I'm Not Sure that Jesus Really is the Reason For My Season...

This past Sunday me and one of my best friends, Kelsey Murray, had the great opportunity to speak at Southside Baptist Church in Rocky Mount about Missions.

As we put on our mics on our heads blew up a little bit because as much as both of us love to talk, we love people listening to us talk more.... but believe me... the second we opened our mouths up there on that stage, we were completely humbled.

In the past year God has given me the opportunity not only once, but twice to serve Him in Africa.
I feel like a large majority of my year has been talking about my travels, blogging about my travels or thinking about and planning my next trip there!

While we sat in the living room Sunday afternoon going over what we we were going to speak on, memories began to flood in. We were dying of laughter and then border line tears at all the hilarious and mind blowing experiences we had.

One memory that we began to talk about was one I don't think I have shared since returning from Africa.... one that I don't even think I have talked about at all, and speaking about it in that pulpit Sunday night both humbled me and convicted me!

When me and Kelsey knew that God was calling us to Africa we knew! When one trip got cancelled, we were bound and determined to still follow Gods plan, and we decided we would just go ourselves. I was ok with this idea, though it scared some of the people in my life, and I felt brave and courageous.  But then... Kelsey called with tentative dates.... December 17th through December 31st. Some how all that bravery I had felt a few days before disappeared, as the thought of "missing" Christmas scared me to death... I responded, "well, I will pray about it." God made himself clear, and He didn't change his mind.... we went to Africa!

I remember waking up on Christmas day trying so hard to be full of joy, but whether I showed it or not, I was heart broken. Me and Kelsey exchanged gifts and looked at our coloring book Tree, and I deep down missed waking up to a living room full of presents. As the day went on my heart became more shallow, as I was dwelling on all the traditions of Christmas I was missing. I chocked down the tears when I talked to my family on the phone, but the second I hung up, the tears flooded.

That night we and Kelsey returned to our compound from an awesome African wedding experience and began to throw a pity party. We sat alone at a table in our house and said, "I just want dinner. we don't even get Christmas dinner." God is hilarious, and about that time there was a knock on our door. Two missionaries from Germany were there asking us if we wanted dinner.... we then sat around the table for hours having extremely encouraging conversations. Me and Kelsey then went to our room and she began reading out-loud the "Kisses from Kate" book she had given me for Christmas about a girl our age who has surrendered her life to God, and serves full time in Uganda. Whether she knows I realized or not I am not sure, but I began to hear Kelsey's voice get a little shaky, and then we looked at each other... that's when it all clicked...

Every year we talk about the "true meaning of Christmas." We get upset when stores refuse to say "CHRIST'mas" because we believe He is the "reason for the season." We read the Christmas story on Christmas day after we open up hundreds of dollars worth of presents, and eat so much food its gluttony... and some how our holiday was "Christ-centered!"

I was in Africa. Surrounded by starving Children who have never received Christmas presents. People who have never drank clean water. People who don't even have a home. People who have never even heard the name of Jesus... and I was upset over lost traditions, and the need for "Christmas dinner."

Do I really get the real reason of Christmas? Is Jesus really the center of my life? If I lost every materialistic possession, every tradition, every comfort in my life, would I still serve Him?

As this Christmas roles around I have been thinking a lot. This year I will not be in Africa on Christmas. I will live a comfortable American and material-centered Christmas. What about the way I celebrate Christmas represents Christ love? The same love that God showed us when He sent baby Jesus to us.... to die for us.

Do I truly believe in the Gospel and its power? Do I really understand the true meaning of Christmas? What about my life shows that I do?

I am here to say it doesn't. Not at all. Praying that God gives me the boldness to change that.

I challenge you to do that same!

About to speak! Clearly loving it too much! : ) 

Our Christmas tree! 

Our African Wedding Experience! 

The day after Christmas, we got to deliver Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes!
One of the most humbling and memorable experience of my life! 

Learning Not to be a "People-Person"

There is not one bone in my body that is introverted. To say I am a "people-person" would be a  understatement. It takes approximately five minutes alone for me to feel lonely.

All of these statements are sadly true, and often are a negative part of my life. Its funny, because typically you would think that being a people-person would be a good character trait. The problem is that I love people so much, that it is people themselves that I allow to define how happy I am.

