Oh Uganda

Uganda has been so fun and the days to leave are winding down as fast as they came to my arrival. I struggle to even find words to explain how fun and amazing this experience has been.

Recently I had the opportunity to work with Primary (Elementary) School girls in a soccer clinic/tournament. Every Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks we would gather to play football (soccer). Before we would begin we would have a small empowerment speech by one of the team members. I feel that everyone learned so much. We had speeches given on being confident, studious, responsible, involved, healthy, ambitious, and also on how to set goals and communicate with their parents.

One thing that I loved so much was to see these girls grow. Four weeks is not a ton of time, but it’s enough to progress. I was able to see these girls advance in all aspects. It was so much fun. By the end of the tournament there were girls laughing and talking out who would, before, shy away and be quiet. I saw a lot of girls who struggled to properly kick a soccer ball at the beginning, excel and do fantastic in the tournament. We all had so much fun and it was definitely a growing experience.

Along with the soccer camp we have had many other successful projects. We recently did a health outreach where we were able to teach people the importance of hand washing and teeth brushing, we were able to deworm a handful of babies, and we informed the mothers of sexually transmitted infections, and so forth. We were able to help a community build a chicken coop so the school children can use the chickens as a profit making project which will definitely benefit their lives. We were also able to help a young mother build a temporary restaurant which should statistically double her income.

I love the people here. They’re all so different and fun and even though there is a language barrier we always find ourselves laughing and having a great time together. I've made so many friends and it’s so fun to see familiar faces on the streets.

Really my friends, if you even have a thought that maybe a humanitarian trip is something you want to do, just stop and do it. It’s so interesting to experience a place that is nothing similar to where you come from. It’s a completely different world here and I love it. Don’t get me wrong, living in Africa has made me realize how blessed I am and how good we all have it in America. I've done nothing but grow since I've been here and it’s been such a blessing. It’s a good thing I’m coming home right before the holiday season or there’s a chance that I would never leave.

I appreciate everyone’s support, comments and questions and I highly recommend you all to keep them coming!

Much love.

Creating Lasting Friendships

I just have to start out by saying that I absolutely LOVE being here in Uganda. Everyday is amazing. The people are amazing. And I am currently smiling a mile wide writing this because I am just so happy to be here. Today I must tell you all about my very dear friend, Jemima.

Jemima is our cook. She prepares dinner for us Monday through Thursday. She is also a member of the Mbale branch, so I get to see her on Sundays as well. From the very first night Jemima came and cooked at our house, I knew we were destined to be close friends; our relationship continues to grow the longer I'm here. I don't know how I'll ever be able to leave her!! 

She has such a beautiful personality and is so sweet. The other day when I was speaking with her she said, "Amanda, I do not know why I love you so much, but I do." Haha! I literally laughed out loud when she said this, but it honestly made my whole day!

Tonight I had the opportunity to go to dinner with her and her husband, Anthony, and man-oh-man it was so much fun! They have been married for two years and are the most genuine and amazing people. I made sure to take my camera tonight so I could take some photos of them! Haha miniature photo shoot say what?! I loved it!

My friends, Uganda is incredible. I have grown so much as a person since I've been here. The opportunity to see such a different culture, live in it, and serve in it is such a powerful blessing. I am so, so grateful for this opportunity. I love Jemima and Anthony and am thankful for the life-long friendship we have created. Although they will not always be in my presence, they will forever be in my heart!


Much love!


ALSO! Shout out to my youngest sister, Adeley! Today she turns 7! Happy birthday baby sis! Love and miss you!

UGANDA Update!

Hello my friends and my family!

I am sincerely sorry I have been slacking so, so bad at blogging. Africa is just too grand to waste time typing on the internet. Just kidding.. But really. This place is beyond beautiful. I don’t think I can find enough words to describe how great it is! Everyday I have to stop and give thanks for this opportunity. Since it’s been so long I’ll just do a little recap on the projects I’ve been doing.

