Uganda 2016 Wrap-Up

For anyone wondering where I went....
I had intended to update this blog while I was away for 3 months, but unfortunately, Google and Yahoo both locked me out of my accounts since I was logging in from another country.  Obviously this was done by a computer, not a human, as a human would more likely see that my name on everything includes the word Uganda and my blog is all about going to Uganda.

I was able to post a couple updates as a "Note" on Facebook if anyone hasn't already seen them.  But really, I didn't do that much exciting anyway.  If you want to see pictures and you're not my Facebook friend, you can still see them.  I've made the albums public.
http://www.facebook.com/BaseballGrrl

I have been home now from Uganda for about a month.  People always ask, "how was it?" and honestly, that is hard to answer.  It was hard, it was fun, it was interesting, it sucked, it hurt, it was great!  10 weeks is a long time.  It was not what I expected at all.  I thought I'd go out and start ministering to people, I thought I'd pray for people and see them get healed.  That didn't happen.  Instead I just kept hearing God say "Be still, sit with Me."  So I did.  I sat in my chair and read 20 books plus a few books of the Bible, I talked to God and journaled what I heard Him saying to me.  I just got to be quiet and let Him speak.  He showed me some mindsets that needed to be changed, He talked to me about my dreams, and He gave me promises to hold onto.  For that, it was amazing.  Life is so busy here it can be hard to make the time to sit still with Papa like that.

On the other hand, I ended up dealing with multiple illnesses/pains that were difficult.  I overheated in my first week.  Very strange, just had to sit in front of a fan drinking cold water.  For 3 days I did that, then I decided to put on Jesus Culture's latest album and worship.  The presence of God was thick around me as I turned my eyes to Him.  It was so great!  Then song #8, Set Me Ablaze came on and an icy cold feeling started in my toes and traveled up thru my whole body.  When it was done, my temperature was back to normal.  Yay God!  He has such a weird sense of humor.  :)

I got a weird pain in my side a few weeks later.  It started after dinner and grew until I threw up, then it just went into a cycle of getting worse and throwing up for a little relief.  I was wimpering, crying out to God, praying, singing worship songs...  Violet stayed with me the whole time, she was amazing.  It went on for 4 hours they told me later, but by God's grace it only felt like 2 hours to me.  I still have no clue what that was about, a few theories have been offered up, but no way to know for sure.  I even suspected witchcraft.  As the only white person in the village, and as white people are usually missionaries, it is feasible that a witch doctor could've sent a curse my way.  When I had that thought, and I prayed against that angle, the pain went away shortly after.  Coincidence?  Maybe.  But maybe not.  Who knows?

And of course, a couple weeks before I left I managed to get Malaria.  That was fun.  Really it wasn't too bad.  I had chills and hot spells off and on for about 4 days, then the last day I had 2 hrs of shivering on the couch and when I tried to sit up my whole body felt dead.  Alex asked if he could call the doctor now and I finally said yes.  The pills were sent over and I took the first dose.  Intense sweating immediately broke out (and lasted 6 hrs) and within half an hour I started feeling better!  I had no appetite for about 5 days, forcing food down to take the pills and not much else.  On the plus side, that was a nice crash diet right at the end allowing me to arrive home down 25 pounds!  lol

I had the chance to observe "real life" during my stay.  When you go on a short term missions trip, you often end up in nice housing, everything is set up to accommodate American tastes, and life is all planned out and the schedule full.  This wasn't like that.  I stayed at first in the Kalema home with an outdoor pit latrine.  A month and a half with no running water or toilet.  I had to learn to do things like everyone else in the country does it.  I had to wash my hair with a bucket and a basin, try to wash my body  with washcloths and baby wipes.  (Ok, so they don't have baby wipes)  I had to learn to not only pee in a hole, but poop as well, and of course, the new diet causes diarrhea for a couple weeks right?  Good luck!  Real life.  It's not pretty.

I saw how the girls work all day, cooking, washing, cleaning... it all takes so much longer by hand.  I asked to help a few times, but they just laughed at me and refused.  One time the 17 yr old maid gave me a matooke and a knife and showed me how to peel.  Instantly, every kid in the vicinity was there gathered around to watch and laugh.  Doing everything by hand takes a long time and is really hard on their backs.

