Monday, August 2nd - A week of Firsts

This past week was a week of victorious firsts - I saw my first snake! I have been hearing stories about these amazing, scary, dangerous, sneaky creatures, but have never laid eyes on one here. On Wednesday, I kept hearing a 'thwap, thwap, thwap' outside and I finally went out to find one of my 4-plex neighbors hitting a snake, that was resting on the verandah, with a stick. Now, let me clue you all in on a little secret - this snake was about the size of an earthworm - but it was black and it had the potential to grow into a very large, venomous creature. So, needless to say, the snake wasn't anything to be nervous about, but I can say that I have seen one!

Another 'first' that I was able to do was oxen plowing. I joined my family group for an afternoon of ox plowing and let me tell you; it is harder and easier than it looks. Harder in keeping it straight, but easier because I need to remember that the oxen are the ones doing the plowing - not me. At least I was able to give a few people some laughs.

As I was walking to church on Sunday morning, I got to see my first "Snake Stoning." There was a green black mamba - I don't know how that works, but they said it was a black mamba - even though it was green. People were stoning it outside of the church, which was rather humorous. But the men and boys were being our protecters by getting rid of a potential threat.

My final "First" for the week started yesterday - I was going to wash dishes and I heard a rattling behind one of my jerri cans and some 'fleshy feet' ran across my own foot! I let out a nice yelp and 2 friends came to my rescue. I then recruited 2 guys from across the way to play "Rat Hunt." Since the Sunday Volleyball games were cancelled due to the rain, I figured this would be a nice activity for them to do - and I was also too freaked out to search for it. They set the traps laced with a rat's favorite - tomato. This afternoon, I caught my first rat! It was quite the sick thrill - The thing was so gross, but I did take a picture of it.

Hopefully all the startling "Firsts" are finished for at least a while. But now that I think of it - startling "Seconds" are sometimes equally as frightening...

Tuesday, July 28th

Experiencing a bit of writer's block today - As I sit at my kitchen table, I was caught staring at my 2 dozen roses that I bought in Kampala - Where else could I find 2 dozen beautiful roses for $1.50? Bargain of the week - Grandma Helen, you should be proud!

Friday, July 23rd - Glory Days

This past week feels as if it was barely here. It has come and gone and now I'm here - haven't written anything since Sunday.

Interesting story that pertains to teams -The team that just left Kasana went on safari over the weekend. On Monday, the day they were due to arrive back at Kasana, I receive a text message from a New Hope Staff member who was hosting the team on safari. The text said that the 'thing that holds the front wheels together had broken.' My immediate reaction was one that I am not too proud of - I busted out laughing! What actually had happened was that the thingy that keeps both wheels steering in the same direction (I am by no means a mechanic) had broken and a team member used his belt to hold it together until they were able to push the vehicle to a safe spot. The team made it back safely - many hours after their anticipated arrival, but they made it back. We sent up different vehicles to retrieve them and now they all have a story or two to tell everyone back home.

I am finally finished with my parasite medication - at times, the medication's side effects were worse than the parasite. But for now, I'm fine.

Yesterday was the Institute's turn to help maize harvest. It was fun to be out and working alongside my classmates and the students from the secondary school. Picking maize brought back the glory days of selling sweet corn as a child. Oh, how I thought it was the worst job ever! Especially when my grandma made me wear a sign advertising our sweet corn!

Today is Parent's Day at the Primary School. We are playing games, laughing and enjoying one another's company. Supposedly I am one of the judges, but I will have to wait and see. Whatever I end up doing, I'm sure it will be a blast. The kids in David Family are sure excited to participate in it!

Sunday, July 18 - Beauty

Well, I am back - I apologize for my silence. The past few days have been rather rough, but thankfully I am on the mend. My first encounter with a parasite has proven to be one that I hope to never experience again, but sadly may come in contact with in the future.

One of the current teams at New Hope is leaving today for another ministry in Uganda and it is going to be sad to see them go. They were such a help in the Primary school and their enthusiasm and joy for what they are doing is something that can only be brought on by the Father. What a blessing they have been.

Family Group last night was something absolutely beautiful - it is hard to explain though. The power was out, so the moon and stars were the only lights in the sky. The whole family sat outside the main banda, and with guitar and djembes in hand, we all sang and sang and sang. It felt like something out of a movie - so peaceful, amongst all the potential chaos around us - singing praises to their Father and doing so without reservation. Beautiful.

Wednesday, July 14

Now that the country has settled down a bit and the power is back on, I can write. Thank you again to everyone who has prayed for our safety here and for the country of Uganda as a whole. Please continue to pray for peace.

My cousin, Becca, left for the states today - she came and stayed with me when I first arrived and it so strange to not have her presence here now. I am excited to see what God has in store for her life and hopefully she will come back to visit. There are a number of people here that already miss her (not just me).

Maize harvest is coming up next week and all of New Hope is encouraged to participate. It is very much a community affair - all staff, students, families, etc. become involved and it is fun to see some of the staff and children in a new environment and enjoying one another's company as we labor together.

The Institute continues to challenge me daily. We are starting to dig even deeper into the root of how our "World Lenses" have been formed and what are their foundations. I am only in week 2 and have already learned so much!

It is technically the dry season now, since we are nearing harvest, but I get the privilege of listening to the soft rain on the tin roof and appreciate the coolness that it brings to the night. Ah, the relief rain brings.

Everything OK (relayed message)

Hannah asked me to post that everything is ok. She hasn't been able to post recently because of a power outage and she is trying to use her computer sparingly. She'll begin posting again once power gets restored.

