I'm bringing 80's back!

Hellooo!

Well we had a lovely Christmas. Not only did we feast on Chicken [a rarity as the chicken here is tough, puny and dry usually!] but we had a delicious chocolate pudding, compliments of Mr. Roberts! My stomach has shrunk since last Christmas so I couldn't eat as much as I usually do on Christmas day, but we were all left very full and happy. However the meal just wasn't the same without my classic tradition of mint jelly!

After lunch with everyone, Esther and I went down to the Orphanage to drop off their presents. We'd spent the previous day wrapping 40 presents for each of the children. For the older kids we had a notebook, pack of colouring pencils and a toy of some sort- a pony for the girls and a small fighter jet for the boys. For the younger kids instead of the notebook we gave them a soft toy, pack of pencils and a toy car. And they absolutely LOVED it! Their reactions were priceless! I filmed it, so I'll be sure to show you all when I get back.

It really impacted me- you wouldn't even think that the gifts we gave these kids were all that special- but they are used to having little to nothing, so it meant the absolute world to them. They were jumping up and down and screaming whilst holding their presents- I've never seen kids so happy! Makes you realise kids back in Australia are pretty spoilt! I couldn't imagine them getting so excited over a pack of pencils! But I guess we are just very blessed- all I can say is I am very grateful to my parents for giving me so much growing up- I don't know if I was fully appreciative of it at the time- but I certainly am now! Overall it was a great Christmas, and gong to see the kids was the most special- I really understand now why parents go to so much trouble for Christmas- to see the joy on children’s faces when they get their presents is worth every hour of wrapping!

Oh and the case of the missing shoes has been solved! The other day when we went to the drop-in Christmas party, one of the boys was wearing them! He says he bought them off the street- we don't know for sure, but he needed them more than I did- so it doesn't really matter- and anyways, I must be accepted here- it’s kind of a given if people steal from you and get them sold straight away! Ha-ha

We went to Lake Bunyonyi today- it’s not far from Kabale- it’s the deepest lake in Africa and is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I'll post some pictures of it soon on face book.

Oh and I took my braided hair last night- and lets just say, it looked as if I'd stuck my finger in a powerpoint or was trying to bring back the 80's! Cindy Lauper would of been proud! I'm getting it re-done on Saturday by a friend of ours [she insisted!] and this time i'll be sleeping with a cotton cap on as to stop it getting so fuzzy! So it should be good!

Well hope you all had a lovely Christmas. My next update will probably be after we get back from Queen Elizabeth- so have a fantastic New Year!

Love,
Olivia

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Can't believe its only 1 day away! I hope you are all looking forward to it, and that you'll spend some lovely time with family and friends celebrating the birth of Jesus!

Well the kids Christmas party went really great. They had an absolute ball! We made them a tone of food- I myself made about 200 biscuits and a 15 litre vegetable soup! [we had 70 people to feed!] And as you can imagine, it took ALOT of time, but seeing how happy they were, made it totally worth it. The funniest thing was that the kids had eaten so much, and their bellies so full, that they were unable to sit comfortably- they kind of had to sit on an angle! Very funny. I think there will be a lot of good memories for them. We also had a giant pass the parcel game with them, each of them getting a lollie and two balloons.

We also played musical statues, which was quite hilarious- Rachel you'd be proud- I taught them the resuscitation dance- very amusing- and now our dance has truly gone global!

We've got the drop in centre Christmas Party today, where all the boys are receiving their new clothes- I can't wait! I'll let you know how it went.

Well better go,

Lots of love to everyone! Merry Christmas and see you all soon enough!

Love Olivia

The Case of The Missing Shoes

Hey All,

Here is a little picture from the other day at the Orphanage- when we were singing 'Jesus loves me this I know'- this little girl was fully into praising God- it was beautiful!

