Greetings from Gulu, Uganda!!
It has been a week since I have been in Gulu now & I wanted to get out a quick hello to all of my friends & family!
It is hard for me to even begin to put my experience into words to tell you, but in short, my time here has been absolutely, 100%, totally & completely WONDERFUL & AMAZING!!!!
I arrived in Gulu on Thursday, July 29th. I spent the first night in a hotel in town as the Mama’s at the orphanage needed a bit more time to prepare for my arrival. On Friday morning, I went to the school that 98% of the children attend and greeted all of the classrooms before I arrived at Home of Love Orphanage.
From the first minute that I arrived at Home of Love, I felt at home, at peace & a happiness that can only be experienced when you feel that your heart is complete. The children have warmed up to me far quicker than I thought, I have adjusted to my surroundings better than I anticipated and over all, my time here has been one of the happiest weeks I have ever had in my entire life!
When I came here, I “thought” I would have electricity…I was incorrect in this thought. :) I’m living with no running water, no electricity, taking bucket baths (with COLD water from the bore hole), waking up to cockroaches, dead lizards in the water barrel & flying fruit bats, squeaking animals waking me up in the middle of the night and loving it all!! The Mama’s & Auntie’s (the adults that run Home of Love) have taken me in as their daughter, the children have welcomed me as their sister/Auntie. I truly cannot express my full heart and love I feel for these children!!
As many of you remember from my last trip, I was able to connect with a girl named Sarah at Home of Love that I had been praying for, for a year before I arrived in Gulu. Sarah has been praying for me and drawing pictures for me over the last year, she has been my closest little friend and such a true gem that the Lord has put on this earth. Our bond has grown stronger and developed into a true friendship that I cherish deeply. We eat dinner together every night, she makes sure I have everything I need, she helps translate for me & makes me laugh unlike anybody else.
I could go on & on about my love for the children here, for the joy I feel and the happiness I feel, but I will leave you with this thought...It is because of all of YOU that I am able to be here. It is because of YOU that I am feeling this intense sense of strength, joy & love. I am humbled by your love & support for myself and Mikaelyn. I truly could not have done this without all of your support…it means more to me than I could ever express.
Please continue to pray for me as I have only 1 more week with my children (I’ve been told not to call them kids, as I would be calling them baby goats :)), please pray for my health and safety and that the Lord will continue to fill my heart and allow me to give everything I have for these wonderful little ones that deserve the world!! Please also pray for the children and staff at Home of Love as we have several that are suffering from Malaria at this time. It is the start of the rainy season, so the mosquito’s are very bad at this time.
Thank you again for all that you have given to me, for your support, your love & your continued prayers! Again, I am humbled by your graciousness!
Sending love & big hugs to all!!
Sarah Jean
PS – I was able to Skype with Mikaelyn on Tuesday and she is doing very well with my parents. Mikaelyn, thank you for being such a good girl!! Mama is SO proud of you & I can’t wait to see you & tell you all about our Ugandan friends!! They love you & pray for you every single day!! Mom & Daddy, thank you for giving of yourselves so unselfishly & loving Mikaelyn with such great care!! I love you & miss you!! Bugaboo…Je t’aime!! xoxo
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Greetings From Uganda!
Yes, you read that correctly, I MADE IT!!
I finally arrived yesterday (Wednesday) about 8am and am quickly settling into what life is like here. My friend Ivan was gracious enough to come pick me up at the airport, get me settled into a hotel room and then take me for some coffee, do a little shopping and then dinner later. It’s great to see him again and feels like it was just last week that I was here with my whole team from Westminster.
Security is EXTREMELY high right now which has been a bit more challenging (or shall I say annoying) at times, but I think it’s good that they’re actually protecting those that are here as much as they can. Many of you heard about the bombings that happened in Kampala a few weeks back while so many were watching the World Cup, which started all the extra security, but then they also just finished the African Summit here in Kampala as well, with leader & dictators from all over Africa coming together to discuss how to help the woman & children of Africa. I saw several large, nice (a relative term here) cars with flags on them and police escorts screaming down the street, which to say the least was interesting.
