Kitende

June 24. 2013

We started out the day being locked in the boys' quarters. All if the interns had the day off and went to Jinja. Allen and Suzanne went down with Aggie to meet with the attorney. Rebecca, Sarah, and I spent the day going to Kitende to see what school was like for our kids. Mato thought everyone was gone so he locked the house for the day. I finally got Angela's attention through the window. Mato wasn't there, so once Daphne got here she told us how to get out through the bathroom. She had been knocking at the gate for about 15 minutes herself... I guess moral of the story is to make sure you tell everyone your plans so they know when to expect you!!  

We helped with all of the morning chores which took a hit longer because there were only 4 of us helping Mama and Angela. We finished up and got cleaned up and left for Kitende about 11. We walked down to Express and took a taxi over. Once we got there it took us a while waiting for all the right people to come along so we could get into a classroom. We finally got to go into a P1 class around 12:30. 

They were having "RE" or Religious Education. I was amazed because there was a classroom with one teacher (the teachers rotate and teach different subjects to different classes) and 63 kids. That would be like having a first grade class with 63!! So, granted, I cannot compare my teaching experience to what I was observing, but my heart just began to break for these kids. One of the reasons that I do what I do is because I had such incredible teachers and loved school and learning so much. These kids sat, crammed in a mud brick room with 3-4 kids per bench. Everything on the walls was hand made by the teachers. There was a chalkboard at the front, one bookcase in the back, with about 5 class sets of newspaper covered notebooks for the kids to take notes and do classwork in. The entire class was recitation and rote memorization of facts and choral reading (aka chanting) for their lesson. Then they copied everything off of the board for their notes. 

Today we learned about the miracles of Jesus. The teacher did a pretty good job of "storytelling" about Jesus feeding the 5,000 and then just threw in other miracles about healing and caring for others. After the story, the teacher wrote some facts on the board, wrote their "exercise" (drawing a picture of what Jesus used to feed the people), and passed out their classwork books to write in. 

In the incredibly long time it took to pass out 63 books, we were shocked to see these 6, 7, and 8 year old kids using a razor blade to sharpen their pencils. As if that was not dangerous enough, they tossed it around the room to each other, all while it was open. Accident waiting the happen. Then the lunch bell rang, but the teacher wouldn't let them go get their lunch until they finished their work. Of course, those kids who got their books first were at a huge advantage because they had extra time. Finally the teacher let everyone go eat and would let them finish later. 

As we were walking out of the room we had the chance to talk to the teachers about teaching religion at school. We shared with them that we could not do that in the states in our public schools. They didn't understand why, but we explained that there are so many different religions and we don't want to offend anyone by teaching with our personal bias. They said they were very thankful that they still had the freedom to teach about faith, and admitted to us that they definitely teach with bias. They were Christians and they said they teach a lot more about Christianity, but they also teach about Islam in school. I love that they recognize that as a freedom and appreciate the opportunity that they have to teach about their faith in the classroom. 

We loved talking and playing with the kids during their hour lunch break. They absolutely loved seeing the pictures that we took of them! 

We went into a P3 class after lunch and saw another RE lesson. These students were learning about The Lord's Prayer. We talked about what it means to worship and even had the chance to sing some worship songs to start off the lesson. Then the 53 P3 kids sat crammed in their hot classroom for about 10 minutes, surprisingly quiet and well behaved, while the teacher wrote all of the class notes on the board and the exercises. Of course there was a few kids who were whispering and up doing things, but they knew to not cause a disturbance. I'm sure it was because the teachers would usually "cane" them if they were not doing what they were supposed to be doing.  Fortunately, since we were there, the teachers weren't walking around with their sticks in hand today... After all of the writing on the board, the teacher picked up her big wooden pointer and the class "chanted" the notes on the board. That was the extent of the teaching. They had some exercises to do and then they moved into Literacy (aka science and several other languages lumped together). The teacher brought us a copy of some classwork to complete and it was tough!! We covered everything from items in a first aid kit to layers of soil, types of clouds, and uses of water. After turning in the paper without my name and getting in trouble, it was marked and given back to me. There were definitely some corrections in red, but don't you worry, she said I passed! 

