Sometimes the life I am living here feels like I’m a child again living the adventures you only read in storybooks. Yesterday, we went chicken chasing, fruit discovering, and learned how to do some bead making. Paula is an elderly woman who owns a market shop to provide some income for Dwelling Places. We helped her with the crafts, and she seemed beyond grateful to have us making the process flow more quickly. While we were making our crafts, our friend Ambrose came to take us to a school in Kampala to teach the children their human rights. Little did we know, this would be quite an adventure.
There is so much I want to say, but not enough time to get it all out. This will be my feeble attempt to let you in the adventure I had yesterday. We walked to dwelling places to meet our friends Joseph, Denis, and Ambrose. Grateful to have three locals with us, we made our way to the main street for our first taxi experience. A pang of fear and anxiety shot through me as we walked into unfamiliar territory. The taxis are crammed with 15 people sitting shoulder-to-shoulder and makeshift seats throughout the car. We hopped in the car and I looked up to see a man run in, shut the door, and plop right down in Dawn’s lap. I can only imagine the discomfort and shock she felt in that moment. My eyes were drawn quickly away from her only to look down and see that between my feet was a hole in the car where I watched the dirt road whipping past beneath me.
I sat in silence staring out the window only to realize that, as buildings got closer and the population increased, we were heading to the heart of the city. We arrived at our destination and hopped out of the car only to have all eyes on us. Being a “Mzungoo” in Kampala, you certainly have to take some heat, and my gratitude for our native friends only got stronger. As we made our way to the school, we did our best to ignore the taunting comments coming at from all sides from men in the streets. Finally, we made our way to the school, and I was happy to be inside the gated area.
Long story short, I didn’t know where we were following Ambrose, but we ended up following him into a dimly lit classroom with only the light from the windows coming in. I rounded the corner to see hundreds of eyes peering at us. There I was, standing front and center of a classroom with about one hundred students, having no idea what I was about to tell them. I was both nervous and delighted. The children were lovely, and spoke many things in unison. They sit side-by-side and range from muslims to Christians as well as from ages 8 to 16. Ambrose and Denis opened things up, and then handed us a sheet of paper and gave it over to us. Not knowing what to do or exactly what they meant by teaching “human rights” (as far as Uganda goes I mean) I just put my big girl panties on and went with it. I started by asking them the questions “What is a human right, and what does that mean to you?” To my surprise, tons of little hands shot up in the air and things seemed to roll from there.
We talked to them about their importance, their worth, and shared bits of the gospel with them. It is wonderful to be a part of teaching children how important they are. These kids are used to hearing that they are bad and not worthy enough for certain things. I loved getting to tell them the truth against these lies they hear on a daily basis. They all had smiles on their faces, and seemed sad when we were done talking to them. They followed us out of the classroom climbing all over us and wanting us to stay. It is my favorite thing we’ve done thus far, and I wish I had the time and patience to elaborate further. It is an experience I will never forget, and I am honored to have taken a part in it.
The taxi experience on our way back is one I must have to tell at another time. I felt like a piece of meat in a lions den walking to the taxi pad, and at other times I felt cold as ice ignoring the small children begging for money and following us down the street. The taxi pad is a chaotic clump of taxis sitting bumper to bumper. I was just glad to find myself thirty minutes later safe and in our new, little home. I sat thankful for the hedge of protection the Lord provided that day.
I wish I could tell you all the many things I get to see and do, but even picking and choosing the right stories gets hard at times. Thanks to all of you for encouraging emails and comments. Checking the Internet and having warm hellos from home is both comforting and encouraging. But as for now, I’m off to see what this day holds.
This morning I read this and felt so very loved. I am praying this truth over the children here, and perhaps the Lord may use it to do the same for you;
“For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.” Psalm 149:4
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Pinch Me, I Must be Dreaming
Just to clarify-I love my home church! I was only teasing in previous comments on the last post. I apologize if they seemed offensive or critical. I was only intending to be playful and poke fun at my own Presbyterian stereotype here in Uganda.