It is almost 4am here & I just happened to wake up and look at my computer and saw that I had an internet connection, so I jumped on as quick as possible to send a quick update and check my emails and things. I’ll go back to sleep in a bit & then I’ll have some breakfast here at the hotel & then Ivan is picking me up & we will head up to Gulu about 10am. Since I am now on “African time”…this could mean we leave anywhere between 10am (HIGHLY unlikely) and 1pm…ahh, it’s so calm here…everything moves much slower (other than cars on the road)! :)
My hotel is very nice with a gorgeous view overlooking the hilltop! We came home from dinner last night to find a bunny hopping around in the yard. Apparently it lives here. It’s the same type as my rabbit at home, just black, so it makes me feel at home here with that extra touch.
I want to thank you all again for your prayers & support! I am thrilled to be back “home” and look forward to seeing all of the children at Home of Love orphanage in a few short hours!! I still can’t believe that this is real!
I’ll do my best to update as I’m able. Please be praying for a safe drive to Gulu (about 3 ½ hours) and then for health and safety for me while I’m in Gulu and of course, that of the children that live there. Pray that the Lord will use me for what He has brought me to do here & that it will be abundantly clear what my roll will be here on this trip & as I look towards the future!
Blessings to all of you from Kampala, Uganda!!
Love, Sarah Jean
To Mikaelyn: I love you sweetie & pray for you every time I think about you…which is a lot!! Everybody sends their love to you & they can’t wait until you can come to Uganda and meet them all too! Be a good girl for your Grandma & Papa & pray for me every day!! Love you Bugaboo!
I finally arrived yesterday (Wednesday) about 8am and am quickly settling into what life is like here. My friend Ivan was gracious enough to come pick me up at the airport, get me settled into a hotel room and then take me for some coffee, do a little shopping and then dinner later. It’s great to see him again and feels like it was just last week that I was here with my whole team from Westminster.
Security is EXTREMELY high right now which has been a bit more challenging (or shall I say annoying) at times, but I think it’s good that they’re actually protecting those that are here as much as they can. Many of you heard about the bombings that happened in Kampala a few weeks back while so many were watching the World Cup, which started all the extra security, but then they also just finished the African Summit here in Kampala as well, with leader & dictators from all over Africa coming together to discuss how to help the woman & children of Africa. I saw several large, nice (a relative term here) cars with flags on them and police escorts screaming down the street, which to say the least was interesting.
It is almost 4am here & I just happened to wake up and look at my computer and saw that I had an internet connection, so I jumped on as quick as possible to send a quick update and check my emails and things. I’ll go back to sleep in a bit & then I’ll have some breakfast here at the hotel & then Ivan is picking me up & we will head up to Gulu about 10am. Since I am now on “African time”…this could mean we leave anywhere between 10am (HIGHLY unlikely) and 1pm…ahh, it’s so calm here…everything moves much slower (other than cars on the road)! :)
My hotel is very nice with a gorgeous view overlooking the hilltop! We came home from dinner last night to find a bunny hopping around in the yard. Apparently it lives here. It’s the same type as my rabbit at home, just black, so it makes me feel at home here with that extra touch.
I want to thank you all again for your prayers & support! I am thrilled to be back “home” and look forward to seeing all of the children at Home of Love orphanage in a few short hours!! I still can’t believe that this is real!
I’ll do my best to update as I’m able. Please be praying for a safe drive to Gulu (about 3 ½ hours) and then for health and safety for me while I’m in Gulu and of course, that of the children that live there. Pray that the Lord will use me for what He has brought me to do here & that it will be abundantly clear what my roll will be here on this trip & as I look towards the future!
Blessings to all of you from Kampala, Uganda!!
Love, Sarah Jean
To Mikaelyn: I love you sweetie & pray for you every time I think about you…which is a lot!! Everybody sends their love to you & they can’t wait until you can come to Uganda and meet them all too! Be a good girl for your Grandma & Papa & pray for me every day!! Love you Bugaboo!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Don't Praise Me
As I am sitting here at the airport, awaiting my flight to London & then on to Entebbe, Uganda, I am thinking about all the wonderful people that have supported my efforts in getting back to the children at Home of Love Orphanage in Gulu, Uganda. It is overwhelming to think of all of the love & support I have received from people from all walks of my life! People that have known me for just a few months, to people that have known my family my entire life.