Reporting live from South Canada on Uganda,

Will Kusler

Hannah's Brother

Monday, July 12 - All is Well

I wanted to send out a quick note letting everyone know that I am safe and well. The bombings that happened in Kampala did not affect us here - One of the many advantages of living in the bush!

But I will be completely honest with you all - it definitely snapped me back into the reality of where I am and has caused me to be even more in prayer as the upcoming elections are to be held sometime in the first few months of next year.

I will hopefully post more later on this evening.

Thanksgiving!

Yesterday morning I was able to join David Family in the gardens. It was ground-nut harvesting time and we were digging away. Ground-nuts are similar to small peanuts and are used to make sauces and can be roasted to eat plain. They said that the harvest has had a good yield so far, but will wait and see after we let them dry. I now have a nice wound on my hand, but it was definitely worth it.

Today is Thanksgiving at Kasana - 2 Thanksgivings in one year! Last night we were busy making our banner for David Family and it looks great! It truly was a family affair - there were disagreements, helpers, hinderers, but overall a good time was had by all. I'm hoping to get some pictures of Thanksgiving up tonight.

African Rain

The team arrived yesterday and they are all trying to adjust to the time change. Hopefully they were able to sleep through the night.

The electricity still continues to be great. Since I've been here, there have only been a few days without power and the thought of getting solar is being pushed to the back of my list of "Things to Do." I wonder if the World Cup has anything to do with the power being so good... After Sunday night; we shall see.

It is hard to believe that I have almost been here an entire month! As I was attempting to fall asleep last night, I remember thinking, "Things feel 'normal.' I really feel at home now."

This morning I am enjoying listening to the sounds of the African rain. Now all I can think of is this acapella group that sings "The Rains down in Africa." The only way they could have made the song more realistic is by adding in some cricket and bird noises - now we're talking.

Dream update: The dreams have been non-existent (well at least of what I can remember). I think I am feeling more rested because of it.

His Story

Today was the start of the Institute, and it was a very good one. We started by sharing about ourselves - our stories, testimonies, how He brought us here - and it has been a great way to get to know people so that we can learn even more from one another. It has been amazing to see how God reveals Himself through situations - weaving in and out to create a story that truly is His.

Another team arrives to New Hope tomorrow and I am excited to welcome them here. They will be helping out with some maintenance projects and lending a hand with the baby house and primary schools. The amount of work that teams are able to accomplish in a short time here is such a blessing. Even if they are not directly working with the children, the work that is done is serving the children. And ultimately glorifying the One we serve.

The stomach flu has been going around New Hope for the past few weeks. I'm praying I don't come down with it. I thought I was getting it this morning, but thankfully the feeling passed. That would not be a pleasant experience, especially with a pit latrine.

Fireworks!

Last evening was filled with fun, food and fireworks. I didn't know if I was going to see any fireworks, but a few Roman Candles and sparklers did the trick. They were just enough to get us all in the mood to be thankful American citizens.

I found out today that it is rather difficult to dive for a volleyball while wearing a skirt. I don't know why I thought it would be easy, but I tried anyway.

Tonight was the first official night of the New Hope Institute of Childcare and Families. It is a 5-month course that equips us to better serve fatherless children. It breaks down worldview and exposes a Biblical worldview - which I am very excited about. And so much more. This is the 14th class to have gone through the course and I believe it is the smallest yet, which I think is going to be a good thing. I am looking forward to getting to know my classmates better (which are all New Hope staff members) and learn from them as we learn together.

Update on the dreams - nothing that I remember last night, but I just took my malaria medication, so we will see what transpires tonight - could be epic!

Tight Spaces

Yesterday was a Kampala day - we left early in the morning, arrived, did the necessary shopping, came home and crashed. I was so excited to head to Kampala I could hardly stand it! Usually, I'm a bit 'eh' about going to Kampala, but yesterday, I had an unusual yearning to be in the big city. It turned out to be a wonderful and productive trip there and we arrived back safely to Kasana before dark.

While in Kampala, we journeyed down a road that kept me on my toes. The man driving the van should be given an award for the amazing way that he was able to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces, deep washouts and basically impassable pathways. Sometimes I think that nothing can surprise me any more, but then I am reminded yes, things can.

This is the first time that I have been out of my home country to celebrate my country's Independence Day. I still haven't figured out how I feel about it, but today should be a fun celebration with fellow Americans. Hamburgers, potato salad, chips - Oh for American cuisine!

Mefloquine Dreams

This week has been somewhat successful in the realm of accomplishing tasks. I have acquired an office space which has been great! I never knew how much more productive I become when I'm not as distracted by other things that dwell in and around my house.

Earlier this week, I was searching for a blog online and instead found a blog named "Mefloquine Dreams." I thought, "That is a very clever and rather odd blog name, but to each his own." Mefloquine, the malaria prophylaxis that I am taking, has the tendency to give the user some very strange dreams. I have taken the medication while in Uganda in the past and haven't really experienced anything "earth shattering." Well, the past few nights, I wake up having the most bizarre and graphic dreams I have ever had! I wish I could share with you all what they were about, but the content is much too, let me say, 'not for all ears to hear.' Now I know why that blog was named Mefloquine Dreams and now I need to start keeping a journal beside my bed so that I can write down the oddities of my REM sleep. You never know - maybe I have the next "Alice in Wonderland" hiding in my cranium somewhere - minus the drugs.

No sighting of the 9 foot + python yet - maybe it will end up in my dreams - goodie!