“Fresh to Uganda”

Everything right now is new and exciting. There are birds that sound like laughing old men. Monkeys that are “shy like the Ugandans”-quote from Boniface. Lions that are right outside the gate of campus; according to my new friend, Emmi (who we quickly found out is anything but reliable).There are little kids who love to yell “mazungu” (white person) as we pass by. The university campus spans across a beautiful 83 acres of banana trees and machete-cut grass. There are no heaters and electricity is unrealiable-last night I took a freezing shower in the light of my flashlight. Laundry is done by hand and I experienced that for the first time today. Our rooms are small with paint chipped walls, but sleeping on the bottom bunk with my mosquito net is like retreating to my own little private cave. So far so good.
I have slowly developing friendships with Ugandans and hopefully making it to Kampala to watch the boys’ basketball game tomorrow night. On Saturday we are heading to Rwanda and after that is when the school session will actually begin. I feel a bit unsettled right now, almost like I am experiencing freshmen year of college all over again. Thankfully I have quickly developed friendships with the girls on this trip. I have talked with many who have a strong desire to let this semester be fully about God. I am glad they share my focus. I liked the way one girl put it. She said, “This semester is my 4-month date with God.” I feel like they will be a source of strength and encouragement throughout my time here. It has only been a couple days but so much has happened. Once things begin to settle down I will hopefully discover my place and purpose here. But as for now, I am just a simple mazungu.

And so it begins....

I have not left the states yet nor have I even began to pack, but I have created a blog even though I dreaded it (Jimmy, now you do not have to be disappointed).
I don't think it has really hit me that in five days I will be in another country on the other side of the world. I guess I am excited? Then again I am nervous and anxious too. However, I think my packing phobia is outweighing every other emotion. I absolutely despise packing. Currently, my stuff is scattered in my room and I dare not enter and be forced to begin the long process of organizing and condensing. I already feel "too American" in the sense that I am spoiled and will surely pack WAY too much.
I guess that's all I can really say now. I am not sure what you should expect from future blogs....so feel free to read NONE if you don't want to. :)
Oh, and one last thing. I would love if you could pray for me while I am gone. This isn't a "missions trip", I am simply studying abroad. But that does not limit the incredible things that God can do while I am there. Also, if you feel the sudden urge to write to Africa my mailing address is:
Chelsea Michelson, Uganda Studies Programme
Uganda Christian University
P.O. Box 4
Mukono, Uganda

Okay. Well. I cannot wait to see that God has planned..... :)