Where have all the Pine Trees gone?

Slow drivers, flat landscape, cowboy boots, Whataburger, mega-churches and the 101 different taco restaurants echo what I know to be true….I’m not in Georgia anymore. There is not a pine tree in sight. But, within sight are three different Sonics. Sonic is to Texas what Waffle House is to Georgia and what Starbucks is to any urban city. There seem to be two on every corner.

Here is the question that any non-Texan is thinking….Julie, why are you in Texas?

Well, for those of you who haven’t had the chance to ask me “What are you doing now?” Let me get you up to speed.

So, Julie, what are you up to now?

I am working for Harmony Project International (or HPI) in Ft. Worth, Texas….at least until the end of January.

Why only till then?

HPI only has the funds to pay me until then. I feel like God has given me a lot of talents and professional skills just for a job like this one….so, I am going to work hard while I am with HPI…whether it is just until the end of January or for the next three years.

Cool, what is HPI?

HPI exists to help bridge international outreach efforts of Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. It is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our main function is to act as administrator of funds for projects identified by the HPI Board of Directors. Currently, Livingstone International University (LIU) is our only project.

Okay. So what do you do for HPI?

I do whatever needs to be done. I am the only person working full-time for HPI so I get to do a little bit (or a lot) of everything.

Hmmm….I still don’t understand what you do, but tell me about LivingStone International University?

I love talking about LIU! LIU was a dream of the missionaries who have been working in Mbale, Uganda for over 15 years. For years, they have been planting the seed of this dream in anyone and everyone. Get this, only 1 in 1,000 people in Uganda will attend university. In 2006, over 55,000 young Ugandans qualified to attend university. Unfortunately, the current situation only has the capacity to educate 34,000 students a year at the university level. Can you imagine….only 34,000 students? That’s roughly the size of my alma mater, the University of Georgia. 34,000 students wouldn’t even fill the Georgia football stadium half-way.

While I was working in Mbale, I saw the need and caught the vision of LIU. But, this dream is quickly becoming more of a reality. Last year the government granted permission to legally begin developing and constructing LIU. We have already purchased 60% of the land designated for LIU and we are praying for funds to complete the land transactions.

So, why do you have to be in Texas to work with this project?

The majority of funds for HPI have so far come from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area with Richland Hills Church of Christ being the initial financial supporter. Luckily, a member of Richland Hills has offered to host me for several months…making the transition much easier.

What is it with all the Sonics in Texas?

Who knows – maybe Texans just look for opportunities to spend more time in their trucks.

Best & Worst about being home.

Best things about being back in America?

Being closer to family! Soft toilet paper. Washer AND Dryer. My own car. Smooth roads. Dr. Pepper. Mexican Restaurants. Better shopping. Cleanliness. Fast Internet.

Worst things about being back in America?

Cold weather. Air-Conditioning. Perpetual busyness. Hearing trivial complaints.

Miss most about Uganda?

Living in a small community of believers. Walking to a friend’s house for tea. Driving a stick shift. Negotiating everything. Great Indian food. The best coffee. Thatcher and Mya.

Miss least about Uganda?

Spraying my room for mosquitoes every night. Tucking in the mosquito net every night. Dirty feet. Dogs barking all night. Intermittent electricity. Substandard pizza. Unpasteurized milk.

Modern Major-General

Yesterday I was on an airplane only to discover that Delta is now offering internet access in-flight! Apparently, this is still a new initiative, so I was able to connect free of charge.

After a few moments, it hit me - I am flying in the air - updating my facebook status - sending email - snacking on pretzels. I had the urge to spontaneously burst into song and dance. Hand-springs down the aisle, then crowd surfacing from Coach to First Class all the while singing like I was in a Rogers & Hammerstein classic production. Somehow, I think it would turn out more humorously absurd like Gilbert & Sullivan.

No one else on board seemed quite as impressed - but then again, half of my excitement came from the pretzels alone.

I had a house in Africa....

This is from a recent Email Newsletter...my last email update....but don't worry, more blogs to follow.

