The Crazy Adventures of an American Mzungu

I am a fan of quotes. At the end of each of my journal entries, I put a quote that sums up what I wrote about. Each stage of my life, I have some kind of quote page of things that were said during that time. Throughout all my college scrapbooks, I write the funny quotes of the strange scenarios that we got ourselves into. I have pages of quotes from different jobs. I have also been collecting quotes throughout my time at Redeemer House. Many are too good not to share. Here is a small collection with explanations and stories. Every night, we have a time of devotion and prayer with the children. Some of the best quotes come from this time. Here is my prayer collection: Vestor: *praying* “I THANK YOU for me! And I THANK YOU for me, Father!” *Beating the couch with emphasis* Trevor: *Praying* “I thank You for street children. I thank You for sick people. I thank You for people who don't have food...” Ivan: “Do angels have plaited hair?” This was asked during our tim...

Yesterday was my birthday. I am not one to ever want to draw attention to myself. I love celebrating, but all eyes on me... no thank you. So I didn't plan anything special, but still it was a birthday to remember! I spent time with friends, and made new ones. I soaked up this country I so desperately love, as God reminded me He called me to His great work. I believe God also orchestrated one special “coincidence” for me. Since the first time I ever heard a Reba McEntire song, I was a huge fan.... We redheads must stick together! A few months ago, I saw she was asking people to send in videos for a new song called Pray for Peace. Being the fan that I am, I thought that the kids here at Redeemer House should send something in. After all, they are pretty adorable! Would you believe that we got chosen for her video? And would you believe it would come out on my birthday?? Well, it happened! Happy birthday to me!! You can see the video here.  We are about halfway through. Even more...

After painting and cleaning, I was determined to get some errands ran before a very important meeting with our lawyer. The errands were few, and I longed for a quick little nap. That all changed as I watched Sarah return through the gate after lunch. Kids will come home for lunch, and then return to school. Once they are back on the journey to school, there is no reason for them to come home until classes are over. I saw worry and distress written all over Sarah's face, as I asked her why she had returned. “I van has been knocked,” she whispered as she fought back tears unsuccessfully. Complete panic showered over me. “Ivan has been knocked.” He was hit by something. What I did not know, and at the time I did not care. I shouted to Mercy, who would be joining me on my days errands. I told her what was happening, and I have never seen someone move so fast! I praised God my keys were already in my hand. The children home fell into a deep worry, and desperately wante...

God has brought so many people into my life since coming to Uganda. I met so many I can pour into, and together we can come closer to our Savior. Of course, my Ugandan friendships are my favorite. They are the reason I am here, and being able to share life with them changed me completely. But not all are Ugandan. I have made plenty of other mzungu friends as well. These are people God uses in my life to help hold me up, as I help hold them up. We are here because of our missional God, and we need the encouragement from one another to keep going. It is such a wonderful set up going on in Jinja! But I still have met those mzungus who I feel like I am pouring out into like I would my Ugandan friends. That is the strangest sensation, and sometimes feels like a hinderence to ministry. Let me introduce you to Peaches. For the life of me, I cannot remember her real name! But I was sharing with one of my friends what was going on with this woman, and for some reason that I cannot remember n...