I saw how hard the men work for so little money.  I saw how jobs usually seem to be sunup to sundown, 7 days a week.  It made me sad.  Where do they do life?  When do they get to enjoy time with family, or go do something fun?  I asked Alex and he just looked at me in shock.  "I never thought about that!"  ???  I looked at this culture that is living in survival mode wondering, Why survive if you can't enjoy life at least a little?  Harsh reality broke my heart.  They work so hard, yet they don't seem to be able to get ahead.  They're just surviving.

I met some amazing wonderful people, the board members of Won Generation Africa.  This small band of believers has a goal to find a need and meet it.  They don't have a lot of resources, but they're still doing anything they can to help out the people around them.  It's so awesome!  I will be joining their efforts when I return.  So many of the dreams I have had are already beginning to take shape within this little group.  What I realized I bring to the table is fresh ideas.  Coming from an entirely different culture means I've had the chance to see things that they haven't.  I can tell them about things they've never heard of, and together we can make a difference.  I'm excited to get back and start dreaming together again and seeing what God will do.

So all in all, the trip was wonderful.  I learned a ton, I suffered a bit, and I made some amazing new friends.  I now have a much better idea of what direction to go.  Before I had a lot of dreams but no idea how to go about starting anything.  God has placed me with a group that is already moving, so I will now just be able to join in and bring my resources to the table.  God is so good, so wise.  Always knows what's up before we do.  He is faithful to provide all we need to do what He has created us to do.

6 Days

A few more pics - the rains have hit hard I'm hearing, so that is slowing things down a bit, but they're still working hard.  :)  The wood is for the roof / ceiling and the plumbing is being installed as well.

8 Days

Just over a week now until I hop on a plane and fly to another world.  It's starting to feel weird.  It always does.  I love being there so much, but it still feels so strange and scary to make the journey.  I don't know why.  It's just so unreal.  The "goodbye for nows" are starting.  I've stopped buying groceries, so I'm scrounging for meals or eating on the go.  Trying to think of everything that needs to go in a suitcase, hoping to stay under weight on my luggage...  This has all happened so fast, yet at the same time it's taking forever to get there.  Time is funny that way.

I don't have any more house pics to show you, not sure what's happening with that at the moment.  I have requested the last chunk from my retirement fund, hopefully it arrives in time.  I have all the items I need, just waiting for one thing to come in the mail still.

I don't know what the next 3 months hold for me.  I'm going with no schedule, no agenda to speak of.  I am just going on an adventure with Holy Spirit as my guide.  I know I will be stretched in new ways, far beyond my comfort zone.  I'm on my own, no team to hide behind.  Just me, one solo mzungu.  It's a huge responsibility, the way they treat us, like we're celebrities almost.  It's a strange feeling to drive down the street and have kids come running just because you're white.

One thing I'm looking forward to so much is the church.   I spent a few Sundays at this place and it was so wonderful!   These Ugandans know how to worship!  The joy in that place is incredible!!  So much fun!  Amazing singers, fun dancing, and just a beautiful atmosphere to be in.  I remember one of the most awesome moments from my 2010 trip was when they took the offering.  They had 3 baskets up front, Tithe, Offering, and Charity.  The hundreds of people streamed up to drop their offerings in the baskets.  Some gave money, others gave a bag of some sort of food, and a couple guys brought up a whole branch of bananas.  It was beautiful to see people who have so little being so generous.  That's what it should be like.  If we all give a little, we can help those who have nothing.  This church in Masulita is beautiful.  (The church is people, not a building)  I look forward to being a part of this church body.

I will miss the people here, I've felt so accepted into the church here in Yuba City these last 6 months.  This is a good place too.  This is a people who know how to love well.  I hope that I can take all that I've learned from my life's journey from church to church and give what I have to these people and in turn, receive from them what they have and bring it back here.  I think that is what the church is supposed to be about.  We are diverse, yet united.  We each have a flavor, or a piece of the puzzle.  When we come together and share our unique pieces, it makes something beautiful.

As always, I would love to have your prayers.  Any time you think of me, just send up a quick prayer to Papa God.  :)  Pray for safety and health, and pray for divine encounters and that I would embrace the path Holy Spirit is taking me down.   Thank you all for your support.

