I CAN'T REACH MY MACE!!!

*NOTE:  this is a dual blog written by Nicole Katterjohn and Nicole Ramage*

What started as a calm relaxing day for shopping in Jinja turned into all but!!!!!!!

9 a.m.  Two mzungus walking through Iganga to board the taxi (bus) headed to Jinja.  The capacity of theses taxis is 14 however in Africa that means more like 20…. The “fee” for this trip should be 2000 shillings which is about .80₵ however the going rate for mzungus is more like $1.25 which doesn’t sound like much but it’s a total rip off.  Nicole and I were seated in the very back seat of 4 rows and when all of a sudden the back door is opened and we feel something grasping at our ankles forcing us to shriek with terror!!!  As we frantically pulled our legs up on the seat we hear laughter from the other passengers and loud clucking, turns out the capacity in our van was 19 people and 4 chickens right under our feet.  Needless to say the next 45 minutes was far from pleasant for us but completely amusing for the African passengers. 

 this is the view behind our seats.. 

10 a.m. We arrive in Jinja completely unsure of exactly where we had been dropped off, so we walked and walked…. and walked until finally we stopped and asked for directions (yes women know how to do this). 

10:15 finally located Main Street where we shopped and shopped and ate American food.

12:30 stopped at Amani Baby Cottage to see all the kids and get some picture with Hope!

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. you will never guess what happened!!! We shopped and ate more American food

This is where our story takes a drastic turn…… “insert dramatic music here”

So Nicole K purchased 2 large African drums I wish there were words to describe just how difficult it is to ride on a boda (motorbike) with a driver and two passengers let alone carrying such large items and purses and bags of purchases… Thankfully we managed to make it back to the taxi/bus stand.

4:30 p.m. With only 2 seats available we were forced to sit separately with our large drums on our laps.  Nicole K sat in the front seat Nicole R in the back…  Our 2^nd stop to pick up passengers turned into another chicken fiasco.  A man literally holding 4 large live chickens by the feet sat right behind Nicole R. (where I asked Nicole K “Do you not hear the clucking?”) Nicole K found this rather amusing little did she know what was in store for her….

Dun dun dun dun….

After befriending Pastor Robert who graciously offered to hold Nicole K’s large drum she was in the middle of receiving free Luganda lessons when she looks up much to her horror to see a car facing head on with our taxi.  “Surely he is going to get out of the way.  Is our driver going to slow down?  Um we are getting a little close… Um HELLO!!!  STOP!!!”

CRASH BANG BOOM AHHHHHHHHHHH!

The inevitable had happened thanks to the crazy Ugandan drivers who follow absolutely no road rules.  CLEARLY our driver had the right of way!  In America this is where the drivers would get out and exchange insurance information and be on their merry way BUT NO this is AFRICA!  Although our driver remained calm the other driver who was CLEARLY at fault was raging mad, screaming waving his arms and harassing our driver.  The African passengers bailed from the taxi seeking other means of transportation while the 2 mzungus decided to stay back to defend our drivers honor with our newly learned Lugandan phrases Vayo, ja, olimulalu and thanks to Nicole R’s mace… just in case (courtesy of Brian).

After realizing the police most likely were not coming and with darkness approaching we grabbed our drums and flagged down a boda…. Did we mention we never got a refund from our “taxi adventure?”

Our boda driver claimed to know where we were going, but because of our series of misfortunate events such was not the case and we wound up ….  Yes you guessed right …. LOST

Nicole R: “Dear Jesus please help us, he’s taking us somewhere to shoot us, do you know what they do to women around here, I can’t reach my mace… Heavenly Father please protect us”

Nicole K: “You worry too much, or maybe I don’t worry enough”

Nicole R: “You don’t worry enough!!!!”

Thankfully some school children knew where we lived even though we didn’t, we arrived home safe, sound and exhausted!

   

My HOPE is in Him... (not at Amani Baby Cottage lol)

So I have finally arrived in glorious Africa.  After a few delays at the airport I managed to get here about 4 hours late (my poor driver waiting patiently for me).  I was thrilled that my 2^nd 12 hour flight was filled with all missionary teams going to Uganda, it was encouraging, there were teams going to set up medical clinics in remote villages, with labor and delivery nurses equipped with so many supplies.  I met a team going to Iganga (where I am currently staying) to plant a church, the team is from Los Angeles but their pastor is from Thunder Bay!  

