a sneak peak..more to follow

had a great few days in the village! have lots of pictures and videos to share but will post more later. i'm headed off today to murchison falls with my new friends, angie and her dad, pat. excited to see new places in uganda with some new friends!

here are couple of pictures from the village...

sweet grandparents laughing

home visit with angie

some precious & beautiful little feet

our primary students 

Meet little Moses

He’s a beautiful child with a warm smile. He is just 5 or 6 years old and very involved in our ROWAN program. I met him at our Saturday Children’s program during my recent trip to Mawanga. During part of the day, all the children were having their hair cut; which our staff was educating and promoting good hygiene and health. It was a great way to tangibly show the kids little steps to take care of themselves. We had our very own “Mobile Barbershop” set up and groups of kids were being cycled through.

Mawanga Barbershop 

Looking at Moses' feet

As Pastor Paul and I observed the process, he mentioned to me that once a month he usually examines feet for jiggers. I told him I had never seen jiggers before and I wanted to know what they were, how to identify them, and simply what he normally does. We asked a couple of kids to sit down with us so we could examine their feet. We slipped of the shoes of Moses and we immediately were speechless (picture above). Since never seeing what jiggers are or what they do, I asked “Are these jiggers?” Pastor said “no”, but after asking Moses, he immediately said, “No, these are not jiggers, but rats. Rats have been eating the bottom of his feet”. I nearly fell over. My stomach dropped from hearing the words. I had to ask him again because I couldn’t believe it was true. I was in disbelief. I have never heard or better yet, seen the effects of rats eating human flesh.

Come to find out, Pastor Paul explained to me that Moses lived in a thatched house (straw grass as the roof with a mud/rock mixture for the walls..picture below) and there were a lot of rats that come into those homes looking for food. When they don’t find food, they begin gnawing on the bottom of feet. Just about unreal and almost unbelievable. Looking at Moses’ feet, there were several layers of skin chewed off, which was proven by the different shades of pink I saw; some areas were even raw. I couldn’t believe this happened to this precious little child.

An example of a house Moses lives in..

“How do we fix this?”, I said. Pastor again looked at me and said, “most people who live in these types of homes face these types of challenges.” My heart just broke…again. This is the reality of so many people with so many numerous challenges, but through even a physical hardship, there seems to be a glimmer of hope in their smiles...

This is another real story happening NOW. Every single night! Stop and think about it…and in that moment, I ask of you to pray not only for Moses but all of those suffering from a form of foot illness, disease or the effects of those living in homes where rats enter...

Meet Florence!

I want to introduce you to a beautiful woman a had the privilege of meeting and spending time with. 

Her name is Florence. 

She is 1 of 50 precious widows we work with. She is one of five wives that her husband married; however, she was unable to bare children. She has been living alone for quite some time and now with her current condition, it only makes things a bit more difficult. Pastor Paul was notified about her situation and he planned visit with her, while I was in Mawanga, to discuss what options there were. (side note: Pastor Paul receives phone calls almost on a daily basis regarding a widow, child, caretaker, or individual who is in urgent need of assistance).

I was informed that she was having severe stomach pains that were due to a probable hernia. We drove to her house and when we arrived we were surprised to hear she was not there, but she was on her way to the clinic. We quickly rerouted ourselves and made it to the clinic a few minutes before she did. We watched as she slowly walked toward us with each step sending shooting pain through her body. She was hurting and needed relief. After being examined by one of the local staff members at Mawanga clinic we sat outside to discuss with Florence and the nurse. From what we could understand, Florence has been dealing with not only a possible hernia (causing the most pain), but also Malaria and even being anemic. She also shared with us her lack of food and water, which on top of everything, doesn’t give her much strength.

So again, with a similar situation like the one with Hadijah, I didn’t know what to do or say. I looked at her weak body with heavy eyes, just wishing there was a way to relieve some of the pain. I turned to Pastor Paul and asked him “so what do we do?” He graciously smiled at me and said, “this is what we go through every day here. We listen, counsel, and pray with them. Then try to figure out some solution (if there is any).  It’s a constant thing in the village.  You can see how so many people die [because they lack basic needs].”

I walked away with Pastor Paul with my heart heavy. ‘How is this okay? How can I sit with a woman like Florence, listen to her, watch her grimace in pain, pray over her, and then walk away?’ Sometimes it's unbearable. Sometimes I wish there was a better clinic in Mawanga to provide suitable care for woman like Florence, but the reality is there isn’t. There isn’t much medical care available in Mawanga, but maybe someday..Lord willing!

Pray for Florence. Pray for relief. Pray for funds to provide the health care she needs before it gets worse. Pray for all the widows who deal with the daily challenges of life in the village... 