When we got home, we ate a late lunch and played with the kids and helped with homework and baths. The water was out for a bit, of course when we have 5 girls in a tub all soapy so we went to get buckets of water. Let's just say that bath time got a little out of control tonight...

We had dinner and devotion tonight. The interns and missionaries were still not back from Jinja, so it was a small crown for devotion. We looked at Matthew 28:18-20 and our mission to share the gospel with those around us. We had an awesome discussion with the kids tonight about what that looks like in their lives and how they could share about Jesus with their friends. I was so amazed at the depth at which they understand the importance of taking the Good News to those who do not know it. In fact, a few of them were asking us how they should share with friends who argue that the Bible is not the Word of God. Suzanne jumped right in and just encouraged them to share their testimony and their story about what Christ has done in their lives. In fact, she went in to tell them that when she shares the Gospel back home, she tells people about them. The. She went into a few stories about the condition the kids were in before being "Sozo-d".

Michael, a genuinely sweet little boy who is always wearing a smile, was so skinny and frail and had the big belly from being malnourished. Now he is running around with the energy and strength of any oher kid his age. Victoria supposedly had a very severe heart condition, but when they took her back to the doctor to get treatment, there was nothing wrong. Hennifah shared that when she over at home with her dad she had a neighbor that was like a mother to her. This lady told her about Jesus and took her to church. This upset her father and so he caned her because she loved Jesus. She testified that it is so much better to have the love of a Heavenly Father than the approval of her earthly dad. 

Oh to have the testimonies of these children and how the Father has lavished love upon them! To go from loving in slums, some without parents, some living with great-grandmothers who couldn't care for them anymore, and he taken into the Sozo family. For them to be loved on, fed, clothed, educated, and disciples in Christ... This is the call Jesus gave to Christ-followers in James 1:27. "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Oaks of Righteousness

Sorry for the lack of updates this week but our team left on Monday so we've had a pretty flexible schedule this week and haven't been as consistent about getting on the Internet at night. I'm going to try to give an overview of what's been going on across the world this week...

The Lord brought Isaiah 61 to my heart his week on numerous occasions as I was reminded that, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations."

My prayer this week has been that all of the relationships that I am building during my time in Uganda and that Sozo is building in the community will just be planting seeds for God to raise up "oaks of righteousness." When I think of oak trees, I think of trees that are grand, fruitful, lasting, and strong. "The planting of The Lord, that He may be glorified." 

The interns are off on Mondays which means they aren't around to help with the daily chores. So our team took over the chores this morning. We were already pretty gross from not showering yesterday but we knew that there was no point in getting up and get g clean when we were going to work up a sweat and then go on a Boda ride. After washing clothes with Angela on Friday, we developed quite the relationship so she snagged me to help her mop the floors. And when they mop the floors it actually means to get on hands and knees with a rag to scrub them. We did the dining area, kitchen, entry, and then we scrubbed the back and front porch, because who doesn't mop their outside floors every day?! I had the best time, and the most incredible part was seeing how God can use our willing hearts to serve others, even through these everyday chores, and through that build great relationships. Paige was helping mop part of the time too, and Angela just stood there watching her and laughing. She told me , "She looks Lugandan. You already are!"

We were planning on riding bodas over to Mercy Home, but decided that it would be best to go ahead and run errands and come back to do that. We had a bunch of supplies that Suz had to buy for all of the homes, including buying a new washing machine for House 1 so we wouldn't have to hand wash everything... We started at Game and then we went to Kenjoy, Quality, and several other stores. We ate lunch at Cafe Java, ran a few more errands and headed home.

I also snagged a book I can't wait to read to my class... A Ugandan version of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. 

