And so it begins...

On Sunday we celebrated 2 of the boys’ birthdays. Kenny turned 10 on Wednesday and Albert turned 9 on Sunday. Their dad was out of town most of last week, so Kenny’s celebration was held off until Albert’s birthday...one big joint celebration. We went to King Fisher (a swimming pool and park area next to lake Victoria) to celebrate. We had a picnic lunch, cake and ice-cream, and swam.

Anna

Isaiah

Birthday boys, Kenny and Albert

Monday was supposed to be our first day of school, but most of the morning consisted of cleaning up the school room. It was quite the task. (and anyone who knows me would be surprised and proud to hear… I took charge and the room is now clean. Me… I cleaned! And it looks great!) So, Tuesday was actually our first day of school. So far, it's going pretty well. It is a little difficult coming in part way through the year, not knowing how things go, but I am catching on. I am asking a lot of question... and luckily, this first week is going to be a little more laid back as I'm catching on.

Pictures of my room...

Right now this half of the room looks a little plain, but in the next day or 2 a wicker couch this is going to be moved in...

But the rest of the room is beautiful...

In case you were wondering... 76 pictures hanging up. 

Still needing prayer for a few things. 

1. Finances. (If anyone would like to help, e-mail me at carissa@hopeforhome.org)

2. Homesickness
3. That I will make a few good friends

...Until next time :)

Greetings from Jinja, Uganda

So far there is not too much of an update, but I will go ahead and do a short one.

Most of my time thus far has been spent attempting to get over jet lag and getting to know the family and routine.

There are 7 kids in the family, 6 boys (Andrew, Tugume, Kenny, Albert, Isaiah and Ezra)  and 1 girl (Anna). All of the boys but the oldest (Andrew) are in this picture below. He is spending break with some family, but he will be coming back soon. Stella (the older girl in the back) is a friend of the family and was just spending some time here. She was my room mate for the first few days, but she is on her way home now. I am going to miss her.

Anna -->
is the only girl in the family. She is quite the ham (as you can probably tell by the picture). 




I am experiencing some new thing (some I did deal with my last trip). Sleeping with mosquito nets, dealing with solar power (so only being able to charge things during the day), independent trip to an internet cafe (I sure do hope I can find my way back) and for "showers"... heat up water, and bath in a large bucket.

I start school with 3 of the boys on Monday (the youngest 2 kids are not in school and the oldest 2 go to school).  When I return to the house I will make up schedules and school plans.

Prayer Requests:
1. I am a little nervous for school starting. Prayers that it will go smoothly, the kids will listen to me, and that I will quickly catch on to the way things go.
2. I am really struggling with being awa from my family. Prayers homesickness and for jet lag (because when I am awake late at night its the worst).
2. I am still lacking much of the funds and our credit card bill will be due very soon. Please be praying fervently.

I plan on updating my blog again in about a week (after school gets going).
Thanks for your prayers and support.