April 30 update

Just over 2 weeks to go now!  I'm both excited and nervous.  This is a pretty big ordeal.  Lots of money, lots of unknowns, lots of new things...

Alex tells me the walls are up and ready for the roof now, so this is a view from atop a ladder.  Yay!  

I am about to take the last chunk of $$ out of my retirement account on Monday so I can finish the house, get solar panels, and whatever other costs I run into during my 3 month stay.  

What can you do to partner with me in this you ask??

I need your prayers first and foremost.  My back is still not 100% and I need it to be.  I will be doing some physical labor and lots of walking and that will not be very pleasant with a tweaked out back.  Pray for safety and health.  Pray that God will connect me with people who will be a part of the team on the ground.  I am looking for "spiritual parents" to have contact points to send new believers to to help them grow in the Lord.  Pray for good connection between myself and Alex and Violet as we brainstorm and pray for what God has for us moving forward.  And of course, God will be doing some major renovations in my heart I'm sure.  He always does.

And yes, I could use some financial help as well.  I can't know for sure how much I will need to spend while I'm in Uganda, so I am looking at the possibility of returning with no money.  I have accounted for August rent already, but any other bills and expenses when I first get back will be up in the air.  I have a couple people who have sent me donations regularly, so they will at least get me thru the first week or so.  If I end up with leftover money it will just be put into the Uganda account for next time.  

• Checks to Jessie Osborne can be mailed to 652 Almond St.  Yuba City, CA 95991
• Paypal - Jessie Osborne or UgandanMzungu@yahoo.com
• Facebook pay - https://www.facebook.com/BaseballGrrl

Even after I'm gone, these will get into my bank account and I can access with debit card while I'm over there if I need it. 

I'll update this blog regularly while I'm away.  Keep me bookmarked and I'll let you know what I'm up to, what needs I've run into, and more specifics on how you can pray.  

Thanks friends.  Here is one more picture, Alex tells me this is the view out my bedroom window at sunset .  Uganda does have beautiful sunrises / sunsets.  :) 

25 Days to Go

Less than a month now.  I think I've got most of the details taken care of now.  I'm waiting on God still to take care of a few things.  I would very much appreciate people willing to pray for me while I'm away.  This is an intimidating task, to head off to Uganda, just me, hanging out with the local people, only mzungu in sight.  lol  -- It's a different world and I don't yet know all the rules.  I know i'm going to get a rude awakening as to how much work life takes there.  Life is so easy here, we're so spoiled with all our appliances and comforts.  I look forward to learning, but I know it will be difficult for this old fat body of mine.  ;)  I will be smaller when I get back I'm sure.  :)

Pray for safety, provision, and that I would see what I need to see to strategize for the future.  Pray that I meet awesome people that will join me in my mission as we move forward.

Thank y'all.  If you have any other questions, please feel free to message me.  Make sure to bookmark this blog so you don't miss any posts as I'm away.  I will update as much as I'm able.  Not sure if pictures will be doable, but I'll try.  :)

More House

Just a little over a month to go....  The house will have the basic structure up very soon, the walls are quick!!  I have just found that we will need solar power, an added expense I was not figuring into my budget.  Alex tells me that the regular electricity will be very expensive as the house is a bit outside the bulk of town, they would charge us for the power poles to get out to our house.  He tells me solar panels are $580 each and we need at least 2 of them.  If anyone feels led to help us out with this part of the project it would be a huge deal!

It's happening!!  This is for real!!  I can't even get my mind around this.  If you've ever been to another country, you might know that it is a different world, so much so that it seems unreal from here.  I am in a weird emotional state about this trip.  I can't quite think it's actually real.  I am looking forward to so many things about this visit.  I will get to see old friend I haven't seen in 6 yrs, meet my newest nephew, see again the other one...  Hanging out in the country I love for almost 3 months!!  I know God has great things planned for me, so I'm just leaving myself open to whatever He has in mind.  All is well.  Uganda, here I come!!

