Masindi, Uganda

This is long overdue, but still due. The trip to Uganda was nothing less of incredible. The people, the place, the experience, seeing God work was all far too amazing. A group of about 110 of students, doctors and health professionals made the trek over the ocean and through Africa to serve people who do not have access to medicine. For two weeks, we opened clinics in Masindi and surrounding areas each day from sunrise to sunset. We were able to see about 200 patients each day. Simply amazing.

In rehab, we had lots of opportunities to get to know the people there and make them devices to make their life easier. And by make I literally mean make. Since we were not able to just order a brace or assistive device (the way we would in the States) we had to get a little creative. Posting every picture and sharing every story from the trip might overload this sight, so here are a few of my favorites.

This started as a knee brace which was eventually became the harness of a seat made for a little boy with cerebral palsy.

Here is the whole team for this chair and the final product. The contents of the chair ended up being: bamboo, rope, blanket, knee brace, velcro strapping, cardboard box, and duct tape. The purpose of the chair is to help the little kiddo sit upright in order to be fed, be able to play, and be more functional.

Here is the little guy. We were working on head control and feeding.

This gentleman is 90 years old and came in wearing to right sandals. One almost fit his foot and the other was not only for the wrong foot but was about 2 sizes too small. He came in because of major swelling in his feet. We worked with him for a while to decrease the swelling and then gave him a pair of socks and shoes that fit him much better. How great is the smile on his face.

The man 3rd back on the motorcycle (yes, they would ride with more than 2 people on a bike quite often) came into the clinic 2 years after having a stroke. He had been completely dependent on his family for the past 2 years. He did not eat or dress himself independently. Our OT and PT team worked with him all day to improve his daily living skills. We adapted a walker for him and he was able to walk for the first time in 2 years on his own. By the end of the he was able to dress and feed himself independently.

Our last day was spent at an AIDS orphanage, I got to spend all morning with these sweet girls. They LOVED playdough, stickers, and being held. I absolutely love them.

Here is the team! After two weeks, nothing but smiles.

Many many thanks to everyone for keeping us in your prayers as we traveled and served in Uganda. Thank you!

sunday boots!

Sunday shoes are making their mark everywhere people go. While out shopping, Mom and Dad came across these little beauties and had to send them to me.

Brightly colored, cowboy, rain boots.

Surely I need them and these are a few reasons why. It's hurricane season in Charleston. I'm moving to Texas where all kinds of boots are necessary. I love all things bright colors. And no need to mention, but why not...I LOVE shoes!

ps...you may find these sassy boots, believe it or not, at ACE Hardware.

the latest project

Living in an apartment, there are only so many rooms you can paint, or at least I think I can paint. That question never really came up, and of course I did not ask (I could not take no for an answer on this matter). Never the less, over the past year I have managed to paint almost every room in this place to better suite my personality. And with no rooms left to paint, I found something new to restore.

While driving out of my apt complex a few weeks ago, I saw a little piece of furniture that lost its home. Sad day, I thought. Or...great day for me...and the furniture! Yes, I brought the little thing home with me. After sneaking this into my car (I've been told it is illegal to take things from the curb, although I feel like I saved the garbage company some time) and drying it off from the rain storm it was abandoned in, this is what I started with...

Now this needs a little work, but not so much that it needed to be tossed curbside.

I was not a fan of the plain white color. Not a fan of the handles on the side. Nor was I a fan of the clear knobs. Still, all of this could be easily changed.

All I needed were the right knobs and the project would begin. Where did I find them? Antropologie. I do not have a picture of just them, but not to worry, they will appear on the finished product!

Once I found the knobs, I was well on my way to turn this someone else's trash into a sweet little treasure.

First things first, I got rid of the side handles, the clear knobs, and purchased new color that would suite me much better.

The first layer called for chocolate brown. A personal favorite.

Followed by crackle. Then came the best, ocean whisper.

Topped off with some adorable knobs.

EXPECTO PATRONUM

A few days ago I finished another book series. Quite possibly the BEST book series of life. Yes...HARRY POTTER. Words cannot describe to you just how much I LOVED these books. Seeing as how a dear friend is about to start the 7th book and some people are only movie fans, I will not go into detail about how the series ends. Just know that it will leave a hole in your heart wishing you could be a part of Harry's world.

GOOD NEWS PEOPLE.

Harry Potter has his own world!! This news should not be news to anyone unless you were recently born or have been in hiding from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

However.....the actual good news I share with you is that I am going to Harry Potter World!!!! Yes, people, in just two weeks I will be standing in line to buy wands, candy, and Gryffindor apparel with 12 year olds across the nation and I could NOT be more excited.

{sunday shoes}

Wedges are always great with anything. And these fun little shoes...let's just say I would love to add them to my collection. Find these Wishbone Wedges at Anthropologie.