Merry Christmas everyone! I received one of the greatest Christmas gifts today! I got news that I am half way to being fully funded!!! God is so good! I am constantly amazed at his faithfulness. To be merely a month into fundraising and already half way funded is astonishing. God has plans that far exceed anything I could ever dream up and I'm getting small glimpses of his beautiful plans already.
I would like to give a HUGE thank you to everyone that has given so generously already! I just can't imagine what I would do without you. Thank you for letting God use you for his mighty plans.
For those that haven't given yet but want to, don't worry there is still time! If you'll look back a post or two there are instructions on how to give. As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact me!
Most of all I have a request for everyone, whether you have given or not. Please commit to being in prayer daily for me and this trip. Pray for God to be glorified in everything and for his purposes to be fulfilled. Pray for wisdom for me in the planning, transition, and my stay in Uganda. Pray that above all else His name would be made great from this season in my life. I will continue to post prayer requests as they come up but those are things I need prayer for in general.
Once again, THANK YOU! I'm just blown away at God's goodness.
Merry Christmas! Don't forget to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus today :-)
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Monthly support
I just wanted to leave some information regarding monthly support for those of you interested in this.
As I mentioned in a previous post I am looking for 30 people to sponsor me with $30 a month for at least 6 months. There are a couple ways to do this.
1.) Send in a check made out to Cypress Creek Church to:
Cypress Creek Church
P.O. Box 1357
Wimberley, TX 78676
When you send it in you could request to have a stamped addressed envelope sent to you monthly to send in checks.
2.) Automatic Bill Pay online! Most banks will allow you to go online and set up an automatic bill payment monthly. Follow the steps and set it up to be sent monthly to:
Cypress Creek Church
P.O. Box 1357
Wimberley, TX 78676
**Put my name in the memo!!!
A lot of people have expressed interest in this option because you won't have to remember to send it in every month!
I hope this answers your questions about monthly sponsorship!
Thanks!!!
As I mentioned in a previous post I am looking for 30 people to sponsor me with $30 a month for at least 6 months. There are a couple ways to do this.
1.) Send in a check made out to Cypress Creek Church to:
Cypress Creek Church
P.O. Box 1357
Wimberley, TX 78676
When you send it in you could request to have a stamped addressed envelope sent to you monthly to send in checks.
2.) Automatic Bill Pay online! Most banks will allow you to go online and set up an automatic bill payment monthly. Follow the steps and set it up to be sent monthly to:
Cypress Creek Church
P.O. Box 1357
Wimberley, TX 78676
**Put my name in the memo!!!
A lot of people have expressed interest in this option because you won't have to remember to send it in every month!
I hope this answers your questions about monthly sponsorship!
Thanks!!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The adventure (officially) begins!
The adventure officially begins! I will be moving to Uganda for 6 months in May. I am overwhelmed by the amount of love and support I have already received! Thank you!!! I could never express to you how much it means to me to have friends and family join together to support me like this. A few people have asked for details about the trip and how exactly they can help so here is some basic information.
I will be raising support for the majority of this trip. I am saving money for a large portion of it but there is just no way I can completely fund myself. I am going to be asking for at least 30 people to commit to sponsoring me at $30 a month for 6 months. Sponsors will have the option to give monthly or pay $180 up front to cover the 6 months. If that is not something you can do right now but you still want to give you can always give a one time donation toward travel costs. I don't have an exact amount needed for travel yet but I'm guessing somewhere around $2500-$3000. All donations are tax deductible! Make all checks out to Cypress Creek Church and attach a note with your name, address, phone number, and my name. Don't put my name in the check! Only on the note you put in the envelope. Send all checks to:
Cypress Creek Church
P.O. Box 1357
Wimberley, TX 78676
If you have questions please feel free to contact me. Above all else I am asking for prayer, prayer, and more prayer!
Once again, I am humbled by the amount of love and support I have already received. I just can't say that enough. Thank you!!!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
I am living
I am living. Really living.
I have to confess, some days I feel stuck. Like I'm just sitting around while the rest of the world keeps going. This could be credited to not having a job at the moment, feeling purposeless, or sheer laziness. Probably a combination of the three. It's ugly really. To think that even a second of a day could be wasted. To think that I've made that choice could completely hinder me from moving forward, or catapult me into moving because I know the sick taste of idleness.
Thankfully our God is a Merciful God. Thankfully He knows the plans he has for me, plans for hope, and a future. Plans to prosper me. Praise Him.
Tonight, as I was on Facebook of all things, I was reminded that God hasn't left me here. Instead, He has put me here. He has put me in a community full of people that are letting The Lord speak and move through them to literally shape me. I want to tell you a little bit about them...
God has given me a treasure of a friend, sister, and shoulder to know me and love me still. She lets me tag along with her and her husband and never once makes me feel like the awkward third wheel. She prays with me, for me, and even despite me sometimes. Our friendship is permanent. I know this because it has walked through many living hells and it's still intact. I am blessed.
God has given me an amazing mentor, discipler, and friend to walk with me through things I might not have the strength to even whisper to anyone else. When the valley of the shadow comes she tells me to go to the throne before the phone. Then she meets me at the throne and prays and walks with me. I am blessed.
God has given me a crazy wonderful sister to have life with and lead with. She thinks that somehow I teach her, but I promise you it's the other way around. She has taught me so much with her passion for obedience. God has graced me with her beautiful voice, musical talent and passion for loving others well. Let me be the first to tell you that she does, in fact, love others very, very well. I am blessed.
God has given me another fabulous sister to share life with and lead with that is just out of this world. She has so much joy and passion and is fiercely beautiful inside and out. Her honesty is a breath of fresh air and challenges me to be honest as well. I am blessed.
God has given me a brother that leads so very well. His passion for the gospel and making sure every eye sees and every ear hears is like nothing I have ever seen before. He challenges us to seek The Lord and to lead well daily. He prays for us, with us, and for us again. He is there when we have hard questions and always takes us back to the word. I am blessed.
God has given me another brother that really does lead well. He is genuine and honest. He keeps us entertained always and blesses us more than you could imagine with his musical talents. He has a gift for leading people into worship, straight to the feet of Jesus. I am blessed.
I am not stuck. Far from it. I am living. Really living. God has given me so much! I have a spiritual family that blows my mind, and together we are allowing The Lord to use us to change lives. Will we always be here doing this? No. One of us is probably moving soon. I am probably moving shortly after that. People will graduate and move on, but I will always be blessed by these people and this season The Lord has given me.
I know I didn't mention names but I'm pretty sure you all know who you are. Thank you. I am going to miss you all so so much when God calls us elsewhere. Thankfully we're not there yet. :-)
I have to confess, some days I feel stuck. Like I'm just sitting around while the rest of the world keeps going. This could be credited to not having a job at the moment, feeling purposeless, or sheer laziness. Probably a combination of the three. It's ugly really. To think that even a second of a day could be wasted. To think that I've made that choice could completely hinder me from moving forward, or catapult me into moving because I know the sick taste of idleness.
Thankfully our God is a Merciful God. Thankfully He knows the plans he has for me, plans for hope, and a future. Plans to prosper me. Praise Him.
Tonight, as I was on Facebook of all things, I was reminded that God hasn't left me here. Instead, He has put me here. He has put me in a community full of people that are letting The Lord speak and move through them to literally shape me. I want to tell you a little bit about them...
God has given me a treasure of a friend, sister, and shoulder to know me and love me still. She lets me tag along with her and her husband and never once makes me feel like the awkward third wheel. She prays with me, for me, and even despite me sometimes. Our friendship is permanent. I know this because it has walked through many living hells and it's still intact. I am blessed.
God has given me an amazing mentor, discipler, and friend to walk with me through things I might not have the strength to even whisper to anyone else. When the valley of the shadow comes she tells me to go to the throne before the phone. Then she meets me at the throne and prays and walks with me. I am blessed.
God has given me a crazy wonderful sister to have life with and lead with. She thinks that somehow I teach her, but I promise you it's the other way around. She has taught me so much with her passion for obedience. God has graced me with her beautiful voice, musical talent and passion for loving others well. Let me be the first to tell you that she does, in fact, love others very, very well. I am blessed.
God has given me another fabulous sister to share life with and lead with that is just out of this world. She has so much joy and passion and is fiercely beautiful inside and out. Her honesty is a breath of fresh air and challenges me to be honest as well. I am blessed.
God has given me a brother that leads so very well. His passion for the gospel and making sure every eye sees and every ear hears is like nothing I have ever seen before. He challenges us to seek The Lord and to lead well daily. He prays for us, with us, and for us again. He is there when we have hard questions and always takes us back to the word. I am blessed.
God has given me another brother that really does lead well. He is genuine and honest. He keeps us entertained always and blesses us more than you could imagine with his musical talents. He has a gift for leading people into worship, straight to the feet of Jesus. I am blessed.
I am not stuck. Far from it. I am living. Really living. God has given me so much! I have a spiritual family that blows my mind, and together we are allowing The Lord to use us to change lives. Will we always be here doing this? No. One of us is probably moving soon. I am probably moving shortly after that. People will graduate and move on, but I will always be blessed by these people and this season The Lord has given me.
I know I didn't mention names but I'm pretty sure you all know who you are. Thank you. I am going to miss you all so so much when God calls us elsewhere. Thankfully we're not there yet. :-)
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Begin
Most of you know that I have been struggling with my life direction since I have been home from Uganda. I am very pleased to announce that I have good news!!!
After endless nights praying and practically begging the Lord to show me what to do and when to go etc. I finally feel like I have an answer. In fact I know I have an answer. Begin.
It was as if the light bulb just clicked one day (aka the Lord spoke to me) and all of my questions about going and doing and what that meant were answered. Begin. Begin fundraising. Begin planning. Begin preparing my heart. Begin praying relentlessly for every aspect of this trip. Begin enjoying the things about being home that I will miss when I'm gone, without complaining. Begin, with my actions, trusting that the Lord is faithful and that He did not bring me this far to leave me.
So with all of this beginning I have some very real, very humbling, things to do. The most humbling of all is to begin asking for help. I have to say that when it comes to fundraising I feel a bit bipolar. I absolutely HATE the beginning of the process. Writing letters and sending them knowing that I am asking for people to give me money is very, very, painful. However, after I am obedient to do so, it is amazing to watch the body of Christ respond! Let me just say that God is faithful and His children are generous!!! I am always amazed at the Lords timing and the selfless giving from my friends and family.
The next couple weeks are going to be spent writing and re-writing my support letter until I cannot bear to look at it anymore. Then sending entirely too many letters, through snail mail, and praying praying praying for The Lord to do what He does best and come through! If you don't mind praying with me I would appreciate it so much!
This thing just got real. I'm excited!!!!!!!!!!!!
After endless nights praying and practically begging the Lord to show me what to do and when to go etc. I finally feel like I have an answer. In fact I know I have an answer. Begin.
It was as if the light bulb just clicked one day (aka the Lord spoke to me) and all of my questions about going and doing and what that meant were answered. Begin. Begin fundraising. Begin planning. Begin preparing my heart. Begin praying relentlessly for every aspect of this trip. Begin enjoying the things about being home that I will miss when I'm gone, without complaining. Begin, with my actions, trusting that the Lord is faithful and that He did not bring me this far to leave me.
So with all of this beginning I have some very real, very humbling, things to do. The most humbling of all is to begin asking for help. I have to say that when it comes to fundraising I feel a bit bipolar. I absolutely HATE the beginning of the process. Writing letters and sending them knowing that I am asking for people to give me money is very, very, painful. However, after I am obedient to do so, it is amazing to watch the body of Christ respond! Let me just say that God is faithful and His children are generous!!! I am always amazed at the Lords timing and the selfless giving from my friends and family.
The next couple weeks are going to be spent writing and re-writing my support letter until I cannot bear to look at it anymore. Then sending entirely too many letters, through snail mail, and praying praying praying for The Lord to do what He does best and come through! If you don't mind praying with me I would appreciate it so much!
This thing just got real. I'm excited!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, September 14, 2012
A breath of fresh air!
I received a phone call from a sweet new friend last night that really gave me encouragement and a breath of fresh air! It was wonderful to be able to talk to her and just know that she knows how my heart feels. It was also nice to hear that I am not alone in some of the things I went through/am going through/will go through. I walked away from our conversation feeling refreshed and ready to go. This time I actually feel like I know what I need to be doing!
Lets take a couple steps back...
After my last blog post I got an email from Patti, my wonderful step mom, that was so sweet and encouraging. She basically reminded me that God calls us and directs us in the middle of what we are doing. I know this to be true. I had a plan when God directed me to Uganda. I even had a plan about Uganda! (one that did NOT involve falling in love and hearing the call from God to be there long term, I might add.) Then in the middle of all my plans God redirected me, and by choosing his plans, he set me on a new path. Now I am on this new path and I'm not quite sure what the next move is. So I have two choices: I can just stop moving all together out of fear that I'll be moving in the wrong direction, or I can continue moving and "doing" until I hear the voice of God directing or redirecting me again. When I look at those options it becomes crystal clear. Keep moving!
