enjoyed her company! Best wishes to you, Nancy!
A couple funny happenings before signing off :
One night at the camp, I had been visiting with the Kansas group and Donita. I then noticed the Illinois team still had their lights on, so I shuffled off that direction and visited for sometime. As I was leaving, I noticed Melissa B. and Donita's light still on. It was really late by then, so I went to the window and scratched all over the screen, made weird noises, started shining my flashlight around the edges of the window, and telling them to get to bed. After I carried on for some time, a young British lady looked out the window laughing! I had walked right in front - and right past - Melissa and Donita's dark 'banda.' Ahhhhh
I had mentioned that the top of my hair was too long. Billy said he knew of a good place to get a cut, so like a crazy person I trusted him. I should have known better when I saw only men sitting in the long line of chairs. But, it was then my turn. I showed the man - only cut a little off the top and DON'T cut the bangs. Next thing I knew, he took his elector razor and starting from the bottom of my hair went right to the top. Before I could scream, he then did the same - starting with my bangs and going back. What could I do? I took off my glasses and thought about barfing on him, truly. Let's say I won't be sending pictures! Two good things about it - I know longer have to wonder if my hair looks good AND should I die, my family will save money; they won't need a hair dresser. I keep telling myself - there is hope!
After the cut, I went in the toilet room of a shopping center (Game) at which we stopped on the way out of Kampala. I was in the toilet room looking in the mirror trying to make my bangs, that I don't have, longer. Two of the ladies that clean that room were watching. The ladies had on their blue smocks that say Mr. Clean on the back. They were trying to cover their mouths so I wouldn't see them laughing. One lady, finally looked directly at me, shook her head and said, "There is nothing that can be done about it." OK, that sums it up. I bought them both lunch for their honesty and for trying their best not to laugh as I explained the problem!
Tomorrow, I start long days of teaching classes, teachers, and administrators about the libraries. What a thrill to see their expressions as they first walk into the libraries...definitely not words to explain the surprise and happiness!
On one of our last meetings, I asked everyone to close their eyes and just picture in their minds the faces of the children with which they have had one-on-one time, or visited in a small group . Debbie W. cried as she mentioned two little boys who had taught her many words in the Luganda language. Others shared as well. Our hearts were bursting with so many memories made in a short time of beautiful hands, and lives that have touched each of us. Buming summed it up when he said that he really felt that we were the ones that were blessed.
Your loved ones who made the trip will never be the same. Their traveling to Uganda was part of God's design for each life. His hands reaching down to guide and direct - and the children's hands reaching out to hold ours, has changed our hearts not just for now - but for a lifetime.
Trudy
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Off to Murchison Falls
Friends and Family,I forgot to mention that on Monday of this week, we spent time at Namatala Primary in Mbale with all 3,400 students, and then traveled to Kampala, where we have been staying.
I did want to mention one happening in Mbale. I got up one morning and there was Melissa Busby (married to my nephew, Cody, who pastors First Baptist - Mulvane, Kansas) discussing with Scott and Dave that she would like to take a boda-boda motorcycle taxi to town. I told her I would prefer she didn’t, but she really wanted to. I then volunteered to go with her... . so we were off. Melissa was at the front of the boda line, with Dave, me, and then Scott trailing behind her. I prayed the whole way, as I knew Cody was going to hold me responsible if something, if anything, happened to Melissa. Dave took his cycle up beside her and filmed, perhaps so he could blackmail her later. We came up behind a huge truck and I was yelling to Melissa's driver not to go around. I found out later she was telling him it was okay - to just go! So, Cody, you have a crazy wife or perhaps your aunt has rubbed off on her!
Yesterday, we spent time at Namungoona Primary. It was great as there are only 368 students. It gave us more personal time with small groups and in classrooms. We did sing and share with the entire student body; they then entertained us with singing and dancing. It was a good morning.
Next, we did the “shop until you drop” thing for the afternoon! I think their suitcases are more loaded than when they came - if that is possible!
Yesterday evening, we borrowed the conference room and had a team meeting. We were thrilled that Herb and Ellen Cook were able to join us. Herb and Ellen are missionaries who host teams here in Uganda. Herb has lived in Africa his entire life, as his parents were missionaries to the Congo. He and Ellen have been here for almost 40 years. They rescued me when I was truly dying from malaria on my first trip. I really can't tell the story of the night Herb came to pick me up, without crying - as the team saw once again last night. :) Jaffer, our Ugandan carpenter/teacher friend of the last four years also joined us. It was a beautiful time as we had devotion and visited.
This morning, we are off to Murchison Falls, which is about a seven hour ride. It is always a great ending to the two weeks of working to build libraries and interacting with thousands of children. We will float down the Nile River while we watch the animals on the bank, do a chimp trek through the forest and take a couple game drives. In the evenings, we will have time to meet and visit about our trip.
I hope all is well in your world. We are fine and having a great time. Please keep us in your prayers the next few days, as we travel.
