Today was a little long... we went to a 3 hour church service...there was a little girl who sat with us who was fascinted with our watches and rubber bands on our wrists! It was adorable. We then went to lunch and I had chips and chop (ie. a furry flat fried meat of some sort...awful!) Then I went to an african market to buy fruits and veggies and meat and rice and then carried it back to the house with one of the guys. Then we had a huge party for all of the summer volunteers complete with them slaughtering a goat and sticking the hide on the wall outside. After seeing that I just couldn't bring myself to eat it. The TAIL was intact on the grill!!! I was in charge of decorating with Christmas decorations...it was pretty hysterical. There is a picture of Obama in our living room and we gave him earrings with ornaments. It made me laugh!
I am ready to get into the outreaches. Tomorrow we are going to a babies home and having a planning meeting. Hopefully I will be able to walk into town to get some money and breakfast food. I was informed that next week we are going to Gulu on Tuesday. Not sure what we are doing but it will be an adventure! I am praying that the Lord would change my heart towards this place and these people. Because honestly...right now...i have cried everyday and I want to go home. But I cannot..so pray for courage and a changed heart. Miss you all! I will try and figure out how to post pictures. no promises though. The internet is a bit slow. Also, pray I could get some good sleep. There is a bar right next to us that plays LOUD music till like 2am. NOT FUN! And there are these awful squawking birds and a cow that moos in the morning so loudly it sounds like it is giving birth! Ohhh TIA! (this is Africa!)
Meredith- Grace and I would have really like to see you cleaning a goat and then having some goat kabobs... (haha)... The trip to the market souded cool and i bet was a bit diffrent than the Fresh Market...The trip to GULU also will give you a great chance to see the countryside and hopefully finally see a baboon.. I know you are a little overwhelmed right now and missing all your friends but things will get better..Just remember all the little kids you will be seeing and helping this week will love you and crave human contact...Keep your chin up and remember your first week at Meredith College was a little shaky as well.. You will be fine...LOVE DAD, Mom, and Gracie.
ReplyDeleteMer-mer, I would have reaacted the same way you did to the goat!! I would love to see Obama with earrings. I'm sure that would make me laugh!Remember to take lots of pictures so you can show us everything when you get back. I know the first week will probably be the hardest because there are so many new things to get used to. But remember that while you're there you will make such a difference in someone else's life!! You will be able to do things that none of us will ever be able to do!! You are fabulous!!!! LOVE YOU!! The Spiveys
ReplyDeleteMeredith- I'm so glad you made it safely! It sounds like quite an adventure so far (furry meat???). All of the newness certainly can be overwhelming. Our God is going to do some amazing things in and through you-keep holding on!
ReplyDelete"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Ps. 73:23 -something that OFTEN gets me through :)
Much love and prayers!!!
Kelly
Meredith, I so enjoyed reading your last few weeks of blog posts tonight. Your excitment was evident. I talked to your mom tonight. I am praying that you will find a peace being there and contentment as you figure out what it is God has in store for you. You've been wanting this for so long, give yourself a chance to get comfortable and rested. Good luck these next few days as you get used to everything.
ReplyDeleteLove you-Amy H.
Meredith, Your writing is so interesting and I have so many questions. What kind of fruits and vegetables did you buy? Are they anything like ours? How long does it take to walk into town? I guess I thought you were going to be out in the boonies, but this sounds better. I'm always thinking about plants and landscapes. What is countryside like? Lots of trees? Any water? What is the weather like? It's raining here right now, so no Orion here either, but he's somewhere out there. You're probably up and about right now (7:15 Uganda time) and will meet the kids soon. It's going to be a good day...hang in there! Love you! Aunt Susan
ReplyDeleteMeredith!
ReplyDeleteHey Girl! I'm so happy you made it there safely. Grandma told me about your leaving your life in Johannesburgh! Oh no! Your strong faith sounds like it's being tested. I'm praying for you lady. Have fun on your adventure in Gulu! You are an AMAZING woman... and we are all so proud of you we can hardly stand it.
I love you,
~Anna
Meredith...wanted to share a quote that reminded me of you...."There is hardly ever a complete silence in the soul. God is whispering to us well-nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear the whisperings of God. He is always whispering to us, only we do not hear, because of the noise, hurry, and distraction which life causes as it rushes on".....F.W Faber.
ReplyDeleteSound like you are in for a classic case of culture shock! Try not be overwhelmed by the sounds from the bar, the goat slaughtering, etc, etc...Listen for the whispers. I think that is why you sought this place and He led you to it. So So proud of you! Take an very strong person to leap out of the comfort zone! We love you! Uncie John
Meredith, A cow like the one in Switzerland? The cow mooing outside when we were living in a attic like Anne Frank? Keep strong.... all these experiences will make you strong! Remember, I was soo upset on our first travel break, and by the end of the 7 weeks I didn't want to leave! That is how it will turn out for you, I promise. Stay strong, keep praying, and remember to treasure each moment. God will take care of you. He has lead you there and he will provide. Keep the faith girlfriend. I love and miss you dearly. Nicole McGuinness
ReplyDeleteMeredith, I am overwhelmed at your experiences and at your writing. I found myself excited to come home and read your latest writing. It is most evident to me that you have been called to that place. Your writing is filled with excitement as you discover a world far away from your comforts of home. How I admire your bravery, but more than that, I admire your faith to blindly trust a power far greater than yourself to lead your where ever you may go. I am convinced that God will hold you safely in the palm of his hand while you are there. I am convinced that you will make a difference in the lives you touch while you are there, and I really wonder if you will not make an even greater difference in the live of those who read of your experiences through your writing. Beth and I are so overwhelmingly proud of the young woman you've become. Know that you are in our constant thoughts and prayers and our love and support for you has no end.
ReplyDeleteWith all my admiration and love,
Uncle Randy (the "God fadda")