Julie Must Be Crazy

Friday, September 9th

2011-09-12T11:42:00.001-04:00

Friday the 9th was a day of firsts. Actually, it seems that I am experiencing a lot of firsts here in Beijing. Of the 18 different people I have read with, 5 of them said the name of Jesus for the first time while we were reading together. "Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing. Keeps me singing as I go."

First things first.

On the 9th, I spent over 8 hours reading the Bible with 7 different people. My first reader of the day, 15 year old Rita, had just finished going through LST's "Acts" workbook, so on Friday, she read from the Gospel of John for the first time ever.

The next hour, was Yo-Yo who was reading the "Lord's Prayer" for the first time. After our reading session I asked her if she wanted to pray with me. She nervously agreed and I began to pray. It wasn't the first time she had heard someone pray - Yo-Yo had attended her first church-service only a month ago and she remembered a prayer about some juice and crackers, she wasn't sure what it was all about. But, after I prayed she held my hand as she spoke her first-ever prayer to God.

Later that day I met with Jessie who was eager to read the last few chapters of the story of Joseph. For the first time, she read how Joseph openly wept and forgave his brothers that had once sold him into slavery.

After Jessie, I read with Bush, a 25 year old guy who read the Bible for the first time just 4 months ago. On Friday, Bush read about not being able to serve both God and money. As is typical of Bush and many of my Chinese readers, he related the lesson to an ancient Chinese proverb: "On one mountain there can not exist two tigers." The idea of focusing your life on something greater than just building up personal wealth was nothing new for Bush. So, he wanted to continue discussing what we had talked about the day before - The Prodigal Son. Forgiveness of the younger son seemed way too easy. And the older son had done just what every good Chinese man does - focus on their work, get the job done and work quietly as they anticipate, except, and rightly deserve a reward. Shifting our discussion, I asked Bush about his relationship with his own dad and as we talked, Bush admitted out loud for the first time that he had never heard his father say "I love you" or "I'm proud of you". He went on to acknowledge that his drive towards achievement was his own way of trying to earn and be worthy of his father's love. I could hardly keep from letting the tears gush out. Then for the first time, Bush heard about God's love for him. Among several verses, together we read and discussed Zephaniah 3:17 and for the first time, Bush didn't have a Chinese proverb to relate to this lesson.

At 8:00pm, I sat down with my 8th and last reader of the day. Ethan, a forty year old physician turned pharmaceutical researcher has been reading with LST workers for over a year. Currently reading through Acts, Ethan's last session with a previous LST'er was about those who followed Jesus after Pentecost - Acts 2:42-47. His first words to me were "So, have you sold everything you own and given all your money to the poor?" I won't go into the details of our long discussion which was less of a discussion since I was mostly asking lots of open ended questions and Ethan was processing and reaching his own conclusions. (I think I watch too much TV because sometimes as I think of questions to ask a reader in order to engage them more deeply into the Scriptures, a voice in my head says 'Objection! Leading the witness!') Anyways, one thing led to another which led to Psalm 23. And for the first time in his very educated life, Ethan read a Psalm - Psalm 23. When he finished he just stared at the words and said "Wow. Beautiful." Again, I had to restrain the tears, but it didn't matter cause Ethan couldn't take his eyes off the words of Psalm 23. Can you blame him?

"The Lord is my Shepard. I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."

Beijing Birthday

2011-09-05T12:59:00.001-04:00

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Birthday.

8-31-11 was my 30th birthday. Determined not to waste the opportunity to make it truly memorable, my teammates and I planned out a fun filled day in Beijing. Two of our readers, a mother and daughter, agreed to be our tour guides for the day - which was a great relief because their presence meant that I didn't have to assume my default role as navigator.

We all got up early and rode a bus to the Temple of Heaven. I decided to skip the temple and opted for the nearby Pearl Market where I ended up watching hundreds go by on bicycles as I waited for the market to open and contemplated how much weight I could lose if I rode my bike to work everyday . . of course, this only reminded me that I was 30 and didn't have a job to ride a bike to.

By 10:00 am, we had regrouped and hopped on another bus to Tiananmen Square. Somehow the large city bus squeezed through the heavy traffic and deposited us just across the street from Tiananmen. Taking lots of photos of this and that, we made our way across the square, and to the front of The Forbidden City.

Walking through the Forbidden City felt a bit like a magic show. Each time we would walk through a large gate with enormous red doors, there would be a large square to walk across and an impressive ancient looking chinese building at the top of some stairs. Then we'd walk around the building only to find another large gate with enormous red doors and walk across another large square and up more stairs to another impressive ancient chinese building. Behind that building was another large gate and so on . . Eventually, the magic show ended and like Alice in Wonderland, we found ourselves in a beautiful garden where we all lost track of each other. After a short time (cause we were all very hungry by now) we finally found each other again and together found the last gate which led us to the street.

We hopped on yet another city bus which took us to a subway station where we found an actual Subway Restaurant. The Americans were tired and just wanted something light, like a sandwich. Our Chinese guides were tired and just wanted something light like some hot vegetables with rice (we couldn't convince them to even try a Subway sandwich)! Eventually we all got just what we wanted and made our way back home after a short subway ride.

After saying thank you over and over again to our chinese friends, we finally made it back inside our little Beijing apartment. We got cleaned up and literally hung up our sweat-drenched clothes to dry. Seriously, the humidity was worse than taking a hot shower in a green-house in Savannah, Georgia in July.