Love,
Trudy
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Internet - normal in Uganda
This is my sixth attempt to type this email in the last hour. I type - poof goes the electricity. They did try the generator, but just as I typed that bit of information in the last email - and included that I bet it would run out of gas, it did!
Sunday started off great. We only had one eight-seat van for our 15 volunteers. We stuck the four men in the small back of the van where luggage should be. It was really hilarious. Their heads were facing forward with their chins resting on the back of the back seat. Every time we turned a corner or hit a bump, loud groans were emitted, as we women howled with laughter! Dave named it the Muzungu Mobile. Actually, as we passed groups of people, we could here the laughter from the native people as well, as they observed the jammed van.
I wish I could think up new words this year to describe the service at Pastor Wilberforce and Sarah Okumu's church. I promise you, services in huge cathedrals and expensive churches would have a hard time comparing with those in this dirt-floor church. The joy and presence of God seems to just settle over all those present, as our wonderful friends turn loose and sing and dance before the Lord. It is truly hard not to set your feet to dancing, along with the choir, as the beautiful worship music practically raises the rafters. Actually, when our favorite song began – “Set My People Free” (Moses), I do believe I did see a line of muzungus with Sarah leading them dancing across the front of the church and down the middle aisle.
Sunday started off great. We only had one eight-seat van for our 15 volunteers. We stuck the four men in the small back of the van where luggage should be. It was really hilarious. Their heads were facing forward with their chins resting on the back of the back seat. Every time we turned a corner or hit a bump, loud groans were emitted, as we women howled with laughter! Dave named it the Muzungu Mobile. Actually, as we passed groups of people, we could here the laughter from the native people as well, as they observed the jammed van.
I wish I could think up new words this year to describe the service at Pastor Wilberforce and Sarah Okumu's church. I promise you, services in huge cathedrals and expensive churches would have a hard time comparing with those in this dirt-floor church. The joy and presence of God seems to just settle over all those present, as our wonderful friends turn loose and sing and dance before the Lord. It is truly hard not to set your feet to dancing, along with the choir, as the beautiful worship music practically raises the rafters. Actually, when our favorite song began – “Set My People Free” (Moses), I do believe I did see a line of muzungus with Sarah leading them dancing across the front of the church and down the middle aisle.Pearl Haven Christian Center
Paul sang in the service. He has shared a song for the past three years in the services. As I told him, he gets more relaxed and comfortable every year. I admit: his song was so beautiful - so worshipful - I was in tears. The sermon about the Holy Spirit at work in our lives each day truly touched hearts.
Later our group conducted a children's church. We sang “Making Melodies” and “Sing and Shout,” along with other fun, interactive songs. Sarah came up and led the children in “God is so Good,” followed by children leading the same song in their many varied tribal languages. Then we all sang together with everyone singing his his/her native language. Debbie White and Elena Mott were the voices for a fantastic puppet show featuring a hippo and crocodile, with the hippo trying to get the crocodile to open his present - the gift of salvation.
A little neighborhood boy came in the service. He had on some little pants with straps that hung on him with no underwear. Someone had tried to tie the straps together with a plastic bag. He wanted to hold everyone's hand and was quite interested in feeling of Dave's whiskers. It is difficult at times for the team to deal with the poverty they see as they interact with the children.
Later in the day, we held a youth service with Dave speaking. He did an excellent job...with a little help from his pastor, Cody Busby. :) Actually, this is the second year Dave has shared in the youth service. It is always good.
This team has all played a part in leading the services and sharing Christ, so if a name is not mentioned, be sure that that person was at the front of the church taking part in leading songs or speaking, as well. The team has worked together beautifully.
Sunday evening, the team met in the conference room of the hotel with Sarah, Wilber, Billy (Sarah's nephew), Nixon (who took care of us at the hotel) and John (our hotel driver). We furnished a great American dinner - peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato chips, and cookies! This was our last meeting in Mbale so as we sat around the table, many people shared:
Scott loved how singing and dancing became even more vibrant and active as the services progressed ... first service, second service, and then the youth service. He laughed and said the youth service was like a talent show. One guy seemed to even be dancing the Salsa to the music.
Someone mentioned that there were some children in church from North Roads Primary that carried their books we had given to them in their hands.
Dave said he wondered if perhaps African music was a glimpse of what it would be like in Heaven. He laughed remembering the fact that he had just made a major point in his sermon when a rooster crowed really loudly.
Melissa was humbled to hear that the church was taking up clothing to deliver to a poor church in another city. As Wilber said - if you have two outfits, donate one!
Buming was impressed with the huge trees growing out of rocks at Sisiyi Falls. It was explained that birds fly over them and drop seeds through “poop” and the trees are formed.
Paul sang in the service. He has shared a song for the past three years in the services. As I told him, he gets more relaxed and comfortable every year. I admit: his song was so beautiful - so worshipful - I was in tears. The sermon about the Holy Spirit at work in our lives each day truly touched hearts.
