What if we're wrong?

A conversation that I had recently with one of my best friends began and ended with this question. I was actually greatly relieved to know that she, too, had had these thoughts and wondering about what happens in the end of this life… and what happens if it all amounts to nothing? What if after all my hope and faith in Jesus and in the Bible, that I’m wrong… and there’s nothing there?

When I first began the conversation, I felt silly and almost irreligious for actually saying it aloud. I was truly relieved to know that, while both she and I wholly believe in Jesus and in His leaving heaven, coming here, living a perfect life, and ultimately giving himself up to free us and give us the opportunity for an everlasting life with him; that somewhere in our own human insecurity and desire for finite, physical reasoning and evidence, there is somehow that sliver of doubt, of fear, that when we get to the end, it’ll really be the end.

And I’ll tell you right now, we didn’t make any great theological discoveries or uncover any previously unknown truths, but we did come to the only conclusion that we could - that hope is the only thing that can sustain us here. Hope is what makes me think we do have it right. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’s blood and righteousness... on Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…”

Hope in Jesus is what allows me to persevere in the darkest nights, in the deepest struggles, in the most devastating circumstances that this life can (and has) throw at me. Hope for what heaven will be like keeps me pressing on towards the goal that He has put in front of me, on the path that He has chosen. Hope is what lets me know that, even though my life is not what I had imagined it to be, what I hoped it would be, God has a plan and a specific purpose that he has given for me to carry out. Hope is knowing that Love has come down to us and that we get to share in it, because of the Cross.

Sometimes, I feel like a small child, always wondering those “What if…?” questions that tend to annoy parents. But in spite of it all, I’m so thankful that Jesus told us to become like children, with a child-like heart and innocent faith, believing in what He has told us is Truth and knowing that He will always be there to lead us, even when we're scared or nervous or hurting...

When continuing that same conversational topic with Kelly just yesterday, she mentioned the quote from "The Silver Chair" by C.S. Lewis, when there has come a point on the characters' journey that some begin to question even the existence of the 'real world' since they have been trapped underground for such a very, very long time. One of the characters (Puddleglum) says:

“Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things – trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have. Then all I can say is that, in that case, the made-up things seem a good deal more important than the real ones. Suppose this black pit of a kingdom of yours is the only world. Well, it strikes me as a pretty poor one. And that’s a funny thing, when you come to think of it. We’re just babies making up a game, if you’re right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world that makes you real world hollow. That’s why I’m going to stand by the play-world. I’m on Aslan’s side even if there isn’t any Narnia."

In the end, I would choose no other way other than to place all my hope in Jesus. I guess when I look at the pro’s and con’s of the argument, I figure, I would much rather hope in Him than to hope in nothing, and this picture, this promise, this hope that He has given us is far greater than anything I could even possibly want here on the earth.

...and then it was December!

Wow, where has this year gone?

Have I really not even logged in to my blog since JULY?!?

And so here we are... December. The sights and sounds of Christmas just around the corner! All bundled up in my scarves, coats, and boots, ready to take on the cold weather up here in NorCal.

Yes, I consider Monterey to be NorCal. I'm sure many NorCal-ians will take much offense and say that Salinas is still Central Coast, but I must beg to differ. It's COOOOOLLLDDD up here!!!

But I love it. It's crisp and cool every morning when I wake up to go drive to school, and there's nothing like driving to school as the sun is coming up over the Pinnacles peaks to the left, casting itself onto the Arroyo Seco mountains where I get to work. My classroom has a perfect view of the Pinnacles; a constant reminder of God's beauty and originality in His design of the world.

Here are a few shots that I’ve snapped here or there, whenever I’ve had my camera (and the extra time!) to “stop and smell the roses” J

Here's a shot of the fields I drive through on the way to school. Some days, it stays foggy until the late morning, with the "Tulle" fog.

Other mornings, it's so bright and sunny! Here are the nearby Arroyo Seco mountains where our school is located. Isn't it a beautiful view?

And this final one is of the mountains as you get nearer to Salinas, as the sun is setting one afternoon on the way home.

It's quite a beautiful place to live.

Oh, what a beautiful morning!

Even though I was almost late for my 8:00 "you should be here since you're a teacher, even though school doesn't start till 8:30" time, I was so glad that on one of my early-morning drives from SLO that I stopped and got some photos as the sun rose over the mountains and lit up this vineyard! (This is just south of King City on the 101.)

Even now, looking over these photos again, I am still filled with awe over the Creator who has given us such beauty every day. The fact is, that every day we get to experience a new miracle as we see the sun rise in a way that it never has before; there's never the same cloud arrangement, the same sight to be seen, even though it might become monotonous to us.

Whenever I take the time to appreciate the GLORY of the BEAUTY around me, I feel like I start my school day with a much better attitude as I remember how CHRIST in His LOVE gave me an infinitely greater GIFT than even a beautiful sunrise, and how GOD has given me this world simply as a reminder of what is YET TO COME!

