Mt. Meru University

Greetings everyone! I suppose it is about time I let you know what’s been happening here in Uganda.

At the beginning of March, I went on the long awaited project trip to Arusha, Tanzania. From the office came Chad, Liz, Zach, Heather, and Lexi. We met up with five volunteers from the States: Richal, Glen, Willie, Stew, and Jess. I learned so much from all of them; I am very grateful to have shared this time with them. Throughout the trip there was hard work, little sleep, companionship, fun, and some frustrations…all factors contributing to an incredible experience.

The ministry, Mt. Meru University, is growing, and they are planning for more students, classrooms, administration…just about everything. Their vision is amazing, not just to construct buildings and create an efficient campus, but to impact their students, as well as the community around them, for Christ.

We were treated as most honored guests at the university, supplying us with anything and everything we needed. I have seen the amazing hospitality of the African’s in Uganda, but I am still impressed every time I experience it.

The first day we attended morning chapel along with students and faculty, where we were introduced as the ‘dream painters’ for the expansion of the campus and university. We toured the campus with staff members, who explained as they walked, ‘This is where the hostels will be’, or ‘Here you will see the mountain in the background as you walk to the academic center’. We surveyed, designed, and planned for eight days, and then presented our suggestions and drawings to the staff.

At the end of every eMi trip, there is a closing activity with time to relax, reflect on the past few days, and have some fun! We went on safari through National Park and Lake Manyara International Park.

Ngorongoro Crater was the first day. I was in awe of the caldera’s beauty; thunderheads rolling in from five different directions, and wildlife everywhere. We saw Cape buffalo, zebras, hyenas, warthogs, and quite a few lion prides. We also encountered hippopotamus, hundreds of flamingos, ostrich, and we were extremely lucky to see two black rhinos!

Lake Manyara was home to baboons, blue monkeys, zebra, giraffe, and elephant, all in close proximity to the vehicle.

The University had come up with questions when we were away at safari, so we had one more meeting before our plane left for Uganda.

It felt good coming ‘home’ from Tanzania, coming back to something familiar here in Kampala. I recovered from the trip, and have started to process how, exactly, it has impacted me. Back at the office, we are now creating a report for the ministry, including written recommendations, construction phasing, and drawings. This will be completed by the end of May. I am currently working on drawings for the new Library for the University, which I designed while in Tanzania.

Thank-you all for continuing to pray for me and eMi!