Notes to home
Notes to Home – Friday, July 25
Dear Ahl family – Things are going great here. The other day we awoke in the wee hours of the morning to hunt wild animals. After applying our war paint and donning our traditional African hunting apparel, we set out by foot with nothing more than a knapsack full of ancient grains and a spear. Just fifteen short minutes later, we had our first kill…a magnificent leopluradon. I skinned it and I’m bringing it home to display on our living room wall. Hope you’re doing well! Love, Riley
Dear Kopp family – Oleotya?! (that means “how are you” in Luganda).We got back yesterday from our safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. It was super sweet- we saw elephants, monkeys, antelope, buffalo, and a leopard. The elephants got really close to our van and the monkeys jumped on our van and tried to climb into the windows. Peter don’t worry I kidnapped one for you and I’m bringing it home. Tomorrow we are going to see the source of the Nile in honor of your birthday Gabe! Can’t believe you’re already 15! Have a happy birthday and we can’t wait to see you! P.s. Peter you’re cute and I miss you. Love, Alex
Dear Nickoloff FamBam and Johnson trio – First and foremost .. Happy Birthday, Daddy-o! Miriam and I hope you had as good of a day as you possibly could without us. Furthermore, I miss you all terribly. I am still enjoying myself here, but I am awaiting Tuesday night quite anxiously. If you are not there (cough cough, William) to pick me up, I’ll take it as a sign that you do not love me. Yesterday we got back from a three day journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park for our safari. Today we had our last work day at the school site. Tomorrow we will take a one day trip to Jinja where the source of the Nile is. Sunday we will say goodbye to everyone here and have some ceremonies. My heart will be broken as I have fallen in love with seven orphans that live here at the convent/high school we are staying at ranging from ages 2-11. I will tell you all about them when you get us. Mom, I know you’ll be excited about this. Monday we will start our day at the shrine where the Ugandan martyrs were killed with mass and prayer. We will move to a large shopping area from there, and get to the airport in the evening. Our first flight will leave around 11:30 pm here. We have a very long layover in Amsterdam, so we might be able to tour the city for a little! That will be pretty cool. Now you know what I’m up to, you’re welcome. I love you all! See you Tuesday <3
Hi Mom and Dad hope you guys are having fun in America. We will be visiting the source of the Nile tomorrow and can’t wait to come home again. -Dmitri
Connie, we are all fine, much has happened, all good. See you Tuesday night.
Max Family – Hard to believe my journey is almost over, but I am missing you all so much! Love always, all good here.
Kneisl Family – Fun to see some animals out west and go to work hard today moving dirt. Hope all is well. Love, Kim & Kevin
Mertens Klan – Our time here is almost up and it is making me thankful for everyone who helped make this trip possible. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and I can’t wait to tell you all my stories. Love you all! ~Victoria
Syverson Family – Thinking and praying for you all today! It’s hard not being there for Grandma’s funeral but mass was offered up for her and you all today. I can’t believe this trip is almost over, tomorrow we are heading to the Nile River! Should be fun! Love you! God bless, Emily
Anderson’s – please schedule a doctor’s appointment for one of the days before I return to Cali. All is well. See you soon – Matt
Hey Family & EMTs, Another good day at OLG. Put dirt in bags & carried them several feet to the science lab we are building. Man, it was hot. Hope you are OK. Jeff forgot your letters to me, Sheila. Really miss those. Got a drum today. See you. Mom.
Kopp family – I miss you all! I’m getting really excited to come home and see you and tell you all about this trip, although I’ll really miss the people and country of Uganda. Gabe, happy birthday buddy!! I wish I were home to bake you lots of delicious things – I owe you when I get back. Side note - Ugandan children run barefoot faster than Alex and I can run with tennis shoes on, so that’s embarrassing… Miss you all and love you more!
John - ELEPHANTS!!! LOTS OF ELEPHANTS!!!! I took videos and pictures and I wish you would have been here to see them with me. But I got a selfie with the very first one I saw! I hope Florida is amazing. Talk to you in just a few days!
