I'm here!!

Hello everyone! I am here! It is so crazy to think that I have been here for about a week now. The Lord is so faithful in all He does. My flights got delayed and then I missed connections so I arrived about eight hours later than I thought to Uganda. I was greeted at the airport by (heat and humidity) and Ruth and Daniel, the two who own the orphanage I am currently staying at!

It was so different to drive down the streets here as appose to America. Words cannot describe the differences in full, but on my two hour drive from the airport to Another Hope Children's Ministries my mind was filled with so many thoughts and feelings. A drive that maybe would have taken 45 minutes on our roads took two and a half hours. There were deep divots all over the roads and it is currently the rainy season so all the roads are pure mud. This means driving on the roads are like driving on ice...not fun. Sliding from one side of the road all the way to the other. There were children sitting on the side of the roads, carrying water, looking through dumps for food, but one thing that astounded me was the smiles on there faces as I gave them a smile. As I sat there thinking about our great Lord, what kept coming to my mind was how we DO NOT live for the earthly things, but for the things above. No matter how good, or bad things are here on earth is does not matter because if we believe in the Lord we get to spend eternity in heaven where there is no more sufferings or hard ships. As we drove along I was continually greeted by Muzungu (which means white person/traveler). To them this is not offensive, but just pointing out the differences. Once I got the orphanage so many emotions arose from: being tired, exhausted, grateful, nervous, excited, joyful and so many more.

The first day I did so many different things. I bathed the children, fetched water, helped cook the meals (over a wood stove), washed cloths(by hand), played with the children and so much more. I was exhausted by the end of the day....well actually I am exhausted by the end of everyday! Some facts/fun things about where I am staying:
1. They do not have any standing water where we are so you either collect rain water or if you have enough money you ship it in from far away.
2. There are 37 children here. Seven who are five and younger and the rest or in Primary school, Secondary school or college.
3. Yesterday we just received a three month old from the police. She is precious!
4. I have found cows and chickens and rooters in the cooking house many times..hahah
5. It currently rains for an hour or two everyday during the rainy season (end of October and beginning of November)
6. It is actually quite peaceful where the house is located. It is about three-fourths the way up a huge hill and there are no busy roads for about a twenty minute drive.
7. I bought a SIM card yesterday and it cost about 90 cents in American money.
8. I get the opportunity to lead prayer/devotion every evening with the children.

The Lord continues to teach me so much! Prayers are appreciated! That is all for now, I will try to update as much as possible! I miss you all, hope all is well!

Love,
Nicole