Wherever You Will Go

Some days it seems as if I was last on Ugandan soil ages ago. And other days, like today, it seems as if it were just yesterday that I was sitting next to a new friend on a plane headed to San Francisco. On my way to see my friends and family for the first time in four months.

And now, in just four days, I will be heading back out to Uganda. I will spend one night in London where I hope to visit with a sweet friend. And then exactly three months from the day I left Uganda, I will be able to embrace those sweet Ugandan loves of mine once again.

Leaving back to Uganda is bittersweet. I know what I don't like about Uganda and I know what I must leave behind in California. And that makes me erie about returning. Although, I know that I am so excited to see what God has in store for me thist time around. I can't wait to get back into a steady teaching routine where I will spend my days with crazy, wild, loving students. Days full of laughter, smiles, and a whole lot of Jesus.

I am ready to get back out there and I truly believe that God's timing in my return is perfect, because I am quite content at the moment, after days of doubting God's decision.

What I am going to miss most about being in California is nannying Cian and Rhielle, spending time with my family, sleeping in my own bed, burning candles, being able to drive myself wherever and whenever, American food, Pandora, Target, watching the Shaytards, and most definitely California sunsets. (Sorry Africa, California has the best).

I am funded for ~6 months in Uganda, which keeps me there through June. If you feel lead to support me financiaially, pleace contact me for imformation of where you can send a tax-deductable check. Or to donate online, see the website link on the right sidebar of this page.

So, next time you hear from me, I will be back in Uganda! Please keep me in your prayers for departing California, for my travels, and for adjusting back to living in Uganda.

Happiness & Joy

My brother and I thoroughly enjoy watching a family of daily vloggers on YouTube called the Shaytards. The father (Shay) has a younger brother (Logan) who is about to head out to Argentina for a two year mission. The family is Mormon, and although when I return to Uganda I will not be on a "Mormon mission" being that I am a Christian, I found his advice to his brother in his most recent video very applicable to where my mindset should be when I return to Uganda this coming January.

I think the common goal in missions is to share Jesus Christ with the world, whether we are Mormon or Christian.

So here is the little piece of advice he shared:

"I guess my piece advice to Logan would be to just really go to work. Lose yourself in the work. I remember when I was a missionary, when I just put everything I had into it and forgot about home, forgot about the things of the world. Just focus on serving the people of the country that you're living in; serve the Argentinean people and just love them. You'll have more joy and more happiness than you could ever experience...Forget about school and bills and like all those worldly things we're all caught up in. You know, trying to figure out what we're going to do when we grow up and how we're gonna pay our next mortgage payment and if we have the new shoes or the new clothes to look cool, to fit in at school. Or if you're driving the new car, you wanna get new rims or you have the sound system. All of those things that all of us as humans are always stressing out about and worrying about. Just forget about all that stuff. And that's the biggest tip I have and it was so nice for those two years just to focus on service and to help bring people to Christ. And that's really the missions that he's going to serve. It's not about baptizing people into the Mormon church. It's about showing people this person called Jesus Christ and about how He is our savior and about how we should all seek to be like He was. To have love, empathy, and patience and kindness and to love all of our Heavenly Father's children."

If you would like to view the video: http://youtu.be/ZAvCrSpo4Xc?t=9m50s

Good Intentions

During the past month that I have been back in California I have had the opportunity to talk to many people about my experience in Uganda and my plans to return. Many conversations seem to end with the phrase, "Just remember that there are people who need help here too."

This phrase always seems to anger me and I find myself having to just hold it in and end the conversation. It wasn't until one of my sweet friends understood exactly how I was feeling and shared something with me that put into words what I was unable to express myself.

"Sometimes in life we have good intentions to do good things for God. But it won't make a bit of difference if it's not where God has called you. A woman told me about how her entire family in the US doesn't know Christ. She WANTS to be there, ministering to them. She has good intentions. But the Lord called her to Kenya, and so that's where she is. And He's blessing her obedience."