Hannah Smith – I hope you are stalking this page like you promised. I love you. Any other friends who are loyally reading this – Thank you! I miss you guys too. Home soon!!! –Monica
Family and Friends – I am on an incredible journey. Hope all is well with you. You are in my prayers. Patti/Mom
Reither Family—I saw many animals on our safari on Wednesday. We saw over 40 elephants, a leopard, lots of zebra, lions, African kobs, warthogs, buffalos, and many birds. All of you would have loved it. The elephants were as close to our vehicle as the bears were when we went to South Dakota. We thought we were looking at the male elephants until we saw the male elephants. They were huge with massive tusks. We slept in a cabin with and was awoken by hippopotamuses. The hippos reminded me of Faith. On the way home, we had to stop because baboons were in the road. One even jumped on our van. I wish you all could have been traveling with us. I look forward to seeing you all next week. I love all of you and miss you all very much.
Sinibaldos – Great work day today hauling dirt. Our Safari was spectacular (See Jeff’s post). My arm is feeling great. Miss you guys – can’t wait to show you pics! –G
Had an amazing trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Mburo Lake Park to see Zebra, Leopard, Lions, Kob Antelope, Water buck and Water Buffalo. Several times we came too close for comfort to huge black African Elephants. There tusks were beautiful. Even our driver, Abe, was not willing to stop when the guide, Edward, said, “Stop!” He had heard stories of the Elephants rolling cars and didn’t want that damage done to his vehicle. I’m sure he was also worried about the bazungus in his van. On the way back we passed through a forested area and had Baboons jump up on the van to watch the caged animals inside… us. We had to throw out a ginger cookie to get the last one off and start to drive away. After the trip west we were all glad to be back HOME at Bethany, St. Kizito. The girls are in the midst of semester exams but they are still eager partners in the evening conversations that keep the youth busy and the adults awake. Today was our final work day at the science lab. It’s sad to not see the final building go up, but that is the plight of our quick journeys. I keep praying that God brings to completion of the work of our hands and the dreams of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters for the students of our nearby villages. Switching continents suddenly, I haven’t heard of any emergencies from the parishes, so I am in hopes that God has kept everything in smooth working order in my absence. I am so grateful for a marvelous staff. God bless family and friends.
Fr. Woody
Hello Muddah, hello Fuddah,
This is your son at Camp St. Kizito. All is well, we have no hot waddah. God bless!
Father Belden
Russek Family-
Greetings from Uganda. Hope everything is well back at home! Miss you guys. Africa is great. See ya guys soon. Love, Walker
Hey Mom, I’m sorry for not doing a swell job for keeping in touch but I’ve just been trying to get captured in the culture and the society. I miss you, love you, Will
Hi Brad, Mitchell & Michael,
Having fun finding souvenirs for you guys – hope you’ll like them! I’m looking forward to a hot water shower. Love the people, the country is beautiful and so glad we can help them. Check FaceBook for return flight info – pretty sure it is 6:30 p.m. arrival on Tuesday. We are going to see the beginning of the Nile River tomorrow. I found a very special card in my backpack the first week – thanks so much. My love to you all, Marie
Kruesel/Knaup Family
Hi Jeff, Anna, Lorna, Bella, Rosie, Gabe, Gizmo, Gail and any other animals you may have adopted in the past week and a half that Mommy has been gone. Also Mom and Dad Knaup and Ritz and Ponch hi to everyone! This has been a wonderful mission trip to do God’s work and see how everyone’s contributions and donations have truly gone to the people of Uganda. While so much good work has been done I am very lonely for my OHANA! Besides the love and kisses from my family, what I miss most is taking a hot bath (which hasn’t happened in almost 2 weeks), iced cold diet mountain dew and internet access. For all that I miss, there is much that I have learned. The immense poverty is beyond words however am truly amazed by the positive disposition many people of Uganda have about life. We have all been treated like royalty from the special ceremonies, beautiful masses and divine meals cooked by the sisters. Tomorrow is Saturday with just a few days remaining. Pray for safe travels for all of us and anxious to show you my incredible pictures of this pilgrimage.
LFL – XOXOXO – Mommers (aka Sheila)
Hey, Matt!
Here's what to do when you get to the airport: -The address for the forms you fill out is PO Box 2268, St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Nyangusu, Kenya
-You know everything about the fees.
-Pick your bags, and you can literally walk past customs. Just walk out like you know what you're doing. We didn't pay a thing or give a form to anyone.
-We'll be right outside waiting for you after you go around the corner!
