1. Where were you again?
This month we were in Mbarara, Uganda.
2. What was the name of the ministry?
We worked with Pastor Naboth and All Souls for Christ ministry. Pastor Naboth is in charge of several churches in the area, 2 orphanages, and one specialty school. We mostly traveled to outside villages to preach everyday. We also held a 3-day crusade at the end of the month. We got to see a lot of Uganda and spend a lot of time in the back of the truck off roading to far off places.
3. What did you learn?
They really do have tracker jackers here. It took Renee and I 15 mins to kill one because it was indestructible. We hit it, crushed it and even lit it on fire and it still was alive.
I finally nailed down the proper technique for using the “cho.” The cho is the “squatty potty” hole in the dirt that you have to pee and poop in. It really sucks when you miss that little hole and get some pee on your sandals, just saying.
I’ve learned that when Ugandans say be ready at 9:00, they most likely mean 10:30.
4. No really, what did you learn?
I learned a lot about trying to be open and honest even when it is hard.
That vulnerability is a good trait to have and it doesn’t mean you are weak. I had a lot more time to read this month and I’m in the middle of a really good book right now.
Also did you make sure you read this blog? –> What I'm really learning.
5. How was the food? Best meal?
This month we had a lot of rice, potatoes, chapatti, and beans. We got pretty creative with adding different things to make it taste different.
For our goodbye party we had goat and I also had goat heart. Can’t get more vegan than that.
6. What do you miss from home?
Chipotle, Trader Joes, blueberries, power berries, and sushi. I may or may not have got watery eyed when one of the girls asked me to describe Trader Joes to her. I feel like I will walk into that place and be overwhelemed at the purely-lovely-amazingly- good choices.
Please, go eat some of that today in my honor and if you feel lead, get me a giftcard upon my return home (;
7. What would you like to say to the people (stalkers) back home?
Please be praying for direction for me. We are winding down to only a couple more months left and I am so excited for what is next. The race isn’t meant to be the end of a journey, but a starting point to a lifestyle that brings more glory and honor to the Lord. I am so excited to be able to take the things I have learned and apply them to life. I am excited for where God is taking me next! Please be praying for clear direction and that I would have peace for God to open doors.
7. What was the hardest part?
No it wasn’t the lack of running water. No it wasn’t the fact that we didn’t have electricity. No it wasn’t the fact if you had to get up and go pee in the middle of the night it was a creepy long walk to the cho, I would have to say the hardest part was the long road trips with 7 of us and 5 Ugandans all shoved into a Toyota Tacoma.
8. What was your favorite memory?
The time we went to our first overnight crusade and the Pastor had never been to that area before. We were off roading and it was a pretty crazy drive. The whole time the Pastor kept saying “Oh my goodness, Oh my, gosh, we are in the REAL bush now.”
There were so many beautiful sites we got to see getting to travel.
We also got to finally see some good stars.
9. Most dangerous thing you did?
Well we are actually on our way to go raft the Nile ladies and gentleman. Pray that our whole squad stays safe and sound!
10. Any "Firsts" this month?
This month was the first time I didn’t spend a dime of personal money. Each month I typically take out $30-$50 for food, snacks, drinks, baby wipes, cookies, more shampoo, batteries for my headlamp, ya know just things you need. This month I was trying to “live on less.” It was actually pretty hard to give up the tiny things like a cold Movado drink when you go into town. Especially days when we go get Internet, we are usually at a café where you can get a good treat, I had to really exercise self-control.
11. What are you looking for God to do next month? What can we pray for?
We our on our way to TANZANIA!! It is going to be a 3 day bus ride. Glamorous.
Pray that we have an amazing month of minsitry and a great contact in Tanzania.
Pray for direction for me as the transition "home' is becoming more and more of a reality.
Pray that I won't break my nose when we raft the Nile (that is one of my worst fears! haha)
Love,
ASH