To play "catch up"

Now, I have to say that even though I haven't actually PUBLISHED any blogs since July, that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of topics and jotting down thoughts in scattered Word documents here and there!

So, in an effort to play "catch up," I'm going to post-date my blog entries so that they'll show up when they were intended to be written or when they were originally begun, rather than when they were actually posted... which is, um, now.

To start off, let me tell you the story of my life for the past four months...

WAKE UP.

Go to SCHOOL.

TEACH.

Stay at SCHOOL for a very long time to get ready for MORE SCHOOL.

Go HOME.

SLEEP.

Sad, but more or less, true. Honestly though, it's been a blessing to be able to come back to California, get a job, find a nice apartment, and enjoy the work that I've been given. I know that it seems like a lot of work (and it doesn't just SEEM that way, I guess... IT IS!!) but I am thankful to have a job, and I'm also really glad that I can make a difference in these kids' lives for the better: to better prepare them for high school and college, to help them see what life is like outside this small city, and to help them learn to believe in their dreams (and for some of them, to HAVE dreams) regardless of family situations or other people's opinions.

Some of my kids' stories are heart-breaking. The way they're working to overcome what's happened in the past, their present circumstances, and even simply having to learn to desire success for themselves... I have a few kids who I admire tremendously for their gumption and their drivenness to do their best, even if that doesn't mean getting an "A." But they do their best and are really proud of what they have learned, and what they're learning to accomplish.

Anyway, I have 21 students (which makes me say "yippee!" and "whew!" all at the same time!) - 13 of whom are 7th graders and 8 of whom are 8th graders. I have 10 girls and 11 boys, which makes for a nice break-down. Many of the kids have gone to school together for 3-5 years, so they know one another really well, and treat each other like siblings do. Yes, they try my patience (especially these weeks before big holidays!) but I really enjoy them. They're funny kids, but most of them understand the difference between "fun" and "work" in the classroom, which makes for veeerrry interesting off-topic conversations that can be brought back in a second to our lesson material.

I've started making a list of "Funny-isms," dumb things that the kids say that I think are hilarious. Maybe they're not to anyone other than teachers, or quite possibly just to me, but every time I reread them, I still giggle.

Most of the "Funny-isms" have originated since I use a lot of idioms when I teach. I didn't realize that this was something I did until going to Uganda last year, where lots of kids had never heard of "holding their horses" or anything having to do with "the price of tea in China" in their lives. Particular favorites of my students this year are: “over my dead body,” “playing the devil’s advocate,” “put a sock in it,” and “hit the hay.” Do you see a pattern with the first couple?!? J

Here, too, my students weren't used to my silly idioms or they just didn't understand some of the "big" words I was using, which made their comments in response pretty entertaining.

I said, "Mum's the word."

"What does that mean?" asked one student.

"It means she's going to tell your Mom," answered another.

"Now, I don't mean to be morbid, but just be clear that if we get a class pet, we're not going to go to any extraordinary measures to save it in case of an accident." - me

"Miss Fuller, I'm sorry, but I just don't get what our guinea pig has to do with being Mormon." - one of my brightest students.

"Nyabo, please. Stop doing that." I said to one of my girls.

"Huh?" she said.

"It's Aftican for "Be quiet." " said the boy next to her.

After I got my flu vaccination, I put my sticker on the wall that said, "FLU FIGHTER."

One of my kids said, "I don't get it."

"It's a band," said one of the boys.

"No, that's the FOO FIGHTERS!" said another boy.

In studying Life Science and diffusion across the cell membrane...

"Ok, now what about diffusion that occurs involving water across the membrane?" - me

"Ooh, ooh! We're on the Moses one!" - one of the girls

(correct answer: OSMOSIS)

And now, for a few pics of my classroom. Keep in mind that these are from the beginning of the school year, so many things have gone up (and come down) since then, but I haven't taken any more recent pictures - sorry!

The 'theme' I was going for in my classroom was a kind of "highway/road signs/road" theme... I was really happy with the way that most of it turned out!

Before anything happened, this was my blank slate...

My PROMETHEAN!!! A wonderful, innovative piece of technology that has been SO much fun to play with and use as a tool to enhance my kids' learning!

(P.S. Note how CLOSE the teacher let the kids sit to the board! My kids KNOW that I have a "bubble" that they have to stay out of... I would have been so claustrophobic!)

This project took a few hours to get done, but it was worth it!

I'm a big fan of this Eleanor Roosevelt quote and it fits so well on that wall over our class library and big 'ole bean bag chairs! (No, they're not there in this picture...)

And we've got the ever-popular "Get your kicks on Route 66!" that was stapled up on the wall above our map of America. (yay US History!)

... along with some homemade signs for all the states that are a part of the real Route 66...