Today was our first day at Dwelling Places. We mainly just met more people and are still getting acclimated. However, a marvelous part of the day was devotions this morning. All of the staff gathered together at 10:00 this morning. The men picked up the drums, and I could tell we were ready to do some singing. Before we began, they asked us to teach them a song. I quickly suggested “I love you, Lord” knowing that it should be something easy, short, and not childish. They caught on rather fast and it was fun to teach them a new song. After this, Betty began to lead devotions. She is a tall, slender woman with short hair and glasses over her eyes. She was dressed very nicely in business clothes that you would find on any woman back in the States. Quite frankly, it was us Americans who were dressed the most informal. Betty suggested singing a song and then letting anyone share what they have learned lately from scripture. We opened with singing “This is the Day.” The drums sounded and voices rang. I loved getting to worship with the people this morning. I was moved to look up and see that I was worshipping Christ in the same room with people from Scotland, the U.K., Uganda, and America. Sometimes I feel like I need someone to pinch because this all seems like a dream.
Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed with how blessed I am by the people around me. They are all so hospitable and kind. They give so much more than I feel I would ever have to offer. Not much work gets done, because the people are very relational. They take their time getting where they need to be, and enjoy their day. They plan their days one at a time, which is very different from the fast pace of life at home. Sometimes I miss the business, but I love learning and appreciating the way things are done here. I’ve not much else to say, it was a slower day, but any day in Africa is still an adventure.
Today was our first day at Dwelling Places. We mainly just met more people and are still getting acclimated. However, a marvelous part of the day was devotions this morning. All of the staff gathered together at 10:00 this morning. The men picked up the drums, and I could tell we were ready to do some singing. Before we began, they asked us to teach them a song. I quickly suggested “I love you, Lord” knowing that it should be something easy, short, and not childish. They caught on rather fast and it was fun to teach them a new song. After this, Betty began to lead devotions. She is a tall, slender woman with short hair and glasses over her eyes. She was dressed very nicely in business clothes that you would find on any woman back in the States. Quite frankly, it was us Americans who were dressed the most informal. Betty suggested singing a song and then letting anyone share what they have learned lately from scripture. We opened with singing “This is the Day.” The drums sounded and voices rang. I loved getting to worship with the people this morning. I was moved to look up and see that I was worshipping Christ in the same room with people from Scotland, the U.K., Uganda, and America. Sometimes I feel like I need someone to pinch because this all seems like a dream.
Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed with how blessed I am by the people around me. They are all so hospitable and kind. They give so much more than I feel I would ever have to offer. Not much work gets done, because the people are very relational. They take their time getting where they need to be, and enjoy their day. They plan their days one at a time, which is very different from the fast pace of life at home. Sometimes I miss the business, but I love learning and appreciating the way things are done here. I’ve not much else to say, it was a slower day, but any day in Africa is still an adventure.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
That Ain't no Frozen Chosen
Church this morning was absolutely wonderful. A friend from Scotland, Marcley, came at 9:30 to take us to Watoto Church. We drove around some rather bumpy roads for a bit, until we finally came upon the church. We pulled into the small parking lot and saw a large white tent set up in a field. As we made our way to the tent, people from the previous service were coming out. They were all so friendly and welcoming us with smiles and “hellos.” When we made our way inside, I was surprised to find that the church is quite contemporary and the people very modernized. We were a little early, and sat waiting for the service to begin.
