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!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
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
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
"SEEK JUSTICE. DEFEND THE CAUSE OF ORPHANS."
5-15-12
I sat outside after breakfast praying about what book I should read and study next. Isaiah kept coming to my mind and I coud not figure out why - I just studied it a few months back with my small group. When I began reading, this is what I found...
WOW! This was just more clarification that I a right where God wants me. Regardless of if I help any one's life to change or regardless of if I make a impact in Uganda... I am doing His will as instructed in Isaiah.
Today we went to "the land" and helped landscape. We met all the aunties, uncles, mama's and the boys of the boys home. It was a huge blessing to see the home that Providence Providence Baptist Church raised money for and had built. After lunch we were walking through the bush to where we would be working when the bottom fell out. We all camped out in a guest house to wait for it to slow down. To pass time we all told each other about ourselves (with translation). Sam entertained everyone by saying he enjoyed long walks on the beach and romantic candle lit dinners.
When the rain slowed down I decided to go bare foot so I wouldn't ruin my shoes. Seeing this, mama Joyce, who I just had met, took off her shoes and handed them to me. I said "no, no, no, its ok... I will be fine," over and over again, but she was still persistent. I said, "are you sure?" then her response was, "yes, because I love you!" .... It was a huge blessing to me.... How a women truley loved and cared about me after just meeting me. I pray I become more like mama Joyce.
While meeting the boys the yall said their names and what they wanted to be when they grew up. I praise God for API for giving the hope to reach these dreams. Several boys want to be pastors. I pray that God sustain them and provide them wisdom through these teenage years to be able to do so.
We ended the day by playing four-square and learning Ugandan dances from Credo and teaching her the wobble (all by candle light). Praising God for a beautiful day and beautiful new friendships.
I sat outside after breakfast praying about what book I should read and study next. Isaiah kept coming to my mind and I coud not figure out why - I just studied it a few months back with my small group. When I began reading, this is what I found...
"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans.Fight for the rights of widows." -Isaiah 1:17
WOW! This was just more clarification that I a right where God wants me. Regardless of if I help any one's life to change or regardless of if I make a impact in Uganda... I am doing His will as instructed in Isaiah.
Today we went to "the land" and helped landscape. We met all the aunties, uncles, mama's and the boys of the boys home. It was a huge blessing to see the home that Providence Providence Baptist Church raised money for and had built. After lunch we were walking through the bush to where we would be working when the bottom fell out. We all camped out in a guest house to wait for it to slow down. To pass time we all told each other about ourselves (with translation). Sam entertained everyone by saying he enjoyed long walks on the beach and romantic candle lit dinners.
When the rain slowed down I decided to go bare foot so I wouldn't ruin my shoes. Seeing this, mama Joyce, who I just had met, took off her shoes and handed them to me. I said "no, no, no, its ok... I will be fine," over and over again, but she was still persistent. I said, "are you sure?" then her response was, "yes, because I love you!" .... It was a huge blessing to me.... How a women truley loved and cared about me after just meeting me. I pray I become more like mama Joyce.
While meeting the boys the yall said their names and what they wanted to be when they grew up. I praise God for API for giving the hope to reach these dreams. Several boys want to be pastors. I pray that God sustain them and provide them wisdom through these teenage years to be able to do so.
We ended the day by playing four-square and learning Ugandan dances from Credo and teaching her the wobble (all by candle light). Praising God for a beautiful day and beautiful new friendships.
Monday, June 18, 2012
A PERFECT INJUSTICE
5-14-12
After driving for twenty minutes the van pulled over as I watched five of my new friends pile out. Thats when it hit me. Thats when I grasped the idea that these precious boys I had been with all day were homeless. Most of them were on drugs. The only meal they received today was the one we provided for them. They may not receive another meal until wednesday when we see them again. So as I watched the boys start walking down the street... my heart sank and I began to feel nauseous. They will be sleeping on the street tonight... without a mom and dad, or anyone to tell them they love them...
