Things I'm Becoming Accustomed To...

• Older men and women being called "Uncles" and "Aunties." This does not mean the children are related to these people. In fact, they may be a stranger, but their title is "Uncle" or "Auntie." I have even been called Auntie.
• Being called "Teacher Andrea." Everyone here is called Teacher _____. I must say, this is much easier than saying "Miss DiBartolomeo." :)
• In school, the students must stand to speak (which I am used to) but they also have to reply "Yes, Teacher" before answering the question. This can especially be confusing when the answer is a negative. For example, does 15 + 14 = 28? "Yes, Teacher. No, 15 + 14 does not equal 28." Oh yeah, they also must answer in a complete sentence (which I think is a great idea to help them with sentence structure).
• Children shouting "Mazungu, Mazungu" and waving wildly. This means "white person." It is not a particularly flattering phrase, but it is not offensive when spoken by young children.
• Wearing skirts and dresses ALL the time - even when taking a walk for exercise.
  

I am learning to appreciate each of these things. I really am so thankful to be here. It is such a learning experience!

Keeping in Touch

Many people have asked how they can reach me here in Uganda. Thankfully, there are many ways. I will also post them off to the side of my blog, in case you come back later and forget. I love hearing from each of you. Thanks for reading and commenting!

• Skype me: andreadibart
• Call me: 011 256 772 700 557 (If you are able to find a cheap international phone card, the call from the US to my cell phone is free for me - all incoming calls are free here.)
• Write me (old-fashioned style): My name, The Rafiki Foundation, P.O. Box 12714, Kampala, Uganda, EAST AFRICA
• Visit me: I would love for you to come out here on a short-term missions trip. You are allowed to come whenever works best for you. All you have to do is go through a short weekend training which is near Orlando!! The dates for the training are February 8 and 9; April 11 and 12; May 2 and 3; May 30 and 31; October 3 and 4; and November 7 and 8.

I hope this helps for those who were wondering! I miss you all!

A Taste of My New Home

Well, here are some pictures from my home in Uganda. I have not explored around our village to take pictures. But, these are some pictures from my house. This should help to give you a flavor. Just so you know, this Rafiki village is truly like a resort compared to the surrounding areas (which I will have to capture some other time). This country is beautiful! My home is wonderful as well - it is bigger than my apartment in Florida! I've described each picture below the image.

This is the view from my front door. So gorgeous! The red roofs are three of the orphan cottages.This is the front of my house. I feel very safe. They have never had any problems with people breaking in, but to be cautious, they have us lock this gate you see in front of my door.
This is the view from the entrance.
Here is my living and dining room.
This is again from the entrance hallway. You can see the back door that is gated and my bedroom on the right.
This is my room with my princess bed - otherwise known as a mosquito net :)
This is the second bedroom.
This is the view from my backyard. The children play soccer on a field to the left. You can see a trail that one of the missionaries has cut to jog and walk on.
This is my neighbor's backyard and home.

Simple thoughts during a movie....

I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared

These words struck me tonight as I watched The Sound of Music with the other American missionaries. It so clearly expresses the question that has been on my heart this past week. God has made it so plain to me that I am to be here in Uganda at this time. He has put this desire in my heart - before I even recognized it. I truly have always longed for this adventure. So, when faced with it, why am I so scared? More than anything, God just used these simple words to convict my heart - to remind me that He is the One who has led me here. He is the One who has paved the way. I know and trust that God is good and that He is faithful to His promises. So, I have no reason to fear. This thought was confirmed earlier in the night when I went to our weekly Bible study. As I was explaining how God led me to be involved with the Rafiki Foundation, they shared how I was an answer to their specific prayers. The God we serve is so mighty! He works outside of our time and space. And, He is good - He has our best interest at heart. Why am I so scared?

Thank You!

Thank you so much for all of your specific prayers. I wanted to give you some updates. First of all, I received my luggage today!! Everything was in tact. I cannot tell you how nice it was to put on my own clothes and take a shower with my own supplies. I have never been more thankful for my suitcase :)

Also, I have been sleeping so well here. The first day, I was so tired. But, ever since then, I have been very awake during the day and slept all through the night. One of my prayer requests was that I would experience minimal jet-lag. God has been more than gracious! In fact, sleeping here is kind of fun. We do not have air conditioning because of the temperate weather. So, I sleep with the windows open. With the sounds of all the insects and animals, I feel like I am camping but in a nice, comfortable bed. For those of you who know me well, I love camping! So, this is a great experience.

Thank you again to all of you! And, thank you, Lord, for Your goodness and provision!

P.S.