I have to say that this was partly inspired by my road trip with Danielle this past summer when we stopped on Route 66 in Illinois and saw the "World's Largest Rocking Chair." So ridiculous!

Unfortunately, those are all the pictures I have so far! I'll be getting a new Promethean lamp thing, since mine is (apparently) very old. I'll make sure to take some new pictures of the new writings and bulletin boards I'll be putting up for the New Year!!

A NEW JOB!

Well, it's kind of old news by now, but I'll tell it again! I got a job!

About two weeks ago, I received a call from a school up in Northern California (so sue me, I consider Monterey to be NorCal) asking if I'd be interested in interviewing for a 2nd grade position that they had open. "Sure!" I replied. Unfortunately, though, they were holding the interviews on Monday in front of a panel of people from the school district. Why is that unfortunate? Because, folks, as you'll notice in the blog post below this, I was in Branson, Missouri!

I was so excited, though, even to be considered. Honestly, it's discouraging trying to find a job. I know that the Lord's in control, and that whatever He has planned for my life is what's going to happen. I know that even if I don't have a job, there are so many ministry opportunities out there! In fact, I was just talking with a friend this morning about the privilege it is to be unemployed. Think of all the people you are able to help and serve. Think of the last-minute needs that you are able to meet since you are available and willing. Think of the people's lives that you can impact by showing them a patience and sole reliance on the Lord for a job, in whatever timing He determines!

Anyway, to be called for an interview got my spirits up, even if it didn't work out. About 15 minutes later, though, I received another phone call from the principal asking if I might be interested in a combination 7th/8th grade class that they also had an opening for. Again, I said, "Sure!"

Just a brief interlude... I have to say, I am a woman of an extensive vocabulary, prolific writing ability, and pretty darn good grammar. And yet, whenever I am in an awkward or exciting situation, I say the most ridiculous things like "sure!" over and over again! :)

The principal mentioned that she could hold an extra interview session for me, but it wouldn't be in front of the committee. We made all the arrangements, and last Friday, I drove up to Soledad, CA and interviewed! I did jump the gun a little bit (I was really nervous about being there on time) so I spent the night at Uncle Tom and Aunt Jacque's house in La Conchita, and then left at 6:00 am and drove up the 101... but I ended up getting there at 10:00 for my 11:00 interview - oops!

Mrs. Bozzo didn't seem to mind, though, and we started the interview right away. I definitely thought it had gone well and after an hour and a half of talking, we were done! She showed me the classroom I 'may' be working in, along with the Smart Board! It's a nice room, with high ceilings and great, natural lighting.

And with that, I left! She said that they would be making a decision by early this week, and lo and behold, she called me yesterday (Monday) at noon to let me know that I got it!!!



I wanted to share it with everybody! I don't know when or where I'm moving to, but I'm looking into Salinas, the Monterey peninsula, King City, Paso Robles, and a couple other cities that are nearby! Please be praying for this transition and this new season of my life, that I'll be seeking God's will every step of the way.

And... here are some snaps from around Soledad, right near the school! (Sorry, none of the school, I didn't want to be a creeper!)

Dixie Stampede!

Oh. my. gosh.

Let me apologize before I begin to anyone who happens to be from Missouri. This is in no way meant to be insulting. It might just be the culture shock talking.

I am in Branson, Missouri. 'Nuff said.

I went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede tonight. Want to know what I did?


First, I had to get a ticket to the theatre. Nope, not theatre. Theee-ay-durr. The inflection goes up on the 'ay' in case you're sitting there, saying it aloud :) Then, once I got to the theatre, the gal with the big 'ole "Gone With the Wind" dress showed me where to go. I took a seat and sat down to see the "pre-show," which the lady at our hotel told me that I just HAD to see! It was a man juggling. It made me smile as I sat there, drinking a Shirley Temple from my "Dixie Stampede" boot-shaped plastic cup (TOTALLY bringing it home with me, don't worry. You can use it too.) thinking that I had come an hour and a half early to see this guy.


On into the horse arena, we were corraled by the folks in their 'Confederate' and 'Union' attire. I happened to be sitting on the Southern side... so apparently I had to be pro-slavery... still not sure that I'm okay with that. Anyway, went to my seat, met the nice guy and his family sitting to my left who were from Indiana and the sweet old couple on my right who were from Arkansas. Yep, you guessed it. Both were here on their family vacations. To Branson, Missouri.


Then, the show started. I cannot put into words what I saw. I hope you watch the YouTube clip from the link below, because it does some justice to it. Or perhaps you've been? Then you can relate. First, there was the host guy who came out and told us we had taken sides and were going back in time. I, as I mentioned, was rooting for the South to win. Then, they presented us with a quick skit of how America came to be.

