Fwd: Mzungus on boda bodas

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Samantha Dickey <samdickey19@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jun 23, 2017 at 8:06 PM
Subject: Mzungus on boda bodas
To: SUE HENDERSON <sshenderson7@gmail.com>, riversideblogs.ratw@blogger.com <riversideblogs.ratw@blogger.com>

Shabbat shalom! Tonight's blogger is Sam and I t's Friday evening here in Uganda. We are currently hanging out in the pavilion while Hannah, Emma, and little Dezi paint with watercolors on the floor. Today was overall a slower day than previous ones for our team. We got to sleep in a bit before breakfast. Then Laura, Tamara, and Sue went back to Musana's health center to help while Julie, Hannah, Emma, and I stayed and worked at the school. Hannah, Emma, and I spent the morning painting Bible verses and murals on some more of Musana's wall while Julie helped in Top Class in the Nursery school. Laura had a meeting back at the school with Florence in the early afternoon, so our three "medics" came back a little before lunch and worked on various things here. Once we'd finished lunch, we had a bit of down time before leaving for the Buwongo Women's Group. Hannah, Emma, and I stayed at the pavilion reading and resting while Sue, Julie, Laura, and Tamara went down to the dining hall to watch some of the teachers debate the topic of the influence of technology in Uganda. At 3 pm we left on boda bodas for Buwongo to meet up with Denis, Muza, and the women. They welcomed us with some songs and dance, which we all got to participate in with Sue's camera flash in the background for a time (she was soon picked to dance as well, don't worry). Muza translated while we introduced ourselves to the women, and Denis translated while they introduced themselves to us. After they took us on a tour through some of the village, getting to learn about some of the plants and trees in Uganda and see a "piggery" (kinda like a pig farm). It took all I had to not pet the pigs, but I managed. We returned home for a good debriefing, dinner, and now some quality time with Andrea, Haril, and of course Dezi. It's been a really good week with Musana, the people, and of course our team. G-d's really been present in our lives and our team this week, and it'll be interesting and good to see what more He has for us as the trip continues. Until then, we get to watch Dezi for a bit for Haril and Andrea tonight, and she's been eating peanut butter m&m's and drinking coke, so this blogger is over and out. 

Mzungus on boda bodas

Shabbat shalom! Tonight's blogger is Sam and I t's Friday evening here in Uganda. We are currently hanging out in the pavilion while Hannah, Emma, and little Dezi paint with watercolors on the floor. Today was overall a slower day than previous ones for our team. We got to sleep in a bit before breakfast. Then Laura, Tamara, and Sue went back to Musana's health center to help while Julie, Hannah, Emma, and I stayed and worked at the school. Hannah, Emma, and I spent the morning painting Bible verses and murals on some more of Musana's wall while Julie helped in Top Class in the Nursery school. Laura had a meeting back at the school with Florence in the early afternoon, so our three "medics" came back a little before lunch and worked on various things here. Once we'd finished lunch, we had a bit of down time before leaving for the Buwongo Women's Group. Hannah, Emma, and I stayed at the pavilion reading and resting while Sue, Julie, Laura, and Tamara went down to the dining hall to watch some of the teachers debate the topic of the influence of technology in Uganda. At 3 pm we left on boda bodas for Buwongo to meet up with Denis, Muza, and the women. They welcomed us with some songs and dance, which we all got to participate in with Sue's camera flash in the background for a time (she was soon picked to dance as well, don't worry). Muza translated while we introduced ourselves to the women, and Denis translated while they introduced themselves to us. After they took us on a tour through some of the village, getting to learn about some of the plants and trees in Uganda and see a "piggery" (kinda like a pig farm). It took all I had to not pet the pigs, but I managed. We returned home for a good debriefing, dinner, and now some quality time with Andrea, Haril, and of course Dezi. It's been a really good week with Musana, the people, and of course our team. G-d's really been present in our lives and our team this week, and it'll be interesting and good to see what more He has for us as the trip continues. Until then, we get to watch Dezi for a bit for Haril and Andrea tonight, and she's been eating peanut butter m&m's and drinking coke, so this blogger is over and out. 

Brothers and Sisters

Oh where to begin...so much to share and share and share. First off, my heart felt thanks to my loving husband and children for your encouragement and support in my following a long cherished dream to meet and build relationships with our African brothers and sisters. 

I am blessed to share this experience with 6 wonderfully kind and strong women!  Love, love, love "all ya all" as I think they say in Texas. 

