"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...

"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.

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. 

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.