Scenario 1: I can distinctly remember one specific night during sophomore year when I had nothing to do. Not one friend had called to see what I was doing or asked if I wanted to hang out. I remember sitting on my bed thinking, "It is a Friday night. I have nothing to do. My life absolutely sucks." And sadly, I truly believed this. The amount of loneliness that overwhelmed me, is pathetic.

Scenario 2: I am completely content in being single. For about 95 percent of the time, it is amazing. But then there is the other five percent. I have to admit, as I approach graduation, I often think, "wow, how in the world did I just go through four years of college without dating anyone?" I distinctly remember having this conversion recently: "I am fine being single, but what is wrong with me? I don't even really care if I date anyone or not, but it would be great if i felt like people, like, wanted to date me or something!" This is pathetic I realize. But, just real honest and humbly I admit, yes... I said this.

Scenario 3: I LOVE the people in my life. If you are my friend, you know it, and I have a ton of them. I hope that the people in my life would agree. I try hard to encourage, and uplift. I try to love, and support. I don't have many acquaintances; I really feel extremely close to almost all of my friends and family. Here is the problem. They are such a HUGE part of my life, that the second one of them hurts my feelings or disappoints me, I am crushed. I distinctly remember one specific time in my life when I had a friend disappoint me. As our friendship came to a end, I was completely devastated. I had put so much worth into that friendship in my life, that when that person disappointed me, my heart broke. Years later looking back, I feel ridiculous about how much I let it steal my joy. Not only that, but in the way I have let it happen over and over again.

All boys are stupid. Girls love to talk behind your back. No one is perfect. Everyone will disappoint you.

These statements are true, and even though I know it, every reminder hurts me BAD.

In a recently reminder that the people I love will disappoint me, I realized I am a "people-person." I am a person that lets people define my happiness. 

I need to fix my life to where I am a "Jesus-person." How exciting my social life is shouldn't define me, but my prayer life should.

The way that people are or are not perusing relationships with me shouldn't define me, but the way that Jesus is perusing me, and the way I am responding, should.

The disappointments of people in my life shouldn't define me, but the knowledge that Jesus NEVER will, should.

Psalms 118:8 says," It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man."

Psalm 32:10 says, "Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him."

When people fail you, let it be a reminder that God never will. Though I may lack trust in man, I am beyond thankful for a unfailing God who I will forever put my trust in!

Shout out to one of the best one of those people that I love! SO thankful for this fine friend, Lauren! ! 

"I am the reason you are not soaked!"

We were in the beautiful Charleston, South Carolina walking alongside the water way when we started seeing children in bathing suites. I was a little confused, and couldn't figure out where they were swimming. Soon after, we saw it. A beautiful fountain that you could play in! I LOVE fountains in general, and the last time I was in one I was freaking out because I felt like I was breaking the law.

Now I could play in it, and because I was suppose to! The only problem was... I really didn't want to be soaking wet... but I saw a opening that seemed to be a safe zone. Me and my beautiful friends all ran in, me feeling like my dreams were coming true, and we began taking pictures.

Then I saw this mischievousness little boy standing by the column the water came out of , with his hands grasping the water hole. He was staring at us very intentionally, and I quickly prepared myself to get soaked!

I very dramatically said, "ARE YOU ABOUT TO GET US WET LITTLE BOY??!??"

He very dramatically responded, "NO, I am the reason you are not soaked!"

I then realized he had been covering the water hole with his hands for us the entire time so we would not get wet. I laughed and then went and thanked him, feeling very stupid... and selfish!

This story came to my mind the other day while I was thinking about Gods plan for my life. I so desperately want to know what the next few years hold. Lately, I have heard almost everyone I know saying these similar words.

We ask God so many "why" questions. Why don't I have this thing or that thing. Why am I not in a relationship? Why don't I know what career path to choose?

Or why did you let that happen? Why is my life like this?

God responds, " NO, I am the reason you are not soaked!" He is the one holding back all those things we ask him about. He is protecting us.

I think if we could see what God was doing for us, we would also laugh, thank him, and then feel very stupid... and selfish!

"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." -John 15:2 

Though it may be painful, the things that God withholds from our life our places in our life... it is all to help  us  bear fruit. It is for the betterment of our lives! 

