It has been a tough couple of weeks. I had a very sick child (Faith) with malaria and seizures. She had to be taken to the local hospital and I have been filled with worry about her condition. Luckily some friends took me to their resort Sisi Falls to relax and calm my anxiety.
Sisi Falls was so relaxing and so fun. l fed a monkey a banana. Natalie thought she would bite me and give me Ebola but I don't think Ebola comes from monkeys and she was a sweet little thing too. Cats were there too so I got to pet cats, talk to parrots and just go around sniffing beautiful plants and flowers. I had the best food too since coming to Uganda. There are a lot of missionaries here and got to talk to some really nice people including a 79 year old who is making his 4th trip despite extensive cancer treatments in the past. What a guy. He is helping a really depressed tribe start pig farming. So Pastor Morris and Aida are really busy because there is a constant stream of people coming here and of course that is really good for Uganda.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Staying busy...
The weekend was busy and I felt useful. Helped three persons from church during church so only spent and hour and a half at the local church on the hard backless bench rather than 3 and a half hours. Bless his heart, the pastor speaks in English but I still have trouble understanding his accent. The previous weekend at the Kampala Pentecostal Church was spectacular. I’d go there every Sunday if it weren’t 5 hours away. Their new name is Wetoto Church and their orphan children are the ones that tour the US and I had heard twice at Abundant Life in Houston. It’s been hard for me here, no regular Bible study with those I love so much, no dear, dear Sunday school class and no church service that is a comfort, convicting and enlightening. Anyhow, I am trying to be content in all situations but sometimes when I get called out of church early, I think God is taking pity on me. I do have to say that if anyone knows precious Mary Ann Bridgewater of Pray the Word Ministry, she’d be so happy to hear the children of Lulwanda pray scripture. While I was in church this Sunday I’m always glad to sit next to 7 year old Sara Futumah. She prays so fervently and quotes scripture; it tears me up every time and I know that God is just so pleased with her faith and trust and belief in her Heavenly Father. I’m not totally used to a practice here of everyone saying their personal prayer petitions out loud at the same time but when I’m next to her , I usually stop my own prayers and nod in agreement with what she is saying so powerfully at age 7.
The rainy season has really hit full force: the winds are gale like and the rain deafening on the metal roof. Yesterday sweet Alex who is a yardman/animal tender/overall great guy with the kids braved lightening and thunder to get the torrents of water to flow in the concrete tough that runs through the property. It looked like we would be flooding otherwise. I have dearly missed the beautiful sunrises and sunsets the past two days.
The kids are on holiday but are attending to school for additional help and review in the mornings but overall things are more laid back and fun for them this month. Not so rushed in the morning and the children wear street clothes to school.
It’s funny how the malaria comes and goes in waves. A few weeks ago I was seeing two new cases a day and other than the little girl at church Sunday, haven’t seen one here in several days. Now its more scrapes, scratches, aches and pains since the kids are outside playing all afternoon.
I have a new pet. I hadn’t named him until someone named Susan Ballard suggested I do so; so my resident toad (lives most the time under my mop in my bathroom)is now called Ballard. Very proper and formal so I hope he lives up to it eating bugs and especially mosquitoes in there. I have to confess I was afraid of him at first but now just say hi when he appears.
I gained a few pounds in Kampala eating food pretty close to American-style but now the white glop is easy to cut back on here. So I should have a normal weight for height in a few more months. I am planning on doing something fun for the kids this Sunday. I’m going to make pancakes from scratch (had to google for a recipe since I use Bisquick at home); I hope I can find syrup in Mbale tomorrow and if it isn’t 7 or 10 dollars a bottle. If so, the kids may need to use jelly instead on . I know it was an olfactory hallucination but I was sure I smelled the wonderful smells of Antonio’s Flying Pizza on Hillcroft while reading in the clinic this morning. Every now and then I do smell something from home and its usually a food something, hmmmm.
Dr. Patrick came to look at two kids I’m worried about. One will be needing surgery for a congenital issue and we will wait until a team comes from Texas to do surgery at Dr. Patrick’s hospital. The child had surgery locally and it was not effective/successful/done correctly?? The other child is a cutie that spends a lot of time in the clinic and NEVER feels good or smiles. He is 4 and complains everyday of headache. I hope it’s not a brain tumor; Dr. Patrick doesn’t think so as he thinks his headaches would be more severe but we’ll see. The only place for surgery that I would trust would be in Kampala or out of country altogether.