Notes to Family and Friends - July 21
Family and Friends of Patti Dykoski I am so blessed. Incredible opportunity. Am loving it while missing you all. Patti/Mom
To Connie, miss your smile, miss your encouragement. Finding much about who I am and how much you are a part of me. ~Francis
Sinibaldo Family – Happy Birthday Mia! And don’t worry – my right arm will be fine =)
Father Belden family – Thinking of you and enjoying my time in Africa with God’s faithful people.
Redding Family – Missing you a lot! I wish you could be here with me & experience Africa
Gary, Sheila, Loree etc One black mamba, no spiders. Manual labor – ick. See you. Love Mom
Syverson Family – Missing you! Yesterday was the best day ever, we had a huge dance party with the Uganda children. I heard babies heart beats today with a fetal scope, AMAZING! Sending my love and God’s love from Uganda! Love, Emily
Anderson family – My lungs are much clearer. All is good. Love you all.
To Crowley fam - I’m great! I’m safe, I love you, I miss you.
To Max Family: Sorry, I might have to stay. Loving it! Only reason I won’t stay is because I miss you! Love you so much!
Kopp family (especially the members that Mom leaves out in her update later….) –
Monica here. This first week has been incredible and we have so many things to tell you about! Everyone is doing well here. Miss you and love you!
Jackie, Hailey, and Kelsey – here is your official shout out! You better be reading this… When I get back, we can have a big catch up session to recap the two weeks I was away. Miss you all.
John – I’m becoming so outdoorsy, I think you should be proud. I bathe with a bucket and do business in a hole. I’m making up for all those years of not camping. This morning, I read the letter for July 21st because that’s today! It was great. One week down, one to go – I have so many stories for you! Miss you.
To the Kneisls: Having fun meeting the villagers and the school children. Kevin did an awesome job doing African dance with the girls during Mass. Love & miss you Kevin & Kim
The Kruesel & Knoup Family: One week complete & one week left. I miss everyone terribly & love that I am doing God’s work. Everyone is safe, well fed by Sister Monica & treated like royalty from among the many beautiful people in Uganda. Pucci, baby caterpillar & papa bear – I miss my OHANA – emoji, emoji, emoji Love you to Uganda & back, <3, Mommers :P~
Mertens Family – Mom. I wish you could have been here yesterday. You would have LOVED dancing with the towns people. The little girls taught me how to dance their traditional dance, and I showed them some Zumba moves. Love you all lots! With love, Victoria
Terry, Gabe & Peter…I miss you all! I suppose you are now in Kansas – give my love to Ang, Bryce, Hudson & Nora. Fr Ponce treated us like celebrities, and all the local children jump up and down and wave whenever we walk by (or ride in the back of a truck). Yesterday we carried the gifts up for the mass – I carried a LIVE CHICKEN!! Never expected to do that in my life! Yesterday, Alex and I showed the school girls how to make 3-D paper snowflakes… bring a part of Minnesota to Africa. Bathing from a bucket is definitely getting old, but ever day has been full of adventures. Love you! DK (Mom)
William – When I said I got corn rows before, they were only done by a fellow missionary. I now have real African braids that could almost be classified as a weave. Apparently I slept screamed your name last night. No comment. I miss you and can’t wait to see you! We are going on our safari tomorrow and get back on Thursday. See you soonish! LOVE KATIE
Greetings from Fr. Woody to anyone who is listening. This is a journey of a lifetime with wonders revealed every day. We collected & delivered 2 Jeri can of water at the well placed last month and broadcast in a one hour special out of the LaCrosse station on August 11, 2014. It’s amazing the joy that clean water can bring to life.
Reither Family, I am missing you all. I know things are a little tough right now at home. Mom said you are all handling it well. Thank you. Becca, for your birthday I will be traveling to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the safari. I will be thinking of you on our journey. I love you all and will be home soon.
Amy, Tim, Skiffs, Happy b-day tomorrow, Becca. You’d love it here. Getting machettes!
Russek family, Africa’s going great! Have met a lot of new and great people. Hope home is well. Love, Walker
Ahi family – Everything is awesome here and we are all having an amazing time. I hope everything is going well back home! Miss you all. Love, Riley P.S. I’m bringing home a machette
Hello from Marie As you can tell from everyone else’s notes that we are having an amazing experience. Love you all and can’t wait to share the stories.
