Excited to see what the future holds...

Last post from Uganda!

2010-04-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Today I leave here around noon to then spend a night near the airport and catch an early flight tomorrow.

I’m trying not to think about how hard it will be to say goodbye to all these little ones that I have grown to love so very much. Three months was really the perfect amount of time for me to be here, but that doesn’t make leaving any easier. :(

I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you for your support, financially and through prayer. I couldn’t have done this without you! I’ve seen God do amazing things, and so I’m just so grateful for the prayers lifted up for me and the children here at SHC. I’m so blessed to have a community of believers that I can go to when there’s a prayer need. I can’t thank you all enough, and I will forever be grateful that I came here.

Be checking on facebook because I hope to put up an album with pictures from the trip within the next few weeks.

Please keep me in your prayers for safety as I travel home!

2010-03-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

This is Becaham - you may have read about him on Renee’s blog or my facebook. Becaham came to us on Wednesday, one week ago today. He’s thirteen months old, and weighs just over 6 lbs. This little guy’s mom died back in November. Due to no longer nursing, poor care, and diet, he became very malnourished - he has a bunch of loose skin on his arms and legs from where he was once a healthy weight.

Over the first few days, Becaham threw up most of his food; he’s just now holding it down more consistently, so I think we'll soon start to see a change in his weight. That makes me excited!

Although this little man is super tiny, he can sit up, eat most foods, and has the most precious smile. :)

Please add Becaham to your prayers. I know that it’s because of all the prayers lifted up for her that Sarah is where she is today. I know the Lord wants to do the same for this little man.

Sarah and Becaham

Every time we get a new little, sick one, you find that the one who used to be the littlest suddenly looks so healthy!

Beatrice, Joyce (holding Sarah), me, Mamma Faith, Faith, and Silvia – (All employees of Serving His Children)

Silvia, cutting cabbage for our Monday lunch of Cabbage and Irish (potatoes) - I need to learn to cut cabbage like these ladies! They cut it super small and in no time at all. I think I’m going to get a lesson on Monday. :)

The sunrise over Lake Victoria, from our Veranda

Me with some of the girls in our compound and their friends

2010-03-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

The weeks are flying by! As my time here gets shorter, I’m finding myself so torn between the extremes of missing my family and wanted to be home, and thinking of just how much I am going to miss being here. The hardest part of all will be leaving these children (Sarah in particular) that I know I will likely never see again.

In my time here and with all that I have experienced, the best times I have had are just playing with the children on the living room floor. I love to see the smiles on their faces and hear them laugh – it fills my heart with so much joy! Being here at the house caring for the children, preparing meals, cleaning, grocery shopping, and organizing are what I love to do best…I guess I’m destined to be a stay at home mom. :)

Although I have enjoyed things like: home visits, running errands, going to Kampala...etc., (and I’m super grateful for the experiences) I think that if I were ever to be here long term, I would love to for the most part just be home caring for children. …It’s what I love. :)

Nusula’s time here at our house is coming to a close. :( She’s improved so much since I first arrived, and Renee plans to transition her home within the week.
I’m going to miss that girl!

When I got here, Nusula had been here for 2 weeks. She was so little; she hardly played or interacted, and most of the time she would just sit there and play with her toe. (One of her all time favorite things to do!) As the weeks went by she began to open up and interact more, she started crawling, and over the last month she’s been pulling up on things and is so close to walking - I really hope she does so before I leave!

Nusula is 2, but because of being malnourished her growth and development were stunted, so she is just now getting to the place she needs to be. I’m so blessed that I can play a small part in helping these children to get well!

Blair is also heading home soon, so it may just be three children (Kamula, Sarah, and Selah) here in the house when I leave. I’m very thankful that it’s working out this way, so Renee will have a lesser work load as she will be here by herself.

Tomorrow we are doing a home visit for Sarah. (She’s the one in my profile picture.) Please pray for safety and for the Lord’s will do be done. We are visiting her home and speaking to some of her relatives to explore if any of them can care for her when she’s finished in the program. If not, Renee will then look into other options for her.

I don’t pretend to know what’s best for Sarah, but I really want her to be in a home where she is wanted and well loved. I know the best thing I can do is pray and trust her to God’s care…please join me in prayer for this precious girl. I wish I could just bring her home with me!

Kamula's Home Visit

2010-03-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Kamula’s family lives in Myuge which is a 2 and 1/2 – 3 hour drive from here. We left early in the morning with Charles along as our interpreter and made it to their home just before 11:00.

Along the way (when we stopped to pee in the bush) Charles started talking to some people who lived close by and found out that they had some family members in need of medical attention. Renee got her first aid kit from the car and went to see what we could do.

As it turns out, we weren’t able to help the one who was severely ill, but Renee strongly encouraged them to get her to a clinic. We were, however, able to help two children, but we learned from this experience that the first aid kit was not complete. As soon as we got back in the car, we started a list of all the things we needed to add - Renee telling me things as she drove; I think that in the future we will be far more prepared. :)

Upon arriving we were invited into their mud home. It was obvious they had cleared it out and arranged a place for us to sit, and they were very excited that we came. We had told Mamma Kamula that we were coming, and I think she was very blessed that we actually did!

This was not my first time being in a mud house, but I was still amazed thinking, “I’m here in Africa, in one of those mud huts like you see in a World Vision magazine.”

Since this family speaks very little English, they invited two local pastors over, I think to help entertain us American folks (We had been to this village before to visit Chakool’s grandmother, so we’d met these pastors). Renee wanted to know things like where the family got their water from, if they had a garden, etc. We were pleased to find out that they had a good water source.

One of the local churches owns three deep water wells in the area. They produce good water, but the only down side is that he charges 100 shillings a jerry can, approx. 5 cents. The cost is necessary to pay the guys who man the wells and for the cost of making them, but many family’s use less water than they should because it’s all they can afford.

The family does have gardens, but they’re more than an hour’s walk from their home. Myuga is a very dry and hot place, and vegetation isn’t even in view. They said they don’t produce enough to sell, so they just eat what they grow.

All the while we were there, Mamma Kamula was outside preparing food, and after some time, they said food was ready. We were each (Charles, Renee and I) given a bowl of g-nut (peanut) sauce, a bowl of chicken broth, and then they put out bowls which contained chicken, one with rice, and one with Matoka (similar to a plantain; when cooked, it tastes very squash like.). Although the pastors were still there, we were the only ones served because we were the “guests.” It was very awkward having everyone watching us, and I wasn’t even sure how I was supposed to eat the food! Renee picked up some Matoka and began dipping it into the g-nut sauce, so I copied her. She said she wasn’t really sure how they wanted us to eat it either, but she had seen people do it this way before.

Matoka in g-nut was better than I had anticipated, yet I was soon ready to be done, but I knew that it was considered very rude to not eat all that you are served. Looking at the huge bowl of Matoka and that of rice, I was thinking, “There’s no way we can eat all this!”

I continued eating, until Renee and I decided to take a breather before we went for round 2. (I think we were both ready to be done at this point, but we did want to offend because it was so sweet of them to cook for us.) Just as I was thinking I would give it another go, Kamula’s dad came with a basin and a small jerry can for us to wash our hands, signaling that we were finished – I was so relieved!