I would love to help those in need here in Sacramento, but the fact is, God has called me to Uganda. I could stay here in Sacramento, but it will do absolutely no good, because God wants me in Uganda. I have good intentions to help those in need here. I would love to be helping here, but God has called me elsewhere and I must be obedient to Him. I desire to be obedient to Him.

In other news, I am $77 away from having my flight back to Uganda fully funded (including my return flight whenever that occurs). I am then on to fundraising $400 a month to live in Uganda. If you feel lead to support me financially, please feel free to contact me at kelseymagnolia9@gmail.com for the address of where you can send a tax-deductible check.

A list of everything I surprisingly miss about Uganda

• My guitar picks going missing more than usual due to a few boys in home who also play guitar.
• Eating with Joshua's baby fork for dinner because Margret finds it funny.
• Not showering and it being completely okay.
• Children knocking on my door almost all the time.
• Children popping up in my window just to have a little chat.
• The NCFH band playing "I Will Never Let You Go" 100,000 times repetitively. 
• No one understanding what a prank is or when one is being pulled.
• Getting caught in a rainstorm while on the boda.
• Never quite understanding what my class is talking about.
• Attempting to play Pumped Up Kicks on the guitar with Izzi.
• "Teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, teacher, etc."
  

I don't know what to title this

As of just the other day, my flight back to Uganda has been booked. I shall be departing sunny California December 31st, beginning 2014 back in my "best" place. So that leaves 66 days. And I figure you have a few questions brewing, so I will do my best to answer any I presume you may want to ask. So here we go...

When will you return to the States?

I am not sure at the moment. I am leaving it up to God. I feel lead to stay for at least the next year, but we all know that things can change. At this moment, I don't know when I will be returning. I will be sure to keep y'all updated though.

What are you doing until you leave?

I am working in child care for MOPS, nannying, doing some house-sitting, going to LA to visit Izzi and attend a LOBO dinner, and just hanging out with my friends and family. Oh yeah, and trying to raise support of course!

How much do you need to go to Uganda?
I currently need $800 to complete my flight payment, and then I will need about $400 a month to live in Uganda for room and board. If you would like to donate, please contact me and I will give you the needed information to do so.

How can we be praying for you?

I need funding! Also for my transition back into the American culture and then dealing with leaving home again for my home away from home. Also pray for the NCFH household as they prepare to make the big move to Graceland. 

Okay, there you go. If you do have any more questions, please feel free to ask me! 

Random photo of when Esther 

insisted we take a photo with the plant

 "That one's bap."

You Remind Me

Being back in California is not easy. Finding the motivation to simply get out of the bed each morning has been a difficult task to say the least. I knew that being home was going to be difficult, but I didn't think it would be as difficult as it has been.

It's been a daily struggle reminding myself that God has me back in Sacramento for a reason. I find myself constantly calculating what time it is in Uganda and thinking about what the children would be doing at that exact moment. Just arriving at school. I know that there is purpose in me being home for the next few months, but it's easier said than done when it comes to actually applying that to my life.

My life may have once been in California, in Sacramento, but it's not anymore. My life is in Kampala, Uganda. My life is teaching the children of Uganda and building relationships with each and every child I encounter. That's what I long for. To have those children back in my arms. I desire to be loving them and sharing the love of the Lord with them.

I am slowly accepting that this is where I am supposed to be for the time being. I have been realizing that God reminds me of everything I love. And that makes me happy. And that makes me content for at least a little while longer. Content in the fact that I know God is taking me back to Uganda soon and that he's using me while I'm here in Sacramento.

You remind me of everything I love
Yeah, you remind me of everything I love
A smile spreads to another
And another after that
And my eyes are closed
And your hand is there
A smile that's so much bigger
Than the smiles I have seen
And it makes me realize
That there is so much more than what I have seen

Blessed to Bless

Some people tell me that I'm too young to understand. And although I may only be twenty-three years old, after spending four short months living in a third world country, my eyes have been opened to the truth of the world. Returning to Uganda is not me caught up in some dream. It would not be possible for me to live in Uganda if I were doing it for myself.