“I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” This is how Karen von Blixen-Finecke, a.k.a. Isak Dinesen, begins her novel Out of Africa. I think we have all seen the movie... Meryl Streep and Robert Redford….Well, actually, I haven’t….this is more of my mother’s genre of movies. It is one of those that I wasn’t allowed to watch as a kid and just never got around to watching later…Ghost and Fatal Attraction also fall into this category. But, this is not an email about movies that I’ve never seen.

I had a house in Africa at the foot of Mount Elgon. I cried my first night in the house and I cried my last night. The first night, I was overcome with the drastic differences between my clean, air-conditioned house in the States and this dusty, sweaty house in Uganda. The last night, I was overcome with these same differences, but my outlook had completely changed. I no longer feared the geckos that scurried up and down the walls, the unpredictable little black jumping spiders, or that my dogs would muddy my clothes before I even got out the door. It was no longer a bother to filter water, walk to town, or wait for my clothes to dry on the line. Don’t get me wrong – there are many, many things about Uganda that I am not going to miss (mud during rainy season, dust during dry season, intermittent power, and dirty feet)….but there is so much that is wonderful and irreplaceable (close interdependent community, the "Ugandan" handshake and smelling the rain come in off the mountains). My friend Lori Manry does a better job describing these sentiments in her blog. (http://www.manryfamily.com/)

So, my year in Uganda is finished and I am home in Newnan sitting on my bed (with a REAL mattress), using wireless internet and watching HGTV. What’s next for my future? Will I stay in the Atlanta area? As one of my teammates recently advised me, “With God, anything is possible; Dream huge.” After a year in Uganda, I feel prepared to face most any challenge. For those of you who might know someone who knows someone …I am particularly interested in working with a global-minded non-profit organization, one that is focused on making everyday differences in the lives of those living in everyday need.

While I will continue to update my blog, this will be my last email update. So, be sure to check outhttp://juliereagan.blogspot.com to find out what is next for me.

Thanks for your support financial, emotional and spiritually. You have given me one amazing, unforgettable year. I hope you will dream huge in your own life.

Julie Reagan

By the way, you are invited to hear more about my year in Uganda at an upcoming “Welcoming Home Bash” on August 29th in Newnan. An evite with details will follow.

Not the Rwandan Story...Soon

Today was baking day in the Teacher house. Allen, our school cook, came over to bake cakes for her daughter’s 5^th birthday. We made 4 cakes and a batch of cookies. Multiple cakes were needed for the different school, church, and family parties.

Shout out to Debbie Booth who is my sister-in-law’s mother. Debbie – we used your chocolate cake recipe…..the one that is in Sue’s new cookbook. Funny thing, I thought I bought buttermilk…but it turned out to be more lardish than milky….so I attempted to make my own buttermilk. Hopefully no one will suffer too much from eating that cake. The amazing chocolate icing should cover any weird aftertaste.

When we were half way through the baking, I noticed that Allen still looked so clean…..on the other hand, my clothes were dusted with flour, coco, sugar and imitation buttermilk. How does this happen?

Since the many cakes and cookies were too many – I gave Allen a ride home. She proudly introduced me to her neighbors and showed me her home. Then we did the usual Ugandan three-shake-handshake to say good-bye. I smiled then gave her the usual American goodbye – a big hug. Weird for me – I know, I am not a huggy person…I think maybe it was all the female bonding and laughing over flour, sugar and a hot oven…..

Oh, and Allen invited me over to have dinner with her family - I can’t wait!

Once Upon a Time, In a Land Far, Far Away....

A few months before I left the States, I watched the movie “Hotel Rwanda” which depicts events surrounding the now infamous Rwandan Genocide (R.G.). I’ll be totally honest – I had heard about the R.G., but I couldn’t tell you when or what about it. The R.G. happened during my lifetime…I was finishing up the Seventh Grade and getting excited about our upcoming family vacation to the Florida Keys with Aunt Pat and Uncle Ralph. My brother and I were following the scores of the 1994 World Cup. But, I don’t remember hearing or learning anything about over half a million people being murdered in a small country called Rwanda. I never even learned about the R.G. after the fact….until I watched “Hotel Rwanda” and began searching the web for any bit of information about the R.G. I was ashamed with my ignorance.