Now, I have some bad new and some good news- the bad news- our property was broken into last night- a street kid we presume climbed over the security gate into our yard. [The only night our security man was away!] Only our shoes which were sitting outside the front door were stolen, and the good news- they did not break into the house! My feeling is, I will find my shoes- probably at the markets for sale! Luckily, they were only cheap k-mart volley rip offs, so no harm done! Anyways, I really feel welcomed in Africa now- you can’t truly be welcomed here until you’re robbed- so its all good! [You can get up off the floor now Dad, there’s nothing to worry about! Hehe]

Now to some fantastic amazing news- but I have to start from the beginning first. Back in January, my friend Joey and I decided to embark on a little entrepreneurial charity work- we managed to get our hands on some very cheap exercise books- so cheap in fact, that we bought one thousand one hundred and ten of them for the small price of $11! Our goal was to take these books with me to the orphanage. However the cost of postage far outweighed the value of the books- [around $5000 to send them!]. So I had an idea to try and sell them back home and use the money in Uganda for the orphanage- so not only would it be cheaper for us, but we would resource the Ugandan’s by buying from them as well. Well thanks to all of those who did help us, because you helped to raise a grand total of $700! [Nice return of $11!] Of which 100% was given to Pastor Edward and the Victory Church team. And now to the awesome news- they were able to use the money for getting all the orphanage kids 3 whole sets of clothing each!! That’s 120 outfits! This was amazing, because the clothes they had, were in great need of replacement- anyone with kids could image how far 2 sets of clothing would last one child for a whole year- not very long, so such a blessing!

And that’s not all- that was only half of the money! The other half went to the drop-in centre and helped to buy the boys new clothes as well- they each get a new pair of trousers and a shirt for Christmas! As well as that, the money has gone towards throwing a Christmas Party for the street boys and the Akunjguka kids- a great opportunity for us to share with them about the birth of Jesus and his love for all of us. So its very exciting! We’ve got the Akunjguka party tomorrow and Lisa and I have been very busy baking special treats for the kiddies- we really want to spoil them- they’ve only been in Akunjguka for a year, so they haven’t really experienced the joys of Christmas, so I can’t wait! Also, when I was back in Kampala with Esther, we got some gifts for the kids as well- but instead of us just giving it to them, we’re going to give it to them, and then get them to give it to another child- as to teach them about the gift of giving, not just receiving. Sadly, in a society where the only option is survival, kids can miss out on the gift of giving, so lets hope this is a valuable lesson for them! Then the Immanuel drop-in centre party is on Wednesday- so I’ll have to take some pictures of the boys in their new clothes- its going to be very special!

I can’t believe Christmas is only 3 days away- that’s nuts! This year has gone so fast! It will be good though- all the Missionaries from Australia, Scotland and the UK [so the Roberts, myself, Pam and Eddie, Esther, and a couple named John and Judith] will be getting together on Christmas day, and having a little ‘traditional Christmas’- well as best as you can have in Uganda! We’re having a roast meat, Christmas Cake- ginger bread men [I’m making them today], and some more traditional things that they have in the UK and Scotland I presume- we’re all bringing a plate, so it’s going to be really nice!

Then on the 28th we’re off to Queen Elizabeth National Park for my birthday- so don’t worry Mum and Dad- I won’t be alone for my birthday- I think its going to be a very special 21st! Who wouldn’t love to be in this amazing place, any time of the year!

Well I better go, got a lot of baking to do.
Lots of Love and a very Merry Christmas.
Love Olivia.

P.S. ‘Happy 9 months’ Andrew for tomorrow- hehe. I love you!

The Little Muzungu has turned Makiga

Hello to those in the land of Oz,

Well yesterday I took the ‘plunge’ and got my hair braided. After quite a wait for my hairdresser to turn up, there was a lengthy discussion on how exactly they should do it. I don’t think the hairdresser had ever braided Muzungu hair as she was thinking I wanted the synthetic braids that they use- [she thought without the synthetic braids, my hair would not hold as it was too soft] after explaining that I was happy to just have my own hair braided- I was told it was going to cost 80,000 shillings.[About $70 AUS] Which I was not willing to pay! [Turns out she meant 18,000 but that got misunderstood in translation!] Luckily we convinced her to just have a go and see what she could do- and I think she had a ball! She hadn’t braided real hair that was so long before. After much pulling and a little pain, my hair was braided! And it only took about an hour and half- much shorter than I thought it would take! And the best of all, it was only 7000 shillings, which is the cheapest hair design I’ve ever had done at a salon before! I’ll be going back again before I leave, as one can imagine, that as Makiga [pronounced Ma-chig-ga, the name given for an African here] as I would like to be, my hair is and always will be Muzungo- soft and slippery and prone to fuzziness! The kids at the Orphanage loved it- I told them I was a Muzungu Makiga- of which they cracked up with laughter- went down well with the Boda Boda drivers too- got us a discount on our trip back home! Hehe.