BABIES HOME: I love working in the babies home. To clarify a lot of questions, it is not an orphanage. There are a couple babies there who have been abandoned so yes, they are orphans, but most of the babies are children who’s mothers died while giving birth and their fathers or other extended family members are not capable of taking care of them at such a young age so they go to the babies home where they live until they are three and then return with their families.  It is so much fun. The babies all have their own personality and are such a treat to spend time with!

FAMILY PHOTOS: This has been one of my favorite projects and I am so excited to be doing it in as many villages as possible. Anyway. Most families here have never and may possibly never have a picture of their family, or themselves for that matter so Taylor Moulton and I decided to take matters into our own hands and change that. It was so fun to see families and friends gather to get their pictures taken and it may have been even more fun watching their faces light up as we passed their pictures out to them. It was such a heart warming experience and I’m PUMPED to do it again!

FUTBOL CAMP: I have recently started a four-week soccer camp for girls in a nearby slum. Every Tuesday and Thursday we meet for two hours. At the beginning of the camp we give a twenty-minute female empowerment speech with a goal to raise self esteem and confidence and to help the girls realize what they’re worth. We then go on and do soccer drills and games. It is so much fun to see all the girls from different schools interacting and laughing. It’s also fun to watch members of the community stop and watch as they are passing by. We get quite a large crowd watching. I love working with these girls. We will be splitting the girls into eight different teams and holding an all day tournament on October 31^st.

ON FRIDAYS WE BUILD BRICKS: We have a friend/partner, Tom, who has been working on building his own bricks to use to build a school he runs in his community. So on Fridays we go and help him. It is SO. MUCH. FUN. Imagine immersing yourself into deep, thick mud and throwing it into a frame splashing mud all over your face, into your eyes and mouth. It’s great manual labor!

BE YOUR BEST SELF: For anyone who has ever been familiar with the Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program this phrase rings a bell. Little side tangent: in high school I did Distinguished Young Women and as a project we went around to elementary schools in the community teaching them the five points of “Being Your Best Self” – Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Responsible, Be Studious, Be Ambitious. SO. We have decided to implement this program here around high schools. We decided to start it at Sironko High School and it was a huge success. We split the students into their classes, Senior 1- Senior 4, and then rotated ourselves amongst them teaching them these five points. I loved this so much. The students were all so responsive and fun. It’s something I definitely am looking forward to in other schools.

I could go on and on about all the incredible projects we’re doing and all the amazing people we are meeting, but it would for real take all day. I am sorry once again for the long delay of a blog and hopefully I’ll do better! Keep commenting all your thoughts on Facebook I love it! I’m am again grateful for everyone’s love and support back home and I HIGHLY recommend each and every one of you to do something like this. It’s the bomb.

Much love!

Holy Guacamole

Holy guacamole people, people, people! Where do I begin?! How about I start with Uganda is probably the BEST THING EVER! This last week we have been meeting with our partners and planning projects for the next three months. We have projects planned from painting latrines, teaching English, after school reading programs, soccer tournaments, making bricks, building a school, working in a babies home and so, so many more. I seriously am so ecstatic about it all! The people are amazing!

Photo taken by Taylor Moulton in the Bonabuyoka village

As many of you have seen from my pictures, Uganda is beautiful. It's real life my friends. The pictures do not do justice. There are multiple times in a day where I will just stop in awe and think, "Wow. This is seriously my for real life right now." (exact thoughts). I am beyond blessed to be here and oh so grateful. Everywhere I go I see new scenery and new faces and wow, I love my life. The people love muzungu (we the white people) and it is so fun to interact with them all. No offense to all my friends and family back home, but there is no missing America at this moment for me. I am living the dream.

Next week the projects begin in full swing so I will have much more to talk about in my blog! Over and out until then! 

Much love.

Muzungu! How are you!

Well the long awaited day has arrived and I am finally in Africa (hallelujah). I think it's safe to say I can already tell this was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. The city is crazy with bodas (a motorcycle taxi) and taxi vans flying around everywhere and the mountains are just as green as you could imagine. It is the funniest thing when you're walking down the street and you see a slew of African children look at you and yell, "Muzungu! How are you!"  Muzungu meaning "white person." Or as we're all riding in a taxi van together and you see every single person stop what they are doing and stare and wave as you drive by. I love Africa. 