One thing was for sure – I had to visit Rwanda.

There is something about Rwanda. Is it belated attention resulting from the Genocide? Is it the Hollywood movie Hotel Rwanda? Is it the French speaking native Rwandans? Is the physical beauty? Is it the cool climate? I’m not sure – but there is something different about this country.

Rwanda is storybook Africa. It is Africa idealized. The “California” of Africa. My personal tale of three young maidens’ journey to this land far, far away will be posted soon…. Until then…..I’ll leave you with this:

Once upon a time, three youngish missionary maidens set off from one magical land in search for adventure in a land far, far away…a kingdom known as Rwanda. It has been said that the journey was just as important as the destination, but never would anyone have imagined a journey such as theirs….

I'm no Oprah...but I've read some good books lately...

My time in Uganda has afforded me much time to pursue one of my favorite hobbies….READING. This is a hobby that really brings the missionary community together. Since our reading options are very limited…we raid each other’s personal libraries frequently. It is not uncommon for a book to start with one missionary in western Uganda and change hands over a dozen times criss-crossing all of eastern Africa before it returns briefly to its owner’s shelf.

Because of this type of environment, I have been reading lots of new authors and different genres than I might normally read. Lucky for you, I have kept a list of all the books I’ve read since being in Uganda.

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

A classic that is a readable for many different ages. Joe gets in our hearts and we long to comfort and encourage her through life’s changes. One of my all time favorites.

Dear Enemy, Jack Cavanaugh

A dark WWII romantic thriller. An easy read.

Peace Like a River, Leif Enger

Story of young boy named Rube – written in his simple voice…so good, so good, so good….I think it is time for a reread.

Munich Signature & Prague Counterpoint, Bodie Thoene

Both books are part of the Zion Covenant Series. Christian Fiction. Great series – would love to see these made into a movie!

The Shack, William Young

Thanks to my friend Josh Truitt for mailing me a copy. Seems that everyone has read or is reading this book and for good reason. There were so many great quotes that I wanted to highlight but that process would only take time from reading this great book….

These Strange Ashes, Elizabeth Elliot

Thanks to my friend and former long term missionary, Danielle Evans, who had the foresight to send this book with me. A great read after being on the mission field for several months.

Have We No Rights, Mable Williamson

Another recommendation from Danielle Evans – I learned a lot about mission perspective.

Julie, Catherine Marshall

Christie is still her best work – but Julie is a wonderful story. Regardless of the name, it was easy to identify with the main character. Plus the entire time you’re wondering which guy will she end up with…..the million dollar question for most single women.

So Brave Young and Handsome, Leif Enger

Leif – how do you write these stories that just draw the reader deeper and deeper???? A story told by a has-been writer named Monte.

Through Painted Deserts, Donald Miller

Donald (I giggle a little every time I say the name Donald…it just feels fun to say) shares his insights during a road-trip. Donald makes no excuses or sugar coating for his personal inadequacies. His style of writing was easy for me to identify with. I read this one slow – rereading several chapters to be sure they soaked all the way through me.

Lay That Trumpet in our Hands, Susan Carol McCarthy

A special recommendation from Mbarara missionary, Emily Glission. This story takes place in rural Florida during Civil Rights. Parts of this story take place in the small town of Mt. Dora, which is where my parents first met. This story made me wonder how I would have acted in the heat of the Civil Rights movement.

Shattered Dreams, Larry Crabb

We used this book for our weekly Bible Study. Dr. Crabb takes you through the book of Ruth through the eyes of Naomi. Reading this book was very healing.

Kite Runner, Khalid Hosseini

This book has been a favorite for a while – but it was even better as a reread. Better than the movie.

Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller

In Donald’s conversational and honest style….this book was a great follow-up to Through Painted Deserts.