After I got my hair done, Luke and I [the son of the people I’m staying with] walked down into town and caught a boda boda out to the orphanage to see the kids. I was going to do a sports program with them down at another churches park. Their head Mum, Pamellah was at the Markets so we waited for a while for her to come back. We filled in the time by teaching the kids an extended version of the chicken dance, and again, the Macarena- they thought it was very amusing. I also took a bunch of photo’s- and fun was had by all. We finally took them to the park where we played “What’s the time Mr Lion” [cultural corrections made of course] a game of tunnel ball, red rover and their favourite- statues. I think they really loved running around in all that open space- it was so cute seeing some of them go a little crazy- and all of them had big grins on their cheeky little faces! I don’t know who had more fun- us or the kids!

We then took a bicycle back into town to do some grocery shopping. The bikes are much more leisurely and peaceful than a boda boda- however our drivers thought it would be funny to freak out the Muzungu’s, by speeding up before a hill and flying down it! Gave one that awful feeling of falling, like on a rollercoaster. All I can say is I’m glad there were no pot holes in that particular area of road, or the little Makiga Muzungu may of learnt how to fly!

Today I’m going out with Pastor Edward to visit a project village that World Vision have at a place called Bukinda [the letter k here is pronounced the same as ch]. It’ll be great to see how the money people back in Australia have put towards their sponsor children, has actually made a difference. I can’t wait to take some photo’s and show people back home, when I’m on the stand- I think it will be very useful.
Tomorrow I’m going shopping with Pam from the drop in centre, to help buy some clothes for the boys for Christmas. Should be fun.

Oh and just got some good news- for my 21st birthday we’re all going to Queen Elizabeth National park- and staying there for a few nights- its dirt cheap, [pun intended! But only $30 a night!] and we’ll get to see some elephants, antelope, warthogs, lots of hippos and HOPEFULLY a lion or leopard! I Can’t wait!
Well that’s all for now. I’ll update in few days.

Kali kali [byebye]
Olivia

The Real Street Fighters

Hey All,
First of all I want to say another BIG thank you to Shane Harris and his company for giving me this laptop- it has been an absolute blessing- especially for my latest task of preparing 11 child sponsor progress reports! I really appreciate it, thank you so much!

So yesterday I walked down into town with Lisa to go to the Drop-in Centre. The centre, called Immanuel is run by a very special couple named Pam and Eddie. They gave up everything back in England to come to Uganda full time [volunteering by the way!] and run the centre. And whilst they won’t admit it, in a short 18 months they have made an enormous difference to many people’s lives. From the short time I’ve spent with them, I can see they are parents to many street boys- many who have not experienced the love of a ‘mummy’ or ‘daddy’. Something I think many of us take for granted.

My task for the morning was to interview all the street boys who are now sponsored by people in Australia and the UK to go to school. I thought it would be simple- prepare a progress report for all the sponsors about how their child is going at school and how their sponsorship has made a difference. I had my list of criteria outlined and the questions I would need to ask to fill out the profiles. My first interviewee was a boy named Hanington. I learnt his name, his age, his favourite subject at school, his report card and what he thinks about God. I took my notes then interviewed the next boy. After a while, things began to change for me. After each interview, Pam would fill me in about each boy’s background. Slowly this task became more than just writing a report- each of these boys had a story to tell. Each has been through many horrendous experiences. One boy, around 15, lost both his parents and now supports his 2 younger brothers- and sadly this is a common occurrence. These boys have been forced to grow up at a very young age- nearly all losing either one or both parents, undergoing abuse, trauma and poverty.

