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!