Last night in conversation with this friend I realized that the time God is giving me here is going to be time I cherish once I'm away. It is also time that God does not want me to waste! This is preparation time! In dance, a good preparation is completely necessary in order for whatever jump, leap, or turn you are doing to be successful. I know that applies to life as well. A good preparation is necessary for every season of life. It is not time to be wasted.
So where does this leave me in terms of real life?
Well first of all, I need to keep looking for a job that glorifies the lord and not let myself get discouraged by the amount of time it takes to find one. God always provides. I have found this to be true every time I am put to the test.
Second, If God is leading me to serve him long term in Uganda then I need to be preparing for that! So the preparation begins in every aspect now.
Last, I have decided to cherish the time I have here now. Not passively, but actively cherish the time I have here. I know there will be days down the road that I will miss this terribly. So I will be present and joyful in every moment God keeps me here.
How can you help? I thought you would never ask! First and foremost please continue to keep me in your prayers! I firmly believe in the power of prayer and appreciate all the prayer I can get! Then, if you feel led to help financially, contact me! This isn't restricted to personally giving a donation. If you would like to help me network with people that are interested in giving, or organize a benefit night etc., that would be helpful as well! Just contact me at callie.r.eacret@gmail.com.
Lets take a couple steps back...
After my last blog post I got an email from Patti, my wonderful step mom, that was so sweet and encouraging. She basically reminded me that God calls us and directs us in the middle of what we are doing. I know this to be true. I had a plan when God directed me to Uganda. I even had a plan about Uganda! (one that did NOT involve falling in love and hearing the call from God to be there long term, I might add.) Then in the middle of all my plans God redirected me, and by choosing his plans, he set me on a new path. Now I am on this new path and I'm not quite sure what the next move is. So I have two choices: I can just stop moving all together out of fear that I'll be moving in the wrong direction, or I can continue moving and "doing" until I hear the voice of God directing or redirecting me again. When I look at those options it becomes crystal clear. Keep moving!
Last night in conversation with this friend I realized that the time God is giving me here is going to be time I cherish once I'm away. It is also time that God does not want me to waste! This is preparation time! In dance, a good preparation is completely necessary in order for whatever jump, leap, or turn you are doing to be successful. I know that applies to life as well. A good preparation is necessary for every season of life. It is not time to be wasted.
So where does this leave me in terms of real life?
Well first of all, I need to keep looking for a job that glorifies the lord and not let myself get discouraged by the amount of time it takes to find one. God always provides. I have found this to be true every time I am put to the test.
Second, If God is leading me to serve him long term in Uganda then I need to be preparing for that! So the preparation begins in every aspect now.
Last, I have decided to cherish the time I have here now. Not passively, but actively cherish the time I have here. I know there will be days down the road that I will miss this terribly. So I will be present and joyful in every moment God keeps me here.
How can you help? I thought you would never ask! First and foremost please continue to keep me in your prayers! I firmly believe in the power of prayer and appreciate all the prayer I can get! Then, if you feel led to help financially, contact me! This isn't restricted to personally giving a donation. If you would like to help me network with people that are interested in giving, or organize a benefit night etc., that would be helpful as well! Just contact me at callie.r.eacret@gmail.com.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Umm...?
Umm...? That's how I've been feeling. some people ask the question "How do you know when God is speaking or calling you to something?" I've been there. I have asked that question. In fact, I've wrestled with it quite a bit. I came out in the other side realizing that it's never exactly the same. God has plans and I firmly believe that he speaks to us in ways that will most glorify himself in those plans. That being said, I'm at a completely different question now. How do I "go" without a clear destination? Here is what I know for sure:
1) God has placed a love and a longing for the people and the country of Uganda in my heart. I do believe, without a doubt, that God has plans for me in Uganda.
2) God does not want me in Uganda right now. That one is a little more complicated. But I know that I am supposed to be in the states right now so here I am!
3) God does NOT want me just wasting time while I'm here. I know that I can't just find "fillers" for my time until God says I can go back to Uganda. That applies to my job, my relationships, etc. I need to be fully here while I am here.
4) God is very clearly calling me to "go." I know that He wants me to get moving and I'm ready to just start walking until I find what he has for me but I don't even feel a nudge in the right direction!
So how does one "go" when they don't know where they are going? I would love to hear what you have to think about this! (I know I'm going out on a limb here thinking that anyone other than my best friends and my mom actually read this blog. Haha) leave a comment with what you think it looks like to just "go" even if it's unclear what the destination is.
Thanks! -Callie
P.S. Since I wrote this blog a little bit has changed. I had been searching job ads on Craigslist and came across an ad for a job at a children's home in Austin. This was the first time I had felt like God was saying "There! Go there!" so I applied! I haven't heard back yet and I would appreciate your prayers! I want what God wants for me so just pray that His will be done. I really do think this opportunity would be amazing but I know that His plans are ALWAYS best. Thanks!
1) God has placed a love and a longing for the people and the country of Uganda in my heart. I do believe, without a doubt, that God has plans for me in Uganda.
2) God does not want me in Uganda right now. That one is a little more complicated. But I know that I am supposed to be in the states right now so here I am!
3) God does NOT want me just wasting time while I'm here. I know that I can't just find "fillers" for my time until God says I can go back to Uganda. That applies to my job, my relationships, etc. I need to be fully here while I am here.
4) God is very clearly calling me to "go." I know that He wants me to get moving and I'm ready to just start walking until I find what he has for me but I don't even feel a nudge in the right direction!
So how does one "go" when they don't know where they are going? I would love to hear what you have to think about this! (I know I'm going out on a limb here thinking that anyone other than my best friends and my mom actually read this blog. Haha) leave a comment with what you think it looks like to just "go" even if it's unclear what the destination is.
Thanks! -Callie
P.S. Since I wrote this blog a little bit has changed. I had been searching job ads on Craigslist and came across an ad for a job at a children's home in Austin. This was the first time I had felt like God was saying "There! Go there!" so I applied! I haven't heard back yet and I would appreciate your prayers! I want what God wants for me so just pray that His will be done. I really do think this opportunity would be amazing but I know that His plans are ALWAYS best. Thanks!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Chicken Pox
Amaza died of chicken pox. It seems crazy to me. I remember when I had chicken pox. Of course it was uncomfortable but the little red spots were silly and after a few days it was over. I won't pretend that I know why it wasn't that way for Amaza, I'm obviously not a doctor. Somehow Amaza's little body just couldn't handle the chicken pox. I've been told that the rest of the 10 kids have chicken pox as well.
I really don't know what else to say. Honestly my brain can't wrap around this. There is so much that I don't know. I don't know how sick the other kids are. I don't know who holds and comforts those sweet babies that just lost a brother and are hurting physically as well. I don't know who holds and comforts the mother that just lost her son and has 9 other sick children to care for and worry about. I don't know what I would do or feel if I were in her shoes.
But I do know one thing. One thing that will never change.
God is holding every single one of those kids. God is holding that mom. God is holding all of us, and He loves us. We are exactly where we need to be in the arms of the savior.
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38, 39 ESV)
That is what I know. That is what I am holding onto. That is a promise!
I really don't know what else to say. Honestly my brain can't wrap around this. There is so much that I don't know. I don't know how sick the other kids are. I don't know who holds and comforts those sweet babies that just lost a brother and are hurting physically as well. I don't know who holds and comforts the mother that just lost her son and has 9 other sick children to care for and worry about. I don't know what I would do or feel if I were in her shoes.
But I do know one thing. One thing that will never change.
God is holding every single one of those kids. God is holding that mom. God is holding all of us, and He loves us. We are exactly where we need to be in the arms of the savior.
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38, 39 ESV)
That is what I know. That is what I am holding onto. That is a promise!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
In the arms of Jesus
I don't want to write this blog but I need to.
Amaza, the little boy that we put in the hospital because he was malnourished, is in the arms of Jesus today. I don't know much except that he was in the hospital when he died. I'm trying to find out more information but it may take a while. Please pray for this family. Please pray for our team. Please pray for our hearts. Amaza is in better hands now. He is free and healthy and whole in heaven today and he doesn't need our prayers or our tears. However, he left behind a family that loves and misses him. They do need our prayers. They need to be comforted by the only one who has the power to heal this heartache.
I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around this still. When we left the report was that he was doing better. Now he has left us to be with Jesus. Thank you for the prayers and support. Please keep praying.
Amaza, the little boy that we put in the hospital because he was malnourished, is in the arms of Jesus today. I don't know much except that he was in the hospital when he died. I'm trying to find out more information but it may take a while. Please pray for this family. Please pray for our team. Please pray for our hearts. Amaza is in better hands now. He is free and healthy and whole in heaven today and he doesn't need our prayers or our tears. However, he left behind a family that loves and misses him. They do need our prayers. They need to be comforted by the only one who has the power to heal this heartache.
I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around this still. When we left the report was that he was doing better. Now he has left us to be with Jesus. Thank you for the prayers and support. Please keep praying.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Saying Goodbye
I can't believe the last thing I wrote about was Tom. That seems like it was so long ago. Tom is doing well now. When we left he was back at home and beginning to move around. We even got a smile out of him a couple times, and we both got to hug/hold him before we left. I had really hoped to see a fully recovered Tom before we left but I know that he is in God's hands and there is no better place for him to be. (I keep saying that. It's the truth and it's something I need to be reminded of on a daily basis.)
The last few days were filled with tying up loose ends, (as much as we could) and enjoying the time we had left in Uganda. We checked on old wounds and finished cleaning some of the newer ones. We took every opportunity available to love on the kids in ichooseyou and the kids in Namatala. We tried to better understand where some of the people are coming from and how they ended up in the situation they are in. I finally can say that if you put me somewhere in town and told me to find my way back to mama's house I could do it. It may take me a while, but I could do it.
Saying goodbye was so much harder than I ever could have imagined. To be honest, in some cases I just didn't do it. I couldn't. On our last Sunday it was extremely hard for me to focus in church. Lord forgive me but I couldn't help but look around the whole time and try to take it all in one last time before we left. Church was extra long that last Sunday. We sang for well over an hour. Both times. Ha ha. While we were singing I was soaking it in. Trying to remember how it sounds and what it felt like so that I would have that memory to go back to on days like today when I just want a little piece of Uganda again. During Sunday school I held Chede and just watched the kids. I loved seeing the joy on their faces and the love they have for the Lord. I couldn't help but notice how the ichooseyou kids have this extra sparkle in their eyes that is unmistakeably hope. As I looked around and saw all of the children, ichooseyou or not, I saw the need of the people and I saw Jesus. I hope that every single person in this world gets the opportunity to look into the face of a child in need and see the love of our savior. I have had the blessing of seeing that love in hundreds of little precious Ugandan faces and it is priceless. After church, It was time to say goodbye. There was one goodbye in particular that I had been dreading and I knew I had to do it. Elizabeth came and found me and we went to find Teko together to explain that I was leaving. He didn't say anything when she told him, he just looked at me with those big beautiful eyes and held onto me very tightly. I cried and held him and told him that I loved him and I was coming back and to do well in school and trust the Lord and do the right thing always. I knew he didn't understand me but I couldn't help it. I tried to look at him long enough to get the picture of his face clearly engraved in my mind. I wanted to squeeze him tight and not let go but I felt like his tiny little frame would break in my arms if I hugged him too hard. I knew that holding on would only make letting go harder so I said I love you one last time and then said goodbye. Just before we left I got to hold our sweet little miracle baby, Loru, and kiss his face off. I know he was only letting me hold him because I have blond hair like his Mzungu Kady does but I liked it anyways. After I put him down and said goodbye to his family we went back to mama's house. We had lunch and rested a while then decided it was now or never. It was time to go into Namatala and say our goodbye's there. I don't even know what to say about this part except that it was hard. Very hard. There is something about walking through Namatala for the last time and having a chorus of children chanting "mzungu" behind you for the last time. There is something about smelling home made alcohol and immediately praying against the alcoholism that infects the lives of the people of Namatala for the last time. It was hard and overwhelming. Not to mention having to say goodbye to the people and the children that we grew to love while we were there. Saying goodbye to Chede and her family was awful. At first it seemed like she didn't understand, and honestly it would have been easier that way. I had brought a few pictures of us together from last year so that I could find her easily. I already have these pictures at home and didn't need the ones with me so I decided to give them to her so that she would remember me. When I handed them to her she lit up! She loved them and she couldn't stop looking at them. Then after a while something happened, something clicked and she looked back at me and I knew she understood that I was leaving. She started crying and I started crying and for a moment I didn't think I was going to be able to make myself leave. We took pictures of me with her family and I held her and kissed her and we said "I love you" to each other over and over. She kissed my cheek and I thought I was going to die. Finally I looked at Paul, Kristyn, and Glenn and told them that if we didn't leave right then I wasn't ever going to leave. I put a crying Chede down and walked very quickly back to the car crying. Kristyn still needed to say goodbye to Masse and we both wanted to see tom and the rest of the family before we left so we headed that direction. I honestly don't know how to describe what happened there. Irene, the sibling that is in ichooseyou, wouldn't come say goodbye. She couldn't stop crying and I guess she didn't want to be crying when she said goodbye. Kristyn and I both tried to get her to look at us and give us a hug but it didn't really work. (we got half hugs) Then Kristyn took pictures with the family, said goodbye to Masse and we left. We both cried all the way home. About 45 minutes after we got home we got a call from Paul. Irene had walked all the way to Mama's house and he had found her outside the gate. He couldn't get her to go home and it was dark so he asked us to help. We went out there and gave her real hugs and then she agreed to go home. Paul walked her most of the way home so that she would be safe. Kristyn and I love Irene and did spend a lot of time with her because of Tom getting sick and the ichooseyou homework club, but her reaction to us leaving startled me a little. I wasn't expecting it at all. I don't think it really had so much to do with the fact that we personally were leaving as it did with the fact that she knows her life would be much different right now if it weren't for ichooseyou. Her family is in a big mess that is going to take a lot of work and determination from her mom to fix, but she has been blessed with the opportunity to make things different for herself and you can see it in her eyes that she knows. Our homework club allowed us to get to know a lot of our kids a lot better and make bonds with them by teaching them and believing in them enough to require their absolute best. Like Irene, a lot of the kids that need help don't have someone at home helping them with homework or even making sure that it gets done. It spoke volumes of love to them for us to check their homework and make them re-do the wrong answers. (even if they didn't necessarily enjoy spending the extra time to do it right.) I'm so glad we got to have that experience and love our kids in that way. I hope that in the future I get the opportunity to do it again.