There is a quote from the book Radical, by David Platt that states, "We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their face. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes."

I find complete truth in this. Before initially arriving in Uganda, I never though I would become as connected with the children as I did. Everything changed once I knew the names of the children. And my heart began to change even more once I was spending day in and day out with each of them.

I have come to realize that in America, I can teach in a class and at the end of the day my students will return to their homes where they will be provided a hot meal, clothes to wear, a warm bath, and fall into the arms of loving and supportive parents. As the school year ends, the students will move into a new class with a new teacher who will give them all they deserve. The simple truth is that the kids in America don't need me.

I know that without teachers in America, our children would not be provided an education. But there are plenty of decent teachers here in America and the children have the support of their families. They are going to make it. There may be some hard times, but American children will make it if they put their mind to it.

The students at my school in Uganda walk to and from school alone each day. When arriving home they change into their ripped and torn clothes. Many not even seeing their parents because of numerous circumstances. I personally do not thing that is what a child deserves.

One of my students has Dyslexia. She will never be provided the help she needs to excel in the Ugandan culture. It was Isabella and I who realized she even had Dyslexia and were able to work with her. Vanesa needs me. My class needs me to excel and become something in their lives. I believe that Vanesa deserves the helps she is receiving from me.

About a week before I left Uganda, Lawrence, one of the boys in the New Creation Family Home told me that he needed to tell me something. He proceeded to say that he was going to miss me when I left. And in a note from Margret Mae, I was informed that I was her favorite auntie she had ever had, and that it was our little secret. (Sorry sweet girl, I had to share). And although I told her that her secret was safe with me, the truth is, it was that note that opened my eyes. The note that truly made me understand.

These children don't have parents. They may have mamas and brothers and sisters. But they do not have someone in their life who is there to love them. To be there when they need someone to talk to. The way their eyes light up when you seek them out and take the time to notice and care for them is life changing.

These children deserve to know that someone is proud of them. They deserve to have someone who believes in them. To leave these children whom I have built strong relationships with, and and live back in America like nothing ever happened would be wrong. I would be abandoning the kids who God has called me to help.

I understand that God has called me to help the least of these.
I understand that orphans deserve love too.
I understand that the NCFH children need me.
I understand that the NCFH children look up to me.
I understand that schooling is important for children.
I understand that I can teach those children.
I understand that I don't need anything in the American culture.
I understand that people may call me crazy.
I understand that God doesn't find my crazy.
I understand that God is proud of me.
I understand that the only opinion that matters is God's.
I understand that the only place for me is Uganda.

As Mama Grace prayed for me before departing from Uganda, she said, "she is a blessing to Africa."

I have been blessed to bless the children of Africa.
Simple as that.
And that's what I'm going to do.
That's what I've been called to do.
And my only option is obedience.

Webale Nyo

A BIG thank you from the New Creation Family Home children, my P.3 class, and myself for all of your support prayerfully, financially, and emotionally. I could not be more grateful for the experience I've had in Uganda and I could not have done it without your support. I give God all the glory for every bit of it. Without him, none of this ever would have been possible.

God may have sent me to change the lives of these children, but the truth is, they have changed mine. 

My life has been changed for the better.
My life will never be the same.

And I am very thankful for that and I am thankful for you.

Blessed to bless others.

Thank you Uganda

Thank you supporters

Thank you mom and dad

Thank you Brothertard

Thank you Kari and Cassidy

Thank you Izzi

Thank you Taylor

And most importantly, thank you God!

Esther

Meet Esther.

Oh miss Esther, such a sweet soul. She is a wises girl with a smile that can light up the whole world. Esther is Peter's older sister which should say a lot. Both of them are very well behaved with kind hearts. Esther attends New Creation Centre and is in Primary 7, which means she will be going on to secondary school this January.

Esther is not to fond of playing football and would rather be playing dodgeball or reading a book. She also enjoys dancing and especially singing. She has started a band with some of her brothers and sisters in which she is one of the singers who also helps write their songs. She is going to go far in life, with as much potential as she has.

