Hey friends!

It’s been a crazy week here in Uganda! Monday, the school term started (yeah, I know, it’s weird…but in Uganda they have three 3-month terms for school, and they think our two terms are weird.) so Laura, Davey, and I met the teachers of the two schools where we were going to teach. One of them, Nkokonjeru Primary (think Elementary school), is a government-run public school that is not considered to be a very good school, although Kathy, my host mom, told us that it’s a pretty decent school. The other, Bible Baptist School, is a very small Christian school that is very young (they started in 2005).
Monday was also a very sad day. Justice, one of our friends here, was gone because one of his friends died suddenly from malaria. Our language teacher, Edison, told us his sister had died on Friday in childbirth, and while teaching us he got a phone call that his aunt had just died from cancer surgery. A friend of another missionary family had just passed away as well. Death is really real here, and very common. It’s a sobering way of life, and sorrowful. It doesn’t get any easier with time, the long-termers tell us.

Tuesday, I went to teach in the morning at Nkokonjeru Primary. The teacher introduced my to the class (4 years olds who are adorable and don’t speak much English), handed me the chalk and said “here you go!” if anyone ever tells you that you don’t have to be super prepared to teach before setting foot in an African school, DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. That is all I have to say. (it was actually quite fun, to be honest...)
Tuesday was also our team meeting, which for me is really encouraging. We get together and pray, and sing a lot, and sometimes have a short devotional. I’m seeing so many songs in a new light, here. (And many other things…did you ever consider that people EAT grasshoppers for a snack when you read that the Israelites were scared to go into the promised land because they “were like grasshoppers” before the people of the land?!?! Dude.)

Wednesday, I was really sick. I was the third one in three days to get so sick that I couldn’t leave home, but fortunately Jesus loves me so I didn’t die. In all seriousness though, please pray for our health. One of the team members is so sick she can’t leaver her home, and many of us are struggling.

Thursday I spoke to the entire assembly at Bible Baptist school. That was exciting. I talked to them about being salt and light from Matthew 5:1-16. Laura helped me teach them a song- oh yeah, that’s another fun thing bout Africa. Because I’m a Muzingu (the African word for any foreigner) CLEARLY I am a great singer. (I can sing, but I’m not very good) I don’t know if I can count the number of groups that have asked me to teach them songs. (another thing you should be warned of before coming to Africa). Although again, it’s a lot of fun, and just about everyone is willing to teach you their songs as well (and they have better songs anyway).

Ai, and they all feed you. A LOT.

Anyway, I’m a little disappointed that I haven’t gotten any marriage proposals recently, (though I have had a number of men who are interested, it seems). But not to worry...we’ve gotten a little sick of cows, so I don’t think any of the boys will sell me as a wife. (Although Davey did figure out how to say, “I don’t want cows, I want lions”…but the number of Ugandans with enough lions to trade for a Muzingu wife aren’t really very high. So I think I’m safe.)

On a very serious note, Josiah and I are both considering staying another two weeks here in Uganda. Please pray for me, because I have to pretty much decide today or tomorrow. On the one hand, I really want to, and I can afford the time, and I would learn a lot and do some good. On the other hand, I am really struggling with my health and emotions and don’t know if it’s wise to stay, and on the other hand, it’s a great chance, and on the other hand, I don’t know if it’s just me wanting to stay or if I really would do some good…yes. That’s what me head has been sounding like for the past four or five days. I’m praying for clarity and that God would lead me in doing the right thing.

Anyway, I’m about to head home to bake for movie night tonight. (Yes. We have technology in Uganda.) Please keep praying. I miss you all a lot, and I hope to see you soon.

Christina