Uganda Bound

Not sure where to begin... I'm not one to be good about journaling or keeping a blog, but I definitely want to document all that I am going to experience this summer. 

For those of you who may not know, I am headed to spend three weeks on mission in Uganda with Sozo Children. I first became aware of the organization when I travelled to Haiti over spring break with a team through Sozo and Reel Life International. While in Haiti I was able to hear about the ministry and their focus in Uganda and passion for caring for orphans, widows, and "the least of these." (James 1:27, Matthew 25:40) Anyone who has been around me for any length if time knows my passion for orphan care and Sozo's story gripped my heart. I remember exactly where I was in Haiti when I knew The Lord was calling me to be a part of their ministry in Uganda, I just had no idea how that would play out. 

Upon my return to Birmingham, I was able to spend some time out at the Sozo office talking with several of their missionaries and just continuing to learn more of their hearts. I had the privilege of talking to Kelly Ann one day for a while about their big focus on education at their three children's homes. Education and orphan care, my heart. She also told me about this teacher that was traveling with them for three weeks this summer and then we quickly figured out that it was a friend of mine from college who also teaches in my school system. Right then and there Kelly Ann told me that I needed to pray about going with Rebecca this summer. So I did! God never ceases to amaze me... When you fervently pray and seek Him to guide you through decisions, lo and behold, He does it! (Jeremiah 29:11-13) Over the course of the next week, He confirmed for me in countless ways that I needed to go. Every good reason that I came up with to not go, He stripped away from me, so that I had nothing left to say but "Here am I, send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

So that brings me up until now, having finished up my school year teaching kindergarten, spent a week getting rejuvenated in Charlotte at my parents' house (minus the two days we went to help Luke and Amy build a fence at their new home... You're welcome guys... And I'm expecting some payback doing the same at my place soon!), came back to move my classroom from my old kindergarten room to my new 2nd grade class in just two days (a completely different story about what The Lord is teaching me...), and one day to pack for my trip. And miraculously it all got done (I may just be running on only 3 hours of sleep from last night...)

Our journey started today with our team meeting at the Sozo office at 11 to load up and hit the road to Atlanta. A big thanks to Ron for being our designated driver of the van and make sure we were taken care  of. He started by taking out the back seat of the van and starting to figure out the jigsaw puzzle of fitting all of the luggage in the van and still having room for us. We knew it would get interesting when he told us we needed to go ahead and load so he could pack the last few (like 6) bags around us. Let's just say that 10 team members + our 10 checked bags + 11 team bags + 10 backpacks + 10 "personal items" (aka our 2nd carry on) + 10 pillows = packed like sardines. When we stopped for a bathroom break we decided it was easier to not move the 3 duffels and sewing machine out of the door and just have the 9 passengers climb out of the back by doing acrobatic moves and climbing over the seats/luggage/everything but the kitchen sink to exit the van via the passenger door... Picture clown car unloading and you get the picture. 

We made it to the Atlanta international terminal in plenty of time, didn't have to wait to check in at the group desk, and through security in less than an hour. Delta is taking care of us so far! Other than an hour delay of the first flight, so far our journey has gone off without a bump in the road. 

I'm sitting here on the plane somewhere over the Atlantic, tired but unable to sleep, at who knows what time of night, reflecting on how God brought me to where I am right now, headed to be his hands and feet this summer in Uganda. I stand amazed (or rather sit crammed on a much too small plane seat) that God would allow me the great privilege to serve Him in this capacity. Me... a selfish, sinful rebel, saved by God's immeasurable grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Through Christ's sacrifice, we are forgiven. Our heart of stone is removed, and we are given a heart of flesh, and His Spirit dwells within us. Why? So that "All the nations will know that I am The Lord." (Ezekiel 36:22-38, Acts 1:8) And God chooses to use us... Simple, ordinary men (Acts 4:13) so that He receives the glory for what is done through our lives. 

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16) That is my prayer for this summer, for my life to be a light to the world and to "Walk in Love."

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 2:8-9