July 17 - Update from the Group
Paskach Family, Africa is fun. Can’t wait to experience more. Dimitri
Sinibaldo Family - Great work day today and great interaction with locals Super group.
Anderson Family – Still feel kind of sick but not as bad. Other than that all is swell.
Russek Family – Africa is great. We did a lot of good work and handed out lots of things. Hope all is well.
Hello my Connie. Found your hidden letter. It uplifted me. I am having fun and reflecting on who I am. I love my Connie for 41 years.
Hi Jim, Deb, Paul, Mom and Dad. We are here and doing well. Love Kevin and Kim.
Hi Family - Greetings I am alive. Keep praying plumbing is working. Love Carol
Kopp Family - We are having an amazing experience. Everyone is doing great. Can’t wait to share all about it. Love you. Monica especially loves you all.
Max Family - I miss you all and am spreading love to all like you have all taught me to. Can’t wait to tell you about my experiences. Love you all so much.
Mertens Family - Sending my love across the pond. Things are amazing here. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Enjoy your trip next week.
Redding Family - I miss you guys so much. We are all safe and having the time of our lives. I can’t wait to show you all of my pictures. Tell Hudson hi…
Syverson Family and friends. Hello from Uganda. It has been an amazing time so far. Each day I am falling more in love with this place and the people. Lydia would playing with all the kids.
Hey John, Look it is an update and a shout out to you. It’s amazing here and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Miss you, Monica
Ahl Family - I miss you guys all so much. This experience has been amazing so far and I can’t wait to tell you about everything. Jeff won’t let me write more because we are in a hurry. So love you all.
We rode the lorry back from the school today and no one lost a limb success!!! God bless you all and thanks for packing the toilet paper. Fr. Woody
Reither Family - I miss you all. We are doing awesome work but having fun. Laura I love you and hope VBS is going well.
Nickoloff Family and loved ones - I love and miss you all. I almost died. I also got corn rows in my hair. I consider that the best part so far. This country is amazing. Love Katie
Sam - I am having an awesome time at camp. I ate mud today. Tomorrow we might get to swim in the lake. I hope to pass my swimming test so I can off the big diving board. I made lots of friends who are really cool. Love Alex
Dear Ahl family – Things are going great here. The other day we awoke in the wee hours of the morning to hunt wild animals. After applying our war paint and donning our traditional African hunting apparel, we set out by foot with nothing more than a knapsack full of ancient grains and a spear. Just fifteen short minutes later, we had our first kill…a magnificent leopluradon. I skinned it and I’m bringing it home to display on our living room wall. Hope you’re doing well! Love, Riley
Dear Kopp family – Oleotya?! (that means “how are you” in Luganda).We got back yesterday from our safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. It was super sweet- we saw elephants, monkeys, antelope, buffalo, and a leopard. The elephants got really close to our van and the monkeys jumped on our van and tried to climb into the windows. Peter don’t worry I kidnapped one for you and I’m bringing it home. Tomorrow we are going to see the source of the Nile in honor of your birthday Gabe! Can’t believe you’re already 15! Have a happy birthday and we can’t wait to see you! P.s. Peter you’re cute and I miss you. Love, Alex
Dear Nickoloff FamBam and Johnson trio – First and foremost .. Happy Birthday, Daddy-o! Miriam and I hope you had as good of a day as you possibly could without us. Furthermore, I miss you all terribly. I am still enjoying myself here, but I am awaiting Tuesday night quite anxiously. If you are not there (cough cough, William) to pick me up, I’ll take it as a sign that you do not love me. Yesterday we got back from a three day journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park for our safari. Today we had our last work day at the school site. Tomorrow we will take a one day trip to Jinja where the source of the Nile is. Sunday we will say goodbye to everyone here and have some ceremonies. My heart will be broken as I have fallen in love with seven orphans that live here at the convent/high school we are staying at ranging from ages 2-11. I will tell you all about them when you get us. Mom, I know you’ll be excited about this. Monday we will start our day at the shrine where the Ugandan martyrs were killed with mass and prayer. We will move to a large shopping area from there, and get to the airport in the evening. Our first flight will leave around 11:30 pm here. We have a very long layover in Amsterdam, so we might be able to tour the city for a little! That will be pretty cool. Now you know what I’m up to, you’re welcome. I love you all! See you Tuesday <3
Hi Mom and Dad hope you guys are having fun in America. We will be visiting the source of the Nile tomorrow and can’t wait to come home again. -Dmitri
Connie, we are all fine, much has happened, all good. See you Tuesday night.