There was a knock on our door at 4:00 and it turned out that my teammates had arranged for the local Dairy Queen (yes, a REAL one) to deliver a cake for my birthday. So we had ice-cream cake for dinner before heading out again to go to the Chinese Acrobatic Show. Despite being an obvious tourist magnet, the mini Cirque-du-Soleil show was impressive and yet another reminder of many things that I will never be able to do.

After the show, the four of us decided to forego the planned normal taxi ride back to the apartment and opt for a rick-shaw style taxi instead. Of course, we didn't realize our drivers were trained in military combat maneuvers. The exciting and sometimes terrifying ride produced sudden screams and fits laughter - a perfect way to end any 30th birthday.

Divine Appointments and Vicki

2011-08-29T06:25:00.000-04:00

Right before I left Dallas, I got a text from a friend who said they were praying for "divine appointments" for me during my trip to China. That phrase has been on my mind ever since and I have tried to be aware of, receptive to, and prepared for "divine appointments".

Vicki (and family).

Beautiful, tan, and just the right amount of skinny, Vicki, a mom of 5, was squeezed between me and the car seat her youngest child was strapped into. Three of her kids sat in front of us and her other two kids (he only daughter and husband) sat across the aisle. Dallas to Detroit; It was the first leg of my long journey to Beijing.

As a rule, I generally introduce myself to my neighbor as soon as I buckle my seatbelt. I mean, if we are going to be sitting thigh-to-thigh for a few hours, it is only proper to know each other's name. But, as I sat down next to Vicki, I immediately started asking all the usual questions about her kids and if they travel often as a family and if they are from Texas or just visiting. After 10 minutes of chit-chat, I begin to think that Vicki may be a "divine appointment".

Already, through our conversation, I could tell that she was a christian. So, I began to ask deeper questions. Like, how did she know her husband was "the one"; and what is her favorite quality about her husband; what sort of marriage advice she wished she had heard before they got married; what kind of Bible studies she was involved in; and what are some of the spiritual and emotional challenges to being a mom to five young kids. You know, those types of questions that a complete stranger on an airplane really shouldn't ask you. But, I was feeling bold and thought that Vicki had something to teach me.

Vicki was so kind and open, sharing many personal stories. One of the things she shared is that marriage isn't always rainbows and sunshine. No matter how strong of a relationship or how passionate a love the most important thing in a marriage is sharing a foundation built on Jesus. A marriage built on the firm foundation of Jesus can survive storms. The hardest part is choosing to never ever give up.

What a great lesson! And, it is one that I have shared recently with different readers when we get to Luke 6:46-47. The storms of life (or marriage) come no matter if you are a Christian or not. You can't prevent storms. But a life centered around belief in Jesus and doing what he says, builds a strong foundation of faith ready to survive the storms. Or, as one of my readers put it, faith in Jesus makes the roots of your life grow long and deep into the ground so that you won't be blown over when the strong winds come. Wish I could have kept the drawing that accompanied this insightful summation.

In my mind, sitting next to Vicki was a "divine appointment". Our brief time together was like adding a little extra reenforcement to my foundation of faith.

Finally Catching my Breath

2011-08-25T21:24:00.001-04:00

This is Julie's SIL posting for her. She is unable to access her blog from China. This is an update from several days ago.

It is Tuesday night here in Beijing. I arrived safely on Saturday night and have stayed busy ever since! There is so much to share and I am tempted to blurt it all out at once - but instead, I will take a deep breath and share one story at a time.

We began our reading sessions on Monday and I read with 5 women. Each on varying levels of interest in and prior knowledge of The Bible - but all excited to have a chance to practice their English skills, which are also at varying levels.

Dawn.

Like I said before, it is Tuesday night and I just finished a long day of reading. This afternoon I had my second reading session with Dawn. Dawn is 36 years old, married to a successful stock broker and lives on the 26th floor of the building next to where I am staying. Earlier today she texted me (my teammates and I were issued cell phones when we arrived and like in America, everyone here texts instead of calling) and asked if we could meet at her home instead of the KFC (yes, a real Kentucky Fried Chicken and no, I haven't eaten there yet) where we usually meet our readers. I was thrilled to say yes. Not only because KFC can get loud and crowded or because KFC is farther away or because KFC smells like they just painted the walls - but, just like in the U.S., it is such a treat to be in someone's home and I jumped at the chance to see a typical Chinese home.

Dawn first learned English about 15 years ago while in university but didn't get a real chance to practice it until about 10 years ago when she signed up for a program that used the Bible as a text to teach English - very similar to Let's Start Talking. So, Dawn has already heard many stories about Jesus - but, that's all they are, just stories. She knows the characters and she knows the plot. I pray that she will come to know and deeply connect to the meaning.

Today, we read Luke 1:26-38, which is the story of how the angel told Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. She was very interested in talking about the word "holy" and what that meant. The word "holy" was much easier to explain than "Holy Spirit" which we also spent some time discussing. We snacked on fresh apples and pears and sipped on some type of juice while we talked and our hour together went by quickly.

Before leaving, I learned my first Chinese sentence. Ni Hao Ke Ai. (knee-how-ck-I) You are so cute! I got a lot of practice saying this because Dawn has the sweetest 4 month old baby boy!

Dawn and I will read again on Friday. Please pray!

If you want to contact me - please send an email. I can't check my blog (updating via email) or facebook. Email is juliereagan(at)gmail.com.

And She's Off!

