Alrighty people. I can’t really remember what’s been said and what hasn’t. So you may have to suffer through some of this. I have soooo much on my mind.

Well, at the end of this week, luxury is gone. It’s time for the real deal. We’re traveling 4 hours to the Promise Land, another rescue unit. It’s on an island and from what I hear it’s even more poverty stricken than where we are (hard to believe…) and that there are kids EVERYWHERE. We’re going to help with the boot camp they put on there. It lasts two weeks and it’s a little hard to explain, probably because I don’t really fully get what it is or what we’re doing there. Basically young adults come and are trained for 2 weeks and then sent out to be missionaries and serve in various ways for like a month. We were informed today we’ll probably be teaching classes to help out, thing is, we don’t know what to teach. Like we’re doing drama and puppets and music….I think….so we may have to get a little creative if no one has time to teach us what to teach….hahah. I totally believe that God will prepare us and if it falls on our shoulders to teach those things He’ll make sure these teams go out equipped with what they need. We’ll just try to be vessels of His goodness and trust Him to provide. But yeah, we’re going to have to cut back a lot. We’re going to cut back all of stuff to the bare bare bare necessities now. We’re each taking a backpack for the 2 weeks. We have to pack a tent in one of those (probably mine cause mine is the biggest…). So we’ll be sleeping in a tent and rainy season has begun…and when it rains here it gets very cold. And now we’ll be having to fetch our own water and no electricity. So you can be praying that we would keep good attitudes, learn a lot and keep each other lifted up and not get worn out staying in one tent with little space. Also, we’ll be gone on Christmas. At first I was really really not happy about that but I talked it over with God and was reminded that it was my choice in how to handle it so I think we’re all ok with that now. We’re planning a post Christmas Ugandan adventure so we’ll have that to look forward to. :)

i just found this out:

marlee & me-music class

mckenzie & me-puppets and drama (mckenzie is in charge but i'm supposed to be helping out)

marlee & sometimes me- Miss Piggy (go around and find which team is the neatest and the dirtiest and the dirtiest has to clean the latrines....)

me-in charge of over-seeing them all writing home...not really teaching, just watching them. haha.

Ok, so I’ve told you some about Isaac…but there’s another Isaac. Big Isaac we call him. He’s called that because he’s real stout, fit, muscular. He’s 38 and is one of the funniest people. He makes me laugh all the time. The thing is he doesn’t think he’s funny. He’s extremely humble. He told Peter, one of the leaders here, that he knew he wasn’t as gifted academically but that he was a good worker and was willing to serve God in that way. Then the other day we told him he would make a really good king because of how he stands and such and he responded “I don’t want to be a king in this world. I just want to be a servant of God.” I love this guy. Now to fully understand how funny he is you would have to see him walk and hear him talk. He’s really mumbly. Like you can’t really understand him unless you listen really closely. We’re getting better at figuring out what he’s talking about but it’s still really funny. And everywhere he goes he like marches, wish purpose and direction, straight to where his next job is. Such a hard worker. His favorite job is the cows. He loves those cows, especially the milking of them. He takes great care in those cows…it’s like his favorite subject. Here’s a little example of a conversation we had with him today:
Marlee: Isaac, would you ever like to visit america?
Isaac: Well, right now I need to fix my tent and milk the cows…
*every one looks at each other confused*
Marlee: No, not now, like in the future. Would you like to visit.
Isaac: I’m busy this week.
Linus: Let me try to explain me try to explain what they want.
Isaac: Yes.
…
Linus: Do you have visions of going to America?
Isaac: I have visions, but they are for me and God. I can not tell you them.
Marlee: But will you ever come to America? Ever. When you’re not busy?
Isaac: One time. One day. One year.
Later
Isaac: how much do cows cost in america?
TJ: I don’t know.
Isaac: Is there enough grass to feed them?
TJ: Yeah. We have grass in America…
Isaac: Do you have cows? If I visit you will there be cows?
TJ: Nope. I don’t have any cows.

Isaac: hmmmm….. Sigh. Well how much does it cost to take care of a cow every month in America. Like food, water….TJ: Dude Isaac. I don’t have cows. I have no idea….
Isaac: hmm. Ok.
*Isaac rises and marches away to wash his dishes.*
It’s so hard to properly describe him. Just know everyone should love him. He constantly keeps us laughing and loves to laugh right along with us. And loves to try to teach us how to milk those darn cows.