So it Begins

Construction has begun on the house!!  I have wired Alex the majority of the money for the house so they could get started.  The rainy season is coming and can make building difficult, so we're trying to get the house up before then.  Well, that and I don't want to have to live without a bathroom for too long.  ;)

Very different process, so I'm fascinated to see how this goes.  Hopefully Alex will be able to upload more pictures as we go so I can see.  I will share as I am able.  

Pretty good sized footprint it looks like.  Gonna be awesome!!  I will bring another $2K with me when I go to finish out the process.  Alex and I will be painting the house ourselves to save on labor costs.  It's gonna be fun!

Please pray for me as I come to mind.  This is a pretty big thing I'm doing (in my mind) Pray for my safety and provision and that God will make my path clear as I seek out connections in the village.  I will be stepping outside my comfort zone in a major way, so pray for courage.  :)  Thanks friends!

And another new picture of another day....

Update March 30

I just passed the '50 days to go' mark.  :)  If you've ever been out of country you might now the unreal feeling I have at this point.  Such a different place to be, it's difficult to even fathom.

I have sent an initial chunk of money to Alex already and building has begun on the house.  Yay!!  I wanted to get it started now to avoid too much "white tax" and so I didn't have to live too long without a bathroom.  lol - Also Alex told me it was best to get it done before the rainy season.  So far his internet has not been good enough to send me pictures, but as I receive them I will post.

I am excited about the possibilities of this trip.  I've realized with short term mission trips we often get more out of it than the people we went to see in terms of inner growth.  On my 3 previous trips I was with a group and was able to stay quiet and let the others do most of the talking to people.  I won't have that chance this time, so even though it will be a challenge, I am glad to be pushed out of my comfort zone so far.  I have been pursuing training all these years, time to get off the bench!!  Put me in coach!  I'm ready to play.  :)

I don't have a big plan of scheduled events.  I know that I will be able to go with Violet to the adult English classes she teaches and learn some Luganda, so I'm looking forward to that.  I hope I can spend some time with the kids at the school too, kids are always the best part right?  ;)  Other than that I want to meet people in the area and get a clearer picture of the needs in this village.  When I return full time I want to have a strategy for how I can best serve the people around me.  This time I won't have the resources to do much, but next time I hope I will.

This time will allow me to build a stronger bond with Alex and Violet and their two boys and brainstorm together with Jesus to discover what our future holds.  I have a huge vision in my head, but getting it down into a workable form will be helpful.  Some things require building time, so we will figure out how best to build what God has been showing me over the years.  I will probably give a more precise vision update when I get back.

I do not want to go build a ministry that depends on me.  That is pointless.  I want to do what I can to use the gifts God has given me to equip and train those around me, wherever I may be.  My goal here is to share whatever I have to share to help the people.  I hope to find good solid people that will join me in this mission.  I think about that old saying about "give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day, teach him to fish, he'll eat for life."  That is pretty much what I am thinking.  I want to use my gifts to set something in motion that will continue on far past my time.  I will be in search of people that will be disciplers and prayers and worshipers and adoptive parents, and business people...  I want to help them help each other.  It's not about pouring money in so much as helping them see what they already have and utilize it.  As my current church says... "Find a need and meet it, find a hurt and heal it."  Everyone is capable of doing that.  :)

Overall I am excited to be back in the country I love.  I do not look forward to the long day of travel, but at least I'll have 3 months in between instead of the 2 week normal.  I have a 27 hr day on the way there and 33 hrs on the way back.  eek!

I would like to ask for prayers to cover this trip.  I wrestle to stay out of the fear zone as I head out alone.  I do feel very safe in the village and Alex and Violet are amazing guides, but there is risk always in a foreign land.  3 months is a long time.  I know that it will be so hard to come back too.  I would love to have people willing to pray for me any time I come to your mind.

Also when I return I will need to find a job ASAP as I am spending everything I have for this trip.  I am trusting God for finances all around.  For this trip and after.  I haven't worked since Christmas so add a new job to returning culture shock and jet lag....  ug.

If you have any questions, I'd love to share any answers I have.  PM me on Facebook is probably the easiest way to reach me.

Thank you to all who have shown support and interest in my mission.  I am so grateful for those who have believed in me and sown financially into this trip as well.