Thankful for Gods provision over my life. Whether it be withholding things from me or giving me things I don't exactly want... He knows what He is doing, and He is doing it for my good!

Our Hospital Party With Alex!

The bible is our instruction book. Sometimes we forget to look through the instructions to know how to live our life. It amazes me the things the Bible tell how to do. One thing that may go unnoticed is how to be a friend.

He tells us what a friend is:

John 15:12-15 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 

He tells us what kind of friends we should have:
Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.


1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

He tells us how a friend should treat their friends: 

Luke 6:31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

...and I feel positive the list goes one. 

I have been EXTREMELY blessed with a LOT of friends that follow these instructions. One friend that I specifically think of when I think of a Godly friend is Brittany Hall. Brittany has more friends than anyone on earth, I am certain of. She isn't "kinda" friends with anyone, but close friends with everyone. She gives and gives and gives of herself. 

You treat others as you were to be treated, so when Brittany seemed to be in severe pain the other night at dinner, It was the least me and Ericka could do to take her to the hospital.... 

What awaited us on this adventure we couldn't have dreamed of in a million years. Meet Alex, the most hyper 2yr old in the entire world (at 1am). Who we read stupid books too while he drug Brittany across the waiting room floor, stole Ericka's pretzels, and literally climbed the walls. As you will notice in the next series of pictures.... Ericka was ready to strangle him... but Praise God she refrained! 

Never read this book to your children... it was awful! 

We stayed in the hospital almost all night, and left just as frustrated as we came... but we met Alex, so it was worth it! Praying poor Brittany's ankle heals soon  and she some how refrains from injuring herself, at least for a few months (thats unlikely!) 

All I want is peace....

The other day a friend of mine was quoted saying the following:

Jordan Ellinwood‏@jmellinwood

"All I want is peace... actually we aren't even called to peace... so screw it!" - @tuck3nnis

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Though it may sound a little mellow-dramatic.. it is so true!

We aren't called to peace; God never promised us comfort. God never promised us life would be easy. He did however promise that in Him we could find peace (John 16:33). He did promise us He would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He did promise us that He would never give us more than we could bare (1 Corinthians 1:13). He did promise us that in all situations, good and bad, He would work them together for our good (Romans 8:28).

But peace... that was never a promise.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take hart, because  I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Ironically, a few days before, his brother also gave me some insight on this situation. He was asked that somewhat cliche question, "why do bad things happen?" This question is probably the number one reason of doubt. Believer or not... everyone has thought it. Or what about this one: "why do bad things happen to "good" people."

First of all, what is a "good person?" What scale do we use to determine who is "good" enough to avoid "bad things," or rather the wrath of God? ....

Here is the insight he gave...

We are looking at it COMPLETELY wrong. We should be saying, Why do good things happen to me? Why do good things happen to a "bad" person like me? Who am I to deserve Gods mercy and blessings?

A few weeks ago at a retreat, I was given a journal and was challenged to start a "thankful journal." I was to write down things I was thankful for, anywhere from a beautiful sunset to safety while driving. Big things or little things.... write down all the things  I was thankful for until I got to 1,000.

I am only in the 100's, and it is transforming the way I think. As I walk around campus my mind is just spinning with things I am thankful for. When I find a parking spot near campus, I am beyond thankful. When I drink a pumpkin spice latte.... I am thankful.

And  I pray the next time life throws me a curve ball... I am thankful!

God didn't promise us peace... unwanted situations are going to happen, and do quite often! God doesn't owe us anything... we should be thankful for everything... good and bad!

.... Just what God has been teaching me lately! : ) Praying He can teach you too!

(I have challenged approximately 50 people to complete this Thankful Journal with me! If you are reading this...  I challenge you as well! I PROMISE that it will impact you in a positive way! If you are doing it, let me know! And let me know when you get to 1,000!)

Hugs, Jordan

This week I am SO thankful for my two BEAUTIFUL sisters, Janna and Jordan, who both have Birthdays! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y'ALL!!!!!! 

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus!" -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Meet our 2012-2013 executive board! SIGMA.ALPHA.OMEGA.