Colors of Africa, James Kilgo

Dr. Kilgo was an English professor at my alma-mater, University of Georgia. Of course, I didn’t realize this till I read the forward by the author. But, it was refreshing to read a story about hunting African wild game from the familiar perspective of a Georgia boy.

A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini

Even better than Kite Runner – but probably because I enjoyed reading from the perspective of a woman more than I did of a man….Makes me want to understand more about Islam and Afghani culture.

Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy

A soap opera about Russians who speak French. I enjoyed some characters more than others – but it helped me understand more about how this aristocratic culture turned to communism

Aboke Girls, Els De Temmerman

Heart-breaking story of abducted children in Northern Uganda. Very well told and amazing that this true story happened in my life-time.

Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin

My current read. Mortenson is easy to identify with – which makes this remarkable story even more inspiring.

A&S Visit Part Two

Andrew and I mid-chimp hunting.....

The big black thing is a chimp...hopefully you can make out his face.

Shannon crossing one of many precarious bridges...

After the fun of game drives and chimp trekking – we headed down the road to Fort Portal. Ft. Portal is in North Western Uganda…..and just a hop, skip and a jump from the Congo border. While there, we stayed with Jeff Cash and family. The Cash’s have been missionaries in Uganda for….a while and Jeff had lots of exciting, skin of his teeth type of stories to share from living so close to Congo.

One big thing about Jeff is that he is a pilot. The Ft. Portal mission team actually works with the local government to maintain the local airfield…(see picture below)…..Jeff has also worked to buy an airplane to facilitate in visiting churches in remote Congo, deliver needed supplies, and various projects. Believe it or not – flying is much, much safer than traveling by road. The plane isn’t quite put together yet – but he is getting close.

Ft. Portal Runway (above and below)

As you can imagine – Andrew and Jeff had fun trading flying stories and talking aviation. In addition to visiting Ft. Portal’s top-of-the-line airfield, Jeff took us out to visit Camp Saka, which is some land on a lake where the Ft. Portal mission team has developed a nice place to host camping groups….they also host an annual nation-wide Christian youth meeting there. Then Jeff gave us the official tour around Ft. Portal town including the meat market – which is always fun to take visitors through…you never know what kind of animal they might be slaughtering. This time it was a goat…I think.

Kinley Cash making moves on a local goat but not the same goat that we later saw in the market.....

Pictures from Camp Saka.

The church at Ft. Portal meets in a circus-like tent, with an oversized coffin serving as a baptistery. I so enjoy visiting churches and meeting other Christians throughout East Africa. I wish I could do this all the time.

After Ft. Portal, we headed to Jinja. In Jinja, Andrew, Shannon, and I joined up with 25 other travelers and rafted down the Nile River. My second time to raft the Nile – still amazing. During one rapid, (a class 5) Andrew mysteriously fell out of the boat and I lost a contact. But somehow – I found the contact still clinging to my life-vest and with Shannon’s help, I put that unsterilized - Nile River washed - contact back in my eye. (I know, I’m going to be blind..) Also with Shannon’s help, Andrew was able to get back in the boat.

That must have been all the fun these kids could stand – cause after rafting, A&S decided they missed their own boys too much and that they needed to leave early. Of course, I was heart-broken. I felt terrible for being jealous of my two precious nephews…but seriously, I hadn’t seen A&S for almost 10 months and they had been away from the kids for just 6 days….Andrew said that one day I would understand….but I understood right the what it is like to be one place and have your heart half way around the world….it really stinks. A&S wanted to be where their hearts were…back with their kids. Check – I get this. When I first got to Uganda…my body and heart were in different places…but after surviving 11 months of this…my heart began to grow here in Uganda. Now returning home will be a big transition and there is no doubt that a large portion of my heart will remain in Uganda. Again, I will have to fight through the separation of body and heart. Andrew - I may not have kids, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t understand.

The Best African Vacation Ever!

