The Crazy Adventures of an American Mzungu

Welcome to my new home I recently moved into a house that I am renting with two others on my team (Taryn and CJ). It has been an exciting adventure as we try to set up our new home. Already, we have learned so much, and will continue to learn and grow together as we figure out what it means to have a house in Moroto. We constantly are noticing differences in housing set up here compared to the western world. Here are some things we have learned, and our stories of how we got here! Get a guard – steal from team leaders and make your friend mad. In Uganda, security is a priority. A guard is a wonderful asset to have.  But not just any guard will do! You must find someone you trust! We came up with one man – our team leader’s weekend guard, Andrew. He is hard working, and thinks I am funny. However, this would be the second time within just a few months they have given up their weekend guard for team members, and Simon (their main guard) was less than thrilled. He wa...

I began attending Moroto Baptist Church in February. The church sits in the center of Kakolye — a section of Moroto, a blend of low income housing and drinking establishments, where God has called me. A few weeks after I started going, they began to not-so-subtly ask me to preach. “Oh, they would mention, “there was once a missionary here for a few weeks, and they even preached one week.” Well, I am here for three years, so we will see what God wants me to do. “One day, Maria (for some reason, being called Mary is rare treat) will stand up and preach to us. But not by her might, but by the grace of God!” Yes, but we must not forget the will of God. My favorite though, was when the pastor pulled me aside and asked, “What do you do best in the church?” Simple – obey God. Each one of these moments I brushed off. God made it clear He placed me in this church for a reason, and I waited patiently for His plan. A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with one of the leaders of the church nam...

Dark rain clouds hover over  Moroto , giving hope to the thirsty earth. “Oh Jesus,” I pray, as I eagerly anticipate the raindrops to sweeten the dusty air, “let it pour down, washing away the dust which covers all manners of life. Quench all the gardens, giving hope, they will once again hold a harvest. “Even more, quench the souls of the precious  Karimojong . Wash away the dust that dries their heart. Let Your glory and grace rain over their lives, quenching a thirst they do not acknowledge. “But what about me?” as I walk these same dusty roads as the people my heart longs to serve, my prayer for them becomes the cry  for my own heart. “I am like this desert land,  in need of Your rain to settle this dust which stirs within my heart. I witness shop keepers in  Kakolye  turn from selling vegetables and grains to serving booze. The smell of stale alcohol drains my soul. I grow weary as drunk mamas cry out for me to drink with them. “My heart aches as...

Welcome to  Moroto  (kind of)! I know most will not make it to see this new place I call home for their own eyes, and for those, I wish to bring you on a virtual tour. In today’s episode we will tour my  luxurious suite. Many have asked what my home looks like, and it’s hard to explain just how small it is through words.  So  grab your showtime snack of choice (enjoy thoroughly – I miss snack foods the most), relax, and enjoy this episode of  Moroto  Cribs.  We ll, here it is .  Most of the time, I don’t even know what to do with myself with all this space. I mean, I can stretch out on the ground between my bed and my table (which means there is plenty of space for those burpees that I often avoid). In all seriousness, it is small but it is truly plenty of space for one person.  And I still feel comfortable to invite friends over for lunch or tea (or coffee, if I can convince them).  So  for now, this is my little ho...

I love that God has called me to be a missionary. At 26, I have more stories of “this one time (enter crazy thing that should never happen – i.e. monkey stealing my shoe)” than most will have in their entire life. God has allowed me to live in constant adventure (whether overseas or “home”) and I love it! I am so blessed by the experiences I get to have, the memories I get to cherish, and the vast amount of friends I get to call mine. If there were ever a downside to mission work, it is the constant farewells. I feel as though I am always saying good bye to someone – whether I am leaving or they get to go on the adventure, someone is always going. I love knowing people all over the world, and I mean ALL OVER! As I type these words, I can name it least one person on each continent (minus Antarctica because that is just nuts). Many are doing ministry, and I get to cheer them on from afar, just as they cheer me on. Some are working in another aspect – teaching English, human...

This is my dear friend Belinda. Oh, how I wish I could stick her in my suitcase, but I was told children were not luggage (even if I had good reason). She is so sassy, and filled with all kinds of energy. She loves cowboy boots and headbands. We go together like like tacos and Tuesdays! Belinda attends the children's church program I have taught in Boise. I get the pleasure of loving her once a week, and teaching her about Jesus. As much as I have tried pouring Christ into her, I doubt she will ever know how much more she actually taught me! God used this sweet babe of mine on several occasions to teach me. Funny faces are always acceptable! I remember shortly after my first delay in departure, I threw a royal fit before my Heavenly Father!  Oh, I yelled at Him! I just couldn't understand how I could pour my heart and soul into fundraising, just to miss my deadline. At church one evening, we sang a song that said, "I don't mind waiting on You, Lord"...

This picture has quickly become a favorite of mine. I laugh hysterically every time I look at it -- the rather pathetic part was it was taken about 24 hours ago, and I have spent most my time since then laughing at it! Honestly, I can't tell you what was going through my mind, and what I'm sure then spewed out of my mouth a split second after it was taken. I'm sure I was being smart, as I was swimming in a sea of sweaty kids that continued to kiss my cheek, ruffle my hair, and I don't know all (nor do I want to know with all that germ transference). But something happened to trigger my classic sassy look to who knows which kid that surrounded me. This picture pretty much captures my life. Whenever anyone says, "a picture is worth a thousand words," I generally respond, "yeah, but the guy who said that used words to say it..." (did I mention I'm sassy?). But here is this picture -- summing up my life, better than any words I could ever write, i...