Later our group conducted a children's church. We sang “Making Melodies” and “Sing and Shout,” along with other fun, interactive songs. Sarah came up and led the children in “God is so Good,” followed by children leading the same song in their many varied tribal languages. Then we all sang together with everyone singing his his/her native language. Debbie White and Elena Mott were the voices for a fantastic puppet show featuring a hippo and crocodile, with the hippo trying to get the crocodile to open his present - the gift of salvation.
A little neighborhood boy came in the service. He had on some little pants with straps that hung on him with no underwear. Someone had tried to tie the straps together with a plastic bag. He wanted to hold everyone's hand and was quite interested in feeling of Dave's whiskers. It is difficult at times for the team to deal with the poverty they see as they interact with the children.
Later in the day, we held a youth service with Dave speaking. He did an excellent job...with a little help from his pastor, Cody Busby. :) Actually, this is the second year Dave has shared in the youth service. It is always good.
This team has all played a part in leading the services and sharing Christ, so if a name is not mentioned, be sure that that person was at the front of the church taking part in leading songs or speaking, as well. The team has worked together beautifully.
Sunday evening, the team met in the conference room of the hotel with Sarah, Wilber, Billy (Sarah's nephew), Nixon (who took care of us at the hotel) and John (our hotel driver). We furnished a great American dinner - peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato chips, and cookies! This was our last meeting in Mbale so as we sat around the table, many people shared:
Scott loved how singing and dancing became even more vibrant and active as the services progressed ... first service, second service, and then the youth service. He laughed and said the youth service was like a talent show. One guy seemed to even be dancing the Salsa to the music.
Someone mentioned that there were some children in church from North Roads Primary that carried their books we had given to them in their hands.
Dave said he wondered if perhaps African music was a glimpse of what it would be like in Heaven. He laughed remembering the fact that he had just made a major point in his sermon when a rooster crowed really loudly.
Melissa was humbled to hear that the church was taking up clothing to deliver to a poor church in another city. As Wilber said - if you have two outfits, donate one!
Buming was impressed with the huge trees growing out of rocks at Sisiyi Falls. It was explained that birds fly over them and drop seeds through “poop” and the trees are formed.
Dr. Patrick and Helen Mutono and family. Read about their medical mission: http://www.lodoi.com/.
We were impressed that Dr. Patrick and his family came back to Uganda after living eight years in the States and earning his degree in the UK because he felt he needed to be able to answer the following: If he were talking to God, how would he explain what he had done with his life.
Donita thought we should tape a service at the church and sell it as an aerobic workout tape. :)
Debbie mentioned she was impressed with how the people realize the significance of the libraries and how they will provide greater possibilities in life. They understand the difference the libraries will make.
Paul said he was impressed with how the team fit together - each with unique talents and skills.
Buming loved the morning sermon and found it thought provoking.
Wilber commented that he was impressed on how each team member took ownership of their part of the library. By letting Ugandan people help us, we were showing them love. He said that young men's lives have been changed through working with us. They will do things more excellently and timely.
Wilber was thrilled with the Christian books donated to his church. They are beginning a School of Ministry now that they have reference materials.
I donated the accordion to Nixon - who is improving by leaps and bounds. Dave donated a new pair of shoes to John, our driver, wrapped in what looked like Valentine's paper! Funny!
In the first week, we created two absolutely beautiful libraries stocked with thousands of books for almost 7,000 students, interacted in many small groups - as well as one-on-one with children, played many sports games with teachers and students, and shared His love with each student, as well as teachers and administrators. The team has become exactly that. We have also definitely been part of a larger team, as so many people from the church and schools have played a part in all that we have accomplished.
This morning we walked to Namirembe Primary, which houses our first library. They held a huge assembly outside with the choir singing and students giving summaries of books. The students have reading time each day and visit the library each week to check out books. As we met with the teachers, one after another told of the huge difference the libraries have made in the students' speaking, reading comprehension, and testing scores. They said that students that have left and moved to secondary school have come back to report that they attribute their high scores to having a library in their primary school. They also said that many parents try to move their children to Namirembe Primary when they hear the reports about the library and the changes it has made in the children's reading ability.
Later we played netball, soccer, and basketball with the students. Scott was teaching karate to a large group of boys and David Bien was showing them how to “stand” on one hand. Donita had the bubble blower going and many of our group were holding hands and children. What a beautiful day.
We also met with the students, 200 at a time. We again had the opportunity to sing Christian songs and share about the love of Jesus.
There aren't really words to describe how wonderful it is to go back with teams for the fourth year to this school. We have developed such wonderful friendships. We are so excited when we see each other; we just dash into each other's arms! We are developing the same relationships with our others schools - but this will always be our “baby.”
This is long so I will wind it up. A headmistress that has a school in the largest slums in Kampala has emailed me for over a year wanting a library. Today she persuaded us to bring the team to see her school. The school was definitely in the slums, and could use a library, the same as many others.
