Okay for those of you that haven't heard...my computer has officially crashed...it doesn't even turn on so the pictures are on hold until I can use shelly's to download all my pictures...right now I am in the process of trying to get them off of my computer and onto cds...and for those of you that know me...I take a lot of pictures.

But needless to say, things are going very well. I am learning so much about life and even more about culture. There is no way to compare the US with Africa...they are on two totally different levels, the people here are different, the food, the entertainment...everything.

This last week Shelly and I went to Jinja and walked all around the nile river!!! BEAUTIFUL!! I have some amazing pictures that I hope to share with you soon. It was soooo peaceful...well except when we got interupted every two minutes by "tour guides" forcing to let them show us around for money...after we already paid to get in...we weren't very nice to them, but it is okay because they had no business asking us for money. Needless to say the bush is where I love to be, I hate the city. Especially here, it is nothing like any other city I have ever been in.

Next week we are hoping to travel north to Gulu. I met a guy, James, who works for Invisible Children, he is in charge of the bracelet program, we have had sometime to talk and get to know each other. He is going to take us up to Gulu sometime next week and show us all around the IDP camps (that hopefully aren't as congested with people since the film was done. www.invisiblechildren.com ) another amazing organization helping children in Uganda. As for Christopher House...we are almost done with our website!!! It should be up and running in the next couple days...be sure to check it out, you will get a really good glimpse of what we do here, all the pictures on the website I took so you can see for yourself the pictures that made it off my computer. Pray that the other ones can be recovered. www.christopherhouseministries.org God is doing good things here, and He is in the midst of Uganda in many many ways, we are just a percent of what He is doing here. Pray for protection and direction as the weeks go on...I am reaching the half way point in my trip and my prayer is that I don't waste a day of it, I pray that God uses me in any and all ways to help benefit these kids and my personal relationship with Him. Thank you guys all for being a part of this journey with me and I hope that through this experience you can see what it really means to love God's people and grasp the importance of living for Christ. I love you all and will be in touch.
In Him,
Sheena

Shelly and her wonderful 5 1/2 hour braid job!
I got a pedicure and manicure it was sooo nice and very inexpensive...15,000 shillings...about $8 for both together!!
my braids!!! I love them! I dont have to wash my hair for over a month...
After 6 1/2 packs of these "darling" extensions and 8 1/2 hours of sitting on my toosh!!
How appropriate!!!
Okay so I am trying to download more pictures for you guys but my computer crashed the other day so it is very difficult...I hope to send more your way soon. Know that the days are flying by and I have been very busy....working, traveling, working, playing...I have been so busy it has been over two weeks since Ive updated this blog and its been a week since Ive written in my journal...for those of you that know me well....that is way too long to go without writing. Keep the emails coming, I love to read them and I will try to respond as soon as I get them. Lots of love from Uganda!!
Thank you all for all of your prayers and support!!!
Sheena

Isaac, Joseph A and Joseph B

These are 5 of the 8 girls that I am mentoring. From right to left...Promise, Sophia, Zalia, Shamirra, and Shammim.
This was my football team for the day!! We dominated....well THEY dominated!
Little Joseph...He is a beauty, he is one of our kids that is HIV positive and will need to be on meds for the rest of his life....we were worried about him for a bit because he didnt' show up to the center for two weeks...just as we were sending someone to go check on him...he and his brother showed up. Apparently his father is sick and in the hospital...his mother has been taking care of him so she wasn't able to get the boys to the center. We were excited to see that they were ok and we welcomed them back with open arms...Joseph used to be VERY shy but he opened up soooo much that day, we talked, laughed, it was a huge blessing!
We have some very precious "little ones" they are more than a joy to have around, not to mention they are soooo loving and adorable....most of the time :)
This is Talapia...I ate it just like this....Im not gonna lie I was a little scared...it was really good though
These are some of our adorable kids...they are precious
She is one of our twins, her favorite activity is art!
Lis I took this picture for YOU! It was a full moon at like 4am, I prayed for you!
What was left of the Talapia!

