Final Thoughts

I find it difficult to ‘sum up’ an experience like this into simple words, none seem adequate. I am certain, each of us has left a small part of us in Uganda, and yet we return to California changed for the better, because of Uganda and the beautiful people we now call family.

As I consider the impact of this trip, one word returns each time, and that word is ‘inspired’. I have been ‘inspired’ by the children, men and women of Uganda and the team of 24 who traveled and lived this journey with me.

The children of Uganda inspired me to love the Lord, my God, with ALL my heart, mind and soul.
The men and women of Uganda inspired me to trust God’s plans and rejoice, ALL the time.
Pastor Dongo inspired me to dream big, seek God as I dream, believe in the dream and thank Him throughout.
Tim Fenderson inspired me to live in and embrace ‘the moment’ of whatever adventure I find myself.
Jan Allen inspired me to seek out opportunities to be a vessel of Christ to those around me – then do something about it.
Kim Downey inspired me to laugh and find joy in the small things.
Tyler Rumph inspired me to live life to the fullest and ready for spontaneous trips around the world.
Mary Abud inspired me to appreciate the life I’m given and trust God to provide.
Josh Broussard inspired me to find the entertainment value in everything and everyone, fun is just waiting for us to jump in and enjoy.
Hannah Crockett inspired me to persevere no matter what the circumstance and make the best of every situation.
Hilary Dahl inspired me to enjoy the present and not concern myself with tomorrow, I might miss out on the joy of today.
Liz Feiner inspired me to put fears aside and risk, trusting God to give me purpose.
Rebecca Greene inspired me to pour out myself to honor Christ and serve those around me.
Katherine Griffith inspired me to be open and available to serve whenever and wherever needed, and take initiative if necessary.
Kristan Griffith inspired me to say yes when God asks me to go and love my neighbor.
Dan Helmy inspired me to remember the importance of spending one-on-one time with people exchanging thoughts and opinions.
Madi Jackson inspired me to create sincere connections with the people God places in my life.
Max Kalp inspired me to leave my comfort zone and enjoy the ride.
Alex Kaplan inspired me to love people wholeheartedly, no questions asked.
Hilary Landa inspired me to be courageous and vulnerable, God can use my life’s heartache to bless/encourage another heart.
Rachel Matthews inspired me to embrace life’s surprises, delight in the positive and share that joy with everyone around me.
Ali Nelson inspired me to immerse myself into the life and loves of those I encounter in my journey of life.
Sam Nordlund inspired me to use my talents and passion to serve people in practical ways.
Colleen Raab inspired me to jump at every opportunity to enrich my life and hopefully bless others in the process.
Bree Saliano inspired me to love God’s children completely and give of myself selflessly.
Morgan Temanson inspired me to be the kind of person others can respect and depend upon in times of need, and enjoy a laugh together as well.
Ashton Ware inspired me to serve people with a willing heart and smile on my face.

“Thank You”, does not begin to express my overwhelming gratitude nor the overflowing fullness of my soul that exists because of the people associated with this life-changing experience. To the team mentioned above: You are beyond amazing and have blessed me tremendously. To the parents: Your prayers and support were powerful and effective.

Thank you and may God bless you as you have blessed so many! Susi

p.s. I just received this email from Pastor Dongo: “I don't know how I can explain the way we miss you. And I don't have enough words to express my appreciation to you and the team. Your coming was greater blessing especially to me, the children and everybody. We thank and appreciate your loving kindness. I find it difficult to say bye to you all, we love you and we are proud of you, we will forever be grateful, thank you!!”

Susi's call from Brussels. 1:53 am California time

Hi everyone,

Susi called at 1:51 am to say that they were all on the plane from Brussels to Chicago. Rachel, Kim and Tyler had already taken off for JFK, and Ali and Liz Finer had successfully left for London.

Everyone is healthy and fine.

She will call upon landing in Chicago, (though the connection will be a bit tight because of clearing customs in Chicago.)

They can't wait to see us at the airport.

~Barrie

Susi's call: The last day in Africa

Susi left a voicemail on my cell phone this morning and I just picked it up now (at 9 pm....sorry to be such a loser as a contact, everyone!) It was from the end of the day yesterday. She was having some difficulty posting to the blog so she left some info for me. It was very garbled (it sounded like she was underwater), but here are the basics:

They spent the morning shopping. Don't expect your child to come home with any money.