2011-08-19T12:56:00.000-04:00

Just incase you're checking in on my long lost blog - I wanted to let you know that (depending on internet access) I'll be posting some new updates regarding my trip to China with Let's Start Talking. I'm leaving today and will be gone for four weeks!

Check back for updates! Please pray for safety, boldness, and friendship!

31 Days of Oscar

2010-02-24T22:04:00.004-05:00

Turner Classic Movies is hosting "31 days of Oscar".... a thirty-one day movie marathon of Oscar winning films. I love movies - and have always been a fan of the classics and thought I had seen more than most my age - but this is giving me a chance to watch a lot of great films for the first time. Thank goodness for DVR....I get to record and watch on my own time.

Here is a list of some of the movies I've watched since the first of February - complete with my person rankings. Consider this your next netflicks list....

5 Stars (Loved It! Highly Recommended)

--Now, Voyager (1942) Bettye Davis

A depressed young woman has a break down and then undergoes a transformation on a world cruise. My Bettye Davis Favorite!

--Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep

Divorce and custody battles have come a long way.

--On the Waterfront (1954) Marlon Brando

“I coulda been a contenda….” Marlon Brando – do I need another reason to love this movie??

4 Stars (Great! Recommended -Just not a 5 Star)

--Wuthering Heights (1939) Laurence Oliver

Cathy & Heathcliff’s epic romance that never fails to make my heart race.

--Roman Holiday (1953) Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck

Makes me want to tour Italy on a Vespa.

--North By Northwest (1959) Cary Grant

My favorite Alfred Hitchcock. Never realized how creepy Mt. Rushmore looks from the top.

3 Stars (Classic and Worth My Time)

--War and Peace (1956) Audrey Hepburn & Henry Fonda

If only all the Russian names didn’t sound alike it would be easier to keep all the characters straight.

--African Queen (1951) Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn

I’m so glad I rafted the Nile River on modern rafts and with a life jacket.

--A Damsel in Distress (1937) Fred Astaire, George Burns, Gracie Allen

My first George & Gracie movie. They are hysterical.

--My Favorite Year (1982) Peter O’Toole

Laughed my head off. A movie depicted a 1950’s version of the TV Show 30 Rock.

--GiGi (1958)

You can’t just say “Gigi – You got to sing it.

--Bachelor In Paradise (1961) Bob Hope, Lana Turner

Loved it for the peak into 1960’s fashion, décor, and general life.

--Doctor Zhivago (1965) Julie Christie

Great story – and educational. Never knew so much about the Russian Revolution.

2 Stars (Had a few good moments)

--The Great Escape (1963) Steve McQueen;

A true story about how British airmen escape from a Nazi prison camp.

1 Star (OK, but I skipped through some of the slow parts)

--The Sunshine Boys (1975) Walter Matthau, George Burns

Slow plot – but great acting.

--Anna Karenina (1947) Vivien Leigh

To me Vivien Leigh can only be Scarlett O’Hara

--Executive Suite (1954) June Allyson

Wallstreet of the 1950’s. Lots of dialogue.

Where have all the Pine Trees gone?

2009-11-16T17:31:00.002-05:00

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.

2009-10-27T14:15:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-04T13:59:00.003-04:00

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....

2009-08-17T19:28:00.001-04:00

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

2009-07-11T04:04:00.001-04:00

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....

2009-07-08T15:54:00.001-04:00

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...

2009-06-25T10:49:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-24T14:20:00.017-04:00

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!

2009-06-06T10:21:00.001-04:00

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

2009-05-23T11:56:00.000-04:00

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!!

2009-05-22T06:24:00.001-04:00

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

2009-05-05T06:08:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-05T06:05:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-04-30T16:31:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-30T04:40:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-30T04:34:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-28T06:08:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-10T05:35:00.001-04:00

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?

2009-03-21T11:07:00.002-04:00

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”.

YOU TUBE = ME TUBE

2009-02-25T04:11:00.003-05:00

I’ve posted a video on you tube.

SEE MINISTRIES – a series of pictures taken in the fall from a See Ministries event.

More to come!!

I'm Legal!

2009-02-25T04:05:00.003-05:00

I finally received my work permit from the Ugandan government! Just in time to be able to leave the country for a visit to Kenya. Honestly, I had an easy time of it compared to some of my teammates immigration horror stories. In case any of you ever need to get a work permit in Uganda, below are some helpful guidelines.

Apply Early – and include every document that has your name and some sort of official seal. I turned in my request in November. My file included everything from copy of passport (expected) to copy of high-school transcript (embarrassing). Sometimes it takes several attempts to get your request accepted.
Be patient. Wait, Wait, Wait.
After 3 full months, travel to the immigration office in Kampala (a 4 hour trip for me) to check on your status. HOW TO CHECK STATUS:

Go to office A (size of a shoebox) and look through “official” records journal to find your request number.
Go to office B (size of large closet) with your request number. Watch as officer goes up to a wall (floor to ceiling) of papers and files. Magically your file emerges.
Determine if your request has been (a) acknowledged, (b) ignored, (c) forgotten, (d) lost, (e) denied, or (f) granted!

At this point, if request is stalled, you’ll have to make another trip to Kampala in a few weeks.
Once request is granted – proceed to Office C with your file. Here a person behind iron bars determines how much money you owe and issues you an official bill. (My work permit cost 250,000 shillings or around $125.)
Take this slip of paper across busy and crowded Kampala city to the Ugandan Internal Revenue Bank. (figure out where in the heck is the Ugandan Internal Revenue Bank).
At Bank go to Counter A – push your way through the crowd towards the front and eventually to a clerk who will take your money and type something in the computer.
Still at Bank – wait across the room in front of Counter B for another clerk to call out your name indicating that your official receipt is ready. This receipt takes anywhere from 30 - 90 minutes.
Drive back across busy Kampala to the Immigration Offices with official receipt the verifies your payment.
Go back to Office B, present official receipt. Leave passport with officer for another week for the official work permit to be inserted into your passport.
Wait a week.
Drive back to Kampala to pick up passport. Be thankful!!

