Ready


It has now been 5 weeks since we made the move to Uganda and our time here has really flown. The past 3 weeks in which school has been on term break have given us great time to settle and feel more comfortable here. In that time, we have been able to meet with teachers to prep for the new term, continue to set up our apartment and make it feel like home, and also spend some time exploring Uganda and some of its beautiful scenery. We have several highs and a few lows from this break. We were able to do some awesome hiking at Sipi Falls. The hikes included a coffee tour (which was delicious!), three beautiful waterfalls, and one the coolest sunsets that we have ever seen. We also found an awesome local pool where we spent a day relaxing with some of our friends from Amazima. Steve started playing soccer with a group of people at a local health club. It is certainly the most diverse group that Steve has even played with, players are from all over Africa and Europe. Jen has joined a women’s Bible study with women in the community here at Jinja. The relationships that we have both been able to build are such a blessing, especially this early in our time here. God has certainly opened so many doors for us already.

With the many highs, we have also had a few lows. A good friend of ours was recently attacked at night and seriously injured. He is making a full recovery and has been incredibly positive, but the attack was scary for much of the community here. We have been praying for safety and peace of mind and are so thankful that our friend is doing so well considering the circumstances. Also, our car has had problem after problem so far. While the repairs are relatively cheap, they are starting to add up. We hope that our most recent repairs are our last for a while (but that’s highly unlikely!). The roads here are just very hard on cars. Finally, while we have loved our apartment, we have had a number of unwanted pests that have found their way in. We have killed dozens of large and small cockroaches, caught a few mice, constantly find lizards, and even captured a rat just a few days ago. This is very normal here, and we are getting used to sharing our space with some of these animal friends (although we may never get used to the cockroaches and rats!). All of these situations in some way have tested and actually strengthened our reliance on God. He is so good!

Overall, while the free time has been welcomed and very beneficial to our settling here, we are now very ready to begin teaching and working! This Monday (the 17th of September) marks the start of 3rd term. Steve will start his days working with the Senior 1 Students (their 2nd year at the Amazima School) in Chemistry and Biology class. He will be working with Ugandan teachers in these classes for the remainder of 3rd term. He will also be involved in the Amazima Staff Kids School where he will be teaching a middle school science class in the afternoon. Jen will also begin her work in the Amazima Staff Kids School on Monday. She will be working with students K-3rd grade in a number of different subjects. Her help is totally needed with the broad age and ability range in the classroom. She will spend her morning at school and continues to talk and meet with other organizations to volunteer on a part time basis in the afternoon. So far, she has found a couple of great organizations where she can help.

On Sunday (the 16th), the students will be checking back in on campus for 3rd term. We will be a part of the check-in process to ensure all students come with the correct materials and paperwork. We are excited to see the students and welcome them back on campus for the new term!

Prayer Requests:
We ask that you continue to pray for provision and safety in our time here. We also ask prayer for patience. Things do not always happen quickly here. Also, little things that we take for granted in the states can cause frustration here. We ask for prayer for patience with people, students, and each other as we continue to grow accustomed to the differences here.

Steve will be working with Ugandan teachers in his classes and relationships with these teachers is so important to their success in working together. Pray that Steve will continue to build these relationships and form trust with his teaching team.

Jen is working with a wide range of students in her classroom. Pray that she will have the wisdom in how best to reach each of these students. Finally, pray that her afternoon volunteer work will continue to develop and that God would give clarity as she seeks opportunities to serve.

Thank you for your prayer and support! We are blessed to have so many great people supporting us as we start the work that God has called us to!

God Bless!
Steve and Jen Fernandes

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