Everyone should know this. First, there were the random horses that walked around the land. Then came the Cherokee who wore the glow-in-the-dark clothing who chanted and shot off a firework. Oh, and I shouldn't forget the glow-in-the-dark lady dressed as a butterfly that flew around too. Very PC. Next, the settlers came and built their forts. Then, the Gold Rush. Let me just say, they didn't even mention California. All they said was everyone went "West." C'mon! Give us some credit! This is where we got to take a break for a square dance "Dixie style" aka on horseback. It was cute. And finally, we came to America's history when the Civil War happened. Note: they never actually said "Civil War," just "North vs. South" Hmmm... they probably don't want people like me being all like, "I don't like this, I don't like slavery!" but again, that's besides the point.

Which brings us to the Civil War. We had to 'compete' against the North in order to see who 'wins'. I don't remember what order they were in, but here's a list of the games we played/watched:
- three riders and horses from each team racing around barrels
- three riders and horses from each team weaving in and out of the barrels
- three riders and horses putting flags into a barrel
- four little kids chasing after chickens
- four couples riding around on those horse-head pole things
- mini horses racing one another (one was 'North' and one was 'South')
- jumbo-horseshoe tossing
- six little pigs racing around the arena

Just even reliving it makes me laugh really hard :) It was awesome! So funny, and such (oh, it better be!) a once-in-a-lifetime thing!

The only bad thing about the whole evening? We won. Yep, slavery is alive and well in Branson, MO.

YouTube - Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction

home again, home again

Can you believe it? 10 months, come and gone!

This year seems like a whirlwind; was it really almost a year since I was home? Since I drove my truck? Since I played with my puppy?

I've heard that life seems to just speed up from here, that all the years start blurring together... but I really want to focus on what I've learned and where I've been. I was able to spend some time thinking in London, when I was able to go walking or wandering around the city, and I feel like God taught me so much about who I am, what true needs I have, and who I want to be, being so far away this year.

He showed me how to be flexible most of all. Other than at school, time was considered to be ... let's call it 'interpretive' :) Sometimes it was frustrating, especially in the beginning, but more towards the middle and end of my time in Kampala, I realized that it's okay to be flexible with meeting times, especially because the focus should be on the people rather than the time. I know many African countries (and many Central American countries too, according to American friends who are there) place the importance not on a meeting or dinner or what not, but on the people who are going to be there - which is why it doesn't matter WHEN you arrive, just that you DO! At first, it was hard to adapt to that mentality, but I feel that I have changed... there doesn't always need to be a set time to stick with, or even a set schedule for that matter!

I also think that the Lord really worked on my heart in being more patient with others. Especially when it came to my co-workers. It was incredibly hard for me to adjust in the beginning. Not that people would 'lie' about doing something, but several of the other teachers would say one thing and do another. Or I'd ask them to do something for such-and-such a class, but it wouldn't ever happen... which was really hard to deal with. I didn't understand why commitments weren't followed through with, or why no one would volunteer to help when there was a chance to assist. Everything seemed to fall upon me to do, and was hard as a first-year teacher in a brand new setting without any familiar resources or help, to get things done. But through a few of the teachers, the Lord showed me how to have a heart for my co-workers, even when they didn't get the lesson done, I could still care about them and have patience. I can still choose to love on them, to try and adapt to meet their needs as well, and to pray for them as well. I met some of the neatest ladies who had some amazing life stories working in Kampala, and I am so thankful for their grace on me, as well as their hospitality and friendship.

The Lord also totally refined me in my teaching style. (Not that I'm perfect yet, but I've definitely figured out my 'hard' areas that I need to work on... I think I may just be a constant work-in-progess for a while...) He showed me how my faith can take on a role in my teaching. When I had been student teaching in California, I hadn't really thought to pray for each of my kids. Maybe it was that I had 33 kids, or that it was SLO, and no one has problems in SLO, right? (I'm totally kidding.) I think it was mostly that what I saw as my 'mission field' while I was student teaching was more to the other teachers, rather than to my students.

At Heritage, teaching at a Christian school, it became common for me to ask my kiddos for prayer requests and praises. I know that I am legally not allowed to do THAT in California, but what's the harm in praying for them regardless? My constant prayer for the upcoming school year is that I wouldn't forget or become lazy in my prayer life to be bringing my (potential) students before the Throne. He is the only One who can change their hearts, minds, and souls, but I can still set an example with how I act and how I show them grace.

Oh, but I loved teaching. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with the gift of teaching. Almost every day, after I'd get over the initial "But I don't want to go to school!" tantrum within myself, I went to school thankful and joyful to be with my students. Yes, they drove me nuts. Yes, they didn't do their homework. Yes, they got in trouble sometimes. But I loved teaching them. And I think (well, they might tell you otherwise) that they enjoyed it too. We had a lot of laughs, and a whole bunch of silly memories that we rehashed at the end of the year. We had some tears, read through some sad stories, and went through struggles in life together. I couldn't have asked for a better first year of teaching.