I went to Amani on Sunday and could not have asked for a better welcome.  The momma’s came running from their cottages to greet me, momma Lucy was crying because she was so happy to see me.  As I approached the girls cottage I saw little heads poking out and when they saw it was me I was overwhelmed with little girls rushing to all hug me at the same time.  When Hope saw me she came running to me…. (Yes I said running she has learned to walk since I last left!)  I have to say that was the highlight of my month… holding all those kids again about 15 of them all trying to sit on my lap at the same time made me feel like I never left.  I tried to take pictures, but the kids we so happy to see me it was hard to get them to sit still.  I went into the nursery and actually cried. The babies that were in there when I left have for the most part grown and moved into the bigger cottages, a few of the smaller ones were still there, and there are so many new faces!  Unfortunately my time there was very short as I still had an hour drive to my final destination.

So I arrived in Iganaga and I have to say it was a little bit of culture shock. I was so excited to meet Nicole (the other volunteer who is here with me for 2 more weeks).  I had been conversing with her on facebook for the last couple of months so I felt like I already knew her.  There are currently 5 children at the house.  Baby John who is 11 months old but is only the size of a 2 month old, Ben (3) and Susan (5), Eva (12) and Joseph (14), Mercy also lives here, she is kind of a housekeeper/cook/momma.  
This is certainly not the Hilton.  There is no stove (we use charcoal) and I got the fridge fixed the 2^nd day I was here.  I purchase bottled water to drink and brush my teeth.  The shower has somewhat warm water, but the water pressure is very low.  

There are a ton of mosquito’s here.  I brought a new mosquito net with me, and bug spray, but I am still already covered in bites.  I purchased a new mosquito net today that has been treated, and I pray it does the trick.
I hope none of you think that I am complaining about the conditions here.  I am in Africa and I did not expect it to be like home.  These children are amazing.  When Nicole and I walk into town we are the only 2 mzungus (white people).  The children all come running to greet us.  Everywhere we walk we hear, Mzungu, mzungu!  Many of the children here do not speak English, they are filthy, poorly dressed, most without shoes, and have little to eat, but they have the most beautiful smiles, and are so happy.

It is hard to see the intense poverty here. Garbage covers the streets and there isn’t much in the way of greenery.  As I walk into town it seems like there are more children than adults. I see so many toddlers wandering aimlessly without supervision.   Although the people here are almost always smiling their eyes look hollow, they lack that sparkle that children’s eyes should have.

Me and Hope!

our "stove"

baby John

TEARFUL GOODBYE'S

I can't believe my trip is already here.  It seems like just yesterday I decided to plan this.  I want to start by thanking all of you for your support both financial and in prayer.  Please continue to pray that I go where God leads me and that I have the servants heart He would want me to have! 

These last few weeks have been a blur.  Packing 260 lbs into 4 suitcases is definitely not an easy task.  Thank you so much to everyone for all the donations.  I have tons of clothing, shoes, formula, medicine, diapers, medical supplies, crayons and the list goes on.  

I am so excited to see what God has in store for me.  I already feel Him stretching me in new areas, and  although it's not always easy, HE is always in control.  I just need to remember.. Deut 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”  I should not be surprised by the fact that I have had so much peace!  Yes there have been shed tears, but I know that God is with me wherever I go... yes He even follows me 12806 km all the way to Uganda!  

I was reading my Bible the other day and this verse really hit me... Phil 1:6 being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  I know that it is only by God's incredible grace that I have made it this far, and He will continue to strengthen and guide me all the way through this amazing journey!

It wasn't easy saying goodbye, I spent the whole day with the twins (Nellie and Viki) on Tuesday, they have finally learned to say Maman Nicole.... I hope they don't forget me.  I spent some great quality time with my parents, and then Brian (my love) spent all day Thursday with me, doing all my last minute shopping and catering to my every whim :) He bought me a fantastic new devotional I cannot wait to dig into!  I don't know how I am going to leave everyone for so long, but again, my GOD never fails me!  He holds me in the palm of His hand.  He is my comfort and my strength, really and truly He is all I need.

So please keep praying for me, I will blog and post pictures as often as I can.  I love all of you!  The next time I blog I will be in AFRICA!!

When is God good?  All the time
All the time, God is good!!

26221 minutes until I leave for Uganda!

Hey it's been awhile since I updated this blog and so much has happened.  I'll do my best to catch you up on all the latest.

I leave for Uganda in 18 short days.  Life has been hectic
trying to plan a wedding, find a house, apply for immigration, applying for Michigan nursing licenses, trying to pack for an 18 week trip..... Bible studies, running around collecting donations for Africa, trying to fit all these donations into 4 suitcases...

I am so INCREDIBLY BLESSED.  God is so good to me.  As stressfull as all of this is, I have a peace that surely passes all understanding. 

