Hey Team Uganda! 

I know you've been anxiously awaiting this information and today's the day!  I'd like to offiically introduce you to your leaders!  (insert drum roll here......)

-------------------------------

Melina Orengo and Chris Cave are your fearless leaders!  They couldn't be more excited to join you on this journey to Uganda!  Here's a little fun info about each of them.  Feel free to comment here and tell them how awesome they are....because trust me, they are! :)

Melina:

     I never know where to start when I am supposed to write a bio about myself, so I guess I will start from the basics. I'm from Tampa, Florida but I am currently living with my sister in Orlando. I just got home from the World Race in September.  Being home has been very intense, mostly because of the season I am in right now with the Lord.

     Basically, He has stripped me of everything, that in the world's eyes makes you feel like you are someone who has it all together, and has made me fully dependent on Him. It is a very raw place to be. I'm starting to learn more and more about how much it costs to serve God in a fully abandoned way, and just how dangerous it really it.

     However, His goodness, faithfullness, and promises make me completely addicted. I know I can't go back...nothing else seems worth it. Thanks to God's grace and love, I have come a long way from who I used to be. When I was 15, my parents got divorced. This was a very deep wound for me, and basically all of the choices I made stemmed from this pain. Throughout life, I dabbled in drugs, bad relationships, and drank heavily for about 9 years. I had no idea who I really was, and tried to be what pleased everyone else. Until I signed up for the World Race, and I heard God speak truth to me. He told me who I really was, how He always saw me, how I was always meant to be. I had believed lies for so long, and once I heard the truth, it completey set me free.

     Now I have a passion to share that truth with others, especially young girls and women, who are still believeing the lies and living in deception. I have no idea what to expect in these next four months, but I know God is going to do more than I can think, dream, or imagine. It's going to be a wild ride, and I can't wait!

Chris:

Me... the who.

My Name is Chris(topher) Cave.  I am 21 years old.  I am a tall individual.  I used to work at the local grocery store, stocking shelves. But the Lord had me step away from my previous life and step fully into what He has for me.  I have a great family: my two parents, Tom and Judy, and my sister, Laura (teaches English in Korea).

I grew up in a Christian family (Baptist). Though at times I may find myself in doubt, the Lord continues to draw me towards Him.

What about me?... the what.

I am a January 2010 World Race Alum. The Race has proven to be integral to my growth/faith. My perspective has been changed through the experience and role of the Holy Spirit in my life.

People say I can make em laugh pretty easily. I enjoy good humor and believe I am a pretty funny character.

During my World Race experience (month 3) I was placed into leadership on a team of 7. This proved to be a challenging experience which literally pushed me into growth.

When did this happen?... the when.

I became a Christian at a young age. I was a regular attender of Sunday School and Pioneer Clubs etc. Though I was a Christian, in high school I didn't really feel much different than anyone else. I knew drinking was illegal, drugs were bad etc. But I didn't stand out as being a follower of Christ. Upon the ending of my high school career I had decided I was going to a Mennonite Bible College in Saskatchewan. This was what I believe one of the biggest steps (if not leaps) of faith I have ever taken. I garnered a ton from being out at school. My next leap (if not submission) in faith is the participation in the World Race (of which I heard through my cousin Jenni). This leap of leading Real Life in January was brought on as I feel that the Lord has called me back into leadership after the race. I look forward to what the Lord is going to do in myself and the team I am with.

Location... the where.

I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada.

We have one of the cleanest water aquifers in North America if not the world, within a few kilometers of my house. It's pretty awesome, I know :P

15 minutes away from the world's longest fresh water beach.

Only snows 3/4 of the year (a slight exaggeration). Prime Real Estate if you ask me.

My town has a Maple Syrup Festival. Yes, a Festival for Maple Syrup. YUM!

LIKES

God, Comics and Anime, Thunderstorms, Card Games, Jandals, Summer.

DISLIKES

Fish, Spiders, Car Accidents, Hats, Yellow, Mushrooms (unless cooked).