These boys are the real street fighters. Many are angry, hurt, and stubborn- yet there is hope. Through Immanuel and the love of God shown through Pam and Eddie, their pain and hurt has been chipped away- little by little. Whilst I heard many stories that you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy, there were success stories as well. Take Lucky for example- he is the only Christian in a family of Muslims. He came to Immanuel from the streets, seeking food and a bath. [Pam and Eddie provide healthy meals for about 40 street boys aged between 12-18, 5 days a week] Lucky was originally hesitant towards schooling- he’s lead a hard life- people have not treated him well- he was hurt, and had a lot of walls up- yet after some of his friends were sponsored to go to school, he too decided to give it a try. Part of the agreement of going to school is also going to live back home- so he moved back home with his mother and grandmother. And what a transformation there has been in this young 13 year old! He is now in grade 3, and is first overall in his class. He received first prize for handwriting and works extremely hard in his work- Pam said he studies hard outside school and just loves school- a big change since his initial reaction towards education! He is also a keen vegetable grower- he grows it for his family- and thanks to the support of his sponsor back in Australia he is looking forward to a life of purpose and hope.

Lucky is just one of many of the street boys who are working hard to change their life- and it’s not easy. These boys are sometimes pretty stuck in their ways- they’ve had to survive in the toughest of circumstances, yet I am so inspired by their stories. It makes any challenge I’ve been through look measly in comparison. It’s a good reminder for all of us to thank God for how blessed we are in Australia. All of us get it least one meal a day, we have someone that thinks the world of us, and heck, we wouldn’t even think about having to plan for our younger brothers or sisters futures as our parents are dying of Aids. We just have it so good!

Already in my short two weeks in Africa- I am being changed- there are so many people here- so many people craving love- craving someone to tell them they matter. For me a big example of this was when I was visiting an orphanage in Kampala. In one room, the orphans had written in chalk on the wall- “ Never Forget _______” and they would write their name. These kids want someone to know they care- someone to remember them, to know that their life is not wasted- that they matter and are here for a purpose and a reason. My hope for my time here in Africa is that if I can show one child that they matter- that I love them and they have a reason to be here in this world, then I have succeeded.

My message to my friends and family reading this is this: do your friends and family know how much you love them? Do they know that they matter in your life? Do you show them they have a purpose in this world? Because I’ve noticed that in a place like Africa where there are SO many people without love, without family, without hope- this is what they crave- to know that they matter. We have it so good in Australia- don’t waste our opportunities- don’t waste our blessings- because there are so many people who would swap in an instant to have what we have.

Peace out for now.
Olivia.

The little Muzungo thinks the hills are alive

Hey All,

So I've been in Kabale for a few days now, and it is a very beautiful place. The whole place is surrounded by the most beautiful bright green rolling hills I've ever seen, and gives one a very strong erge to sing "The hills are alive with the sound of music". The picture beside just does not do it justice!

Yesterday I finally go to go out to Akanyijukua [pronounced a-cun-i-jar-ka] and meet the most adorable little kiddies- I was bursting to play with them- and we had a lot of fun. I wasn't sure quite what to do, so I thought we'd play a game of tag- except they didn't quite understand what I was doing- I'd tag, then run, and they'd run after me- but not to chase, just to follow. Luckily, Pastor Edward [who now calls me his Muzungo daughter, totally my honor to be by the way!] helped to explain the concept of the game. After a while, the kids grew tired [okay not really, I grew tired!] and they invented a new game- "Copy the Muzungo" where for about an hour they copied everything I did- it was adorable! Taking advantage of the situation, I taught them the chicken dance, the macarena and finally everyone's favourite sunday school song- Father Abraham. This singing then resulted in them singing to me and we played for quite some time in a big circle, dancing and singing lots of songs- I thought I was doing a pretty good job at dancing- but it was recieved with laughter more than anything else! I don't blame them!