Max Family – Hard to believe my journey is almost over, but I am missing you all so much! Love always, all good here.
Kneisl Family – Fun to see some animals out west and go to work hard today moving dirt. Hope all is well. Love, Kim & Kevin
Mertens Klan – Our time here is almost up and it is making me thankful for everyone who helped make this trip possible. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and I can’t wait to tell you all my stories. Love you all! ~Victoria
Syverson Family – Thinking and praying for you all today! It’s hard not being there for Grandma’s funeral but mass was offered up for her and you all today. I can’t believe this trip is almost over, tomorrow we are heading to the Nile River! Should be fun! Love you! God bless, Emily
Anderson’s – please schedule a doctor’s appointment for one of the days before I return to Cali. All is well. See you soon – Matt
Hey Family & EMTs, Another good day at OLG. Put dirt in bags & carried them several feet to the science lab we are building. Man, it was hot. Hope you are OK. Jeff forgot your letters to me, Sheila. Really miss those. Got a drum today. See you. Mom.
Kopp family – I miss you all! I’m getting really excited to come home and see you and tell you all about this trip, although I’ll really miss the people and country of Uganda. Gabe, happy birthday buddy!! I wish I were home to bake you lots of delicious things – I owe you when I get back. Side note - Ugandan children run barefoot faster than Alex and I can run with tennis shoes on, so that’s embarrassing… Miss you all and love you more!
John - ELEPHANTS!!! LOTS OF ELEPHANTS!!!! I took videos and pictures and I wish you would have been here to see them with me. But I got a selfie with the very first one I saw! I hope Florida is amazing. Talk to you in just a few days!
Hannah Smith – I hope you are stalking this page like you promised. I love you. Any other friends who are loyally reading this – Thank you! I miss you guys too. Home soon!!! –Monica
Family and Friends – I am on an incredible journey. Hope all is well with you. You are in my prayers. Patti/Mom
Reither Family—I saw many animals on our safari on Wednesday. We saw over 40 elephants, a leopard, lots of zebra, lions, African kobs, warthogs, buffalos, and many birds. All of you would have loved it. The elephants were as close to our vehicle as the bears were when we went to South Dakota. We thought we were looking at the male elephants until we saw the male elephants. They were huge with massive tusks. We slept in a cabin with and was awoken by hippopotamuses. The hippos reminded me of Faith. On the way home, we had to stop because baboons were in the road. One even jumped on our van. I wish you all could have been traveling with us. I look forward to seeing you all next week. I love all of you and miss you all very much.
Sinibaldos – Great work day today hauling dirt. Our Safari was spectacular (See Jeff’s post). My arm is feeling great. Miss you guys – can’t wait to show you pics! –G
Had an amazing trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Mburo Lake Park to see Zebra, Leopard, Lions, Kob Antelope, Water buck and Water Buffalo. Several times we came too close for comfort to huge black African Elephants. There tusks were beautiful. Even our driver, Abe, was not willing to stop when the guide, Edward, said, “Stop!” He had heard stories of the Elephants rolling cars and didn’t want that damage done to his vehicle. I’m sure he was also worried about the bazungus in his van. On the way back we passed through a forested area and had Baboons jump up on the van to watch the caged animals inside… us. We had to throw out a ginger cookie to get the last one off and start to drive away. After the trip west we were all glad to be back HOME at Bethany, St. Kizito. The girls are in the midst of semester exams but they are still eager partners in the evening conversations that keep the youth busy and the adults awake. Today was our final work day at the science lab. It’s sad to not see the final building go up, but that is the plight of our quick journeys. I keep praying that God brings to completion of the work of our hands and the dreams of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters for the students of our nearby villages. Switching continents suddenly, I haven’t heard of any emergencies from the parishes, so I am in hopes that God has kept everything in smooth working order in my absence. I am so grateful for a marvelous staff. God bless family and friends.
Fr. Woody
Hello Muddah, hello Fuddah,
This is your son at Camp St. Kizito. All is well, we have no hot waddah. God bless!
