Where has the past month gone?

Sorry friends for not posting more consistently about my time in Uganda. The last few weeks have been very busy with assignments as well as several weekend trips so updating my blog has gotten pushed aside.


Nov. 7-9th
We took a trip to Lira (Northern Uganda) to visit three different organizations involved in peace and conflict issues. The 20+ year war involving the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) impacted the lives of thousands of men, women and children. Current organizations and efforts in this region are still struggling to address numerous issues the war brought about.

• Children of the Nations (COTN)-Uganda https://cotni.org/where-we-serve/uganda
• partners with nationals to provide holistic, Christ-centered care for orphaned and destitute children, enabling them to create positive and lasting change in their nations
• Alternative to Violence Organisation for Humanity (AVCOH) http://ogwaljose.wix.com/avcoh-uganda
• promoting youth through sustainable development were they engage in income generating activities through  vocational training
• Solidarity Uganda http://www.solidarityuganda.com/
• Seeks to empower communities with alternative transformational educational experiences useful for cultivating holistic peace and justice throughout Uganda
• directed by a former USP student
• utilizes non-violent training methods to promote peace and justice

Nov. 15-16th Safari trip-Murchison Falls National Park

• African wildlife we spotted: African elephants, giraffes, hippos, Ugandan cranes, warthogs, cape buffalo, baboons, Nile crocodile, antelopes-Jackson's hartebeest,  shaggy water bucks,
• photos: https://plus.google.com/photos/113442514821497889409/albums/6092003949505454065

Nov. 28th celebrated Thanksgiving (it was good, just not the same as home) 

• feast: shredded cabbage, sliced avocado/tomato, turkey, mashed potatoes, cooked green beans/carrots, gravy, sauce from turkey juice, green bean casserole, stuffing, canned corn, rolls, fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, red/yellow peppers)
• dessert: apple pies, cookies-peanut butter, sugar and pumpkin chocolate chip, pumpkin bars, peanut clusters

Dec. 1-5th last week of classes (3 final papers in place of final exams)

Dec. 12th- last day at ROTOM

• Christmas party for volunteers and seniors (about 300 in attendance)
• staff members were sad to see me go since they greatly enjoyed working with me for the last 3 months
• I enjoyed my time at ROTOM learning about the practices and profession of social work in the Ugandan context. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to interact with older Ugandan men and women. Though many are materially poor they are rich in relationships within their family and communities. Many are able to live full and dignified lives despite physical limitations, through the help and support of ROTOM. 

Dec. 13th-depart for Entebbe (debrief/re-entry retreat)

Dec. 16-17th flying home

Please pray for safety traveling and for a willingness to allow God to use this experience for His honor and glory once I return. Thanks for your continual prayers and interest. See you soon!!