I didn't really get to say goodbye to anyone else. I am sort of glad it worked out that way. I don't think I could have handled many more goodbyes. Although we did get to tie up a lot of loose ends we left a lot of things unfinished. I wish we could have had more than two weeks with our homework club. Some of the kids that are struggling are so close to getting it. a couple more weeks with them would have made a world of difference. A couple different families that are in a big mess were just beginning to see that making a few small changes would have a big impact on their families well being. It would have been nice to be able to make sure that they understood and watch them actually make the changes. But like I have been saying and need to continue to say, They are in God's hands and there is no better place for them to be. So that was our last few days in Uganda. I can't believe it's over already. It seems like just yesterday I was writing that the trip was never going to be here and I hoped the time would go by faster. I guess it's time to start saying that about next year now... ;-)
The last few days were filled with tying up loose ends, (as much as we could) and enjoying the time we had left in Uganda. We checked on old wounds and finished cleaning some of the newer ones. We took every opportunity available to love on the kids in ichooseyou and the kids in Namatala. We tried to better understand where some of the people are coming from and how they ended up in the situation they are in. I finally can say that if you put me somewhere in town and told me to find my way back to mama's house I could do it. It may take me a while, but I could do it.
Saying goodbye was so much harder than I ever could have imagined. To be honest, in some cases I just didn't do it. I couldn't. On our last Sunday it was extremely hard for me to focus in church. Lord forgive me but I couldn't help but look around the whole time and try to take it all in one last time before we left. Church was extra long that last Sunday. We sang for well over an hour. Both times. Ha ha. While we were singing I was soaking it in. Trying to remember how it sounds and what it felt like so that I would have that memory to go back to on days like today when I just want a little piece of Uganda again. During Sunday school I held Chede and just watched the kids. I loved seeing the joy on their faces and the love they have for the Lord. I couldn't help but notice how the ichooseyou kids have this extra sparkle in their eyes that is unmistakeably hope. As I looked around and saw all of the children, ichooseyou or not, I saw the need of the people and I saw Jesus. I hope that every single person in this world gets the opportunity to look into the face of a child in need and see the love of our savior. I have had the blessing of seeing that love in hundreds of little precious Ugandan faces and it is priceless. After church, It was time to say goodbye. There was one goodbye in particular that I had been dreading and I knew I had to do it. Elizabeth came and found me and we went to find Teko together to explain that I was leaving. He didn't say anything when she told him, he just looked at me with those big beautiful eyes and held onto me very tightly. I cried and held him and told him that I loved him and I was coming back and to do well in school and trust the Lord and do the right thing always. I knew he didn't understand me but I couldn't help it. I tried to look at him long enough to get the picture of his face clearly engraved in my mind. I wanted to squeeze him tight and not let go but I felt like his tiny little frame would break in my arms if I hugged him too hard. I knew that holding on would only make letting go harder so I said I love you one last time and then said goodbye. Just before we left I got to hold our sweet little miracle baby, Loru, and kiss his face off. I know he was only letting me hold him because I have blond hair like his Mzungu Kady does but I liked it anyways. After I put him down and said goodbye to his family we went back to mama's house. We had lunch and rested a while then decided it was now or never. It was time to go into Namatala and say our goodbye's there. I don't even know what to say about this part except that it was hard. Very hard. There is something about walking through Namatala for the last time and having a chorus of children chanting "mzungu" behind you for the last time. There is something about smelling home made alcohol and immediately praying against the alcoholism that infects the lives of the people of Namatala for the last time. It was hard and overwhelming. Not to mention having to say goodbye to the people and the children that we grew to love while we were there. Saying goodbye to Chede and her family was awful. At first it seemed like she didn't understand, and honestly it would have been easier that way. I had brought a few pictures of us together from last year so that I could find her easily. I already have these pictures at home and didn't need the ones with me so I decided to give them to her so that she would remember me. When I handed them to her she lit up! She loved them and she couldn't stop looking at them. Then after a while something happened, something clicked and she looked back at me and I knew she understood that I was leaving. She started crying and I started crying and for a moment I didn't think I was going to be able to make myself leave. We took pictures of me with her family and I held her and kissed her and we said "I love you" to each other over and over. She kissed my cheek and I thought I was going to die. Finally I looked at Paul, Kristyn, and Glenn and told them that if we didn't leave right then I wasn't ever going to leave. I put a crying Chede down and walked very quickly back to the car crying. Kristyn still needed to say goodbye to Masse and we both wanted to see tom and the rest of the family before we left so we headed that direction. I honestly don't know how to describe what happened there. Irene, the sibling that is in ichooseyou, wouldn't come say goodbye. She couldn't stop crying and I guess she didn't want to be crying when she said goodbye. Kristyn and I both tried to get her to look at us and give us a hug but it didn't really work. (we got half hugs) Then Kristyn took pictures with the family, said goodbye to Masse and we left. We both cried all the way home. About 45 minutes after we got home we got a call from Paul. Irene had walked all the way to Mama's house and he had found her outside the gate. He couldn't get her to go home and it was dark so he asked us to help. We went out there and gave her real hugs and then she agreed to go home. Paul walked her most of the way home so that she would be safe. Kristyn and I love Irene and did spend a lot of time with her because of Tom getting sick and the ichooseyou homework club, but her reaction to us leaving startled me a little. I wasn't expecting it at all. I don't think it really had so much to do with the fact that we personally were leaving as it did with the fact that she knows her life would be much different right now if it weren't for ichooseyou. Her family is in a big mess that is going to take a lot of work and determination from her mom to fix, but she has been blessed with the opportunity to make things different for herself and you can see it in her eyes that she knows. Our homework club allowed us to get to know a lot of our kids a lot better and make bonds with them by teaching them and believing in them enough to require their absolute best. Like Irene, a lot of the kids that need help don't have someone at home helping them with homework or even making sure that it gets done. It spoke volumes of love to them for us to check their homework and make them re-do the wrong answers. (even if they didn't necessarily enjoy spending the extra time to do it right.) I'm so glad we got to have that experience and love our kids in that way. I hope that in the future I get the opportunity to do it again.
I didn't really get to say goodbye to anyone else. I am sort of glad it worked out that way. I don't think I could have handled many more goodbyes. Although we did get to tie up a lot of loose ends we left a lot of things unfinished. I wish we could have had more than two weeks with our homework club. Some of the kids that are struggling are so close to getting it. a couple more weeks with them would have made a world of difference. A couple different families that are in a big mess were just beginning to see that making a few small changes would have a big impact on their families well being. It would have been nice to be able to make sure that they understood and watch them actually make the changes. But like I have been saying and need to continue to say, They are in God's hands and there is no better place for them to be. So that was our last few days in Uganda. I can't believe it's over already. It seems like just yesterday I was writing that the trip was never going to be here and I hoped the time would go by faster. I guess it's time to start saying that about next year now... ;-)
Home
I'm back in the USA now. Most people know I've actually been home since last Wednesday. I just haven't had the energy to write another post. I went into this trip knowing that coming home would be hard. I knew that I wouldn't want to leave. I knew that my heart would be broken all over again for these people and for what God is doing in Uganda. I knew that the piece of my heart that I left in Uganda last year still wasn't coming home with me. What I didn't anticipate was that I would leave yet another piece of my heart there this time. I didn't realize that being there so long would be such an affirmation of my heart for this place. I didn't know that going a second time would open my eyes to things that I didn't see the first time and open my heart to it as well. On the plane home I kept asking myself, and God, why this is so hard. How can my heart be completely broken and longing to stay in Uganda, while missing my family and friends at home at the same time? How, after a total of only 2 months in Uganda, can it feel like home to me? And if Uganda feels like home then why does home feel like home too? That thought was the one that broke me. Uganda feels like home, but the States feel like home too. I don't know what is worse, feeling like I'm living in two different worlds at the same time, or not knowing which world is the one I'm supposed to be in right now. I know that God has called me to Uganda in some way but I also know that right now I'm home in the states. Last year it was easier, I had to finish school and I had Rise. This year it's so much harder. I'm done with school, I don't have a job, and Rise will be over for me on August 7th. That leaves me with the question of what is next. Society says that I am supposed to begin a career of some sort. I am supposed to be searching for a job that will lead to something and provide benefits and a future for me. Everything about what I just described screams complacency to me and is absolutely 1,000% repulsive.
When I was younger I had everything planned out. I would go to college and get my degree, then open a dance studio and teach dance for the rest of my life. Somewhere between college and my mid 20's I would fall in love and get married. We would have babies, live in the suburbs, take nice vacations, and be like that for the rest of our lives. I never dreamed of living more than an hour away from my mom. I certainly never wanted to live in a different state, much less a different continent. In church when we would talk about missionaries my immediate thought was always "I love God and I want others to love God, but who would ever want to do that? Missionaries are weird and boring and don't know how to dress." Life was supposed to be a certain way and I didn't plan on ever really rocking the boat.
Obviously something changed, and I can promise you it wasn't me. God began working on my heart my first year of college. He began to make me think about other places and other people by putting adoption and the clean water issue in front of me every time I turned around. The thought of adoption came easier to me than the thought of dropping everything for a short term mission trip, much less being a "missionary." Adoption was sweet and appealing and on my terms and in my time table. I let myself become open to the thought of adoption and God calling me to it, and without my consent it became engraved in my heart. Scripture is very clear on the heart of our father towards orphans and widows and it didn't take much convincing for my heart to agree with the fathers on that issue. What I hadn't thought much about before was the fact that adoption wasn't the only way to care for widows and orphans and those in need. When my heart became one with the Fathers on the issue of adoption I frequently wondered why God would put it on my heart so strongly when I didn't have a husband yet and couldn't do anything about it. I would read something about orphans, or hear a sermon on "the least of these", or read a blog about an international adoption and immediately think "God why are you doing this to me? You know my heart is for adoption and you know that I don't have a husband yet and this is killing me!" I wouldn't really allow the thought that maybe God was trying to get my attention for another reason. Without going into too much detail, God got my attention. Definitely isn't how I would have done it but I have to say it worked. It's funny how when your life turns upside down and you don't have a choice but to completely rely on the spirit and listen and wait for Gods voice, you hear Him. I would love to say that it was as clear as a bell, that I heard God's voice without a doubt in the world say "Go to Uganda with Ichooseyou this summer" but that isn't exactly how it happened. One day in the midst of my world crashing down around me I felt like God wanted more from me than the usual work at the studio during the summer. I had friends that were going on international mission trips and it had never really made me want to do the same, but something told me I needed to. When Becky asked me if I was interested in going with Ichooseyou to Uganda that summer the word "yes" came out of my mouth involuntarily. The next thing I knew I had already asked off of work for the two weeks and talked to my parents about it. I gave Becky a final yes and had somehow committed to a two week trip to Uganda. I prayed a lot in the days to come. I began to feel like maybe I had rushed into this and not prayed or thought through it enough. I began to pray that if this was what God wanted from me the money would be there and if it wasn't it wouldn't. Long story short the money was there. It only really took a couple weeks from the time I sent the support letters for all of the money to be there. I was going. Uganda was where God wanted me for those two weeks. (The money story really is amazing. If you look back far enough on here it's in there somewhere.) If I had known then that those two weeks would change my life completely and change it forever I may not have gone. I didn't want change. Not like this. I didn't want to have my heart in two different places. I didn't want to be sitting here saying that I have two homes and I can't be in both at the same time. I had a plan and if I had known that the first trip was going to shatter that plan I probably wouldn't have done it. I'm so glad I did. Yes, it hurts to have my heart in two places at once and not know what the future holds. Maybe it is crazy that I would want to live in Uganda, even for just a short amount of time. But what is worse than all of that is living a comfortable, complacent life, just because that is what I am "supposed" to do. I can't imagine anything worse than ignoring God's call. Sure I had hoped Gods call would involve living in the states, but for now it seems He has a different plan.