I also got a breif tour of Victory Community Centre- the drop in centre for street kids- I'm looking forward to seeing what I'll be able to do there- however I think I will not be the only one who teaches a lesson or two- as in most cases, these environments tend to change you more than anything!

Pastor Edward then took me out to see the land they are going to build the new school and orphanage on- its beautiful as well- everywhere here seems to have an amazing view!

Today I got to go out to the orphanage again, where I told bible stories and we did colouring with the children- [ I now have blisters on my fingers from sharpening pencils!]. The kids may look tiny and young, but I was impressed with their drawings! Very good depictions of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. We then amused ourselves with Frisbee's and baloons- another good day.

I just got back from an afternoon at a conference- the Senior pastor from a big church around here was speaking- he had a lot of challenging things to say. A lot on how being a Christian is more than getting 'saved' its about living your faith- he gave the example that just because Judas, one of Jesus' desciples was with him for three years, didn't guarentee his salvation or redemption even though he was seeing all his miracles and being around him. Rather it is how you live, and unfortunately for Judas, things didn't turn out so flash. But he encouraged that we are called to live more than just 'salvation' as a choice, but rather seek God and live God and help others come to know him. I really enjoyed it.

Tomorrow is my day off- so not sure what I will get up to... Pastor Edward needs a book scanned- 240 pages worth- so I'm sure that will keep me busy! But its not bad- once you start, you just get a rhythm going!

Well not much more to say, so I'll update in a few days!

Cheerio for now,
Olivia

Final Destination Reached

Hello All,

Well I am finally in Kabale! After a long 8 hour journey [we left at 6am!] I am here. I'm staying with the Roberts- pastors from Australia and their 13 year old son Luke. I am all settled in- I have my own nice sized room, complete with bed, desk and dresser! Yay no more suitcase living!

Feeling pretty tired- the roads to Kabale are nuts! Pot holes the size of swimming pools and speed bumps that are more like small hills makes me appreciate our roads back home. And to think Australia spends millions on our roads.. gee!

Nothing much else to update.. but thought I would let you know I'm here finally.

Catch you in a day or two!

From the little Muzungo,
Liv

You Have the Right to Remain Silent Mam

Hey all,

Well my day started off interesting after my last blog- Esther and I were on our way to Ttula to see the orphanage kids, but we had to go via another orphanage in Kampala to pick up a man named Patrick and a few other kids and chickens [literally they came too- sitting in the back with us all! see above picture!], but first we stopped by the markets so patrick could get some veggies- we pulled over on the side of the road and about 2 mins later this Police Officer comes by yelling at Esther that she now has a ticket because her car is parked crookedly- however, we did not understand what on earth he was going on about- it was a mix of Luganda and English, and only later did we figure it out- however, he was not happy and ordered me to get out of the front seat, while he hopped in so he could take us down to the station- meanwhile Patrick was not back, so we had to try and explain that we were waiting for someone- finally Patrick came back and whilst on our way to the station, he managed to convince the officer to stop and get out- leaving us confused, but glad! We later found out Patrick bribed him with about $20 and the nice notificication that his sister in law was the officers superior! Thank goodness for connections! Welcome to Africa liv!!

We finally made it to Ttula- a large part of the slum areas- quite overwhelming to think people have to live like that, but once again, as I found from my last trip- these kids no matter how poor they are, are so happy! When we got there I go to meet the most adorbale kiddies- and the liv is back- I took LOTS of photo's! I can't wait to show everyone! The kids were having a charity walk, with a marching band and all- they went parading down the streets- it was really cool! All in all a wonderful afternoon. Also, I'm thinking that I should make orange/red my new favourite colour as it seems to get EVERYWHERE from the mud, and is the new accessory to all my clothing!

Yesterday we went to Kampala Pentecostal Church [KPC] and WOWSA- soooo cool. Its a part of Watoto- they have 4 services on a sunday with over 1000 people in each- so you can just imagine the singing- gave me goosebumps. It challenged me a bit- Africans are so passionate about God and church- if the singing wasn't enough, it stood out to me that people were there before 7am just so they could get a seat!