Uganda had its ups and downs, its laughter and its tears. I am so thankful to be home safely, and yet I'll always remember those kids and the impact that that country had on me. It was interesting leaving, knowing that I may never see those sixth graders or those teachers again. I know we'll always have facebook (haha) but it was definitely a melancholy departure from a place I had come to know and love and care for very much.

Who knows? Maybe one of these days I'll go back :)

new people, new places!

So, if you actually read through my blog on a consistent basis, you know that this post is actually posted in July, and simply post-dated to June... When I look over to the right-hand column where it keeps track of how many posts I make in a month, I can't help but feel sad because of the lonely "1" for June! I've decided to ameliorate that problem and create a few posts about my time in London, Paris, Cinque Terre, Sorrento, and Rome!

It might just end up being a random picture journey from the time in Europe, but I'll do my best to explain when necessary!

Here, we have some Krispy Kreme Doughnuts... when Pastor Tonye and Landon met me at the airport, not only did they help me carry my RIDICULOUS amount of luggage (gifts for YOU, so you should be thankful as well :) ), give me an Oyster card, and help me understand the hectic metro system, but they also bought Krispy Kremes!! It was a tasty "welcome back to a non-third world country" gift!

I went for a walk through Hampstead Heath, which is where the Shoreline... err, I guess the Camden Town folks live. I'm not sure if I explained this before, but I stayed the first week in London with some people who moved to London from Central California. Pastor Tonye was the pastor at Shoreline in Morro Bay, where several good friends of mine worshipped and I visited during my first few years of college in SLO. So altogether, there was PT, Suzanne, Chante, and Ruthie, David & Trista, Landon, and Tobi living at this house - it was a blessing and an absolute joy to be part of the (mostly) organized chaos of the house!

So, the following are a few pictures from my walk through Hampstead... notice that the cars are parked whichever way they came from, on both sides of the road!

Possibly the smallest car I have EVER seen.


Possibly the creepiest/most eccentric/most ingenious car I have ever seen...


Really? I mean, I know the Brits spell some things funny, but MANEUVER being turned into MANOEUVRE? That's just silly!



Beautiful flowers all over the place!


....and I couldn't resist :)

I really don't have photos from the rest of my time with the Camden Town peeps... it's kind of sad, but also kind of cool, simply because I wasn't really a 'tourist' with them. We just went about our day, going grocery shopping, walking in the park, and all the things you do in normal life... Trista and I went to this art thing at the Keat's House, where they provided all sorts of mediums to work with, and we spent the day in the garden making artwork!

PT, David, Landon, Tobi, and I went to Camden Town a few times and I got to see them "in action" :) Basically, what that means is setting up and establishing relationships with people in Camden in order to further those friendships and share Christ's love with them. I greatly admired PT's ability to direct EVERY conversation with complete strangers toward the Gospel. He has a knack for reaching people where they're at, relating with them on a personal level, and then opening the door for God to come through. And the Lord definitely came and started working in the lives of people who they met and were praying for.

Jump ahead about a week, after I had been staying with a family out in Amersham (just outside central London) and I'm back in London! Trista and I went with a couple of her friends to go see WICKED!!!



On the way, I saw a pasty place - yum!!

What is this feeling? Dancing through life! No one mourns the wicked!
Defying gravity! WICKED!!!

transitions...

Well, made it safe and sound to London! Leaving Uganda still seems surreal somehow… I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly thankful for being able to drink tap water, be outside at night without fearing malaria, not waking up to geckos crawling on the walls, and not being covered in red mud… but in all honesty, I already miss it. I miss my kids. I miss teaching them tons of information and having fun doing it. I miss hopping on a boda and paying 2000 ush ($1) for a 10 minute ride somewhere. I miss Ugandans! Here, there are mzungus everywhere!

Today, I was able to have some good quiet time in the backyard of Pastor Tonie’s house (where I’m staying), some quality Starbucks time (oh, hot chocolate!), and a nice 2-hour walk by myself to get a feel for the area in Camden. I appreciate so much that everyone here knows what it feels like to need some quiet, alone time to process through feelings and emotions that coincide with leaving one’s ‘home’… and processing is so good. Time to think and reflect on my joys and struggles from this year. Time to realize the lessons that the Lord taught me this year. Time to relax and adjust to this new time zone, new scenery, new people.

But I couldn’t have asked for a better place to do this processing. Surrounded by loving people who have a heart for Jesus; whose goal is to reach out and reach into the lives of people living here in Camden. To meet them where they’re at and share the gift of God’s Son with them. To hear the wonders and miracles in the way that the Lord is already stirring their hearts. It is such a blessing for me to see their work and cherish the call they’ve responded to.

Not sure what’s in store for today, but whatever it is, it’ll sure be an adventure!

I wonder why?

To labor just for this, to hunger for a love like His… I give my heart and soul to live a life completely Yours, so Christ be formed in me, till I am nothing…

Let me be Your dwelling place till it’s You men see…
Christ be formed in me, till I am something...