Five people then went to the front of the church and began to lead the congregation in worship. The choir followed behind them dressed in beautiful, bright clothes. The women’s dresses were made of orange, blue, and yellow colors that hung to their ankles near the floor. The men wore a tunic-like shirt with the same colors. I think I may have a few new ideas for the choral robes at Trinity if anyone is up for it ;) At first I looked around and felt like there was hardly anyone there. Then the music began, and my heart soared. The sheer joy of these people when they worship is amazing. They had the drums going, a piano, the choir, a guitar, and five people singing. One of the women singing had only her third and pinky finger on her right hand. She was enthralled in her worship, and raised her hands high. Every now and then you would hear a sort of “tribal call” yell thrown out there. As we stood there clapping, singing, and somewhat dancing; it took everything in me to fight back the tears in my eyes. I was so moved by the joy and love of these people all the way over here in Uganda. Ha, sometimes I think it would do Trinity some good to get a little taste of the Ugandan worship. Their enthusiastic faith and optimistic approach to life does not revolve around the blessings of God or circumstantial things. Their joy is bound up in the heart of salvation and love of Christ. The service was more spiritual than I am generally used to, but it was nothing new to me, and I appreciated the environment. When worship was over, I looked around to see every seat in the area filled; it was packed out. I feel as though I’m absorbing so much more from these people than anything I would have to offer them. I already look forward to church next Sunday, and I am grateful to worship with these believers. The power of Christ across every nation and every tongue is beautiful to experience first hand. My heart is very moved by the greatness of God. Psalm 139 is ringing true in my mind as it says ‘where can I go, that You are not there?’ I feel honored to have been a part of the service this morning. The only bummer was turning around to see Faith, and have missed the opportunity to sit with her. But it was great seeing her after the service. I pleaded with her to humor us, and come visit sometime. Through some laughs and joking around I luckily talked her into coming by Dwelling Places tomorrow.
I’ve tried to upload some pictures, but I was unsuccessful and it takes up a lot of internet which we have to pay for. Emails take longer for me to get to as well. But I’ll eventually be able to respond. This is my best way of keeping up with the basics of what I am doing. Every email, prayer, and comment is encouraging. Adjusting to the people and way of life here has come rather easily. However, missing friends and family is harder to adjust to. Sometimes emails and encouraging words from home keep me going. Sorry for so many posts and writing a lot. But my church experience was one that I wanted to share.
Five people then went to the front of the church and began to lead the congregation in worship. The choir followed behind them dressed in beautiful, bright clothes. The women’s dresses were made of orange, blue, and yellow colors that hung to their ankles near the floor. The men wore a tunic-like shirt with the same colors. I think I may have a few new ideas for the choral robes at Trinity if anyone is up for it ;) At first I looked around and felt like there was hardly anyone there. Then the music began, and my heart soared. The sheer joy of these people when they worship is amazing. They had the drums going, a piano, the choir, a guitar, and five people singing. One of the women singing had only her third and pinky finger on her right hand. She was enthralled in her worship, and raised her hands high. Every now and then you would hear a sort of “tribal call” yell thrown out there. As we stood there clapping, singing, and somewhat dancing; it took everything in me to fight back the tears in my eyes. I was so moved by the joy and love of these people all the way over here in Uganda. Ha, sometimes I think it would do Trinity some good to get a little taste of the Ugandan worship. Their enthusiastic faith and optimistic approach to life does not revolve around the blessings of God or circumstantial things. Their joy is bound up in the heart of salvation and love of Christ. The service was more spiritual than I am generally used to, but it was nothing new to me, and I appreciated the environment. When worship was over, I looked around to see every seat in the area filled; it was packed out. I feel as though I’m absorbing so much more from these people than anything I would have to offer them. I already look forward to church next Sunday, and I am grateful to worship with these believers. The power of Christ across every nation and every tongue is beautiful to experience first hand. My heart is very moved by the greatness of God. Psalm 139 is ringing true in my mind as it says ‘where can I go, that You are not there?’ I feel honored to have been a part of the service this morning. The only bummer was turning around to see Faith, and have missed the opportunity to sit with her. But it was great seeing her after the service. I pleaded with her to humor us, and come visit sometime. Through some laughs and joking around I luckily talked her into coming by Dwelling Places tomorrow.