Although Matoka isn’t my favorite thing, I was so thankful that it wasn’t fish because I would have had a very hard time being polite and eating it. :) All of those things: chicken, Matoka, and rice are expensive. It was very evident that they made us a very special meal. I was so touched by the generosity because I know these people have so little.

Please pray for Kamula’s family. They are Muslim, and in need of Jesus. Kamula’s father has two wives which is very common among Muslims, but it makes me so sad.

The ride home was very long and hot, and I struggled to stay awake. It’s amazing how you can get so tired when all you’re doing is riding in a car!

The heat is one thing about Uganda that I will not miss!

Our power just went out, so I better post this quickly before the computer battery dies…

1 Month To Go...

2010-03-10T05:09:00.000-08:00

At times I can hardly believe I have only a month left, and other times when I think about all I've experienced, it seems like such a long time since I was home. …I will leave here a very different person from when I came.

You wouldn’t believe little Sarah! She’s getting so big and improving daily.

As you can see, she now smiles and laughs! I love this precious girl, and it breaks my heart that she doesn’t have a mommy. I pray that the Lord will provide a wonderful family who will adopt Sarah as their own. Whether it’s a family member or not, I trust that the Lord will show Renee when the time comes, where Sarah’s supposed to go.

When Sarah first came to us, she was getting up every hour in the night to eat. After a good week, she went to eating around midnight, again at 4AM, and then at 7AM. ...But, much to my surprise, the last four days she has slept all through the night!! Here we thought it would be months before that happened, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. :) Being on Plumpy Nut, Sarah is now satisfied longer after eating. She now eats around midnight/1AM and then sleeps until 7:00 or 7:30 in the morning!

As a result of Sarah’s wonderful, new sleeping habits, I have been sleeping really well, and although Renee is still gets up some with Selah (5 months old), she’s getting much more sleep than she had been. Thanks for all your prayers!

On most days after school, I’ve been calling the children (those who live here in our compound or who happen to be around) for a story. At first I was a little nervous to start this, but the children seem to love it, so that’s given me boldness to continue. I don’t know how much of the story they understand, but I pray that if nothing else, that through my spending time with them they would maybe see a love that they’ve never known. (Not mine, of course, but of He who is in me.) The language barrier is a challenge, but I know they are some things that can always be communicated, and I pray that I would do that well…
I had hoped to post a picture of this, but I haven’t yet gotten a good one, so it’s coming soon!

I experimented today… the ranch dressing that my mom sent over had just ran out, and Renee and I were super bummed! You can’t find good lettuce here, so we’ve been eating a lot of veggies dipped in ranch, and the thought of veggies with no ranch is very sad indeed, so I decided to try and make some.

I started by looking up a recipe for making sour cream from plain yogurt, and set that up to do its thing overnight (a process of straining and adding a small amount of lemon juice). You can't always find sour cream in the supermarkets, so I thought I would try making it myself.

I woke up this morning and was very happy to see that the sour cream experiment was a success! ...Next came finding a recipe for the Ranch dressing. It wasn’t easy because there are so many out there, but I soon chose one that uses both sour cream and mayo (easily bought here) along with spices we own.

The mixing began, and on the first tasting it was super bland, so ditched the recipe and started making up my own. The result…delicious! (That is, it’s not Hidden Valley, but tastes more like ranch dip…I’m so proud of myself!)

2010-03-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

Joyce plated Nusula's hair today...

Before...

...During...

...Finished!

Kamula loves the camera and always smiles for me - isn't she just adorable!! (I am just such a big fan of all these kids!!)

Sarah is doing so well! She's eating better, sleeping better, and even sitting up which she couldn't do when she came to us just one week ago today!

I'm just thrilled to see her belly getting bigger, and I want to thank each and every one of you who has prayed for her. I know that without those prayers, she wouldn't be where she is today. Praise you Jesus!

Although I am no longer scared for Sarah's life, we still have some time before she is healthy again, so keep those prayers coming!

Exhausted!

2010-02-28T02:21:00.000-08:00

These past few days have been some of the most exhausting days of my life! I knew ever since I came here that these days were coming, but I don’t think anything can really prepare you for this. :)

As many of you may have read on Renee’s blog, we have a new little girl named Sarah. If you haven’t read her story then you need to - just go to:
http://www.servinghischildreninuganda.blogspot.com/.

I know God brought this little one to Renee, and I’m so thankful that we can be used to make a difference in this precious girl’s life.

Sarah is now eating a little more at a time so her feedings are more like every hour instead of every 15 minutes. The first few nights she was here, I slept with Selah, and Renee slept with Sarah Last night Renee took both girls, and we may trade tonight, so at least one of us can gets whole night’s sleep!

I appreciate your prayers for Renee and I during this season. Sarah, on her own, is a full time job and then we have 5 others! On both Thursday and Friday, Joyce and Silvia (two of our house ladies) were out of town for a funeral, so things were especially challenging! Renee and I were overjoyed to see these ladies when they came to work on Saturday. :)

I’ve been very blessed that even though the days are long, and sometimes I want to just cry, God's peace and grace are there for me just when I need it.

Kamula is doing so much better and looking healthier everyday! As I expected, she does love it when you put music on and dance her around. It makes me to happy to see these children smile and laugh! It gives me energy to keep going when I just want to collapse.

It’s been so neat to see how Nusula is really growing up to be a big girl, and it couldn't’t have been at a better time! She is doing so much more for herself now, and eating her food better than ever.

It is now naptime for the children, and I think Renee is going to try and get some rest as well. I may make bread (something I do a couple time a week) while I listen out for children.

Please pray protection over Renee and I. I've seen many times this last week that when things are especially challenging, there will be one thing after another come up that cause stress or worry, and I have to wonder, "Why all this now?" I see this as the enemy trying to discourage and tear us down when he knows we are weak and tired. I've even see the attack on my mind - when I'm this tired, I have a hard time resisting the lies and fears that the enemy throws at me. He knows this, and so he hits me especially hard at these times. I don't want to give in, so I ask for prayers that I would be strong to resist Satan and not let him discourage me, but instead be strong in what Jesus says.

What an experience this is! I will never forget these days, and I may even miss them…well, maybe :)

2010-02-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

All children who come here do so because of malnutrition (Selah being the exception). Some are more severe than others, but that is their primary reason for being here. Many of these children come with many other problems that need tending to, but everything really stems from lack of nutrition.

Kamula (2 years old) arrived here on Monday.

Kamula came to us very sick (ear infections, malnourished and more). We took her to the doctor this morning, and I hope, now that she’s on some medicine, she will soon be feeling better.

She came to the store with us today on the way home from the doctor, and she seemed to really like being out. I also found that she really likes music. Every time we passed a shop that had music playing, she would get excited and start to wiggle around in my arms. I will have to put music on for her and see it she might dance. :)

Although she is still adjusting to living here, I think Kamula will do really well and grow to like us more and more. I’m encouraged that she doesn’t cry every time you set her down like she did the first day, and she went right to sleep last night without the previous nights crying. Yay!

Last night I was shocked at how well she took her medicine! I am used to Nusula with whom giving medicine is a battle every time, and here Kamula takes it with no problem. It was very refreshing, and I am learning to be very thankful for those little things.