Tuesday Rebecca, Sarah, and I want with the interns back out to the village. Davis took us to visit Teacher Margaret's school. She is a sweet lady we met briefly last week who feels led to teach so she has started her own preschool. She teaches around 40 kids in a one room mud hut, about a 10x10 space. The youngest child can't be but a year and a half, all the way up to 5 year olds. We met her last week and told her we were teachers and promised that we would come back. As soon as we walked up, she asked us to please teach her kids. As much as I have talked to people about education over here, I have yet to see what it looks like in the schools. When we got there, she was teaching the kids the letter "b" so I just picked up right there and we worked on a few letters and numbers. I don't know how in the world she does it! Margaret had one small chalk board on the wall, but didn't even have any chalk. As I was just holding up a piece of paper showing them the letters, I had two kids putting their hands in my pockets, one climbing on my back, one crawling between my legs, and about 20 pairs of eyes giving me a blank stare... When it came time for them to practice writing their letters, she hand wrote an example in each of their notebooks for them to copy. I started helping her write them while she sharpened pencils with a razor blade. The kids went and sat on the ground and used the five wooden benches as their tables. By the time we were about half way through, the first kids came up to us wanting to show off their work. They called me "Teacher Muzungu!" They were so proud of their work and absolutely loved when I made a big deal about it!

As we were leaving, Teacher Margaret grabbed me for a big bug and said, "Thank you for loving me!" I thanked her for letting us come interrupt her classroom for the day and for giving us the chance to love on her and the kids. Then I told her the reason that we came to love them is because Jesus loves us so much. She immediately responded with, "Yes, and I love Jesus!" I was able to share with her about how I can see the joy of Jesus in her life, and it is evident that God has called her to be a teacher and love on these kids. 

As we were leaving and walking through the village, reflecting on that experience, I just couldn't imagine doing her job every day. Rebecca, Davis, and I were talking about how just remembering back to this day will sure put things in perspective when we feel like we are having a bad day at work. It will either make us appreciate our jobs or make us really mad at what the kids are complaining about!! 

We went with the team from House 2 to the botanical gardens in Entebbe for a picnic overlooking Lake Victoria and we saw some "enchimas" (aka monkeys) in the park. 

Wednesday morning we woke up and started working on the 3rd floor sorting all of the donated shoes and clothes that have been sent over with the interns and teams so far this summer. We went through and Aggie decided who got what and we were able to leave a pile of new stuff on each of the kids' beds for when they get home from school. We found such joy and excitement in being able to bless these children with some cute new stuff!

After we ate lunch we loaded up to go fabric shopping. Daudi's wedding is at the beginning of July and several of the Sozo missionaries that will be here are going to have dresses made for the wedding. We went into downtown Kampala to the market to one of Aggie's friend's store. It was one of those times that just breaks your heart for some of the conditions that you see people in. We were walking down the sidewalk, Aggie leading and Davis bringing up the back, passing children that couldn't have been but 18 months old with their hands cupped, begging for anything. As I walked past, all I could do was offer them a smile and trust that their Creator loves them and has a plan for their lives. I wanted to scoop them up and bring them home to love and care for, but God is sovereign and my prayer is that I will be obedient to His calling to love the least of these (Matthew 25:31-46). 

After spending a good bit of time at the fabric store looking through hundreds of patterns, we finally finished up. Suzanne and Caitlin needed some solid fabric for their dresses, so Aggie took them deeper in the market. She didn't want a group larger than 3 going so the rest of the group went back to the van to wait. In that process, I needed a bathroom break so we went into the super market and had quite the experience. First of all, we had to go through security to get in the store. Then the security guard started escorting us to the back corner of the store. We went in a door and started walking up stairs... Four flights of them to be exact. At this point I was very glad Davis was there with me. At the top if the stairs... More security. Checked my bag, got a pat down. Then they unlocked a door with a latrine. So thankful to see that thing... Never did I think that needing to su-su would be such an ordeal! We got stuck in traffic on the way back and it took a good hour and a half at least. There was one point that Alex just turned the car off because it would be 15 minutes before it was our turn to go again. Evidently at the traffic circles the police let one road go for a while and then just shut it down. Needless to say, our day was rather interesting getting to experience so much of the culture!