My day started off with a nap. I have never been so tired in my life... then we headed out for the street project. Examining everything around me, I can't help but compare it to Liberia. I miss all my friends there so much.
My biggest fear of this trip was medical clinics, and I thought maybe I would escape from this duty. God is funny and within the first five minutes of being there... I began this daunting task. To my surprise, I LOVED cleaning wounds and bandaging arms and legs. The ability to serve these kids is a huge blessing. I wish so bad I could bandage and fix their lives, not just their hands and feet.
One of the boys I bandaged was hurt because he was beaten by the police yesterday. He was one of the 25 street children unjustly imprisoned. We tried to go see and feed the other (19) who were not released and permission was given to us. When arriving, they were not there anymore, and so we drove to the location they were said to be at. There, they informed us they moved... this time to a place like a children's prison where most likely they will be very much mistreated. They will not be released now. They have not received food since they were first taken.
A perfect injustice. The way these children live is unjust. The love our sovereign God can show them is perfect. In prayer over these precious boys lives.
After driving for twenty minutes the van pulled over as I watched five of my new friends pile out. Thats when it hit me. Thats when I grasped the idea that these precious boys I had been with all day were homeless. Most of them were on drugs. The only meal they received today was the one we provided for them. They may not receive another meal until wednesday when we see them again. So as I watched the boys start walking down the street... my heart sank and I began to feel nauseous. They will be sleeping on the street tonight... without a mom and dad, or anyone to tell them they love them...
My day started off with a nap. I have never been so tired in my life... then we headed out for the street project. Examining everything around me, I can't help but compare it to Liberia. I miss all my friends there so much.
My biggest fear of this trip was medical clinics, and I thought maybe I would escape from this duty. God is funny and within the first five minutes of being there... I began this daunting task. To my surprise, I LOVED cleaning wounds and bandaging arms and legs. The ability to serve these kids is a huge blessing. I wish so bad I could bandage and fix their lives, not just their hands and feet.
One of the boys I bandaged was hurt because he was beaten by the police yesterday. He was one of the 25 street children unjustly imprisoned. We tried to go see and feed the other (19) who were not released and permission was given to us. When arriving, they were not there anymore, and so we drove to the location they were said to be at. There, they informed us they moved... this time to a place like a children's prison where most likely they will be very much mistreated. They will not be released now. They have not received food since they were first taken.
A perfect injustice. The way these children live is unjust. The love our sovereign God can show them is perfect. In prayer over these precious boys lives.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Cheerio ....
(I will be blogging my journal entries from my trip to Uganda. It will take a while to get them all to you... so bear with me. They are the real me... my real emotions. Sometimes they are not too positive... they show my struggles and concerns. They most definitely show my weaknesses. Enjoy... )
5-13-12
As I began this day I was convinced I was marrying a Brit and living in London. As I am ending this day I am completely convinced that will not happen unless I win the lottery. wow.. its expensive here.
With that slight complaint aside.. today has been wonderful. We wondered down the streets of London soaking in all the impeccable architecture all around us. I was able to see Big Ben, West Minister Abby, The London Rye, Buckingham Palace, and so much more. I felt and still feel as if I was dreaming.
My favorite part of the day was being greeted by "cheers" or "cheerio". Eating fish and chips made it feel like a legit London experience.
Through all of these amazing experiences my mind still was working hard. Today I missed mothers day and my moms birthday. I have wished I was with her every second of this day. I have prayed and prayed and prayed she knows how much she is loved and understands what a amazing example she is. She is... without a doubt... the strongest person I know.
Though all these thoughts I have meditated on how blessed I am. Not only with a God sent family.. but with amazing experiences God practically threw in my lap. So blessed to be in London right now.
Side Note:
Today on the train back to the airport a man about 28 or so sat beside me. I constantly wanted to talk to him. I began reading through Galatians and I could see him glaring over at me. His headphones were in, so I never spoke to him (verbally). I began to pray God open a door for me to witness to him... and in the midst of my prayer... I fell asleep. When we arrived to our destination I woke up and he was in the isle staring at me.