I have always enjoying playing the role of hostess….and this week was no exception. I planned a fully packed, budget friendly 10 day introduction to Uganda for Andrew and Shannon (my brother and his wife..or A&S). This was going to be the best Ugandan Trip Ever!

Typical – nothing went as planned. To kick it off, A&S arrived a day late. Of course, I didn’t find out this change in plans until I was at the airport to meet a delayed flight filled with 250 tired passengers…none looked a bit familiar to me.

I rented a vehicle and driver to take us around the country…..stop picturing a rugged 4WD land-rover, hummer, all-terrain, all-weather, survive an elephant stampede type of vehicle. Now, think of your neighbor’s old minivan that is still sitting in their backyard…no A/C, no radio, no speedometer, (sounds like my first car), leaks in the rain, goes 10 mph up hills….

So, to make the best out of the situation – I ask Isaac (hired Ugandan driver) to give me a historical tour of Kampala. And honestly, – I learned SO MUCH! Did you know that Uganda used to be under the rule of a monarchy until the 1960’s? Also, Arab Muslims were the first religious missionaries to come to Uganda. Anyways, this was fun!

Isaac and I eventually pick up A&S – Happy & Sweet Reunion! – and quickly load up the van to drive to the game park. We finally arrive at our camp at 11:30 pm….long past dark, but back on schedule.

Around 6:00 the next morning we head out for our Chimp Trekking expedition. We ended up being paired with a cigarette smoking Italian couple…Francesca and Stephano. So, along with our armed guides, we trekked up and down a densely forested gorge criss-crossing a river using whatever fallen tree or rickety narrow bridge that was available – this went on for three hours. We eventually caught up with the chimps, who led us on a fast paced, river-crossing chase. Out of breath, (our Italian friends were wheezing) we finally got to stop and admire these amazing creatures.

I’ll go ahead and post this without pictures….at least until the pictures finally upload…oh, the joys of blogging from Africa!

Being Picky

The other day I needed to get to Mt. Elgon hotel – I was already running late for a meeting with visitors.  Counting the coins in my pocket, I simply stepped out of our gate and waved down a picky (motorcycle taxis).  “Mt. Elgon Hotel.  Be careful and I will pay extra.”  The “road” that we took to the hotel was probably paved at one time….maybe back in the 70’s – now it is rocky dirt road with occasional remnants of pavement.  

Today, I needed to get to the Municipal Council Building….but as if on schedule, it was raining.  So – I did it.  Rain Hat – Rain Coat – Flip Flops – Towel.  I trekked out in the weather.  Soon a picky came by.  This was unexpected since they usually find a place to hide from the rain.  So, I wiped off the seat and used the usual line: “Municipal Building.  Be careful and I will pay extra.”  Unfortunately, my umbrella didn’t want to close….so there I go down the road on a picky with an umbrella in the rain.  

Don’t worry Mom – I arrived safe both times.  It’s amazing how careful they’ll drive when you promise them extra shillings.  

School's Out!!

My students are extra excited…..over-stressed…..and won’t stop talking!!  It must be the LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!

Not your usual last week, mind you.  We don’t have school on Monday – and the last day of school is a Thursday….so we only have a three-day week…..and, well – on Thursday, we are planning a school-wide pool party after lunch – so Thursday is a half day….make that a two and a half day week.  

My poor history students have a final on Wednesday….Yikes!!  Their poor teacher has to write the final….Double Yikes!!!  

In addition to last week hoop-la – our team is hosting around 13 visitors from the Dallas area….They are visiting to catch the LivingStone University Fever and spread it back in the States.  (Note to CDC: this is in no way related to The Swine Flu.) 

Plus – one of our teammates – the Shelburnes (all 9 of them) – are leaving in five days for a year long furlough.  Two day later, two more teammates head back (Mary Beth and Jennifer) until mid July.  Then, not to be left out, Laura Shero and kids will leave two days after that (Phillip to follow in a few weeks).    Did I mention that Heidi also leaves this Friday??  So in the next ten days, our team will shrink from 14 adults and 10 kids to 7 adults and zero kids.   Sheesh!!    And that’s just the folks leaving from our team…..lots of other expatriates are heading home as well.

