The first week

I am having trouble upload pictures so I'll just tell you what has been going on.  I have been sick in bed the last 2 days.  Some sort of a cold.  It's not easy to be sick so far away from home.  I have to say I am missing some of the comforts of home like cold drinks and air conditioning.  It has been over 30 here everyday.  The kids at the cottage are amazing.  Now that they have found out that I am a nurse, I have been using my skills.  Doing HIV testing, and little things like Tylenol and cough syrup.  I am enjoying this aspect of my work.  I went to the Children's hospital the other day, it was so sad.  The babies are 3 to a bed, they are so overflowing with kids and not enough space or staff.  It's heartbreaking.  I promise to update you more soon when I am feeling better!  On a bright note I have lost 6 kg in the week I have been here!!

BABIES!!!!!

 This is Caroline and Josephine.. 2 year old twins.. Imagine that. 

This is Alima she is one of the older girls in the cottage.  When she prayed at lunch my 1st day she said Fold our hands, close our eyes, thank you for the Mama's, thank you for the Aunties, thank you for the New Auntie.. That's me!! Thank you for the food Amen!

This is the wall in the girls cottage!!

This is one of the girls rooms

These are 1-2 year old boys eating their breakfast.  No complaints, so well behaved.  They sit in a circle, pray then eat!

The aftermath of lunch.  What a mess!

Playing outside !

 This is the interior of the boys room

This is the result of eating by yourself!! No harm done, they eat with their hands.. Easy clean up!!

The men are working on a playground for the children.  Waiting for all the funding :)

Colleen reading the boys a story before nap time.  They ALL sleep 1-3 no CRYING!!

Kristiana feeding Crystal

 So much laundry!!! SO MANY DIAPERS!!

The nursery.  Where I haven't had the chance to work.  Hope is SOOOO stinkin cute!!

All the boys having snack, pineapple and papaya

Finally here!!

I have to keep this short as the internet has been only staying on for a few minutes at a time.  My arrival was great.  I was up 30 + hours and then went to my 1st African church service!!! It was AMAZING!.  I felt like I was at my home church minus air conditioning lol.  There are 8 girls in the house where I am staying.  Everyone is so friendly.  I have a view of lake Victoria from my home.

I have to say it is incredibly hot.. WOW...

There are 6 of us in a room.  Here is a picture

Charlie (the director) and home owner drove me through town today and then surprised me with a visit to the baby cottage..  SO many Stinkin CUTE babies.  They call me auntie.. They all fought over sitting on my lap, and braiding my hair. Tomorrow I'll be sure not to wear shirts that can be yanked on and pulled down,, hehehe... and no more jewellery. 

I have no pictures from there yet as there were so many on my lap I had no chance!

I start work in the morning!

We work 9 - 6 ish..
I will be working in 3 different rooms over the next 3 days.  To find the best fit for me.  I think there is no bad room.. The kids are fantastic.  They cried when I left.  I promised to be back in the morning. 
I will update more as I can..
Love you
Thank you for all the prayers.

I thank God for this amazing opportunity...
 

Emotional Goodbyes

For those of you who don't know I'll give you a brief rundown of the last couple of days.  I had a problem with my airline and they were going to charge me $200 for my luggage.  I was so frustrated.  I was sure God wanted me on this trip and I could not understand why this was happening, then my mom got a call from a "friend" who offered to pay the fee for the luggage!!  To top it off, the twins pediatrician gave me tons of formula and some baby medication to bring as well!  Shame on me for ever doubting how faithful God is!

I spent the day with the twins!  It was their 2nd birthday.  It is so hard to leave them, but I know that their mom and my parents will take great care of them while I am away.  

I have to say that them forgetting who I am scares me so much.  I have to say I felt so at peace when I left their apartment, God is so amazing.

So my journey begins in just a few hours.  I want to thank everyone for their support both financial and prayer.  I could not be doing any of this without you. My flight is at 6pm to Amsterdam, and then to Rowanda and finally I arrive in Entebbe Uganda late Saturday night.  I am incredibly blessed to be going to Amani Baby Cottage for the next 2 months.  Please keep praying for me,  I will be updating my blog as time and access to the internet (and hydro) allows.

I love all of you 

Nicole

bring on the new year 2013

So I am sitting here in awe as I think back about the last year.  My life has changed so dramatically.  I got baptized in March, (lost my Aunt Kathy the same day); I went to Ghana with Possibilities International in the summer;  I quit smoking in August!  Tee hee!!!  I completed Bible College in November!  Hallelujah!  I spent many days and many hours with my beautiful girls.   

 These kids have grown so much in the last year.   Learning to walk, talk, run, and jump.  (well Nellie jumps haha)  Viki still loves to cuddle all the time and seeks constant attention, while Nellie thins she is a big girl and want to do it “All by herself”.  You can see Viki trying to see what Nellie is doing so she can do it the same way!   Toopy and Binoo are on top of their favorite list…. and don’t even mention the word Bubbles.  Also making sure their shoes are hidden or else you are surely going for a walk!

Mom and dad in Florida.  Where they graciously brought me to spend a few days.  Was the worst vacation ever for my mom.  She has an allergic reaction to no see um bugs and had hundreds of painful bites.  A future Florida vacation is out of the question.  

I could not survive without these two people.  My mom is my rock, her constant prayer and support mean more to me than anything else in this world…

 

This was Christmas day, my mom made aprons, oven mitts and chef hats for the twins.  MY dad made them a kitchen DIY style out of an old entertainment center.  As one person told me, He puts Fisher Price to shame.  It was a great year and a wonderful Christmas. 

So 2013 is finally here and I could not be more excited.  I leave the 18th for Jijna Uganda to volunteer at Amani Baby Cottage for 2 months!  God has given me a a heart for Africa, and I am so blessed to have this opportunity to go and serve Him.  This picture was take at Amani last Christmas! <3