The joy of Saturday afternoon clutter. We don't wear shoes inside so what better place to put them....than right in the doorway. This is only a quarter of what was there.
A nightmare in itself...the taxi park, again this is just a glimpse of about a mile of taxi's. Not to mention the complete agony and challenge in finding one that is going where you want it to go...not easy. I will take a yellow cab any day over this mess....but it's how we get around here...so we work with it.
Yes this is (was) a snake...a cobra to be exact. It shed this skin in the bushes surrounding our activity center...we aren't quite sure where it is but we have the remains of what looks to be a good size snake. Not to worry, we found its home right next to the bush...a little kerosene and a match should do the trick!
A look at downtown Kampala on a good day. Markets all over every inch of street...people...and of course taxis and boda boda's.

Everyday is a new day. There is so much to see and so much to learn. This week has been filled with events...cockroach killing, bumper to bumper traffic...walking and driving...bargaining every last penny....good meals...not so good meals...hearing the joys of being a kid in Africa...hearing the fears of being a kid in Africa. Everyday is a new day.

Words seriously can't express life here. I was sick this week a little and we think it is because of the pork I ate...that it wan't cooked all the way, or that I drank unboiled bottled water. Apparently we are finding out that people get empty water bottles and fill them with normal unboiled water and then reseal them, plastic seal and all...so it looks like I may have had a bad bottle. Needless to say I will be boiling my own water from now on.

The Lord is working so hard here at CHM, there is so much to be done and I am learning what it truly means to have patience. It is easy for us as Americans to come in with a plan and expect that plan to rapidly become a reality...that is not the way it works here. The culture here is very different and first we have to try to understand their values and morals...if any at all. Anyway please be in prayer for all of us, especially Shelly and I because our mentality on life is different than theirs and it is nearly impossible for them to comprehend what we are trying to get across to them. From our faith and trust in the Lord, to whether it is right or wrong to use caining as discipline...it is just a different world over here, but I trust that God can and will do just as much here as he does in the states. Pray that we stay focused on why we are here and that in due time, lives will be changed for the better.

I miss you all and can't wait to hear from you. I hope to be able to respond more personally to all of your emails next week...Wednesday hopefully, until then this is all I have time for. Know that you are all thought about and thank you so much for your prayers and support!

In Him
Sheena

They absolutely LOVE the camera...and they love digital...to be able to see themselves on the screen two seconds after the picture is taken is amazing to them. Once my camera is out I have to take at least 3 pictures of every kid. They all scream "auntie sheena me me me, auntie let me let me!!"
Our beautiful house!
This is Aaron and Elliot, both come from abusive homes but never miss a day at Christopher house. They always come with smiles from ear to ear, they love it here...actually Aaron is in the Joshua house (Tuesday) and he was at the center every day last week...we just can't push them away eventhough they are only supposed to come twice a week.
My room is the second set of windows on the left.
I was in the process of learning Lugandan...it is very difficult but necessary to communicate with the little kids.
The joys of having a mesquito net!!! I feel like a princess, and it is so peaceful not having buzzing mesquitos at your ears all night...or geckos...or spiders...or cockroaches...lets just say it keeps the bugs out.
An average day in Uganda. A kid or two, a tire...they find amazing ways to have fun with the littlest things...things that we would trash they play with, it is quite eye opening. Another popular toy around here is a water bottle filled with dirt and rocks, it makes a musical shaker...and then an empty jerry can (use them to gather water everyday) they cut the top off, get in it like a little wagon, tie a rope to it and get drug around all over...they love it, it's kind of like a sled.
Typical traffic...this was a good day. Those are taxis with the blue and white checkers...and that is a "bota bota" they are not safe and the drivers are not smart...but then again no drivers here are...
More smiles for the camera!

The kids love to perform. This is on a Sat when we have all 200 kids, these are the little ones...don't be deceived by there size...these kids can seriously dance!