After being such a close knit community it is difficult to see that community change.  

____OK – I actually wrote all of that earlier this week and totally forgot to post it….That's how busy this last week of school has been!  And, that history final...I'm not sure which is more difficult - writing exams or taking exams.  

Romance in East Africa

I first wrote this in an email to a close friend several months ago.  She loved it and encouraged me to share it on my blog.  I was reluctant - but since others have recently asked if I've met any cute African Princes....I'll update you on the sad affair known as my romantic life (coming soon to a theatre near you): 

-I went to Kenya a few weeks ago with my roommates and we traveled around on our own adventure....we had a little bit of a schedule since we had booked some tours at game parks - but we tried to keep it free (which I loved and drove my roommates mad.)  While on safari at this place called Masai Mara our driver pulled up along another vehicle to chat with their driver.  In the other vehicle was one really cute blue-eyed shirtless man.  The kind that you dream meeting while he is discovering ancient temple ruins...think Indiana Jones-ish.  Well, the roofs of the safari vehicles pop up so that you can stand up and see the animals (or cute men).  So, I try to strike up a conversation.  Only he can't understand what I am saying because it turns out he is Italian.  "Oh Italy!" I exclaimed....then slyly smile and say "Ciao!" (laugh, but seriously...I did this....)  Then he asks "You country?" and I can't answer quickly enough..."America!" I blurt out. He instantly grins and responds "Ah, Texas???" ........... I stop smiling and just stare...."No - Atlanta, Georgia."  A little disappointed he responds "Oh, At-lan-ta".  We then smile at each other for a few more seconds before our drivers take off in opposite directions.  

So, there you have it - my brief blue-eyed Italian romance somewhere in southern Kenya. (Sigh)- 

LIU Blogs

I've written several more blogs for LivingStone International Unvisersity....but instead of reposting everything here I'll just direct you to the LIU website if you are curious and want to read more.

Knock Yourself Out: http://livingstone.ac.ug/news/

LivingStone or CornerStone?

Wednesday, April 29

9:00 pm

Mt. Elgon Hotel

Phillip thoughtfully began the first session by reading I Peter 2:4-5.  In case you don't have your Bible handy, here is what it says:    

“As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living-stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

I love it!  Jesus is the Living Stone and we are also like Living Stones.  As I sit here thinking about all the inferences that can be made with this verse and the idea of bringing students to a place to grow intellectually and spiritually – my mind can't even keep up.  

What makes it even more amazing to me is that the name originally came from Dr. David Livingstone, who was a Scottish missionary/explorer to Africa during the late 1800's.  Many admire Dr. Livingstone for his courageousness and innovative approach to reaching out to African natives. Some say he paved the way for future missionaries to serve in the African interior.  

Earlier this evening Dennis Okoth reminded us that further on in I Peter 2, Jesus is also referred to as the CornerStone.  I've always thought of “cornerstone” in terms of “essential for foundation” ....and it is!  But Dennis suggested that a cornerstone also brings together two sides.  I'm not sure if this is news to you, but LIU is an effort of folks from both Churches of Christ (CoC) and Christian Churches (CC).  What an amazing example of the unity and harmony found in Christ – and as Dennis pointed out, this is happening on African Soil.  Amazing!   

By the way, we have begun every session by reciting I Peter 2:4-5.  It still gives me chills.  Wish you were here!  

-Julie

SUMMIT POST 1

Wednesday, May 29

1:00 pm

Mt. Elgon Hotel

Today mainly consisted of over eager bzugu's (swahili for white folk) milling about Mt. Elgon Hotel in bright yellow shirts spontaneously shaking a stranger's hand while loudly and cheerfully declaring “You are most welcome!”

So many contributed in various ways to prepare for this day.  Putting the participant binders together took a team of 10 adults – and I literally mean just stacking the preprinted papers up and putting them in a binder.  It seems we are A.) Really excited that the big day has finally arrived  B.) Nervous that everyone will notice the misspelling on page 27 in the binders   C.) Slightly sleep deprived  or D.) On the verge of a nervous breakdown.  

