Some of the most beautiful pictures of Jesus that I have seen show him walking with the people he loves, eating with them, talking with them and kneeling in dirt with them. Reaching out to people right where they are at...just as they are. I can visualize him looking right in their eyes and sometimes holding their faces in his hands promising a peace that the world cannot give.
I had the privilege of witnessing a love like this in each of the team members in the last two days. Let me tell you about them...
Beth had the scary experience (one that happens all too often here) of having a hangnail be exposed to bacteria that has turned into an infection. Her finger has swelled up and and turned purple, requiring a trip to a Ugandan Clinic, navigating the world of street pharmacies and antibiotics and having Vicki perform outpatient surgery on the dining room table with her surgical kit, an IV needle and a lot of prayer. I thought Kyle and Todd were going to hyperventilate with excitement...it may show up on Youtube! Please pray for her healing. But, those same hurting hands were the ones that held Mary, Jeanette, Ritah, and Helen's faces as she met her Ugandan daughters for the first time and walked home from school with them to deliver mattresses to the boarding school so they had a place to sleep. Their mother died a couple of weeks ago and the Lord is allowing Beth to come along side them and love them through this difficult time.
Todd and Kyle have been playing soccer with kids like maniacs! It has been awesome to witness. They have played in the heat in barefeet and requiring great amounts of food, water and sleep at the end of the day. Kyle has been inspired by the possibility of designing a chicken coop at the school to provide meat for the students' meals. He even attempted to create a watering system with empty water bottles and IV tubing. He has lifted suitcases, sorted materials, greeted and hugged children and families and met a family in the bush that we helped out with medical assistance and as a result of our help they gave him a tour of their agriculture and gifted the team with avocadoes, jackfruit, papayas, passion fruit and bananas. Todd has laughed his way (and I mean laughed...head back...uncontrollable) into a friendship with our driver, Peter (pronounced Petah). Peter is our protector, transporter and resident comedian. Yesterday, in the bunch of bananas that we received, appeared a friendly little gecko. The gecko climbed out of the bananas, up the car seat and onto Peter's shoulder. Needless to say, after Peter swallowed his tongue and practically drove off the road, we thought we were going to have to perform CPR on Todd who was also riding in the front, witnessed the gecko incident and laughed till he fell out of his seat. Todd spent many moments, today, reliving that event. He has spoken of how impressed he is that the men and women he has met here have shown him, with great impact, that regardless of circumstance...God means good for his people and that we should not miss the opportunities that He sends us. P.S. Laughter does great things for friendship and Todd has a great laugh.
Vicki is a healer and a mama...no matter what culture she is in. She helped orchestrate a clinic visit for a woman named Nakato whom we spoke about in an earlier blog. Nakato was looking very tired when we saw her at church and we wondered if she was anemic. The blood tests revealed that she is very anemic and Vicki helped provide iron, vitamins and good food to help make up the loss. Pain medication provided relief for the pain of severe headaches as the result of her condition. Vicki also met a widow from the Widow's Bakery that has been suffering severe back pain. An x-ray revealed arthritis and Vicki was able to provide pain relievers and Margaret will also get medication to treat her condition.
Monita, known as MO, has undertaken, with great conviction, the task of planning for small business development for women in the bush. She is planning goat soap making, paper making, sewing and craft classes and many, many more. She shows God's kindness and compassion without reservation and she shows genuine love for the children of Bukeeka.
Fountain of Hope has grown, in five years, from 7 students to 700! They have grown by 150 in just one year. We were swarmed at our visit today and were welcomed so warmly. Chapati bread filled with eggs (called Rolleggs) were served to us today and they were warm and delicious! We set up soccer equipment and medicine supplies at the school and we look forward to building health kits tomorrow.
Tynishia is steady and dependable. She loved the children of The Caring Center with a gift of toothbrushes, paste and floss. She's friendly and soft spoken, has an easy laugh and she works so hard. She is an incredible team player and the children respond well to her.
We have been joined by Cassie and Meghan from Fairview, Oklahoma. They are such a fun addition to the team. They fit right in. They will be in Uganda for a month and they'll provide a VBS in Bukeeka along with the rest of the Oklahoma team that will come toward the end of July. We have been given the opportunity to provide a two day HIV testing clinic out at Bukeeka. It will be free to the school and the community. St. Francis is an institution that provides the lab techs and the counselors to provide this service and Next Generation Ministries has offered to support our efforts as well. Many blessings are being brought about because of God's love for His people and we are blessed to be a part of it.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Jinja Town and More
In between feeling amazingly alive and completely exhausted, the following events have taken place...