Thursday our little group decided to take a day to rest and relax. So at 8:00 Suzanne, Caitlin, Rebecca, Aggie, Allen and I loaded up to go to Serena, a resort on Lake Victoria. It was gorgeous, and after about 15 minutes we quickly forgot where we were and I was able to get rejuvenated for the rest of our time here. I spent good, uninterrupted time in the Word, got a good workout, swam in the pool, ate a great lunch, took a nap by the pool, and enjoyed the steam room and an awesome shower. We ended the day drinking tea and cappuccino on the veranda before headed back to House 1. 

Fridays are Field Day at Kitende, the primary school where a lot of our Sozo kids attend. As a teacher, I loved getting to see a glimpse of what school is like in Uganda. We walked with the interns over to the school and helped out with the organization of teams and games. 

We were immediately attacked by kids who just wanted a little lovin' from some Muzungus. Somehow I found myself walking holding 5 kids hands at one time, while one climbed up my back to hold on. 

After a morning that left me completely exhausted, we walked back to the house and had a lazy rest of the day. 

Saturdays are pretty laid back. We got up to do some chores and help around the house. 

Everyone goes to school on Saturday except the baby class, P1, and P2 so there were only a few kids around. Rebecca and I got out some math games and worked on some basic math skills with a few kids before lunch. 

After lunch our group went on a Boda Boda ride over to Mercy Home, the orphanage that a lot of our Sozo kids came from. 

We've been trying to get over to House 3 to spend the night for several days now, so we finally got to go over for devotion and dinner. All of us girls spent the night in the girls' room and they were not satisfied until we were completely taken care of. They had our sheets tucked in so tight I wasn't sure if I'd be able to climb in the bed. I loved getting to sit there and just talk "girl talk" with these teenage girls who so desperately need someone to love them and tell them that they are created in God's image and made them unique to accomplish His will. I loved being able to tell them that they can do anything with their lives as long as they are seeking The Lord and seeking Him with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

We woke up this morning and got ready for church. Since the kids at House 3 are all older, it was a much more laid back morning because they don't need us chasing them around to get them ready and out the door. 

Worship at Watoto was amazing again today. I loved being in a tent full of hundreds of people, yet feeling like it was just me standing in the presence of my Father, praising His holy name! We had a great reminder that we are to live a life willing to make sacrifices for our God. And living a life of sacrifice means we will be obedient to His calling. 

Father, thank you for my time in Uganda and the daily reminder of your grace and mercy that you have lavished upon me. I pray that as I head in to my last week here that you will not let me forget why I am here. I pray I continue to be obedient to what you have called me to do both here and back home. Lord do not allow me to get so comfortable that I am not sensitive to the Spirit leading me wherever You want to take me. 

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21

Pray that God will bless our time at Kitende School tomorrow, so we can learn more about education in Uganda and figure out how we can best partner with the school to help our "Sozo-d" kids with their education. 

Pray He will continue to open doors for us to have intentional conversations with our Sozo kids and we can lavish God's love upon them!

Sabbath

June 16, 2013

Sunday, The Lord's Day, a day of rest and of worship. Today has probably been my favorite day in Uganda so far. We started our day getting up and going to Watoto Church. Sozo took about 130 people to church today counting all of the kids, Mamas, Dads, and Muzungu aunties and uncles. From our house alone we took 3 vans full ("full" taking on a whole new meaning when you pack 21 in a 15 passenger van...). The kids were all looking very "smart" in their Sunday best. 

The worship was absolutely incredible. We walked in on "Ugandan" time... Running about 20 minutes late. They were singing "God's great Dance Floor" (a new Passion song) and I knew from that moment the music was going to be incredible. I love seeing how the Ugandans praise God with absolutely every ounce of energy in their bodies and find such joy in doing so. 

