I am currently writing from a small internet cafe in Kampala and can gladly say that we are here, we are safe, and I am embracing this experience to its entirety. I can’t imagine trying to process all that has happened in a blog post, but I will do my best to debrief.

After posting from Amsterdam, we boarded the plane but remained at a stand still for two hours due to mechanical problems. The plane had very few English Americans, and we were all pretty worn out as it was. Sleep didn’t come easy for me, as I only had about 3 hours of sleep in the trips entirety. We arrived to the airport and immediately felt the presence of Africa. After the visas were purchased and passports were stamped, we gathered all of our bags (23 of the 24 were there) and were welcomed by Michael,the Ugandan leader of the orphanage and school, Rebecca, Isaac, and a few others from My Father’s House. We are staying in a separate home, comparable to a hotel on some levels, and I experienced my first toilet/shower combo. The mosquito nets drape over our beds at night in an attempt to slow down the mosquitos.

The children… they are beautiful. I have experienced a love that I had not seen, heard, or felt before. They all LOVE to dance and sing, something very close to my heart. I have given more hugs in one day that I have in the last year. Some of the older children love to do handshakes like we do back in the States. In our welcoming service, they performed various rituals, and after our introductions, they asked me to come on stage to learn some dances. I have to admit, once I learn how to move my hips a bit more, I will be a natural. (Note to Self: get a Zumba tape when I get back home).

The children LOVE taking photos and seeing snaps of themselves. The Lord has taught me a lot about patience and simply trust, as I hand over the camera and let children who can’t even understand me take photos of their friends. One little boy has learned the rule of thirds already, and is becoming quite the professional. Ronnie is a little boy who lives in the home, and every time I see him he is dancing, climbing trees, or causing some sort of chaos. Ruth, she knows how to get our attention. And when she does, she ends up laughing or in our arms. One of the most beautiful singers in the choir politely came up to me afterwards to talk and asked for my LIVESTRONG bracelet, a staple to my self since the 7th grade. It was extremely difficult to imagine looking down at my left wrist and not see that lifelong symbol, however the Lord was present in the moment. I encouraged this young orphan, to continue to live strong and love the lord. Nothing in this world is my own. And the Lord is continuing to work on my heart in that.

Last night, praise and worship at Rebecca’s home with the children was absolutely beautiful. The Lord is in that place, and the children are the first to recognize it. These kids all have incredible stories, bright futures, and the ability to love that I can only imagine seeing in America.

The food is basics: rice, beans, and chipotay (spelled wrong). We enjoyed fresh pineapple while playing futbol and at breakfast we drink African Chai with delicious eggs. My stomach isn’t fully adjusted quite yet, but I’m getting there. Sleep, simply put, just isn’t happening. I do not know how I am still fully functioning, but the Lord has provided an energy and anticipation of this week. This afternoon we will be traveling to the slums to deliver clothing, bibles, and a few other necessities. As we drove though Kampala, crowded into our van, I quickly recognized that Uganda has many sides.. It’s very unique faces are evident, some of which are right next to each other. On one side of the wall stands the palace, while the homeless rest under trees on the other.

Driving conditions are insane here. I was warned about being crowded into vehicles and the fast movement, but it’s incredible how people pass each other and move around. Sitting next to the window can be quite the scare if you see a motorcycle fly by inches from your face.

We are trying to learn Lugandan as much as we can. So far, I’ve gotten “Hi”, “How are You?” and the responses, and “Good Night”. I spent many minutes trying to learn to say “Playing soccer with my good friends”, but we will work on that. I told Chris and Ivan that I would not need to learn how to say “score a goal” since my skills were lacking.

Your continuous prayers are so welcomed and appreciated. I have done a lot of writing in my journal and will be sharing that along the way. I must also say that your prayers are needed as we figure out filming details. I am renting out equipment on Thursday and Friday and will have little to time to film and produce. God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.

Mukisa.