1. We got to watch Ghana defeat the US in a World Cup game. We Americans were in the minority and when Ghana scored, the room erupted into cheers and jumping! When we scored, we made an attempt to match it...but to no avail...we got a few laughs and some "sorry for your loss" responses. It was a great time and the orange FANTA was cold! AHHHH!
2. Church in Jinja Town was incredible. Beautiful expressions of worship in song and dance. Lots of clapping and encouragement for the leaders. We sang Amazing Grace and it was so moving. The songs with Lugandan words were strong and loud. Preaching and teaching were passionate and the team was welcomed so warmly. You have to move to worship, here.
3. After church we had an opportunity to share in an open house for Paul and Pam Hunter's (our hosts) daughters. They are visiting from the states and they will be returning home this week, so they invited all their friends to visit. We entertained the children with balloons and suckers. We met Bruce and Nakato and three of their children. Nakato has been in the hospital with a serious infection due to a miscarriage and the Lord has allowed us to be involved with helping her with vitamins, iron, and some possible blood tests.
4. We were treated to a dinner out at "Two Friends" and we had tilapia, spare ribs, steak, chicken, potatoes, salad....and more FANTA! It was absolutely incredible!!! Good people, good food, good fun. We also started meeting with the Bukeeka team to get ready for the tournament at Fountain of Hope and began the daunting task of unpacking outreach suitcases. Thank you, Marilyn of Spokane for your amazing packing! We love you! Thank you, Tynishia and Kyle for your great organizational skills and for all your efforts at prepping for the health kits.
In Luke 10:41-42, it reads, "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Mary had been sitting at the feet of Jesus rather than being consumed by the details of the day. This team has been sitting at others' feet looking for and listening to what Jesus has to teach them. They, of course, have had many details to consider as they prepare to host 1,200 children, but God has brought powerful people with powerful stories to tell into their midst and they have responded with grace and attention and patience. They have shown love when people anticipated a response of fear and they have experienced laughter and joy in the middle of poverty and sickness. God is so good. This is not just a statement. It is an embodiment...a way of existing in this crazy, mixed up, unfair world.
5. Monday brought some "out of the box" experiences. Vicki stepped out in faith and rode a boda boda (motorcycle with a driver) to meet Cera from the boy's home and took her to get chest x-rays and a diagnosis, as she has been coughing sometimes with blood for some time now. She has double pneumonia and will require medication, which will be purchased by the team tomorrow. Cera is a survivor of the genocide in Rwanda and we heard her awe inspiring story today. Todd, Becca and Beth took on downtown Jinja to purchase medical/health kit supplies, mattresses, soap, rice, beans, sugar, sheets, towels, and medicines. I've never seen so much Amoxicillin! Sarah Sityo and Paul Hunter were so gracious to help with the shopping so that we got good prices. Sarah's husband, Robert is the executive director of Fountain of Hope School. Kyle, Tynishia, and Monita worked hard to create health kits, teachers bags, and organize t-shirts and soccer equipment for the tournament. In the afternoon we visited Abdu's farm and chicken business and we saw the cows that were purchased by the team that came last year. They are so healthy and thriving and ready to have calves!!!! Yeah...the beginnings of the Fountain of Hope Dairy Farm. Can you believe it, Traci Blank? It is happening! We visited the Widow's Bakery and saw their production of banana bread and pumpkin bread, donuts and cake. They are also beginning a wedding dress business. We gifted them with peelers, measuring cups and spoons and many other things. Abdu has purchased 7 extra acres through the GGI micro-loan program and he has planted some alfalfa. Thank you, St. John's, Benton City! We had chapati tacos tonight with fresh Guacamole! And of course, Fresh Pumpkin and Banana Bread. Weebale Jesu! (Thank you, Jesus) P.S. Becca just killed a cockroach in the bathroom...it was cream-filled...she is recovering in bed, satisfied that she has fulfilled her purpose. BLEECH!