So now I am in the middle. I know God is calling and I am trying to figure out what He wants and when He wants it. I'm trying not to mistake my emotions for God's will in my life. I'm facing opposition and trials from places I never thought I would, and trying to understand if it is the enemy or God putting on the brakes. One thing is for sure, that God has a plan for my life and I want to be in the middle of His will, whatever that looks like. So I will deal with the emotions from the fact that I have two homes that are very far apart. I will pray, and cry, and trust that He knows far better than I. When I hear his voice, no matter what it says, I will follow.
I have had a lot of people ask what they can do and how they can pray. Go to www.ichooseyou.net and take a look around. Consider sponsoring a child (or two, or five, or ten!) or giving a one time donation. We have 47 wonderful children right now but Namatala is a very big place with a very big need. We need more sponsors to be able to keep bringing hope to these families. As always, please pray for God's will to be made very clear to me. Also pray that no matter what it is, my heart and the hearts of my loved ones would be willing and obedient.
Thank you so much for praying with me and taking this crazy journey with me. I promise I will try to update about the last few days of my trip soon. Stay Tuned!
When I was younger I had everything planned out. I would go to college and get my degree, then open a dance studio and teach dance for the rest of my life. Somewhere between college and my mid 20's I would fall in love and get married. We would have babies, live in the suburbs, take nice vacations, and be like that for the rest of our lives. I never dreamed of living more than an hour away from my mom. I certainly never wanted to live in a different state, much less a different continent. In church when we would talk about missionaries my immediate thought was always "I love God and I want others to love God, but who would ever want to do that? Missionaries are weird and boring and don't know how to dress." Life was supposed to be a certain way and I didn't plan on ever really rocking the boat.
Obviously something changed, and I can promise you it wasn't me. God began working on my heart my first year of college. He began to make me think about other places and other people by putting adoption and the clean water issue in front of me every time I turned around. The thought of adoption came easier to me than the thought of dropping everything for a short term mission trip, much less being a "missionary." Adoption was sweet and appealing and on my terms and in my time table. I let myself become open to the thought of adoption and God calling me to it, and without my consent it became engraved in my heart. Scripture is very clear on the heart of our father towards orphans and widows and it didn't take much convincing for my heart to agree with the fathers on that issue. What I hadn't thought much about before was the fact that adoption wasn't the only way to care for widows and orphans and those in need. When my heart became one with the Fathers on the issue of adoption I frequently wondered why God would put it on my heart so strongly when I didn't have a husband yet and couldn't do anything about it. I would read something about orphans, or hear a sermon on "the least of these", or read a blog about an international adoption and immediately think "God why are you doing this to me? You know my heart is for adoption and you know that I don't have a husband yet and this is killing me!" I wouldn't really allow the thought that maybe God was trying to get my attention for another reason. Without going into too much detail, God got my attention. Definitely isn't how I would have done it but I have to say it worked. It's funny how when your life turns upside down and you don't have a choice but to completely rely on the spirit and listen and wait for Gods voice, you hear Him. I would love to say that it was as clear as a bell, that I heard God's voice without a doubt in the world say "Go to Uganda with Ichooseyou this summer" but that isn't exactly how it happened. One day in the midst of my world crashing down around me I felt like God wanted more from me than the usual work at the studio during the summer. I had friends that were going on international mission trips and it had never really made me want to do the same, but something told me I needed to. When Becky asked me if I was interested in going with Ichooseyou to Uganda that summer the word "yes" came out of my mouth involuntarily. The next thing I knew I had already asked off of work for the two weeks and talked to my parents about it. I gave Becky a final yes and had somehow committed to a two week trip to Uganda. I prayed a lot in the days to come. I began to feel like maybe I had rushed into this and not prayed or thought through it enough. I began to pray that if this was what God wanted from me the money would be there and if it wasn't it wouldn't. Long story short the money was there. It only really took a couple weeks from the time I sent the support letters for all of the money to be there. I was going. Uganda was where God wanted me for those two weeks. (The money story really is amazing. If you look back far enough on here it's in there somewhere.) If I had known then that those two weeks would change my life completely and change it forever I may not have gone. I didn't want change. Not like this. I didn't want to have my heart in two different places. I didn't want to be sitting here saying that I have two homes and I can't be in both at the same time. I had a plan and if I had known that the first trip was going to shatter that plan I probably wouldn't have done it. I'm so glad I did. Yes, it hurts to have my heart in two places at once and not know what the future holds. Maybe it is crazy that I would want to live in Uganda, even for just a short amount of time. But what is worse than all of that is living a comfortable, complacent life, just because that is what I am "supposed" to do. I can't imagine anything worse than ignoring God's call. Sure I had hoped Gods call would involve living in the states, but for now it seems He has a different plan.
So now I am in the middle. I know God is calling and I am trying to figure out what He wants and when He wants it. I'm trying not to mistake my emotions for God's will in my life. I'm facing opposition and trials from places I never thought I would, and trying to understand if it is the enemy or God putting on the brakes. One thing is for sure, that God has a plan for my life and I want to be in the middle of His will, whatever that looks like. So I will deal with the emotions from the fact that I have two homes that are very far apart. I will pray, and cry, and trust that He knows far better than I. When I hear his voice, no matter what it says, I will follow.
I have had a lot of people ask what they can do and how they can pray. Go to www.ichooseyou.net and take a look around. Consider sponsoring a child (or two, or five, or ten!) or giving a one time donation. We have 47 wonderful children right now but Namatala is a very big place with a very big need. We need more sponsors to be able to keep bringing hope to these families. As always, please pray for God's will to be made very clear to me. Also pray that no matter what it is, my heart and the hearts of my loved ones would be willing and obedient.
Thank you so much for praying with me and taking this crazy journey with me. I promise I will try to update about the last few days of my trip soon. Stay Tuned!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
It's been a while...
It's been a while since I last posted. I know normally I give a rundown of the events that have taken place but it's been so long it would take me forever to cover all of them. So I guess I'll just do my best since very thing is somewhat blurred together.
Somehow when we were still with the whole team and had a van and a driver to help us transport our medical box everyone with a wound was hiding. That's definitely not the case anymore. Jennifer, one of the sewing club ladies, had asked us to help her neighbors daughter one day and that began a never ending small wounds clinic. I think we have cleaned and dressed at least one wound a day almost every day since the team left. Of course we have had the usual little scrapes and booboos that are basically already healed but we have had some pretty intense wounds as well. Luckily we have more gloves, alcohol wipes, and bandaids than we will ever use. Among the intense wounds was the little girl that burned her foot, a boy with a small but deep and infected wound on his knee, and my favorite-the young man that got in a fight. This one is my favorite because the very first time he walked up he was walking very slowly and had a wrap/skirt on and all of us were thinking the same thing: circumcision. Hahaha when the young men get circumcised here they wear a wrap/skirt looking thing, so when he walked up in one Kristyn and I were concerned to say the least. Luckily we had Paul and found out he had been in a fight and had two wounds on his knee, one on his arm, and one on his head. All of his wounds were small but deep for their size. Between all these different wounds and having to redress them every day we have been busy with bandaids!
Aside from cleaning and dressing wounds Kristin and I have spent a lot of time with the ichooseyou kids. We have a homework club established and our little group loves it! We have some very bright kids in the program :-). We were able to talk to Sarah about which kids could use some help and then talk to the teachers of those kids and find out what they struggle with. It's so neat to get to help them and teach them. These kids love to learn! Our after school homework club has different kids in it each day (aside from the ones Sarah mentioned) and it has been a neat way to get to know some of the kids that usually fly under the radar! Sometimes we are outside the gate when the kids arrive and when that happens we really get to see a lot of the kids. They are so sweet and so much fun!
Kristyn and I have also had the privilege of getting to know some kids from Namatala that we didn't know before. These kids are hilarious! They can turn any object into a toy. It's so cute! It's funny, no matter how many times we are there an they see us we still have a chorus of "Mzungu" trailing behind us when we walk through Namatala. Kristyn and I wonder what they would do if we started chanting "African" back to them. Haha. Haven't tried it.
Chede, Ana, and Maria are adorable as ever! I was able to give Chede some deworming medicine (it's amazing how cheap it is!) and give all of them some medicine that's basically a multi vitamin for kids that helps fight disease/infection. What they really need is for someone to bathe and feed them every day but there is only so much I can do when I'm going home so soon. Oh how I wish I could take them with me! Chede's dad taught her to chant America around me. He has asked me to take her home with me multiple times so I wonder if he has told her she is going home with me. I hope not. It breaks my heart that I can't help them more but I know they are in God's hands and that is the best place for them to be. I know some of you saw my status on Facebook about Chede's mom beating her and I guess I should talk about it. That whole day was just rough. Early that morning we were in Namatala and I saw Chede so I stopped to say hi and hug her. While I was with her I heard a mother beating her child. After a while I saw the little girl running and crying and then she fell and I heard the mom yell something at her and she just sat there on the ground and cried. It broke my heart. I know that sometimes kids misbehave and of course as a parent you must discipline your children but there is a difference between discipline and abuse. A big difference. Later in the day we were back in Namatala and I had Chede's medicine with me so we stopped by to give it to her. When we got there Chede was sitting on the ground screaming and crying. As we walked up I was asking her what was wrong (even though she doesn't understand me) and a kid came up to me and quietly told me that her mother had beaten her. I didn't want to believe it so I decided to get Paul to ask what was wrong. He told me the same thing. A few minutes later Chede's neighbor Kristyn came and told me the same story. They use the term "beat" lightly so I was hoping they meant that she spanked her but upon inspection I could see scrapes all over her arms and legs. Nothing too bad but definitely scrapes that hadn't been there before. She was crying/upset for a long time and I just held her. My sweet baby. I feel so helpless in Namatala sometimes. This was one of those times. It's such a big problem and I feel like my hands are tied. Just have to keep praying that the situation would change.
The big thing that Kristyn and I have been dealing with lately is a little boy named Tom. Tom is an ichooseyou sibling. This particular family has 10 kids and the dad is basically a no show. We think he may send some money home but mostly he uses it for his alcohol addiction and only comes home to make another baby. So the family has a lot of needs simply because they are in an awful situation. The mom is so young and married to a dead beat. She could probably get out of the situation and change things a little of she really wanted to but I think she is probably scared. Tom is somewhere between 3-5 and has been sick for the past 2-3 weeks. His sister. Masse, got sick first with malaria and we took her to the doctor while the team was still around. Then the very next day Tom had a fever so we all assumed he has malaria as well. There was enough medication for him too so we told them to give it to him. They didn't. Basically a grandmother (very old) and a 12 year old are taking care of the family now and I think they either forgot or just didn't have the energy to force it. (he hates it.) so Tom wasn't getting medication. A couple days ago we went to check on Tom and it was bad. In fact bad isn't a strong enough word to describe the situation. He would barely even open his eyes when we were there. We were told he isn't eating but he is vomiting and has diarrhea. He definitely had a fever that was entirely too high. Kristyn and I knew we had to do something but just didn't know what. It was clear to us that if we didn't do something he most likely wasn't going to make it. After talking, praying, and asking a friend for advice we decided to take him in for a malaria test and see what the doctor said. When we got there they took his temperature, which was 40 degrees C, and immediately gave him fever medicine. When the doctor saw him he went ahead and did the malaria test but told us that he was pretty sure the boy had pneumonia. He said that if it were malaria, with that temperature, the boy would be seizing. Sure enough the malaria test was negative. The doctor told us that the boy really needed to be admitted and stay over night. When we asked about other options the doctor looked terrified and said that the boy wasn't going to get better without an IV and that they really needed him to stay the night. The price is dirt cheap, less than $10, so we decided to follow the doctors orders. As of now Tom's fever is a lot better! He still isn't breathing well but the fever being down is a huge improvement. I can't even explain to you how incredibly sick Tom was. I have never seen a child look so sick before. He didn't even look like he was with us really. He looked far away and miserable. I'm so glad we helped him. I honestly believe that Tom wouldn't have made it without that doctor visit. This family is going to need a serious change in order to make life better for them but I believe that with help the mama can do it. Hopefully she will.
Lately we have seen so much and started to see what everyday life is like for these people. In some ways I envy the simple life they lead. Then there are things that break my heart as well. God has me here for a reason. Still praying for guidance and to see what that reason is but it is getting clearer each day. Keep praying with me please!