In 1998, Sigma Alpha Omega was formed at North Carolina State University! There now are chapters all over the nation... but strong we still stand... right where we began... here at NC State! Through a series of amazing leaders SAO as remained... we ARE a "timeless classic." 

It is such a honor to be part of this leadership. We pray that we are just a part of this amazing legacy. We pray that God works through our leadership and all we do glorifies Him! 

Meet Lindsay Speir, President:

Lindsay is soft spoken, and has a BIG heart! Her compassion for others is so evident in her daily life and relationship with others! She hurts when others hurt... adding such great compassion to our sisterhood! Through her busy schedule, she somehow never misses meetings or events, and is always glad to be there! Because the sorority has meant so much to her, her testimony is a testimony in itself of what a blessing Sigma Alpha Omega is to each of our lives!We are blessed to add her to our list of Presidents. 

Meet Jordan Ellinwood, Vice President:

Well, that is me! I would rather leave this description up to someone else... So feel free to send your input! If I would have to guess I would say people would respond, "she is one of a kind." I keep things interesting with my blunt statements and just as readable as a book, facial expressions. I am often way to hyper but hopefully spice things up a little! It is a great honor to be Vice President! I am striving to lead to the best of my ability! 

Meet Holly Martin, Treasurer:

Holly is loud, funny, talkative, and thinks she is a princess! More importantly, she is our encourager! Everyone in Alpha Chapter has received at least one "I am praying for you" text from her. She genuinely cares about each and every sister. She is a prayer warrior, and is faithful to pray at any given time! Because of her bold leadership, we all know to "NEVERRR touch a tshirt till you pay for it!"

Meet Brittany Hall, Secretary:

Brittany is the most personable sister we have! Somehow she manages to be friends with not one or ten, but ALL of our sisters. She is willing to drop anything at anytime to be there for you! Her willing spirit and smiling face is uplifting and encouraging! Her crazy connections have been a great bonus to our sisterhood. If you ever need "the in" just ask Brittany! It has been almost comical the connections she has given us! 

Meet Sarah Stadler, Judicial Board Chair

Sarah is more commonly known as "Sassy Sarah," though she would argue this is not true! She certainly never holds anything back, and if you catch her past 9pm, things get pretty funny! Her amazing artistic abilities have been an amazing addition to the Alpha Chapter. Tshirts, websites, posters... the list goes on, are always PERFECTION! Sarah is busy, but ALWAYS willing! She always does way more than she is required, and always with a willing and happy spirit! 

So now you have met the Executive Board 2012-2013 of Sigma Alpha Omega, Alpha Chapter! We each feel blessed to hold our positions. Together, we are prayerful about EVERY decision. Together, we work to the BEST of our ability. Together, we LOVE each of our sisters. We believe we have a great platform on our campus... grounded first in Christ... and second in Sisterhood! 

Rainbow cupcakes!

I can't believe it, but summer is over! Though homework, test, studying and such are nothing too look forward too with the start of a new school year.... time spent with my sisters of Sigma Alpha Omega, Alpha Chapter is! 

This past Sunday was our first buisness meeting, so me and my sweet little, Jessica, had a little fun! With a little help from pintrest... here is what we came up with... 

I just printed out hearts saying "welcome back" on card-stock and cut them out. Then hot-glued  them to a toothpick. 

One cupcake got special treatment! Happy 22nd Birthday to my beautiful roommate, Brooke Reimer! She is a  BIG blessing in my life! 

anddddd, the BEST part! The inside! I could stare at this picture forever! Neon food coloring is only  $5 and you can  find it at any grocery store. It is SO easy (just a little messy). Find out how to make this rainbow magic here.
The beautiful Brooke! 
My sweet little, Jessica! 

"Here at NC State we take pride in healing animals.... not humans!"

I am not a paranoid... but I also didn't want to risk anything, so off I went to the doctor.

I have been having strange leg/muscle/knee problems for the last several weeks, and finally decided I needed to have it looked at.

After copying a few dozen recipes out of health magazines in the waiting room, the door finally opened, and the sweet nurse called my name! I very descriptively explained to her what was going on, and then she left the room.

The next lady who entered was my doctor... though I feel pretty certain she is not actually a doctor. She wore a short skirt that she did not know how to properly sit in, and clogs (with heels on them).