Here is a little message from Pastor Paul: 

the unseen blessings of “wet sunshine”

 it has become the ongoing joke each time I go to the village because it doesn’t just rain a little, it rains A LOT! Although it is the rainy season here in Uganda and it usually rains daily for about 30 minutes, it seems to tarry over the village a bit longer than normal. I mentioned how muddy it can become on a recent post, but I wanted to share a fun story...

on a beautiful sun-filled day in Mawanga, I joined up with Christopher to do a few home visits. Thankfully we had a boda-boda donated to the ministry, which has helped tremendously when moving around from one village to another. Since ROWAN serves members throughout 30 surrounding villages, it is imperative to have numerous ways of transportation in order to visit the orphans and widows.

We drove. And drove. And drove...Up, around, down, over, under...until we made it. We spent time with Hadijah and Christine as we listened to their stories, cried and prayed together. In the distance, we quickly realized the clouds were rolling in. We had to cut of our time with Christine due to what was about to hit us. So as we were making are long journey back, it began sprinkling. Then before we knew it, it was a heavy downpour. At this point, there was no keeping dry. I told Christopher to just stop anywhere, but he insisted we keep going a little further. He kept saying, "we are close". [Now I will have to add a disclaimer here because that statement means something different then what we would clarify in the States as being close. "Close" can mean 30 mins, several kilometers, etc.] I simply laughed knowing that we could be on the boda for a little while longer until we found shelter. At this point, we were both soaked. We soon pulled over to a house. Jumped off the boda and hurried under the roof and into the home. A man, named David, invited us in. We sat down on the chairs they had and all of the sudden, children were popping up out of now where. :) There were 5 adults and 8+ children sitting around us! They each were precious with their curious smiles! 

As it continued to rain, I began chatting with David. He began telling me how he is raising 8+ children and providing for his wife. He said "he wasn't sure how he was going to managed and that he needed assistance". I immediately knew the door had opened for me to share some encouraging words. So I did. :) I began telling him, "each child is a blessing and God placed you as the head of this family for a reason. He blessed you with all of these kids because He knew you could take care of them, provide for them, and raise them to honor the Lord. God will lead you as you lead your family. He will give you what you and your family needs on a daily basis. The Lord knew you could handle these 8 beautiful children for they are precious to Him". Afterwards I prayed over him and his family. He smiled and thanked me for the kind words I shared. A few minutes later, the rains stopped and Chris and I headed home.  

What I love about this entire situation is that though the rains came and we were soaked, God led us to this house. To this family. To this man named David. So that he could be encouraged in the midst of his circumstances. I love when God sends blessings like this. Opportunities that only He could design. So I will be thankful for the "wet sunshine" because through the rain, Jesus shines brightly!  

The garden is growing!

With the passion fruits only being planted a few months ago, they are beginning to produce fruit! J I feel so blessed to have been there from the beginning of this new project with digging holes, to planting, to now seeing the vines growing with fruit. It's a beautiful illustration of how we may have a part in planting a spiritual seed, having someone else water and nurture it, but then watching God grow it, mature it, and transform it!  I’m telling you, if you look, you will Jesus in EVERYTHING!

the first fruits of the garden!

            

I sat down with Christopher and John (local ROWAN staff) to get a full update on the garden. We went through the pros and cons of it all. To be honest, I couldn’t help but see the progression since the last time I was in Mawanga; however, the staff saw what was lacking and still needed. Once I understood the status, I then felt what they felt. They are trying so hard to make things happen for the production of this garden, but when funds are lacking, there’s only so much to do. And if things don’t happen soon, the passion fruit project will not make it. You see here’s the situation…they have some poles for the vines to climb, but what they are up against is the ants and termites! They are EVERYWHERE on the poles. So what they NEED is ant spray to kill them off. In addition to the spray, they need more poles and wire to finish out the garden and do it right. :) There is a need for approximately 300 poles and about 100 meters of wire. To walk among the garden and see it with my own eyes, I can only imagine what our staff and our widows who planted the passion fruits are feeling every time they look out over their garden. In a way, it represents HOPE for them. They are putting all they have into making this work and by being there, I am only challenged more to wrap my arms around them and carry them through it! We have to! I believe God calls us to! 

Please be praying for the garden and how you can stand with them! 