This little one was dancing over in the corner all by himself having the best time...right when I took the picture his "costume" (banana fiber skirt) broke. We fixed it and he continued to shake it. :)
These two boys are really exelling in our art department, they really have an eye for art. Shelly had these two art kits donated by someone back home. This picture was taken when we presented the boys with a "suprise"...they were absolutely speechless, they didn't know what to do with them, at first they thought that they were just theirs to use at the activity center...little did they know that these were for them to do what they wanted with. They are theirs to keep. It was a dream come true for them.
Just a handfull of smiles I have the priveledge of woking with on Sat. Not all of them speak english...so I am doing my best at communicating in Lugandan.
African sunrise!!! Every morning around 6:30 out my window! Perfect way to get my morning started! With my cup of African tea of course.
This was a great day...I taught the kids how to make noise by putting a blade of grass between your thumbs...not many of them caught on right away...this little girl didn't get taught, she was just watching what the other kids were doing and basically she had a huge blade of grass in her palms and she was blowing into her hands expecting a noise...it was priceless and she thought is was halarious.
More precious dancing!
Entering Uganda for the first time!
Africa definately has its own style of everything!
She is one of our best dancers.

Oli otia! Balunge!
(Hello, how are you? We are very good!)

Words cannot describe this place! But I will do my best...It is beautiful yet scary, from hot muggy sun to windy wet storms...all in one day. The first hour in Uganda is a blur because I was blown away at the living conditions and a glimps of survival. To start things off...AFRICANS ARE CRAZY DRIVERS! Way worst than any california driver I have ever witnessed!!! We got here pretty early in the morning on the 15th, we are 11 hours later here so you can imagine how hard it is to catch up on lost sleep.

Our house is amazing! We are so blessed, it is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath with a gorgeous yard and view. The perfect comfortable back patio...and the best part about my room is I have a full mesquito net all around my bed, I feel like a princess...but really it does help keep the bugs outs. Yes we have running water, but we have to boil it all the time and let it set to cool off before we drink it. The electrity has only worked one day since we've been here but there is nothing wrong with candlelight dinners...showers...reading, we just make good with what we have.

Walking the streets of east Africa is very intimidating at first, everyone looks at you funny and all of the kids yell...muzungu! muzungu! (white person) and they run up to us...even if we are in the car, and touch our skin. It was scary at first, I thought I was going to get mugged, but after a couple days of walking around town and I felt a little more confident and comfortable.

All the stories and pictures you have all heard or seen about Africa don't do justice for the real thing. It is crazy how much it all becomes a reality when you are living in the center of it. I pray that some of you get the opportunity to witness this amazing part of the world. The Lord has and is doing a lot of things here and I am more than blessed to be a part of it.

Shelly and I are a great pair, it has been great getting to know each other and traveling together; as the only two munzugu's in town...I think I have seen 4 other white people since I've been here and two of them were mormans (the uniforms gave it away). My favorite part of living here is the morning...a typical morning for me is wake up at 5:30 watch the sun rise with a perfect cup of african tea, then read and write for about an hour outside on the padio, then back to bed for an hour or so...wake up and have another cup of hot tea with Shelly as we enjoy the beauty of Africa and share our thoughts.

As for the kids...THEY ARE SO PRECIOUS!!!! I was a little overwhelmed at first because our first day back at the activity center was a Saturday...for those of you that don't know...all of 150 kids are there at once!!! It was sooooo much fun to see them run and play and sing and dance!! I love to interact with them. They all call me auntie Sheena and of course it is maama Shelly!

I taught them how to make noise by putting a blade of grass between their thumbs...an annoying whistle noise if you will...some of them were trying so hard they cut their lips with the grass, others tried to watch and learn and I found them holding grass between there palms and then blowing as hard as they could into there thumbs. It was priceless. I forgot to tell them to only do this outside during playtime because during quiz time and assembly we had a hard time keeping them quiet and focused, all you could here was annoying blowing and whistling.

Another thing that they had so much fun with were the glow sticks that Shelly brought back. Their attention went out the window at this point, we decided to wait until the end of the day to give out any gifts. I have so many more stories but I also don't want to bore you guys, I meant to post some pictures from yesterday at the activity center but I forgot my computer...I will do it next time.