The funniest part: She had her car to carry four of us and ordered a matatu (white small window van) for the remainder. This matatu was truly a disaster. It probably should have been in the junk yard some time sooner. But, they bravely piled in. However, when it was time to return to our hotel, the fun began. The headmistress said she had to get her children, so that we all needed to take the matatu. The legal limit of passengers is 14 - we were 18! I admit ... I sat in the front and tried to keep from laughing all the way back. I ride matatus often, but try never to put my teams in them. We were crammed - really crammed - with little air. Put that with hitting major traffic jams - two lanes that were now at least four, people and motorcycles weaving in and out - motorcycles headed the wrong direction in traffic, cars that you could touch by putting your hand out the window in any direction - and you can get a picture of our adventure.
Of course, you should add in some really bumpy, dirt roads to the excitement. What fun! I think all visitors should experience this! The team did great and it gave us all a good laugh!
Have to go. The Internet access is closing. I hope this is readable since I can't go back and check!
Love to you all. What an amazing journey it has been! Your loved ones will be home before you know. Thanks for letting them travel!
Trudy
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Volunteers Director blogs from Uganda
Read Scott Porter's impressions and see his photos: http://scottinuganda.blogspot.com
Great day in Uganda!
I know. This is unusual. Usually I go days without writing and then send a novel. I am trying to do better.In case I didn't mention it, our baggage arrived two days after we arrived, and was delivered to our hotel by an airport taxi. One of the airlines paid the driver's fee. God probably felt he had no choice but to get it to us, as we were all bombarding heaven constantly begging for clean clothes and supplies. Thank goodness He is in control when we aren't!
I forgot to mention that we did have a huge feast at the grand opening of North Road though it had been whited-out on the program. After the food, they brought out an enormous platter of fruit for out team. We were stuffed so took a small amount. I then took the platter of fruit to the speakers who were all still eating on the stage. I knelt on one knee to serve them. They found it hilarious that the muzungu was on her knee serving.
During my first stay in Kampala, the girls and women in the home in which I stayed always knelt before the husband / father when they first arrived home. I did that, also, and still do when I visit their home each year. The family always calls me Namibu, my African name. At North Road Primary, most of the young girls dropped to one knee to receive the gifts given out by the team at the school. Now, if I could just get my American students to drop to one knee. :)
Today we went to Sisiyi Falls. I would like for everyone to think we are starving in the slums of Africa, but this place is a lush, tropical paradise that would remind one of pictures of Hawaii. A beautiful waterfall cascades 309 feet off the mountain. The scenery is breathtaking. Dr. Patrick and Helen Mutono had chairs set in a circle under the trees. They had arranged a dinner of pork, chicken, beef, potato salad, fresh vegetable salad, boiled potatoes, with a dessert of fruit salad. It was exactly what we needed: a relaxing, fun day. It gave us time to prepare for the children and youth services that we will lead tomorrow at Wilber and Sarah's church. I would like to send our thanks to my friend in Austin, Lynne Dobson, who not only urged me to take the team to Seseye Falls, but paid for our dinner as well! Bless you, Lynne!
Backtracking a bit. This morning I got up early and took a boda-boda to town. I went to my favorite restaurant and brought a couple menus back to the team. This restaurant serves Chinese, Italian, Indian, Ugandan, and American food. Three of the team has ordered Indian food for this evening; the rest went for cheeseburgers and fries. Scott laughed and said it was going to look funny when we all went home weighing more than when we arrived. I just add that when we were creating the libraries, food was a bit scarce. There were days we resorted to the snacks we had brought.
Tomorrow will be another great day as we worship at Wilber and Sarah's church. Their music and his preaching is enough to start your heart pumping ... and your toes tapping! What a treat. If we could bottle it and send it home, we would be rich!
Love and best wishes from my home away from home,
Trudy
Grand Opening
Good morning, or afternoon, it may be at your home.
We had the grand opening of the North Road Laurel Library yesterday. However, there was a bit of a revolt. North Road management planned the program without consulting Mbale Secondary administration, so the Mbale headmaster came and pleaded with me to let them have their own “grand opening” on Monday morning, which is fine.
We had at least 10 speakers at the grand opening. They were running on Uganda time - over an hour late starting. The many officials were to have short time-frames for speaking, but they were rather long. I was on the stage with the speakers, including Wilber and Sarah. What I wouldn't have given for a video camera. The room was warm and my poor overworked team was tired. I spent the whole time grinning as they all tried ever so hard to keep their eyes open. So funny!
Usually the grand openings have lots of singing by different groups, skits, etc. We did have one fabulous group of children do a chant, with lots of motion, about Libraries of Love and how they would use the library. It was outstanding. After the speakers, they had several beautiful cakes. One was for the Libraries of Love team, one for Wilber and Sarah, guest speakers, etc. The cakes were beautiful and there was plenty for everyone to have a bite. We appreciated their efforts.
We then went to play soccer. The field was lined with hundreds of secondary students. I must say, our team was really good. They were all over that field. I was impressed! We tied! Surprise! Surprise! It was lots of fun though we have a few sore legs today.
More later... . It has been a great trip.
Love,
Trudy
We had the grand opening of the North Road Laurel Library yesterday. However, there was a bit of a revolt. North Road management planned the program without consulting Mbale Secondary administration, so the Mbale headmaster came and pleaded with me to let them have their own “grand opening” on Monday morning, which is fine.