Over the past few weeks, over & over I have had people tell me how brave I am, what an incredible thing I am doing, how wonderful I am to give of myself to help others etc. etc... Now, let me start by saying, of course I am GRATEFUL for all of the nice comments, they really do mean a lot to me.
But, here is where I struggle...
This was not a choice for me. I do not deserve any praise for what I am doing. I have been called to help and all I am doing is answering that call.
Everybody has a different calling. Sometimes it's to another country, while other times, it is to the person down the street who needs you. It is up to each of us to listen to our hearts to figure out what our "calling" is individually. It is our responsibility to ANSWER that call. I knew from the moment I started learning about Uganda, that it was no accident that it touched my heart.
I have been blessed and honored to have been able to travel there once and now, I return. Why? Because it is the right thing to do. Because I can open up the eyes & hearts of those around me and educate them on what is going on in another part of the world. Not because I want to receive adoration or praises, but simply because it is my duty!!
Thank you does not begin to express all that I am feeling right now, and yet, this is all I have to give. Again, I am humbled by the support I have received and wish there was some way to show all of my gratitude.
For now, though, I leave you with this verse, my favorite!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him & He will direct your paths! Proverbs 3:5-6
Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers for safe travel, health and that this one tiny person (me) can make some sort of impact on those that I am fighting for!!
Thank you again, I am truly honored to have all of you as a part of my journey!!
Love, Sarah Jean
PS...please also pray for my parents as they are caring for Mikaelyn. And pray for Mikaelyn as she is away from both Mama & Daddy for almost a month. She is happy and healthy, and I am thankful that she is with my parents who love her (almost) as much as I do!!!
Over the past few weeks, over & over I have had people tell me how brave I am, what an incredible thing I am doing, how wonderful I am to give of myself to help others etc. etc... Now, let me start by saying, of course I am GRATEFUL for all of the nice comments, they really do mean a lot to me.
But, here is where I struggle...
This was not a choice for me. I do not deserve any praise for what I am doing. I have been called to help and all I am doing is answering that call.
Everybody has a different calling. Sometimes it's to another country, while other times, it is to the person down the street who needs you. It is up to each of us to listen to our hearts to figure out what our "calling" is individually. It is our responsibility to ANSWER that call. I knew from the moment I started learning about Uganda, that it was no accident that it touched my heart.
I have been blessed and honored to have been able to travel there once and now, I return. Why? Because it is the right thing to do. Because I can open up the eyes & hearts of those around me and educate them on what is going on in another part of the world. Not because I want to receive adoration or praises, but simply because it is my duty!!
Thank you does not begin to express all that I am feeling right now, and yet, this is all I have to give. Again, I am humbled by the support I have received and wish there was some way to show all of my gratitude.
For now, though, I leave you with this verse, my favorite!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him & He will direct your paths! Proverbs 3:5-6
Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers for safe travel, health and that this one tiny person (me) can make some sort of impact on those that I am fighting for!!
Thank you again, I am truly honored to have all of you as a part of my journey!!
Love, Sarah Jean
PS...please also pray for my parents as they are caring for Mikaelyn. And pray for Mikaelyn as she is away from both Mama & Daddy for almost a month. She is happy and healthy, and I am thankful that she is with my parents who love her (almost) as much as I do!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Less than 1 Week Until Uganda!
Hello Friends!
What an incredible journey this has been and yet, it has only just begun! I leave for Uganda in 5 days & I have to be honest in telling you, I am getting VERY anxious…but extremely excited!
Here’s a brief update of how things are going…
Mikaelyn is flying to Michigan (actually she’s flying into Chicago & then driving to Michigan) and being picked up by my parents this afternoon. This is a big change of plans, but she is very excited about flying by herself. I’m a nervous wreck today, but I know that she will be just fine and will THRIVE off of the extra attention she’ll receive by the flight attendants… she IS my child after all! :)
I have the next few days to get myself organized and finalize all of the supplies I need to bring over to the kids at Home of Love Orphanage. They have been told that I AM going to be there & from what I’ve heard, they’re very excited for my arrival. Just thinking about pulling up to the gate of the orphanage makes my heart race with excitement!