I’ve tried to upload some pictures, but I was unsuccessful and it takes up a lot of internet which we have to pay for. Emails take longer for me to get to as well. But I’ll eventually be able to respond. This is my best way of keeping up with the basics of what I am doing. Every email, prayer, and comment is encouraging. Adjusting to the people and way of life here has come rather easily. However, missing friends and family is harder to adjust to. Sometimes emails and encouraging words from home keep me going. Sorry for so many posts and writing a lot. But my church experience was one that I wanted to share.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Faith
Yesterday morning we had some more Orientation at the Matoke Inn. (we also learned that Matoke means banana. So…the Banana Inn. ;) ) We walked next door a small building and saw a precious girl sitting inside. Her name is faith. She is 26 years old and originally from Kenya. She is beautiful and speaks excellent English. Her story will clutch your heart. Faith became a Christian at the young age of 8 years old. However, she first learned what it means to spend time with the Lord in college. She first came to Uganda to go to a University. It is cheaper to go to school here than in Kenya, so it is common for students do that. During this time, she discovered her father had been cheating on her mother. This hurt both Faith and her mom. After a little time, Faith’s mother became so depressed she took a can of gasoline, poured it on herself, and lit a match to her body. Faith received the tragic phone call that her mother was in the hospital with 3rd degree burns from her father while still in school. Broken hearted and not having easy access home, she began to pray fervently that the Lord would allow her to see her mother once more before she passed. Unfortunately, her mother died, and Faith’s request was not granted the she had hoped. She then had to decide between getting to bury her mother or staying at school. It is difficult for her to go home, and she cannot afford quick transportation. In order for her to go home, she would miss so much school that she would have to start the semester over. Realizing she could not afford that, Faith made the difficult decision to stay at school. Just two months after mourning the death of her mother, her father already remarried. Faith was hurt by this and still seeking the Lord’s purpose in all these trials. A few months after that, she was on a bus that got robbed. Thankfully no one was hurt, but Faith’s few personal things were taken. Broken and weary, she continued to seek the Lord. She is now doing very well, and has hopes to work with orphan children in northern Uganda. She also feels confident that these trials have been placed in her path to be used as a tool to identify with and love the children of Uganda.
Faith’s name seems quite fitting to me seeing that her life is colored with it. She has a true, honest, and pure heart for the Lord. She made a large impact on me.-SHE ended up praying for ME. My mind was blown by her love and joy. Within the few hours I got to spend with her, I truly felt as if I made a friend. We made many jokes together, and she even has a sarcastic tone to her, which I loved. She taught us so many wonderful things. But what I learned most from her was bound up in her way of life. Joy flows so naturally from her, and humility is apparent as she is oblivious to what a powerful impact she makes. I miss her already! I told her she should come home with me. With a laugh she said she’d love to, but it is not the best time.
We are finally settled at our new home, which is really quite nice. There are five single beds in one room, two showers, and two bathrooms. My shower I took last night was rather hilarious. The water trickles from a long free hand shower cord. You have to hold it up in the air by your head and let water build up. Then you squat and drop the showerhead at the same time and you get what is a “strong” trickle of water. This process then has to be repeated over and over. I could not help but laugh at myself. The accommodations are no Mississippi suburb home, but the low maintenance life is rather pleasant.
Just outside our gated walls, is a slum-like region of Kampala. We walked the streets today, and both the people and children are extremely friendly. All the children wave and smile at us. They’re faces are so bright and filled with such happiness. Sometimes it feels like we are in a parade. All eyes are on us as we pass, and the children run around yelling “Mzungoo! Mzungoo!” Which means ‘white person!’ White person! They make us laugh and anyone would want to pick them up and take them home.
We will go to Dwelling Places again on Monday and spend a longer amount of time with the children. We saw them some yesterday. They embraced us with not only open arms, but with hugs and climbing all over us. We absolutely loved it. Nothing gave me greater joy than to see them so happy. There is a great deal on my mind, but I know that no one wants to read long posts. Perhaps I’ll write some more tomorrow. I will have my first Uganda church experience and am looking forward to it. It’s getting late here, and I must go to bed. Sleeping has been a small challenge. I find myself waking up at 4 a.m. most mornings. But the early alone time is nice. Sorry for rambling on, but thank you for those of you who are caring enough to even read all these small details of this experience.