With it being Father's Day, they took time to recognize and honor fathers and all men who will one day be fathers. For all of you Brook Hills people, I felt right at home having all of the men stand so we could pray over them. One thing that really stick out to me was what the pastor said a father's (or mother's) prayer should be for their child: "God, You've given me this child, and I will give you back a fine young one." Lord, I pray this for the children that you've entrusted to my care now, and for the children I will one day have the chance to mother. 

The sermon was on the Lord's faithfulness. God has been showing this to me over and over in my life recently. Even when it comes down to coming on this trip and finding the means to pay for it and make it happen. God is so faithful to provide for my every need, exactly what I need, at exactly the right time, just like the manna he gave the Israelites each and every morning. His mercies are new in my life each morning. People may only see one side of you, but God sees you in totality and loves you anyway. He is faithful to you no matter what your life looks like. 

"It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations" Deuteronomy 7:7-9

After church we were able to come back to House 1 for lunch and then head out to visit the other two houses. I loved getting to know the kids in the other houses, and I am looking forward the next couple of weeks because I will have the opportunity to spend some time staying at each of the other houses. 

Tonight we ended up at House 3 for a performance by the Sozo Choir and for devotion. The Sozo Choir is just a group of the kids there who have put together some songs and dances to perform for the teams that come visit. To the innocent bystander, one might think it was a bunch of teenagers just being silly and dancing around, but they were just displaying that unspeakable joy that can only be found in Christ. 

At devotion time, we had a ridiculously awesome time singing and praising God. The kids then spent time verbalizing some of the specific things God has blessed them with. Each and every one of them started by saying, "Praise be to God. I praise God for my life and yours too..." And the thing was that it wasn't just a routine phrase they threw out, but it was a genuine expression of their gratitude for God just giving them another day to live. These children have experienced unimaginable situations, yet they don't complain about a bit of it. They look for ways The Lord has blessed them. 

God, I pray that I will look for your blessings in my life. Do not allow me to get caught up in the trap of comparing my life to others or the standards of this world. God made me unique and has given me a specific calling in life. That means my life should look drastically different from everyone else's life around me... Even other Christ-followers. 

Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." Jeremiah 1:4-8

God knew that before I came out of my mother's womb that I would be a Christ follower. And he knew that I would not be able to live this life on my own. But he commands me to go make disciples, and He calls me to do his work. He knew that I would need him, I would depend on him to do his work. He promises to be with me. He is faithful!

We came back to House 1 for dinner tonight. I ate some ground "g-nuts" with plantains, potatoes, and rice (talk about carb overload...) Then we came to the realization that there was no water. Yes, that means no running toilets, showers, can't use the sink to wash dishes... Oh the joys of being in a country with a government who just cuts the water off when they want. The house has some reserve tanks but when you've got 15 Muzungus, 26 kids, and 3 Mamas and Dads... That doesn't last long enough!! We had fun with the kids brushing teeth outside and cleaning our feet with Clorox wipes after being a barefoot African for the day. We made a few intercontinental Father's Day phone calls, and then climbed in bed nice and dirty. 

But as I'm laying here, I praise God for my life and yours too. I thank Him that I was able to worship Him in a way today that I haven't experienced in a long time. Thank you Jesus for bringing me to Uganda, and for giving me two more weeks to be in this beautiful country. Give me more love to lavish upon these people, Your children. 

"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

More Love

June 13, 2013

After being attacked by the guard dogs going to the house at 4:30 this morning, I was woken up pretty good. I loved getting to see a completely different side of the girls this morning as I was hurrying them along to get ready for school. And a first for me... Popcorn for breakfast... At 5 in the morning. 

Before heading over to House 2 to do some work, our team spent about an hour peeling potatoes and chatting. We spent our day organizing and helping with chores at House 2 today. I got to spend time organizing all of their school supplies (right up my alley...). 