Pray that Esther will continue to do well and school and will grow into the young woman God desires her to be. That she will follow down a path hand-in-hand with God. 

Sharon

Meet Sharon.

Sharon is one of the oldest girls in the house and definitely one of the quietest. Sharon took quite some time to warm up to me, but I kept using the fact that she has the same name as my mom to draw closer to her. She is a stubborn girl with a loving spirit. She continually is coming to me for hugs.

Once you get to know Sharon you find that she is a very loving and fun girl. She knows how to make witty, funny remarks that will always make you laugh. She is a gentle soul.

Sharon is that girl who you want to get to know, but it's so difficult. And not in a bad way. It's an enjoyable challenge. It's fun trying to figure it out.

Sharon is very smart and excels in her Primary 5 class which can make school a little boring for her since there's not the challenge. She has a large amount of potential and I am confident she can pursue her dreams.

Pray that Sharon will continue to do well in school and will be given the challenge she needs. Also pray that she can grow in her relationship with Christ.

Teddy

Meet Teddy.

Teddy is such a sweet little girl with dimples as deep as the ocean. I cannot get over how adorable she is. It took a long time for me to get to know Teddy, because she definitely is a behind the scenes girl and doesn't enjoy being in the spotlight. She is perky and enjoys playing football with the other kids.

She is a very intelligent girl who stays focused in her studies. When she grows up she wants to be a teacher. She is definitely quiet and isn't always right in the action, but the house would not be the same without her. Teddy also enjoys dressing up with her sisters as well as doing her hair.

Pray that Teddy will continue to do well in school so that she can pursue her dream to become a teacher. Also pray that she will grow closer to God continually.

Carol

Meet Carol.

Or should I say, meet Carrot?

When I first met Carol, she told me that her name was Carrot and that her favorite food was carrots. This little girl is definitely a spit-fire and tom boy to say the least. She's always out getting dirty and trying to mess with the boys. She is constantly in some conflict with the boys because of her personality. She is so entertaining to watch.

Carol enjoys playing soccer and especially basketball. She has expressed that she wants to be a basketball player when she grows up. Carol also enjoys dancing and singing, loving being the center of attention. She reminds me of my sister in a way. She is just like Kaitlin was when she was little.

Carol is a crack up and a definitely knows how to push buttons. But that's what makes me love her so much. It's just Carol. Sweet Carol.

Please pray that Carol continues to do well in school and that she can ease down on the competitiveness with the boys in the house. Also pray that she will grow in her walk with Christ.

P.S. Carol LOVES food.

I Will Never Let Go

As I reflect on my time spent in Uganda, I find every day to have been beautifully overwhelming as well as challenging. Not a day has been easy in the least bit and I find myself thankful for it being that way. I have realized that if our lives were easy, we would never grow. God has placed challenges in my life so I can grow and draw closer to him.

Surely there has been more than a few days where I have been angry at God for putting me through what he has. But it is in the end that joy comes and I realize why he deals me the cards he does. I am learning to accept the path God has me on and to eat all that he serves me, The food he feeds me may not always be my best, but it is what helps me to grow strong.

My life has been drastically changed for the better during my time spent in Uganda. I have learned the true meaning of 1 Timothy 3:12. "Don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity."

I have had many opportunities to be a living example of Christ's love to those older than me. They may doubt me, but that is not something to hold me back. I have learned that I must stand up and teach believers, young and old, by the way I live my life.

I have also learned that when you think you have it all figured out, you usually don't. And you should probably be prepared for a couple of pot holes and speed humps every now and then.

I was browsing my Facebook feed this morning and saw a post by someone stating, "Jesus take the wheel. Now put it in first- NO put the clutch in and- Jesus, what the heck?! You said you could drive stick."