So, what I have read about the Ugandan people is true; they are a warm hearted people, and quite welcoming, and this is despite the many challenges and hardships they face each day. We Americans and Europeans could learn a lot from the Ugandan people. 

Today we spent the day with the Musana community outreach program in a rural community with focus upon health. I am in awe of this community of young adults who are devoting themselves to the health and growth of their people. They work long hours without complaint and are quick to embrace each other and us with genuine warmth  and humor. 

Grandma laura in

Hungary Final Thoughts

We watched the sun rise in Poland and exactly 24 hours later watched the sun set in San Antonio. Time change is weird. After 10 days abroad, we were finally home. I had 24 hours of sleepless travel to begin to process all God did over the last week and a half. And I'm finding myself unable to use words that will do it any kind of justice. 

God moved in ways I cant fully describe in words, but in ways that moved my heart to beat closer to the rhythm of God's. In Hungary we got to work alongside our missionary John Wilson. We got to watch our two churches (Riverside and Kegy) come together to encourage and equip one another. I watched John lead his community well. He's walking into uncharted territories but is handling it with such grace and strength. I kept thinking all week "Im so glad he belongs to us, and that he's our extension of Riverside here in Hungary." This is my third trip into Hungary, and I've gotten to watch john lead in many different areas but this week was different. 

This week I got to watch him step into a place that is unfamiliar and cling to the Lord fully for wisdom and direction. I knew he was capable of it, but this week it was fun to watch him see that in himself. That God has led him to this place, and that he is the right person for this task. I loved getting to engage in the local church while we were here AND attend an actual alpha class (we've always just taught leaders how to lead one). It gave a full picture of what life really looks like for John and Zsofi and their kids. 

After a week with them, we sent Scott back to the states and Michele and I hopped on a bus to Poland to visit some friends. The bus ride was beautiful as we drove through the rolling hills of Slovakia and ended up in beautiful Poland. I had met a family a couple years ago at a class in Pittsburgh that moved to Opole, Poland for ministry. So since we were so close, and Michele has strong polish roots we made a little side trip. It was such a refreshment and encouragement to spend time with them. It only added to our time and experiences in Hungary. 

We got to engage a little with the church they're a part of and I came away from both places feeling so full of God's presence. It was a week and a half of watching what God was doing around the world. From the crowded streets of Budapest to the small quaint town of Opole, God is clearly on the move. I feel so grateful to get so many opportunities to see how the local church is proclaiming the name of Christ. Whether it's here in the states or international, one thing remains the same— people are connected and united by the love of Christ. It was so sweet to see a full picture of that. My heart is forever changed by those we met in Hungary and Poland. Im inspired by them to live a life worthy of the calling God has placed on my life. But more importantly I'm inspired to engage in my local church even more, because that is where true transformation and life happens. In our cities, in our neighborhood, in our homes. God is on the move….and we get to be a part of it….. wherever we find ourselves! 

Much love, Liz

John and his leadership for the church. These guys were such an inspiration to us! Many of them have been with the church through the change and some hardships. It's the place they knew God was calling them to so they never felt like they were supposed to leave. Instead they continued to press forward and hope for the good of their church and community!! 

Small little church in Opole, Poland. 

Hi everyone,

Hi everyone,

I am currently sitting in the medical lab at Musana on the day of their free clinic. They do free services every Wednesday and it is safe to say it's been nuts. I am working alongside Tamara and the technician, Christine. Christine is without a doubt the most patient woman in the world. Originally they thought Tamara would be drawing blood but since she works with hospice and delegates that work she is now putting blood on slides and determining results. I think she wants to go home well liked and not as the one who pokes people all day long!!! I have the pleasure of using my "awesome" (no laughing) computer skills and am inputting the data. Sam started in the dental clinic and I'm not sure if she has been affected by the heat (she was in the sun most of yesterday) or the blood from the pulled teeth! Either way sweet Edward took both her and Julie back to Musana to rest. I think no heat and no blood helped as they are both back. Or... they just wanted to ride a boda boda (a motorcycle).
Update... Tamara has pricked a finger or two since we started. I'm not sure if it's the prick or her pale skin that scare them the most.
Meanwhile Laura has been outside in the shade rolling cotton into balls. She spent some time talking with Edward (one of Musana's social workers) about a teaching he will be doing next week on anxiety. I am so glad she is getting to use her skill set to help. She will be meeting with Edward and Florence on Friday so it will give her a chance to share her wisdom. In the meantime she is getting a good taste of Uganda cuisine!!