I loved spending some time getting to know Mama Kristine today. She just recently moved from House 1 to House 2, and she shared with us about how she didn't really want to make the move. She was so transparent with us about how she did not want to leave all of the children she has grown to love, but she knows that God has a plan much bigger than her own. Her prayer is that God would just give her more love to pour into even more kids! And she knows that this is God's plan for her, so she will learn to trust Him more!

That was my prayer today. God, give me more love! I cherished every moment of folding clothes, washing dishes, playing hopscotch, digging in the dirt, coloring, chasing kids around the yard, watching them kill an injured chicken (plucking the feathers and all...), spending time worshiping our Heavenly Father, and then tucking them in to bed. Each time I heard them calling "Auntie Lauren!" They inched their way into my heart a little further, letting God's love pour out on them even more. 

God, give me more love!

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more..." Philippians 1:9

Kabalagala

June 12, 2013

We spent our morning in Kabalagala, one of the slums in Kampala. Sozo has been developing relationships with families in Kabalagala for a few years. Many of the kids are sponsored through Sozo to go to school, for food, and healthcare. It was such a neat opportunity to get to visit with these families and come alongside them to encourage and pray over them. 

One of the families we stopped to visit is the family of Phi, a little girl in the states in medical visa. It was so neat to get to meet her after spending some time with Phi. She was so excited that I knew her and pointed out that they had the same laugh!! We shared some scripture with her and she was so eager to go back and study it more on her own. How I wish everyone in the states was so eager to dive in to the word!

I was also visiting with a JaJa and she went in the house and brought back out her one week old granddaughter for me to hold. What a sweet moment it was as she wanted us to pray over all of her grand babies!

Once we came back to House 1, I got to spend some good time loving on and playing with some of the kids in house. Probably one of the sweetest moments of the day was when the girls asked if I would get up with them in the morning. Of course I agreed, so that means I'll be getting up at 4:30 to help them get ready for school, do their morning chores, eat breakfast, and pray... All before heading out to school at 5:30. Thankfully I can come back and go to bed for a few more hours!!

Socks, Shoes, and Feet

June 11, 2013

My day started with peeling potatoes... Lots and lots of potatoes. We had the privilege of helping Mama with chores around the house this morning. Organizing bookshelves, scrubbing the floor, cleaning the bathroom, cutting vegetables, brooming the yard... You name it and we probably helped do it. These everyday, mundane tasks are the ones that will wear you out day by day when keeping house for 27 children and a team of 10 "muzungu" aunties and uncles, plus the summer interns and missionaries. I love the fact that part of our schedule while we are here is to serve Mama by helping do these chores!

We headed out to the village today that is near the land Sozo is looking at purchasing for the Village Project. (Check out www.sozochildren.org to learn more...) The missionaries have been working on building relationships with people in this community and showing them the love of Jesus before they even move out there and become neighbors. And what I love about how they are building relationships is that it is not based on a bunch of "muzungus" coming to give then stuff or fix their material needs (although most Americans couldn't even begin to imagine the conditions... Much less live in them). They have a need much greater than anything this world could offer them. They need to know the love of our Savior. 

How do you attempt to do that with a group of people who don't claim anything for their religion?! (And whose young children are scared of "muzungus" and scream at the sight of them because they've never seen people with light skin...) These people say they "know" Jesus, but they also "know" Muhammad and witch doctors. What makes Christ-followers different from the rest of the world? 

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

Loving others. That's how we show the world that we are different. And I saw that so clearly today as we went for house to house, just to visit with the families in the village. Along the way we just so happened to experience "Africa"... Following a 10 inch path through the bush with walls of grass growing taller than me on each side, successfully avoiding a "small" garden snake, tasting "G-nuts" (strangely similar to peanuts...), seeing mud huts with straw thatch roofs, and termite piles like 6 feet tall... But the smiles of the people. That's what will stick with me. The laughs if the children from a simple wave and a shout of "Muzungu!" Or a game of "Ring Around the Rosie". A high five. A chase of the "Tickle Monster." Love them. Unselfishly, unhindered, unashamed, unconditional love. Because that is the love our Father has for us. 