Please add precious Kamula to your prayers. I’m really excited to see her personality as she begins to open up to us.

Blair is doing great and he loves to eat! This kid can pound some food. :) He comes in the kitchen, sometimes a good hour before dinner, and just looks at the counters in search of something to eat. He cracks me up! I wish so badly that I could talk to him, but I know so little Luganga and I am beginning to see that I am not gifted in learning languages - it's hard!

Nusula and Selah are also doing great, and it's funny how easy Nusula seems now that we have a new little two year old.

2010-02-21T04:14:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to tour the neighboring compound yesterday. (I mentioned in a previous blog that SHC is looking to rent it.) Here are a couple pictures:

This house, with the exception of there being no upstairs, has the same floor plan as the house we are in now. The landlord is going to be doing some work on it, like painting the outside. :)

As you can see, the inside is a pretty sorry sight, but with some washing and paint, we think it can work really well. I think the plan is to rip up the tiles (they're the stick on ones that are no linger sticky) and sand down the floor to be just smooth concrete.

The landlord plans to do this work, but I think she will wait until the current renters are out (in 2 months)

I think it's so neat that we have this house, with so much potential, right next door! Is that God or what?

I hope you all are having a wonderful Sunday! I am sitting here while Renee, Blair, Nusula and Selah are all napping. :)

Renee hasn't gotten much sleep lately due to Selah not sleeping well. Please pray that Selah would get on a better schedule and start sleeping more at night. These repeated nights with very little sleep have been hard on Renee.
I did Selah duty one night last week, and I was amazed realizing what Renee does every night!

Thank you all for your prayer and interest in what going on here in Uganda!

2010-02-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your prayers! We had a very productive visit with the Probation Officer/Social Worker on Tuesday, and we now have approval to start the Malnutrition Rehab Center! This was such a blessing because rarely are things ever this easy when it comes to the local government.

We got our first little boy to be enrolled in the new program yesterday. His name is Blair and he’s 6 years old. The poor little guy was very sad when his mom left, but he was soon having fun playing with the children outside.

After dinner, Blair began to cry out for his mom. I was on the phone, but when I came downstairs, Renee said he had been crying for 20 minutes and was very inconsolable. I can’t imagine being away from your mom, in a new place, and with white girls who don’t even speak your language!

I picked him up and sat him on my lap, but he continued to cry for a good 10 minutes until I began to sing to him. He stopped crying almost immediately, and anytime I stopped singing he would cry again, so I just sang him to sleep. It was very sweet. :)

Blair is a precious boy and I am very thankful that he is interacting more today, and getting comfortable with us.

It looks like we will be getting 2 more children within the next few days, and I ask for prayers that:
-These little ones would adjust well to living here.

-For Renee and I to be given the strength and patience needed every day to care for them well.

-And most importantly, that they would recover from their malnourishment and that their families would see Jesus through us as we love and care for their children.

SCH had three cribs made as well and a changing table and some baby blankets. Renee and I have been running around checking in on things as they were getting completed, and we were very blessed to get it all just in time for these children’s arrival. God is so very good.

One funny thing is that the cribs were too big to get through the hallway. Renee and I tried at many different angles, but we just couldn’t get them to fit. We finally broke down and called the man who made them. He came, and we watched him try the very same things we tried until he decided to just cut a portion of the feet off.

We now have shorter cribs, but they are in the room, and we're thankful!

The medical clinic yesterday went very well, and the nurse, Constance, was able to see 22 patients. The whole morning was incredibly....…peaceful. I don’t know how I could better describe it.

I’m so thankful this has gotten started, and I know it will be a blessing to many

Nusula playing after breakfast this morning.

Saleh hanging out in a basin while the ladies sort rice.

Here is a list of SHC’s staff:

Charles – Day guard. Charles is so nice to have around! One way in which he is a huge help is as an interpreter because he knows many languages. I know it was the Lord brought this man to Renee because he’s just perfect for the job.

Joseph – Night guard. Joseph and his children live in one of the rooms of the boys quarters behind our house in the compound. He is a very kind man and does his job well. His wife left him with their three children and he also cares for his deceased brothers 5 children.

Beatrice – house lady. Beatrice and her 2 little boys, along with her little sister (her husband left her about 2 years ago) live in the other side of the boys quarters. Beatrice was Renee’s first employee!

Silvia – house lady. Silvia is such a hard worker and a blessing to have around. She and Beatrice to things like laundry (done all by hand), mopping (done daily because of all the dirt around here), cook lunch, childcare when needed, and many other things around the house. Having these ladies is awesome because if Renee and I were to do even just the laundry, we wouldn’t get anything else done. Beatrice and Silvia can do everything in half the time Renee and I could.

Mamma Faith – Cooks for Feeding Program and sorts beans and rice. (This is Faith’s mom. Here you call all mothers by “Mamma” followed by the name of one of their children, often the youngest, so this is, “Mamma Faith”) Beans and rice come in big sacks that need to be sorted because there will be rocks, small sticks and bad beans mixed in. Mamma Faith is the primary sorter, but the other ladies help when they are finished with their other jobs. We need 50 kilos of bean and 50 kilos of rice for each feeding day, so as you can imagine, it’s a lot of sorting!

Joyce (Silvia’s mother) – Joyce had been the one to cook beans and rice for feeding program, but with this new program, SHC has decided to hire her to help with the children and over see the housework. The switch to Mamma Faith taking her cooking job was just made this week. Joyce it an amazing woman and I love having her here.

Joyce (a different Joyce) – is our other cook for feeding program. She helped Joyce, and now Mamma Faith, to cook all the food. These ladies also help during feeding program to keep us who are serving supplied with beans and rice, and they help to keep the children in line as they are waiting to be served.

Well, that’s it! I hope you found this interesting, and I will keep you posted as we get these next children.

2010-02-15T00:42:00.000-08:00

We’re still waiting to meet with the social worker (scheduled for Tuesday) to begin this new malnutrition program. We're praying that we'll get clearance at this meeting and not have to go back again.
I will blog when we get the new children.

Wednesday will be our first day with Constance, the nurse. SHC is hiring Constance to come once a week and have a medical clinic here at the house. (This will be very helpful for Renee in take some of the load.) We are going to start encouraging people to come on Wednesdays only when they need medical care, and we will see only emergencies on other days.

When I first came here to Uganda, I was so hit by all the smells. Everything had a smell to me: children, clothes, the town, stores, central market..., but now I hardly notice any of it. The only smell that I will never get used to, is the smell of the fish drying area on the road into Jinja. That place smells so bad that I almost always hold my breath! It’s nasty! :) I feel bad for those that work there.

Something exciting that I’ve forgotten to share until now is that the Lord is opening up the compound next door for SHC to rent! The house we are in now, is not very ideal for the malnutrition program, but it works great for Renee’s needs and the feeding program, so SHC would like to rent both. It's Renee’s desire that the mothers of the children in the program not stay in such an Americanized home. She wants them to stay somewhere more familiar and not so different from their culture; this will also make the transition back home much easier. The neighboring compound will be used to house the mothers of children in the program and possibly employees.