Alex has sent me a bunch of pictures of the land we will be building on.  He and his friends are working hard to clear land right now to be ready to build starting in April.  I am sending money ahead to get the house started so it will be done before the rainy season hits.

 Violet

Wish List

As I am preparing to head out, I have received some requests to bring things with me.  I thought I'd post here in hopes that someone may be able to help out.  I guess this is easiest for locals, but maybe if you are Amazon shoppers you could have them shipped to me.  But if you have things laying around the house and are willing to donate, I'd appreciate it and my Ugandan family would be so grateful.  If anyone has a Costco / Sam's membership maybe for the spices in larger size?

• The Circle Maker (paperback)
• Garlic Salt
• Taco Seasoning
• Johnny's Seasoning
• a frying pan
• a lightweight working laptop
• books by Kris Vallotton
• iPad for Alex

If you would like to help with the personal items I need on this journey, here are some things I want to take with me.

• Baby wipes - 
• essential oils for mosquito/malaria protection (Lemon Thyme Eucalyptus globulus and Thieves spray)
• frisbee or other light fun items to play with the kids.
• Vitamin C 
• Mosquito Net 
• Sunscreen 

I will update this as I think of things and receive things.  I have to limit my packing, so think light!  Thank you for all who join me in fulfilling my calling!!

The Details

So, I just purchased my ticket to head out May 17 - Aug 3!!!  That is just over 2 months away and I'm super excited!  If anyone has ever been overseas, you might understand how I'm feeling.  Uganda is a different world.  When I was there, the US felt like a weird hazy dream, and once I returned here, Uganda felt like a weird hazy dream.  The reality of each is so different, it can be difficult to make the mental transition.  So I bought a ticket, but the reality is still not catching up.  Very strange feeling.

I've been looking at the numbers, trying to determine how much money this will take, and to give you, my friends, an idea of what is needed.  I would very much appreciate any help I can get as I head out to lay the foundations of my future.  I am willing to give everything, but I also want to give you the opportunity to sow into what God is doing.  We are a body, and we each have a part to play.  Will you ask God if He would have you partner with me?

Plane ticket ................................$1635 (paid)
House ..........................................7000
Ugandan Visa ................................100
3 months of bills here ..............,, 1500 (I am keeping my room so still have rent)
Travel shots ..................................253 (paid)
Travel Medical Ins. .....................130
Misc. expenses while abroad ......   ???

As you can see, I'm already just over $10,000 for this.  I want to have a good cushion for the unexpected and for whatever I will need for the 3 months I'm there.  I will probably need to buy water unless I can figure out a good travel filter to take with me.  The construction of the house could have additional costs, especially once they see the color of my skin.  I won't have to pay for lodging, as I will stay with Alex and Violet, but I'm sure there will be other costs along the way. I will update this as I figure out what they may be.

If you would like to donate, here are the options for now.

• checks can be mailed to:  Jessie Osborne, 652 Almond St. , Yuba City, CA 95991
• Facebook - there is an option in the chat window to send money directly to my account 
• Paypal - UgandanMzungu@yahoo.com
• Venmo - I'm currently having trouble accessing this, so hold off on this option for now.  

If you'd like to pray:

• Safety and smooth travels
• Health - malaria is a risk 
• Divine connections - I hope to meet some good local people who will join my team.  
• Wisdom - To see what I need to see and go where God wants me to go.  Dreaming sessions with my local family about what we want to see happen down the road.  General good sense while out and about in a strange world. 
• Courage - As the only mzungu, I will be given opportunities to speak and pray for people most likely, and that can be scary for me.  This trip will stretch me in every way.  :)
• Favor - that I won't get hit too hard with the "white tax"
• Provision - finances to do everything and not be completely broke when I return.  A job quickly when I get back.

  

Thank you all so much for your support and prayers.  :)

Uganda 2016

Time for another update!  It's been 3 years 3 months since I last set foot in my beloved Uganda.  As of 2/15/16, I have been seriously looking into going back this year for a 3 month trip to build the home that I would live in when I finally get to go back for good.  I've been chatting with my mentors and trusted friends and with Alex to get some idea of what that might look like on the ground.  He already has a plan in place, he just needs the money.  The timing seems right to head over in May or June.  Lots of details to be worked out, but for now, this is the basic plan.  :)  I'm super excited!

