out & about

well today i finally feel like i am on uganda time. :) i woke up got some coffee, hung out with kiddos, read my bible out on the terrace, and helped graham with a little of his homework. from just discussing a little with him, i can see how important it is to come alongside him with his school work. he is having trouble reading and being diligent in his homework. i think that is with most teenage boys anyways. :) i have already observed a lot just in the small time i have been here with the family & especially graham. he is a bright boy with a future ahead of him and i just hope i will be able to ignite a passion in him to have goals and dreams. i know it will take time, as most things do. but i looking forward to learning not only from graham and the family, but even learning some language myself. :) 

so i ventured out today. dave picked me up from the house and i went to his office to exchange some money. then i went off by myself. (don't worry mom & dad, the area where i live is fine to walk around according to dave & amy). anyways, i was told to go try "coffee at last". it's a cute little coffee shop off makindye road. it has an american feel, especially with country music playing. what! texas country music in uganda?! crazy i know. BUT the coffee is good! i've been meeting all the people that work here. i have to say...ugandan's are so kind and hospitable! so as i sit outside on the balcony watching people pass whether walking, riding bodas, in cars, or in small buses...i'm soaking it in. i love it. i love interacting with the people, watching, smelling, and embracing all that is around me. it's so different from america, but in it's own way it already feels normal to me. 

tomorrow i will more than likely go up to ISU (international school of uganda) and meet with someone about tutoring graham. it will be nice to see the school layout and familiarize myself before hitting the a full day come monday. i am not sure of the plans for this weekend just yet; however, i may be going up to mawanga village, meeting pastor paul, or any other ROWAN staff here in the city.  

i am seeing how different life is and the experience thus far with not being with a team of some sort. i know there are pros and cons about both, but one thing i have enjoyed is the opportunity and ability to truly see and take in the culture here. i get to walk around, say hi to those traveling on foot and just be as normal as you can be. i am looking forward to truly getting the ugandan experience when i ride on a boda boda (a little motorcycle).

thank you again for the letters you have written. i take out a few a day and read them. my heart is refreshed each time knowing the incredible support i have behind me. so i leave you with a picture of me sitting on the balcony enjoying some african coffee this afternoon! i'm sure this will become a regular stop for me..i've already informed one of the managers and he has happy about that! :) 

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Cor. 5:20-21