As for my trip to Africa, here is my itinerary,  I leave for Uganda on July 5th from Detroit Metro Airport, thru to Amsterdam, then after a brief stop in Rowanda, I arrive in Entebbe Uganda July 6th @ 10 pm.  My drivers Eric and Shallom will pick me up at the airport and we will stay the night in Entebbe.  On July 7th I will stop in Kampala to grocery shop (this is the last "real" grocery store in Uganda) and at the hospital in Kampala to give blood.  (I have a rare blood type and I'm sure they could use it)  We will then drive the 3 hours to Jinja where I will stop in at Amani Baby Cottage to visit and drop off some donations I have for them.  Also I will get to see Hope...... I miss her so much <3
That evening Eric and Shallom will drive me the last 45 min of my trip to Iganga Uganda to Kwagala Baby Home.  
My friend Emily opened this orphanage in March, and I am thrilled to be spending the 1st two months of my trip with her.  (She is currently ill and in the USA receiving treatment... please pray for her).

 

The 2nd half of my trip will be back at Amani Baby Cottage in Jinja!  

I will keep you posted as to my lastest ventures...
Please keep me in your prayers as I begin my travels.  Pray for finances, safety and health..

I love each of you!!

NICOLE
 

Harsh Realities and sweet endings..

So my week started on a bit of a sad note.  I took 3 children who have HIV to the Children's Hospital.  It is one of the worst things you can possibly experience.  Picture you are sitting in an Emergency room, but take away the plasma TV, the air conditioning and every last spec of cleanliness.  Add about 100 women all with infants or young children, no bathrooms, no vending machines and 100 degree temperatures.  Add in birds and the worst filth imaginable.  Blankets spread all over the lawn so families can visit with their sick children.  The ward in the hospital has about 3 infants to a bed, it's overcrowded and understaffed... but it's free.  You wait hours to check in, hours to see triage, hours to see the Dr, and then wait again to receive your medication.  Next time you are sitting in Emergency complaining about our Health care system remember you could be living here.... (I did not take any pictures it didn't feel right)

But God is good!!! ALL THE TIME!!!  So despite the beginning of my week being sad my Friday was AWESOME!  The other volunteers and I all got to take a child and go on a boat trip down Lake Victoria to the Nile River~~~  How amazing!  It was so much fun.  We saw monkeys and tons of different birds.  A few sea otters.  A great end to a good week!  

I miss you all, but I wish I could stay here forever!!! 

Better by the DAY

Had a great day Saturday relaxing and sightseeing!

Sunday I went to a great Church service with amazing worship!  I taped the service so maybe we can try some African songs at Parkwood!  We also did devotions on Sunday night with just the girls (my roommates) it was incredible.  7 girls from all over North America, from all different kinds of churches coming together for an in depth look into 1st Corinthians.  I love these girls and I know God put us all together for a specific reason.

Today was the best day yet!  I started back in the girls cottage!  I love every last one of them.  They are all beautiful with fantastic personalities.  A family from America showed up today, they have their final court date tomorrow to adopt one of the girls from my room.  It's bittersweet.  I know she is going to a great family who love Jesus and will give her a great life, but it's hard to see her go.

I brought lots of the twins clothes with me so today I brought them to the cottage.  Mama Lucy started dressing the girls in the new clothes but the were a few who didn't get new things.  They were starting to cry when I dug for more, and with the donations of another volunteer every girl got new clothes.  Their smiles are priceless!

I also got to spend my lunch hour with Hope, I don't know how I will be able to leave her here.  She stole my heart!  Look at that face!!

Week 1

Just finished week 1...  I was fortunate enough to spend the 1st 3 days in the nursery.  Those babies are so amazing.  I seriously would bring every last one of them home with me if there was a way for me to do so without landing in jail.  :)  

So I did my Bible study on Thursday morning before work and had a good prayer time.  God reminded me that I won't always get my own way and that he will put me outside of my comfort zone to allow me to grow.  
AND THAT HE DID.....  
I got transferred into one of the boy cottages ages 1-5 who are all quite spirited.  By 10 am I was ready to head home.  Then I prayed and again Jesus reminded me that none of this is about me, and that ALL these kids need love and attention; also He will never give me anything I cannot handle.  I worked Thursday and Friday in this cottage and then.....

Jesus kept His promise

I will be spending the rest of my time here in the girls cottage.  Which I love.  It's where I worked the last time I was here.  They are age 1-5 including 2 year old twin girls who make me a little less homesick :)

I will try to post photos another time, they are all on my facebook if you want to look there!