Then they had a "fun and special" lunch with the students (the high school and middle school) and they gave the school a bit of money to buy some things. I'm not clear what she said they were going to use the money to buy. Then the team lead AWANA and some games. Half of our kids were with the older students and half were with the younger students. They had a wonderful time hanging out with kids. The Oaks team had their final dinner at the house and and then met for devotional time. During the devotions they talked about how to share with the people back home about the trip. They talked about how to tell stories and share insights about people, rather than just saying "it was fine" or "it was great".

They can't wait to show the video.

They did all their packing last night. Today they were planning to go to church, then do their final VBS, then our kids were invited to a big primary/high school soccer match.

While Susi was talking about the soccer game the phone line cut off...I think she ran out of space on my voicemail.....we know that they are safe and happy.

~Barrie

They've landed in Brussels!

Jim Lee just called to tell me that they have landed in Brussels and everyone is safe and sound.

9:20 pm

Dinner last night at Fang Fangs was amazing, and the perfect break from our traditional Ugandan fare. As delicious as all of our food has been, mixing it up with a little Chinese was fantastic. Pastor Dongo, his wife Florence and five of his sixteen children joined us, along with Samuel, our bus driver and Rebecca the headmaster of the high school. The beautiful nighttime view of downtown Kampala added to the experience, which we ended with a birthday (Bri’s birthday was earlier in the week) carved watermelon and ice cream. Traditionally, dessert is fresh fruit so last night was the team’s first ‘American-style’ dessert and it was a HUGE hit.

This morning we slept in a bit, despite that wretched rooster, and travelled to the African Village to spend our shillings. No need to wonder if US dollars will be returning with your children, I think the vendors enjoyed our visit. In fact, our time was limited and there are several thousand shillings burning holes in pockets, so we will return tomorrow to help stimulate the Ugandan economy, just a tad bit more.

The sand has arrived, so a group is outside filling up our sandbox while the other team members continue to run around and play with the children. It is sprinkling slightly, so outside play time is limited, but if there are children then our team is right there running and hugging as many as possible. Have I mentioned how absolutely amazing this group of people are and how incredibly impressed I am with each of them? No? Well, they are and I am impressed and blessed!!

It has begun to hit me that we leave soon and I must prepare my own heart for that departure. Each of us have made lasting relationships and none will return home the same, we will all leave a small part of us here in Uganda, always.

Thank you for your prayers, we shall see you soon.

Susi

p.s. Sorry for the lack of additional pictures. The internet connections and computers have been unable to upload pictures from my camera. I promise the video Tyler is creating will make up for it! I know you miss the face of your little one, they are all healthy, slightly tan/pink and a bug bite here and there.

p.p. s. The internet connection wasn't working at the school so I saved this entry on my flash drive and am now at an internet cafe in town. I've added this because the sandbox is finished and the children were so excited that it became a gladiator ring, of sorts. Bodies were jumping, pulling, pushing and slamming in and around the sandbox. It was quite a sight to behold, definitely worth the effort. Thank you to all those who helped and participated in our bake sales.

Hilary Dahl called from Africa to say "hi"

It was a bit surprising to receive a call at 10:45 pm on my cell phone last night. It was Hilary saying that Africa was "fantastic". Everyone is happy, healthy and enjoying Pastor Dongo's kids. They were working hard, but had a fun day at Lake Victoria. They are not homesick, "but feeling very far away." She said "Everyone is doing really well." She said Susi and the leaders have been amazing. They feel very blessed.

She wanted to know every detail of what was happening in Westlake Village. I told her about the Lakers, the hot weather, and gave her a one minute summary of everything I knew about everyone she knows...I also told her that we all miss them so much that really, nothing that ever happens when they're not here!!

Sorry I didn't get more and better information but I was trying to keep the call quite short and there was a funny time delay/echo on each side. They are as hungry for information about us as we are about them. I hope they post some more pictures soon!

~With a grateful heart,
Barrie

Chapel & Fang Fang's

We have had another incredible day here, on the other side of the globe! Our team was asked to participate in the weekly chapel service this morning at both the primary and high school. Chapel at the primary school began with all-school praise and worship, and when they say 'worship', they mean it! It is a beautiful and moving thing to stand in a crowded room full of 500 children singing praises to God, without concern about what those around may think. Their words are sincere and their voices are sweet - their praise serves as a lesson for us all!

Oops - our bus is here and they will be calling my name soon. Sorry, this will be the shortest post, yet.

On to Fang Fangs, it is one of the nicest restaurants in town, so our team will enjoy a special meal with Pastor Dongo and his family this evening. Not all of his children are home, but those here will join us. The best part? It is a Chinese restaurant! Imagine that, the best in town isn't traditional Ugandan, but Chinese.

I hear the engine. Sorry, I will try to post more tomorrow. Thank you!!