-Louise
Faith’s name seems quite fitting to me seeing that her life is colored with it. She has a true, honest, and pure heart for the Lord. She made a large impact on me.-SHE ended up praying for ME. My mind was blown by her love and joy. Within the few hours I got to spend with her, I truly felt as if I made a friend. We made many jokes together, and she even has a sarcastic tone to her, which I loved. She taught us so many wonderful things. But what I learned most from her was bound up in her way of life. Joy flows so naturally from her, and humility is apparent as she is oblivious to what a powerful impact she makes. I miss her already! I told her she should come home with me. With a laugh she said she’d love to, but it is not the best time.
We are finally settled at our new home, which is really quite nice. There are five single beds in one room, two showers, and two bathrooms. My shower I took last night was rather hilarious. The water trickles from a long free hand shower cord. You have to hold it up in the air by your head and let water build up. Then you squat and drop the showerhead at the same time and you get what is a “strong” trickle of water. This process then has to be repeated over and over. I could not help but laugh at myself. The accommodations are no Mississippi suburb home, but the low maintenance life is rather pleasant.
Just outside our gated walls, is a slum-like region of Kampala. We walked the streets today, and both the people and children are extremely friendly. All the children wave and smile at us. They’re faces are so bright and filled with such happiness. Sometimes it feels like we are in a parade. All eyes are on us as we pass, and the children run around yelling “Mzungoo! Mzungoo!” Which means ‘white person!’ White person! They make us laugh and anyone would want to pick them up and take them home.
We will go to Dwelling Places again on Monday and spend a longer amount of time with the children. We saw them some yesterday. They embraced us with not only open arms, but with hugs and climbing all over us. We absolutely loved it. Nothing gave me greater joy than to see them so happy. There is a great deal on my mind, but I know that no one wants to read long posts. Perhaps I’ll write some more tomorrow. I will have my first Uganda church experience and am looking forward to it. It’s getting late here, and I must go to bed. Sleeping has been a small challenge. I find myself waking up at 4 a.m. most mornings. But the early alone time is nice. Sorry for rambling on, but thank you for those of you who are caring enough to even read all these small details of this experience.
-Louise
Friday, June 10, 2011
Toto, We're not in Kansas Anymore
After what felt like days of flying and much anticipation, we have finally arrived safely in Kampala, Uganda. We are currently sitting here at the lovely Matoke Inn. The flights went smoothly with no glitches, and we got to meet some great people along the way. On our flight from Amsterdam to Entebee was another missionary group as well as a woman who is in Kampala to adopt two children. They are siblings and of the ages 1 and 4. It was neat to fellowship with these other people. Dawn and I made strong efforts to sleep on the plane, but we were quite unsuccessful. We ended up watching airplanes movies and laughing our way through them. No sleep was fine seeing that we bonded and now have many inside jokes to share. Needless to say, however, we are pretty worn out but finding it hard to sleep. We are seven hours ahead of Jackson time, which explains the crazy post times listed at the end of my blogs.
Reality certainly set in as we unloaded the plane. I pray that the girls with me have a better understanding of the dangers involved in being where we are. I certainly believe the Lord's hand was on us as we passed through customs. Our bags were the last ones on the loop, and we made it safely to our driver, Lawrence. Lawrence is a precious man with joy spreading across his face with each smile. He was very kind to us, and I felt safe with him as we passed Ugandans outside the airport with rifles in pockets and eyes focused on us. Once we were in the cab, Lawrence taught us some "Lugandan" which he says is the native language here though English is highly prevalent. The drive out of Entebee was a pathway to faith that we are safely in Christ's hands. People wander around the streets at night, and it is certainly no place for four young American girls. I do not doubt that the Lord will protect us. I pray though that the other girls will find wisdom in being on their guard. We passed a few slums and my heart was heavy to see the poverty of these people.