Randomness….

2009-02-25T03:47:00.001-05:00

Creating a list of 25, 50, or 100 Random facts about yourself is the latest craze on Facebook. Honestly, I don’t care to read 100 random facts about anyone – you probably don’t either. Maybe we can all handle 25. It took me several days to come up with all 25…I almost gave up after 6.

First Things First. The first thing I do when I pick up a newspaper is read the comics. The first comic strip that I read is Garfield.

Heinz Ketchup! I love Heinz Ketchup!! It makes anything taste better. (except eggs & ice cream – that’s just gross).

Writing…I love the concept of writing, but putting pen to paper is actually painful for me. Literally. It hurts to hold a pen and write. I blame it on all the invitations I’ve hand addressed on campaigns. One day, my hand just had enough and it hasn’t forgiven me since.

Spelling……Spelling correctly is really difficult; You know it’s bad when you ask your Jr. High students for help as you’re writing notes on the board.

DVR! Because I can’t write, I keep a lot of notes on the computer and I also use a digital voice recorder (DVR) for journaling. One of my new favorite ways to journal is to interview myself. These are really hilarious!

Maps! I love to look at, read, and memorize maps!!

5! This year I have flown over the Atlantic Ocean 5 times!! I only had to sit in Coach once. (and I still have to fly home in August…that will make it 6)

Speaking of 6! Today, I drove for the first time in 6 months…..Only it was in Uganda, and they drive on the opposite side of the road, and the truck was a stick shift, and I didn’t hit anyone or kill the engine – all the while dodging pot-holes, cows and bicycle taxis.

Memories! I have a “Book of Memories” that I started in 2001. It is list of funny, sad, eventful, and random memories that I never want to forget.

Ahem! If I have to work, then I dream of being a writer (isn’t it ironic?) and a highly sought after public speaker.

Harold! One of my favorite all time actors is Harold Lloyd. Who is that, you may ask? Harold Lloyd is only one of the best silent movie actors from the 1920’s. Don’t hate. He will make you laugh out loud.

Oh, Brother! I am the luckiest sister to have the best brother in the whole world. Seriously, all my girl friends wish Andrew was their brother….even some of my guy friends.

Frankly My Dear….Everything I needed to know about life, I’ve learned from Margaret Mitchell and Jane Austen.

Shhh! I sleep with ear plugs and sometimes even an eye-mask.

Get Lost! Going on long walks or drives with no destination is one of my favorite stress relievers. (usually with a Rob Bell or Andy Stanley podcast on my ipod – or Weezer playing really loud if I’m angry….)

Chapstick? Right now in my purse, I counted 5 tubes of chapstick. It is very rare that I can keep up with one long enough to use it all.

Dirty! I hate doing the dishes.

Christy. The novel Christy by Catherine Marshall was a major inspiration to my initial thoughts about doing mission work.

My Words! One of the most exciting moments of working in the Lt. Governor’s Office was when he used some of my suggestions in a speech. I was standing off to the side and felt like jumping up and down and declaring “Those were my words!” I’m not sure it was even a complete sentence and I don’t recall what the speech was about – but I’ll never forget the feeling!

Quiet Game. I covet quiet alone time. Sometimes I just wonder off without telling anyone. Like the time I went to Hawaii for my 23^rd birthday.

My-tunes. The top 5 most played songs from my itunes are: #1 Underdog, Spoon; #2 Caravan, Van Morrison; #3 Under Pressure, David Bowie; #4 Grace Kelly, MIKA; #5 Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, The Andrews Sisters.

8-31. I share a birthday with Van Morrison and I think that makes me pretty cool.

Sweeper. Back in the day, I had soccer coaches from Italy, Ireland, Mexico, England, and the good ole USA. I was a defender you didn’t want to mess with (what I lacked in skill, I made up for with violence). I even broke a teammate’s arm during a scrimmage (but not on purpose) – Sorry Katie.

Aces. I might be the best Spades player….ever. But be warned, I cheat.

25. Home. After 12 months in

Uganda

, I’ll be returning to Atlanta on August 13, 2009 at approximately 7:10pm. Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.

You're Not Talking To The Hand....

2009-01-30T01:41:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to ya'll know that we are having a ridiculous time with the power and internet lately. The electricity has been very lazy and has not wanted to stay on for more than 3 consecutive hours at a time. This has made responding to emails and posting new blogs very difficult - especially since my laptop battery is officially dead and I can't even turn my computer on when the power is off. Errrrrr - How was it that Paul learned to be content in EVERY situation?

I'm really thankful for your emails - keep them coming - I'm not ignoring you!

By the way the picture above was taken at Messiah Theological Institute (MTI) - the Bible School that our team oversees. This water pump was installed by our team and provides clean drinking water to anyone who wishes to use it. So many biblical stories happened around water wells....I can't help but think of a different one each time I pass this water pump.

5 Down...7 To Go

2009-01-25T07:52:00.006-05:00

January finishes up my fifth month of living here in Mbale, Uganda. Five complete months of living in a third world culture. While it's beginning to feel normal – somethings here continue to baffle me.