Passion Fruit Garden

This is the remaining area of the garden that still needs poles and wire!

standing in the gap...

my feet are muddy…

that is what happens when it rains in the village. the dirt roads become pure mud. you can slip, get stuck, and add layers to your feet or the shoes you are wearing. it’s impossible to keep your feet clean when you’re in the village. you can bathe and scrub, but there the mud leaves a red stain on your feet showing a sign that you have been in the village. showing you have walked the roads, the streets, and been with the people. it’s something that i love as a reminder of where i have been...and even where i will frequently walk!

as i walk the roads, see the faces of the children, greet the adults…i find myself embracing each aspect of the village more and more. it’s something that i can’t quite find words to describe but i feel it more and more rising inside of me each time i'm in mawanga. the love i have for that place, for the people, for the HOPE that is present, continues to spill out of my heart. more tears are being shed. more emotions are being tapped into. more heartbreaking stories being told. it’s the place where i’m at. in the mud. with the people. bearing the heaviness. the hardship. the unrelenting struggle every day. but i’m humbled to be in that very place. standing in the gap. HOPING alongside the people of mawanga and the surrounding villages….

...more to come

a beautiful people

processing through life with people who have walked with you makes it more comforting and it somewhat eases the pain. i am so blessed by every friend and family member who has loved me well, listened to all my issues, let me process out loud, encouraged, cried, prayed with and for me. i would not be where i am today if it wasn't for those individuals and God using them to shape and refine me a little more.  [you all know who are you.. :) ]

"As iron sharpens irons, so one man sharpens another"

Proverbs 27:17 

so when change comes and you move half-way around the world, it's not easy to take the people, you want the most, with you. it's a bittersweet feeling. to leave your family and friends behind. to try and find that sameness with others, who are culturally different. one may think it's not possible, but i would have to object to that. :) it may be a slow process, challenging, and hard at first, but it is possible...

as i sat across the table at dinner with one of my dear friends, i began sharing with her about the people i have come to know and love in mawanga. it didn't take long for me to tell her how loving, kind, hospitable, caring, welcoming, and selfless they were. i couldn't help tell about how much they embraced me from the moment i arrived in the village, to when i said good-bye. there was a warmth they each displayed which brought comfort and ease to my heart. i didn't feel like a visitor or a guest, but i felt like part of the family. and as a family member, there is a freedom you feel to be yourself. to not act like you have everything together. to come just as you are..with baggage, with fears, with doubts. with everything...because no mater what your story is, these people loved me. they cared about the things i care about (or they at least tried). and even though our cultures, our backgrounds, and our struggles may be different, we are united in Christ, which allows us to be of one mind, one heart, and one spirit. we have a common thread, which is Jesus. and He, Himself. is enough. He makes it possible for us to function as one family, one body of Christ.

these are the people of mawanga. they are beautiful. and i am honored to call them family.

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit -- just as you were called to one hope when you were called -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all in all."

Ephesians 4:2-6 

"..so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

Romans 12:5

point me in the right direction....

seriously, i feel like i have so much going on. my to-do list is piling up and i have only a few weeks until i'm back on a plane! ahhh..can this be real!? i have days i just want to scream. i have days i want to sit and act like i don't have anything to do, but read. oh but what a crazy idea and thought that is! :) then it hits me...the very fact that i have 18 days! i still have people to see, places to go, and phone calls to make, but honestly i'm not sure how realistic that all is.

i finally got my support letters sent out and as people open and read about the last 4 months of my life, i just pray God would use each of them (or you) to come alongside me. AND for you all who may not open a letter from me, it doesn't mean you weren't chosen to get a letter, but maybe it's because i don't have your address. :) actually, since you are reading this, you have found some way to follow what i am doing. you, too, have been walking alongside me and knowing about my life. i want to say thank you! i pray in some small way the Lord encourages you through these words. at times it's hard to convey in my human mind what i want to say, but in reality, it's what the Lord ultimately wants to say...

so with that, i want to extend and invite you to you to continue with me on this journey...i am leaving april 24 for uganda for 5 months (as of now). i am going as a full-time intern serving with ROWAN. i am trusting God will provide all the funds needed and so i am stepping in faith as i prepare to leave in just a few weeks.  FIRST, pray with me. pray for the next 5 months as i'm in uganda. pray for all the projects, relationships, friendships, conversations, and people i will interact with. pray for strength, courage, and for joy to be experienced and felt. pray for God to piece everything together according to what HE wants. pray that i would be able to see HIM work in big ways. SECONDLY, i pray you will consider investing tangibly. i am going as an intern and i am responsible for raising my own support as i serve with ROWAN. from the flight, to living expenses, to food, to communication costs, etc...i humbly ask you to consider supporting me. whether it's $5 or $500, every dollar means so much and will provide for me in more ways than one. you can go to my donate page by clicking HERE or looking at the right side of this blog and finding the section "Support Me".  as support comes in i will update the status, but i want to thank you in advance for any way you come alongside me!

let's do this! 18 days and counting!

because of HIS Grace and Mercy,

joy

spring is coming!