The landlord currently has renters, but their lease will be up in three months and she would love for us to rent. Since Renee is going to America in June, she doesn’t really need this property until her return in July, but we may need to start renting early in order to insure that we get it. (This may be best anyways because it could use some fixing up.) What a blessing from the Lord this is!

I have yet to tour the house myself, but I’ve heard a lot about it. I hope to get pictures of it and post them here for all of you.
I haven’t been very diligent in taking pictures these past few weeks, but I hope to turn that around here soon and get some good pictures for my blog. I know that’s what everyone really wants to see. :)

Pray for me that I would discover more of the person God made me to be and the gifts He put in me. I look around at those I am with, and I think, “Wow! They have so many gifts, and are good at so many things.” And of course, I follow that by thinking, “I’m not good at anything! I can never be as talented as them. They matter more than I do and rightly so; I mean they're amazing.” I find it very hard after having this train of thought to recognize even one of my gifts, and I struggle to feel worth anything. Why God would give some people so many gift and others so few?
I realize that I’m probably not thinking about this correctly, but that is where I’m at right now, and I’m very ready to not be here (in this state of mind) anymore. I appreciate your prayers.

2010-02-10T03:31:00.001-08:00

Rachel and Rita’s story continued:

I mentioned in my last blog that their grandma (Jaja) was coming that Wednesday night, and that we were then going to search for their mother. …Well, the grandmother did not come until three days later! Pastor Jeffery did come with the girl’s father on Friday. (Seeing Rachel and Rita with their dad was very sweet - he obviously really loves them.) The two men, Renee, and the girls then went to search for the mother. (I needed to stay back and babysit.) They went to the village where they heard she was staying, but were told that she was not there, but in town (Jinja).

Upon reaching town they searched for her and found her brother who had a booth at the market. They told him that they needed to see these girls mother, and he said, “You wait here and I will go get her.” They waited and waited until finally the man at the neighboring booth said. “He is not coming back. He is only telling that woman to disappear.” As you can imagine, we were all very discouraged by this and were insure what to do next. I think the mother is afraid of facing the law for having abandoned her children.

When their grandmother did arrive on Saturday afternoon, she shared (through our day guard who often interprets for us) that she still did not want take the girls and that their father needed to care for them. Unfortunately, the pastor was not able to come back before she left to go back to her home on Bumuva Island.

When Pastor Jeffery did return with Rachel and Rita’s father, (at 3:00, Sunday afternoon – 3 hours after the grandmother left) Renee shared with them that these girls needed to be with their father. She told them that we would love to be able to keep these girls, but since we were denied that by the local authorities, they need to not be staying here. (SHC is in the process of getting an NGO (Non-Government Organization), and we could have officials stop in any time to check us out, so we needed to only have those children here that we have care orders for.)

Pastor Jeffery was not very happy to hear this because he had come with the intention of asking us to keep the girls until the end of the month to give their father some time to get his life in order (better job, finding someone to care for the girls during the day, etc.) Renee again explained why we really can’t do that, but that we love the girls and wish we could. (This whole conversation was very hard for Renee) Since we were going to be gone the next day, the girls needed to go home their father that afternoon. (Renee has a policy that children neither come, nor leave without her being here.)

Rachel and Rita left that evening to be with their dad for the night. I was so very sad to see them go, but also encouraged to see that they love him very much. The girls have been staying with him, but will soon be going to stay with a member of pastor Jeffery’s church in a more remote village while they continue to sort this all out. We hope to see them before they go. I believe that the search for their mother is still on, but we are no longer involved, and I know that’s best.

I was given so much peace and grace as they left that I never thought I would have. Even two days before I wouldn’t have done as well, but I see the Lord’s hand in this, and all I can to is trust them to His care. Yes, I miss them terribly and would have loved if they could just stay with me forever, but that wasn’t what the Lord had for these girls.

Please continue to lift Rachel and Rita up in your prayers. For protection, heath, and most of all, that that they would grow up to know Jesus.

As you also know from Renee’s blog, Chakool has gone to be with his grandmother and within the last month, Faith, Bashir, and Christina have all gone home. (Bashir and Cristina went home because school has started and Faith was just ready. We still get to see her everyday because her mother works here.) So, we are now down to just two - Nusula and Selah. I really see this as the Lord preparing us to take these new children for the pilot malnutrition program.

We are using this time with fewer children to move furniture and organize in preparation for the new program. We had hoped to have the children by now, but there is yet some paper work to be completed, but the man we need to meet with is sick. Please pray that we could get this finished quickly because the Nutritionist, Joy already has 2 children picked out for us and they are ready to come.

I've been very encouraged by the comments and e-mails in the past few days, so thank you. Email hasn't been so hard to open lately, so feel free to contact me that way.

Renee and I need to head to town so I better end here...

2010-02-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

Chakool left yesterday...

Go to Renee's blog to hear the whole story:

http://servinghischildreninuganda.blogspot.com/2010/02/chakool-on-right-chakooli-dont-even.html

I miss that little guy so much!

What a day!

2010-02-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

So, we went to Bumuva (a huge island in Lake Victoria) on Monday to look for Rachel and Rita’s grandparents. To give you an idea what it was like: this local Pastor (Jeffery) knew a pastor, who knew a pastor, who knew where their grandparent lived. Pastor Jeffery met us here at 6 am and we started our journey.

We drove for about an hour and made it to the ferry loading dock. To get on the Ferry, there is a very steep decline with a foot deep gap between it and the dock. We were very worried because this poor van we have has gotten stuck many times. Much to our relief, they put up two planks for us to drive on, and with a bit of effort, we made it!

The ferry ride was just over an hour, (it goes very slowly) and then we docked on Bumuva Island. Again it was a little scary driving off the ferry, but we did it and began the third leg of our journey... We drove for about 10 minutes then up a super steep hill, with the biggest pot holes, rocks and deep ruts made by water, that I have ever seen on a road. I was in the back praying like crazy as Renee plowed ahead. We made it without getting stuck! Soon after this we picked up the second pastor and he proceeded to direct us for a good hour or more to the third and last pastor.

The roads on the way here were at times very smooth, and at other times unbelievably rugged. Many of the roads we drove on were more like bicycle paths (no more than 4 feet wide). It was truly a miracle that our car made it. Sweat was pouring off of us, we were getting covered in dirt, and our water supply was running low when we reached the last pastor's house. The first two pastors and Renee went to talk to him. They came back after 10 minutes or so, and told us that he was coming but needed some time.

While we waited, Jeffery took us to another landing site where boats come and go taking things to and from the island. This was very close by and we stayed there for at least 30 minutes – Jeffery was talking to the locals. When we got back to the third pastor's home again, He and two other guys (no clue who they were) jumped in the van. We were now up to 11 people in one minivan!

By now it was at least 12:30 - both Rachel and Rita were doing exceptionally well, and I was so thankful - they are wonderful girls! Much to my relief, we were only 20 minutes from our destination, and we soon reached the area, parked and headed off through the brush to the grandparent's home. As we walked, we gathered a crowd of people who lived close by and who were, I guess, interested in what we were doing. Once we reached their home, we sat beneath a tree, and Jeffery began to explain the situation to the couple. This was a very long discussion where he would talk to the grandmother for a long time, and then stop and explain to us what they were discussing.