-Body Language – For women, be submissive in everyway; Don’t look men in the eye when you talk; Keep your head bowed and even bend at the waist a little; Talk soft. If I don’t follow these cultural norms – then I am either very offensive or very provocative. Personally, this one has been really hard to get used to.

-Family – If we’re related, you can’t say no to me – Broke? Need a place to stay? Hungry? Simple. Find your mother’s 2^nd cousin’s nephew and they can’t turn you down if you’re related. Folks here will go broke and make themselves homeless before turning out lazy free-loading relatives. In the States, I think we'd only go to family as a last resort. And while we are willing to help out our family when they are down and out, there is a line in the sand for how far we are willing to go.

-Money – Live for today. The majority of folks are focused on survival and if they come into a sum of money – they don’t save it for next season’s seed or future medical bills or next year’s school fees but spend it now. They might, however, build a portion of a house as they get money. You see half built homes all over the place here; Completing a house sometimes takes 15-20 years – but, if you put your money in building materials at least your husband’s nephew won’t crash at your place and borrow all your cash. (Cause you couldn’t say no if he asked for it.)

-Spirits – In the States, there is this movement to become more spiritual…as in zen and peace and meditation. But here spiritual is very dark. Witchdoctors are real. Children are really kidnapped and their body parts sold for sacrifices. Folks wear charms to ward off evil spirits. Even in Christian churches, believers turn to witchdoctors for healings. These witchdoctors in turn sacrifice chickens, goats or even worse… I have never felt so close to spiritual warfare than I do here in Uganda.

-Mortality – Death visits often. I meet so many who are either living with HIV or lost a parent to HIV. This death comes slowly – for others, it comes very fast at a young age. Many, many mothers will bear 8 – 12 children, but only 2 -3 will live to be adults. In fact, most children aren’t even named until they are a year old. It is such a ridiculous waste. Our school cook lost her 2 month old son who was receiving treatment at the local hospital and will never know the real cause of his death. And not even a week later, our day guard lost his 8 month old son to sickness.

Culture Shock

2009-01-17T03:57:00.004-05:00

I guess I pictured culture shock like a cartoon. You know, like a guy who sticks his finger in the light socket ends up getting electrocuted…hair on ends, muscles tense, eyes bugged out, and visible skeleton outline. ZAP! You know when a character has been shocked. So, instead of sticking a finger in a socket…I pictured sticking my finger in “Ugandan culture”. I figured it would have the same electric shock effect. Immediate. Visible. Abrupt. Noticeable. But, there was no ZAP! It was more like a slow boil. It crept up gradually – I hardly even knew what was happening.

Stage I. Before even leaving America. I was anxious to start my Ugandan experience. I couldn’t leave home fast enough. It was an adventure. Bring it on!

Stage II. Somewhere over the Atlantic. It is my birthday and I’m sitting next to a complete stranger who is snoring! I’m realizing that it is going to be 12 months before I return home. Deep Breath – Am I sure I don’t want to just make a U-Turn in London?

Stage III. Further along over the Atlantic. The Captain of the airplane just came back to wish me a Happy Birthday! I am so cool! What an adventure! Uganda here I come!

Variations of Stages II & III repeat numerous times until I reach Mbale, Uganda.

Stage IV. First night in new home. Real tears. Real regret? It really feels like I am on my own – Will I sink or swim? Why does it have to be so dirty over here? Is that just a mosquito I feel on my leg or worse? And, how did I ever convince myself that I could be a teacher? I am going to be a complete failure – the kids won’t learn anything from me. Can I still get my job back in Atlanta?

Stage V. A new day. It isn’t so scary in the daylight. I can totally do this. Besides, now it takes just minutes to walk to work and I get to wear flip-flops everyday! No cares if I don’t take a shower, shave my legs or wear make-up. Life here is decidedly less complicated and I can handle that – just one day at a time.

Stage VI. December – After Parents Visit. First Christmas away from home. Missing home and feelings of guilt for being absent. Haven’t had an email from friends in weeks. Why does it have to be so hot here? Why does everything take so long to do? Why can’t I buy Dr. Pepper here? When will our local market store get more ice cream bars???? I just feel really, really, really sad.

Stage VII. Admitting you have a problem. Believe it or not – it works. I asked my teammates for help – I asked friends back home to pray for me. And God blessed me with encouragement immediately and he hasn’t stopped. From what I hear – Culture Shock isn’t something you are instantly cured of. And, according to a teammate who has been here 25+ years, you never get over being homesick either.

So, yeah, living in a third world country presents its challenges and dealing with the emotional stress of culture shock and homesickness is one that is often overlooked and underestimated. Just one more reason I have learned to greatly respect and admire longterm missionaries.

In 2019...

2009-01-13T09:47:00.003-05:00

2009 marks changes. The most obvious – living in a third world county. But 2009 also marks 10 years since I graduated from high school. Which got me to thinking (always a dangerous and expensive thing…) back to my senior year.

“Welcome back my dear students. Hope you all had a joyous and restful holiday. For your first assignment of the New Year, I would like you to open your minds and dream about where you will be in ten years. Then, I would like you to transfer these thoughts into an essay describing the 10 Year Reunion for the Class of 1999.” I tend to take liberties in filling in what I don’t remember – but I think that about how my English teacher Mrs. Edwards would have announced such an assignment.

Never would I have opened my mind wide enough to imagine that I would actually be missing my 10 reunion. Out of the 18 in our class, I figured I would be the only one who actually attended!