Somehow when we were still with the whole team and had a van and a driver to help us transport our medical box everyone with a wound was hiding. That's definitely not the case anymore. Jennifer, one of the sewing club ladies, had asked us to help her neighbors daughter one day and that began a never ending small wounds clinic. I think we have cleaned and dressed at least one wound a day almost every day since the team left. Of course we have had the usual little scrapes and booboos that are basically already healed but we have had some pretty intense wounds as well. Luckily we have more gloves, alcohol wipes, and bandaids than we will ever use. Among the intense wounds was the little girl that burned her foot, a boy with a small but deep and infected wound on his knee, and my favorite-the young man that got in a fight. This one is my favorite because the very first time he walked up he was walking very slowly and had a wrap/skirt on and all of us were thinking the same thing: circumcision. Hahaha when the young men get circumcised here they wear a wrap/skirt looking thing, so when he walked up in one Kristyn and I were concerned to say the least. Luckily we had Paul and found out he had been in a fight and had two wounds on his knee, one on his arm, and one on his head. All of his wounds were small but deep for their size. Between all these different wounds and having to redress them every day we have been busy with bandaids!
Aside from cleaning and dressing wounds Kristin and I have spent a lot of time with the ichooseyou kids. We have a homework club established and our little group loves it! We have some very bright kids in the program :-). We were able to talk to Sarah about which kids could use some help and then talk to the teachers of those kids and find out what they struggle with. It's so neat to get to help them and teach them. These kids love to learn! Our after school homework club has different kids in it each day (aside from the ones Sarah mentioned) and it has been a neat way to get to know some of the kids that usually fly under the radar! Sometimes we are outside the gate when the kids arrive and when that happens we really get to see a lot of the kids. They are so sweet and so much fun!
Kristyn and I have also had the privilege of getting to know some kids from Namatala that we didn't know before. These kids are hilarious! They can turn any object into a toy. It's so cute! It's funny, no matter how many times we are there an they see us we still have a chorus of "Mzungu" trailing behind us when we walk through Namatala. Kristyn and I wonder what they would do if we started chanting "African" back to them. Haha. Haven't tried it.
Chede, Ana, and Maria are adorable as ever! I was able to give Chede some deworming medicine (it's amazing how cheap it is!) and give all of them some medicine that's basically a multi vitamin for kids that helps fight disease/infection. What they really need is for someone to bathe and feed them every day but there is only so much I can do when I'm going home so soon. Oh how I wish I could take them with me! Chede's dad taught her to chant America around me. He has asked me to take her home with me multiple times so I wonder if he has told her she is going home with me. I hope not. It breaks my heart that I can't help them more but I know they are in God's hands and that is the best place for them to be. I know some of you saw my status on Facebook about Chede's mom beating her and I guess I should talk about it. That whole day was just rough. Early that morning we were in Namatala and I saw Chede so I stopped to say hi and hug her. While I was with her I heard a mother beating her child. After a while I saw the little girl running and crying and then she fell and I heard the mom yell something at her and she just sat there on the ground and cried. It broke my heart. I know that sometimes kids misbehave and of course as a parent you must discipline your children but there is a difference between discipline and abuse. A big difference. Later in the day we were back in Namatala and I had Chede's medicine with me so we stopped by to give it to her. When we got there Chede was sitting on the ground screaming and crying. As we walked up I was asking her what was wrong (even though she doesn't understand me) and a kid came up to me and quietly told me that her mother had beaten her. I didn't want to believe it so I decided to get Paul to ask what was wrong. He told me the same thing. A few minutes later Chede's neighbor Kristyn came and told me the same story. They use the term "beat" lightly so I was hoping they meant that she spanked her but upon inspection I could see scrapes all over her arms and legs. Nothing too bad but definitely scrapes that hadn't been there before. She was crying/upset for a long time and I just held her. My sweet baby. I feel so helpless in Namatala sometimes. This was one of those times. It's such a big problem and I feel like my hands are tied. Just have to keep praying that the situation would change.
The big thing that Kristyn and I have been dealing with lately is a little boy named Tom. Tom is an ichooseyou sibling. This particular family has 10 kids and the dad is basically a no show. We think he may send some money home but mostly he uses it for his alcohol addiction and only comes home to make another baby. So the family has a lot of needs simply because they are in an awful situation. The mom is so young and married to a dead beat. She could probably get out of the situation and change things a little of she really wanted to but I think she is probably scared. Tom is somewhere between 3-5 and has been sick for the past 2-3 weeks. His sister. Masse, got sick first with malaria and we took her to the doctor while the team was still around. Then the very next day Tom had a fever so we all assumed he has malaria as well. There was enough medication for him too so we told them to give it to him. They didn't. Basically a grandmother (very old) and a 12 year old are taking care of the family now and I think they either forgot or just didn't have the energy to force it. (he hates it.) so Tom wasn't getting medication. A couple days ago we went to check on Tom and it was bad. In fact bad isn't a strong enough word to describe the situation. He would barely even open his eyes when we were there. We were told he isn't eating but he is vomiting and has diarrhea. He definitely had a fever that was entirely too high. Kristyn and I knew we had to do something but just didn't know what. It was clear to us that if we didn't do something he most likely wasn't going to make it. After talking, praying, and asking a friend for advice we decided to take him in for a malaria test and see what the doctor said. When we got there they took his temperature, which was 40 degrees C, and immediately gave him fever medicine. When the doctor saw him he went ahead and did the malaria test but told us that he was pretty sure the boy had pneumonia. He said that if it were malaria, with that temperature, the boy would be seizing. Sure enough the malaria test was negative. The doctor told us that the boy really needed to be admitted and stay over night. When we asked about other options the doctor looked terrified and said that the boy wasn't going to get better without an IV and that they really needed him to stay the night. The price is dirt cheap, less than $10, so we decided to follow the doctors orders. As of now Tom's fever is a lot better! He still isn't breathing well but the fever being down is a huge improvement. I can't even explain to you how incredibly sick Tom was. I have never seen a child look so sick before. He didn't even look like he was with us really. He looked far away and miserable. I'm so glad we helped him. I honestly believe that Tom wouldn't have made it without that doctor visit. This family is going to need a serious change in order to make life better for them but I believe that with help the mama can do it. Hopefully she will.
Lately we have seen so much and started to see what everyday life is like for these people. In some ways I envy the simple life they lead. Then there are things that break my heart as well. God has me here for a reason. Still praying for guidance and to see what that reason is but it is getting clearer each day. Keep praying with me please!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Uganda trip part 2!
So we are now staying at Mama Aidah and pastor Morris's house and the rest of the team is on their way home. The past 3 days have been so busy!!!!!
On Tuesday we spent a good chunk of the morning waiting for our van to arrive and getting everyone's luggage on top. When we finally were dropped off and the team was gone kristyn and I were ready to go! We got Paul and took a trip to town. We visited mama Irene in the hospital and got to see her babies. They are doing so well! We also got to explore town and go to the super market and another market where Paul got a case for his new laptop. It was neat to walk around town and get to know where everything is a little bit better (even though I am semi directionally challenged. Lol.) When we were done we took a piki home!!!!! It was so much fun :-) Kristyn and I were laughing the whole time. Our poor driver probably thought we were crazy. (Thanks Paul for helping us with this!) When we got home we had lunch the. Went into Namatala and walked around for a while talking to people along the way. When we got home we were outside when we ran into some of the ichooseyou kids on their way home from school. We invited them into our room to do homework and it was so much fun! I loved getting to know the kids and what subjects they do well in and which subjects they need help in. After all of the homework was complete and correct it was time for the kids to go home. Later that evening after dinner we had an EPIC dance party in the courtyard behind the main house at mama's. It was awesome. Winnie, Flower, Paul, Haley, Scott, Kristyn, Shadia, Nicholas, Marvin, and a few others we're with us and it was a blast!
Wednesday morning Kristyn, Paul, and I went into Namatala early to help a little girl with a burn on her foot. Poor girl. It was very infected and probably hurt a lot when we were cleaning it. She probably hates us. Haha. After we were done we did a few more things in Namatala then went home for lunch. After lunch we took a nap then had homework club in our room. The kids love it and I love getting to help them and see them learning. After the homework club Glenn came and picked us up and took us to the market so that we could go shopping because we had decided to cook dinner! We got a few things then went to Chat N Chino and used the Internet for a while. When we were done we went back home and cooked a FABULOUS dinner! It was so much fun! Scott did most of the cooking and Christopher have him a few tips here and there while the rest of us watched and gave input when asked. Haha. After dinner we attempted to make homemade cookie dough and fry it haha. It was a lot of fun but didn't quite live up to our expectations. Note: sugar in Uganda isn't like sugar in America. Haha. Then we put in a movie we had bought at a market to find that it was not at all what we were expecting! It was dubbed and it was AWFUL! So Glenn and I took a trip to town again to find a movie in English! We found it and went home and all of us watched Avatar in Mama's living room. It was a lot of fun!
Today we went to Namatala to redress the burn and then we went to covenant to talk to Sarah about what the kids need as far as tutoring. When Paul got us a piki the kids thought it was hilarious! After lunch we took a couple kids to visit their mom in the hospital (thanks Glenn!) and then left them with her while we got a few things in town. The kids were so happy to see their mom! After we were done in town we went back to get the kids and we took them home. Then we had to go back to redress the burn because we didn't have any bandages that would work this morning so we had to improvise. After that we won't home, had dinner, and came to Chat N Chino for some Internet.
Busy 3 days!!! But it has been great and I'm so happy to still be here! My heart is going to break when we have to go home. Not thinking about that yet. Haha. For now I'm just thanking God for allowing me to be here. Praise Him!
On Tuesday we spent a good chunk of the morning waiting for our van to arrive and getting everyone's luggage on top. When we finally were dropped off and the team was gone kristyn and I were ready to go! We got Paul and took a trip to town. We visited mama Irene in the hospital and got to see her babies. They are doing so well! We also got to explore town and go to the super market and another market where Paul got a case for his new laptop. It was neat to walk around town and get to know where everything is a little bit better (even though I am semi directionally challenged. Lol.) When we were done we took a piki home!!!!! It was so much fun :-) Kristyn and I were laughing the whole time. Our poor driver probably thought we were crazy. (Thanks Paul for helping us with this!) When we got home we had lunch the. Went into Namatala and walked around for a while talking to people along the way. When we got home we were outside when we ran into some of the ichooseyou kids on their way home from school. We invited them into our room to do homework and it was so much fun! I loved getting to know the kids and what subjects they do well in and which subjects they need help in. After all of the homework was complete and correct it was time for the kids to go home. Later that evening after dinner we had an EPIC dance party in the courtyard behind the main house at mama's. It was awesome. Winnie, Flower, Paul, Haley, Scott, Kristyn, Shadia, Nicholas, Marvin, and a few others we're with us and it was a blast!
Wednesday morning Kristyn, Paul, and I went into Namatala early to help a little girl with a burn on her foot. Poor girl. It was very infected and probably hurt a lot when we were cleaning it. She probably hates us. Haha. After we were done we did a few more things in Namatala then went home for lunch. After lunch we took a nap then had homework club in our room. The kids love it and I love getting to help them and see them learning. After the homework club Glenn came and picked us up and took us to the market so that we could go shopping because we had decided to cook dinner! We got a few things then went to Chat N Chino and used the Internet for a while. When we were done we went back home and cooked a FABULOUS dinner! It was so much fun! Scott did most of the cooking and Christopher have him a few tips here and there while the rest of us watched and gave input when asked. Haha. After dinner we attempted to make homemade cookie dough and fry it haha. It was a lot of fun but didn't quite live up to our expectations. Note: sugar in Uganda isn't like sugar in America. Haha. Then we put in a movie we had bought at a market to find that it was not at all what we were expecting! It was dubbed and it was AWFUL! So Glenn and I took a trip to town again to find a movie in English! We found it and went home and all of us watched Avatar in Mama's living room. It was a lot of fun!
Today we went to Namatala to redress the burn and then we went to covenant to talk to Sarah about what the kids need as far as tutoring. When Paul got us a piki the kids thought it was hilarious! After lunch we took a couple kids to visit their mom in the hospital (thanks Glenn!) and then left them with her while we got a few things in town. The kids were so happy to see their mom! After we were done in town we went back to get the kids and we took them home. Then we had to go back to redress the burn because we didn't have any bandages that would work this morning so we had to improvise. After that we won't home, had dinner, and came to Chat N Chino for some Internet.