If you’re gamblers, you may want to bet on whether the umpteenth visit from the plumber will fix my leak. He has been in here, in this newly built clinic—I’ve lost count. The really good news is that the water has been flowing nearly continuously the past week. I have finally learned though to make sure the water is really on before shampooing; I’m a slow learner or an optimist?!
My first attempt at planting bushes was a success so will buy more plants tomorrow. I’m a bit skittish though, I’m hoping to find garden gloves in town as I’m pretty sure I picked up pin worms in the last dig I did.
I appreciate emails with news from home and about what friends are doing so keep them coming. I get lonely but keep my quiet moments busy with reading. I’m reading all they have here at the LCH which included Beverly Lewis, Lynn Austin and now Gilbert Morris. Learning about history and also get a nice dose of inspiration and convicting about whining about little things. I save J Tisdale’s gift of audio books for nighttime in my “screened porch” (my bed under the mosquito net). Mornings, I read a Psalm, Proverb and am finishing ACTS right now—Paul, what an inspiration!!
The rainy season has really hit full force: the winds are gale like and the rain deafening on the metal roof. Yesterday sweet Alex who is a yardman/animal tender/overall great guy with the kids braved lightening and thunder to get the torrents of water to flow in the concrete tough that runs through the property. It looked like we would be flooding otherwise. I have dearly missed the beautiful sunrises and sunsets the past two days.
The kids are on holiday but are attending to school for additional help and review in the mornings but overall things are more laid back and fun for them this month. Not so rushed in the morning and the children wear street clothes to school.
It’s funny how the malaria comes and goes in waves. A few weeks ago I was seeing two new cases a day and other than the little girl at church Sunday, haven’t seen one here in several days. Now its more scrapes, scratches, aches and pains since the kids are outside playing all afternoon.
I have a new pet. I hadn’t named him until someone named Susan Ballard suggested I do so; so my resident toad (lives most the time under my mop in my bathroom)is now called Ballard. Very proper and formal so I hope he lives up to it eating bugs and especially mosquitoes in there. I have to confess I was afraid of him at first but now just say hi when he appears.
I gained a few pounds in Kampala eating food pretty close to American-style but now the white glop is easy to cut back on here. So I should have a normal weight for height in a few more months. I am planning on doing something fun for the kids this Sunday. I’m going to make pancakes from scratch (had to google for a recipe since I use Bisquick at home); I hope I can find syrup in Mbale tomorrow and if it isn’t 7 or 10 dollars a bottle. If so, the kids may need to use jelly instead on . I know it was an olfactory hallucination but I was sure I smelled the wonderful smells of Antonio’s Flying Pizza on Hillcroft while reading in the clinic this morning. Every now and then I do smell something from home and its usually a food something, hmmmm.
Dr. Patrick came to look at two kids I’m worried about. One will be needing surgery for a congenital issue and we will wait until a team comes from Texas to do surgery at Dr. Patrick’s hospital. The child had surgery locally and it was not effective/successful/done correctly?? The other child is a cutie that spends a lot of time in the clinic and NEVER feels good or smiles. He is 4 and complains everyday of headache. I hope it’s not a brain tumor; Dr. Patrick doesn’t think so as he thinks his headaches would be more severe but we’ll see. The only place for surgery that I would trust would be in Kampala or out of country altogether.
If you’re gamblers, you may want to bet on whether the umpteenth visit from the plumber will fix my leak. He has been in here, in this newly built clinic—I’ve lost count. The really good news is that the water has been flowing nearly continuously the past week. I have finally learned though to make sure the water is really on before shampooing; I’m a slow learner or an optimist?!
My first attempt at planting bushes was a success so will buy more plants tomorrow. I’m a bit skittish though, I’m hoping to find garden gloves in town as I’m pretty sure I picked up pin worms in the last dig I did.
I appreciate emails with news from home and about what friends are doing so keep them coming. I get lonely but keep my quiet moments busy with reading. I’m reading all they have here at the LCH which included Beverly Lewis, Lynn Austin and now Gilbert Morris. Learning about history and also get a nice dose of inspiration and convicting about whining about little things. I save J Tisdale’s gift of audio books for nighttime in my “screened porch” (my bed under the mosquito net). Mornings, I read a Psalm, Proverb and am finishing ACTS right now—Paul, what an inspiration!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Trip to Kampala
Thought I'd update you on my trip to the big city, Kampala, last weekend. Much of it is very modern and classy but of course there are areas of squalid living conditions and smells etc. But it has many tall buildings and fancy buildings on 7 hills. I felt almost at home in America: shopping malls and restaurants and American named hotels.