Father Belden
Russek Family-
Greetings from Uganda. Hope everything is well back at home! Miss you guys. Africa is great. See ya guys soon. Love, Walker
Hey Mom, I’m sorry for not doing a swell job for keeping in touch but I’ve just been trying to get captured in the culture and the society. I miss you, love you, Will
Hi Brad, Mitchell & Michael,
Having fun finding souvenirs for you guys – hope you’ll like them! I’m looking forward to a hot water shower. Love the people, the country is beautiful and so glad we can help them. Check FaceBook for return flight info – pretty sure it is 6:30 p.m. arrival on Tuesday. We are going to see the beginning of the Nile River tomorrow. I found a very special card in my backpack the first week – thanks so much. My love to you all, Marie
Kruesel/Knaup Family
Hi Jeff, Anna, Lorna, Bella, Rosie, Gabe, Gizmo, Gail and any other animals you may have adopted in the past week and a half that Mommy has been gone. Also Mom and Dad Knaup and Ritz and Ponch hi to everyone! This has been a wonderful mission trip to do God’s work and see how everyone’s contributions and donations have truly gone to the people of Uganda. While so much good work has been done I am very lonely for my OHANA! Besides the love and kisses from my family, what I miss most is taking a hot bath (which hasn’t happened in almost 2 weeks), iced cold diet mountain dew and internet access. For all that I miss, there is much that I have learned. The immense poverty is beyond words however am truly amazed by the positive disposition many people of Uganda have about life. We have all been treated like royalty from the special ceremonies, beautiful masses and divine meals cooked by the sisters. Tomorrow is Saturday with just a few days remaining. Pray for safe travels for all of us and anxious to show you my incredible pictures of this pilgrimage.
LFL – XOXOXO – Mommers (aka Sheila)
Hey, Matt!
Here's what to do when you get to the airport: -The address for the forms you fill out is PO Box 2268, St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Nyangusu, Kenya
-You know everything about the fees.
-Pick your bags, and you can literally walk past customs. Just walk out like you know what you're doing. We didn't pay a thing or give a form to anyone.
-We'll be right outside waiting for you after you go around the corner!
Notes to Family and Friends - July 21
Family and Friends of Patti Dykoski I am so blessed. Incredible opportunity. Am loving it while missing you all. Patti/Mom
To Connie, miss your smile, miss your encouragement. Finding much about who I am and how much you are a part of me. ~Francis
Sinibaldo Family – Happy Birthday Mia! And don’t worry – my right arm will be fine =)
Father Belden family – Thinking of you and enjoying my time in Africa with God’s faithful people.
Redding Family – Missing you a lot! I wish you could be here with me & experience Africa
Gary, Sheila, Loree etc One black mamba, no spiders. Manual labor – ick. See you. Love Mom
Syverson Family – Missing you! Yesterday was the best day ever, we had a huge dance party with the Uganda children. I heard babies heart beats today with a fetal scope, AMAZING! Sending my love and God’s love from Uganda! Love, Emily
Anderson family – My lungs are much clearer. All is good. Love you all.
To Crowley fam - I’m great! I’m safe, I love you, I miss you.
To Max Family: Sorry, I might have to stay. Loving it! Only reason I won’t stay is because I miss you! Love you so much!
Kopp family (especially the members that Mom leaves out in her update later….) –
Monica here. This first week has been incredible and we have so many things to tell you about! Everyone is doing well here. Miss you and love you!
Jackie, Hailey, and Kelsey – here is your official shout out! You better be reading this… When I get back, we can have a big catch up session to recap the two weeks I was away. Miss you all.
John – I’m becoming so outdoorsy, I think you should be proud. I bathe with a bucket and do business in a hole. I’m making up for all those years of not camping. This morning, I read the letter for July 21st because that’s today! It was great. One week down, one to go – I have so many stories for you! Miss you.