I’ve been wrestling with the question, “Why?” all week long. Why did my computer crash and ONLY lose the Pictures folder? Why is yearbook gone? Why is all this happening? What’s the POINT?

I believe that in everything, there is purpose and a plan. Our God is sovereign. Whether it’s known to us at the time, or it takes us a few years down the road to figure out, there is a reason for all things – the hard times develop our perseverance and strength, the troubling times allow us to find peace and solace with our Creator, the good times encourage us with joy and let us give the Lord salvation and praise!

...so what’s the point of a yearbook being destroyed?

Is it that Satan wants to test me some more? As if teaching in Uganda and having sketchy electricity, limited resources, slow/not working Internet, and stolen laptops in the last few weeks isn’t enough?

As I listened to those lyrics (above) from a song on the SLO Crusade cd this afternoon, I wondered, “Maybe the yearbook was a little bit too much of me and a little bit too little of God… Maybe it had become so much of MY project that I forgot Who I was really doing it for… Maybe I was so excited about creating this ‘perfect’ book and show off what I could create, that He decided to remind me, “It’s not about you.” ”

How often do we do this? We want something because of the acclaim and prestige we’ll get. I love love love volunteering for different activities I’m good at. But every once in a while (and probably should more often!), I have to step back, check in, and ask, “I’m not doing this for the fame, right? For the recognition? For the commendations and the awards? I really want to help out here, right?” Because for me, there is such a fine line between wanting to serve where there is a need and wanting to receive the credit for that work.

Your prayers are such a blessing right now. Even as I type this, it's 6:30 pm and I'm still at school trying to get some picture files. (and again, thanks Randy!) I'm going to work hard and see how far we can get by the deadline next week. Please pray that this would be one to glorify the Lord and not me!!! ... and that it'll be done in time :)

Lord, you know the things I do. Lord, I know what You went through to pay a price I was due. So many times I have failed and every time Your mercy has not. Lord, I owe it all to you. I will praise You till my lips can sing no more, and I will worship for it’s what you made for! I will bow down, Lord, accept this offering: my life before you, for it’s all that I can bring.
~ “This Offering” ~ PLB

Rafting the Nile

our fearless rafting group!

As of a few weeks ago, I had kind of resolved myself to the idea that I would not get to raft the Nile while I was here. Most of the people here have (a) already done it and don’t want to pay the money to go again, or (b) didn’t want to do it in the first place and STILL don’t want to. So, I had, begrudgingly, become ok with the fact I wouldn’t get to go…

Until a week ago Tuesday, that is! We met for Bible study on Tuesday night and in lieu of our conversation, Rachel (an eMi intern from New Mexico/Colorado) mentioned that she needed to get cracking on making plans for all the interns to go. My heart leaped and I asked (you know, incredibly nonchalantly), “Um, how would you feel if I tagged along with you guys?” Yes! I was in. I haven’t looked forward to something so much in a very long time. Goodness – RAFTING THE NILE!!!

And yesterday, the day finally came. Kidding aside, I was truly chomping at the bit to go. I woke up at 6 to meet up with everybody at 7:15 just down the road. We hopped onto a matatu and headed out to Jinja. When we arrived at the Nile River Explorers place, we had a quick breakfast, a “really informative” safety speech, and off we went.

With helmet, life vest, and oar in tow, we divided up into our raft groups and set out. Our “Shoot the Shoot” team was made up of me, Megan, Travis, Ryan, Josh, Matt, and Danny. (Not that the names mean anything, but since I’m referencing them, I figured I’d “introduce everybody” J) Rachel and Brittany combined with a couple of guys to form the “All is Well” boat.
We all climbed into our raft and let our guide know that our goal for the day was not to stay in the boat. And man, oh man, did we do just that. We flipped over almost every single rapid that we came to – even the little Class 3 one! In this pic, I’m sure that the three guys (who had pulled the rope down with them as they fell out) had no impact on its capsizing whatsoever…


Granted it was really fun to capsize, especially on the small waterfall. All the other groups probably thought, “They are soooo bad. They flip on every single rapid!” It was also especially fun to have to get back IN to the raft. You see, all the guys had enough upper-body strength to hoist themselves in. Megan and I, however, no matter how many times we attempted it, could not, and every time, one of the boys had to grab us and pull us in. = Motivation to work up more arm strength.

The journey down started with a Class 1 rapid, then a Class 2. (I’m pretty sure I’m keeping these numbers right, but forgive me if I switch them up.) Then we came to a Class 3 – where we flipped – followed by a short relaxation break. Err, more like a cigarette break for many of the rafters. Then, came the first Class 5. It was so legit. The rapids pummel each other left and right, the current and the waves look like they’ll eat you alive! And yet… you survive!


