Ready for Africa!

I can't believe I leave for Africa in just a few days! The other night I cried tears of joy because I just couldn't believe I will finally get to meet sweet Ruth! I'm almost done packing....I think. I'm waiting on some water filters that Rebecca had shipped to me for me to bring so I can't completely pack until they arrive. It's hard to believe how much stuff I'm taking to the school and home. I am so thankful that I have been so blessed by so many so that I can in turn be a blessing to them. I have looked over Rebecca's wish list over and over and over and thought long and hard about what God wants me (us) to bless her and the children with. I know that everything that makes it to Africa is exactly what He has planned for them to receive. I've got a list of everything purchased or donated and will email it out to everyone, probably when I return. 

I guess I was a little naive thinking that wi-fi is available everywhere but apparently it's not. Rebecca and the Shirleys don't have wi-fi. They do have internet access, just not wi-fi (which means my iphone is pretty much useless). I was pretty bummed about not being able to use my phone or computer (I know that sounds crazy to some). Then Sunday morning my friend, J.T. brought me a Uganda cell phone and internet data card for me to take. I will have to load minutes when I arrive but there should be enough loaded already so that I can call Rebecca to let her know I'm there. It will be very cheap to place calls with it. I haven't found out yet if it will work in Kenya, but I'm so thankful to have a phone in Uganda! While I don't plan to go to Africa and be on my computer and cell phone all the time, it will be nice to check in from time to time. Be on the lookout for an update here and there! 

All in all I am pretty much ready for the trip! Leave it to me to think to go to the vet's office to weigh my suitcases (on the dog scales) to determine how close I am to 50 lbs per suitcase/box so I will be doing this Wednesday before work. I tried the whole lift Roscoe (who weights 50 lbs) and then lift each box or suitcase but that's not too accurate, lol. I want to utilize every pound for supplies so I'm anxious to see what they weigh! (Pray that aren't already over 50 lbs!!!) 

 

A good friend reminded me that I might want to come up with a prayer calender so that people can be praying for me while I'm gone so I hope to send that out soon. It's in process.

 

Thanks so much for going on this journey with me! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

~Amanda

PS - I had the above saved as a "draft" to send but hadn't yet. Late afternoon today a friend here in Birmingham emailed saying there were more riots in Uganda this week. She said she was just "making me aware" of whats going on over there. I'm sure that some people would think, well, I guess I need to cancel my trip, but not me. God is greater than any riot. He protected my life from 200 tornados that passed through my state and He is powerful enough to protect me from riots. Please continue to pray for political stability and that my time in Uganda will be peaceful. Unless Rebecca says it's not safe for her to pick me up at the airport I will be going.