This marks my 4th week here in Jinja! The days can be long, and it is rarely quite here. You hear the call of Islamic prayer, chirping of bugs at night and the singing/noise of birds in the morning, and maybe a creepy sounding cat a night! I even got to see two baby goats that had recently been born and still had the umbilical cords! We sleep under mosquito nets and geckos crawl on the walls in the house. Last night I saw a roach that was a healthy size and thankfully I didn't see it this morning! I have been able to to perform malaria tests and have cleaned wounds. I have waited over a couple hours to see a Dr and because of that time, the Lord allowed us to establish a relationship with another Dr that was able to see a couple of our kiddos. I still throw out the word "ya'll," maybe it will rub off on Emily and Sam before I leave here, my British friends: ). Saturday, I was able to eat with friends and ordered a bacon and egg sandwich and it was great and also got to meet with a friend and chat and have coffee, the real deal coffee! A lot of the kiddos living in the community went back to school today, so this morning there were not as many children outside. I have heard my name as "Auntie Sarah" :) and also "muzungo" which means white person. The kids will run up and yell "muzungo"! They may give you a hug, hold your hand, and often you can hear them say "bye". Sunday, for worship and time in the Word, we meet under the Eucalyptus trees. It is beautiful here, the sky, wow! You can go in to the local community and buy bananas, coke (plastic and bottled!), avocados, tomatoes, onions, African foods, and these tasty little fried breads, known as "half cakes".  Today is a special day back in the Sates, Memorial Day. A day that is often spent time off from work, cooking out, spending time with friends, go the pool. We live in a very privileged nation! Thank you to the men and women who have fought for our freedom in the land of the free and brave. Until next time,
                                                                                          Auntie Sarah :)

A cocacola and a brownie at the table (my dentist would be so happy, at least I have a straw:) This marks my 2nd week here in Uganda. I have tasted the local food, been bare feet in the house, if you know me this is a challenge :), have been to a local hospital, let's just say we have incredible health care services offered at home, cleaned utensils (ya know the old fashion way, boil them in water!), seen a lot of farm like animals, the neighbors pet monkey in one of Ekisa's trees, met new people.... the weather here is hot but it cools off in the evening. Dry season is to come in June. Tomorrow I get to be part of a great community of believers here in Jinja. The weekend is pretty laid back here, so I have down time.  I confess, I am the anxious type, I try and move in to the future instead of staying where I am. I carry around my burdens, instead taking them over and over to my Father. It's challenging to submit. I know I have friends praying for my time here. It seems like an extended amount of time that I am here, but it really isn't that long in the scheme of my life. I had the opportunity to speak with my brother this week. He spoke wisdom when he shared how the Christian life isn't meant to be a sprint he encouraged me to soak it all in, this time I am in, here in Uganda. It's more comfortable at home, easier to call up friends family at many times during the day. Will you join in praying that I will rely Christ. This up coming week isn't booked with a lot of things, for now:) I have the privilege in working with a local nurse here. She knows a lot and is familiar with the children, pray for wisdom and compassion as we work with the children. Enjoy the weekend, time with family and friends, and for many, fellowship.  and GO GRIZ!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, she's wonderful. Not only is she my mom, she's my friend. It is so wonderful to be able to have internet/ phone to be able to communicate. My mom she loves much and serves. She has given much of her time to love and care for others, but she can because she loves Christ and He dwells within her. Mom when I get back, Las Tortugas please, Logan...maybe he can come too:) Love you so much

So, I made it! I made it here last Friday :). I am in town and recently had a chocolate croissant and a bottled coke, and I am getting a good connection for internet! It is for sure been out of my comfort zone here. I have the opportunity to ride on motorcycles (called botas here). I would be lying if I said I was not afraid. The driving here, well it's an understood craziness. There are geckos in the house, which is good, they eat the bugs, as long as they stay away form near the top of my bed or in it:)  As many of you may know, I am here help fill in for Erika the RN working at Ekisa Ministries. This week I have been to different parts of Uganda, been to a zoo, been to clinics, walked in town, tasted the local food, drank hot tea, and haven't drank much coffee (got the instant coffee today!) and what could take maybe a shorter amount of time to get somewhere, ends up being longer, traffic can get congested. I had the opportunity to meet other RN/missionaries here in town yesterday, which was so good. I have been able to see how things are run at Ekisa. The children here  loved on, cared for, Emily teaches, children visit Dr's, they do art, crafts. There is a lot that goes on Ekisa. One such even that took place this week, was a trip to a zoo! So all the children except one (needed a clinic appointment) were packed up and traveled to the zoo. It took planning, food, changes of clothes, volunteers, diapers, mammas,  ( this is what they call the women that help care for the children here, the volunteers that come are aunties and uncles), and more. It took a drive to get there, it was near the airport in Entebee. So after about maybe 2.45 min to maybe close to 3 hrs of travel, The children first ate a snack, on grass shared with monkeys that were out in the front part of the zoo, ya know the "steal your food & get to close to you" monkeys. In fact monkeys jumped on one of the children and another grabbed food out of the volunteers hands. Then as I was sitting on the ground, I felt what I first thought was maybe rain water. But then there was more coming down, I looked up, yep one was going to the bathroom in the tree above me, and way to close to me.
My friends and family, I am blessed to have them. I have been encouraged not just with words but with words from Him. I am thankful for the notes that my friends and family wrote. Encouragement is so important. Even my sweet GA girls wrote notes to encourage me, even instruct me! It's been tough, but His grace is so sufficient, now if I can trust in Him and His word. Pray that I will.
Thank you for praying for me, encouraging me. Until next post!:)