I just have to say, that people keep asking how it was, and the only words I am able to come up with – ME and my extensive vocabulary who can spell and bore my students for hours with words that they don’t think they’ll ever use in their lives – are “sweet,” “awesome,” “wicked,” and “legit.” Hello, my name is Kristi and I am from California.


After the first Class 5, there was another break time, during which we had to paddle for a short ways in order to get our snack. Glucose biscuits and pineapples – yum! It was really interesting watching the guy cut up all the pineapples; I feel like it takes me so much longer to simply do one, let alone 15 or so! And while on a raft none the less!


Once we had sufficiently littered and thrown all of our pineapple rinds into the river, we kept paddling for a very. long. time. But, in the end, it was worth it. We had another Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5 (Now that I think about it, I really don’t remember the order, all I know is that we finished on a Class 5. We’ll skip ahead to that.)


The last rapid of the day was monstrous. Definitely the scariest one of the day, which was a fantastic way to end it! I am going to preface the next part by saying that I don’t know how many of you have been sucked underwater by a raging current and forceful pressure, but WHEN that happens, it feels like it lasts forever! Needless to say, WHEN our boat capsized again on this final rapid, I was knocked out of the boat and went under. I was probably only under for, you know, 6 seconds, but it felt so much longer. All the thoughts flash through your head, “Augh! I can’t breathe! I don’t have any air!” and “Mom is not going to be happy that I died this way.” and “All I can see is green, where’s the surface?”

Obviously, since I have written this blog from you, I am still alive and well. I made it to the top and one of the safety guys came and helped me back to my raft. A little shaky, but definitely better for it! :) For more pics, check out my Facebook album!

Well, here I am. 3 days back into school and already I have stories to share.

I have to say that my 6th graders are phenomenal. They have been a little stir-crazy being back in the classroom, but overall, they have been great. EVERY single one of them has done their homework this week, they all remember what we had learned about polygons from before break, and I couldn't be happier as their teacher! :)

On Monday, I had received a package slip from Mr. Godfrey, our maintenance guy at school who pretty much does everything. (Where would schools be without the support staff who help out behind the scenes? They are truly the crew that makes schools run.) I was ecstatic. I have been waiting for this package from the Wallaces (a couple who lives up the street from us in Simi). My mom had asked Judy to put my bathing suit into it for Cairo (who would have thought it would take 3 months to get here??) Alas, even though it didn't come in time for Egypt, I was still incredibly excited when I got that note! Unfortunately, I have soccer on Mondays and didn't get finished till around 4:30 and Posta Uganda closes at 5... sometimes earlier depending on how they're feeling. And since you never know how long it'll take to find the package you've come for, (once, Jill and I waited for 2 hours for a package, but they found it!!) so I decided to go down on Tuesday after school.

Also unfortunately, this story has actually turned into one of the scariest ones I've had so far in Uganda. Now, I'm tempted to not blog about it at all, except for the fact that I came out of it unscathed, and what a testament to God's protection that is. He was truly watching over me, sending His angels around me. Because this could've had a very different ending.

I hopped on a boda to go into town. Traffic is really bad in the afternoons everywhere, so driving would have taken forever! We got into the city without too many close calls :) As we got over the train tracks, there were a ton of cars at a dead stop. It all happened really quickly. My boda driver looked over his shoulder and looked a little concerned. He scooted the boda up really close to the car in front of us, and kept looking back.

I'm going to interrupt myself right here and say that I've drawn these Paint sketches to illustrate what happened, since I really don't think I can explain it succinctly in words. However, these drawings are so childish. Drawing them kind of made me laugh about the whole situation, because now it's kind of 'cartoonized' in a way.

So, Drawing #1: Me and my boda driver next the cars and just past the railroad tracks.

I honestly didn't even realize that a train was coming. They don't usually honk to warn anyone to get out of the way, since so many people are always on the tracks. As I turned around to see why my boda driver kept turning around, I realized that the big produce truck next to us was about 2 feet on the train tracks. And truly, before I could put two and two together, the train horn sounded and there was a huge crash, in fact, several crashes. The white truck had been hit. It swiveled and bumped into us, then continued with the motion of the train and plowed into the two cars on its right.

Drawing #2: The train came and hit the truck next to us.

I know that when car accidents happen, they happen in both a blur and in slow-motion. (Believe me - I've been in the car in a lot of accidents and I remember every single one.) This one was the same way. I remember getting knocked over to my left, looking around, hearing the sounds of crunching metal and all... but I'll tell you, I was so confused as to what had hit me. I didn't realize that my boda was jammed together with the boda next to us, until we tried to move and were stuck.

Drawing #3: The three cars scrunched together.

Now, not that I am thankful that someone else's car was totaled, but I am so thankful that the Lord was watching over me. If that produce truck had spun at us instead of simply tilted our way, it would have absolutely smashed into my leg, at the very least. I am also thankful that trains here in Uganda don't travel at the high speeds that they do in the States... I wish for many, many reasons that trains didn't travel so fast (or have engineers who text message, etc.) in California, but I'll talk about my dad in the second story I'm going to share down below.

