Friday, September 12, 2008

Safari, Aerobics, and

Well, Ellen and I just got back from Murchison Falls. 7 hours in a van to get there, but totally worth it. We went on a game drive and saw a lion and lionese, and all the other standard animals... elephants, giraffes, buffalo. We also went on a boat safari which was breathtaking. We saw crocidiles and hippos, and ended at the fall which were so beautiful. This morning we went on a hike up to the top of the falls and then drove home. We welcomed the break for sure.



My birthday was fabulous. I wore the standard american birthday hat and had a cake and everyone from the office sang the ugandan birthday song to me. Thank you for all of the emails and thoughts. I felt very loved.



This week, Ellen and I are going to all of the homes and teaching about clean water and leaving the large kettles to boil water in as well as jerry cans specifically to store the water. We hope that this will make it more convienient to drink clean water. We have gotten another application for the job and have a couple of others interested. All three applications we have are from people who seem very qualified, so we couldn't be more excited about interviewing and finding a person to work with the kids.



On another note, ugandans take their aerobics seriously. Ellen and I went to this absurbly fun class the other day at a hotel that was floor and step aerobics taught by this crazy man who was the ugandan version of richard simmons. Hilarious. So funny too, this class would be totally taboo in the U.S. for a man, and it was full of men and they were so into it.



I thought I would leave you with something I have been thinking about: The church. I have loved to see the working of the international church. God's church goes so beyond formulas and straight to the heart. We have loved to see people praises Jesus and retaining their unique cultural heritage. Last sunday, a large family sat in front of us in church in traditional indian attire. It was great to see our similarities in Christ. Ellen and I were very taken by it growing up in a church that sometimes takes on a one dimensional face. It is great to remember, that with God, he looks straight at our heart and he wants everyone to know Him.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Leah! I'm so glad to read your blog and hear of your good work and adventures. Speaking of aerobics...you should see if you can receive some instruction in traditional Ugandan dance. I studied a few different forms of African dance and was never so uplifted (or sweaty) in my entire life.
Your mom mentioned that you skype...jonathan and i are set up for that, so perhaps we can connect some weekend.
much love to you,
janelle

JP said...

Leah -

Glad to hear that you had a good birthday and I can assure you that you are much loved. The trip to the falls sounded like fun too. I've always wanted to do a camera safari. Regarding your last comments about different churches, I couldn't agree more. I think I discussed the book I was reading on vacation called the Shack by William Young, anyway, it also emphsizes that our belief is what counts, not the attributes or direction of the various churches.

Peace and love to you and practice that arm wrestling so you can go from 3rd to 1st. (Ha! Ha!)

love,

Uncle Jim

JP said...

Leah -

Glad to hear that you had a good birthday and I can assure you that you are much loved. The trip to the falls sounded like fun too. I've always wanted to do a camera safari. Regarding your last comments about different churches, I couldn't agree more. I think I discussed the book I was reading on vacation called the Shack by William Young, anyway, it also emphsizes that our belief is what counts, not the attributes or direction of the various churches.

Peace and love to you and practice that arm wrestling so you can go from 3rd to 1st. (Ha! Ha!)

love,

Uncle Jim