(i actually wrote this on March 20, 1st day of spring, but didn't post it until today! )

today set the stage for a new season! it can be exhilarating for some as the anticipation of a new day and chapter begins. there is joy, hope, and relief. on the other side though, it can be a struggle. it can be difficult to move forward. sometimes a new season in life brings a lot of uncertainty, confusion, and mixed emotion. new seasons can be very sporadic and chaotic, or they can be smooth and an easy transition.

for those of us living in texas it's hard to see the clear cut seasonal change. occasionally we do, but for the most part we get confused on what season we are in. we feel mixed up, unsure, and out of wack. some days it's hot, then the very next it can be freezing cold. moments we have sunshine and then quickly we have snow. there are days of consistency and normalacy, but when we have a change in weather it's distinguished as abnormal. therefore, when change happens we tend to not cope as well as we hoped.

i have spent the last 4 months in the states at home in a season of life that has been everything but normal and easy. my entire family has been adjusting together. trying to figure out what life looks like without the patriarch of our family. we all knew we would face a loss at some point down the road, but it came all too soon for us. you are never ready for it. however, we are making steps. we are learning day by day how to embrace this new season. some days are easier than others, but we are doing it.

i am about to began another season. not necessary a completely different season, but one that is familiar to me. just as the weather can change back and forth until it settles out, that's how i would describe it. i spent just under 3 months in uganda in the fall, came back to the states for an unexpected 4 months, and soon i will be returning to africa. i am excited to see what this season of life brings. oh how i have been praying and dreaming for big things to happen. as i have been spending time here in the states, God continues to prune, refine, shape, and mold me. He is good in making me more like Him with identifying areas that need to be fleshed out and brought to the light. i can't tell you how humbling it is, but in turn i am able to walk in freedom. there is a newness i feel with all that is ahead. so as i began the process of packing up my things once again and prepare to leave April 21st, i look to the One is my steady rock in the midst of the changing seasons. He is One who never changes and will carry me through each season.

thank you, O Lord, for being my refuge, my strength, my peace and the One who makes ALL things new!

the importance of family

lately i have come to truly understand the importance of family. there is a unique richness. a refreshing feeling. a sense of strength, comfort, relief and a glimmer of hope when surrounded by family.

having a conversation with my mom today over lunch gave me another appreciation of family. as we look back on 2 months of my dad not being with us. we wonder how we are making it? we wonder why we feel stronger then others who are also dealing with a loss in their family. through our discussion we pin pointed an answer to that question... not only do we feel comforted, encouraged, and strengthened in knowing that my daddy is with Jesus, but we long for that day when we will get to see Jesus face to face, for that is our eternal home. our time on earth is temporary. for we just passing through. and yet, if we take that one step further. if we simplified it even more, as my mom pressed...we find that we believe the Word of God is true. We believe God says heaven is our eternal home and this earth is only temporary. God's word is our hope. it is His very words that give us hope, strength and courage to face each day. (Matt 24:35; 2 Cor 4:16-18)

in addition to that though, there is something else. it plays a secondary role...the support from family members. i won't go into details of how mine has been the sturdy support for me and how we all function together, but my mom stated that she has made it thus far because of us kids being strong for her and finding ways to support each other. we have found that we need each other to get through it all. whether we are a sister, mom, brother, dad, child, cousin, friend...we all function together. we all play a specific role. the question is, are you fulfilling your role in the family God has placed you in? it may be your biological family, but it also may be your spiritual family and the people God places around you to live life with. 

i find myself today looking ahead in returning to the people of mawanga. to know we have been called as God's family to love, support, strengthen, encourage, and walk through life together. we need each other. i know i can't offer anything to those in uganda that will fix their situation, but i can offer Christ's love and God's word to them. we can read it together. we can find courage together. we can find truth together that gives HOPE to our weary hearts. together we are the church. the body of Christ. His strength will be our strength. therefore we press on each day...

AMAKA! 

how do i describe a village...

Unmistakable smiles. Unconditional love. Unwavering strength. Unselfish servant hood. Unbreakable relationships. Unending fellowship with each other and with Jesus Himself. Unified hearts, spirits and lives. That is Mawanga.

I can’t seem to find the words to adequately describe my experience in Mawanga but I will try. My vision of the village and what I imagined it would be, didn’t quite meet up to what I experienced. I was stretched, challenged, humbled, strengthened, loved on, embraced, shown grace, mercy, and so much more that I could ever imagined.

From the first steps on the beautiful dirt, to the tears I left behind, I know one thing is for sure…God is moving among the people there. For me to catch a glimpse of His work was such a privilege and honor.