To the Kneisls: Having fun meeting the villagers and the school children. Kevin did an awesome job doing African dance with the girls during Mass. Love & miss you Kevin & Kim
The Kruesel & Knoup Family: One week complete & one week left. I miss everyone terribly & love that I am doing God’s work. Everyone is safe, well fed by Sister Monica & treated like royalty from among the many beautiful people in Uganda. Pucci, baby caterpillar & papa bear – I miss my OHANA – emoji, emoji, emoji Love you to Uganda & back, <3, Mommers :P~
Mertens Family – Mom. I wish you could have been here yesterday. You would have LOVED dancing with the towns people. The little girls taught me how to dance their traditional dance, and I showed them some Zumba moves. Love you all lots! With love, Victoria
Terry, Gabe & Peter…I miss you all! I suppose you are now in Kansas – give my love to Ang, Bryce, Hudson & Nora. Fr Ponce treated us like celebrities, and all the local children jump up and down and wave whenever we walk by (or ride in the back of a truck). Yesterday we carried the gifts up for the mass – I carried a LIVE CHICKEN!! Never expected to do that in my life! Yesterday, Alex and I showed the school girls how to make 3-D paper snowflakes… bring a part of Minnesota to Africa. Bathing from a bucket is definitely getting old, but ever day has been full of adventures. Love you! DK (Mom)
William – When I said I got corn rows before, they were only done by a fellow missionary. I now have real African braids that could almost be classified as a weave. Apparently I slept screamed your name last night. No comment. I miss you and can’t wait to see you! We are going on our safari tomorrow and get back on Thursday. See you soonish! LOVE KATIE
Greetings from Fr. Woody to anyone who is listening. This is a journey of a lifetime with wonders revealed every day. We collected & delivered 2 Jeri can of water at the well placed last month and broadcast in a one hour special out of the LaCrosse station on August 11, 2014. It’s amazing the joy that clean water can bring to life.
Reither Family, I am missing you all. I know things are a little tough right now at home. Mom said you are all handling it well. Thank you. Becca, for your birthday I will be traveling to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the safari. I will be thinking of you on our journey. I love you all and will be home soon.
Amy, Tim, Skiffs, Happy b-day tomorrow, Becca. You’d love it here. Getting machettes!
Russek family, Africa’s going great! Have met a lot of new and great people. Hope home is well. Love, Walker
Ahi family – Everything is awesome here and we are all having an amazing time. I hope everything is going well back home! Miss you all. Love, Riley P.S. I’m bringing home a machette
Hello from Marie As you can tell from everyone else’s notes that we are having an amazing experience. Love you all and can’t wait to share the stories.
July 17 - Update from the Group
Paskach Family, Africa is fun. Can’t wait to experience more. Dimitri
Sinibaldo Family - Great work day today and great interaction with locals Super group.
Anderson Family – Still feel kind of sick but not as bad. Other than that all is swell.
Russek Family – Africa is great. We did a lot of good work and handed out lots of things. Hope all is well.
Hello my Connie. Found your hidden letter. It uplifted me. I am having fun and reflecting on who I am. I love my Connie for 41 years.
Hi Jim, Deb, Paul, Mom and Dad. We are here and doing well. Love Kevin and Kim.
Hi Family - Greetings I am alive. Keep praying plumbing is working. Love Carol
Kopp Family - We are having an amazing experience. Everyone is doing great. Can’t wait to share all about it. Love you. Monica especially loves you all.
Max Family - I miss you all and am spreading love to all like you have all taught me to. Can’t wait to tell you about my experiences. Love you all so much.
Mertens Family - Sending my love across the pond. Things are amazing here. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Enjoy your trip next week.
Redding Family - I miss you guys so much. We are all safe and having the time of our lives. I can’t wait to show you all of my pictures. Tell Hudson hi…
Syverson Family and friends. Hello from Uganda. It has been an amazing time so far. Each day I am falling more in love with this place and the people. Lydia would playing with all the kids.
Hey John, Look it is an update and a shout out to you. It’s amazing here and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Miss you, Monica
Ahl Family - I miss you guys all so much. This experience has been amazing so far and I can’t wait to tell you about everything. Jeff won’t let me write more because we are in a hurry. So love you all.
We rode the lorry back from the school today and no one lost a limb success!!! God bless you all and thanks for packing the toilet paper. Fr. Woody
Reither Family - I miss you all. We are doing awesome work but having fun. Laura I love you and hope VBS is going well.
Nickoloff Family and loved ones - I love and miss you all. I almost died. I also got corn rows in my hair. I consider that the best part so far. This country is amazing. Love Katie
Sam - I am having an awesome time at camp. I ate mud today. Tomorrow we might get to swim in the lake. I hope to pass my swimming test so I can off the big diving board. I made lots of friends who are really cool. Love Alex