1. We got to watch Ghana defeat the US in a World Cup game. We Americans were in the minority and when Ghana scored, the room erupted into cheers and jumping! When we scored, we made an attempt to match it...but to no avail...we got a few laughs and some "sorry for your loss" responses. It was a great time and the orange FANTA was cold! AHHHH!
2. Church in Jinja Town was incredible. Beautiful expressions of worship in song and dance. Lots of clapping and encouragement for the leaders. We sang Amazing Grace and it was so moving. The songs with Lugandan words were strong and loud. Preaching and teaching were passionate and the team was welcomed so warmly. You have to move to worship, here.
3. After church we had an opportunity to share in an open house for Paul and Pam Hunter's (our hosts) daughters. They are visiting from the states and they will be returning home this week, so they invited all their friends to visit. We entertained the children with balloons and suckers. We met Bruce and Nakato and three of their children. Nakato has been in the hospital with a serious infection due to a miscarriage and the Lord has allowed us to be involved with helping her with vitamins, iron, and some possible blood tests.
4. We were treated to a dinner out at "Two Friends" and we had tilapia, spare ribs, steak, chicken, potatoes, salad....and more FANTA! It was absolutely incredible!!! Good people, good food, good fun. We also started meeting with the Bukeeka team to get ready for the tournament at Fountain of Hope and began the daunting task of unpacking outreach suitcases. Thank you, Marilyn of Spokane for your amazing packing! We love you! Thank you, Tynishia and Kyle for your great organizational skills and for all your efforts at prepping for the health kits.
In Luke 10:41-42, it reads, "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Mary had been sitting at the feet of Jesus rather than being consumed by the details of the day. This team has been sitting at others' feet looking for and listening to what Jesus has to teach them. They, of course, have had many details to consider as they prepare to host 1,200 children, but God has brought powerful people with powerful stories to tell into their midst and they have responded with grace and attention and patience. They have shown love when people anticipated a response of fear and they have experienced laughter and joy in the middle of poverty and sickness. God is so good. This is not just a statement. It is an embodiment...a way of existing in this crazy, mixed up, unfair world.
5. Monday brought some "out of the box" experiences. Vicki stepped out in faith and rode a boda boda (motorcycle with a driver) to meet Cera from the boy's home and took her to get chest x-rays and a diagnosis, as she has been coughing sometimes with blood for some time now. She has double pneumonia and will require medication, which will be purchased by the team tomorrow. Cera is a survivor of the genocide in Rwanda and we heard her awe inspiring story today. Todd, Becca and Beth took on downtown Jinja to purchase medical/health kit supplies, mattresses, soap, rice, beans, sugar, sheets, towels, and medicines. I've never seen so much Amoxicillin! Sarah Sityo and Paul Hunter were so gracious to help with the shopping so that we got good prices. Sarah's husband, Robert is the executive director of Fountain of Hope School. Kyle, Tynishia, and Monita worked hard to create health kits, teachers bags, and organize t-shirts and soccer equipment for the tournament. In the afternoon we visited Abdu's farm and chicken business and we saw the cows that were purchased by the team that came last year. They are so healthy and thriving and ready to have calves!!!! Yeah...the beginnings of the Fountain of Hope Dairy Farm. Can you believe it, Traci Blank? It is happening! We visited the Widow's Bakery and saw their production of banana bread and pumpkin bread, donuts and cake. They are also beginning a wedding dress business. We gifted them with peelers, measuring cups and spoons and many other things. Abdu has purchased 7 extra acres through the GGI micro-loan program and he has planted some alfalfa. Thank you, St. John's, Benton City! We had chapati tacos tonight with fresh Guacamole! And of course, Fresh Pumpkin and Banana Bread. Weebale Jesu! (Thank you, Jesus) P.S. Becca just killed a cockroach in the bathroom...it was cream-filled...she is recovering in bed, satisfied that she has fulfilled her purpose. BLEECH!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Beginning of the Adventure
God is good...all the time! All the time....God is good! What a beautiful country. Papaya trees, avocado trees, jackfruit trees, red clay dirt, burning garbage, and amazing people! We arrived in Jinja at 3:00 am due to a broken fuel pump on our airplanc. We sat on the airplane for 2 hours before they decided to switch planes. But, all turned out well. Paul reminded us that we can make our plans but God is in control. The guesthouse is welcoming and we all have comfortable places to lay our heads. The food...holy moley....fresh pineapple, curry chicken, rice, greens...anyone want seconds? thirds? Todd sit down you can't lick the bowls!!