Where I was 10 years ago:

17 yrs old

In High School

Living with Mom & Dad in Newnan

Driving the ’88 Taurus w/ No A/C

Listening to music on the radio - 99X

Deciding between Georgia and Auburn

Watching FRIENDS every Thursday on NBC

Where I THOUGHT I would be in 10 years:

27 yrs old

Married, with no kids

Living in the city with a place in the county

Driving BMW to work and ’56 T-bird on the weekends

Working some corporate job and running the show

Living my own southern version of FRIENDS

And, obviously, rolling in cash

Where I actually am:

27 yrs old

Single, with no kids

Living in third world country (ok, at 17 I thought this might be a possibility but only if I was a secret government agent or US Ambassador to Fiji)

No car

Working as a missionary (and recovering political junkie)

Supporting myself by donations from family and friends

Watching FRIENDS reruns on DVD and living what feels more like an updated version of Gilligan's Island, but without the island....

Listening to music on my Ipod

In 10 more years I might be….who knows?

Good Morning!

2009-01-11T14:10:00.002-05:00

It is 7am and I am bundled up on the front porch with my laptop. I love being up early in

Uganda

; It is the only time when it feels cold outside. Hmm….cold….it is all relative. In Georgia, we might call this just a little chilly, but I wrap the blanket tighter around my legs, hug the warm cup of tea and envision all the brown dusty grass suddenly as pure white snow. Snow??? I am from GEORGIA for crying out loud, why am I homesick for snow??? Note to self: No more watching White Christmas.

The over eager birds who proudly call out to the world bring me back to reality. Not to be outdone, the neighbor’s rooster, who as-a-matter-of-fact has been crowing since 5am, decides to dominate the morning symphony. No playlist on my ipod can compete.

A picture from my breakfast spot at Bushara Island.

Ugandan sunrise while on safari with my parents at Murchison Falls.

But It Itches!!

2008-12-16T08:44:00.002-05:00

For my ninth birthday one of my friends gave me a small pink diary – complete with its own lock and key. I wrote in that diary everyday for almost a whole week. Sorry that I haven’t posted an update in while – apparently a lot hasn't changed since I was nine.

A lot has happened - or at least I thought a lot had happened until I sat down and tried to remember it all.

We celebrated THANKSGIVING with a big team lunch. I even got to spend the holiday with my parents who had come to Uganda for a short visit. My parents stayed for about two and a half weeks – just long enough to get over the jet-lag. Since there isn’t much do, we had plenty of time to sit around and talk..(nap, read books, quiz each other on random facts about Ted Williams, make up facts about The African Queen and call home to make sure Andrew was installing the hardwood floor correctly). We had an especially enjoyable time on our jaunt to Murchison Falls in northern Uganda. (For pictures, see my photo link to the right.)

The weekend before my parents’ arrival, our entire team went on retreat to a “resort” called The Hairy Lemon. This “resort” is its own island in the middle of the Nile River. We had to ride in questionable wooden canoes to even get there. Unfortunately, this resort didn’t have electricity or running water…(do you understand? There was NO toilet…) But, it did come with an unlimited buffet of insects, curious monkeys, and a weekend of bathing in the Nile River. While over half the team came home with a complimentary case of malaria, I contracted a serious infection from a bug bite on my ankle. Because of my bad habit of scratching anything that itches – this infection quickly spread to other spots on my arms and legs. By the time Mom and Dad arrived the next weekend, I was in a full blown feverish infected state. So, on their second day in Mbale we visited a local health clinic where I received excellent treatment from a Ugandan doctor costing less than $25 (complete with blood work and an injection of something that worked wonders). Of course, now I am all better – but the secret is out and EVERYONE tells me to “Stop Scratching!” To which I inevitably reply “But, it itches!!” I feel like I’m nine years old again.

Well, that’s about as much as I can write at one sitting – which is also probably more that most are willing to read. Happy Holidays Ya’ll!

Restored!

2008-11-05T15:12:00.002-05:00

Two empty boxes of candles and four empty box of matches. (Matches are difficult for Crystal.) Depleted cell phone battery warning beeps. Laptop computers lying around gathering dust. Scattered decks of cards. One big novel finished. Dried wax on the floor. (My bad.) Roommates congregating in the living room sitting in silence out of boredom. We’ve organized every drawer and closet. We’ve played every card game. I just got finished sharing my most embarrassing moment…from middle school.

We’ve been without electricity for over 48 hours! Usually power outages only last around 12 hours and don’t occur when the most important news from back home is being reported!

Alas! Our joy has been restored! The power is back! I knew you would want to share in this happy celebration – so go take a really cold shower, cook dinner by candle light then you too might know the elation we felt when we could finally blow out the last candle! It is the small things that become the big things.

JUBILATION!!

Am I A City Girl After All?? (Part II)

2008-10-30T13:01:00.000-04:00

The focus of our trip was eating and shopping and we were highly successful in both endeavors. We enjoyed authentic New York style pizza, juicy fresh hamburgers from a local butcher, almost-as-good-as-my-momma’s lasagna, and the darkest, richest chocolate ice cream! Not once did we eat rice and beans – And not once did we miss it!

Thanks to a little research ahead of time, we had discovered a hidden away boutique hotel with a reasonably priced spa. Once there we were speechless. This place was incredible! It turns out rooms went for $300/night…but they had real American mattresses and big comfy chairs and deep soaking bathtubs and air-conditioning!! We considered splurging for a night – but settled for lunch instead. They actually served salad! (Lettuce is hard to come by in Uganda.) We relaxed and leisurely ate our lunch as we looked out over the beautiful lush gardens and for a brief moment forgot that we were thousands of miles from home.