I have so many stories from the village. Journey with me to the remote village in eastern Uganda….I would be welcomed by friendly animals such as the cows, goats, chickens, lizards, the loud birds, and the lovely rats that paid a nightly visit as I dosed off the sleep..but that’s just the beginning. I would then met the individuals that make up the Mawanga community- and listen to the testimonies of the hundreds of lives ROWAN is impacting; which include a group of about 30-50 of the most beautiful and strong widows I have every met. Not to mention, 100 plus orphans who are being ministered to throughout the week, and the amazing local ROWAN staff who give their time sacrificially every day. They serve, love, and empower the people of Mawanga with the ability and vision that God gives to them. I would hop on a motorcycle and ride around within the 30 villages that ROWAN reaches to sit and encourage people living with HIV in their homes, I got to help prepare the garden for planting dozens of passion fruit trees. I had a fun time at the adult literacy class that serves 80 community members weekly as I taught them a silly song to remember specific words, and I also learned patience and diligence from the widows that make bead necklaces out of paper! After this long day, I would have a night visit by the rats as I fell asleep under the mosquito net! J

One of my most memorable experiences was meeting all the secondary students (high school) and hearing about their dreams and goals! In addition, I got to teach songs to the young children, and walk around the land that we believe the Lord will give us one day for a school. But even with all of these incredible memories...I had found something even greater. I realized the more time I spent in Mawanga, the more I got to SEE Jesus.

From the preparation state I was encouraged to go with an openness of the heart, soul, and mind. I was challenged to OPEN my eyes and SEE. So many times we can go watch and look from afar, but when you are aware and you stop to SEE what is right in front of you, it changes everything. Each time I went to Mawanga, I wanted to see what Jesus wanted me to see. I prayed that He would show me who to see with spiritual eyes, who needs to be loved, touched, and given value and hope. I desired to see beyond what I could physically see. I can’t tell you how that changed me. I saw Jesus do so many things…I saw how He is bringing tangible HOPE to people. I saw how He reaches down and carries the weary. I saw how He supports and provides for the widows. I saw how He is restoring relationships, bringing community and fellowship into a place that has been so desperate for it. I saw how He has brought smiles of joy back on the faces of so many who have felt helpless in the past. I realized that when I was willing to go where He called me, He welcomed me into a family that loves radically and unconditionally. I saw how Jesus is healing, making all things new, and drawing each person to Himself. I saw how alive Jesus is and dwelling there in Mawanga. I saw how much more Jesus’ love is for me!

I cannot think of a more beautiful place to have spent my time. There is life, freedom, and HOPE rising! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have come alongside ROWAN and everyone involved! I am looking forward to many more moments in the village as I plan to go back in the next month or so...

anyone want to come join us in Mawanga? let me know! :)

Click Here for more information

the african mosquito

well..it happened. i got malaria. uganda becomes more and more a part of me wherever i go. :) apparently the parasites can lay dormant until your immune system is suppressed and vulnerable. so who knows when i really got bitten even though i slept under a net and took anti-malaria pills. 

it came on pretty quick after my dad passed away and i was unaware of what was causing the shaking chills, intense headaches, high fever, and sweating. i did a bit of personal research and then eventually got some blood work. i was officially diagnosed with P. Vivax Malaria. crazy enough there are 5 strains. fortunately i didn't get the fatal one. after some blood work and a doctors visit i got some medication. praise the Lord! i needed some relief and i am so thankful for meds. since being on them i haven't had any more symptoms or "episodes" as i would call them. i have about 10 days left on the medication and then one more follow up blood work and doctor's visit. i feel like i am on the mend! hallelujah!! sometimes you don't realize what healthy feels like until you are really sick. :) 

a positive in the midst of malaria is that i now have a glimpse into what so many people endure in uganda. i may not have had the most extreme case, but i did endure some intense symptoms. i am thankful though that i can now relate on yet another level with the people in africa...

delayed departure

well the plan was for me to head back to uganda today. i would be stepping onto the plane and getting settled in my seat for the 20 hour plane ride...BUT that is not happening. God had different plans. 

i am now on my 5th day at harris methodist hospital in ft worth, along with my mom, sister and other family members. it is incredibly how fast time has gone since i have spent my days inside with my dad. we have had some sweet moments together and i wouldn't trade any day outside for a day to spend with my dad holding his hand, wiping his mouth, feeding him, or rubbing his shoulder. 

i had to quickly make a decision about what my time looked like in "when" to go back to uganda. that was what people wanted to know immediately when i first arrived back in the states. it was hard for me to answer that because i just gotten home. i knew i would be thrown into a world wind with my dad's health declining, but i had no idea it would be this. 