I stayed at the Shearton because I wanted America quality with safety and comfort. Got it but was a bit pricey. Was in hot heaven with the bacon and belgian wafffles with whipped cream and syrup and the really best fresh squeezed OJ I have ever had. Coffee was strong but good.
Went to the Watoto Church on Sunday which has an AMerican pastor and the music is straight out of KSBJ. It was packed and we sat on hard benches for 2 hours but it was well worth it.
The American type articles in the mall are pretty expensive but all the young people in Kampala look like any American city kid. The mall had a New York Kitchen with pretty good pizza and cheese cake. Can you tell I have been anxious to get away from white glop food--rice, potatoes and pasta day in and day out at the Home. Speaking of the Ugandan teens, all that rap stuff is popular off site but thankfully our kids only listen to Christian contemporary music.
Got to see some interesting huge birds in Kampala and since back here saw my first cat in the yard. She/he was heading in the direction where I have seen rats in the past. Go get 'em, kitty!!
Malaria is slowing down for now because even though its rainy season, it hasn't been raining but a couple of times a week.
The clinic got its accreditation but the man at the HD can't find my paperwork. I'm not worrying. I'm still working and hopefully doing a pretty good job. Today I saw a child who needs a surgical referral but I haven't been to the hospitals here yet to see which one I trust him at.
Hope you all are fine. Wish I could see you soon but hopefully the time will fly by and I'll be home.
Dyana
I stayed at the Shearton because I wanted America quality with safety and comfort. Got it but was a bit pricey. Was in hot heaven with the bacon and belgian wafffles with whipped cream and syrup and the really best fresh squeezed OJ I have ever had. Coffee was strong but good.
Went to the Watoto Church on Sunday which has an AMerican pastor and the music is straight out of KSBJ. It was packed and we sat on hard benches for 2 hours but it was well worth it.
The American type articles in the mall are pretty expensive but all the young people in Kampala look like any American city kid. The mall had a New York Kitchen with pretty good pizza and cheese cake. Can you tell I have been anxious to get away from white glop food--rice, potatoes and pasta day in and day out at the Home. Speaking of the Ugandan teens, all that rap stuff is popular off site but thankfully our kids only listen to Christian contemporary music.
Got to see some interesting huge birds in Kampala and since back here saw my first cat in the yard. She/he was heading in the direction where I have seen rats in the past. Go get 'em, kitty!!
Malaria is slowing down for now because even though its rainy season, it hasn't been raining but a couple of times a week.
The clinic got its accreditation but the man at the HD can't find my paperwork. I'm not worrying. I'm still working and hopefully doing a pretty good job. Today I saw a child who needs a surgical referral but I haven't been to the hospitals here yet to see which one I trust him at.
Hope you all are fine. Wish I could see you soon but hopefully the time will fly by and I'll be home.
Dyana
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Snakes, Pigs & Mosquitoes!
There was a small snake near the girls dorm yesterday. I didn't see it but now I'm scared to walk in the compound especially at night knowing there are snakes around. They have cleared some scrub brush to make the new pigpen so maybe it got relocated from there. We got two new pigs and they guys are building a pen. We will be trying to breed pigs. More animal science to observe from the clinic.
Really looking forward to May 1. Will go into Kampala and stay three days with Natalie and Glen. Looking forward to better cuisine and shopping and hopefully a movie. Hopefully will have TV in my room too.
The mosquitoes are awful; like wisconsin in the summer except these carry bad diseases. Yikes. I have three with malaria laying down in here right now.
Our kids have a month off from school. They have trisemesters and just finished the first for the year. Ritah, my mentoree is very diligent about coming for tutoring and she is getting better at her reading.
Really looking forward to May 1. Will go into Kampala and stay three days with Natalie and Glen. Looking forward to better cuisine and shopping and hopefully a movie. Hopefully will have TV in my room too.
The mosquitoes are awful; like wisconsin in the summer except these carry bad diseases. Yikes. I have three with malaria laying down in here right now.
Our kids have a month off from school. They have trisemesters and just finished the first for the year. Ritah, my mentoree is very diligent about coming for tutoring and she is getting better at her reading.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Internet...YIPPEEE!
Yesterday was like my birthday all over again!! Got internet and water both in the same day and then had time to read my birthday greetings and send a mass update to all of them. Did my laundry this morning and feel great with a thorough shampoo and shower. I noticed yesterday that we have robins here too but about half the size of ones in the US. So life is good. I even caught up with Dancin' with the Stars on the news.