The next day was devoted to shopping. There are basically two places to shop in Kampala: Garden City (the mall…and I use that term loosely) and the ShopRite/Game Center. ShopRite is the closest thing they have to a grocery store while Game is more like Wal-mart. You can’t imagine our level of excitement with being able to go to these places. Here we can buy things that we can’t find in Mbale. Things like: pillows, pickles, marshmallows, bacon, deli-meat, colgate toothpaste, cherrios, shower curtains, postcards, rugs, cake mix, food coloring, books, broccoli, cream cheese, scented candles and I could go on and on. I went down each aisle giddy as a kindergartener on the first day of school – “Oh – they have marshmallows…Come look, I found cherrios!” It was the simple joy of shopping for the simple things. Crystal was close to hysterics when she discovered wooden clothespins! And there were tears when Jennifer found pickles.

We left Kampala with full stomachs and full shopping bags. I was not looking forward to going back to our simple small town of Mbale. This shocked me – was this southern country bumpkin a city girl after all?

Am I A City Girl After All?? (Part I)

2008-10-30T11:46:00.001-04:00

Life in Mbale isn’t difficult, especially when compared to other towns in Uganda. There are (small) hotels, restaurants (if you don’t mind waiting 2hrs), and supermarkets (picture a country general store…not Publix). But when school let out for a whole week, the teachers knew exactly what we wanted….a trip to the city!

Not having our own vehicle, Jennifer, Crystal and I got up at 6:30 am to catch the 7:00 am bus to Kampala. It turns out the 7:00 am actually left at 8:30 am – so we sat on the parked bus and watched as the town around us began to wake up. We were finally on our way and I was sitting next to a window which I opened for fresh air when I felt something crawling on my hand. I look down to find a baby roach making its way up my arm. Calmly I flick it to the ground and smash it with my sandal. I look over at my friend who shrugs her shoulders and offers some hand sanitizing gel.

Somewhere along the way our driver pulls over for a bathroom break. Only – there are no facilities….folks just get off the bus and do their business on the side of the road and then we load up. (I just held it.) Further down, it is almost time for lunch. The driver pulls over and our bus is immediately surrounded with men and women selling roasted beef and chicken on sticks. These are shoved in our windows as the sellers shout their prices. (I got out a granola bar from my backpack.)

Four hours after leaving Mbale, our bus reaches Kampala, our destination. Or at least I think this is it. Everyone else has disembarked, but technically, the bus hasn’t reached the bus park due to heavy traffic. After sitting on the empty bus for several minutes I go to the front and confirm with the driver that this is actually where we should get off. It is intimidating to leave our quiet bus because outside there is only mass confusion. Cars are everywhere going in every direction – there are no traffic lanes. Bicycles are weaving in and out of the parked traffic and car horns are constantly filling the air. Being three white girls – we attract attention right away and before I even step foot off the bus, a taxi driver has grabbed my bag and is leading me to his car. We haggle over the price, but soon we are on our way out of the confusing city center and toward our get-a-way guesthouse.

Whew! That’s just the first few hours of our trip – I need a break and will post more later.

You Might Be A Redneck If...

2008-10-17T04:44:00.000-04:00

Growing up in the country, I have seen a lot of different things in the back of pick-up trucks. It could be a load of hay, produce, fill dirt, or firewood. Maybe an old washer machine or an ugly old couch. I have even seen all my earthly belongings packed in the back of my dad’s truck a time or two. But this past Sunday on the way to church, I saw something propped in the back of a pick-up truck that I had never seen before….And no, it wasn’t 45 Ugandans squeezed together in the back – that is actually a normal sight around here. But what I saw was a wooden coffin being held steady by two men sitting next to it. What made it more bizarre was the comment from the missionary I was riding with. “They must be rich; you usually see coffins transported on bicycles.”

T.I.A. (This Is Africa)

2008-09-26T03:02:00.002-04:00

Here are some things that have become part of normal life:

1. Anything that took just a few minutes in the States (ex: sending an email, mailing a letter, paying a bill) takes at least half an hour here!

2. Living life by candle light or with a flashlight always in your pocket because you never know where you’ll be when the power goes out – and it does at least once every day for a few hours.

3. Getting ready for bed involves fumigating your room and tucking your mosquito net under your mattress.

4. Being greeted on the streets as “Mzungu” or just “White Girl”. Especially by kids, who will excitedly yell “Hey, Mzungu, Mzungu,” until you eventually wave back. (All white people are referred to as Mzungu’s)

5. Watching out for falling geckos when opening doors.

6. Milk - it is delivered to us three times a week (usually). We have to boil it, strain it, and then hold our noses when we drink it.

7. Phrases like “Sorry Please” (instead of just I’m sorry) and “It is finished” (instead of we are out of gas…the gas is finished).

8. When the temperature gets below 75 degrees – it is considered COLD and hats, gloves, and thick coats start coming out.

9. Drinking Coco-Cola out of (reused) glass bottles…Ok, I actually don’t really mind this as long as there is a glass or straw.

10. Paying 1,000 for a coke…..100,000 shillings = $65 or $70. A nice meal will usually cost 8,000 shillings or around $6. I just bought a new cell phone for 40,000 shillings ($30). Converting money takes some getting used to!

New Pics!