my dad has been fighting cancer for almost 4yrs. he has rallied many times and won the small battles. but what we are in now, is a war. the cancer has spread throughout the liver even more and continues to attack his body. when we least expected it, dad had a stroke on new years eve. it has added to all the underlying conditions and makes beating cancer even harder. our days with him mean even more now. 

since arriving in mid-december, i knew i would need to extend my stay here with my family to help take care of some things. but knowing how long to extend was the question...the Lord began making it clear. He was once again asking me to hand over my detail-oriented mind, my control, my plans and trust Him. trust the plans He has for me. trust that i am exactly where i need to be. trust that all that has happened in uganda and will happen is His work, not anything i am doing. so i made a decision and cancelled my flight. as the Lord reveals, i will move forward in booking another flight. 

i felt peace about extending my stay here in the states for a bit. the Lord opened doors in that avenue in blessing me with grace from the family i was living with to tutor their son, as well as with ROWAN and the team in mawanga village. i am praying for God to reveal to me the time to return. i have no doubt that i am supposed to be there, but the timing is in the Lord's hands. i look forward to the day of when i can walk the dirt roads of mawanga village. it could be in a few weeks or months, but no matter when, i believe i will feel God's peace wash over me.

please pray for my dad and my family. we have had some tough days and even long days in the hospital.  pray that God would speak so clearly to us with any decision or action that needs to be taken. pray for timing of when i need to head back to uganda. and pray that God would be seen in all of this. pray that HIS name would be exalted and glorified! 

may we carry His name well in all things...

village visit #3

i am changed each time i spend days in the village. i never know what God is going to teach me. i never know what my conversations will be like. i just know they will be filled with rich wisdom, challenging questions, grace, hope, and love. 

all of the ROWAN students with pastor paul and i

i met up with ronnie, pastor david wafula and his family friday, dec 9 in the morning. we wanted to get out to mawanga to be a part of the children's program. we arrived around mid-day. i couldn't contain my excitment as i FINALLY met the students of ROWAN! :) my heart was spilling with more joy and love for them. pastor paul kindly took me around and introduced me to everyone. the kids were split up into 3 groups: secondary students, primary, and then the little ones. i found myself holding back tears as i looked into each one of these students eyes. these are the kids of ROWAN. they each have a story to tell. 

every group of students i met, pastor paul asked me to share with them. of course you are suddenly on the spot. as i open my mouth i just asked God to give me what to say. i held it together until i stood in front of the secondary students. i was so excited for them and their commitment in school. they each have dreams for themselves and are pursuing it with great passion. as i was speaking to them, i couldn't hold it in anymore. tears began to fall. i was overwhelmed with how good God has been. His Faithfulness in my life, in my families lives, but also knowing how He's been faithful to these students lives as well. i couldn't speak. i was vulnerable standing in front of them. i haven't cried in front of people in quite some time. and within that moment, i felt the arm of my dear friend. pastor paul put his arm around me and spoke on my behalf.  he was speaking to the students in lusoga (the local language). as i found strength, all i could say was, "no matter your circumstances, no matter what you have gone through, no matter the story you have to tell, you can look back and see how faithful our God has been and that He is good." 

all of the secondary students!

i got to the spend the remaining of the day with them by singing songs, laughing, and getting to know them more. there's HOPE in each of their eyes and i feel so privilege to know them. there are exciting days ahead... the rest of the weekend included organizing and packing up all the 400+ necklaces the widows made, spending time with each secondary students, as well as, attending church sunday morning and worshipping together with the mawangan people! 

what a blessing it is to spend days in the village. what a blessing it has been for me to be embraced by pastor paul and his family. that is what i feel each time i go. part of a family ('AMAKA'). they have taken me in. loved me. cared for me. encouraged me. challenged me. and shown me more of Jesus. my heart is full and 'my cup overflows' with gratefulness and love for them. 

learning from the Mawanga people

(this post is reflecting on my last village trip, november 25-27. sorry for the delay) 

though the trip was short, what i learned and took away from mawanga was more than i expected. there is a special place in my heart for the village. i have always desired to “live and be among the people”. to feel what they feel. to see what they see. and to do life with them. i am far from understanding what the people of mawanga face on a daily basis, but even spending a few days at a time i continue to learn. and i continue to be refined by the Lord. He never fails in His faithfulness in making me more like Him. i fall more in love with Jesus as i see Him in every person. in every face. in every smile. in every moment. i look ahead to all the days i will spend in the village. as i learn from the mawanga people what life is all about. and how caring for those around you is one of the greatest callings/commands and responsibilities we have.