We had at least 10 speakers at the grand opening. They were running on Uganda time - over an hour late starting. The many officials were to have short time-frames for speaking, but they were rather long. I was on the stage with the speakers, including Wilber and Sarah. What I wouldn't have given for a video camera. The room was warm and my poor overworked team was tired. I spent the whole time grinning as they all tried ever so hard to keep their eyes open. So funny!
Usually the grand openings have lots of singing by different groups, skits, etc. We did have one fabulous group of children do a chant, with lots of motion, about Libraries of Love and how they would use the library. It was outstanding. After the speakers, they had several beautiful cakes. One was for the Libraries of Love team, one for Wilber and Sarah, guest speakers, etc. The cakes were beautiful and there was plenty for everyone to have a bite. We appreciated their efforts.
We then went to play soccer. The field was lined with hundreds of secondary students. I must say, our team was really good. They were all over that field. I was impressed! We tied! Surprise! Surprise! It was lots of fun though we have a few sore legs today.
More later... . It has been a great trip.
Love,
Trudy
Friday, June 13, 2008
Amazing Journey
Dear Family and Friends,
I have 25 minutes before we leave for the grand opening of the libraries!
The days have gone quickly, as we have been working intensely from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can't imagine the work this is, yet there is the feeling of total amazement as bare rooms turn into absolutely beautiful libraries stocked with thousands of books. Around the room you can hear cheers erupt as the different volunteers finish the section of the library on which they are working. In fact, yesterday, I was beside myself with joy, practically jumping up and down, as I finished putting all the books in the 300 section of the nonfiction in order. As I was making a fool of myself, someone yelled at me and told me I had missed five boxes! What can I say!
The team had a chance to meet with all 3,888 students at North Road Primary to sing and share yesterday. They marched them in about 300 at a time. Oh my! Those beautiful, shiny eyes and their smiles aren't something I can describe. Different team members rotated out speaking and leading in singing. As several mentioned, it was difficult at times to look at those huge smiles and then let your eyes travel down to the tattered clothes and shoes that were not fit to even be worn - or no shoes at all. I finally had to walk away yesterday as I was in tears, before returning.
There have been difficulties, which make great memories. The guys had a huge room to cut the lumber for the bookshelves. However, they then had to take it up a hill and three flights of short stairs to take it into the library. Also, they didn't have a separate room for us to sort the books, so the library was a crammed place with book sorting and the assembling of the bookshelves.
Our hotel and the staff have been wonderful, with many becoming our good friends. There is a bit of a problem with the water. We consider it a miracle if we have hot water. I haven't had a hot shower yet. However, Donita and Paul's water was down to a trickle yesterday, so she came to use mine - and had a hot shower!
Last night, we thought the school was going to feed us, so we called the hotel to cancel the evening meal. However, they told us they had just slaughtered the chickens so if we could come it would be good. We did!
The young man, Nixon, who is assigned to make things go smoothly for us at the hotel, loves my accordion. He asked yesterday morning if he could play it, so I left it with him for the day and he 'blessed' us both meals with his playing. We all tried to keep straight faces since he had a huge grin as he played, but it was pretty bad. My guess is I will be donating my third accordion to someone in Uganda!
We have had a van shuttle, and Mbale is small enough one can walk between the schools, but you miss part of the excitement. Yesterday I was telling Scott and Paul that my boda-boda motorcycle taxi was going way too fast. Paul laughed and said he thought his driver was trying to set a speed record until he saw Scott go whizzing past. What fun! Rest assured. Most team members are not riding boda-bodas. I did take a bicycle taxi yesterday which is fun, also.
Back to the opening ceremony, since I am running out of time. The ceremony will last from 11:30 - 3:30. We are meeting at North Road and then moving to Mbale Secondary to view the library. We then move back to North Road for the ceremony. We will have 15 speakers. Though most have been given 5- to 10-minute time slots, that never happen. The speakers are government or school officials. Rev. Wilberforce Okumu will introduce me, so it will be nice to be on the program after him. I admit, I found last year's speech and just reworked it. :) At the bottom of the program it says that the American team leader is giving out presents. I am not sure exactly what that means. We did bring presents for 7,000 kids and 300 teachers, but that has nothing to do with the ceremony. So what am I giving and to whom? Oh, there is one last line on the program. It says: lunch - close of ceremony. Unfortunately, lunch is whited out. :)
After the ceremony, we are taking on the Mbale Secondary soccer team. We have heard they have been practicing two weeks so they can slaughter us. They could have skipped the practice. We have then been invited to Wilber and Sarah's for the evening. For those that don't know, Wilber is a pastor that invited me to his home on my first trip to Africa. We met on the Internet through the Ugandan Embassy site. His wife is a high school English teacher in a village. His ministry was instrumental in God touching my heart about providing libraries and sharing God's love in Uganda.