Emma and Hannah have been doing triage taking weight, height, blood pressure etc. They've been VERY busy!!! Although they too got a break and a nice cup of tea. Seeing Musana in action and the heart behind the operation is wonderful. They really do care about their community and the surrounding area. They are now adding an in patient wing which is currently in its foundation stage.

Tamara and I have seen mostly tests for HIV, malaria and typhoid with a few other things mixed in. The last patient was four and now we have a pregnant mother who appears to have some form of liver disease. Fortunately the scan shows a healthy baby. I can't get over the goodness that is happening in this clinic and we are blessed to be a small part of it. On top of which we've made a new friend in Christine!!!

But it's amazing!! They have no typhoid vaccine though typhoid is prevalent. Tamara and I have learned so much.

Later in the day we all saddled up on boda boda's and headed for a women's ministry. The women dye fabrics that Musana then use in their craft programs. About 3 miles down the road the rain started; slowly at first and then it let loose. The drivers pulled out of the rain and Kyemba came and saved us. We proceeded to the village and got to see some of the sweet women we've met before. The new leader of the women's ministry is a woman named Annette. She is wonderful and so good with the women.

The team is doing great. We've all had some ups and downs but we are thankful for being here!! We love you all and are appreciative of your prayers.

Steve, Cody, Sam, Kari, John, Owen and Nora I love you guys mucho! Cheta I miss our daily talks!!!





Sent from my iPhone

Uganda from the Heart of Hannah

We had an early breakfast this morning of eggs, fruit, coffee, and coke. Well, Sue had a coke. But she can do what she wants as our fearless leader. During breakfast, Tamara led a wonderful devotion that calmed and refreshed my heart and, I am sure, the hearts of everyone else. After breakfast we grabbed our snacks and water bottles and walked the 3 minutes down to Musana's main campus. We got to help two visiting dentists, Peter and Liliani from the States as the continued checking each students' teeth. My job was to hold a flashlight into mouths for Peter as he checked the kid's teeth for cavities. Tamara and her mother Laura, thought of a great system of writing down the students' names and documenting cavities and other needs they had. Samantha and Emma helped organize the students before they came to our dentist tent. (Sue and Julie were retrieving supplies from town). Now that the students with cavities have been identified, they can receive the care they need. Musana will cover the cost of the dental work needing to be done. I had a really great time working with Peter as he shared little dentistry tid-bits with me and then quizzed me on what I remembered. I learned words like Fronem and Mandible and Maxilla (I have no idea if I spelled those correctly). I really enjoyed seeing Peter and Liliani work with the kids today. They saw 200 students APIECE today and did it with grace and good humor. After lunch Emma and I began painting the dining hall and Samantha joined us after an hour or so. I was so thankful for them both. They each chose a wonderful quote to paint on the wall and I added a pretty border around their beautiful hand-lettering. We finished the day with dinner outside in the pavilion. A cool breeze was blowing and our rice, pineapple, stew, and salad was delicious. It was another day filled with sweat, teeth, good coffee, hands to hold, smiles, long skirts, and mosquitos. I will end today's blog with Emma's quote she painted on the wall: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched but just felt in the heart."

 

Love to everyone,

Hannah

Day 1 Musana

We are BACK!

 

I am so excited to be back at Musana. This morning we took a tour or the campus. I was struck by all the amazing changes that have taken place in the last two years and the wonderful team that works tirelessly to make it all happen. The campus has grown so much. They added 3 nursery classrooms, the high school and expanded the women's vocational training program. The high school is three stories of beautiful classrooms which includes full science and computer labs, a large pavilion and sports fields. The women's program is set to graduate it's next class on Saturday so we were able to see some of their beautiful projects. For those of you looking for the perfect gift, we plan to put in a pretty big order of goods to sell at the Loft when we get home.

 

The second half of the day we had the opportunity to assist a husband and wife team of dentists in doing a dental screening. We saw about 200 kids and were amazed at their beautiful teeth. They did 1 extraction and referred about 30 kids to the Musana dentist. Hannah, Sam, and Emma were right at home playing with the kids. Julie and I enjoyed spending most of our time in the clinic while Sue and Laura (mom) hopped back and forth. Sue of course had her camera in hand and Laura made up a catchy dental care song. We will be doing two more days in the dental clinic this week. I am excited because this team will be involved in a ton of health care which I love!

 

Tomorrow those with some artistic skill (not me) will begin murals while the rest cheer kids on as they "face the dentist". Only 700 more to go.

 

More to come from Hannah tomorrow… If we get internet…

-Tamara

For the 7 Dwarfs (good news I am not so sneezy anymore)