pastor paul was back from the states and i finally was able to spend time with him. he had spent 6 weeks traveling around and sharing about what God is doing in Mawanga -- a beautiful village tucked away in the heart of uganda. spending time with pastor paul was exactly what i needed. it was so interesting to hear his perspective on america and our culture. he made some remarkable statements regarding how we live, what we value, and even the faith he sees in americans. one of the things he said was “what i observed in the states, was the most valuable thing to americans is time and what they do with it. but the most valuable thing to mawanga people is relationships and building community.” talk about a gut check and even just some self-examination. he’s so right though. i’m guilty of the same. i have made excuses. i have chosen other things. i have passed up numerous opportunities to invest in relationships. it’s time to change. it’s time to evaluate what will matter in the end. my time? or building relationships? it's time to slow down and be with people. may i continue to glean from the mawanga people and how they value their time with each other. doing life. everyday. for they are defining “amaka”, a lusoga term meaning family.

pastor paul and i

so thankful to the Lord for all He is doing and all He is teaching me!

with a heart full of thanks

as another year has come and gone, i can't help but stop and reflect on all the things i am thankful for...being away from my family has been difficult to accept as the holiday approaches but the Lord has been so good. He has graciously shown me to embrace what is around me here in uganda. embrace the newness, the changes, the differences and look to make sweet memories where i am. life is always changing for me and what i love are the annual family traditions back in the states, but this year it's different...and so as i think about those back home, my heart is full of thanks for so many things...

- my entire family that i have been blessed to do life with for 26 years & all the support they have given me especially over this past year

- my dad and the additional days the Lord has given him since his first diagnoses in 2008. 

- the opportunity to live with my parents for a few months last year and then with my sisters (JJ) family for 9 months

- my best friends who have never wavered in believing in me, challenging me, loving me, and encouraging me through each season. for the ways they have pushed me to run after Jesus!

- for my supporters/prayer warriors who have shared their prayers, wisdom, tangible support, and uplifting words. God is using you to fulfill His promises in me!

- for all the letters, emails, skype conversations, facebook messages, or gmail chats since living in uganda. i cherish each one

- for the new friends God is introduced me to over this year!

- for the lessons of learning to love people, no matter what

- for all the relationships that were built over this year

- for God's provision in putting every piece of the puzzle of my life together

- for God's constant faithfulness and steadfast love

- for the roger's family and welcoming me into their lives in uganda

- for ROWAN and all the work God is doing through them in Mawanga

- for all the ways God continues to draw me to Him through everything. wouldn't want to be anywhere else because i would miss out on knowing Him more!

as i celebrate thanksgiving with a different family this year, my heart is with my mine back in the states. i am so incredibly thankful to be where i am; though separated, it challenges me to be even more fervent in prayer over them and all those i am not with. praying you each have a wonderful holiday. may you take time to embrace what's around you and enjoy your family and friends! 

happy thanksgiving!

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; 

give thanks to Him and praise His name. 

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;

His faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100:4-5

a few recent thoughts

He draws us back every time. He gently reveals to us more of who He is. He lovingly guides us with each step. He holds us in His hands. He makes us more like Him through everything we endure. He continues to show me that my life on this earth is not about me for one minute. It has nothing to do with my life. but it's ALL about Him. everything is pointing back to Him. EVERYTHING. from the way the sun rises over the hills in kampala. from the birds chriping, to the sound of rain hitting the ground, to my attitude towards each person. to my words that leave my mouth. it is all for the praise of His name! 

i have grown up in a culture with a "want it now" mentality that i wish i didn't automatically have. i instinctively set goals to accomplish and want to see results soon. and now, here i am in a completely opposite culture of what i am used to. a culture of "slow and steady". i'm seeing something i didn't before though. i'm seeing that my wants are self-centered and selfish. i'm wanting to accomplish certain goals and see results. however, i have to ask myself the question, "what am i ultimately striving for? self fulfillment or God's?" i recognize that no matter how monotunous something may be, God asks desires for me to be faithful! to be faithful in the small things. to be faithful in today. don't get overwhelmed with the larger picture. but just be faithful on a daily basis. and believe He will fulfill His purposes for me.

it's so easy to say and more difficult to live out. i have to believe that God would not bring me where i am today if He wasn't working. i have to believe that He is working all things together for His good and purposes. my prayer is that my spirit will be sensitive to when He speaks and to move in action accordingly. i have to die to myself everyday and choose to be faithful, obedient, and patient. 

i'm thankful to serve a God who is always for me and draws me back to Him through all things.

