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 :)