Despite our best efforts, the conference seems to be off to a great start.  But then again, the first meetings are just about to begin.  

Blogger on the Field,

-Julie

(If you are confused as to what I am talking about - see the post below...)

Field Correspondent

My high-school English teacher will be flabbergasted.  I can see her now.  Correcting my grammar while telling her current students....”See, this is why paying attention in my class is important.”   Here I am – ten years later – the unofficial, under-qualified, but ever-dedicated “Field Correspondent” for Livingstone International University's 2009 Advisors Summit.  

I'll do my best to keep all the folks around the world updated on the  LIU Summit and I promise to make it more entertaining than actually attending three days of lectures.  I'll keep as close to the truth and on topic as possible – but the entertaining part has to come from somewhere, right?  

Today's lesson: Listen to your English Teacher.

-Julie Reagan

Overdue From Uganda

Below is from my email update.

Yes. You’re right.  It has been a long time.  Admit it – you haven’t even noticed.  Okay, maybe you have.  I’ve actually received several emails titled “How’s Life?”- “Are You There?” - “Have you been eaten by wild animals?”  So, I figured it was time for a mass email update. 

 

School.

We have wrapped up economics with a final research paper.  Both my students compared today’s economy and President Obama with the 1930’s economy and President Roosevelt.  Their papers are excellent!  I am so proud of the progress we’ve made.  We also plan to create documents to help a local non-profit agency whose aim is to educate local coffee farmers on the process of establishing a farming co-op and the general idea of international free trade. 

 

In history, I decided to let the students chose from a list of pre-approved topics.  So far we have covered the following units in depth: Islam and the Middle East; Communism and Soviet Union/Russia.  This class is made up of all boys and we have all enjoyed digging into the history and reading about current events in these not so far off places.  Two weeks ago we began a unit on Southeast Asia (including Korea).  Of course, the boys are especially enjoying the parts about the Vietnam and Korean Wars.  They want to know all about military tactics “back then.”  Since I don’t have the luxury of a textbook, you can’t imagine how thankful I am for the internet and encyclopedias (even if they are from 1998).   

 

Trivia: None of my students call me Miss Reagan.  I am most often referred to as Teachie-Weechie, Sensei, Stalin, and as of today….Drill Sergeant Ma’am.  My title changes with our unit of study. 

 

Team.

Since I last wrote, our team has traveled to Kenya twice.  Early March we traveled to Sunrise Acres for a three day team retreat.  The cooler weather of Kenya and the more western style homes proved to be the perfect atmosphere for rejuvenation.  Taking advantage of our location and time off from school, my roommates and I hopped on local buses and taxis and traveled around Kenya. We drove through two different game parks and came within spitting distance of all the Big Five game animals.  We also spent one night in Nairobi….where we were kind-of awe struck by all of its civilization…it reminded me of my first trip to New York City.  We wrapped up our trip with a visit to a children’s home in Kitale that our team supports.  Hopefully, I’ll post a video of that amazing visit soon.

 

More recently, the women from our team traveled to Kenya to meet with other missionary women from all over East Africa.  There were about 40 in all.  Most of these women spend their time teaching, encouraging and feeding the spiritual needs of others. The time we had together was spent nurturing our own spiritual needs and of course just being girls.  We also played a White Elephant game.  Some really nice person in the States had sent over a box full of American goodies, each wrapped in newspaper.  We could each select a gift or steal someone else’s gift.  Here were some of the gifts:  Macaroni & Cheese, Cornbread mix, Cheese-Whiz (shrieks filled the room), Cheese Nips, Brownie Mix (Gasp!), Cake Mix with…Icing (Gimmie!), Velveeta, Pecans….You get the idea.  You might not understand the idea unless you’ve lived in a third-world culture.  This is making me hungry….Moving on.