Today we went to visit Cera at the Caring Center. At the age of 21 she became the mother of 16 street boys. She gave up a visa and a scholarship to university in Chicago so that she could change the face of her country. She is now 23 and the boys are healthy, strong, loving, in school and loyal to their "mama." Kyle and Todd got a taste of soccer on terms of a young Ugandan male raised on kicking a ball into a goal and Todd will fill you in on what happened!
So today the hour or so when we played soccer or football I should say was one thing I will never forget. Their goals are made of wood sticks driven into the ground and the crossbar is held together by nails. Their field is dirt and tall grass and the kids play in their bare feet. Despite all these things the kids were all amazing, their skill and love of the game is indescribable. We played non stop for about one and a half hours and halfway through I was just about dead. During the game the kids were also calling us something we thought was anco but later we found out it was uncle which I think is very honorable because they were referring to us as if we were part of their family. Kyle asked one of the kids if he was tired and he replied NO! Some of the kids were playing in jeans and sweatshirts and I was just about to call it quits in a pair of shorts. But despite being tired the bonding experience shared with these boys made a huge impact on me and how to make the most of what you have.
Today we went to visit Cera at the Caring Center. At the age of 21 she became the mother of 16 street boys. She gave up a visa and a scholarship to university in Chicago so that she could change the face of her country. She is now 23 and the boys are healthy, strong, loving, in school and loyal to their "mama." Kyle and Todd got a taste of soccer on terms of a young Ugandan male raised on kicking a ball into a goal and Todd will fill you in on what happened!
So today the hour or so when we played soccer or football I should say was one thing I will never forget. Their goals are made of wood sticks driven into the ground and the crossbar is held together by nails. Their field is dirt and tall grass and the kids play in their bare feet. Despite all these things the kids were all amazing, their skill and love of the game is indescribable. We played non stop for about one and a half hours and halfway through I was just about dead. During the game the kids were also calling us something we thought was anco but later we found out it was uncle which I think is very honorable because they were referring to us as if we were part of their family. Kyle asked one of the kids if he was tired and he replied NO! Some of the kids were playing in jeans and sweatshirts and I was just about to call it quits in a pair of shorts. But despite being tired the bonding experience shared with these boys made a huge impact on me and how to make the most of what you have.
Friday, June 25, 2010
SAFE!!!
To everyone following our blog! Todd here! Just wanting to let everyone know that we made it to Uganda safe and with all of our bags which is truly a miracle! :) Everyone is super tired cause it has been a long day and a half with all the traveling and changing time zones and layovers but I just wanted to let eveyone know we are safe and sound and th guest house! MASTA FRY OUT!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Spokane Airport
All went well at the Spokane Airport. Flew to Seattle for breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy. A four hour layover is allowing for great people and plane watching. Vicki handed out Gospel bracelets made by Marvin Schmuck. Thank you, Marvin! They are beautiful. We fly to Amsterdam at 1:00 pm. Todd inhaled two meals...he's a growing boy. He needs the fuel as we are using him as our pack-mule! HEHE!
And They're OFF!
We are in the air, somewhere over the Columbia River! Can you believe it?! It seems so incredible to be blogging at 26,000 feet. We checked 19 bags in Spokane...WHEW! Eventually, when we meet up with our other two team members in Amsterdam, we'll have 25 bags. We're loaded with soccer equipment, health kits, uniforms, gifts for sponsored children, bible studies, and don't forget....granola bars! Thank you, Todd Newman for your "tech skills" to help this blog happen...we are grateful. Pray for safe travel...for all the luggage arriving with us...for families at home to be healthy and happy...and that the GOSPEL spills out wherever we go!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
8 Hours and Counting!
Soon we will be leaving Spokane, Portland and Salt Lake City for Entebbe, Uganda! We appreciate all of you for following along on our 14 day journey. Thank you for all of the contributions to the trip and to the people of Uganda. Thanks to Grace Giving International for making it possible to take this life changing trip! We have packed 24 suitcases and will be traveling for 24 hours to get to Uganda...I think there is a pattern here! Please remember us in your prayers. God has brought this amazing experience together and all of you are a part of it! Thank you!
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