I had the opportunity yesterday to travel up to the mountains to an orphanage where we will be doing a couple projects over the next three months. The children were thrilled to see us and came running out to meet us as fast as they could, greeting us with warm hugs and huge smiles. It's amazing to me how these people can have pretty much nothing and still have the biggest smiles on their faces. 

Life here is about survival. It's very simple without the distractions that we have in America. I love it in the way that as I go about my day I am not worried about what's on my phone or on Facebook or Instagram. In America, we are beyond blessed. We have houses and pluming and food and a shower and basically the list goes on and on. But the great thing about being here is you realize even without those things we are still people. They love and laugh and experience every emotion just like the rest of us and they are beautiful.

I am not in Africa living with special privileges -- granted we do have a beautiful African home, flushing toilets and a little running water to shower with -- I pay 1000 shillings to ride a boda into town everyday, we have to barter with the taxi drivers a reasonable price so they don't rip us off, I wear a skirt everyday just like the beautiful African women here and we buy our food and other needs at the markets just like everyone who lives here and I love it. I am beyond grateful to have been given the opportunity to live here in Africa and am looking forward to the next three months.

On a new note we hiked to the edge of the earth today so I just have to post a few pictures below from that. And I am truly sorry people because no matter how hard I try, these photos do not do justice.

Hiked to the very top of this waterfall and then jumped acrossed it.

My new friend carries a machete and saved my life. We are good friends.

Tiffany

You know the people you meet and automatically think to yourself, "Uh yes! I want to be their friend!" That was my thought the first time I met Tiffany.

A lot of people don't know this, but I work at an orthodontist office as an assistant (absolutely LOVE it). I'm one of those ladies who wear scrubs and mess with people's braces occasionally pinching them, poking them, and maybe even dropping a tool on them.. But just as a side note people! We do NOT do it on purpose and honestly every time it happens we want to go into the back room and cry! WE ARE SORRY! Anyway. Off topic. Tiffany.

I met Tiffany working there and my thoughts were, well, as I said above. To explain Tiffany she's the tall, tan blonde that everyone envy's, yes, but that's not all. She's also one of the nicest, most caring, personable and loyal people you will ever meet and yesterday (Saturday August 23) I was able to witness her baptism and congratulate her as one of the newest members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints.

There is no greater joy than seeing your friends make the decision to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints. To be able to watch them change for the better and see the light that glows in their eyes is beyond rewarding. The church is TRUE my friends! It is the only thing in this life that is going to bring true happiness! The Book of Mormon is true! Everyone should read it. There is something for every single person on this earth in that book and it's great because you can mark the living daylights out of it! I have a strong testimony of prayer. I know that our Father in Heaven does know, love and hear each one of us personally. I love the gospel. It is very real. Joseph Smith did see God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ. President Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet on the earth today. He is the mouthpiece of the Lord. I love him and every member of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, Seventy and so forth. Honestly, I wish I had all the right words to explain the truth and light of this gospel; to be able to explain to everyone exactly what I feel so they can feel the same. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints and I am so, so grateful.

I am also incredibly grateful for Tiffany and the example that she is to me. For the way she helps me grow. A true friend is someone who helps you become a better person and that is something Tiffany does for me. I love her, and the fact that every time I hear her name I sing to myself, "And I said what about breakfast at Tiffany's?" I challenge everyone to strive to be the kind of friend that makes those around you want to be better. You're a fantastic friend, Tiff. Thank you.

Just TWO

Today marks two weeks until my departure for Uganda. In two weeks from this moment I will be on an airplane. In two weeks I will begin what will be the start of the biggest life changing event in my nineteen years of living. I am beyond excited. I'm like a child anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas. I want it here and I want it NOW!

I recently found a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley that explains my decision to go on a three month humanitarian trip to perfection:

You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others.

When I found this quote I was overwhelmed with peace and joy. I am good. The people of Africa need my good and I need theirs. This quote isn't just for me - it can be applied to all of us. We must take the good we have and share it with others to make this world a better place. 