This visit would take every cent I possess, so it's a pretty big deal.  I would be cashing out my 401K retirement fund since I quit my long time job (and paying the tax penalty for early withdrawal).  The money was already intended to build a house, so that isn't changing, I just see the stocks going down and down and I want to do this before the money disappears altogether.   As of right now I think I have just enough for the travel, the building, and my bills back home for the time I'd be gone.  Of course this means I'd be broke by the time I got home.  I would not have a job to return to this time, so all around this is quite a big exercise in trusting God.  To go will be a huge risk, but God has been leading me in risk lately quite often and He has never let me down.

The house I build is not just for me, it will be occupied by my Ugandan brother Alex and his wife Violet and their two young boys.  Alex is the town soccer coach and youth pastor.  He is an amazing man of God with a great gift for reaching young people.  I have known Alex and Violet since my 2010 trip when I was there for 6 weeks.  Alex's ministry is a big deal for the local youth.  His coaching talents help them grow their skills so much that they often get scholarships to the bigger and better schools.  Education is such a huge deal for these village kids.

 The Kalemas in 2010 (my last visit)

While I am there it will be much easier to lay the groundwork for my future life in Uganda.  I will be able to pick the brains of my friends and start strategizing for my ministry.  I will have time to start building relationships in the village of Masulita and getting a good idea of where the needs are greatest.  My hope is to find creative ways to meet the practical needs of the people, I'm trusting God for strategies to break the cycle of poverty and bring hope where it has gone missing.  I want to find ways to make life easier so that parents can have the time to focus on their kids more.  This visit would allow me the time to get to know some people and really get an idea of what I'll need for next time.  I also hope to find trustworthy people who will join me in my endeavor and be those I can entrust my ministry to when my time is up.  I want to build something that the locals will carry on and change their world without me.  Being a mzungu, I will most likely have many opportunities to speak to the church and to the schools, I would love to spend time with the kids, help them with their English lessons...  and I will in turn work on my Luganda lessons. :)  I believe this will be a time of incredible personal growth, preparing me for the work God has called me to.  I have been working toward this goal since 2007 and am eager to get over there again.

I left my heart in Uganda, and I'm really getting excited about the prospect of returning to this beautiful land in the near future.  If you would consider teaming with me in prayer and if possible, with finances, I would appreciate it greatly.  I do have a chunk to work with at the moment, but as I said, it will drain me completely.  I'm told the house is about $7,000 for a 3 bedroom house with a western kitchen and bath.  I do not know yet what my living expenses will be while there.  I will need to buy water for sure, I'll stay with Alex and eat with the family.  Travel plus bills at home will be around $3500.   I would like to have a cushion for the unexpected as well.  It is very difficult to be surrounded by need and to be unable to help.  Leading up to the trip I will need to spend on a new passport (already in process) and my travel shots, as well as supplies to take with me.   I'm still working on those figures, but that is my initial estimate.  After I return I will need a job ASAP, so a little extra cushion to tide me over would be great too.  I had initially planned on looking for a job in March while I still had some money leftover, but now my plans are changing and I'll need a longer timeline.  I will be looking into some temporary job options soon.

I would appreciate your prayers at this time for wisdom and clarity to get all the details worked out.  I would also ask if you'd please consider supporting me financially.

Ways to donate:
1) Facebook - in the chat window there is a $ to send money (username BaseballGrrl or Jessi Dawn )
2) Venmo - send money from your phone (search Jessie Osborne or UgandanMzungu@yahoo.com )
  --the methods above go directly to my bank account (with no fee) which would be helpful while I'm gone to replenish, and for those who wish to donate while I'm gone too.  :)
3) Paypal - UgandanMzungu@yahoo.com (Jessie Osborne)

3) Cash or check (message me for address)
4) For locals, I can collect your CRV bottles and cans and take them for recycling
5) I'm willing to work odd jobs as I am able. (Temporary employment would be great too.)

Thank you to all those who have already been supporting my dream financially and thank you to all who will consider me in the future.  I covet your prayers at this time as I make this big decision.  Thank you!!
Feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer them.  :)

 I miss this food!