During the conversation, more and more people began to gather. They came from seemingly nowhere until we had a group of 25+. Being white in a place like that often makes you feel like such a spectacle... After a good 45 minutes, the basic resolution that came out of this was that the grandparents didn’t want to keep the girls because they were very poor and afraid, that because they were so young, they could easily get sick. They said that they loved them, but they couldn’t keep them unless they were older.

Renee had Jeffery explain that the social worker here in Jinja denied Renee permission to keep the girls and explained that he doesn’t even know we had them. We need to have this man on our good side, especially with the new malnutrition program starting. He could make things very difficult for us if he wanted to, and Renee has been very careful to do what he said in the past. His job is to keep children in their families and he’s afraid that if he lets us keep the girls it will encourage more and more woman to abandon their children, with the thought that people like us will just care for them without question. We understand his position, and it’s a good one, but we are in a bit of a dilemma. The grandmother agreed to came back with us and go on to Iganga to search for relatives and try and get the phone # of a relative in Nairobi who may know where her daughter (Rachel and Rita’s mother) is.

On our journey home, we took a short cut (I’m not really sure why we didn’t take it on the way in) and with a few small detours (one of which was dropping off a pastor) we made it to the ferry loading dock at 2:30. At this point we were almost out of water and all very dehydrated. Renee and Jeffery went on a search for water and thankfully found a small shop that had some bottled water on their shelf. We bought 4 bottles and then proceeded to buy all they had and some from another shop. It felt so good to be well hydrated again! Renee and Eileen began to play Duck Duck Goose with the large crowd of children, who had gathered around our van, and I soon joined them, we played Simon Says and the Hokey Pokey. The children loved it, but all the locals were laughing at use mazungus playing with the children - it was fun!

The ferry, due at 4:00, arrived at 5:30, and a man offered to drive the van onto the ferry for us – we all cracked up because Renee had done such a better job than he did! Renee should get a medal for all her driving that day – she was amazing. By the time it was loaded and we were off, it was 6 o’clock – we had been on this adventure for 12 hours! I am learning that nothing is on time here and you have to be patient and flexible. The ride was long and hot, but uneventful, we were all very relieved to be back on land and on our final leg of the journey. At the first area of shops, we stopped and Renee went to buy some Rolexes for dinner. (These are omelettes rolled in chapatis (a bit like a breakfast taco) - not expensive watches!!)

This took a good thirty minutes and by the time she got back it was dark. An hour later we entered the town of Jinja and stopped at a gas station for Jeffery to inquire about a Mattatu (a bus/van) that could take Jaja (grandma) to Iganga. (She was too tired to travel more that night, so she stayed with us and then Charles (our day guard) took her in the morning.) We finally arrived home at 8:30, after we dropped off Pastor Jeffery at his home. Rachel and Rita went straight to bed and then we all rotated through the shower - I have never had so much dirty water come off of me. We were covered, and I had a whole new appreciating for showers and being clean.

We found out today that Rachel & Rita’s Jaja did go to Iganga and found out that her daughter (the girls' mother) had lived there for some time and then recently moved back here to Jinja district. She is currently staying in the village where the Karamajong tribe resides, actually very near to our home. Jaja is going to come back and then we, along with Pastor Jeffery, are going to go and bring the mother here. Pastor Jeffery would like to have a counseling session with her tonight to try to understand why she abandoned her children.

Please continue to pray for this whole situation. I will try and blog Friday or Saturday to tell you how things worked out. I would love to say that this mother had a change of heart and wants her children back, but I just don’t know what will happen. The only thing I do know is that God hasn’t forgotten about these girls and He has them in the palm of His hands.

Here are a few pictures of Rachel:

Sadly, Lauri thinks she may have gotten food poisoning and was throwing up and in bed all day yesterday. Praise the Lord that she is better today! I would hate for her to be sick on her last day. Lauri and Eileen fly out of Entebbe tomorrow night at midnight. We’re all traveling together to Kampala and then on to Entebbe in time for them to get checked in. Pray for a safe journey for them and especially for Eileen as they go for she really doesn’t want to leave.

2010-01-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to a restaurant on The Nile River (Bujagali Falls) – it was beautiful! We got a table outside and watched the sunset. ...I never thought I would get to stand by the Nile!

One day next week, we are going to the highlands (we can see these in the distance) to look for Rachel and Rita’s grandparents. Please be pouring prayer into this! As you can imagine, I am going to have a very hard time seeing these little ones go. Renee said that their grandparents will likely just want us to keep them, but SHC is not an orphanage, so legally we cannot keep them for long. I just want these girls to go somewhere where they are well cared for and loved. If their grandparent can’t keep them, like they are financially unable or it doesn’t look like a good situation, then we will bring them back home and look into another option. The pastor who first brought Rachel and Rita to Renee is going to help us through this whole process. I’m going to miss them so much! I know God has just the place for these girls to be, and I ask that you pray that all of us involved would have a clear sense if going to their grandparent is right and best. I need to be more careful the future to not get so attached.

Rita (I have yet to get a good picture of Rachel, but I am going to work hard at it tomorrow)

Rita "talking" on my phone.

I want to put the word out that Renee would really love to have an Ergo baby carrier. The carrier she has now isn’t a good one and hasn’t been working well. Renee and I have both used an Ergo before, and they are some of the best ones out there. They go for about $100 new, so if you know of one being giving away or see one at a yard sale, please keep us in mind. Things like this can be sent with the next volunteer/visitor. Thanks!

2010-01-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

I’m just getting over being sick, and I want to thank all those who were praying for me. I was very thankful to be able to participate in the feeding program, for I was in bed during it on Tuesday.

As many of you may have read in Lauri’s update, we visited a Children’s Hospital on Tuesday here in Jinja. …I found it to be devastating. Seeing the illness and such poor conditions broke my heart. I wanted so badly to take the children to a clean, safe place where they could get well. This hospital was crowded, hot, smelly, and filthy - I can’t imagine a child having much of a chance of getting well in a place like that. I see now what Renee was talking about when she said that children have a better chance of recovery if she just brings them home. Thankfully, there are some clinics in town that are much better where Renee can take children if needed. The children’s hospital is free to stay at, but you must pay for your medication and F75, (a high calorie formula distributed by the W.H.O.) given to malnourished children. This formula is meant to be given every three hours, but sadly, most only get it every six or so. No food is given at hospitals or clinics here, so families will often be cooking outside on a charcoal stove to feed their families inside. Because so many of these children’s family’s are poor, they can’t afford a clinic, and their only option is a hospital like this. I could tell from the nutritionist, Joy, who gave us a tour of the hospital that she is sad that things are the way they are, but they are doing the best they can. I have a whole new appreciation for American hospital’s and the education that we have access to.

As you may also have read, SHC (Serving His Children) is about to start a pilot malnutrition program to work out the kinks and establish a reputation. We are starting with 3 children for a three month period. Renee’s heart is to not only nurse these precious children to health, but to educate the family’s so this is not a recurring problem (something the hospital often sees). SHC wants to teach these mothers heath, and hygiene as well as how to garden. I’m very excited to get this started, and I would ask for prayer that the Lord would send just the children He would have to be here, and that their mother’s would be willing and desirous to learn. I know Renee and I will need extra patience and strength when we are getting up every three hours to feed these little ones!