Even though that very detailed discription was right infront of her, I once again told her my spill.

She strangly looked at me, poked my leg for all of 30 seconds, and then said... "hmmm... I don't know whats wrong with you!"

Shocked, with that typical Jordan-look on my face, I (hopefully not too rudely) said, "yeaa... me neither!"

I am pretty sure at this point she was on google search engine, and asked me to try to stand on my toes... so I did... and that was that.

After a AMAZING (sarcasm) 4 minute doctors visit she diagnosed me with "patellofemoral pain syndrome" saying, "even though this isn't really what is wrong," and handed me a book of knee exercises.

Earlier she asked me if a participated in any recreational drug use. Of course I said no. She must of believed me because when she asked me my pain level from 1-10(being the highest pain) I answered one. But this is what she prescribed me....

         Pain killers!


My pre-med roommate later informed me that these "pain-killers" are actually just high-dollar Aleve. I could have just taken a double dosage, and saved a bunch of money....

There is no moral to the story. There is no life lesson learned. Except for maybe... don't go to health services....find a real doctor!

Here at NC State we take pride in healing animals.... not humans! If only i was a ferret or fish... this problem would have been long solved! GO PACK!    

Just another T.I.A. moment!

5-20-12

Enoch really likes American phrases. His favorite is "ouch!" Ibra has a big heart - he wrote me the sweetest letter. All the boys say Derek is a "man of the animals." Emma's goal for the year is to have ten hens. He has two now and wants them to have babies. Vincent is precious. He carried my bible around all day... he says he doesn't own one, and I want to try to fix that. All the boys have their own special characteristic... each of which makes me love them, and never want to leave!

I just got back to Kampala from spending a wonderful weekend on the land with the boys. I feel like I have 20 little brothers... it is so much fun! We were standing in the middle of the soccer pitch (after walking for what seemed like two hours through the bush to get there) and it began pouring that amazing African rain, thundering and lighting. It did not slow the soccer game down one bit! A family from a near by hut waved me over, and offered for me to stand under their shelter. There, a little boy stood beside me as I watched the boys play in the rain, and every time I looked at him he giggled... because I am a muzungu (white person) of course!

Then somewhere in the distance a cow broke lose and began charging towards us with his rope dragging the broken tree limb he escaped from, behind him! It then quickly changed directions.... charging for the field, bucking up and down... all the boys ran frantically and screamed like little girls! Just one of the MANY T.I.A (this is Africa) moments!

Church service was amazing today! I love that I can worship my God across the word, with people much different than me, speaking different languages, in a service much different than I am accustom too! A sweet reminder that in the midst of life's changes... whether welcomed or unwelcomed... God never changes. He is always the same, no matter the circumstances!

My favorite part of church was watching the boys worship! Little Ibra, no more than 6 years old, raised his small hands and sang praises. It melted my heart!

When I look at these boys I don't see the injustice they have had to live. Instead I see the Just God who perfectly loves them!

 I am being blessed serving with a "Perfect Injustice" this week!


Ibra



Derek

Enoch



Vincent





Emma

 

Sure wish I knew!

Today was a day that not long ago felt so far away. Seniors in college used to sounds so old... but today I feel so young, with a overwhelming desire to neverrrr grow up! 

WOW.... it is senior year?!?! I have been BEYOND blessed the past three years of my life! It is probably the reason nearing the end is causing these crazy emotions. I am so terrified of it to end!

I am not sure if I will graduate on time, to be quite honest. Sure wish I knew today.

I am not sure what I will be doing in May if I do graduate. Sure wish I knew today. 

I am not sure "what i want to be when I grow up" or really, even what direction to go in my career life. Sure wish I knew today!

I am not sure (at all) how in the world I will pay off college. Sure wish I knew today.

I am not sure who I will marry, when I will marry them/meet them, how many children I will have/adopt, where I will live, how many wins Pack football will obtain, how many more parking tickets I will get, how many more college encouraged pounds I will gain, if I will ever pass spanish 201....... Sure wish I knew today! 

I am not sure which of my friends will remain my friends after college life is over. I am not sure if we will live in different states/countries as each other. Friends have come and gone so much in the past few years, and I am not sure if I am ready for it to happen again. 