Alright, last story for this blog. The other day we went to town and on our way into the internet café we noticed a really cute little girl begging outside. After I finished on the computer I ventured out to find her. There was a small group of street kids standing around and I played with them for a little while. They multiply rather rapidly when they think they might get something and before long there were like 7 and so I went back to the café because it was a bit overwhelming. Later the three of us went out to wait for Camille and the group came back. This time there were even more. It breaks my heart. You want to give them something but you know you can’t give them all enough to actually help them and most of them are forced by their parents to do what they’re doing so the locals don’t like you to support them. It’s so hard though to walk by. They sit there crossed legged with their hands out and cupped and they look at you. Most of them seem to be sick and have skin problems, runny eyes and noses and a cough. All of their clothes are the wrong sizes and torn and dirty. Any attention they get lightens up their faces. One of them was toting a rather young baby with her. I asked if I could hold her. I wanted so bad to take that kid with me and I had to pray over her and trust she was in God’s hands. God is constantly teaching me 1) how blessed I am and 2) how to trust him and let him take those things. It’s so easy for me to get bogged down wanting to hold and comfort every child and God keeps telling me, “Give them to me TJ. I love them and can comfort them in ways you can’t even begin to. Pray for them, love them, hold them, tell them I love them, and have faith in me.” And so that’s what I try to do. It breaks my heart but I truly believe God is going to move in Uganda. He’s going to take this next generation where the last one couldn’t have dreamed or imagined. I know there is so much hope in what seems like a hopeless situation. Please please pray for these people. Some times you can just look into people’s eyes and see the weariness, the hopelessness. Also, pray for us that we would continue to look to God for the answers. That we would grow discouraged. It’s funny how when I think about that, six months doesn’t seem nearly long enough.

wow. sorry this is so long. hope you enjoy it brings some smiles to your faces, informs you how to better pray, and touches your heart with what we're seeing here.
Well, this is it till after Christmas more than likely so MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!! We love you guys. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support

the info you just have to know...

Hello to blog readers young and old.!
…Hopefully you are many in number. We like to think that there are people are actually reading these…
Our adventures in Uganda are finally becoming routine. I think it’s safe to say that we all three feel a sense of familiarity. We know our surroundings. We know the people. Though on our guard, we trust both. Nowadays the three of us venture around unattended in Jinja, the second largest city in Uganda. Besides being white, I think we do a good job of laying pretty low under the radar. The only time we are ever approached is when we pass by the boda-boda drivers (motorcycle drivers…it‘s like a taxi service) who are beckoning us to let them take us wherever we need to go. The market in Jinja is the thickest taste of authentic “African” culture one can experience. I think you would be impressed with our street credibility. Ha. But really, we’re learning the in’s and out’s of the economics here. It’s a good thing we have the BMW students to tell us how much we should pay for certain things. That helps.
Speaking of BMW students, I feel like there are some gaps that we need to fill in for you guys.
Right now, Tj, Mckenzie and I are living at a Teen Mission Base in Nakabongo. Teen Missions is a world-wide missionary organization that trains teenagers to become missionaries. Go figure…J There are different “bases” all over the world, and several of them are spread about the continent of Africa.
Basically the base is like a private compound….it’s secured and enclosed by a big rock wall. The property stretches back into the bush where there is a rescue unit, but it’s far away and we haven’t yet had the chance to explore that far back, so I’m not sure what the rescue unit looks like. I think there’s a church and a school because often times I hear loud drums and people singing. We are itching to visit it, but there are many things here to occupy our time.
Camille Hadlock (whom we have mentioned a few times before) is the director of Teen Missions here in Uganda. She is our main connection and Mckenzie knew her from her previous Teen Mission trip.
Camille is wonderful. Loves the Lord with all her heart. She’s a hard worker with a lot on her plate, but she has a big house here and has allowed us to stay in one of the rooms. She’s an American too, which is important to know, and after living here for so many years she is able to tell us how to adapt into the African lifestyle. She has been such a blessing but is definitely not holding our hand and walking us through each day. Sometimes we don’t even see her because she is constantly running errands and is so so busy.
Besides Camille’s house, the Base is also home to a Bible school. The students here are called BMW students. Bible Missionary Work students. Most of them are college-aged, so we really enjoy their company. They pay their own tuition, live in a small dorm (one for men/one for women), and help with the chores to help keep things at the Base running smoothly. Besides finishing school, the students are required to complete an internship of their choice, which can be any kind of service that they feel the Lord has put on their hearts. That generally lasts for about a year. Chores include an array of jobs such as tending the flocks, kitchen duty, keep the garden(s), washing clothes. SO many things and since many of the students are gone for the holidays, these are the kind of activities Tj, Mckenzie, and I have participated in during these last couple of weeks.
Sorry that was kinda long and boring but I just wanted to try and paint a picture of where we are and who we are staying with because I felt like that might have been cloudy for some.
NOW. What I really want to get at is this:
This past week has been a little rough. Not rough as in too much to handle or we’re desperately homesick and want to fly home. It’s just that reality is setting in that this is our life now. It’s amazing and we realize how fortunate we are to be here and we truly are happy. But the 10 day mission trip is long over and the fact is, we aren’t coming home for a very long time. We’re trying not to focus on petty things like food and comfort, but we’re girls. American girls. It’s easier to want clean clothes that smell fresh, than it is to want to help herd goats and pick up rocks. : ) yes, today Tj and I had to help herd about thirty goats while simultaneously digging up bricks and stones which were supposed to help make the foundation for a new kitchen. Don’t get us started as to why it makes any sort of sense to move one pile of rocks from one unfinished work project site to another….we asked….it’s just they way they want to do it. So, we laugh and spend half our day transferring rock piles. We’ve been working hard. Actually, we call it man work. You’d be surprised at how intense some of our jobs have been. We’re definitely not used to it. But that’s what it’s all about. It feels good to work hard.
So in light of that, I want to thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. A few days ago I was sharing with some of our new friends about our friends and family back in the States supporting us. As they were looking through some pictures from our prayer meeting/sendoff at the coffee shop, they were amazed at how many people were backing us up. One person even said to me, “I am so encouraged that all these people are praying for us.” It really made me realize how blessed we are to have such a power house prayer team back home.
Prayer is so powerful. Every morning before breakfast everyone gathers together for about thirty minutes of worship and Isaac gives a brief word to encourage us. Recently he preached from John ch. 16 vs. 23 & 24.
“ ‘(23)In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. (24) Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.’ ”
He reminded us that we have access through Christ Jesus to come before the Father and ask of Him anything. The word says “Until now you have asked nothing in my name.” Until now. Basically Christ is saying, your needs are easy to our Father. It does not strain Him to answer you. It’s nothing for the Creator of the universe to bestow favor and blessing on His children if we will just ask. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Have we prayed enough? Do we seek the Father enough? Are we burdened for each other enough? Every time we come before Him, it’s like we’re presenting new requests. God wants us to come before Him now. Yesterday is past. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Until now.
His word is living and present. It’s a “now” Word. The Bible is living and active. Hebrews 4:12. AMEN!
So, thank you for interceding on our behalf. Be encouraged! God is faithful and continues to provide for us so many things. We want to continue to pray for safety, good health, and for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding so that we can better serve as Christ served. Even though things may get harder, we want to remain confident that He will supply us our strength as we take each day one day at a time.
Everyday we are praying for our friends and family back home! You are so dear to us, and we love you so much. May you continue to be at peace in the Lord Jesus.
Love,
Marlee