Thankfully, no one seemed to be severely hurt. The two people in the little black car, though stuck in there for quite some time, I'm sure, were moving and yelling (which I assumed meant they were ok :) ) We actually didn't hang around for long, one of the reasons being mob justice. When something bad happens, it is not at all uncommon for lots of people to crowd around and for justice to be served right then and there. It's also not very safe as a mzungu to be in mob justice kind of situation for a few reasons too... the mob mentality could simply to be looking to blame anyone, and a white person could be a target; also, if I were to be there and see something, I'd become a witness, which is never good to be in Uganda - you don't really know how the tables will turn... But regardless of all that, I am so thankful that I walked / boda-ed away from that accident with only a hurt arm. All I could say as we drove was, "Thank you Lord, thank you." I made it to the post office, got my package, and made it back home without incident :)

And while this is pretty long already, I am going to tell you another update about one of my students. A few months ago, I posted a picture of him and I from one of the youth group events. He's a fun kid and we have a good time bantering in computer class. His name is Kahan and he's in 12th grade. He just recently decided to become a Christian, maybe a little over a month ago now.

My heart has been breaking for him this week, and I ask you to keep him and his family in your prayers. On Wednesday of last week, his dad had a heart attack and died at their home. His dad wasn't a Christian, as far as we know, which makes me mourn his loss rather than rejoice over it. Oh, I wish I could just take away his pain. He and I had a long time to talk today during his study hall and my prep period. I love this kid. He and I have laughed and joked with each other so many times, but it was so good today to open up and let him know I'm there. I've been there. I am here.

We talked about how well-intentioned friends don't know what to say to comfort or be there for us since most haven't ever experienced something like it...

He brought up how the question, "How are you?" is a dumb one. I told him I knew exactly what he meant. All you want to respond with is, "Life sucks. My dad just died. I've been crying for a week and there's no end in sight," but instead, you say, "I'm fine." and get on with it.

We talked about how memories are such a wonderful gift. Talking with friends and family who knew your dad, looking through old pictures... it's good to remember, even when it hurts.

I thank my Father that I was able to go through the fires, that I've been refined through learning how to lose someone I love. I still weep over losing my dad. But in situations like this, I know that I went through it for a reason. I am also HERE for a reason.

And if you could please keep Kahan and his mom in your prayers, I know that they would appreciate it. Thanks all. Love you.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flame will not set you ablaze; For I am the LORD your GOD the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!"

~ Isaiah 43:2-3

Oh, to Cairo we will go!

Man oh man - there are so many places and people and things to tell you about! What an awesome time it has been in Cairo. I have had so much fun seeing ancient pyramids, buildings, architectural relics, thousands-of-years-old hieroglyphics, and so much more. I am so excited to be able to share more details later on, but since I'm using my friend's computer, I'm going to try and not be long-winded with the captions for these pics!

sweet little girls in Alexandria. it was a beautiful day, we took the train first thing in the morning, went to Starbucks :) , walked along the beach, went to the Biblioteca Alexandria, and went shopping on some back streets. a great day.

the Red Sea...

Rita, Christy, Jill, and I all hanging out at the condo. the weather couldn't have been better for a relaxing getaway to the beach!

the Red Sea. again. just can't get enough!

met some new friends at the Khan el Khalili... the girls asked if they could take a picture of me on their cell phones (which was not an uncommon request in our visit here!) and I said yes, as long as they were in it with me! they aren't smiling in the photo, but they were so happy and smiley when we were talking... err, trying to talk :) it was more of "Photo?" "Ok, but will you be in it too?" "Huh?" "You ... and me. See?" "Oh, ok!" haha :)

isn't this lady beautiful? and the kiddo is totally precious.

at the Egyptian Museum for the day! there was an entire room for King Tut's relics, the three parts of his tomb, and his headress. The entire museum was filled with historic artifacts: sarcophaguses (spelling???), jewelry, rocks with hieroglyphic writing, statues, and so much more!

It was incredible to see these pieces that are already thousands of years old. I had such a hard time considering the fact that people, real people, actually wore these and wrote them.

Hard Rock Cafe Cairo!!!

One of the only places we could get drinks here in Cairo :) It was really fun to see another Hard Rock Cafe too!

Sultan Hassan Mosque & El Rafai Mosque

Our day of viewing Islamic Cairo was amazing. We saw so many mosques and ancient buildings, ate some local food, and went shopping in the 'non-touristy' areas. We also visited a place called Garbage City, which is where most of the recycling is done in the city, but is one of the poorest parts of town. We walked up to a few cave churches as well, where Coptic Christian churches have been built into the sides of these monstrous rock walls. Overall, a really interesting experience getting to know about the history of Cairo.

And that is a very brief summary of spring break so far!