Kris in K-town: What is the deal with frogs in Africa?

Before I write this second blog I would like to point out the mediocrity of my first attempt at an update. I recently checked out the blog of a friend also working here at Heritage and it, honestly, put my blog to shame. This same friend seems to be acting as an editor for my blog as well. The falls that we repelled from at Sipi was 100 METERS tall not 100 feet. Maybe modesty just comes naturally out of me. Or I'm just bad with distances. Either way it has been corrected.

One of my hopes during my time here in Uganda is to maintain the same relationships I was blessed with during my time in college. In the past a move or me usually meant disconnecting from one group and connecting with another. Seems like a perfect waste. So through this blog I want to be keeping those connections (also through the all powerful Facebook). So if you are reading this blog I appreciate your connection.

Last week was somewhat rough. After the power and majesty of the falls, the sight of traffic, pollution, and the overall chaos that is Kampala was unwelcome. But getting back in to the swing of teaching, while slow, was a relief. Even though every class period is not always peaches and cream (first time I've used that expression), it is usually a very fulfilling time. Laughing with these students and challenging them is amazing. Now, I struggle to understand how I deserve this opportunity to feel fulfilled with my job at such a young age, but I am thankful for every second. A number of these students, while privileged, come from broken homes. Either divorce or absent parents has lead these students to become embittered at a very young age, which makes this job a challenge that can only be taken on by God. My request for prayers is that this group of teachers, myself included, will not loose hope in the process that is happening slowly but surely.

This past weekend was centered around a worship night on Sunday. On Saturday, myself and three other teachers (Karli, Jessie and Jean) joined Studio 10 in putting together around 16 worship songs to use on Sunday. It was great to see the amazing talents God has blessed these people with. Even though it is not for me, Karli, Jessie and Jean give me chills any time they sing. The worship night went very well (my voice gave out at song 14). It was one of those rare moment when you are in a group of people who are legitimately worshiping the Lord without it being a show or people timidly facing the screen and singing the lyrics in robotic obedience. It was... refreshing.

Last week I also was able to speak during chapel on Friday. It reminded me of how much I enjoy public speaking. I spoke about courage. The courage God gives us to take on the daring task of being his servants. What I keep hearing God tell me about these kids is to give them a reason to follow Him. They keep hearing that they need to be servants of God, but why? Now, I'm not saying it is a trade off, but I don't see the harm of letting them know the perks of being a follower. The shelter God provides is definitely a perk. Anyway, feel like I'm preaching here.

I'm going to try and post some pics on here. Before I sign off, a great man that I have been blessed to work with here, Nathanael Kelly, came down with malaria this weekend. He was in bad shape and is now in the hospital for a few days. God has put some amazing people in his life that have been supporting him as well as any family would ever support their own which has been wonderful to witness. Prayers for comfort and healing. Thank you.