Busy 3 days!!! But it has been great and I'm so happy to still be here! My heart is going to break when we have to go home. Not thinking about that yet. Haha. For now I'm just thanking God for allowing me to be here. Praise Him!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Namatala/Pee
Well it's been a great couple of days in Mbale/Namatala! Yesterday we spent the morning at the school with the ichooseyou kids and helped them write letters to their sponsors. They get so excited at the word "sponsor" haha! Each kid had 1-3 letters to write depending on how many sponsors they have at the moment. They wrote the letter and colored a picture as well. Teacher Sarah would tell them they had to re-draft if it wasn't clear enough! It was so cute. When they were done they were allowed outside to play with the mzungus! Haha the boys had an epic game of soccer going on with booth and the girls sat on the steps with us while we painted their nails for a while. As usual, there were plenty of kids that aren't in ichooseyou around. They just like being around the mzungus, and of course probably hope to be chosen if they stick around long enough. We just need more sponsors!!! *hint hint! Sponsor a kid!*
After a while kristyn came and I got to talk to her and hang out with her for a while. Kristyn is such a sweet girl! She is 12 and very smart. I believe she had been in school but her dad passed away and now they can't afford it. Sad story but one we hear too often. Right now all I can do for her is love her and I hope she knows I do!!! It looked like rain for a while but nothing really happened. Just a few sprinkles for a while then we had clear skies again! We had spaghetti at Mama's for lunch and as usual Christopher did an excellent job! After lunch it wasn't looking like rain (finally!) so we went to Namatala. I looked for Chede on the way to mama Sarah's but they weren't home. Mama Sarah took us to see what rice looks like when it's being grown. That was pretty cool. I didn't get to see it up close but the field was beautiful! We had a flock of children following us that had to stop before we got to the field because there wasn't room for everyone. They stood about 100 feet away and yelled for us the whole time. It was cute at first but then it got old lol. After we were done we went back to mama Sarah's and helped her with her beans. After I picked some for a while my pile was done and I decided to go look for Chede again. Kady went with me and when I got to Chede's hut I saw Maria carrying Ana. Maria was trying to tell me something but she doesn't speak English so I didn't know what. Even though she doesn't speak it, she understands English pretty well so i asked her where chede was. She just started walking so I followed her. A short way away I saw some "shops" and then my sweet Chede saw me and started running to me! Her mom was there so she came and said hello. I asked if I could take Chede with me and she said yes and then started walking with us. When we got to their hut she put some things inside then came out and I asked if she knew where mama Sarah lived and if I could take Chede. She said yes again and started walking toward mama Sarah's. When we got there I was able to ask mama Sarah to ask her how old Chede is and she said she is almost 4!!!!!! That's so much better than 6!!!!!! I was so relieved and happy when I heard that. We hung out at mama Sarah's for a while and played and had a great time. :-) When we left mama sarah's hut Becky wanted to see Teko Brian's new hut. We walked to where he lives and saw his Jjaja too! She started taking her karamojong bracelets off and giving them to us. It was so sweet. Then a neighbor came and reached up her arm and started pulling a bracelet off of her bicep! Hahaha. She gave it to Becky and Becky put it on her arm! Hahaha it was so funny and so cute. Then we started walking back toward mama's house but on the way a child stepped on something and was bleeding so we stopped and bandaged his foot. While we were bandaging a fight broke out a few huts away. Some of the kids ran and watched including Teko and Maria, who was carrying Ana. I yelled for them and Teko came running back immediately. It took Maria a while longer to realize I was calling her. A mama that was standing near me noticed I was calling her and walked toward the fight and called her and sent her to me. When I had both of them with me I gave a "fighting is bad!" speech then it was time to go. I walked down the road a ways then had to send Maria, Ana and Chede home and we walked back to mamas and went home.
Today we went to church which lasted about 4 hours long. While we were in church Chede peed on me. Hahahahahaha. I was holding her and she was extra squirmy. All of the sudden she started crying and then my lap was warm and wet. I put her down to finish peeing and she looked so upset. She was still crying and looked worried that I was mad because she peed on me. I kissed her and told her it was ok and I loved her. I cleaned up my lap and then they let all the kids go from the service and I went with them. I took Chede outside and put a diaper on her then went and washed her skirt and my dress out in the well. Kristyn, her neighbor, kept telling me she as sorry and I kept telling her it was ok! Once we were both as clean as we were going to be we walked around and played and had a great time. This was my very first experience being peed on in Uganda! Haha it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. oh! And I taught Chede to say I love you! I'll post it soon. It's so cute :-)
Tomorrow is the teams last day here then Kristyn and I are moving to mamas house for our last 2 weeks. Sad to see the team leave but excited to see what God has in store for us! Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming!
After a while kristyn came and I got to talk to her and hang out with her for a while. Kristyn is such a sweet girl! She is 12 and very smart. I believe she had been in school but her dad passed away and now they can't afford it. Sad story but one we hear too often. Right now all I can do for her is love her and I hope she knows I do!!! It looked like rain for a while but nothing really happened. Just a few sprinkles for a while then we had clear skies again! We had spaghetti at Mama's for lunch and as usual Christopher did an excellent job! After lunch it wasn't looking like rain (finally!) so we went to Namatala. I looked for Chede on the way to mama Sarah's but they weren't home. Mama Sarah took us to see what rice looks like when it's being grown. That was pretty cool. I didn't get to see it up close but the field was beautiful! We had a flock of children following us that had to stop before we got to the field because there wasn't room for everyone. They stood about 100 feet away and yelled for us the whole time. It was cute at first but then it got old lol. After we were done we went back to mama Sarah's and helped her with her beans. After I picked some for a while my pile was done and I decided to go look for Chede again. Kady went with me and when I got to Chede's hut I saw Maria carrying Ana. Maria was trying to tell me something but she doesn't speak English so I didn't know what. Even though she doesn't speak it, she understands English pretty well so i asked her where chede was. She just started walking so I followed her. A short way away I saw some "shops" and then my sweet Chede saw me and started running to me! Her mom was there so she came and said hello. I asked if I could take Chede with me and she said yes and then started walking with us. When we got to their hut she put some things inside then came out and I asked if she knew where mama Sarah lived and if I could take Chede. She said yes again and started walking toward mama Sarah's. When we got there I was able to ask mama Sarah to ask her how old Chede is and she said she is almost 4!!!!!! That's so much better than 6!!!!!! I was so relieved and happy when I heard that. We hung out at mama Sarah's for a while and played and had a great time. :-) When we left mama sarah's hut Becky wanted to see Teko Brian's new hut. We walked to where he lives and saw his Jjaja too! She started taking her karamojong bracelets off and giving them to us. It was so sweet. Then a neighbor came and reached up her arm and started pulling a bracelet off of her bicep! Hahaha. She gave it to Becky and Becky put it on her arm! Hahaha it was so funny and so cute. Then we started walking back toward mama's house but on the way a child stepped on something and was bleeding so we stopped and bandaged his foot. While we were bandaging a fight broke out a few huts away. Some of the kids ran and watched including Teko and Maria, who was carrying Ana. I yelled for them and Teko came running back immediately. It took Maria a while longer to realize I was calling her. A mama that was standing near me noticed I was calling her and walked toward the fight and called her and sent her to me. When I had both of them with me I gave a "fighting is bad!" speech then it was time to go. I walked down the road a ways then had to send Maria, Ana and Chede home and we walked back to mamas and went home.
Today we went to church which lasted about 4 hours long. While we were in church Chede peed on me. Hahahahahaha. I was holding her and she was extra squirmy. All of the sudden she started crying and then my lap was warm and wet. I put her down to finish peeing and she looked so upset. She was still crying and looked worried that I was mad because she peed on me. I kissed her and told her it was ok and I loved her. I cleaned up my lap and then they let all the kids go from the service and I went with them. I took Chede outside and put a diaper on her then went and washed her skirt and my dress out in the well. Kristyn, her neighbor, kept telling me she as sorry and I kept telling her it was ok! Once we were both as clean as we were going to be we walked around and played and had a great time. This was my very first experience being peed on in Uganda! Haha it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. oh! And I taught Chede to say I love you! I'll post it soon. It's so cute :-)
Tomorrow is the teams last day here then Kristyn and I are moving to mamas house for our last 2 weeks. Sad to see the team leave but excited to see what God has in store for us! Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Small Wounds
It's funny, we plan these small wounds clinics and it never ends up being about the small wounds. Haha. Today we had a small wounds clinic in Namatala at Teacher Sarah's house. We had plenty of children with boo boos show up and we were able to help them, but we also had many other people that came looking for help. We had parents telling us their children had malaria and asking for help. Unfortunately we don't have malaria medication and money doesn't grow on trees. We also had parents and grandparents complaining of their eyes hurting. We had simple eye drops that we could hand out but that isn't going to solve the long term problem. I had a mama that brought me her baby and showed me some gooey looking stuff around the neck and around her bottom. Of course we had NO CLUE what to do so I held the baby for a while, we tried to clean her up some and then Becky decided to put baby powder on her because it looked sort of like a rash or something. We tried telling the mom to see a doctor but that won't happen if she doesn't have the money. After the crowd of children disappeared we decided to move to a different location in Namatala. We moved to Mama Sarah's house and set up in the back of the van. Most of the team walked around trying to let people know we were there but strangely it was pretty quiet in Namatala today. I went to get Chede and take pictures of her and Ana so that I could get some advice on how to help them. We got to their hut and their "dad" said, "where have you been these past few days?" in a somewhat harsh tone. So I explained as best as I could that I had hives and wasn't able to come out but now I am better so I am here. His tone changed and he said "oh, sorry sorry." and then grabbed Chede and Ana and told me that they both had been throwing up and coughing all night for the past few days. My heart breaks every time he tells me things like that. I want to help so badly but I just don't know what to do. And as always, money doesn't grow on trees. Not even for Mzungus. Oh how I wish it did, or would, just for a short time so that I could help my babies!!! I took pictures and then took Chede, Ana, and Maria with me and we headed back to the van. When we got to the van we saw Kady (who seems to like Ana quite a bit :-) who wouldn't?!) and decided to put a diaper on her so that she could hold her without getting peed on. Haha. When I put her down on the seat of the van I felt something hard hit my hand. I thought maybe I had hit her tailbone or something but it was awfully bony. I looked at her bottom to see if it looked strange and it didn't. I felt her tailbone area and it definitely wasn't what I hit. I was moving my hand to put the diaper on her and noticed it again. This time I found it. She has a lump about the size of a silver dollar on her left bottom cheek. You can't see it much from the outside but when you feel her bottom it is very hard and pretty big. I have no clue what it is or how she got it but I definitely don't like it. These children need help. I want to help them. It's killing me. The hardest part is knowing that even if I fed them now it would go back to how it was when I leave, if I took them to the doctor now they would get sick again after I leave. What do I do?! I wish God would just come down and hand me a piece of paper with clear instructions on exactly what steps to take with this family. Then I could actually DO something instead of just stand by and watch these girls get more and more sick. I know I keep asking for prayers about this but I need an ARMY of prayers at this point. It is taking all I have to not just sweep them up into my arms and carry them all the way to a hospital for help. I know that isn't the wise thing to do at this point, I just don't know what is. If I took them I would be responsible for the payment, which could be very small or could be way over my head. I feel stuck in the most awful place ever and it is really wearing me down. Pray please. It's all I know to do at this point.
Tomorrow we will have another small wounds clinic and another eventful day I'm sure :-). More to come!
Tomorrow we will have another small wounds clinic and another eventful day I'm sure :-). More to come!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
No More Hives!!!!!
I almost forgot to mention that I have been Hives free for two days now! Praise God!!! Thanks for the prayers! I now know exactly who to call when I get sick in Uganda. Thanks Mama Aidah, Pastor Morris, and Glenn for making sure I was given the best medical attention around! Thanks to the sweet nurse that did such a good job every time she gave me a shot! I hate needles but she was very good with the shot. Thanks Becky for letting me cry and holding my hand while I got the shots. Thanks mom for not freaking out TOO much when I told you. I love you and I know it had to be hard being so far away from me when I had my first ever allergic reaction/hives. Thanks Ginny for giving me Benadryl instructions! Haha I know I can always count on you. Thanks Aunt Kim for giving me advice on how to make it bearable! I have so many people that love me and it showed A LOT when I got Hives. Haha. Love you all!!!
In the day of trouble I seek the Lord.
Psalm 77:1-2 "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted."
I feel like this a little bit right now. My heart is completely broken for this place and these people. Chede and Ana in particular. Everything inside me wants to DO something for my baby girl but I don't know what to do, or where to begin, or if I have the funds, etc. I am crying out to God asking for help, direction, wisdom and understanding and coming up dry.
Psalm 77:9, 11-15 "9, Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?...11, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12, I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. 13, Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? 14, You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. 15, You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph."
And God will redeem the people of Namatala. In His time, in His way. He has not forgotten to be gracious. He has NOT shut up his compassion. God is here! He is moving, He is speaking, He is redeeming! His way is HOLY.
John 14:18 says "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." God did not leave us alone here. He sent us the spirit. The spirit is our helper, our friend, our strength, our GOD, and the spirit is HERE NOW and moving in me and in this place. I have not been left as an orphan to figure this out on my own. Chede and Ana have not been left as orphans or street children to fight for themselves and struggle to survive. We have a helper. We have a savior. A savior who died and rose again for our spiritual needs, and sent the spirit as a helper for our daily needs. Right now I am in need, and I am holding on to the promise that I have a helper. God is guiding me whether I see an immediate plan of action or not. Praise Him!
I am still in desperate need of prayer. I don't know why I'm so overwhelmed by the severity of the malnutrition problem this year but I am. Maybe it's because it is my little girl now, maybe God is trying to show me something, maybe it is just actually worse than last year. I don't know. But my heart is broken and I need comfort and direction from the one who knows best and wants THE best for His children. I need a minute by minute reminder that His way IS HOLY. A moment by moment reminder that His ways ARE GOOD. Lord, I believe these things and I trust you with my baby girls. Please keep praying with me for Chede and Ana, and the rest of Namatala. Also pray for me to trust in Gods timing and plan, and to hear His voice when He gives me direction. Thank you!