Tomorrow is our day of rest. We are going away to have an African BBQ at a place that has a falls. A Ugandan doctor and his wife that I met in Austin own the land and falls and have groups come for food and fellowship. We will be planning our Sunday services. The morning will find us in Wilberforce's church - which is a total, overwhelming blessing. My team will then conduct a children's service and youth service in the afternoon. It will be a busy - but wonderful day.
My love and best to each of you. Please keep us in your prayers.
Trudy
I have 25 minutes before we leave for the grand opening of the libraries!
The days have gone quickly, as we have been working intensely from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can't imagine the work this is, yet there is the feeling of total amazement as bare rooms turn into absolutely beautiful libraries stocked with thousands of books. Around the room you can hear cheers erupt as the different volunteers finish the section of the library on which they are working. In fact, yesterday, I was beside myself with joy, practically jumping up and down, as I finished putting all the books in the 300 section of the nonfiction in order. As I was making a fool of myself, someone yelled at me and told me I had missed five boxes! What can I say!
The team had a chance to meet with all 3,888 students at North Road Primary to sing and share yesterday. They marched them in about 300 at a time. Oh my! Those beautiful, shiny eyes and their smiles aren't something I can describe. Different team members rotated out speaking and leading in singing. As several mentioned, it was difficult at times to look at those huge smiles and then let your eyes travel down to the tattered clothes and shoes that were not fit to even be worn - or no shoes at all. I finally had to walk away yesterday as I was in tears, before returning.
There have been difficulties, which make great memories. The guys had a huge room to cut the lumber for the bookshelves. However, they then had to take it up a hill and three flights of short stairs to take it into the library. Also, they didn't have a separate room for us to sort the books, so the library was a crammed place with book sorting and the assembling of the bookshelves.
Our hotel and the staff have been wonderful, with many becoming our good friends. There is a bit of a problem with the water. We consider it a miracle if we have hot water. I haven't had a hot shower yet. However, Donita and Paul's water was down to a trickle yesterday, so she came to use mine - and had a hot shower!
Last night, we thought the school was going to feed us, so we called the hotel to cancel the evening meal. However, they told us they had just slaughtered the chickens so if we could come it would be good. We did!
The young man, Nixon, who is assigned to make things go smoothly for us at the hotel, loves my accordion. He asked yesterday morning if he could play it, so I left it with him for the day and he 'blessed' us both meals with his playing. We all tried to keep straight faces since he had a huge grin as he played, but it was pretty bad. My guess is I will be donating my third accordion to someone in Uganda!
We have had a van shuttle, and Mbale is small enough one can walk between the schools, but you miss part of the excitement. Yesterday I was telling Scott and Paul that my boda-boda motorcycle taxi was going way too fast. Paul laughed and said he thought his driver was trying to set a speed record until he saw Scott go whizzing past. What fun! Rest assured. Most team members are not riding boda-bodas. I did take a bicycle taxi yesterday which is fun, also.
Back to the opening ceremony, since I am running out of time. The ceremony will last from 11:30 - 3:30. We are meeting at North Road and then moving to Mbale Secondary to view the library. We then move back to North Road for the ceremony. We will have 15 speakers. Though most have been given 5- to 10-minute time slots, that never happen. The speakers are government or school officials. Rev. Wilberforce Okumu will introduce me, so it will be nice to be on the program after him. I admit, I found last year's speech and just reworked it. :) At the bottom of the program it says that the American team leader is giving out presents. I am not sure exactly what that means. We did bring presents for 7,000 kids and 300 teachers, but that has nothing to do with the ceremony. So what am I giving and to whom? Oh, there is one last line on the program. It says: lunch - close of ceremony. Unfortunately, lunch is whited out. :)
After the ceremony, we are taking on the Mbale Secondary soccer team. We have heard they have been practicing two weeks so they can slaughter us. They could have skipped the practice. We have then been invited to Wilber and Sarah's for the evening. For those that don't know, Wilber is a pastor that invited me to his home on my first trip to Africa. We met on the Internet through the Ugandan Embassy site. His wife is a high school English teacher in a village. His ministry was instrumental in God touching my heart about providing libraries and sharing God's love in Uganda.
Tomorrow is our day of rest. We are going away to have an African BBQ at a place that has a falls. A Ugandan doctor and his wife that I met in Austin own the land and falls and have groups come for food and fellowship. We will be planning our Sunday services. The morning will find us in Wilberforce's church - which is a total, overwhelming blessing. My team will then conduct a children's service and youth service in the afternoon. It will be a busy - but wonderful day.
My love and best to each of you. Please keep us in your prayers.
Trudy
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thanks for the books to Mbale Secondary School
The following was addressed to the Libraries of Love board of directors from Geofrey Chelibe, headmaster of Mbale Secondary School:
Dear Friends,
I am Geofrey from Mbale Secondary School. I would like to appreciate you for your love, time and availing yourself to volunteer in the Libraries of Love. I got a chance to read through the books as they were putting them in the bookshelves. I read through the books and they were so good, and our students and staff will be happy to read them.