I have to say that after I send out the last blog, I was a bit embarrassed and wished I could take it back. Everything I said was true, but it feels weird telling the world what’s going on in my heart. I think in the long run I will be glad for it because I know I need the prayer support to get past a lot of the junk in my mind and heart. Thank you for all the encouraging comments.

2010-01-25T01:44:00.000-08:00

I Can Trust You – by Rebecca St. James

Yes, I know that You have paved a path for me
Yes, I know that You see what I do and don’t need
But when it comes to the deepest things
I have a hard time relinquishing control
Letting go

God, it hurts to give You what I must lay down
But when I let go, freedom’s found
God, it hurts to give You what I’ve held so dear
Because of Your love it’s clear
I can trust You with this
I can trust You with me
I can trust You

Lord, I know that You are worthy of my trust
For You have shown me time and time again
You’re faithful and yet
I’m so scared of letting go of this
Afraid of what You might do with it
How could I forget who You are like this?

Me forsaking
Heart is breaking
I let go of what I’ve held so tight
Freedom’s mine now
For the taking
I move in faith, not by sight
Let Your will be done

This song has really blessed me today, and I wanted to share it with you. For me, the thing that I “hold so dear“, and what “I must lay down” is my reputation – what others think of me. I find that my mind is so often occupied with thought of how I look, or wondering what others think of me. The reason this is so destructive, is that I always find myself lacking, and I always conclude the worst about what others think. I often wonder why I care so much. Why does it matter what others think? Who cares if she is more beautiful that me! I say these things, but it does still matter, and I still do care. I want to let go – to give my reputation to Jesus. I want Him to reveal His love to my heart so that what others think and say about me doesn’t effect me so much. I want to know what my King thinks of me and have that be all that really matters. …Oh, that I could be in that place! I find myself so often consumed with comparing myself to other girls and then feeling terrible about myself for days! Why does being beautiful have to matter so much to me? I want to be healed so that I don’t have to compare myself - because I know in my heart that I have worth. I want to be able to meet someone new and not immediately go to finding everything about them that’s more beautiful than me or seeing all the talents they have that far exceeds mine. I want to trust that God knew what He was doing when He made me who I am, and that He has a purpose for my life that only I could fill - to believe that the Kingdom really does need me.
Some days I look around here and wonder if I’m making a difference. I mean, Renee can do everything that I’m doing, so why am I even here? ...But, at the same time, I really felt like the Lord lead me to be here. I pray that I will understand and see His purpose in all this.

I share all this to ask for prayer. Please pray:
- That I would know I have an irreplaceable role in the Kingdom of God.
- That I would know and believe that I am loved, and no longer let what others think effect me so much.
-That I would feel His presence with me as I go about daily tasks and seek Him for wisdom and comfort when times are tough
-And most of all, that I would be so filled with love and passion that it would flow out to everyone around me.

I’m tired of my thoughts being consumed with insecurities and fears. I’m ready for my life to no longer be all about me, but I know I can’t just change this on my own. I need His help.

On a different note; things are going well here. As you may have read on facebook, we didn’t go to church yesterday because of Selah having chickenpox and the other children being very likely contagious. We spent the day here at home and Renee’s friend Katy and her 14 girls came over - talk about a crazy evening! I made chocolate chip cookies and a big fruit salad for everyone. We had Rolexes for dinner - chapatii (a fried, tortilla like thing) with an omlet rolled inside - these are something we buy at a stand very close by. I found out yesterday, that mango’s are a pain to cut, but far more delicious here than any I’ve had at home. Even the banana’s here have a richer taste.

Selah is still not feeling well, but it looks like her spots are beginning to dry out. Poor Renee has gotten very little sleep the past few days.

2010-01-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

I would like to direct you all to Renee's blog:
http://www.servinghischildreninuganda.blogspot.com/
She just posted on update on what's been happening here.

A Good Day

2010-01-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

I think I have enjoyed being here in Africa more today than I have yet! The most wonderful thing to me is that Rita has really begun to bond with me. When she first came she never smiled, and looked so very sad - I wanted so badly to see her smile or hear her laugh! Over the last week I have held her a lot and just loved on her. I didn't want to have a favorite of the children, but ever since the first moment I got here, Rita has had a special place in my heart. Her mother was still nursing her before she and her sister were abandon, and I could tell she needed some nurturing. Now, more than ever, she is reaching for me, and and I love it! We went for a walk through Masese yesterday, and I carried her on my back like all the village woman do. Eileen was carrying Nusula - here's a picture. Rita feel asleep almost as soon as I started walking. :)

Rita

Nusula

Feeding program on Tuesday. This is as the children are being served - I'm doing rice, Lauri the beans, and Renee the fruit. I hope to get some better pictures of this soon!

I organized the pantry today, and we all worked together to inventory the medicine. It feels so good to get those sort of things accomplished!

Well, I'm sure there is much more that I could write about, but I'm to tired to remember! I will end for now...

2010-01-20T00:54:00.000-08:00

I want to start off this blog by saying that internet is very slow here, and there are quite a few people here right now who need to use it, so I don’t know how often I will be able to get on. I will hope to blog every week, but I can’t promise anything. :)
If you wish to contact me, face book is the best and fastest. If you do not have face book, then an e-mail is okay, but I would ask that you don’t do so often. E-mail takes a long time to load. I do, however appreciate encouragement and prayers!

For those of you that are interested in volunteering, and or would like to know more, you can e-mail Renee’s mom, Lauri Bach, at volunteer@servinghischildren.org. She will talk to you further.

The Church was different than anything I‘ve ever experienced. We go to a Calvary Chapel right here in Jinja. They have a Ugandan pastor who speaks English, and a woman who interprets for those who speak Luganda. We sang 4 songs that I knew and then 2 in Luganda. I, of course, had no idea what they were saying, but it was really cool to listen to. I hope to learn more of the language over the next weeks. The church has Sunday school for the children which is good because most of the children here at the house wouldn’t do well in the service. We kept Nusula, Rita, and Selah with us. Rita slept on me during almost the whole time - I love that little one! The two ladies who help out with the cooking and house work have Sunday off, so Renee will often pick up lunch for the kids on the way home, and that’s a big treat for them.

Here in the house we have:
-Bashir (10) - After I taught Bashir how to play Uno, He has asked me everyday to play! He’s an extremely smart boy, and He also loves to be read to.

-Christina (5) - Bashir’s sister. Their mother works at Amani Baby cottage, the orphanage where Renee went on her first trip here. They’re on holiday because school is out, so Renee is keeping them. They are some of the most helpful kids, and are a big blessing to have around. Christina is a spunky girl who is extremely independent. She has a “take charge” personality, and she’s great at corralling the little ones.

Faith (3) - She came in August and was the first child that Renee took in. She was at the time suffering from severe malnutrition and was very ill. Although she has aids, she is doing extremely well, and can now go back to her family. She is a precious girl who loves to be held and has a captivating smile.