This made me laugh because it reminded me of my journey here in Uganda. For one, I find myself singing the lyrics to Carrie Underwood's, Jesus Take The Wheel, while riding the boda through town all too often. And second, it made me laugh because I think God does know how to drive stick shift. I think he knows how, but chooses to take the more bumpy path to teach us the ins and outs of driving. How do we learn if we don't make a few mistakes every now and then?

It's in the crazy drive, speeding down a dirt rode, hitting a speed hump, and flying up out of your seat along with all the other children riding with you. It's in that same ride that the path soon becomes smooth and those in for the ride find comfort in you and rest their tired heads on your shoulder.

And perhaps that is only a bit of what I have learned here, and I know as I return home in California, there will be much more to learn. God brought me here to witness and help others grow in their walks with Christ, but it has been my life that has been changed. Changed for the better.

As I sat in my room last night, I listened to the children writing a worship song together. Henry on the drums, Charles on my guitar, and the girls gathered around singing. It was just another reminder of the place God has taken in the lives of each of these children. A reminder of all that God has done in my life.

"I once sat down and thought of letting go, but my heart all said no, no, no, no, oh. Don't let go. I will never let go."

Mercy

Meet Mercy.

Mercy is a girl who is an old soul and wise beyond her years. I remember one of my first days being in Uganda, Mercy called out her brothers saying, "Would you talk to your Father that way?" This girl knows the Bible and is not afraid to point out how the Bible says we should live our lives. And she has a heart of pure gold.

Mercy is definitely the big sister in the house, constantly setting a good example for her younger siblings. She enjoys having fun and especially loves dancing. When she grows up she wants to be a surgeon. She has told me on numerous accounts that she wants to open a hospital in India as well as Uganda, to help others medically.

She is a very bright girl who has the drive to pursue each of her dreams. Her best country is India; being completely fascinated by it. She will never pass up an opportunity to learn more about the country or talk to others about what she already knows.

This girl has very bold aspirations that are extremely impressive and is such an inspiration to those around her.

Please pray that she will continue to do well in her studies, as she goes into high school at the beginning of the new year. Also pray that she will continue to be a spiritual leader in the NCFH and that God will clear the path for her to pursue her dreams.

Primary-3

Meet my wild and crazy P3 class! 

Leonard

9 years old

Leonard is the only student in the class who is not repeating and continually places at number one. His best subject is math and he absolutely loves art. He also knows how to crack a good silly face. Him and his best friend Issac continually talk during class and love to mess around. But Leonard focuses when it's time to focus and loves a good challenge. 

Patricia

11 years old

Patricia is quite stubborn, although also an absolute sweetheart. Taylor told me she was crying one day at school when I was home helping care for George. When asked why she was crying, she stated that she missed me and wanted me to come back to school. Patricia is continually writing me letters and giving me bracelets. She is very good at math and performs well in school all around. She is a helper and takes well to positive reinforcement.

Emma

9 years old

Emma is another stubborn student and works very slowly. When he becomes frustrated because he has not finished his work while the other students already have, he folds his arms and places his head down on his desk. But I've reminded him that working slowly is not a bad thing and that it helps ensure that he's not making mistakes. Which proves correct because he places in the top three in most subjects. Emma is a sweetheart who also loves to make silly faces.

Vanesa

8 years old

Vanesa, oh Vanesa. She is the youngest in the school and has the shortest attention span, ever. But Vanesa is my little buddy. I tell her that she's the honey to my bee. Vanesa struggles in school but with extra help she can focus and get her work done. I've often said that if I could take Vanesa home with me, I would in a heartbeat. This little girl has completely stolen my heart. She even knows how to take a joke, because she's gone along with me saying that hens are her friends. 

Allan

14 years old

Allan was originally one of the toughest students in the class but over time has become a leader. Allan is Patricia's brother, having the same father and different mothers. Allan is incredibly smart when he puts his mind to it. He performs best in math, but would rather be drawing or reading. Allan has a tough future for him, being 14 and in P3, but I know if he sticks with it, he will go places in his life. He is stubborn and can make things happen.

