Gulu

The team has arrived in Gulu. It was a long trip, but the weather was very good. We had a fairly uneventful trip except for when we crossed the bridge over Karuma Falls. The team was slowing down to take a few pics and apparently we did not ask for permission. The soldiers stopped us and confiscated a camera. Luckily Sam and our driver Chris visited with them and the camera was returned. It appears one of our college students was suspected as a terrorist since they have had some recent activity in this area and the bridge is the only connection from south to north. We prayed in the bus and all was returned to normal. Talk about what you can add to your list of "what I did this summer"... Add suspected international terrorist! We are eating dinner and will prepare the medicines for tomorrow's clinic in the village Opit. Again we need prayers for sleep as everyone is tired from traveling. It is exciting to be here and ready to serve again. The village is very remote and the scouting team visited it in 2007, but we have not been back since. It is going to be exciting to set up and serve. Please also be in prayer for tomorrow's clinic. For the team to be rested and strong and for things to flow smoothly and people be blessed. Peace and blessings Chris and Kysia

Uganda is as beautiful as I remember it...

Good morning! The team is up and has had breakfast and we are about to meet before embarking to Kampala and then to Gulu. I pave to see the wonder and excitement on the faces of those who are here for the first time. I remember those feelings. I also look out of the hotel and see a country I love. The natural beauty of southern Uganda with the greenery and Lake Victoria is just incredible. I also see the poverty and that breaks my heart, but I have seen and experienced Hope and Grace that comes from God. I love this place and my friends and family here. Pray for the team as we travel by bus to Gulu in the North. It is long and rough, but talk about seeing the country! Peace to you all, Chris

The Muzungu's have landed!

Greeting to our family, friends, and fellow Followers of Jesus! The team has safely landed in Uganda. We have all cleared customs, with all bags, and with no issues. Praise God! Thank you for your prayers of protection! Traci McQuiston and Sam Mdune met us at the airport and many laughs and hugs and greetings were shared! It was good to see our friends again! Everyone is tired and stiff and ready for some sleep. Tomorrow we will load up the bus and head to Gulu. We will stop in Kampala to exchange money and grab snacks... Then... The 7 to 8 hour bus ride to Gulu... We will stop at a road side market and grab some chappatti and stick meat... Stop at the Karuma Falls... And generally enjoy the Ugandan country side. Please pray for your family or friend. We all need sleep tonight. Everyone is safe and in the hotel and tomorrow the journey continues. And for the moms out there.... Morgan, Audrey, and Samantha are doing great. Like old pros so far! God bless you for your prayers for us. Peace to you all, Chris and Kysia

Walking in Amsterdam....

Well not in the city! We have arrived safely in Amsterdam. The team is tired and stiff, but overall feeling good. We are planning to drink some coffee and get ready for another flight. We have met a couple of other mission groups headed to Uganda. Our Not A Fan shirts are sparking lots of conversations and it has been fun and interesting. Please keep praying for our travels. We are getting close to Uganda! Peace Chris and Kysia

And the Team Is Off...

The journey has begun....

Well the time has arrived. The team is headed to Uganda today to join our brothers and sisters in service to widows and orphans. All team members are checked in and have cleared security! The Delta agent showed us mercy on our bags and all are through. God is good. Please be in prayer for us as we go in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your support of the team and your friend or family that is here. They will literally be the hands and feet of Christ. The 2012 Uganda Mission team members are: Chris and Kysia Thornton, Richard and Dottie Newberry, Mike Adelman, Jody Farrell, Keith Hoggard, Jacquline Scott, Gary Thorn, Audry Thorn, Morgan Rhoades, Melissa Thomas, Susan Flournoy, and Charles and Tamara Brickey, and Samantha Wages. Please be in prayer for us. Check in daily to this site for our days updates. Here we go. Next stop is Atlanta then Amsterdam and then Uganda! Peace Chris and Kysia

The Uganda Mission Project - 2012

Time is quickly approaching for Central to launch a new team into Uganda. The upcoming team of seventeen will be leaving Tuesday, June 5, 2012 and will arrive back in the United States June 18, 2012. We would love to have you follow along on this journey with us through this blog which will begin it’s update soon after departure. We would also appreciate your prayers along the journey. Our goal this year is to provide medical clinics, at least two house builds, work in an orphanage, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage every chance we can. If you wish to contribute to the Uganda Mission Project, feel free to do so through Central United Methodist Church 6 West Dickson, Fayetteville, AR 72701. www.centraltolife.com. Items we are currently collecting for the medical part of the trip include wet wipes, antibacterial hand gel, Tums and Pepto-Bismol tablets, Visine, Pepcid or Zantac, 4oz Robitussin or Robitussin DM, triple antibiotic ointment, Hydrocortisone 1% and .5%, Ziplocks both gallon and quart size. We look forward to sharing the adventures with you throughout the trip!