The Adventures of Sticky- Steven + Niki

Today we celebrate 6 months in Uganda. We have had a very exciting few weeks. Here are some highlights with some scriptures from Isaiah setting the theme. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, The one proclaiming peace, The one bringing good news of something better..."  - Isaiah 52:7  A few weeks ago we set out to hike up a nearby mountain. To bring that "good news of something better" to the people there. We crossed the river to make our way up the mountains.  Teaching people as we journeyed up. Our group at the top. Built a little something to show we were there and then jumped for joy because we have the best life ever!  “I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.”  -Isaiah 48:17 It was a great blessing to attend the Pioneer Service School December 7-12. The 6 day course teaches one to be better

 Last week was simply splendid. We traveled west to Kabale, Uganda for our second time. This time we came early so we could help deliver some parts on the meeting in the tiny congregation. The congregation of about 20 people use the Runyankore ( jw.org/nyn/ ). Most everyone there speak and understand English, so whenever they get visitors there is the option to give meeting parts in English or in Runyankore. For us, we know very little of the language so Steven gave a part on Thursday and the Sunday discourse in English. The friends seemed to really enjoy it, and the local brothers were happy to have a break. For me, I got very brave and assisted my missionary friend Andrea with a demonstration Thursday in the local language! I said very little because I know as much as a toddler, but I tried! Here is a clip below…   Andrea and her husband Clinton are amazing! Being with them was one of the best times we have had in Uganda. We admire their zeal and determination so much. T

We often rejoice in the simplicity life in Africa offers. We both were sick with colds week before last, and for the first time pretty much ever we didn't feel a pressing need to push ourselves to resume normal activity before we were feeling good. Back home we, especially Steven, had many responsibilities. His job only allowed so many sick days, and for me I didn't get paid if I didn't work. With that we often exerted ourselves before ready, took the medicine to cover symptoms and dragged ourselves out of bed! Here... not so much. We still have many responsibilities, but not as many urgent or immediate. Africans by culture have a very laid back attitude about all things. "Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, I'll get to it... eventually. " Running late? No need to rush. "This is Africa..." Sometimes that's very frustrating when you come from a "I want it NOW" culture, but when embraced it's quite nice. Our language teach told us there is

With The Eyes Of Your Heart Little one the unspeakable Has been placed before your eyes So much happening Too much to realize A hurt so deep Words are not enough So you keep it all in Trying to be tough You've seen things You never should have seen Been places You never should be You've known pain The heart should never feel Your worst nightmare Became something real You feel alone and unloved Unwanted wherever you go But there is one who cares He cares more than you know He can be your God and Father Your best friend He promises a life of joy Life that will not end So come into his arms He'll wipe away each tear No more reasons to cry No more reasons to fear When you're lost He'll show you the way He'll help you to believe In something better than today He'll replace your nightmares With only happy dreams A hope for something real Our eyes of faith can see When

It's mind blowing... 4 months... What?! We've been so busy it feels like it was August, then we blinked and it was October!  Life is good and full. I had a few rough days where I felt terribly homesick. There was crying. My first good cry. (Poor Steven, gotta love that guy)... After a few days of being in that dark space though I emerged feeling stronger and determined. We have some great people here that have really been understanding and loving. Also an amazing support system back in the states. Along with you incredible people, we have seen Jehovah really be that loving father. I love this scripture at 1 Peter 5:10 "But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness...will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you." This experience has been excellent training; and training is not really working unless it hurts a little! In our years in theocratic service and especially now we

It was highly anticipated, long awaited, and now we are elated that we finally attended the "Imitate Jesus" convention in Kampala, Uganda! 1 of thousands held all over the world this year. The spiritual banquet was well prepared and thoroughly enjoyed by the peak attendance of 9,000 plus. We met so many new friends, and were so built up and encouraged by the information presented. We have many exciting stories to tell, and we'll tell them the most fun way- by pictures! These wonderful people are Sudanese refugees from our congregation. They are all young ones who have been through too much, yet they faithfully attend meetings and are a big part of the congregation. With no pushing from parents or anyone else, each of them has shown great faith and love for Jehovah. They are amazing examples of zeal and endurance. They deserved to go to the convention, but initially did not have the funds. The financial situation in Sudan is terrible, and the value of their currency i

It goes without saying, we have a lot more to learn about Uganda. However in the past 3 months we've really tried to emerge ourselves in the culture. Thus, we have been delighted, surprised, amused, and confused by what we have learned so far. Up to this point we can share the following...  1. Ugandans are sharp dressers! Most women wear dresses, skirts or trousers with nice blouses. The majority of men wear button up shirts, or polo's with dress pants and professional looking shoes. Even though many don't have a lot of money they arrive in style; looking neat and smart. A lot of clothing comes in from the US and Europe and is resold. There are some very cheap second hand re-sellers around. As a result, you see people with some pretty hilarious t-shirts, and they have no idea what they mean. Everything from "Sea Turtle Club of South Beach" to batman, to the playboy bunny! (Ok so, that's not so sharp.)  2. As we have seen so far for most of the local langua

   The other day without any notice Steven and I received a very heartfelt note from a young man Steven has been studying the Bible with. His name is Santino and he just turned 14. Santino is a Sudanese refugee. When he was a little boy his father died in the war, then later he was abandoned by his mother, whom he hasn't seen since 2006. He now lives with an aunt here in Mbarara. You can find him faithfully attending every meeting on his own, and constantly asking for new books to read. He finishes reading anything you give him about the Bible in about 3 days! There aren't enough books in the library! If he has a day off school he request to study twice in a week. Before we came he studied with a brother from Japan. Our very first meeting here Santino sat in our row, and now he's with us ever since. He is one of the sweetest kids, and he has our hearts especially after this note.... A NOTE ABOUT JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES  By: Santino My names is Santino. I live in Mb

We now feel sorta like Africans. It's taken 8 weeks, but we really feel comfortable and adjusted now. Having our own home has greatly improved our level of contentment. Also being out in the ministry so much has been the perfect way for us learn how to get around. I taught Steven one of my short cuts the other day and I felt so proud :) We mostly get around on foot because the roads can be difficult to drive on. Definitely getting a lot exercise which justifies our eating whatever we want... Ha! Not that there is much bad food to eat, if we want it I usually have to make it, which is not nearly as fun. There are some good restaurants around though. They serve more than just local food, and two places in my opinion have mastered the French fry, which Africans call chips. Example: Steven was loving this T-bone steak w/ lots of mash potatoes for $6 US! Mostly we cook at home. The quality and price of fresh organic produce is amazing. 3 avocados for about .30 cents, or 1

Last Sunday Steven and I journeyed down bumpy rocky roads to Kabale Uganda which is near the boarder of Uganda and Rwanda. It's almost 3 hours away. At first it was so bumpy I was praying to survive! The trip was so worth the tiring journey though.  We visited a tiny congregation of Jehovah's witnesses so Steven could deliver the Bible discourse. They have 14 members and have about 30 in attendance each Sunday. The microphone handler is 9 years old!  They don't get too many visitors so it was nice to have interchange of encouragement. Romans 1:12 After the meeting we made a short drive to the extraordinary Lake Bunyonyi.  Cloudy day, but still lovely. About 57 degrees (F)