"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