Wednesday Morning in Uganda :)

Things are going so well :)

I finally feel really comfortable leaving campus and going into the city of Mukono. The roads are absolutely insane though. I’m pretty sure there are no restrictions. The boda-bodas (kind of like motorcycles only a million times more dangerous) do NOT stop for people nor swerve for them when they’re about to run a person over. All the traffic is like that. You basically have to be a defensive pedestrian or you’ll get run over. Ask Angela about it- she about got taken out by a matatu (taxi). But going into the city is so much fun besides the fact that pretty much everyone stares and can’t get over the fact that a mzungu is in Uganda. They always ask us how we found Uganda haha. But overall the people are so kind.

Sunday I went to my first church service here. It was sooo good. I love how free spirited the people are. The worship was so incredible, I love just watching the people dance, throw their arms up, and just smile the entire time that they are worshipping God. It’s soooo contagious. I could definitely feel the Holy Spirit :) And the theme for the semester is “Shining for Jesus in a dark world.” The sermon was really good- fairly long and intense- but it was good. The service reminded me that I’m definitely exactly where I need to be :)

Monday I went running for the first time in Africa. Oh my. First of all- we had to go running at the crack of dawn so that it was in the low 70’s. This heat is insane- let alone trying to run in it. I went running with an intern, Molly. We made it about 1 mile and called it quits haha. Then I had my first 2 classes here! My first class was Ugandan Politics and it was a little rough. I could barely understand the lecturer, but he’s really nice so I’m not too worried. Then I had Understanding Ethics and basically it’s all older men studying law in my class. But the lecturer is really intriguing so I really liked the class. Late that night we went “Rolling.” Basically it’s just when a bunch of students leave campus and go get Rolexes. They’re chipati’s with egg like an omelet rapped inside. They are sooo good but so incredibly greasy. And I had chocolate for the first time in a week on Monday. Chocolate has never tasted so good.

Tuesday we went running again and made it a mile and a half :) Making progress. Then I had classes again. Classes here are a lot more lecture structured but the information is really intriguing and I love hearing about politics and history from the perspective of Ugandans. It’s definitely different from any schooling I’ve ever had.  Then some of the girls and I went into the market place to do a little shopping and got ORANGE FANTAS. I love fantas with all my heart, no lie. Then we went out to dinner at one of the canteens on campus- my entire meal was 3,000 shillings which amounts to less than 1.50 American dollars. Hello cheap dinner. It was good though :) Then I got to SKYPE WITH MY BEST FRIENDS!!!!! Oh my goodness it was soo great to see their faces :) I miss them a lot :/ But it’s so encouraging to see them and know that they’re all doing well and that good ol MVNU hasn’t changed a bit. Anyways- I love you girls :) Theeenn my roommate and I decided to do our first trial of washing clothes here. Hand washing clothes with a basin and some really strange detergent. We then left them out to soak for the night.

And now it’s Wednesday morning. By far my favorite morning here so far. I got to skype with my mama, dad, and Rachel. I LOVED SEEING YOU GUYS! :) Everything about it was so refreshing and comforting and it was definitely something I needed. After skyping with them I skyped a little with Kevin. He just kept reminding me of how jealous he is that I’m in Africa :) And I also got to see Peck and Randon for a little! I was supposed to have my Religions class this morning buutt the lecturer never showed up :) So now I’m done with classes for the day and it’s only 10 am. I attempted to finish hand washing my clothes but it’s pretty difficult. Scrubbing the clothes takes forever and the red dirt here has totally stained my white clothes. Needless to say- I’ll never complain about doing laundry back at home again.

I’m jealous of all the snow everyone is getting back in Ohio. I miss the snow more than I thought I would. A lizard just ran past my feet. I’m still not used to all these creatures always being so close to me. This morning while I was skyping my parents this dumb bird just sat beside me and stared for probably ten minutes. Not something I’m used to. A little too close for comfort.

The food overall has been okay. Basically every meal has been rice and beans. And when I say basically- I mean every single meal. Besides breakfast. Usually we just have bread and tea at breakfast but today there was corn on the cob- of course I’d skip breakfast when they serve corn on the cob haha.

Every day is getting easier :) I’m really starting to feel comfortable but I don’t think I’ll ever get over the fact that I AM IN AFRICA. It’s hard to forget though since every morning I attempt to get out of bed before realizing I have a mosquito net surrounding me haha. I haven’t been bitten yet tho :)

This is a super long blog. The rest of the week is just classes and Saturday I have my first home stay. I get to live with a family for two weeks and I am SOOO excited! It’ll definitely be an experience :)

In my devotional today I read this quote; “Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. Sever any ties but the tie that binds me to Thy service and to Thy heart.” -David Livingstone. I really want that prayer to be my own. I know God has had it planned all my life for me to be right here, right now. And I know that He is with me. I feel so many burdens for the people here and all the chaos surrounding us, but I can feel the sustaining power of God holding me up and helping me be strong. He’s helping me in ways I never realized I needed guidance. He’s teaching me that life is meant to be taken one day at a time, one step at a time. It takes so much stress and worries from my heart. And I know Jesus is working on severing ties in my life that need to be severed, but I know He’ll never lead me away from His service and heart :) I’m still at awe in the way God works.

I love you all :) Keep praying for everyone here and all that is in store this semester- I’m praying for everyone back at home as well :)

xoxoxo, Bethany Diane Joy

PS: Joel- I’ll talk more about why exactly I’m here in another post cuz this one is way too long to try to add it in haha but I’ll definitely do my best to explain it another time.