Leaving Bwindi

We are preparing for our departure from Bwindi. Most of us are sad to leave our friends and wish we could spend more time here.

We have a 5 hour journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park where we will do our safari and rest before heading to Mukono.

Our hearts are sad for the loss of our dear Fr John! And we are praying for Carolyn and the family.


- Toni

Photos from Bwindi

A market




-Walking into the Forrest to sleep!




Toni

Uganda Day Two and Three

It has been two very good days! We traveled all day yesterday (14 hours) to Bwindi, to Dr. Scott's and the Batwa.  It was a long journey but we had road for most of the way. We were able to stop for drums and crafts and pictures on the journey. We also were able to purchase roasted meat, mangos, bananas, avocado. It was very yummy!

Today we traveled about an hour to the Bishop's office and to the Bishop's school. It was nice to meet the new Bishop of Kigezi. And then we went to the Bishop's school which our diocese has helped to build. Penny, Letty, and Kristin all had the chance to briefly teach in three different classes. Letty taught colors to the nursery children. Kristin taught a song about insects to the Primary 2 children. And Penny taught thePythagorean therum to a P7 class that was preparing for their final courses.

It has been a very intesting day. The school we were at is an intergrated school of Batwa and Bakiga. It was interesting that you couldn't tell the difference between Batwa and Bakiga. There has been so much development and growth since we were here last time.

Day One in Uganda

We are in Uganda!!! We arrived at our hotel around 1am this morning and enjoyed a quick sleep. Today was spent mostly getting oriented and doing a few errands. We also had the chance to briefly pop in on our friends at the Chain Foundation and greet some of the children.

Tomorrow we begin the 10+ hour journey to Bwindi! Pray for us that the road is smooth and we have no problems on the road. Also pray for continued good health of all our missionaries!

Pictures are coming!!


- Toni

Landed in Amsterdam

We have arrived in Amsterdam! Now for a little shopping, exercise and a snack!



- Toni

Leaving DFW

Team all checked in, fed and waiting for the plane to begin board!


- Toni

Colorado Mission - Day Four

What an awesome day of service! We spent the day working at the Pueblo Raptor and Environmental Center on service projects for the center.

We painted a lot of fence line with stain to help water proof the wood.

Some of our guys and Anna shoveled mulch and helped mulch the garden beds.


After we spent the day serving we had the opportunity to cool off in the VERY cold Arkansas river.

 And then we had the special surprise treat of DQ!!!!

We also have had some really great times of Bible Study and discussion.

And some wonderful meals together.

Spirits are high (fueled by all the "I love you" candy sent by the parents!) and we are looking forward to Pike's Peak and the Cave of 7 winds tomorrow.

Great Sand Dunes

Hiking in the Great Sand Dunes!





- Toni

Colorado Mission - Day Three

What an awesome day full of surprises! In the morning we got up very, very early and drove 3 hours to the south to the Great Sand Dunes. It was a stark beauty! Huge mountains of sand that the base of the Rocky Mountains.  Our group walked to the very top of the Dunes (1.25 miles up to the top) The sand got really hot really quickly but everyone who wanted to get to the top got there (and back!). Some sled down the side of the dunes, some walked only as far as they could, and some rested in the shade after a short journey.

After the dry sandy dunes we drove less than two miles to a gorgeous water fall. We climbed up to where the water fall was pouring down the mountain. It was very refreshing after the dunes!

At the waterfall the first rule of mission came into practice. At some point in the walk a rock came falling down the mountain and struck one of our missionaries in the head. We were able to put our first aid skills into practice and took them to the ER. After two staples they were fine and our team was back together having fun and eating dinner.

Day Three begins

We are off to the Great Sand Dunes and the Falls today. A few pictures posted last night but service is slow and spotty!


- Toni

Colorado Mission - Day One and Two

Hi All!

We have had some difficulty with communications, but the first rule of mission is be flexible! So I'm up super late being flexible! :)

We have had an excellent journey thus far! It is a different trip than most of our kids thought it would be (all though I have been saying all a long it will be different!). We have do only a little "service" and a lot more exploration and adventure and encounter.


Monday we walked through part of the Garden of the Gods!

We didn't have nearly enough time to do all the garden but the youth got a feel for the monuments that they are to God's creative power.

After the garden we went to the 7 Falls where they climbed 224 stairs up the side of a mountain to see out over a scenic view and see the river spill through 7 falls. All the youth made it up the steps and the 1 mile hike - Marette and Toni both made it part way up the stairs before panic kicked in and we headed back to flat ground! The kids tell us it was beautiful and those that were scared were glad they did it!

We then had the opportunity to see fire works at the Air Force Academy with our very own Andrew Fuerst. That was cool! We also had dinner with him and the youth peppered him with questions! :) It was good to see him and the fire works were AMAZING!

Today was a day of hiking and service in the Pueblo Mountain Environmental Center. We took a morning hike to Devils Canyon

where we were forced to turn back from the rocky path by a HUGE swarm of yellow jackets. The hike was beautiful and we all made it! After lunch the youth worked to clear brush and trees in a fire forest projection project. The hauled wood and brush and sweated a lot!


Then we had the first of two stone soup dinners. The girls made dinner for us! It was AWESOME. For $63 they made poppy seed chicken, mashed potatoes, veggies and brownies for the whole team! It was delicious!

We have have had a little attitude issues, but as we got some rest this afternoon and some down time things have improved. The attitude is more about jockying for control and attention and all a part of living in community. We have had some very long days and very full days so that has made everyone a bit tired! Prayers for all of us as we live out community in its mess entirety.

Tomorrow is another long long day ... so I'm off to bed.

We have arrived...

We have arrived safely at our destination and have settled into the lodge! It is a gorgeous place in the wooded mountains (bears are a regular sighting)!

We have set up our rooms and are prepared for tomorrow's adventure.

On our way...

Well we are on our way to Colorado! 18 teenagers 5 adults and one toddler. It should be an awesome amazing God filled trip! The journey is estimated to take us 14 hours -12 driving and the rest stops and meals.

Please pray for our trip!


- Toni

Location:County Road 4840,Haslet,United States