He is making me more like Him and that is what i would choose over anything else!

mawanga pictures

2 precious orphans i had the privilege of meeting:

meet george & esther

 some of the ROWAN kids shared created designs for uniforms...

it looks like a garden, but it's going to be a large building for ROWAN! 

there will be offices and a big fellowship hall. praying for all the funds to be complete!

the AMAZING women working in the garden!

they want their passion fruit to grow!! :)

for the record..these ladies are so strong! 

i dug 3 holes & each time another precious widow would help fix it :)

a little TLC (tender love & care) for the passion fruit! 

pastor wafu asked me to plant one...

praying the Lord will grow it to produce a bounty of fruit!

and just for those who are curious, mawanga means "a coming together of nations". i absolutely love that! the history of rowan is filled with volunteers and supporters from all over the world! so many people from varies nationalities have already served with rowan in mawanga and there are so many more soon to follow...O Lord, you said, lift up your eyes, the harvest is here. the Kingdom is near. you said, ask & i'll give the nations to you...! 

come Lord, and move among us! may others see and believe that You, O God, have done this!

3 WEEK UPDATE!

I am now in my 3^rd week of being here and almost finished my 2^nd week of school with Graham. Last week when I started, the previous personal assistant (P.A) took me around and explained all that I needed to know. I was on my own after that…I felt like I went back to school because of attending all of Graham’s classes as well taking down additional notes. I have observed a lot of Graham’s learning style, his academic background & the expectations of the teachers. I guess you could say I am mending the gap between the two.

My day begins at 5:40am and ends usually around 10pm. We leave for school around 7:15am (it’s about a 25-30min commute) and the first bell rings at 8am. At 3pm the last bell rings and all the students head to after-school activities. We usually don’t end up leaving for home until 4:30/5pm. It varies daily depending on additional things that may come up. Shortly after we arrive home and unpacked from the car, we sit down for dinner. whew, what a day! :)

I am beginning to meet a lot of people my same age who are also in their first year at ISU. It has been so fun meeting those from all around the world. I look forward to building friendships and relationships as time goes on while developing a good community with them outside of school.

In addition to meeting people at school, I have been meeting a lot of volunteer ROWAN staff! Pastor Paul, David Wafula, Jim, and Ashley all play specific roles in the growing ministry of ROWAN. I feel so blessed to have met them and to work alongside each one as we step forward in the steps God gives us to take. Next week I will be heading to the village for a WEEK! From Oct 17-22 I will be meeting lots of children, widows, families, and staff. I will be observing the current projects and also doing a few as well. There is a huge event that will be launching soon so any time I can get up to the village will be a huge benefit in preparing for it! Tuesday night I met with Jim & Ashley and we decided that we will need to go to the village at the end of this month as well! So I will be going to the village again Oct 27-30!! Once we confirm a few things with the project I will announce it!! J I am beyond excited for ROWAN and I am blessed to be a part of it!

Everything else is going well! My body is still adjusting with food and such but it will get there..i hope! J I am gradually getting a feel for where things are and feeling more comfortable with moving around on bodas. It’s crazy what they can fit through…it’s definitely an adventure every time! From weaving in and out of cars, to riding down a busy sidewalk, to squeezing through trucks, to the busy nightlife..it’s a wild, yet fun ride!

I am so thankful to be here! My prayer is to continue to come with open eyes and an open heart to whatever God has! I pray I walk in confidence knowing who I am in Him and His leading wherever that may be!

Miss all of you on the other side!

joy

WATOTO, FRIENDS, & A BODA BODA

i have been looking forward to today since last week. i went to watoto church in downtown kampala. it was a bit adventuresome due to the down pour of rain. i barely made it to the taxi stage in town. i had no choice to jump in with the first person and go. :) i made it to church in good timing though. my heart was full as i worshipped with so many ugandan's. we joyfully sang together, had a day of thanksgiving with dedicating babies, as well as the teaching of scripture. i felt right at home! i'm looking forward to building relationships and community there. :)

as i was waiting for the rain to stop i saw a familiar face, phillip! he hosted our team around kampala during the 2 weeks we were here a year ago. it was so fun to see him!! hopefully i will bumped into him again. 

after church i met up with a friend of mine, jill wiebe, again i met here last year. she is from canada and was a part of showing us around to the baby homes. we met at a roof top restaurant at a mall in town and enjoyed catching up. afterwards we headed our separate ways on boda boda's. it was my first ride on a taxi motorcycle!! thankfully i had a safe driver and enjoyed ride. :)

every day i hope to become more comfortable at moving around the city. tomorrow or tuesday i am planning to meet up with a few ROWAN staff after i finish with school. 

missing everyone from home though! would love to hear from you if you get a chance! 

much love,

joy