Chakool (2) - Is a adorable little guy who can throw a big fit! He loves to be held and will cry when you set him down, no matter if you have been holding him for a minute or an hour! Despite Chakool’s many crying fits, I love that little guy! Renee first met him in a hospital where he was suffering from malnutrition and there was complications with an IV that caused a huge hole in his head the size of the bottom of a glass! You could even see his skull in the wound. Renee was asked to take him, but the doctor and nurses didn’t think he would live. Over many weeks and with much care, his head has healed and is now doing incredibly well! There is still a ways to go, but God clearly has a plan for this boys life. Renee went recently to the hospital where He had been and the nurses where saying how sorry they were about that little boy - they were just sure that he had died. They were so surprised and could hardly believe that he’s alive and doing great. Hearing about his story makes me see how very important what Serving His Children is doing here! I don’t think had Renee not taken this little one in that he would be alive today. God is so good!

Rachel and Rita (3 and 1 ½) - These sisters where found abandon and where brought to Renee the day we arrived. I’m heart broken that a mother could abandon her beautiful little girls. They seem to have been well fed and cared for, and besides a cold seem to be healthy. Rachel is so sweetly protective of her little sister and will often call out. “Rita, Rita!” She likes to know where her sister is. They are both sweet, but more shy than the others. However, I think that will change as they are here longer. We don’t really know how long we will have them, but Renee expects it will be a short time. I will have a hard time seeing them go. :(

Nusula (1 and ½ - We are not sure of her age, but she does have her 2 year old molars) Nusula has been here 3 weeks and is doing well! She came to Renee extremely malnourished, and she also has HIV. Although her limbs are still very small, she is gaining weight and is a very happy little girl. She is super intelligent, and we are continually amazed at what she understands and does. Renee is still working on getting her enrolled at Family Hope Center to get her free aids medication. It will take a few months to get her to be healthy enough to go home, and I will enjoy every minute we have with her.

Selah (3 and ½ months) Renee got Selah when she was 10 days old. Her mother had left her to die, and someone found and brought her to Renee. She had never been bathed and been kept rapped in a cloth, so she had a rash all over her body. Selah’s mother (15) died from HIV and TB soon after Selah came here, so Renee now has legal custody of her. She is a happy precious baby with an adorable smile. We all love her so much!

I will post pictures of all these children soon, but I didn’t want to prolong this blog any longer.

Going to the central market is quite the experience! There are narrow walkways between all the many booths, and it reminds me a bit of a farmers market in America. The different things you see sold there are: fruit, veggies, rice, beans, fish (a very stinky stand!), meat, cloths, hair extensions and products, pots and pans, dishes, and even a Plummer! That’s just to name a few. I haven’t been enough to understand what’s a good price on things and where the best places are to shop, but I look forward to learning.
We also shop at the supermarket for those things we cannot get at central market like diapers, juice, toilet paper, etc. The supermarkets tend to be more expensive, so we try and buy all the we can at main market.

One thing I have really enjoyed here is passion juice. You can buy it, but Renee’s homemade is way better. Although it’s a bit of a pain to make, but so worth it. Eileen in particular loves the juice!

I went to town yesterday and did some shopping with Eileen and Mary. There are a ton of small shops along the street selling souvenirs. I’m beginning to learn to bargain because when they see a mazungu (what they call us white folks) walk in, they raise the price know tourist will pay it. I was very proud of myself yesterday for getting the price down on a gift I was buying! There is a neat shop where you can buy fabric and have them make you something. I found this piece of material I really liked, but it was one of there larger pieces and the woman wouldn’t sell just a portion of it, so I decided to have a bag and skirt made! She charges only 7,000 shillings to make each which is like 4 dollars. I’m amazed at how inexpensive some things are, yet how costly other stuff can be. I’m going to pick up the bag and skirt this afternoon.

Mary and Carl just left, so please pray for their safe journeys home. We are enjoying the many repairs and improvements that they did while here.

My prayer requests would be that I would have boldness in praying for people, and for us to never get to busy and forget to ask God for His help and intervention. I’m also praying for miracle healings for the little one with aids. I’m not willing to believe that they will just it for the rest of their lives.

Pictures to come soon.

~Brigitte

2010-01-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

We bought a bunch of scrap fabric in town for head wraps, and both Nusula and I are wearing one. I wanted to delete this picture, but it wouldn't let me. :( I look like a tomato with a bunch of chocolate!

I'm learning more everyday and also enjoying being here more. :) Beashir (10 years old) saw the game Old Maid that I had brought and asked to play. I said, "yes", and proceeded to teach the children how to play. They had so much fun! All the littlest who could not play got to hold our matches, so as not to feel left out. I also brought Uno, and I decided to save that one for another day. The children love to be played with and taught new games.

I have been to Jinja everyday so far, and I really enjoy the piki ride! Today we had to take Faith into town for an appointment and to get her more medicine. Here you can get free HIV medication if you just enroll and, come for regular check ups - this is what we went for. Eileen, Selah, Faith and I all rode on a piki together. Faith rides up in front of the driver and either Eileen or I hold Selah in the back. It cracks me up because they would freak out if we did something like that in America! We had hoped to enroll Nusula today at the New Hope Family Center (same place we took Faith), but for some reason they were not enrolling today, so we will try again on Monday. Just to do what we did at New Hope, it took like 2 hours. I asked Renee if that was normal and she said, "It usually takes like 5!" I guess I have some things to get used to!

For those of you that have asked, Renee's finger is doing so much better! The swelling has gone down considerably and it seems to be healing very well. I know she is thankful for all your prayers!

Carl and Mary (both nurses from America) came today and were able to bring my box! I'm very grateful to have my things - especially sunscreen! You can see my sun burn in the picture above! Carl and Mary are helping with some much needed repairs around here like the kitchen faucet. I think everyone that uses it is thoroughly frustrated! it takes a lot of turning to come on and then shoots out full blast. I'm already looking forward to a new one! Also Carl is going to repair a leak in the water tank. They are right outside our window and it sounds like it's raining because it's leaking so much! Serving His Children will benefit so much from all this help!

Pictures!

2010-01-14T10:24:00.001-08:00

The Children lined up for the feeding program. They come through the gate and then wrap around the house in two lines.

They wait here and get let through one group at a time to get their food. I really enjoy serving the food, (I did beans) and I'm already looking forward to Tuesday's feeding. (Tuesday and Thursday are the feeding program days.)

Nusula, Selah, and Rita. This was after we had been photographing for a while and they were tired. :)
Nusula and I in the kitchen. She is the most photogenic child I have ever seen!

That's all for now folks!

I'm in Uganda!

2010-01-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

The flights went really well, and I’m so thankful for all your prayers! One of our boxes got lost, but we did get 8 of them. It turns out that the lost one is mine, but thankfully I have enough stuff in my carry in to last me until we get it.
When we got through customs here in Entebbe, Renee, Selah, and Nusula where there to meet us. Nusula is absolutely adorable! She came to Renee about 2 weeks ago with a severe case if malnutrition, but is now well on her way to recovery.
Selah is 3 and a half months old and has been with Renee since she was 10 days old. (Renee has custody of her) One of the most precious babies!