I have yet to see much of Kampala or Africa in general since we arrived here at night. I was bummed to find out that I could hardly see anything from my window seat in the plane. That didn't keep me from pressing my forehead against the window and cupping my hands around my face in hopes of seeing something interesting. I didn't find much though. What will be great find tomorrow is our final destination of housing for the next 5 weeks. We will leave Matoke Inn tomorrow at 1:30 and head to Dwelling Places for the first time. I cannot wait to finally see my living quarters, and meet the people we will be working with.
I am grateful we have made it here safely, and I am confident this is where the Lord has me for this time. Please pray for wisdom that my team would be smart about safety. Looking forward to sharing my Dwelling Places experience and living situation with you soon. Hopefully once we are adjusted, I'll have some comedic relief to share ;)
Reality certainly set in as we unloaded the plane. I pray that the girls with me have a better understanding of the dangers involved in being where we are. I certainly believe the Lord's hand was on us as we passed through customs. Our bags were the last ones on the loop, and we made it safely to our driver, Lawrence. Lawrence is a precious man with joy spreading across his face with each smile. He was very kind to us, and I felt safe with him as we passed Ugandans outside the airport with rifles in pockets and eyes focused on us. Once we were in the cab, Lawrence taught us some "Lugandan" which he says is the native language here though English is highly prevalent. The drive out of Entebee was a pathway to faith that we are safely in Christ's hands. People wander around the streets at night, and it is certainly no place for four young American girls. I do not doubt that the Lord will protect us. I pray though that the other girls will find wisdom in being on their guard. We passed a few slums and my heart was heavy to see the poverty of these people.
I have yet to see much of Kampala or Africa in general since we arrived here at night. I was bummed to find out that I could hardly see anything from my window seat in the plane. That didn't keep me from pressing my forehead against the window and cupping my hands around my face in hopes of seeing something interesting. I didn't find much though. What will be great find tomorrow is our final destination of housing for the next 5 weeks. We will leave Matoke Inn tomorrow at 1:30 and head to Dwelling Places for the first time. I cannot wait to finally see my living quarters, and meet the people we will be working with.
I am grateful we have made it here safely, and I am confident this is where the Lord has me for this time. Please pray for wisdom that my team would be smart about safety. Looking forward to sharing my Dwelling Places experience and living situation with you soon. Hopefully once we are adjusted, I'll have some comedic relief to share ;)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
New Faces and New Places
I'm glad to say that I made all my flights alone, and managed my first flight reservation due to missing my connecting flight. I can't lie-I feel pretty proud for making it through this day successfully. Not to mention that my parents ended up being the ones who overslept, and I had to wake them up! Flights were fine for the most part. I even managed to cross paths with a fellow Tim Keller fan. He appeared to be a former hippie with his lengthy hair and lack of shoes on his feet. It was nice to see someone else crack open "The Prodigal God" when traveling alone in a sea of unknown people. Upon arriving in Newark, to my surprise my teammate Jessica Taylor hopped in my cab with me. Having a 45 minute drive to the AIM headquarters with her was a wonderful opportunity to begin getting to know her. When we arrived in Pear River, New York, Bridgett greeted us in our new home for the next two nights. Bridgett and Jessica are both great girls with lovely personalities. They are from Chicago and New York and have already given me grief for my occasional "yall's" and southern slurs. Dawn came into the mix later. She certainly brings fun to the table being from San Diego, California. Looks like I will not be the only white, blonde headed girl afterall! All in all, it's been a successful day. I have finally gotten to put a face to the name of the girls I'm living with for the next 6 weeks. I believe that I will find great friendships with them and look forward for what is to come.