Until then, I hope you are all doing well in the states. Know that we are in the Lord's hands and He is already doing amazing things, He truly has a hand in Christopher House Ministries and is blessing us left and right. Pray that we can buy a car soon, ours is running well, we just need to sell it and get a better one.
Please keep us in your prayers. Pray for these kids that they will be changed for the good and pray that we don't get hit by any taxi's.
In Him
Sheena and Shelly

I made it to London!!! I am in the airport and have been here for the last six hours. I cant believe I am on another continent already. It is really hard to type on this computer...so I better be quick because my 15 min is running out fast cause I have to press so darn hard on these keys...Im getting cramps in my fingers. The flight was long but good...10 hours and security is rediculous!! We got to have red wine on the flight which was very relaxing. The meals were great and they even gave us blankets, pillows, and socks, oh and also a toothbrush with toothpaste...but heaven forbid you take your own toothpaste on board!

I had 16 movies to choose from...guess what was showing??? Sweet Home Alabama!! Of course I watched it!! Twice!! Shelly and I are doing great, we get along so well and have endless things to talk about. I am in very good hands! Well my time is running out, I just wanted to tell you all that I am half way there. SHELLY ALREADY HAS ME SPEAKING LUGANDEN . I would say something to you all but I have no clue how to spell them...so maybe next time. Thank you all for your prayers, I am doing very well and with a clear mind I am ready to serve our Lord!! I love you all and miss you tons!! Until next time...
In Him
Sheena

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go!

Less than a week and I will be in Africa. A lot has gone on in the last week or so, I celebrated my 24th birthday on Tues with my mom and some friends. It has been good to relax, gather my thoughts, enjoy sunsets and beach walks...these things I have taken for granted all these years.

I had the opportunity to share my presentation to a couple new people since I've been home, and in doing that I have a number of people that are wanting to support me and Christopher House Ministries! It is amazing how God really does take care of the details. I also heard some good news, I will be able to continue raising support while I am over there. This is a huge blessing knowing I still have about $2000 to raise to cover my whole trip. I know it is still a lot but I am amazed at peoples hearts to give to the Lord and I know that the Lord will provide in His timing.

Thank you all who have supported me already and those who are continuing to support me while I am over there. May the Lord bless you for your giving hearts to serve Him!

For any of you that feel led to support me while I'm in Uganda, please send your support to Ukiah Bible Church with my name on the memo section of the check, with a note specifying CHM (Christopher House Ministries). Please note that all donations are tax deductible
2140 Arroyo Rd
Ukiah, Ca 95482

Also be sure to give me your email address so I can keep you updated on details of my trip the best I can. Feel free to send me any and all prayer requests as well, I would love to be praying for you and I'd love to know what God is doing in your life. Thank you again for taking the time to read this and thank you so much for your prayers and support.

Until next time...
Sheena

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

11 days and I'm on my way!

Am I scared? No. Nervous? A bit. Exited? Yes. Prepared? ...I think so. BIBLE? Check. Passport? Check. Shots? Check. Malaria Pills? Check, Check. Pictures of all of you? Check, Check, Check, Check, Check! Advice? That's where you come in! If any of you have any last minute advice for me; I am all ears! I know a lot of you are missionaries, a lot of you have traveled out of the country and most of you know me and can imagine the emotion that is going on with me and my family...so if you have any words of wisdom, I would love to hear it! :)

Spiritually, the Lord and I are hand in hand entering this new chapter of my life! My trust is completely in Him and I am confident in His plans for me and I am so excited and ready to serve!

Prayer Requests:
-My parents...to draw near to the Lord while Im away!
-Draw closer to the Lord every day!
-Preparation in being away from loved ones
-Stay healthy while we are there
-Connect with the people in Uganda, develop healthy relationships
-Safety in travel
-Last minute packing
-Financial Support...I still need to raise the money for living situations, it is about $13 a day.

Thank you guys so much for being a part of this ministry with me. I couldn't do it without you! I will keep you updated as the days get closer!!! :)

By His Grace,
Sheena

"Those who claim to live in Him, must walk as Jesus did!"