Taken at Needle-Point

Yesterday we had our immunization consult.  Devan and Kaylee were in the same consult as I was so that we can share the cost of the consult fee. I didn't realize that it would take such a long time and I also didn't realize that I would need so many needles.  According to our nurse, Uganda is one of the countries in which the most immunizations are recommended.  I ended up needing 5 vaccines.  After the third one in my right arm, I started feeling lightheaded and they got me to lie down and drink some juice.  I wasn't really expecting to react because I've never had any problems with needles.  However, I reacted! I ended up pretty ill and am still not feeling exactly 100%.  Devan the Nurse told me to drink lots of fluids, so that's what I've been doing. I'm not sure if it was the needles that made me sick or if it was the $585 I paid to become invincible.

We had our first official meeting as a team this week.  It was great for us to gather together, and I'm looking forward to our meetings! We are really excited for this trip and to bring the lanterns over.
In addition to the lanterns, there are some other items that are needed badly in Uganda that we can bring over.

ITEMS THAT YOU CAN DONATE:

SOCCER BALLS (un-inflated)

**OLD BACKPACKS in good condition that you are no longer using
          The kids don't have backpacks so all of their school books get soaked by rain on their way to school.  

GENTLY USED CLOTHING

OLD LAPTOPS

MUSICAL KEYBOARD

PROJECTOR
 
SILENT AUCTION ITEMS:
We need items for our silent auction in our upcoming concert fundraiser.  If you know of any businesses that would be interested in supporting us by donating auction items, we would be so blessed by your help. 

SOLAR POWERED LANTERNS:
We are still hoping to purchase some more lanterns to bring over.  We have been told that the $50 (the D light 250) version of the solar powered lanterns are the ones that are useful in Uganda.  Here is the website where you can check out what they look like!
*If you want to donate money to purchase lanterns, donate in the same way as indicated before, but write "For Light the Night" in the memo field on cheques.

I am really in desperate need for financial support.
Our remaining balance for airfare ($2100) is due by the end of May and our remaining balance for ground fees ($800) is due on June 1st. If you aren't sure about how to donate, check out the "How to Donate" Page.


Couple of upcoming and ongoing fundraisers:

EHJAE'S RINGS AND THINGS:
If you haven't stopped by to see the beautiful handmade jewelry that I've been selling, check out Ehjae's Rings and Things  All Proceeds all summer go to my Uganda Fund

BAKE SALE:
I will be having a bake sale outside my house on May 19th to try to raise some more funds.  If you like baking, I hope to see you there!!



CHAN FAMILY CONCERT:
On June 17th (Father's Day), we are throwing a concert to raise funds for this trip and to raise awareness for what we are doing.  There will be a silent auction with many different items including art by members of the team!

FAMILY PHOTO DAY: Date TBA
Schedule an appointment for a 45min photo shoot.  For $60, you will receive a disk with high resolution, fully edited photos. (1 family portrait, 1 couple portrait, 1kids portrait,  and individual kids' portraits) Up to 8 photos on each disk. Like Ehjae's Photography on Facebook to keep informed about the date for this fundraiser!

Thanks for all your love and support :)

Uganda Update

On Sunday, the Watoto African Children's choir  from Uganda performed, and our family went to it. Something happened inside of my heart that night and I will try my best to describe it to you.
From the moment I sat down to the minute the lights came on, my heart was so softened and sensitive to these kids that I actually began to cry with every song. (They weren't sad songs!) I had my two little cousins sitting next to me, and I was afraid that I would scare them, so I tried my best to conceal it.  It wasn't because I was sad, it was because it was such a beautiful sight.  It was because each one of them is from Uganda.  They ARE Uganda.  My heart was bursting with love for each of them.  It was so affirming for me.. I know that I am supposed to be going to Uganda. My heart has been filled with such a love and an eagerness to be there in Uganda and to be a part of what is happening there. 

That being said, I thought I would fill everyone in on how the finances and logistics of everything is coming along!

Currently, we are trying to make arrangements for our immunizations. We found out that if we go together, we can split the costs of the consultation. That was a happy little surprise.  Some of our plans for the timing of the trip are still up in the air.  Looks like we might be coming home a little later than anticipated. (I'm not complaining)

I have been so blessed by the amount of support that has been coming in through people buying my jewelry, thank you so much to everyone who has bought one of my handmade treasures and to those of you who have been so encouraging to me in this process.

Our deadline to pay the remaining airfare has been pushed back, but I still need another $2000 by next week.  Please be praying for me and possibly consider joining me in this journey by supporting this trip financially.  Also, we will be bringing solar powered lights to Uganda with us, and would love to bring more!! Our college group has already raised a lot of money to purchase lanterns and we are excited to bring as many as we can.  Check out the video below to learn more about the lanterns and the heart behind wanting to bring them. 

If you want to donate, the best way is to send a cheque to Ebenezer Baptist Church. (You can get a receipt for it!!) You can indicate on the memo if you would like the money to be allocated to my funds specifically, or if you want to support our entire team, just make sure that you indicate that it is for the Uganda Trip.  (if you want to give money for the lanterns, indicate that!) If you want to know more about how to do give financially, check out the How To Donate page.

Thanks again to everyone who is reading this, you are all a part of the journey.  Whether it is through encouraging us, supporting us financially or in prayer, or if you are simply staying informed by reading these updates and actually caring about what's happening.. that in itself is support in more ways than I can express. 

I will end saying that we are currently trying to put together a fundraiser, so watch for more info on that to come!! :)