Leaving friends and family has been harder than I anticipated. Though it was a successful day, it was a hard one as well. The Lord is certainly pushing me beyond my comfort level. I am finding myself having to push through moments of weakness in earnest prayer. There are plenty of times when I find my self thinking "I don't want to do this anymore. Make it stop!" Other times I can hardly contain how excited I am. It's safe to say that all these extreme adjustments sometimes make me feel like I'm diving into a pool of mixed emotions. I take comfort in the truth that the Lord has ordained each day for me before I lived any. In Psalm 139, I cling to the truth that Lord knows me intimately. In these times of loneliness and fear, He is my companion and strength. My doubts and nerves are a constant reminder that I am not in control. The truth of the gospel is pressing on my heart, and weeding out parts of me. For that I am excited. Fear, anxiety, and worry are all worth fighting to find more of Him and less of me.
We leave for Kampala on Wednesday morning. Please pray for safe travels and calmed nerves. Hopefully I'll update again soon!
Leaving friends and family has been harder than I anticipated. Though it was a successful day, it was a hard one as well. The Lord is certainly pushing me beyond my comfort level. I am finding myself having to push through moments of weakness in earnest prayer. There are plenty of times when I find my self thinking "I don't want to do this anymore. Make it stop!" Other times I can hardly contain how excited I am. It's safe to say that all these extreme adjustments sometimes make me feel like I'm diving into a pool of mixed emotions. I take comfort in the truth that the Lord has ordained each day for me before I lived any. In Psalm 139, I cling to the truth that Lord knows me intimately. In these times of loneliness and fear, He is my companion and strength. My doubts and nerves are a constant reminder that I am not in control. The truth of the gospel is pressing on my heart, and weeding out parts of me. For that I am excited. Fear, anxiety, and worry are all worth fighting to find more of Him and less of me.
We leave for Kampala on Wednesday morning. Please pray for safe travels and calmed nerves. Hopefully I'll update again soon!
Monday, June 6, 2011
New York, New York! ...Africa?
As I look off to my right, my suit case is tightly packed, and I've managed to cram in what I can of my materialistic, American self. With my bags packed and butterflies in my stomach, I'm hoping I can fall asleep with all this excitement. I've climbed over my hills of fear and doubt, and finally feel ready. This is certainly going to be an adventure of a lifetime. One thing is for sure-I would not be where I am in this journey if it wasn't for my parents. They have done more for me than I could have hoped for. I appreciate all their help and prayers more than they know. Part of that is due to my lack of showing it. The Lord has used them as interceders and facilitators. I am grateful for all those of you who have prayed for, cared for, and helped me in completing the Lord's work. I am thrilled to see what is in store.
Tomorrow morning I will fly into Pearl River, New York for Orientation. There I'll meet Jessica, Dawn, and Bridgett. They are from Chicago, California, and New York. I cannot wait to meet them, and I suppose I'll be bringing some southern flavor to the team. I've already warned them against my "yall's" and love for sweet tea. Also, I'll try tame the twang on my southern accent for them. On Wednesday we will fly from New York, through Amsterdam, and then into Entebee, Uganda. I simply cannot wait to get to Dwelling Places and hold one of those children in my arms.
For now, I do not have much else to update you all on. Other than how excited I am to begin this journey! Please pray for safe travels, and peace of mind.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." 1 John 4:18
Tomorrow morning I will fly into Pearl River, New York for Orientation. There I'll meet Jessica, Dawn, and Bridgett. They are from Chicago, California, and New York. I cannot wait to meet them, and I suppose I'll be bringing some southern flavor to the team. I've already warned them against my "yall's" and love for sweet tea. Also, I'll try tame the twang on my southern accent for them. On Wednesday we will fly from New York, through Amsterdam, and then into Entebee, Uganda. I simply cannot wait to get to Dwelling Places and hold one of those children in my arms.
For now, I do not have much else to update you all on. Other than how excited I am to begin this journey! Please pray for safe travels, and peace of mind.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." 1 John 4:18
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