I am praying the sight of Galatians sparked some curiosity in him and that God place someone in His life to give him whatever answers He may need.
5-13-12
As I began this day I was convinced I was marrying a Brit and living in London. As I am ending this day I am completely convinced that will not happen unless I win the lottery. wow.. its expensive here.
With that slight complaint aside.. today has been wonderful. We wondered down the streets of London soaking in all the impeccable architecture all around us. I was able to see Big Ben, West Minister Abby, The London Rye, Buckingham Palace, and so much more. I felt and still feel as if I was dreaming.
My favorite part of the day was being greeted by "cheers" or "cheerio". Eating fish and chips made it feel like a legit London experience.
Through all of these amazing experiences my mind still was working hard. Today I missed mothers day and my moms birthday. I have wished I was with her every second of this day. I have prayed and prayed and prayed she knows how much she is loved and understands what a amazing example she is. She is... without a doubt... the strongest person I know.
Though all these thoughts I have meditated on how blessed I am. Not only with a God sent family.. but with amazing experiences God practically threw in my lap. So blessed to be in London right now.
Side Note:
Today on the train back to the airport a man about 28 or so sat beside me. I constantly wanted to talk to him. I began reading through Galatians and I could see him glaring over at me. His headphones were in, so I never spoke to him (verbally). I began to pray God open a door for me to witness to him... and in the midst of my prayer... I fell asleep. When we arrived to our destination I woke up and he was in the isle staring at me.
I am praying the sight of Galatians sparked some curiosity in him and that God place someone in His life to give him whatever answers He may need.
Bird View
(I will be blogging my journal entries from my trip to Uganda. It will take a while to get them all to you... so bear with me. They are the real me... my real emotions. Sometimes they are not too positive... they show my struggles and concerns. They most definitely show my weaknesses. Enjoy... )
5-12-12
The day has finally arrived ... and off I go. As I sit on plane number one out of three, I feel like it was just yesterday I felt God calling me to Uganda. Sometimes God speaks quietly but in many situations, including this one... He speaks loud and clear.
I know that this is my calling and am praying His will be done the next three weeks.
Honestly, worldly troubles have discouraged me the last few weeks... and completely honest... I did not want to board this plane. I am Praying that God strengthen me and prepare my heart to do his work.
5-13-12
Looking down from the plane window... everything looks so small.
All these small pieces working together to form one very big, and very beautiful picture.
Every tree, ever lake, every road, and building all carefully placed ... all working together.
Though its hard (and impossible) to known... I imagine this is kind of how our creator feels when He looks down at us.
From His eyes our problems seem so small. Our fears seem so small. Our worries seem so small.
From His eyes He sees His beautifully made creation that was carefully designed and perfectly placed to work together for His good.
My problems seem big... but my God is bigger. Resting in the sweet truth that He works all things together for His good.
ROMANS 8:28
5-12-12
The day has finally arrived ... and off I go. As I sit on plane number one out of three, I feel like it was just yesterday I felt God calling me to Uganda. Sometimes God speaks quietly but in many situations, including this one... He speaks loud and clear.
I know that this is my calling and am praying His will be done the next three weeks.
Honestly, worldly troubles have discouraged me the last few weeks... and completely honest... I did not want to board this plane. I am Praying that God strengthen me and prepare my heart to do his work.
5-13-12
Looking down from the plane window... everything looks so small.
All these small pieces working together to form one very big, and very beautiful picture.
Every tree, ever lake, every road, and building all carefully placed ... all working together.
Though its hard (and impossible) to known... I imagine this is kind of how our creator feels when He looks down at us.
From His eyes our problems seem so small. Our fears seem so small. Our worries seem so small.
From His eyes He sees His beautifully made creation that was carefully designed and perfectly placed to work together for His good.
My problems seem big... but my God is bigger. Resting in the sweet truth that He works all things together for His good.
ROMANS 8:28
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