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About bettyliedtke

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So far bettyliedtke has created 723 blog entries.

Enjoying the changes that autumn brings

During the past few weeks, I’ve been at three different Toastmasters meetings where the theme of the meeting was autumn, or the changing of the seasons. At all of them, participants and guests were asked what they liked best about the fall season. Probably the most popular response was about the fall colors. Even though we experience it every year, there’s something magical and mesmerizing about the glorious colors of fall when they first start to appear. Throughout the season, we continue to marvel at [...]

By |October 19th, 2012|Columns, Toastmasters|1 Comment

Travel is time for reconnecting

As the days grow shorter, and the weather turns colder, we start winding down in anticipation of the dark, dreary winter months ahead – at the same time we start revving up in preparation for the holiday hustle and bustle to come. Although I’m busier than ever right now, I’m enjoying the “winding down” feeling, reflecting on some of the events and activities I’ve been taking part in lately. Especially on my mind are the three trips I took between late August and mid-September – [...]

By |October 12th, 2012|Columns, Family, Travel, Uganda|Comments Off on Travel is time for reconnecting

Giving a little can give a lot

While I was packing and preparing for my trip to Uganda, I joked with family and friends that I’d need to dress in layers for my trip. Not because it was going to take a long time to get there, or because it’s so chilly in airplanes – although both are true. Instead I was afraid I’d have to go more than a week with just the clothes I was wearing, since my luggage was filled to the max with donated clothing, books, and supplies [...]

By |October 5th, 2012|Columns, Travel, Uganda|Comments Off on Giving a little can give a lot

Enjoying a day of music, mangoes, and memories

Although it was close to midnight when we got home the night before, we were on the road again at 6:30 in the morning, traveling from Kampala to Iganga for my 9:00 program. I would be speaking to teachers at Buckley High School, which is actually a highly acclaimed Girls' Primary Boarding School, with students aged 6-15. My camera was in my lap as we traveled along. Every so often I’d snap a photo of the people and livestock walking along the side of the [...]

By |September 28th, 2012|Columns, Travel, Uganda|Comments Off on Enjoying a day of music, mangoes, and memories

Learning – and unlearning – in Uganda

Editor’s Note: Betty Liedtke is out of town. The following column is one that she wrote after returning from her trip to Uganda last October. This column was originally published on November 10, 2011. A few of the things I learned in Uganda: What ostrich meat and boiled goat taste like; How to say “How are you,” “Fine,” and “Thank you” in Lugandan and Swahili, and how much fun it is to say names like Musa, Magala, and Busembatia out loud; That if you can [...]

By |September 21st, 2012|Columns, Travel, Uganda|1 Comment

Back at Home

We’re back home safe and sound from Uganda, and already starting to dream and plan for our next trip. We were so blessed and touched by everyone and everything there, and humbled by how grateful and gracious everyone was for the programs we presented, the gifts and donations we distributed, and the projects we’ve begun that will help provide safer and more  promising and fulfilling lives for many families and individuals. As progress continues on building the Miracle Village, and as miracles continue [...]

By |September 19th, 2012|Uganda|Comments Off on Back at Home

The Miracles Continue!

We had an amazing day on Saturday. After our final presentation, at the Omega Healing Centre, we went to visit the girls in Ki-Mombasa and to distribute some clothes that had been donated for the women and their children. The girls were very happy to see us, and even more so when we told them of our plans and progress so far, and let them know that there are many people in both Africa and America who are thinking about them and who want to [...]

By |September 16th, 2012|Uganda|Comments Off on The Miracles Continue!

Sharing gifts from friends

Today we had the opportunity to distribute items that have been donated by friends in Minnesota.  Thank you to all who collected and donated items to load our luggage on this trip!   First it was t-shirts that were greatly appreciated by members of a youth soccer club, whose goal is to help young men develop skills and attitudes that will help them grow to be good husbands, fathers, and members of the community. Next we distributed newborn kits–containing a towel, [...]

By |September 15th, 2012|Uganda|Comments Off on Sharing gifts from friends

Almost ready for Uganda—one more time

Editor’s Note: Betty Liedtke is in Uganda. The following column is one that she wrote in preparation for the trip she took to Uganda last October. This column was originally published on September 29, 2011. “If anybody offers you sambusa, take it.” That’s one piece of advice that was given to me recently regarding my upcoming trip to Uganda. I’m going to be there for several weeks, and I’ve been collecting information from friends – and friends of friends – who have been there themselves [...]

By |September 14th, 2012|Columns, Travel, Uganda|Comments Off on Almost ready for Uganda—one more time

Music and Mangoes

Lots going on since our last post. We did two "Finding the Treasure in Our Gifts from God" programs--one for members of the Community Healing Church in Kampala, and one for teachers at Buckley High School (which is actually a highly acclaimed Girls' Boarding Primary School, with students aged 6-15) in Iganga. After that program we were treated to an amazing performance by students who were leaving that afternoon (Thursday) for a National Music Competition in Kampala. From the moment they opened their mouths and [...]

By |September 13th, 2012|Uganda|Comments Off on Music and Mangoes