Vero

12 years old

Vero is one of the best behaved in class, although I am quite positive that she has a learning disability. She is never able to complete any assignment and performs very poorly, unfortunately. But she has such a big heart and is always there to lend a helping had. She loves to do the dishes as well as dance around the classroom with the other girls in the class. Vero always welcomes you into the school each morning with a "how are you?" and a handshake.

Esther

13 years old

Esther is Emma's sister, and unlike Emma, she does not speak English. This has posed to be a major challenge. She is extremely smart and performs well in math. The other subjects are difficult for her because she is unable to read or understand the English. I am working with her on English so that she will be able to perform well in all subjects. Her laugh is the sweetest thing ever and her smile is heartwarming. The boys like to mess with her, but towering over them in size, she can easy throw them all off of her. I don't intervene because it's quite entertaining to say the least.

Richard

9 years old

Everyone knows who Richard is...the trouble maker! Richard is the most difficult student in P3. "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!" Nonstop. Richard has a difficult time focusing in class and would do so well in his studies if he just kept his bum in his seat and did his work. He is such a sweetheart and craves attention. Richard attends the same church as me so I get to sit near this little rascal throughout church each week. He is unable to focus during church as well, ha.

Isaac

9 years old

Isaac also performs well in school and I think it's because he hangs out with Leonard so much. Him and his best friend like to mess around, but Isaac focuses when Leonard is not disturbing him. Issac is probably the best behaved in class and listens the best. He was the first winner of the Pop Fizz Award which is given to the student who has had the best behavior throughout the week. He enjoys math but would probably rather be out of the classroom hanging with his friends.

Joseph

Meet Joseph.

Joseph is quite the character, even thought you would not expect it at first. It took a long time for him to really open up, but now that he has, he is quite enjoyable to be around. He is quickly catching up with Henry when it comes to being a little bother. Yes bother. Joesph is the typical little brother who likes to bother you in any way possible. But more than being someone who messes around, Joseph is such a sweetheart. He truly has such a gentle way about him with a mighty funny laugh.

Joseph seriously has the best laugh I have ever heard. I cannot help but laugh when I hear him laughing.

Joseph enjoys playing football, drumming, drawing, and simply hanging out. And if you bring out the camera, he is always bound to strike a pose or two. Joseph is one of those who you can't help but adore. He is kind but also knows how to have a good time and take a joke. I have found that I can mess with him without him getting mad or upset, and he's willing to do it right back to me.

Just today him and Henry locked me in their room by tying the closet door and the bedroom door together. They tried to enter by passing under the closet door which was about a a foot off the ground, but I told them anyone who attempted to pass would be tickled. Joseph couldn't make it through. He is quite ticklish to say the least. 

I've found that besides tickling Joseph, taking his pillow usually does the job. I love messing around with Joseph and I am quite positive he likes messing around with his aunties also. 

I can't think of anything bad to say about Joseph because he is truly a really great kid with a big heart. 

Please pray for Joseph as he grows into a young man of God, that he will become a leader to his brothers and sisters and that he will do well in school as he finishes off his last term of his P5 school year.

Lawrence

Meet Lawrence.

Lawrence is one of the older boys in the home who probably comes off as one of the most innocent. But don't be deceived, he is typically always in on a good joke. When I first came to Uganda, I didn't really connect with Lawrence because we are both somewhat quiet. But after time I began to really connect with him and is kind ways. 

Lawrence has one of the biggest hearts and his caring ways shine brightly. If there is not enough food, he is always willing to share his or give all of his up for the sake of others. He always out others first.Except for when we ask to take a photo of him. Then it's all about what he wants. The photo below doesn't do justice of how difficult it is to get a photo of him. 

Lawrence enjoys playing football and is usually put as keeper, because he's rather good at it. He wants to be a farmer when he grows up, and enjoys pulling a good prank or telling a good joke. I can hardly ever get a straight answer out of the boy because he messes with me so much.

But I will say, as time has drawn on, I have grown the closest to Lawrence out of all the kids here in Uganda. He is mature, respectful, kind, loving, and still knows how to take and throw a joke. Lawrence will be a great father one day, even though he harasses Joshua like no other at the moment.