I am so so grateful that I am receiving this opportunity to go and serve those who have not been as blessed as I. And I am so grateful for all the people who have donated their money to make this trip possible. It is going to be a real life-changer and I plan and look forward to sharing it with you all! I hope everyone is getting as excited as I am!  

TWO WEEKS PEOPLE... two weeks.

Much love. 

-Amanda 

*These photos were recently taken by my dear friend Suzanne who is currently in Uganda. I am so in love.

My Oversea Sister

One thing all people should know about me is I'm hungry for adventure. I love traveling-- especially when it's outside the country.

 The summer before my senior year (2 summers ago) I was given the opportunity to represent my city on an exchange to Japan where I went and was taught about their culture. During my stay, I was able to stay with a host family. This family was different than I had pictured in my mind. The household was made up of a dad (Norio), mom (Tomoko), grandma (Kazuyo) and four daughters (Shuu, Suzuka, Momo, & Yua) which I felt was really big for a Japanese family. I loved every moment spent with them and when the time came to come back to America I bawled.. To say the least.

Well. Every year for the last four years my family has hosted a Japanese student and this year it it someone very dear to my heart.

It has been two summers now since I have seen Momo and when I found out she was coming on the exchange this year I took matters into my own hands and made sure she would be staying in my home. Words cannot describe the joy I felt when I was able to see my little oversea sister again. 

Momo is 14 and going into the eighth grade. She tells me that she likes to eat many foods. She said she loves America-- the scenery being her favorite-- and doesn't really miss Japan. She really doesn't speak much English so we go back and forth using the translators on our phones. Thank goodness for technology! She is very cute and I love her to death.

I don't know how many people have had the opportunity staying with a family who speaks a completely different language than you, but it's such a hard/fun/exciting experience all at the same time! I can remember being in Japan and listening so intently when they would speak to each other! It was hard for me to believe the gibberish coming out of their mouths could be understood by another person! I would sit and watch the family communicate with each other in awe. To be honest, it makes me determined to learn as many languages as I can! Now I get to sit in my living room and smile as I talk to my family because I know just how Momo feels! It is so cute to try and communicate with each other and it's amazing that although two people speak a completely different language there is always a way to communicate with one another (a lot of hand gestures are involved).

I love Momo and the whole Matuyama family very much. I am grateful that Momo came to America and I cannot wait to see the rest of her family again someday. Hopefully soon.

"Booty"

Within the last month I have taken a job as a nighttime custodian. Five weeks ago, if you would've told me a custodial job was up for grabs I would've laughed and not wasted a second thought on it, buuuut after humbling myself and realizing that I am nothing but a poor college student I took the job. 'Cause desperate times call for desperate measures, right?

Every night from 9pm-midnight I am cleaning a number of bathrooms. At first I was certain this was going to be the hardest thing I have ever done, but it has turned out to be one of the most fun jobs I have ever had! A lot of that thanks goes to my little partner, Betsy..

Betsy is 4 feet and 11 inches of spunk, whit and Latin attitude. She has one of the greatest personalities I have ever met and not a night goes by where we are not laughing our heads off. One of the many great things about Betsy, that I cherish, is the way she calls everyone "beauty," but with her Latin accent it comes across as "booty." Who can't help themselves but laugh when they're being called "booty" every few seconds! It's literally the greatest! "Talk to me, booty." "It's okay booty." "It's early, booty." I love her very dearly. She's my little piece of Equador and my beauty. 

Whether we're jamming out to Latin hip hop songs, teaching each other our native languages, or basically laying on the toilet seats we're supposed to be cleaning with blood shot eyes because we are too exhausted to move on, we are never not having fun. Just keep in mind every night as you're lucky enough to be going to bed between 9 and midnight, Betsy and I are up cleaning toilets.. Annnd maybe say a prayer for us!

The Countdown is ON!

According to my T-0 App there are officially 36 days 17 hours 18 minutes and 35 seconds until my life changing adventure begins. The fundraising is underway and the anticipation is on. My feelings are a strange concoction of excitement and stomach quenching nerves. I can feel the love for the people I haven't even served yet growing inside me. It is just about safe to say I'm ready for September 2nd!