Christmas in Uganda
We’re four days back in America, after spending two powerful weeks in Uganda, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t make a quick post saying a) we’re back and alive, b) we had a marvelous, life-changing time, c) thank you for all the well-wishes, support, and love from our friends and family, and d) Merry Christmas!
We spent two weeks throwing Christmas parties for the 2,000 orphans and mothers supported by the Watoto ministry in Kampala, Uganda. For many of these children, this was the best party, and the only gift they’ve ever received in their lives.
Our eyes were opened to how Ugandans live their everyday lives, and the challenges they face in Africa (HIV/AIDS, 45% unemployment, 50% of the country is under age 15, 93% don’t have access to drinking water).
We were happy to do our part in inspire the Watoto children, who are being given great resources to grow and become the next leaders of Uganda and Africa. In the same week, Katie and I met a baby rescued from a dumpster 3 days earlier and then saw a glimpse of that baby’s future when we met a University student about to graduate as an I.T. professional.
We sing this song at our church right now called “You’ll Come” and it goes like this:
Chains be Broken
Lives be Healed
Eyes be Opened
Christ is Revealed
That’s what happened. God is moving in Africa. He’s not just providing enough for mere survival, but he’s taking children who are literally thrown away like garbage and using them to lead the next generation.
Get ready to support us again, friends and family…. Oasis is sending another team to Uganda in October 2009…
(Photos and videos are coming soon: I took 3500 photos myself, which I won’t subject anyone to, not even Katie.)
It’s time!
I can’t believe it. It’s time for us to leave for Uganda. Bags are packed. Malaria pill was taken. Cars are situated (we have street cleaning restrictions). Bills paid. Apartment keys distributed to trusty friends (helps when one of your very best friends lives across the street!) We are ready!
Things I knew I’d pack for Uganda:
- Lots of snacks and books for the 22 hours of flight time (not counting layovers!)
- Gifts and supplies for the people we’ll be serving.
- Comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
Things I did NOT know I would pack for Uganda:
- a Santa suit.
Yes, we have a Santa suit in our luggage to use for one of the Christmas parties for the kids. The even funnier part, Alec had to take out his TUX to fit the Santa suit. He was really looking forward to impressing the mum’s at the surprise dinner we are throwing for them… they are the backbone of the Watoto organization and have given their lives to raise orphans. We can’t wait to honor them. and of course, can’t wait to see our friend in a Santa suit in the middle of Africa.
See you in a few weeks - we look forward to sharing our experience with you. We’ll do our best to check in through the blog, but don’t know how possible that will be. We love you all!
alec and katie
GodChicks Photo Shoot
We spent last Friday doing a photo and video shoot for next year’s GodChicks conference — on location in downtown Los Angeles and Malibu Creek State Park.
Check out the photos online!
Obamas on Election Night
His personal photographer took photos of the family on election night and posted them to Flickr. Most of the photos have well over 200,000 views.
Advent Christmas
Amazing video… and a timely reminder as we enter the “Holiday Season”
They call us mellow yellow…
This morning, we went to a travel clinic in Pasadena to get our Yellow Fever shots and prescriptions for malaria pills. We got 4 of our other teammates together in order to get a group discount (sounds kinda funny on a shot, right? But you know how I am about discounts!)
We walked in, filled out our paperwork while the rest of the group showed up and went in for our consultations while they mixed the vaccine (we all pictured them in the back with martini shakers and made one-too-many “Cocktail” references).
From the consultation we learned that there about 40 other shots we could have gotten and that we really, really should stay away from stray dogs. Ok, so I know I am a canine magnet (what with all that Dog Whisperer I’ve seen), but I learned the “don’t talk to stray doggies” lesson when I was about 4… remember that ER trip, Dad? :o) True, I may have (recently) yelled at Alec to pull the car over so we could “save” a stray dog, then had it’s owner come around the corner looking at me like I’m crazy (oops, my bad! Just thought your dog was loose!!), but I know enough to let the African variety be.
All in all, the process was fast and painless. We each got a tiny little prick in the arm, a fancy yellow card to prove it and were on our way. Uganda, here we come!
More Sebastian
Catch the latest Sebastian video from my brother, including all kinds of leg flailing and baby talk.
Uganda Meeting Number 1
We had a great first meeting yesterday about our trip to Uganda in December. Our first of four prep meetings was with the 47 people going on the trip. We all shared our reasons for going — for the both of us, we’re excited to share in the practical work God is doing to help those in need in Africa. For a country where 50% of the population is under 15, they need leaders, and the Watoto ministry is doing. We’re excited to work with kids of all ages getting food, education, and healthcare through Watoto!
Thanks again for all your support. We couldn’t go on this trip without the financial support of our friends and family!
Sebastian Photos
My mom went up to Seattle and took some more photos of young Sebastian (our nephew)!
(Not) Katie and Alec
A little Google search found another Alec and Katie: a pair of college students running for office for the national College Democrats organization.
Read more about: Katie Naranjo and Alec Schierenbeck