Please pray for happiness for Lawrence and that he can do well in school. Lawrence would rather have fun than bear down and study, so pray for focus in school. Pray that he will continue to grow in the Lord and that he will be provided a highlighter when I leave so he can highlight in his Bible. (I think I'll leave him one of mine :])

Bedroom Tour

I thought that perhaps you would like to see the room that I am staying in while in Uganda, so I decided to take a few photos to show you around. So, enjoy!

This is a shelf that Izzi and I use for our food and that I also use for my cosmetics and such. It is the the left of the door when you walk into the room. I also store my guitar case at the foot of Izzi's bed.

I have claimed this wall for all the letters the the children have written me. I have recently become tired of hanging them, so a lot of them are just in a big envelope, but it's a nice reminder of all the love that's given to me here in Uganda.

This is Izzi's bed, which was Taylor's bed before she went back to America about a month ago. Izzi uses the shelf to the right of the bed as her night stand and little storage space. The top of the shelf has a mirror that we placed there as well as some body sprays we purchased at the supermarket. I also store my guitar next to her bed, against our desk.

Oh, and my Taylor Swift calendar is placed next to the window. The sun was much too bright at the moment for it to show up in the photo.

Here is our desk and my bed. I sleep on the bottom bunk, which I actually enjoy quite a lot. It's my own little cave in there which is nice for quiet time. On the desk we keep our chargers, sunglasses, pens, pencils, and then I just keep my random little nick knacks. I didn't do a close up of the desk because a gift for my dad is being used as room decor at the moment and I didn't want to spoil the surprise. But I do have my Club 1031 photo displayed on the top of the desk as well!

I also have photos of my friends and family placed above my bed as well as encouraging words I wrote on index cards.

Here is the little space that I claimed as my own on the desk. Of course having my Wolfpack photo next to my bed is a complete must. My guitar picks, Ugandan phone, rocks for Ricardo, trinkets the kids have given me, trinkets from my mom, bracelets, rings, earrings, sweeties, lotion, chapstick, hand sanitizer, my new flashlight that is already broken...and I think that's about it. Random stuff is kept here.

I use two ice chests has my night stand. My computer is typically on the back ice chest while all my books are kept on the front one, as well as my iPod. 

This is where we hang our towels, hats, bags, laundry bags, belts and such. Sometimes I hang my backpack on there, but usually not. 

And then here is my closet! I live out of my suitcases. I store my shoes under the bed and my hoodies are usually hung on the ladder of the bunk bed. My jeans are on there at the moment because it started raining outside while my clothes were drying yesterday and my pants are still yet to dry.

And of course, Bruv is always sleeping on my bed. It wouldn't be the same without him around. 

Well, that is about it. Not too much to show to be honest. I would show you the bathroom, but there's nothing much too it and it's not the cleanest thing if I'm completely honest. We keep it clean, but it's just naturally not clean. 

The Good Life

From time to time I find myself thinking about how most of my friends are in serious relationships, getting married, having children of their own, starting careers, attending grad school, or doing something with their lives. I think about myself, twenty-three years old, having absolutely none of this and become discouraged. Then there’s always the realization that God has given me something much greater than marriage, a child, further education, or a “real job.” In fact, He’s given me the realest job of all.

God has given me the job to serve in his army. Serving in the Lord’s army is mighty big job. I may be missing out on everything California side at the moment, but I look at what I have here in Uganda, and come to my senses. I am working for God. Beat that! My boss is the greatest boss known on earth.

I currently live with seventeen children who hold a sturdy grip on my heart; seventeen children who have changed my life for the better. I have nine children in my Primary-3 class who challenge me daily, but who also teach me how to be a better person. They have mainly taught me what it means to have an unconditional love for someone. And there are many more children whose lives have touched mine, and mine theirs.

