How I know I am in Africa!

1. no hot showers
2. sleeping under a mosquito net (and taking malaria meds daily:)
3. red dirt everywhere!
4. pointing and yelling "Muzung00" (white person) at us
5. jams - that is traffic jams - perfectly normal and looks like chaos
6. children who fight to take my plate away from the table
7. listening to drumming and singing every morning
8. and so many more

But I am loving it here, but I also know that I am not in North America anymore. Have you every tried to explain to a child that they will go on an airplane, when the only time they have seen one is in the sky? Its tricky - personal tv's, washrooms, food - all of these things become difficult, but they love asking. We are trying to prepare them for what life will be like for them for the next year of their life.

I thought I would just let you know what our daily life looks like at Makydee centre.
7am children wake up
- chores
- wash their sandals that have gotten dirty from the chores
8am breakfast
- dishes are done
-devotions
9am rehearsal
12:30 play time
1:00 lunch
1:30 nap
2:30 school
5:00 playtime
6:00 dinner
7:30 devotions
8:30 bedtime

My schedule consists of watching this fine tuned routine daily and while they are in rehearsals or school the chaperones are in sessions. We have learned so much and seen a lot, but there is so much more in store, I can't wait to see and learn more!

Living the Dream!

Sitting in my parents Jeep, suitcase packed and ready to start my 2 day journey to Uganda, I am filled with excitement and relief. Finally the never ending list of things is done and I can fully relax and enjoy back-to-back red eye flights, if that is possible.
To begin the journey from Chatham to Toronto I will stop in to have a quick dinner with my Grandparents and maybe one last shower before getting on my 11:15 pm flight.

The last few days have been filled with phone calls and visits of farewell. I wish I could have had time with each one of you, but as I’m sure you know time slips away so quickly. I have been able to steal a few moments of reflection and think back to the first memories I have of the African Children’s Choir. I was just 8 years old when I ventured with a family friend to their concert. I fell in love with those children immediately and wanted to adopt one as a brother or sister. The impact they left on my young heart has transcended all of these years and I am pinching myself that I am now “living the dream”. I not only get to “adopt” 1, but all 22 girls and boys!

Even though there are many uncertainties about next year, I know without a doubt that it will be a life changing experience, for the better. I catch myself fantasizing about what the year will hold and the stories that will become mine. Somehow I know though that my expectations will be blown out of the water. I can’t wait to share them with you.

Thank you all for your support in my life, I do not take it for granted. I will try to update you as soon as I can with my first impressions and experiences in Uganda, Africa!!!

8 till Uganda!

I am so excited to begin final preparations as the continent of Africa gets closer and closer.