For those of you who have seen the Rafiki video, Alice lives at this village. She is the one they told the story of the numerous rat bites on her feet. She is doing well now. She came when she was three and is now in kindergarten or first grade. She is so cute! As soon as I saw this precious little girl, I knew it had to be her! Her eyes and smile give it away. :)

First Days

Well, it has been quite a couple of days here in Uganda. For those of you wondering, I have not received my luggage yet. From what I hear, one bag has arrived, but since the airport is an hour and a half away, we will wait until both pieces arrive to go pick it up. Please pray it comes tomorrow and that it has not been tampered with!

There have been many adjustments and I cannot say I am used to them yet. First, power goes out ALL the time here. We are lucky to have a back-up generator. There are certain hours where the generator runs but even that can be unreliable. Thank goodness we even have power though! Ugandans do not talk during meals - it is just part of their way of life. So lunches and dinners (even with a room full of children) are so quiet. Teachers in the states wouldn't believe it! School is different too. We have some students coming here from outside the Rafiki village. This is their first year here and they seem very intimated. In a typical Ugandan elementary school, there are 100+ students per classroom. The "teacher" writes what the students are supposed to learn on the board and goes back to the rear of the room while the students are supposed to memorize it. In addition, a passing grade in most schools is considered a 39%. Rafiki is attempting a whole different kind of school system. I only have ten students in one class and twenty in the other. Their grading standards are the same as the U.S. Also, the girls have shaved heads, which makes it extremely difficult to tell a girl from a boy. Supposedly, this is a Ugandan school requirement. I am told I will soon learn to differentiate them - I sure hope so!

I know you all are anxious to see pictures and get a feel for my new "home." Please be patient with me as the staff have asked me to wait until I have been here at least a week. It is understandable, seeing that many Americans visit this Rafiki village, and these children have their picture taken all the time. In an effort for me to build a relationship with them first, they have asked me to wait. I will post pictures as soon as I can! Thanks for reading my blog. You all mean SO much to me!

I've arrived.....well, at least most of me :)

Thank you so much for your prayers! I have felt every single one of them. I wish I could recount to you all the ways I have sensed God's presence along my flight travels. He has been so gracious and provided in so many ways! I know this is where I am supposed to be.

I am now safely in Uganda and have made it to the Rafiki Village. It is beautiful here! It is more lush and gorgeous than I realized. Thankfully, I have arrived safely, but my luggage has not. I had two suitcases and many connections, so somewhere along the way, they have gotten lost. Please pray that they are quickly located. It seems as though I am already having to learn the African way of flexibility:)

School starts on Monday. So, you can also pray for me as I have a quick orientation of both the village and the school tomorrow. It will be busy! I will keep you updated as I can. Thanks for your comments - they are so encouraging!

IT'S TIME!!

I cannot believe it is already the 17th! I have thought, prayed, and planned for this day to come and now the time is here. I have so many emotions raging inside me it is hard to discern just one. I woke up incredibly fearful. But, throughout the day, have definitely sensed God's love for me and His overwhelming peace. I am amazed every time I think of all the people who are behind me - supporting me. I cannot tell you how encouraging it is! I have felt your prayers!

Please pray for my flight today to go smoothly. I have two overnight flights and arrive in Uganda on Saturday morning. As far as I know, teaching will begin on Monday. Please pray for incredible rest during my travels. I am so excited to share this adventure with you! It brings me such joy! Next time I write, I will probably be in Africa :)

The Countdown Begins....

Ten more days, and I will be on my way to a new country. So much will change this year! It is hard to know what to write in the days before I leave, but I have decided to simply share my heart and emotions with you. Just know, it is quite a roller coaster. But, I want to fully invite you on this journey and the best way to do that is to be real.

Today, I am overwhelmed. First, I am overwhelmed by God's incredible love for me and the way He has extended His love through my church. Yesterday, they prayed for and commissioned me during the services. It was such an encouraging time to feel the support and prayers from my UPC family. I am also overwhelmed that God would choose to send me. Who am I and what do I have to offer? The answer is nothing, but God is so faithful in using weak people like me to carry out His eternal plan. It is truly a mystery! Lastly, and probably most obvious, I am overwhelmed by the details that need to be accomplished. Thanks for your prayers on this one!

New Year's Resolution

Ok. So, I am not the best at keeping up with the blog world. But one of my New Year's resolutions - one that I intend to keep - is to blog more often. This will become a lot easier once I actually arrive in Uganda. I absolutely cannot wait to share stories and pictures with you! It is incredibly hard to believe that it is only 2 weeks away! Crazy!

While I prepare to go, I would covet your prayers. Please pray:
1. I would be diligent in my personal time with God.
2. I would allow Him to guide my steps in these last few days in FL.
3. For quality time with my friends and family.
4. For a renewed sense of joy and peace as I get ready to travel.
5. For quick bonding with the missionaries in Uganda and for a friend to confide in.

Thanks! And, please stay in touch. Comment when you can. I LOVE to hear from you all!

Happy New Year!