monkeys...

it's tj again. i don't have very long to write this.
the only thing i really feel like telling you is about Isaac.
he is on staff at teen missions. he is amazing. i can not do him justice.
this past week we started sitting at his table with him where he usually sits alone. we totally took over of course. at first we were worried he might get annoyed. but he hasn't. in fact now it's ritual. and he loves it. it sounds really conceited to say this, but really, he loves us. he laughs with/at us all the time. we tell him about all our adventures. the best part though is when he imparts some of his wisdom and faith to us. he has a complex knowledge but a simple faith. he just believes. with all his heart.
an example:
we've heard rumors of monkeys. but had had yet to see any. we tell isaac of our delima and he stops. prays. and points his finger at us and goes, "tomorrow. tomorrow you will see the monkeys."
so the next day all day no monkeys. we eat a late lunch (like 4 o'clock) and talk with him for like an hour just about not worrying and putting our faith in him and how faithful God is. it was one of the most encouraging talks i've ever had. i needed it so bad and he just ministered to my heart.
after the talk winds down i was feeling a little frustrated. i wanted so much to have faith like isaac but i knew i couldn't conjure it up. i needed to surrender to God and put my trust in Him and stop trying to do things on my own might but i didn't even know where to begin. i know, it's simple. but i was all caught up in me. So marlee asks isaac if we can go feed the fish with him. we walk down the path and it crosses my mind that we never saw the monkeys...and i'm starting to feel all bitter. silly, i know. but i did. and we're feeding the fish and isaac looks into the trees and goes, "the monkeys. they're over there. i see a tail." and we watch for a second, and sure enough, the monkeys climb up where we can see them. it almost made me cry.
but yeah. he's amazing. he's started joining in on our never ending musical and when we're at the table he'll sing along. it's really funny. i can't even begin to tell you everything about him. more will come later though. :)
yeah besides that we've been working hard...doing clothes...hahah. in buckets and drying on the line...well on the line when the cows don't pull them off and try to eat them...
oh, and the boda-boda....we road one. or three. they're motorbike taxis. i loooooove them. it's my favorite. a little scary at first, but once you settle in and find your balance, it's wonderful and exciting. and we're figuring out about the streets a little bit so we don't get ripped off cause we're white. working on our street savyness. :)

anyways. that's it for now. expect more soon.