In about an hour, it will officially be 2012 in Kampala! We have had such a wonderful day, so we decided to all share our favorite parts of today that closed out 2011! Also, you might read some pretty interesting things, but keep in mind that is a very different culture over here. Haha! Enjoy reading and have happy New Year! :)

Michelle: The  boys are so loving. It has been amazing to hear some of their stories. We feel so close to them already, even after two days! I can’t wait to hear more about their lives and share mine with them.

David: We spent the whole day at the boys’ Home and played a lot of soccer, which was spectacular. And, we spent so much quality time with them.

Jansen:I loved hanging out with the boys. The best part was hearing Fahad, Muhammed, and Moses’ testimonies. The boys want to go deep with us. We just have to initiate. :)

Angela: The best part of the day was when we were circled up in the cow field singing songs with the boys. Julius was an excellent musician, and John Paul is the great “mixer of songs”- so me on the remake. I even rocked out my rapping skills. God has not forgotten. :)

Melanie: I loved being able to sit around and joke with the boys today. We laughed so much!

Amber: I loved holding sweet baby Ester. I also loved when Emmanuel shared his story with me. The way he has been able to forgive those who have wronged him through the Lord is beautiful.

Holly: some highlights from today were dancing and singing with the boys, teaching the boys and talking with them in the team’s new “language,” and almost getting run over by cows! Thankfully it’s part of Ugandan culture to hold hands so I was quickly pulled away by one of the boys so I didn’t get trampled :)

Shannon: Well..she fell asleep as soon as she got home, but I’m assuming that she loved watching Shrek with Emmanuel and taking pictures with all of the boys and kids in the nearby homes. :)

Emberli: Today I realized again that no matter where you are, music and sports are universal. You might have no idea what the person next to you just said, but the rules of the game stay the same. It was wonderful to play “futbol” with the boys and worship nonstop. There was no question. God meant for us to spend this time with these boys.

Anna: As well as Shannon, Anna also went straight to bed! But, I am pretty sure she is definitely falling in love with Africa. She is soaking it all in and I am pretty sure she loved when John Paul and Abraham showed her how Americans dance. She couldn’t stop laughing! Oh wait-she just walked into the living room! She says “Julius told me his testimony and it was very inspiring. I am so overwhelmed with how beautiful they are!” Haha!

Amanda: My favorite part of today was getting to know Israel while holding hands as we watched Shrek that was projected on the wall, having spontaneous worship on the soccer field, eating catered food/watching Abraham eat 4 plates including my leftovers, and talking to Micheal on the phone (who I will be reunited with on Monday!!) :)

Kate E.: When we were in the field, and we got in a circle and just started singing praises and we all wrapped our arms around each other I couldn’t stop smiling!

Katie: Today I made a friend forever. I was sitting with Mustafa and we were talking about how we are good friends he said, “even if we never see each other after you leave, I know we are friends forever because we will be in heaven one day.” So I am closing 2011 with a bunch of new friends forever.

Erica: I loved learning some Lugandan worship songs and singing praises with the wonderful boys. Hearing them sing out to the Lord makes my heart smile. Besides that, teaching the boys how to Bernie topped it off :)

Have an absolutely wonderful day (because it’s like 2 pm in America right now) ;) HAPPY UGANDAN NEW YEAR! nwagaliza omwaka omupya!!!