I have been blown away by the generosity of my friends and family in supporting this trip both financially and emotionally for me. I was able to purchase t-shirts for all of the kids at the orphanage and the money has already been wired to Gulu & they are printing the shirts right now. I’ll have the opportunity to pass out the shirts to all of the children while I’m there…what an honor!
Several people have asked if there is a still a financial need…Here is what I can say: there is ALWAYS a need!! I have been blessed to have raised support for my entire trip and for that I am overwhelmingly grateful. However, my original hope was to be able to purchase some sporting supplies in-country to bring to the kids in Gulu and I have not been able to raise enough funds for those items. If this is something that you may be interested in, there is still time to send money before I leave.
If you would like to send support for supplies, send a tax deductible check made payable to:
ACTION International Ministries
Mail it to me at:
Sarah Jean Groenink
PO BOX 313
Kirkland, WA 98083
My hope is that I will be able to send out periodic emails while I’m away, but I’m not sure how much internet connection I’ll have. I will however be updating my Facebook every so often from my Blackberry, so if you don’t have me on Facebook, you can add me: www.facebook.com/sjgroenink.
I want to thank you all again for your love, support & faith in me as I continue this journey to where my passion lies! I truly would not have been able to do this without you!!
Humbly,
Sarah Jean
(206) 432-1466
sjgroenink@att.net
What an incredible journey this has been and yet, it has only just begun! I leave for Uganda in 5 days & I have to be honest in telling you, I am getting VERY anxious…but extremely excited!
Here’s a brief update of how things are going…
Mikaelyn is flying to Michigan (actually she’s flying into Chicago & then driving to Michigan) and being picked up by my parents this afternoon. This is a big change of plans, but she is very excited about flying by herself. I’m a nervous wreck today, but I know that she will be just fine and will THRIVE off of the extra attention she’ll receive by the flight attendants… she IS my child after all! :)
I have the next few days to get myself organized and finalize all of the supplies I need to bring over to the kids at Home of Love Orphanage. They have been told that I AM going to be there & from what I’ve heard, they’re very excited for my arrival. Just thinking about pulling up to the gate of the orphanage makes my heart race with excitement!
I have been blown away by the generosity of my friends and family in supporting this trip both financially and emotionally for me. I was able to purchase t-shirts for all of the kids at the orphanage and the money has already been wired to Gulu & they are printing the shirts right now. I’ll have the opportunity to pass out the shirts to all of the children while I’m there…what an honor!
Several people have asked if there is a still a financial need…Here is what I can say: there is ALWAYS a need!! I have been blessed to have raised support for my entire trip and for that I am overwhelmingly grateful. However, my original hope was to be able to purchase some sporting supplies in-country to bring to the kids in Gulu and I have not been able to raise enough funds for those items. If this is something that you may be interested in, there is still time to send money before I leave.
If you would like to send support for supplies, send a tax deductible check made payable to:
ACTION International Ministries
Mail it to me at:
Sarah Jean Groenink
PO BOX 313
Kirkland, WA 98083
My hope is that I will be able to send out periodic emails while I’m away, but I’m not sure how much internet connection I’ll have. I will however be updating my Facebook every so often from my Blackberry, so if you don’t have me on Facebook, you can add me: www.facebook.com/sjgroenink.
I want to thank you all again for your love, support & faith in me as I continue this journey to where my passion lies! I truly would not have been able to do this without you!!
Humbly,
Sarah Jean
(206) 432-1466
sjgroenink@att.net
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Updated on Uganda In-Country Fundraising!
Hello Friends!
Blessed doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel right now, thinking of all of you that are supporting me in my efforts in Gulu, Uganda! It is indescribable and I am truly humbled.