I didn't tell you that this is termite season here and the termites are quite large and have wings so that the ground and clinic are covered with the dang things. The locals eat them raw or fried and were trying to get me to eat some. I told Edward the admin I was going to have to fly home immediately to avoid eating the things. I was joking and everyone had a good laugh. A couple of days ago, Jared, the music teacher, I swear was playing the Beer Barrel Polka on his key board so I started doing a solo polka. I joking chastised him for playing a liquor song in a booze free environment. Jared is 20 and can't get to University due to poor secondary school performance but he was a street kid. He has such a heart for these children and on top of that is amazingly talented musically. I am praying that he can get into the music business somehow. He writes the songs the kids sing here--amazing.
I didn't tell you that this is termite season here and the termites are quite large and have wings so that the ground and clinic are covered with the dang things. The locals eat them raw or fried and were trying to get me to eat some. I told Edward the admin I was going to have to fly home immediately to avoid eating the things. I was joking and everyone had a good laugh. A couple of days ago, Jared, the music teacher, I swear was playing the Beer Barrel Polka on his key board so I started doing a solo polka. I joking chastised him for playing a liquor song in a booze free environment. Jared is 20 and can't get to University due to poor secondary school performance but he was a street kid. He has such a heart for these children and on top of that is amazingly talented musically. I am praying that he can get into the music business somehow. He writes the songs the kids sing here--amazing.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Power Outages!!
I hope you had a blessed Easter! It was a sad Easter here without mom. It was tradition for her to play Easter bunny early in the morning for our egg hunt. At least she got a chance to call so I could hear her voice and know she is okay.
She has been unable to respond or check emails for the past 10 days due to power outages. There has been NO electricity or running water – very primitive living. The rainy season has brought heavy rains and loss of power. It has been very hard running the clinic in the dark and using crank flashlights. When she called me she was staying at Pastor Morris’s house. She was able to charge her phone and watch a little TV! She is hoping once the electricity is back up she can get her own internet going in the clinic. Once that happens she can start responding to email more frequently.
Blessings,
Sara
She has been unable to respond or check emails for the past 10 days due to power outages. There has been NO electricity or running water – very primitive living. The rainy season has brought heavy rains and loss of power. It has been very hard running the clinic in the dark and using crank flashlights. When she called me she was staying at Pastor Morris’s house. She was able to charge her phone and watch a little TV! She is hoping once the electricity is back up she can get her own internet going in the clinic. Once that happens she can start responding to email more frequently.
Blessings,
Sara
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Dyana turns 60!!!!
Okay, so Dyana will probably not like the fact that I am posting to the world that she is turning 60!!!! I personally am proud to let everyone know that she is 60 and finally achieving her lifelong dream! Happy Birthday MOM! We love you and are thinking about you every day! XOXOX
I had a good conversation with Dyana on Sunday. She is in better spirits and making plans for a day out of shopping with some friends for her “60th” birthday. She wants to buy some plants to put around the clinic since the rainy season is approaching. Nothing like a bunch of plants to make you feel more at home!
Dyana is enjoying being another source of love and hugs for the wonderful children! She also spends her free time taking in the beautiful scenery. Hopefully she will be able to travel off campus more and explore this beautiful country.
Please keep Dyana in your thoughts and prayers; especially on April 2nd (her 60th BIRTHDAY!) Her favorite bible verse…
And I thank Christ Jesus out Lord who has enabled me, because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. Timothy 1:12
Note: I will be sending some items with the next group of missionaries in May. If you have a card/letter that you would like for me to send along; please get these to me by the end of April.
Dyana Solheim c/o
Sara Vargas
21302 Wooded Lake Ct.
Richmond, TX 77407
Wishing you bountiful blessings this Easter season!
Sara
I had a good conversation with Dyana on Sunday. She is in better spirits and making plans for a day out of shopping with some friends for her “60th” birthday. She wants to buy some plants to put around the clinic since the rainy season is approaching. Nothing like a bunch of plants to make you feel more at home!
Dyana is enjoying being another source of love and hugs for the wonderful children! She also spends her free time taking in the beautiful scenery. Hopefully she will be able to travel off campus more and explore this beautiful country.
Please keep Dyana in your thoughts and prayers; especially on April 2nd (her 60th BIRTHDAY!) Her favorite bible verse…
And I thank Christ Jesus out Lord who has enabled me, because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. Timothy 1:12
Note: I will be sending some items with the next group of missionaries in May. If you have a card/letter that you would like for me to send along; please get these to me by the end of April.
Dyana Solheim c/o
Sara Vargas
21302 Wooded Lake Ct.
Richmond, TX 77407
Wishing you bountiful blessings this Easter season!
Sara
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