Secondly, I noticed that all the team had a good team spirit, and it was amazing that the men put up a bookshelf in just a few minutes, which is unbelievable. The ladies worked so hard and had the books put in order and onto the bookshelves as quickly as possible. That was great. Thank you, ladies. All I can say is thanks so much for the books and the love for us in Mbale Secondary School. We do appreciate.
Thanks to the pastor (Rev. Wilberforce Okumu) and family for coordinating your team.
God bless.
Thanks,
Geofrey
Dear Friends,
I am Geofrey from Mbale Secondary School. I would like to appreciate you for your love, time and availing yourself to volunteer in the Libraries of Love. I got a chance to read through the books as they were putting them in the bookshelves. I read through the books and they were so good, and our students and staff will be happy to read them.
Secondly, I noticed that all the team had a good team spirit, and it was amazing that the men put up a bookshelf in just a few minutes, which is unbelievable. The ladies worked so hard and had the books put in order and onto the bookshelves as quickly as possible. That was great. Thank you, ladies. All I can say is thanks so much for the books and the love for us in Mbale Secondary School. We do appreciate.
Thanks to the pastor (Rev. Wilberforce Okumu) and family for coordinating your team.
God bless.
Thanks,
Geofrey
Monday, June 09, 2008
Mess to Miracle
Dear Family and Friends,
I just wanted to let you know we have made it safely to Mbale. We did experience some problems. Our airplane from Austin was delayed; the plane from Kansas was delayed, as well. The Kansas group arrived in Chicago to catch the connecting flight at about 7:45 pm, and we stepped off our plane at 8:00 pm. Our flight was to leave for London at 8:25. We had to run - and believe me - we did run, across the airport, catching a tram to a totally different terminal at Chicago O'Hare.
When we were in transit to the other terminal, we found that two members of our team had not printed their boarding passes from British Airways. We rushed to BA to find they had closed for the night - no boarding passes. I sent the rest of the team to the gate so they could make the flight to London with the Kansas and Illinois groups. A major problem facing the three of us that evening was the fact that British Airways only flies into Uganda three days a week. If we weren't able to leave on a flight that night, we would have been in London for two days.
A miracle: We went back to American, which was our airline to Chicago. I told them the situation saying that we had to be on a plane that night. I was told it couldn't happen. Our suitcases had been downloaded from the airplane. We were to pick them up in the morning and then fly out the next day. Finally, after much discussion, the lady said she would speak to the supervisor. I stepped to the side and prayed. The supervisor did quite a lot of checking, and then put all three of us on the 10:30 p.m. American Airlines flight to London. After we boarded, a call came over the speaker and asked if three people would be willing to get off the plane, as they had overbooked. Then they asked 8 more people to volunteer to get off the plane. We were given seats on an airplane that was already overbooked by 11 people. How amazing is that?! God is good!
The latest: Because we all arrived at the airport in Chicago at 'take off time', we have 10 people whose luggage has not arrived in Uganda. The next BA flight doesn't arrive until Wednesday - the next on Saturday. Please pray that all of our luggage will arrive, not just for clothes, but ministry tools, puppets, gifts, etc. ... The people at the airport believe the teams' luggage is still in Chicago. It is a problem especially since we are about a five hour drive from the airport.
Tonight we had a wonderful time meeting and enjoyed getting acquainted with others on the team We will be leaving the hotel in the morning about 7:30, and will work until at least 8:00pm. The next few days will be crazy.
I hope all is well in Texas! I am thrilled to be in Uganda and looking forward to daily adventures.
Trudy
I just wanted to let you know we have made it safely to Mbale. We did experience some problems. Our airplane from Austin was delayed; the plane from Kansas was delayed, as well. The Kansas group arrived in Chicago to catch the connecting flight at about 7:45 pm, and we stepped off our plane at 8:00 pm. Our flight was to leave for London at 8:25. We had to run - and believe me - we did run, across the airport, catching a tram to a totally different terminal at Chicago O'Hare.
When we were in transit to the other terminal, we found that two members of our team had not printed their boarding passes from British Airways. We rushed to BA to find they had closed for the night - no boarding passes. I sent the rest of the team to the gate so they could make the flight to London with the Kansas and Illinois groups. A major problem facing the three of us that evening was the fact that British Airways only flies into Uganda three days a week. If we weren't able to leave on a flight that night, we would have been in London for two days.
A miracle: We went back to American, which was our airline to Chicago. I told them the situation saying that we had to be on a plane that night. I was told it couldn't happen. Our suitcases had been downloaded from the airplane. We were to pick them up in the morning and then fly out the next day. Finally, after much discussion, the lady said she would speak to the supervisor. I stepped to the side and prayed. The supervisor did quite a lot of checking, and then put all three of us on the 10:30 p.m. American Airlines flight to London. After we boarded, a call came over the speaker and asked if three people would be willing to get off the plane, as they had overbooked. Then they asked 8 more people to volunteer to get off the plane. We were given seats on an airplane that was already overbooked by 11 people. How amazing is that?! God is good!