I wanted to give you a quick update on my upcoming trip, which is just 8 weeks away now!! Thank you to so many of you that are supporting me financially, giving me the ability to pay for my plane ticket, I was able to purchase it a few weeks ago…so it’s all very real now! I leave Seattle Monday July 26, and fly out of Uganda Monday August 16, spending 24 hours in London with my best friend and returning to Seattle on Tuesday August 17, the day before Mikaelyn’s birthday! Mikaelyn will be flying to Michigan to spend several weeks with my parents…we’re still working on the details, but we will have someone (possibly my little brother) fly her there and then my Mom will return with her…details, details…
For those of you that are still interested in donating and supporting my trip, there is still time!! I am now raising funds for all of my in-country expenses including, food, room/board/hotels (3 nights), in-country transport (the drive from the Capitol, where I arrive, to Gulu is approx. 4 hours each way), as well as the projects that I will be working on with the children. Some of the projects include:
Beads for their bracelets/necklaces that they make and sell
Sporting equipment (purchased in-country) i.e. soccer balls, tennis balls, jump ropes etc.
Origami art
Tye-dye T-shirts (or we may do fabric markers for the kids to design their own shirt)
Christmas cards (this is my MAIN project)
Postage for Christmas cards
Supplies such as chalk, glitter, glue sticks, paper, scissors etc.
The more funds I am able to raise, the more supplies I am able to bring with me and purchase more sporting equipment in Kampala (Capitol).
I am so deeply grateful for all of you standing beside me on this journey and am looking forward to these next few weeks of planning, organizing and preparing! If you’re interested in seeing a breakdown of my costs, I would be happy to forward that on to you. I know that wonderful things are going to come from this & the children will have so much fun.
Thank you again for your continued support and ask that you continue to pray for these next few weeks to run smoothly. I know the Lord will provide and I am again, so grateful for all of you and your generosity!!
Afoyo Matek (Thank you very much in Lewl)
Sarah Jean
Blessed doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel right now, thinking of all of you that are supporting me in my efforts in Gulu, Uganda! It is indescribable and I am truly humbled.
I wanted to give you a quick update on my upcoming trip, which is just 8 weeks away now!! Thank you to so many of you that are supporting me financially, giving me the ability to pay for my plane ticket, I was able to purchase it a few weeks ago…so it’s all very real now! I leave Seattle Monday July 26, and fly out of Uganda Monday August 16, spending 24 hours in London with my best friend and returning to Seattle on Tuesday August 17, the day before Mikaelyn’s birthday! Mikaelyn will be flying to Michigan to spend several weeks with my parents…we’re still working on the details, but we will have someone (possibly my little brother) fly her there and then my Mom will return with her…details, details…
For those of you that are still interested in donating and supporting my trip, there is still time!! I am now raising funds for all of my in-country expenses including, food, room/board/hotels (3 nights), in-country transport (the drive from the Capitol, where I arrive, to Gulu is approx. 4 hours each way), as well as the projects that I will be working on with the children. Some of the projects include:
Beads for their bracelets/necklaces that they make and sell
Sporting equipment (purchased in-country) i.e. soccer balls, tennis balls, jump ropes etc.
Origami art
Tye-dye T-shirts (or we may do fabric markers for the kids to design their own shirt)
Christmas cards (this is my MAIN project)
Postage for Christmas cards
Supplies such as chalk, glitter, glue sticks, paper, scissors etc.
The more funds I am able to raise, the more supplies I am able to bring with me and purchase more sporting equipment in Kampala (Capitol).
I am so deeply grateful for all of you standing beside me on this journey and am looking forward to these next few weeks of planning, organizing and preparing! If you’re interested in seeing a breakdown of my costs, I would be happy to forward that on to you. I know that wonderful things are going to come from this & the children will have so much fun.
Thank you again for your continued support and ask that you continue to pray for these next few weeks to run smoothly. I know the Lord will provide and I am again, so grateful for all of you and your generosity!!
Afoyo Matek (Thank you very much in Lewl)
Sarah Jean
Monday, April 12, 2010
An Update on my Uganda Trip!
Hello my friends,
I want to start by saying thank you to all of those that have sent prayers, letters, emails, phone calls/texts and financial support for my upcoming Uganda trip in July!
I wanted to give a quick update to let you all know how things are progressing…
I am still in need of approximately $1,100 in order to purchase my plane ticket ($2,410) and am hoping to do so by April 30th or I will lose my reservation. Due to the World Cup and Summertime, airfare is quite pricey and space is limited. If you’re interested in supporting me financially, I would greatly appreciate your help in these coming weeks as this is the first and largest task that I need to accomplish.
