Uganda

As I was looking through my pictures today I came across these images from Uganda. I don't know why I didn't share them in my original post but I wanted to share them now.

T-Man is RUNNING a 5K!!!

T-man asked me what I wanted for our anniversary next month. I don't think he expected my answer. I want T (who is not a runner) to run a 5k with me!!! No jewlery, no flowers, just 3.2 miles running side by side! He actually agreed which makes me one super excited wife! We are going to particpate in GoGlow 5k on May 23, 2009. The GoGlow5k event is less about speed and more about enjoying the fun course, which is perfect for T-man. The 5K Course is lined with party light zones, a glowing finish line chute and arch. Basically, it is a giant glow party. What better way to celebrate our anniversary?

Uganda

I have always lived in a sheltered world and for most of my life I was oblivious to many of the challenges people around the globe face on a daily basis. In 2005 I watched the Invisible Children Documentary for the first time. After watching the documentary, my outlook on life changed. I felt a strong urge to do something anything that would raise awareness to what was happening in Uganda. Last April (2012) my good friend Dana asked if I would be interested in going to Uganda with the Palmetto Medical Initiative an organization that provides sustainable medical care for the citizens of Uganda. It took me all of two seconds to reply YES!!!! The next day, I started the application process and two months later I recieved a notice that I would be going on the August trip. I was thrilled. The two week trip cost $3,500 plus the cost of shots. I hosted two yard sales, collected donations, and Mr. Johnny (the most amazing father in law) hosted a spaghetti dinner which raised $2,700. Three weeks before I was scheduled to leave an Ebola outbreak occured in Uganda and the trip was postponed. I was completely devastated.

Fast Forward: December 2012Dana and I traveled 20 hours to get to Masindi, Uganda and every minute of that trip was worth it. I consider myself to be so lucky to have been blessed with the opportunity to participate in this experience. The people that I met will stay in my heart forever and it is because of them that I now appreciate the little things in life. Having a home with indoor plumbing, electricity, medical care, and education are luxuries that in the past I have taken for granted. This experience has taught me that what I consider the norm are actually luxuries in various parts of the world. I have chosen to share my experience with everyone through the photos because I think the images of my experience tell a better story than what I could write.