The latest: Because we all arrived at the airport in Chicago at 'take off time', we have 10 people whose luggage has not arrived in Uganda. The next BA flight doesn't arrive until Wednesday - the next on Saturday. Please pray that all of our luggage will arrive, not just for clothes, but ministry tools, puppets, gifts, etc. ... The people at the airport believe the teams' luggage is still in Chicago. It is a problem especially since we are about a five hour drive from the airport.
Tonight we had a wonderful time meeting and enjoyed getting acquainted with others on the team We will be leaving the hotel in the morning about 7:30, and will work until at least 8:00pm. The next few days will be crazy.
I hope all is well in Texas! I am thrilled to be in Uganda and looking forward to daily adventures.
Trudy
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Time to Travel
Friends,
It is that time already. We will leave Saturday at 3:30 pm, arriving in Entebbe, Monday morning, at 7:40. It will be exciting for our
Austin group to meet in Chicago with those traveling from Illinois and Kansas. This year, like last year, all of those traveling will be wearing our Libraries of Love t-shirts. It makes it much easier to spot the rest of the team!
I am so excited about returning (my fifth summer) that I am already packed. We hired a Ugandan carpenter to sand and stain the 14-foot planks needed for the bookcases. With the planks finished, Paul and his team will quickly be ready to start creating bookcases.
The ladies will tackle unpacking 24,000 books - plus stopping often to hold little hands and visit with the kids. The teachers are interesting. When they open boxes, they are so amazed they forget work. They just sit down and start looking through the books, which totally thrills us!
We have so many wonderful relationships which we have built over the last several years, that it is a blessing just to see our friends once again. As you know, we will not only be creating two large libraries, we will also be revisiting our previous six schools that have received libraries and looking for locations for future libraries!
It will be an extremely busy time while the team is there - busy, but so rewarding.
As the Ugandans would say: Please pray with us for “traveling mercies,” as we go to provide libraries and share His love.
Trudy
It is that time already. We will leave Saturday at 3:30 pm, arriving in Entebbe, Monday morning, at 7:40. It will be exciting for our
Austin group to meet in Chicago with those traveling from Illinois and Kansas. This year, like last year, all of those traveling will be wearing our Libraries of Love t-shirts. It makes it much easier to spot the rest of the team!I am so excited about returning (my fifth summer) that I am already packed. We hired a Ugandan carpenter to sand and stain the 14-foot planks needed for the bookcases. With the planks finished, Paul and his team will quickly be ready to start creating bookcases.
The ladies will tackle unpacking 24,000 books - plus stopping often to hold little hands and visit with the kids. The teachers are interesting. When they open boxes, they are so amazed they forget work. They just sit down and start looking through the books, which totally thrills us!
We have so many wonderful relationships which we have built over the last several years, that it is a blessing just to see our friends once again. As you know, we will not only be creating two large libraries, we will also be revisiting our previous six schools that have received libraries and looking for locations for future libraries!
It will be an extremely busy time while the team is there - busy, but so rewarding.
As the Ugandans would say: Please pray with us for “traveling mercies,” as we go to provide libraries and share His love.
Trudy
I am a dancin'
Sent by Executive Director Trudy Marshall to the travel team on June 4:
Well, if I had rythmn, I would dance! I may not be dancing, but I am packing my clothes! I will see you all in two days. That makes me just want to just jump up and down for joy!
In a few days, I am going to be hugging Wilberforce, Sarah, Mercy, and lots and lots of smiling kids!
The last week has been stressful, I'm sure, for all of us as we make last minute arrangements, and have to think about leaving our families. Just think what an amazing gift you are giving your children and family members, however. They will always remember you were willing to go to the other side of the world to share with kids who need your touch, as well as our gift of books.
The Bible teaches that what you do for the least of these, you do for Him! You are a true example of being Christ's hands, feet, eyes, etc. You will hear me say this over and over - it is a huge privilege to be able to go and serve. I know the students and teachers are blessed - but I always, always come home feeling like I was the one that was showered with blessings! Those eyes, those smiles, those little hands.......
God is good - all the time (as they love to say in Uganda)!
Let's Go!!!
You will love the chapates - hot off the grill!
Well, if I had rythmn, I would dance! I may not be dancing, but I am packing my clothes! I will see you all in two days. That makes me just want to just jump up and down for joy!
In a few days, I am going to be hugging Wilberforce, Sarah, Mercy, and lots and lots of smiling kids!
The last week has been stressful, I'm sure, for all of us as we make last minute arrangements, and have to think about leaving our families. Just think what an amazing gift you are giving your children and family members, however. They will always remember you were willing to go to the other side of the world to share with kids who need your touch, as well as our gift of books.
The Bible teaches that what you do for the least of these, you do for Him! You are a true example of being Christ's hands, feet, eyes, etc. You will hear me say this over and over - it is a huge privilege to be able to go and serve. I know the students and teachers are blessed - but I always, always come home feeling like I was the one that was showered with blessings! Those eyes, those smiles, those little hands.......
God is good - all the time (as they love to say in Uganda)!
Let's Go!!!
You will love the chapates - hot off the grill!
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