I have priced out all of the sporting equipment for the children and I’m working on raising the money for these items as well.
I have been in touch with ACTION International in Gulu and have heard that the children are excited for my return and eager to show me the electricity they had connected last month! I can hardly wait to get my arms around those sweet kids!
I pray daily that the Lord will use me to do HIS work and that the children will have open hearts and minds to the work that I look forward to helping with.
Again, I appreciate all of your support as I continue following my passion on this journey! Thank you!!
I have attached a response card for your convenience if you feel led to support me in this way.
In His hands,
Sarah Jean Groenink
sjgroenink@att.net
I want to start by saying thank you to all of those that have sent prayers, letters, emails, phone calls/texts and financial support for my upcoming Uganda trip in July!
I wanted to give a quick update to let you all know how things are progressing…
I am still in need of approximately $1,100 in order to purchase my plane ticket ($2,410) and am hoping to do so by April 30th or I will lose my reservation. Due to the World Cup and Summertime, airfare is quite pricey and space is limited. If you’re interested in supporting me financially, I would greatly appreciate your help in these coming weeks as this is the first and largest task that I need to accomplish.
I have priced out all of the sporting equipment for the children and I’m working on raising the money for these items as well.
I have been in touch with ACTION International in Gulu and have heard that the children are excited for my return and eager to show me the electricity they had connected last month! I can hardly wait to get my arms around those sweet kids!
I pray daily that the Lord will use me to do HIS work and that the children will have open hearts and minds to the work that I look forward to helping with.
Again, I appreciate all of your support as I continue following my passion on this journey! Thank you!!
I have attached a response card for your convenience if you feel led to support me in this way.
In His hands,
Sarah Jean Groenink
sjgroenink@att.net
Monday, March 15, 2010
Yes, I'm still here...
It has been ages since I've posted, I know, I know!
I won't get into the why of it all, but I can honestly say, the past few months have been some of my best ever! Here are just a few of the highlights:
1) I am working from home FULL TIME now...yes, I know, I'm lucky! I love every minute of it.
2) Mikaelyn is doing FABULOUS in school!
3) I'm back in the gym 4 days a week for an hour at a time...LOVE IT!
4) I bought myself a new mattress and am thoroughly enjoying sleep again
5) I am planning my next trip to Uganda...BY MYSELF, in July and I can hardly wait!
6) Mikaelyn continues to grow physically, mentally & spritually and I am deeply proud of my little girl!
Although a lot of transition has happened in the last 6 months, I feel completely blessed and know that I am in such a good place right now! I have been shown so much grace and I am so grateful for all the Lord has and continues to provide for myself and my family!
Here are just a few snap shots of the past few months:
I won't get into the why of it all, but I can honestly say, the past few months have been some of my best ever! Here are just a few of the highlights:
1) I am working from home FULL TIME now...yes, I know, I'm lucky! I love every minute of it.
2) Mikaelyn is doing FABULOUS in school!
3) I'm back in the gym 4 days a week for an hour at a time...LOVE IT!
4) I bought myself a new mattress and am thoroughly enjoying sleep again
5) I am planning my next trip to Uganda...BY MYSELF, in July and I can hardly wait!
6) Mikaelyn continues to grow physically, mentally & spritually and I am deeply proud of my little girl!
Although a lot of transition has happened in the last 6 months, I feel completely blessed and know that I am in such a good place right now! I have been shown so much grace and I am so grateful for all the Lord has and continues to provide for myself and my family!
Here are just a few snap shots of the past few months:
Mikaelyn & I headed out to an 80's Roller Skating Party
Roller Skating at Skate King!
Mikaelyn & Michelle Skating!
Mikaelyn, Michelle & I
Mikaelyn making her new Build-A-Bear Unicorn
Chance (Jenni's son) making his Build-A-Bear Monkey
The "fluffing" machine
Kaiser, Ilona, Christian, Mikaelyn and Eva (behind the tree)
My nephews & nieces (missing one niece - still in the womb) and Mikaelyn together at the zoo
2 of our babies, Kota & Rayla cuddling...as usual!
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