CHANGE. If I could pick one word I hated the most, this is what it would be. Thing is, I hate "change", but it REALLY seems to LOVE me! I don't handle it well... and over the past three years, I have been forced to learn how, and will learn again, because... here we go, the beginning of a end to yet another chapter! 

On the first day of freshman year I had NO clue that I would be living at Disney world, having the time of my life! Seriously, was that even real life? 

On the first day of sophomore year I had NO clue I would be pledging Sigma Alpha Omega, to one day be the Vice President and have over 50 sisters that I love sooo much! 

On the first day of Junior year I had NO clue I would fall in LOVE with Africa, and go... not once... but twice.... finding much clarity from God, where my heart is! 

.... and here we are. On the first day of senior year. I have NO clue what God holds for me. If the past three years have been so eventful, I am banking on the fourth one being eventful too!... and it makes me SO excited!!!! 

It would be very easy for me to have much anxiety over all these unknowns! BUTTT  as cliche as it is... "I don't know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future!"

SOO, lets do this thing! GO PACK! 

Me on the first day of freshman year, and the first day of senior year! 

^"" For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Eating snails: so strange...Eating termites: so normal

5-19-12

It was little Bashirs turn to lead the devotion at the boys home on the land. he walked into the middle of the room and said "we are going to read from 1 John chapter 3." I thought... there is no way?!? ... then he continued to say "verse 16-19!" I began to shake a little and tears began forming in my eyes. This was the scripture that God used to speak to me to come to Uganda. I remember that exact moment and I felt like I was re-living it!" Another sweet reminder that love is not a word, but a action. 

I was surrounded by 20 boys that I feel sooo blessed to show love to...

The boys started saying what they learned from this passage and this is what they basically got....

If God blesses you with money... help those in need. If you have riches and see someone in need, and do not help them.... you are not really walking with God. 

I heard these words from rescued street boys. Boys who literally had NOTHING! I could in thousands of words say what was going through my head, but basically... I am SOOO convicted! 

Today I helped the boys write letter to their "special friends" (sponsors). We played football and American football, as well as having a great Birthday party for two of the boys. 

After dinner we finished off the night eating snails... the boys think it is weird Americans eat them (but I think it is weird they eat termites). 

Walking back to the place we are staying, they said, "do you know luganda (their language)?" When I said no" they informed me when learning a new language there is key words to learn.... I asked what... and they said, 

"Can I have some food?" 

I laughed for so long! Today has been a blessing! 

^"16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? ¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." -1 John 16-19

Enoch, at the birthday party!

playing pin the tail of the elephant!

 Emma, eating a snail!

nightly devotions

"wishing I had better quality shoes on"

5-18-12

        I was walking through small alleys in the slums, carefully making each step. I didn't want to step on glass or let my feet sink into the muddy piles of garbage. I could feel the rocks beneath my thin soled shoes and meditated on how uncomfortable it was, wishing I had better quality shoes on. I then looked around me at all my friends. These sweet little boys small feet were walking on this same ground without shoes - most of them have never even had a pair. When I reached my destination I would eat dinner, shower and sleep in a bed, under a roof. They did not have a home to go to. A bed to sleep in. A shower to bathe in... not even clean water to drink. 

      Through all of this misfortune, it is not what I am most sad about. Most of all it hurts to think they have no one to love them. 

      That is exactly what we have done for the past four hours... loved them. Hugs, holding hands, teaching school, playing games, painting faces, bandaging and cleaning wombs. I pray they felt loved... not just by us, but by our amazing Savior whose love for them far surpasses mine!  

     Derek also inturn blessed us today. He asked for paper and a pen and wrote down all the scriptures he has memorized. He also wrote, "for you beasue Jesus loves you!" I am here to bless these kids... but they are blessing me! (Derek also said he was going to ship us out of Uganda if we didn't learn their language! ha)

   The police have threatened to come to the program and arrest all the boys. They don't want them causing problems on the streets. Praying and pleading with God for these boys safety. 

    God has a heart for teh fatherless. Praying these boys feel that love, and trust in that God who can and WILL provide for them! 

 "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing" - Deuteronomy 10:18

Lining up for dinner at the street program

Playing with legos at the pitch!

