Fun Times

I’m sure many you wonder what in the world I do all day long and how I am passing the time. It really depends on the week. Of course, taking care of a very active toddler takes a lot of time. Then there are lawyer and court appointments. We go on walks and play outside. We go to the market for treats, diapers, or whatever other essentials we need. Then we also spend a great deal of time just visiting with people. I think this is something that I’ve loved about my time here. Since I don’t have lots of real commitments, I spend much more time visiting with people than I ever would normally. I can have a nice leisurely two hour lunch really getting to talk to someone. I’ve met people for dinner that I’ve only met online or they are a friend of a friend. Funny thing is that I probably would not do this at home, but I’ve had the best time in doing it and met some fantastic people. It’s encouraged me to continue this at home… to get out of my routine and look for new opportunities to minister to people and to get to know them. Some of these people I may never talk to again, but others I can see being lifelong friends.


One of these new friends was a huge blessing to me this week. Abi was here adopting a little boy and left last week. Her and several of the other families that were going home last week left me their leftovers. I got shampoo, soap, snacks, bug spray, and lots of other goodies. Then she went one step further. She knew another adoptive parent coming to Uganda this week. So she asked me if there were things I really needed. So I met this total stranger in a parking lot on Friday and he gave me a bag with a few essentials. It felt like Christmas to me. The most prized and vain possession… hair dye. Let’s just say I was a little overdue on covering up those “lighter” hairs. So Beth graciously colored my hair in her front yard on Friday afternoon. It’s the little things in life.

Happy Hair Dye Day!

Also on Friday, Beth and I went to our favorite outdoor crafts market.  I was able to get most all of my Christmas shopping done.  That is a good feeling! I have an entire bag crammed full of gifts for people.  And I got it all really cheap... oh wait, my loved ones read this blog… I spent lots of money on each and every gift.  ;)

Movies!

Another new past time is watching movies that I buy from guys off of the street.  These guys walk around with hundreds of movies in these big black bags.  Each DVD is about $2 or less and most are new releases.   I’m getting my fill of girl movies that Cody would never want to watch with me at home.  And so far only one has been a dud, and I’m taking that one back tomorrow.  Who knew you could get a return policy from a street vendor?!


Scary Mickey

And I had to take Mercy to the doctor this week.  I took her to the fancy Paragon Hospital that I blogged about a few weeks back.  She’s had continual ear infections and I thought they might have better equipment and treatment plan.  They sort of did, but in the meantime, I covertly snapped this picture of a mural they had on the wall in the waiting room.  That’s supposed to be Mickey Mouse.  This scary version of Mickey appears all over Uganda… in schools, on day cares and painted fences.  I just think it’s a bit disturbing and thought I’d share it with you.  There was also a great mural in the actual patient room of a cat giving a dog a shot with a gigantic needle.  I don’t know how someone thought that would be comforting to a child.  But I couldn’t get a picture because I didn’t want the doctor to think I was totally crazy.



Mercy's first braid  

Finally, it’s hard to see in this picture, but Mama Harriett decided that she could braid Mercy’s hair. Seriously, in about two minutes she had this itty bitty braid in her hair. I could never in a million years braid hair that short and she acted like it was nothing. Oh my, I have a lot to learn! Harriett says in about two months Mercy’s hair will really be long enough to braid. The tough part will be getting her to sit still that long, so I don’t think I’ll be trying this any time soon.

Once again, I’m curious for any blog suggestions from any of you. So what in the world are you wondering about my current life… or are any of you wondering about my life? Ha! It does seem a bit arrogant to ask, but if you are curious about stuff or have something you’d like me write more about just leave me a comment.

** I am placing a “Love Mercy” t-shirt order on Monday the 29th. So please get your orders in today and shirts should be back in time for Christmas.**