Mzungu Mama: October 2013

Monday, October 28, 2013

On a much lighter note... TIA!!

What? You've never seen 20 chickens tied to the back of a motorcycle?!

The boda umbrella is a fantastic invention!

No clothes, but he made sure to have his red rain boots on!

Playing in Karamoja!

Yes, this is a bridge in need of a bridge. Yes, we did drive over it.

New do! Get it girl.

Priceless.

He loves her more than I do

It's true.

He loves her infinitely more than I do.

Christ's love for my precious baby is higher, wider, deeper, and stronger than any love she will ever receive from anyone else, including me.

When I'm filled with sorrow from watching her suffer through this skin infection she has had for months, I can be assured that He sees and he is grieved by it even more than I am.

When I am saddened by her situation at home I can trust that He sees, He knows, and He is saddened by it even more than I am.

When I have to say goodbye and feel like I cannot do it, I will remember that Jesus loves her infinitely more than I do and that He holds her life in His hands.

I will remember that there is no safer place for her to be and I will hold my hands open and release her willingly.

She was never mine to hold. She has always been His, and He has graciously allowed me to be a part of her life. I will say thank you and pray without ceasing that he comforts, heals, protects, and holds her all the days of her life. I will pray that those days are many and that I am allowed to continue to be a part of them.

I will trust Him.

He loves her more than I do.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:35-39 ESV

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

A few things I want you to know...

I'm coming home in a little less than two weeks! I have been thinking a lot about what it will be like and praying for God to give me a smooth transition back into American life. I have realized in all of this thinking and praying that there is something I want everyone to know before I come home...

I have changed.

It's true. I've changed. I don't think its a bad thing, but it is worth mentioning. I may sound funny at first (oh Ugandan accents haha.) I may be overwhelmed at first. I may cry a lot, or I may not cry at all. I may talk about Uganda way too much, or I may not want to talk about it at all. Certain things will frustrate me and certain things will bring me great comfort and joy. I hope to handle the transition with grace but if I don't, I'm sorry. Thank you for understanding! Thank you for loving me anyways.

Of course there is something else I want you to know too...

I am still the same.

This is also true! I am still me. I still love you! I have missed my family and friends every day that I've been gone. My longing for Uganda has NOTHING to do with my love or a lack thereof for you. I love you just the same or maybe even more than before I left. I greatly appreciate your love and support for me, and I am humbled at the thought of your continued love and support for me along this journey. Thank you!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-6 NIV)

Sunday, October 6, 2013

The rundown in pictures

A friend of mine recently inspired me with her blog post. I have been so busy these days and have neglected my blog. Instead of trying to catch up I think I will steal her idea and just post pictures for you! Hope you enjoy!

The moms and I had a blast getting dressed up and taking pictures. I absolutely love these women!

As some of you may know, I have been taking care of this precious baby girl. Ana is 2 (or 2 1/2) and weighed only 14 lbs. She is growing slowly, but the biggest change I have seen is in her demeanor.

She smiles now! And she plays, laughs, runs, jumps, and is trying to speak in English. I am seriously going to miss my baby girl.

And her big sister! Love my beautiful girls SO much.

We had a wonderful day at the pool with our sweet friends Flower, and Esther. Thanks Flower and Esther for playing with us all day! We had a blast!

Swinging is universal fun!

I've had way too much fun with the ICY kids. Especially during their holiday!

These girls are great friends and they are always coming to visit me! We have TONS of fun.

My favorite little man visits me often as well! Bless him for letting me hug and kiss him :-) Guess that's just what mama's do! (I have become "Mama Teko" because my dad and I sponsor him.)

I am amazed at what God has done in this sweet girls life. The change in her is miraculous, and the change in her mother is encouraging beyond words. Thank you Jesus!

My lovely friend Kyle came to visit me!!! She was such a blessing to me and the moms, and loved our ICY kids so well. I couldn't have asked for more!

Kyle was here during the busiest week of my entire trip, but she was a rock star and helped out in so many ways. She also took on the daunting task of keeping me sane!