My shoe-less friend, Abdul that I was walking with!

 

My life is a Movie!

5-17-12


Sitting in a candle lit room in the middle of the bush watching Credo braid Elisa's hair and I am for sure I want to stay here forever!!


Today we went to "The Fortress" where me and Elisa led a bible study on Galatians. When we finished the girls said they learned a lot. Joann said "I learned I should be like Jesus!" Wow!  I did not teach her this... but God did through me. So humbling! 


Getting to know them was amazing. Jackie and Jackie(aka fanta) came to me and said "you are beautiful!" Later Jackie said they had been looking at me since I walked in. She asked, "when you look in the mirror do you see yourself as beautiful?" I said "no... I guess not really." She said "you are... believe me.. you MUST believe me.... be encouraged!" I was encouraged! It blows my mind to think that these girls care so much about me when they hardly know me. I came to bless them; but they are blessing me! 


We cooked with the girls and laughed and danced. One sweet girl, Jennifer, (prego and all) even climbed a tree! I really feel blessed to know them all. I desperately want to continue being a part of their lives. 


Next we traveled to the land. I often say my life is like a movie.. this would surely be a movie scene and in this scene Toto's "Africa" song would be the background music. It began storming and we were running through the bush on a foot wide path, rain beating down... lighting striking around us. The ultimate African experience! 


At house B (little kids) me and Elisa helped cook dinner and then watched the boys play a intense game of football (soccer). We then taught our butterfly lesson. After reading 2 Corinthians 5:17, we asked the boys if they had an example of how their life was different after Christ. Many boys spoke on how while they were on the street they stole and did drugs - now they have excepted Jesus Christ as their savor - and are new! PTL! These boys are so young! I can't imagine what they have been through. I love them all! 


We once again ran through the bush - this time in the dark... movie scene! 


I spent my day with pregnant teens who were abandoned and beaten - now rescued and growing in the Lord! I spent my day with young boys who lived on the street, many living a life of drugs and illegal activity - they now have a home and are growing! 


I feel so blessed. Not only to have a life far from these things but also for a Savior who saves! 

THE OLD IS GONE AND THE NEW HAS COME!

5-16-12

My day just ended with a cold, candle lit shower. The rest of my day: AMAZING! So amazing that I don't have the time nor adequate words to write about it. 


First we went to the Hope House and led a bible study on Galatians. It was so great. One women said, "you and Abby are white and american, and we are black - but have the same spirit." What a great, and simple truth. Abby and Sarah taught them about budgeting and how to start a business and we watched them bead necklaces. 


We ate lunch at a great local food place and I tried goat for the first time. From there we took a boda (form of public transportation/motorcycle) to the slums for street programs. We taught a lesson on butterflies and I was blown away by their knowledge. We made butterflies from coffee filters and compared our spiritual life to the transformation process of butterflies (2 Corinthians 5:17)....they LOVED it. I once again did some medical clinics while they played "steal the bacon" then were served food. 


Bonding with these boys is simply incredible and I already love them each so much. 


Our common conversation goes like this: "How are you?" followed by "I am fine." Not so much common... more like every single conversation. So when Derek's answer was "I am bad!" I was taken back. "Why Derek?" ...."because I am not in school... I want to be in school." I told him I would pray for him... and I will. Its heart breaking. I have never... nor will I ever hear a american kid say that. 


We took four boys to the clinic where some were stuck by needles in the front room by a lady I am quit sure is not a doctor or nurse. Their blood will be tested for malaria and typhoid. One boy has typhoid and received medication. One precious boy had previously been shoved into a mirror so he got stitches (more like a big meddle wire). Today we watched as the lady removed the wire from his knee. 


Our last stop was Sanyu orphanage... [insert tears here]. I watched 50 children be fed (at one time) 50 children be striped, bathed, clothes, and put to bed at one time. I have never felt hugs that felt so full of love. They desperately wanted to be held. While leaving the thought of these children not having parents hurt. Honestly... I so badly wish I was married so I could adopt starting today. I am earnestly praying for a Godly husband who will have a heart for these children. I am not sure that God is calling me to Africa, but I am so sure that I love it here. It is only day three and I am already dreading leaving. 


 ^"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" -2 Corinthians 5:17