Here’s some observations and what’s happening:

-The children are all so beautiful; I’ve fallen in love with them all! (We have 8 children in the house right now)

-Everything is so very different here! I had my first piki ride today (motorcycle – our main mode of transportation) It was fun, and just a little freaky – they drive way differently here!

-My first Ugandan meal was beans with spaghetti, and it was delicious! They make awesome beans here.

-Because the day guard is away at a class this week, we aren’t giving out treatment until he comes back.

-Next week things will get back into a more regular schedule, but this week gives us a chance to settle in and learn the ropes before it gets crazy.

-The feeding program is tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to it! I will take pictures and hopefully post some within the next few days.

-I have much to learn and understand, and I know it will take a week or two. God has been so good to me, and I know I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am if it wasn’t for Him.

Thanks for praying!

Amazed and Blessed!

2010-01-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

I want to thank everyone for the financial support of my trip! As of today, all my expenses have been covered! Any additional gifts will be put towards items to take to Renee, or be donated to Serving His Children and will go towards feeding the children. It takes a lot of rice, bean and firewood to feed 1000 children twice a week!

This has been such an experience of growing my faith. God is so good!
I feel loved and supported by all of you, and I pray that you will be blessed in return.

I will be packing my boxes tomorrow, and leaving on Monday! Where has the time gone?

Pray for me for I know it will be very hard to see the extreme poverty, but only be able to help so many and do so much. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to help and love all the children I can.

2010-01-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Here is an updated list of things Renee needs that we would like to take with us to Africa:

Anti fungal cream

6 sets twin sheets (any color)

2 sets queen sheets (prefer black or white)

Stethoscope

Blood pressure cuff

Pediasure powder

*4 solar powered outdoor motion sensor lights

(have been purchased at $100 each but would accept donations!)

Children’s books (sturdy!)

Granola bars

Protein bars – Luna or Kashi

AA rechargeable batteries

Large candles

Chocolate chips

Coloring books (already have a supply of crayons)

Baby seat for Selah

Kitchen towels and cloths (her kitchen is red)

Large whisk and misc. kitchen gadgets

Sharp knives for kitchen use

Heavy duty zip lock bags

Please let me know soon if you would like to contribute anything, for we will need to pack our containers on January 8th!

Here are my trip costs:

$1500 - airfare

$750 - room and board (paid to Serving His Children)

$170 - vaccinations

$120 - passport

$300 - supplies

$300 - suggested travel cash/to be used while there

$50 - visa

$3190 - total

I am still in need of $1500 of this, but more than anything I would so value your prayers.

If you are keeping up with my blog, please click the "follow" button on the right. It would encourage me to know you are reading it and praying for me.

Thank you!

Ways You Can Help

2009-12-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

People have asked what are some thing they could get for me to take, so here is a list of things Renee/Serving His Children really needs:

Anti fungal cream

6 sets twin sheets (any color)

2 sets queen sheets (prefer black or white)

Pediasure - powdered

Latex gloves

4 solar powered outdoor motion sensor lights - available at Lowes for $99

Yeast

Children’s books (sturdy!)

Granola bars - Natures Valley sweet & salty

Protein bars - Kashi or Special K

Chocolate chips

Salsa mix

Renee' mother Lauri gave me that list and I would like to add:

Small Games like Uno, Phase 10, Go Fish...etc.

Max Lucado's Children's books. (They are wonderful stories, and I would especially love to take; Just the Way You Are, and Because I Love You.

Please note that we will need to have everything we are taking by the 7th or 8th of January, so we can shuffle and adjust our containers for weight and space. Thank You!

I am excited to see how the Lord is going to bring this all together in such a short time!

I am still in need of some funding for my trip. If any of you would be blessed to sow into this effort, you can mail a check to me or donate to Serving His Children online and mention my name. Most of all I cherish your prayers - For safety, health, wisdom, and that I would be deeply rooted in Jesus. I would love to see many come to Jesus by my demonstration
of His love for them, but I can't do that without His help!

I hope you all are enjoying this winter weather as much as I am! I'm so thankful we got snow before I leave!

Going to Uganda!

2009-12-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

When a dear friend, who is like a grandpa to me, asked a few months ago what I would really like to do in this season in my life, I think he expected me to say something like “college” or “get a new job” or maybe even “get involved in local ministry of some kind.” When I told him that what had been growing in my heart for some time was going to Africa to work with my friend Renee caring for orphans and hungry kids, he was quite surprised. :)

Ever since then ,when I really voiced what was in my heart, I’ve been praying and thinking about it more seriously. I was encouraged by this same “grandfather” to step out and test the waters - to see if the Lord was opening or closing the doors. I asked my parents what they thought and they sensed God was in this as well and that I should look into it further. As I talked further with Renee’s mom, Lauri (who has been to Uganda herself), the assurance that this is God’s open door for me has continued to increase.

After a meeting with my folks, Lauri, Renee‘s sister Eileen, and my “adopted grandparents,“ I knew I would be going - that God was in this. I have had my doubts since then and have wondered if I have heard right, but God has brought me new peace and assurance every time. He shows me something, or I hear something that shows me He is indeed opening this door.. You would think that after a few experiences like this I wouldn’t doubt anymore, but no, I still sometimes question if this is really Him! I am so thankful to Jesus for His patience with me!

One huge prayer of mine, as I was thinking about this, was I wanted someone to travel with. The idea of traveling internationally by myself was not an appealing thought, and my parents agreed they would feel much more comfortable if I didn’t travel alone. I continued to proceed with preparations, and I was beginning to think that God wasn’t going to answer that prayer. Well, I was humbled because of my unbelief! Less than a week after our meeting with the Bachs, Lauri called back and told me that both she and Eileen were going to come with me! I was so excited! That was such an amazing relief to know that I wasn’t going alone! They will now be traveling with me on the 11th of January and then traveling back in three weeks, while I stay on for a total of three months. Although this most likely means I will be traveling home alone, I’m not worried about it! The going alone was what really had me scared and after having done it once, I don’t think coming home will be such a big deal. Beside, I have a big God who doesn’t forget about details and I know I can trust Him to be with me. From the start of this whole process January has been in my heart. People would ask me, “When do you want to go?” and I would say, “I’m thinking January”. I didn’t know why, but I now see that it was the Holy Spirit because the first few months of the year are when Renee really needs help. After Her mom and sister leave, I will be the only volunteer.

The Thursday after I met with the Bachs, I told the family of the special needs girl that I care for about my plans. They too were a bit shocked! I will miss them terribly and I’m praying for a great replacement to come along to help them while I am gone. I really love their daughter and will miss her so much. Please join me in that prayer!

I have been so encouraged that everyone I’ve talked to about this trip to Uganda have been so supportive! It’s so neat when those you love have peace and a right feeling about you going.

I have had incredibly smooth sailing in getting my passport, (came in two weeks!) yellow fever vaccination (required to travel to Uganda), and even down to ordering heavy duty sandals! I have many things yet to do, things to purchase, and money to obtain, but I am continually reminding myself to put it in the Lord’s hands, and trust Him. If He’s calling me to go, then I have nothing to worry about or fear. …If only I would never forget that!

Please be praying for me that I would use my time wisely in this last month home.