Last night to chill, Esther and I went to a Christmas Carols evening at a Cathedral a little out of town- and WOW- was pretty awesome- nothing like our carols back home- unfortunately hi 5 did not make an appearance, however, it was an anglican style service, and the singing was just beautiful.

Today Esther and I went shopping at the markets- a truly indescribable experience- just imagine 1000000000342340238942 people all squished together in a space of about the size of half of Chermside Shopping centre- I'll have to get some pictures next time we go- there's everything from used leather belts, ski jackets and 1800's style irons- to the worst- a 'fresh' chicken stall- I had to close my eyes- poor little chicky's were getting plucked alive! That's African life for you! I really should be less squirmish shouldn't I?
We went mainly to the markets to get supplies for the Orphanage in kabale- we managed to get a few things, but unfortunately because we are Muzungo's, we tend to get ripped off alot- everything is pretty much priced the same as Oz- but I just know the kids are going to LOVE what we got them.

On Wednesday I will be travelling to Kabale- no more crazy bumpy bus for me- one of Esther's friends Dad is visiting and he has to go via kabale for work, so he's offered to take me and Audrey down there- thank goodness- I wasn't really looking forward to the 12 hour bus ride!

Tomorrow I'm not going to be doing very mcuh- I think I need a chill day! I might take a Boda Boda to the World Vision Office- its not far away, or take some more photo's from around the place.

Well hope this has been enough to let you know what I've been up to!
Probably won't be able to to update till Kabale, so peace out for now!

Cheerio,
Olivia

Eye of the Tiger

Hello All!!!

Well I am finally here. Sorry its taken a while to update- I haven't had access to the internet since I got here. Getting here took a VERY long time- From the time I left my hotel in Sydney, till touch down in Entebbe, I was awake for about 37 hours- I managed to get a nap or two, but sleeping vertically does not give one the greatest rest. Once I arrived in Entebbe, I got picked up by a girl named Audrey and a taxie driver Max. The song from Rocky- eye of the tiger will forever be my Uganda song now, as that was Max's song of choice as we were leaving the airport. It was so amazing to finally be in Africa- after such a long wait- and flight to get there! I'd have to say, I jumped straight into an adventure as soon as I stepped foot in Uganda, as the taxi ride was more like an adventure rollercoaster! [Drag racing eat your heart out!] There seems to be NO rules when it comes to driving i've gathered, just get where you need to go, as fast as you can! Of which we did- I found it best not to look- as everytime I did, it looked as if we were about to have a collision! This experience was a big fat "Welcome to Africa" and secretly, I loved every minute of it!

We arrived at Esther's place [she's a lovely teacher in Kampala and I'm staying with her a few days before I go to Kabale], and I slept for about 17 hours. The next day I managed to get up and go for a little exploration outside the compound where we're staying. Its a big dirt road with brick houses all around. The kids I saw were adorable and kept calling me Muzungo, which means "white person". I didn't stay out for long, as my jetlag started coming back again!

Yesterday Esther and I travelled to Garden City, which is the 'Chermside Westfield' of Kampala. I even got to travel on a Bota Bota which is a motorbike. Both of us hopped on the back and dodged our way through traffic [again better not to look where we were going!]. It was heaps of fun though. But daddy do not look up what these are, you'll only have a heart attack! hehe. All in all it was a great time.

Today we are going to an orphanage in a place called Tula- they don't have a lot of support, so its a very poor orphanage. The kids sleep on the floor and don't get a lot to eat, so I think it will be a very eye opening experience. Really looking forward to it.

Suprise! I haven't actually taken ANY photo's in Africa yet- but today at the orphanage I will. I hope to capture something that I can take back to Aus and show people how fortunate we really are.

On tuesday I will be traveling to Kabable by bus with Audrey. This ride can take up to 12 hours on a VERY bumpy road, so wish me luck! Good thing I would have recovered from Jet Lag by then. I think I will miss Kampala- even though its insanely busy- I like it here. I'll be back in Feburary though, so I can visit my sponsor child.

Well better be off. Don't know when I'll get to write next, but know I'm doing well, I'm totally loving it here, and am going to find it extremely hard to come back to Aus I reckon. Good thing I love a lot of people back home- or else I might of stayed! hehe.