After time in the village, we came back to House 1 to help with afternoon chores, play with the kids, and help them with homework as they arrived home from school. I was quickly recruited by a few kids to help wash socks and shoes. And let me tell you, even the youngest child here can tell you how you are doing it incorrectly (it may have happened to me today...) They get a pail of water and bar of soap and scrub their socks every day when arriving home from school. Then they wash their shoes (yes, everyday) to get the dust and dirt off of them. In the process, we might have just gotten into a bit of a water war, gotten my feet scrubbed with a brush because they were so dirty, and listened to the heart of a little girl named Nora who shared a little bit of her story with me before she was "Sozo-d" and came to live at House 1. 

That's what it is all about. Loving God with our whole hearts, and loving others the way He loves us. (Mark 12:30-31)

I couldn't help but be continually reminded of Jesus and his servant's heart all day today. John 13:12-15 shares about when Jesus washed the disciples feet. "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." 

Serving by helping Mama, by praying for villagers, playing with children, or washing some socks, shoes, and feet... Walking in love in Uganda. Ephesians 5:1-2

Pray we we head into the slums tomorrow to build relationships and share Jesus with this community. Pray for the team to continue to get to know the Sozo kids and love on them. Continue to pray for good health and rest for the team. 

P.S. Just remembered another detail that needs sharing... First rat was spotted while washing dinner dishes tonight. Now that I've officially seen one with my own eyes and heard its little squeak, I hear them everywhere... The wildlife on this trip could get a little interesting!!

Manna

June 10, 2013

I woke up on a new continent this morning! Way too early I might add... Our flight landed around midnight and we finally made it into our beds at House 1 close to 2 AM. We have a lazy morning planned, but unfortunately I was wide awake by about 5:30. After finally getting up around 7:15, here I sit, coming back to a passage I e been studying in a Beth Moore study. Exodus 16... The Israelites have been led out of Egypt and true Lord is leading them through the wilderness. Despite the fact that God has shown them so many signs and wonders, they are complaining because of hunger. How similar we are to he Israelites, with starving souls, searching any and everywhere for satisfaction, so many times in the things of this world.  It only God's provision can satisfy a starving soul. 

The Israelites are looking back to their time in Egypt and are willing to go back to the slavery because they were able to eat meat in the evenings. God is going to eat meat in the evenings. God is going to continue to provide for them by giving them meat at night and bread in he morning. Through this provision, the Israelites will see the glory of God. Every day they wake up in the morning and gather manna, the exact amount they need. 

God's mercy and grace is always there and available, just like manna, everyday, prior to our need, and in direct proportion to every moment's demand, but we must gather it! It will not come to you if you stay in the tent! 

God, I know your blessings are here and waiting on me in Uganda. Strength for the days I am weak, health for the days I'm not feeling well, energy when I'm tired, hope, peace, joy, patience, love, and ultimately satisfaction found only in you! Lord, I pray my eyes will be opened to these blessings around me each and every day, every morning I will see the glory of you surrounding me, and that I will be in your presence finding my complete satisfaction in you, and you alone!

Almost There

June 9, 2013

I've officially lost track of the number of hours we have been traveling at this point. But I do know this... I've eaten my last five meals on a plane, I've slept a grand total of 6 hours out of the past 56, currently on my final flight, and less than an hour from putting my feet on Ugandan soil. And I couldn't be more excited... About all of it! Because I'm going to be loving on some Ugandan babies for the next 3 weeks. And nothing makes my heart happier!

Lord, give me strength and stamina as we jump in feet first to serving you in Uganda the next three weeks. I want to run hard after you so I will grow closer with each and every step of my journey this summer!

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31