 

We have new teammates!  Vince and Joy Vigil (pronounced V-hill), who are both in their early twenties, have joined our team!  Vince is working with Good News Productions, which is more media focused while Joy will be working with deaf students attending our Bible School.

 

This week also begins our University Summit Meetings.  These meeting bring together folks from all over East Africa who are focused on developing the best possible Christian University here in Mbale.  From these meetings, an Advisory Board will be formed that can make steps towards administrative recruitment and fundraising.  The University already has a great website: http://livingstone.ac.ug/  

 

Life.

Personally, I am enjoying my time in Uganda and beginning to thrive in its culture!  I have recently become a confident Ugandan driver as well as a hard nosed negotiator.  The first of May, my cousin Martha Sue and friend Maria Barringer came to Uganda for a visit.  I love the opportunity to show off Uganda and had as much fun putting together the logistics of their visit as I did actually spending time with them.  Maybe a travel agent job in my future??

 

Speaking of the future….Several are asking what I have planned when I return in August.  The answer is that I am planning on doing whatever God leads me to do.  (That’s a spiritual way of saying I don’t have a clue.)

 

So, the one with no clue sends you warmest regards and congratulates you on reading this entire email.

 

Thanks for your prayers, emails, and support – keep them coming!

-Julie Reagan

Milestones

Last week I DROVE to Jinja to meet Sue and Maria.  Sue (my cousin) and Maria (my friend) were visiting from Georgia! I had so much fun arranging the logistics of their visit....brought back memories of my campaign scheduling days....only this was much more fun!!  

 

Back to the major milestone....I DROVE ALL THE WAY TO JINJA!  Dodging people, potholes, and bicycles....Overtaking slow moving trucks....Navigating unmarked detours....Defeating mountain-like speed bumps....Declaring to all of Uganda "I am not intimidated by your standard transmissions and erratic driving habits.....but, please don't hit me...."  

 

Also, while in town picking up our new dresses, my roommates and I got caught in a terrible storm.  This storm even "brought the ice."  This is the first time many Ugandans have ever witnessed a Hail Storm.  Pictures of both the ice and the new dress below!

Madam, some bananas to go with the dress?

Everyday life in Uganda is different than life in Georgia.  Both places are pretty hot, but at least in Georgia there is A/C and electricity to run the A/C 99% of the time.  Both places have mosquitoes, but the mosquitoes in GA generally don’t inhabit every nook ‘n’ cranny of your house, carry malaria, or give your roommate an excuse to spontaneously slap you across any part of your body.  Both have LOTS of traffic, however GA drivers and pedestrians typically follow the established traffic laws (also, these laws are actually enforced).  

 

Speaking of traffic laws – some of my teammates have shown great faith and have lent me vehicles on various occasions.  Not only am I getting used to everything being opposite, but I also had to used to driving a manual transmission.  Put the two together and, well, there you go – would you want to lend me your only car?  But – I have only stalled on the road once and only “almost” hit a bicycle once.  Last evening I even drove across town for dinner.  According to more than one eye witness my driving was “not bad” and even “surprisingly steady”.  Perhaps with this newly refined skill my dad and my brother will let me drive their own precious trucks when I return home. 

 

Crystal, Jennifer and I had bought some local material and today we went into town to have traditional Ugandan dresses made.  The mother of one of the youth members at church is a seamstress.  What I mean is – she has an old singer sewing machine (the kind with the foot pump) on the sidewalk.  So there we are, three mzungu sitting on stools crowded around her machine on the sidewalk looking a pictures of dresses cut out of magazines.  Of course everyone who walks by (which must have been a bazillion people) had to look over our shoulders and ask questions of Mary (our seamstress) in their native language (that we don’t speak).  Once we all picked out a dress we liked, Mary took our measurements….right there on the street.  It wasn’t too bad until a guy tried to sell us some bananas….as I was getting my hips measured.  Talk about bad timing for him. 

 

Check back later for a picture of the dress and a story about how I have introduced my team to “Georgia Tea” and created my own “Southern Fried Omelet”.