Talk soon,
God Bless,
and thanks again everyone for your support- I wouldn't be here without it! Thank you!!!

Love Olivia

Safe and Sound

Hey everyone,

just a little inside info for those who are wondering about Olivia's progress so far... she has arrived safely in Kampala, Uganda after a very long trip. I'll let her fill you in on all the details and prayer requests when she is able to get internet access. cheers, Andrew (VIP)

p.s. hope you don't mind me posting for you Liv- just thought people would like to know you are safely on African soil :)

Military Coup's, Better Electrical, terrorists and Maharaja's

Hi All,

Unfortunately I am writing you from an Australian Computer at the moment. For those who haven't heard, my flight to Uganda has been postponed until Tuesday. Early Friday morning we recieved the call [3 hours before departure!] from the travel agent informing us that due to the protests in Bangkok [the second stint of my journey] turning into a military coup, my flights have been cancelled. After much umming and ahhhing and crazy amounts of efforts from the agent, I am now flying to Uganda via Sydney, then onto India [Mumbai] for 9 hours, then onto Nairobi, then finally into Entebbe- about an hour from Kampala. [Uganda's capital]. Whilst there have been major security concerns after the terrorist bombings in Mumbai, I don't have to worry [you either Mum or Dad!], because I rang the Department of Foreign Affairs and they have recommended that I fly via Mumbai, as it would be safer and more reliable than going via Bangkok [another option- on the 7th]. So its official, I WILL be departing Tuesday night for Sydney, then Wednesday morning for India, then all through the night to Kenya, and finally, Entebbe.

Its interesting, whilst there was major dissapointment on not going on Friday, some amazing things have happened since. For those that know me well, know that I sometimes like to dream big, and my latest effort of this was recieving a free laptop. Two days before leaving I realised that my laptop would not hold up for my trip- so I prayed, and then said to my friends that I would get a free laptop by Friday. Whilst they laughed, I know God heard my need- because by Friday I had a free laptop- thanks to my mum calling up an old friend, and wonderful Better Electrical wanting to support me, I now have a mini MLI laptop- that has everything I could possibly need- and its pink too! So thank you God for providing for every one of my needs! When we went to pick it up Friday, I got my picture taken with the General Manager, so it was all pretty exciting! I'll keep you updated, as they are doing a press release on it soon.

Well I better go, I am off to Church now, my last Aussie Service for quite some time.

Africa, here I come.

Talk soon!
Olivia.

One Day to Go

Hey All,

So its one day before I leave for Uganda. I'm feeling pretty excited and nervous! I cannot believe the day I've been waiting for, for over four and a half years is 24 hours away! Still got quite a few things to do- like pack and get a few last minute items- but it will all come together I'm sure!

One thing I just wanted to say before I go, is how grateful I am to everyone for supporting me for this trip- your efforts raised funds up around the *drum roll* $2000 mark, so I pray that you will all be totally blessed! As your generosity will enable me to do SOOO much in Uganda. Its also fantastic, because God has used you all to be such a confirmation for me. It just goes to show when God wants something to happen his favour is ALL over it. So the biggest lesson for me is that NOTHING is impossible for our AMAZING God! I'll be keeping you all up to date as much as I can about where those funds are going!

Oh and here is a little info about where I am going and what I will be doing.

I'm travelling to a place called Kabale- its in the South West of Uganda- about 8 hours drive from the captial of Uganda- Kampala. I'll be living with a missionary family from Australia for about 11 weeks or 74 days to be exact! [Thanks Andrew for counting!], where I will be assisting in an Orphanage and drop in centre for Street kids. I'll be helping with Literacy, admin, sponsorship, cooking, teaching and Jesus Sharing- as well as many other things. I cannot wait!!!

Well I better go,

Keep me in your prayers- I fly to Bangkok first, so its a little nerveracking getting there and staying there over night! But I know with God going before me I'll be fine.

See you all in Feburary!

Lots of Love and talk to you when I'm in Africa!

Olivia :)