On a happier note, today was a good day :-) We planted a garden at Medina's house today! (mama Beatrice and Agnes) There is a special place in my heart for Medina. We don't speak the same language but somehow last year we bonded. She tells me she loves me all the time and always hands me Agnes to hold when she is around. Last year on our family day I held Agnes for a long time and Medina just loved it. Haha I loved it too ;-). I wish I could introduce you all to Medina. She is so humble and kind and sweet! Medina just carries a soothing presence about her and has the most gracious heart.
Medina had told us that she had a place for the garden that was ready to plant. It had been prepared mostly before we got there and just needed the manure spread around and seeds planted. Well the manure was ripe, that's for sure! Haha it smelled oh so lovely (NOT) and looked terrific. (jk!) Our awesome guys got right in there and started moving Manure around. Becky decided she would as well and then Becky, Kady, and Deanna took turns with the hoe while David and Scott did their thing along with two guys from Namatala. Turns out the two guys from Namatala were farmers! They helped us organize the garden and we planted carrots, tomato, cabbage, egg plant, kale, and green peppers. I got to put the actual seeds down which was so cool! Something about planting literal seeds and knowing you are planting spiritual seeds as well is just amazing. Medina was SO excited. She just kept saying thank you over and over to all of us. It was a good day. The past few days it has rained after lunch so we have had to come back to the hotel. Can't really walk around Namatala in the pouring rain! However, we shouldn't complain because our gardens are being fed!!! Today has been a good day :-) back at the hotel we decided to play swap and I apparently am AWFUL at games that require a quick reaction. I'm pretty sure I'll be made fun of forever for always being the last one to slap in that game. Hahaha if you've never played you should. If you play with me you'll probably win! Lol. Now we are about to go eat at Glenn's Chat N Chino :-) Yummy! More later!
P.S. Thanks for praying with me friends and family! You may never know how valuable you are to me but your prayers are worth so much!!!! Thank
You!!!
I feel like this a little bit right now. My heart is completely broken for this place and these people. Chede and Ana in particular. Everything inside me wants to DO something for my baby girl but I don't know what to do, or where to begin, or if I have the funds, etc. I am crying out to God asking for help, direction, wisdom and understanding and coming up dry.
Psalm 77:9, 11-15 "9, Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?...11, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12, I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. 13, Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? 14, You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. 15, You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph."
And God will redeem the people of Namatala. In His time, in His way. He has not forgotten to be gracious. He has NOT shut up his compassion. God is here! He is moving, He is speaking, He is redeeming! His way is HOLY.
John 14:18 says "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." God did not leave us alone here. He sent us the spirit. The spirit is our helper, our friend, our strength, our GOD, and the spirit is HERE NOW and moving in me and in this place. I have not been left as an orphan to figure this out on my own. Chede and Ana have not been left as orphans or street children to fight for themselves and struggle to survive. We have a helper. We have a savior. A savior who died and rose again for our spiritual needs, and sent the spirit as a helper for our daily needs. Right now I am in need, and I am holding on to the promise that I have a helper. God is guiding me whether I see an immediate plan of action or not. Praise Him!
I am still in desperate need of prayer. I don't know why I'm so overwhelmed by the severity of the malnutrition problem this year but I am. Maybe it's because it is my little girl now, maybe God is trying to show me something, maybe it is just actually worse than last year. I don't know. But my heart is broken and I need comfort and direction from the one who knows best and wants THE best for His children. I need a minute by minute reminder that His way IS HOLY. A moment by moment reminder that His ways ARE GOOD. Lord, I believe these things and I trust you with my baby girls. Please keep praying with me for Chede and Ana, and the rest of Namatala. Also pray for me to trust in Gods timing and plan, and to hear His voice when He gives me direction. Thank you!
On a happier note, today was a good day :-) We planted a garden at Medina's house today! (mama Beatrice and Agnes) There is a special place in my heart for Medina. We don't speak the same language but somehow last year we bonded. She tells me she loves me all the time and always hands me Agnes to hold when she is around. Last year on our family day I held Agnes for a long time and Medina just loved it. Haha I loved it too ;-). I wish I could introduce you all to Medina. She is so humble and kind and sweet! Medina just carries a soothing presence about her and has the most gracious heart.
Medina had told us that she had a place for the garden that was ready to plant. It had been prepared mostly before we got there and just needed the manure spread around and seeds planted. Well the manure was ripe, that's for sure! Haha it smelled oh so lovely (NOT) and looked terrific. (jk!) Our awesome guys got right in there and started moving Manure around. Becky decided she would as well and then Becky, Kady, and Deanna took turns with the hoe while David and Scott did their thing along with two guys from Namatala. Turns out the two guys from Namatala were farmers! They helped us organize the garden and we planted carrots, tomato, cabbage, egg plant, kale, and green peppers. I got to put the actual seeds down which was so cool! Something about planting literal seeds and knowing you are planting spiritual seeds as well is just amazing. Medina was SO excited. She just kept saying thank you over and over to all of us. It was a good day. The past few days it has rained after lunch so we have had to come back to the hotel. Can't really walk around Namatala in the pouring rain! However, we shouldn't complain because our gardens are being fed!!! Today has been a good day :-) back at the hotel we decided to play swap and I apparently am AWFUL at games that require a quick reaction. I'm pretty sure I'll be made fun of forever for always being the last one to slap in that game. Hahaha if you've never played you should. If you play with me you'll probably win! Lol. Now we are about to go eat at Glenn's Chat N Chino :-) Yummy! More later!
P.S. Thanks for praying with me friends and family! You may never know how valuable you are to me but your prayers are worth so much!!!! Thank
You!!!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Hives day 2/Pray with me please
So I woke up with new spots. They weren't as bad as day 1 but they itched a lot more. We decided to see the doctor and they gave me another cortisone "iv" and sent us away. They are getting better but not as quickly as yesterday. I know I'll be fine but it's annoying. The most annoying part is the fact that I've been stuck "resting" for the past 2 days. I miss Namatala and my sweet Chede and her sisters and her neighbor kristyn. Hopefully tomorrow they will be gone and I'll be able to be with the team. Please pray with me that this ENDS FAST! I'm tired of being stuck in the room in Uganda. My nightmares came true lol. Please Lord make this end so I can go back out!
In other news, yesterday Becky and Kristyn took mama Irene and the 1 year old daughter Sarah and the almost 3 year old son Amaza, which are the same size, to the hospital to have nutrition treatments and lessons for mama on what and how to feed the babies. We had planted a garden near their hut last week so that she would have food to feed them once they are out of the hospital and the food is grown. They left mama Irene with money at the hospital with the babies when we realized I needed to see a doctor. Last night we got word that mama Irene WALKED all the way home from the hospital with one baby on her back and one on her front because someone stole her money. Today the president is in Mbale so they couldn't get around very well to take them back to the hospital. I guess we are doing that tomorrow. I hope this mama realizes the urgency of her babies needs and decides to stay no matter what until treatment is done this time. Amaza won't make it if she doesn't. Pray for these people. I know I keep saying this but the malnutrition problem is VERY apparent this year. I know it was there last year but it seems worse now. Maybe I'm just more aware. I don't know. All I know is that it's desperate at this point.
Another thing you can pray with me about is my role here. I know I'm supposed to be here but I don't know when, for how long, what I'm supposed to do, where I'm supposed to live, etc. Please pray with me that I would have wisdom and understanding in what God wants from me here. Thanks!
I hope everyone is well in the states! Love and miss y'all! More later.
In other news, yesterday Becky and Kristyn took mama Irene and the 1 year old daughter Sarah and the almost 3 year old son Amaza, which are the same size, to the hospital to have nutrition treatments and lessons for mama on what and how to feed the babies. We had planted a garden near their hut last week so that she would have food to feed them once they are out of the hospital and the food is grown. They left mama Irene with money at the hospital with the babies when we realized I needed to see a doctor. Last night we got word that mama Irene WALKED all the way home from the hospital with one baby on her back and one on her front because someone stole her money. Today the president is in Mbale so they couldn't get around very well to take them back to the hospital. I guess we are doing that tomorrow. I hope this mama realizes the urgency of her babies needs and decides to stay no matter what until treatment is done this time. Amaza won't make it if she doesn't. Pray for these people. I know I keep saying this but the malnutrition problem is VERY apparent this year. I know it was there last year but it seems worse now. Maybe I'm just more aware. I don't know. All I know is that it's desperate at this point.
Another thing you can pray with me about is my role here. I know I'm supposed to be here but I don't know when, for how long, what I'm supposed to do, where I'm supposed to live, etc. Please pray with me that I would have wisdom and understanding in what God wants from me here. Thanks!
I hope everyone is well in the states! Love and miss y'all! More later.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Hives...
Well, leave it to me to have my first ever allergic reaction in Uganda. Yes, hives in Uganda. Ugh. Haha. I'm about 90% clear now but I have had quite the night/day. It started about 1pm yesterday. I had put on deet and sunscreen and we were out by the pool on our day off. I thought I had been bit by a mosquito and it just got kind of red. The only thing that was weird was that it was kind of big and in the same place on both arms. I brushed it off and put on some more deet. Then we finished swimming/laying out and got ready for dinner. By this point I had one more and I figured I just needed to make sure I had enough deet on since we were eating outside. So we had dinner and decided to play card games in my room. While we were going upstairs I noticed that I had a couple more spots on my arms and the palm of my right hand was swollen and red. That's when I began to think maybe it wasn't a mosquito. While we are playing card games I realized I had some spots in places I KNOW Mosquitos couldn't get to. So I asked around and took two benedryl and went to bed. Around 3am I woke up feeling hot, itchy, and in pain. I went to the restroom and to my surprise I was COVERED in these red spots. They were everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Even in my face and feet. It hurt to walk and to smile and basically do anything. So I consulted my favorite nurse and paramedic in training (shout out Ginny! Sry I didn't tell you it was me last night. Didn't want to worry you.) and she said that "someone" could take more benedryl and gave "someone" instructions. So at 3am I took more benedryl and went to bed praying for the best. At 6 am it was worse. At 9:30am it was awful so Becky called pastor Morris and he sent a doctor that he trusts with Mzungu's to the hotel. The doctor asked questions, looked at me and told us to go to his office. At his office they gave me a hydrocortisone shot and a prescription and told me "you will be fine." so we left. I took the first dose of the medicine and then we went to Morris and Aidah's for lunch. About 4 hours later I'm 90% better! Thank you Jesus!!!!! So I survived my very first allergic reaction! And I'm in Uganda. Haha :-) now I just hope it was from the deet or sunscreen. I'm not using either of those again (don't worry I'm taking malaria medicine so I'll be fine without bug spray.) If it wasn't one of those I could be back in the doctors office tomorrow. Pray that I'm not please! I hated not seeing Chede or going to Namatala today. Pray that this is the end of my allergic reactions. Anyways I thought I'd share my hives story with you. I made it! Hahahahaha :-)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Medical Clinic in Namatala
Yesterday was our first medical clinic and there were so many people! I had to take Chede (new CORRECT spelling!) and her sisters into the clinic because their parents weren't around. Then Simon (the man helping us organize everyone inside) told Maria to go get her dad and she did. Her dad came in and told me I could handle it then left. Then Simon sent her after him again and when her dad came back in he told him he needed to stay. So we went inside and the doctor was asking questions and most of the time their dad looked at me and I had to answer. I knew more about their symptoms than he did. It sounded to me like he has HIV, (I was only catching pieces of what was going on with him. Translation hiccups) so after I told the doctor all of their symptoms she came over to me and said "He doesn't take care of these. All of them need to be tested and they are not being taken care of." That confused me a little but when she said it she was feeling Chede's stomach and I kind of assumed she meant they aren't eating. So I took the girls outside to get tested for HIV and the nurse said "these don't have HIV they are malnourished" but they did the test anyways. They were negative PRAISE GOD!!!!!! But now I don't know what to do for them. Chede seems happy but she doesn't like to stand and I don't know if it's because she is a brat or because it makes her tired because she is malnourished. Every time I hold her she falls asleep. And Ana sleeps all the time. Poor baby. Her tummy is just like Chede's but baby sized. Ana has to be around 6-9 months old. Their dad told me today that mom goes and looks for survival every day. (survival=food/money/work) It's just such an awful situation that is entirely too common in this place. I can't even explain to you how "normal" distended bellys have become to me. Please pray with me that it would be made clear what my purpose with this family is! I feel so completely helpless. Today was just as eventful. I sat in with the doctors most of the day and watched them see patients. That was really interesting. Not like a doctors appointment in America for sure! Later in the day I traded with someone so they could have a break from the sun and was faced with a very hard situation. A little girl told Haley that she was being abused at home. We had no clue what to do. This isn't uncommon here but that still doesn't make it ok! Glenn eventually talked to her and calmed her a little but for the most part in this situation our hands are tied. It's so sad. Breaks my heart. After the clinic we found out that 2 children were sent to the hospital for malnutrition. Tomorrow we will be checking on them and getting more information. One of them is a 4 year old the size of a 1 year old. The other was a baby that was a month old and the doctor said it was dying. Please pray with us for these children! This is such a serious problem in Namatala and these are just 2 severe cases. This breaks my heart so much. I just wish I could feed them all! I can't. God can. Pray. Please. I will have to post more later. My mind is entirely too crowded right now. Thanks for praying with me! Love and miss you all at home!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Day 3 in Namatala
Today we began a little later in the day so part of the team stayed with the moms sewing club and part of the team came with me to Namatala. We went and found Chade and as soon as I rounded the corner we heard "Mzungu Chade! Mzungu Chade!" and then the mamas called for Chade and she came running around the corner to me! We went over where her hut was and the mamas pulled out "chairs" for us so we all sat down and played with babies. Chade was eating so she stood as close as she could to me while she ate. I had a cute flower headband with me that I put on her and the mamas loved it. While she was standing near me I could feel her little distended belly and it felt hard, almost like a pregnant belly but a little different. She was eating but it was just flower and water and I don't know how often she gets to eat. I was told again that she is 6 years old and I still refuse to believe that. I really hope she is more like 3 or 4. Hopefully soon I will be able to take a translator with me to go talk to her mom. After Chade finished eating she ran back to her hut, put away her bowl, and ran straight back out to me with her arms out. I held her a while longer then it was time for us to go to lunch. I handed her to Kristyn and asked kristyn to tell her I would be back in a couple hours then we left. Without tears!!! After lunch we went back to Namatala to plant another garden. A few people went early with me to go find Chade. When we got there she came running again and kristyn told me we could take her with us to Irene's hut where we were planting. I held her and kissed her and gave her some water and tried to put her down but she wouldn't let me. She cries every time I try! Paul didn't Elise me that she still cries and he told me to "test it" so I put her down and she cried and grabbed for me. I picked her back up. Haha! Once again there were plenty of people planting so I just played with Chade, Maria and kristyn. When it was time to go her mom came and took her from me and put her down. She cried and turned and reached for me and cried the whole way. Breaks my heart!!! Tonight we celebrated Molly's 19th birthday at Chat N Chino and it was great! Thanks Glenn! It has been another wonderful day :-) ichooseyou family day tomorrow!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Day 2!