2008-09-16T10:04:00.002-04:00

I have posted new pictures to my site! Click to the right where it says "View my photos". Let me know what you think!

Wax On, Wax Off

2008-09-11T09:14:00.001-04:00

I have 2 PE periods with 3 kids each and I am at a loss with how to fill the time. There are only so many games that 3 kids can play. To buy some time, I thought it would be fun to watch one of my favorite movies from the 80’s…The Karate Kid with the intention of teaching some sort of primitive karate skills.

I don’t think that I really thought this through….I have never done karate and don’t know anything about it. But, the kids are really excited and are expecting some real lessons. I am hoping the movie will stretch out for several days!

Seriously – I am open to suggestions for PE. They have already done a lot of soccer, basketball, football and so on. Last year the class was combined and they had a real PE teacher with a real PE degree – so there are high expectations.

Teachers have homework too!

2008-09-07T06:24:00.005-04:00

Many have asked about my first week of school - well - it was my first time teaching and I had all of one day to prepare - so, it went about as well as you would expect.

It is challenging, but I enjoy teaching. I guess the most challenging part is being prepared for class. So far, my favorite class is Eastern Hemisphere History. All my students in class are boys ages 10 - 13 and we get along really well...I don't really know what that says about me.

For one of my classes, I teach just one boy math while I watch three others in study hall. Jonathan (one of the study hall kids) is 11 and was supposed to be working on his algebra homework but was talking instead. So, I asked him if there were math problems I could help him with. He looked up at me and in all seriousness replied. "No, I don't think so. These problems will be above your head." I just smiled and tried not to laugh.

This week, I've had a chance to meet the rest of the team. There are three families, 4 singles, and 5 teachers. We are probably one of the bigger mission teams in East Africa.

Here are some pictures! The first ones that I have taken so far!

A few of my students "volunteered" to help me paint my room...this is Jonathan. And, don't worry, just one wall is green - the others will be a soft cream...I can't believe after all those years of being forced to wear green as my school colors...I am actually voluntarily living in a green room.

We don't have a dryer, so we hang our clothes on lines in the hallway - it rains just about every afternoon, so it is difficult to dry clothes outside.

I live with three other teachers - and we share two bathrooms. Below is one of our showers. The shower head is so short that I have to stand to the side and bend over sideways to stick my head under the water. Yes - we do have hot water! I am SO thankful!

And finally, here are pictures of our house. The dog in front is Thatcher, our guard dog. He loves to play and IS NOT allowed inside.

Caught In The Dark With My Pants Down

2008-09-02T11:54:00.000-04:00

I have arrived! In Mbale that is...

School starts tomorrow and I am to teach Bible, Economics, World History, 5th grade Math, and PE. I just teach each subject once and will mostly be teaching 5th - 8th graders. Although Economics is just for the highschoolers.

It is pretty overwhelming trying to settle in. I am living in a 4 bedroom house with three other girls and the room I am in for formally a storage room. So, it is pretty dusty and grimy. I am wishing that my mom was here to help clean! I have a twin bed and a coffee table and a closet in my room - doesn't give me much to work with, but I am excited about making my own peaceful get-a-way. I am thinking about painting, but the only colors I have access to are bright green and a light yellow. If someone out there has any connections with HGTV - I think my room would make an excellent makeover story!

Last night as I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed when the power went off. Most of you know that I am scared of the dark - so it was pretty traumatic for me, but I managed to remain calm long enough to feel my way back to my room and find my flashlight, which luckily I had just unpacked. Apparently, the power is unreliable here, so maybe I'll conquer my fear of the dark before I come home.

On My Way!

2008-08-31T09:14:00.004-04:00

Just to keep the 12 people reading this blog updated - I've raised around $14,000 - just $6,000 from my goal! Thank you to all those who are supporting me!

Also - after a few set backs with flights - I am finally on my way. Right now, I am sitting in the London Heathrow airport just killing time until my flight leaves in 8 hours. But, I am not complaining! I could use a few hours to rest after maneuvering 3 heavy suitcases from the Gatwick airport to Heathrow. Whew! Blessedly I encountered several kind people willing to help and surprisingly they were all women. The men here could take a few tips from our Southern Gentlemen.

Today is also my birthday! On the flight from Atlanta, one of the pilots came back to talk to me and wished me a happy birthday! Apparently my brother (who was landing just as we were taking off) sent the message to the the cockpit that they had his little sister on board. Too bad Andrew didn't ask them to give me a free upgrade...

Hope everyone has a great August 31st - it is my favorite day of the year!

-Julie

Impossible Things Are Happening Everyday

2008-08-05T13:47:00.009-04:00

If you would like to financially support my work in Uganda, send donations to:

Downtown Church of Christ

PO Box 417

Newnan, GA 30264

Checks should be payable to Downtown Church of Christ. (Be sure to include my name on the memo line.)

My goal is to raise at least $20,000 by Sept 1st. Impossible? Yes, impossible for me - But not for my God. I am so excited to see how he works through others to fulfill this need.

Inaugural Post

2008-07-30T14:07:00.000-04:00

I’m afraid the rumors are true…I am leaving Atlanta and the familiar world of Georgia politics to serve with a team of missionaries in Mbale, Uganda.

My recent visit to Mbarara, Uganda confirmed that working with missionaries was a dream that couldn’t just remain an idea – but instead an act of faith that needed to be put into action.

Updates will be coming soon. In the meantime – I’m raising financial support, so please let me know if you would like more information on how to support me or others who do good work in Uganda.

-Julie