It is in the faces of these children I work with that I realize all I have and I begin to stop pitying myself for not being in a relationship or for furthering my education. I realize I have more than I could have ever dreamed of having; a life of sheer grace, blessing, and happiness.

My life may not be what I ever pictured it to be, but it is more than I could ever imagine it to be. Each day is another day to embrace God’s love and to share it with each person I encounter. My job serving in the Lord’s army is not always an easy one, but it is a good one. One that provides all the benefits needed, and let me just tell you, my boss is out of this world.

I pray that my friends’ weddings are all they ever dreamed of them to be, that their children are born healthy, that my colleagues enjoy their jobs, and that grad school isn’t too rough. But I also want to take a moment to say sorry that they are missing out on what I have going on over my way.

So for now I will continue enjoying this wonderful life God has graciously blessed me with. And I will continue to let the children in the New Creation Family Home and students at New Creation Centre believe that I am cool enough for Zac Efron, or shall I say “Troy,” to date me. I think we are going to get engaged soon ;]

Random Ramblings

I have felt as if I have needed to post something profound for all of you who read this blog of mine, but I haven't been able to come up with something "profound" recently. I feel bad posting about random, funny things constantly, and never really anything of substance. But then I realized that it doesn't really matter what I post, as long as it's from the heart.

So instead of searching for something deep to write about, I thought I'd just make a lighthearted post once again, about some of the random things that have either made me laugh or almost keel over dead.

So let's begin, shall we?

I think I forgot what it's like when a boy's voice starts changing. There is one boy in P5 named Jordan, whose voice is changing and squeaks terribly. The other day he was in my P3 classroom and said the word, "if." And it was the highest pitch I think I've ever heard someone talk in. Izzi and I got a kick out of it and repeat it to him constantly now. Well today at church the pastor preaching said the word "if" in exactly the same tone which Jordan does and I just about susued in my pants from how funny it was. Unfortunately Izzi was not there to laugh about it with me.

Friday I walked home with three of the boys from school: Patrick, Isaac, and another Isaac. On the walk I took a good 'ol fall in all the dust and dirt. I was reminded that here in Uganda, no one really cares if you're okay, they just say, "sorry." All three boys said sorry as they tried to hold back the laughter. Once I stood up, took a bow and told them that we should probably put a cone up, the laughter spilled from their mouths. I proceeded to tell them to just wait, because their turn was coming. I'd take a fall any day to hear kids laugh as hard as they did. And they also got a kick out of me telling them to speak English. They repeated that about 45 times. That was until I thought one of them was saying "behind" when they were saying "Baha'i." And I said to them, "What are you talking about? Behind? Like my behind? Is my behind dirty from me falling?" And again the laughter spilled out and they could not possibly stop saying the word "behind." Good day to say the least.

Oh yeah, and I also taught the kids, "Guess what? Chicken butt." The actually find it funny. This was in honor of my little brother.

So anyhow, there are a few random stories from the past week or so. I am missing home dearly at the moment, but am also really happy to be here. I've been bonding with all of the kids a lot lately which is really nice.

How about you just enjoy a few random photos now:

One of my students, Leonard.
He is number one in our class and is the biggest cheese-ball ever.

Joshua on his chair throne.

He said to me before climbing up, "there my chair!"

Joshua and Nicole getting some early practice for carrying babies on their backs.

Some of the girls in the NCFH posing with
Henry's birthday cake that they helped me decorate.

Only in Uganda would you let the girls "tattoo"
your legs with permanent markers.

An oldie from George and Sarah's wedding where
Taylor and I pretended that we were Pepsi models.

Miss, Vanesa in my P3 class.

Whenever I tell them to hold their pencils, she holds hers like this.

This little girl has a tight grip on my heart.

Joshua all wrapped up in a box and some paper.

He was enjoying this quite a lot.

Henry came to my bedroom door to show me his outfit.

This is typical Henry for ya.

I sometimes call my students "chicken nug"
so they let me "tattoo" it on them with markers.

Vanesa and I just taking some selfies of course.

There's never a dull moment when you're spending time with her.