It has been another wonderful day! Today we went to the village to plant another garden. There were plenty of people already working on the garden when I got there and soon it became too many people so I decided to focus on the children instead. I played with the kids and
Day One Uganda!
So I already posted a short and sweet update but here is the whole rundown...
This morning we met in Wanale Hut for worship, bible study, and prayer. That was such a sweet time! Then we all got in the van and went to namatala. We went straight to Mama Sarah's area and Becky showed us the key hole garden that the first tem planted. It's cool! I think we get to take our shot at one tomorrow! After we saw the garden Becky told me I could go looking for "baby girl" so I did! I practically ran toward her house but then I had to stop and wait for Sarah because I knew I would need a translator. We started walking together and then from about 100 feet away I saw her and I RAN the rest of the way. I picked her up and just held her and she smiled!!! I never got to see her smile last year because she was sick so it was such a sweet thing to see her smile, especially at me!!! Sarah caught up with me and helped me ask a neighbor what her name was and she said her name is Chade. Pronounced Cha-day. She is just beautiful :-) Sarah wanted to catch up with the rest of the group so we took Chade and her sister Maria with us. I held her for at least 30 minutes-an hour and then Becky said it was time to send the kids home so we could go to a different area of namatala. When I put her down he just grabbed my legs and wouldn't let go so I picked her up and asked Paul to explain that I would be back but we had to go. He took her, explained, and put her down and she did the same thing so he had to give her to her sister Maria. Maria had to carry Chade home crying. It was so sweet! I can't wait to see her tomorrow :-)
After Chade and Maria left us we went a few other places in the village and then went to mama's house for lunch. When we got there we spent some time with the sewing ladies then went inside for lunch. Lunch was very good. We had fried chicken, potatoes, and pineapple. Typical Uganda food :-) very good. Glenn was there, Jared was there, mama Aidah was there...it was fun! After lunch, as we were getting in the van, Paul told me that Flower was home for lunch. I RAN all the way back there yelling Flower and she ran out and we had the sweetest reunion ever! She is still as beautiful as ever and I can't wait to spend some more time with her!
After lunch we went on a hunt for a hoe, nails, and a big stick (I have no clue. dont ask. you never know.) The hoe, nails, and big stick rang up to a totaly of 13,000 shillings. that would be about $6.50. seriously good deal! Then we went to the hotel to get a few things before we went to the school. When we got there the kidswere still in class so we waited in the ichooseyou office for a while. Finally, the kids came running out. We all walked outside and I was searching for Teko Brian when all of the sudden I saw him running at me! He ran straight to me and gave me a huge hug! Then he said "Hi Callie" like he has been practicing with Becky and the first team. He never left my side :-) it was the sweetest thing!!! I also got to see Sandra! She no longer has hair but she is gorgeous! She was also pretty glued to my side. I saw Esther, Jacob and Isaac, Fortunante, Edwin, and a few other kids that I have missed so much this year! It was wonderful :-)
Our last stop of the day before the hotel was Chat N Chino (Glenn's coffee shop.) We stopped in to have smoothies and milkshakes and use the internet. The internet wasnt working when we got there so becky called Glenn and he came and fixed it. We updated facebook, blogs, instagram, etc. and drank our drinks then headed back to the hotel for dinner and free time.
This has been such a great first day in Namatala/Mbale. I am overwhelmed with emotions and overflowing with joy! Friends and Family- I miss you! Hope you will come with me someday. It's amazing here.
Tomorrow we will be gardening I believe and maybe some wound cleaning here and there. Monday and Tuesday will be our medical days so be praying for us! Thanks!
This morning we met in Wanale Hut for worship, bible study, and prayer. That was such a sweet time! Then we all got in the van and went to namatala. We went straight to Mama Sarah's area and Becky showed us the key hole garden that the first tem planted. It's cool! I think we get to take our shot at one tomorrow! After we saw the garden Becky told me I could go looking for "baby girl" so I did! I practically ran toward her house but then I had to stop and wait for Sarah because I knew I would need a translator. We started walking together and then from about 100 feet away I saw her and I RAN the rest of the way. I picked her up and just held her and she smiled!!! I never got to see her smile last year because she was sick so it was such a sweet thing to see her smile, especially at me!!! Sarah caught up with me and helped me ask a neighbor what her name was and she said her name is Chade. Pronounced Cha-day. She is just beautiful :-) Sarah wanted to catch up with the rest of the group so we took Chade and her sister Maria with us. I held her for at least 30 minutes-an hour and then Becky said it was time to send the kids home so we could go to a different area of namatala. When I put her down he just grabbed my legs and wouldn't let go so I picked her up and asked Paul to explain that I would be back but we had to go. He took her, explained, and put her down and she did the same thing so he had to give her to her sister Maria. Maria had to carry Chade home crying. It was so sweet! I can't wait to see her tomorrow :-)
After Chade and Maria left us we went a few other places in the village and then went to mama's house for lunch. When we got there we spent some time with the sewing ladies then went inside for lunch. Lunch was very good. We had fried chicken, potatoes, and pineapple. Typical Uganda food :-) very good. Glenn was there, Jared was there, mama Aidah was there...it was fun! After lunch, as we were getting in the van, Paul told me that Flower was home for lunch. I RAN all the way back there yelling Flower and she ran out and we had the sweetest reunion ever! She is still as beautiful as ever and I can't wait to spend some more time with her!
After lunch we went on a hunt for a hoe, nails, and a big stick (I have no clue. dont ask. you never know.) The hoe, nails, and big stick rang up to a totaly of 13,000 shillings. that would be about $6.50. seriously good deal! Then we went to the hotel to get a few things before we went to the school. When we got there the kidswere still in class so we waited in the ichooseyou office for a while. Finally, the kids came running out. We all walked outside and I was searching for Teko Brian when all of the sudden I saw him running at me! He ran straight to me and gave me a huge hug! Then he said "Hi Callie" like he has been practicing with Becky and the first team. He never left my side :-) it was the sweetest thing!!! I also got to see Sandra! She no longer has hair but she is gorgeous! She was also pretty glued to my side. I saw Esther, Jacob and Isaac, Fortunante, Edwin, and a few other kids that I have missed so much this year! It was wonderful :-)
Our last stop of the day before the hotel was Chat N Chino (Glenn's coffee shop.) We stopped in to have smoothies and milkshakes and use the internet. The internet wasnt working when we got there so becky called Glenn and he came and fixed it. We updated facebook, blogs, instagram, etc. and drank our drinks then headed back to the hotel for dinner and free time.
This has been such a great first day in Namatala/Mbale. I am overwhelmed with emotions and overflowing with joy! Friends and Family- I miss you! Hope you will come with me someday. It's amazing here.
Tomorrow we will be gardening I believe and maybe some wound cleaning here and there. Monday and Tuesday will be our medical days so be praying for us! Thanks!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Uganda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm here!!!!! I am in Uganda :-) Praise Jesus! I am so happy! I found "baby girl"!! Her name is Chade! Her sister is Maria. She just let me hug her and kiss her and love her. Paul taught me to say "I love you" to her and I told her over and over! When it was time to go she held onto my skirt and just cried. She did NOT want to leave me :-) I got to see Teko Brian as well! He is so handsome and he has told EVERYONE that I am his sponsor and everyone knows my name because of it! Haha :-) I had the best reunion with Paul, Esther, and FLOWER!!! Sarah, Glenn, Margaret, Sandra, and everyone else are well, and we have seen them quite a bit today. We are currently at Chat N Chino (Glenn's coffee shop) and we are having milkshakes and updating facebook/blogs/etc. The internet at the hotel is not very good this year.
I am so overwhelmed with everything so far. I am so happy to be here and I just don't know what to do with myself!!! I keep forgetting that I will be here for a long time...I don't have to rush to do everything!!! I'm not on my computer right now so I will have to post pictures to facebook from my phone for today. It has been a great day in Namatala! More later.
I am so overwhelmed with everything so far. I am so happy to be here and I just don't know what to do with myself!!! I keep forgetting that I will be here for a long time...I don't have to rush to do everything!!! I'm not on my computer right now so I will have to post pictures to facebook from my phone for today. It has been a great day in Namatala! More later.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Today!
Today! We leave today :-) This will be my very last post from the states! I don't have a whole lot to say except that I am soooooooooooo excited!!!!! I am having major conflicting emotions right now, haha. I am beyond ready and excited to go back to Uganda, but it's still hard to say goodbye to the ones I love here. Family and friends, I'll be home soon enough! Then you will probably have to help me through being here again. Know that I love you and I am so blessed by you in my life! I couldn't do any of this without you! I hope you know that no matter how much I love Uganda, or how long I stay, you will always be missed, loved, and cherished every single moment of every day!
Now lets get going!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Houston, Dubai, and UGANDA here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now lets get going!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Houston, Dubai, and UGANDA here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
5 days! Here we go!
I have been thinking that Tuesday would be my last day of work all week. We just discovered a miscommunication and now I don't work Tuesday. All of the sudden I feel like I'm really about to leave the country! I have so much to do! I feel so unprepared. Haha :-) its a wonderful feeling! Sounds crazy I know but feeling unprepared and rushed makes me realize that I'm leaving in 5 days!!!!! So soon! Last monday when the first team left I fell into an AWFUL funk. After some much needed time in the word and a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness the funk left. Praise God! It wasn't fun. So now I'm on the downhill slope! Going very fast! Praise Him! I have to make sure I have everything. THEN I have to make sure it all fits! This is going to be quite the challenge since people keep asking me to bring something for them, or take something to their child. BUT, I will find a way :-) please pray with me this week! Pray for safety and for God to move in Mbale/Namatala in mighty ways! One of my prayers has been, and still is, that the alcohol problem would be taken away from that village completely. Pray for that with me this week? Thanks! I also hope you will pray with me for our medical clinics, gardens, and the new water well coming soon! Most important of all let's pray for SALVATION in Namatala and Mbale! Let's pray that the Holy Spirit would fall in that place and that every person would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior!!!!!
I can't wait to be here telling you about what our God is doing in Uganda! 5 days :-D Praise Him!
I can't wait to be here telling you about what our God is doing in Uganda! 5 days :-D Praise Him!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
A week and a half!
I just got a picture of Teko Brian from Becky!!!!! He is the most handsome little man I have ever seen. Seriously. It made my heart SO happy to see him in his school uniform smiling, and know that I will be with him soon! I have really been struggling with being here lately. It's not that I don't love my friends and family, I really really do! But I have just been anxious. It's as if the enemy is trying to tell me I'll never get there. But I have news for him...I'm going to get there!!! Jesus is all in this trip and I am SO excited to see what he has in store for us! I have a week and a half left here to love people well before I go and that's exactly what I plan to do :-) The enemy is already defeated, he just doesn't know it yet. Amen!
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