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Day 1 Uganda- to market to buy a fat pig.

No we did not buy a fat pig...

I made it to Entebbe airport last night after a long day on a plane. Turns out our plane went to Kigali, Rwanda to let off some folks and pick up new ones. And as we taxied out to the runway they discovered an empty seat with a man’s passport and belongings but no man. Check the latrine, announce his name several times, ask the people around his seat…back to the terminal. Come to find out he moved seats and did not move back as instructed when we landed. So then they had to discover where his passport was with immigration control etc. But we managed to only be 3 minutes late to the airport.Sunset over Uganda- note the other plane in the picture heading on to what I assume would be South Africa since he didn't land in Uganda nor Rwanda and was heading further south. it's the speck to the left of the clouds sticking up.

We went to the Africa Renewal Ministry office to meet everyone and get all the gifts registered. Stop by the Bridge Office- say hello to my sweet friends David and Alfred. I got to hear what has been going on- busy world for them this season. Off to exchange money and go to the market-supermarket and the street market (for lack of a better word). I went with Olive while Patrick stayed with the van. All the pictures I took were shot from my hip basically while I carried my camera. It just takes too long to ask everyone and try to explain that NO I am not going to pay you because you let me take your picture. This market is there Monday and Thursday- well, the market is there daily. But the people parked on the ground aren’t. their goods are brought on a boat from the other side of Lake Victoria. And “the other side” can be far or just a little bit away… clothes and shoes to vegetables. There are even smart little guys walking around selling plastic bags to hold all your goods.

As we left I noticed a couple of little boxes- people live in them. The brick ones are hard to see in my picture because of the smoke. I clarified they were actual homes and took the picture a little late. Amazing. Patrick said I would die before 2 wks was up if I lived in one of them. (I’d probably die before that due to giving up before 2 weeks.) It is astounding.





ARM Building 2011

Lunch at home-delightful “salad” avacado, tomato, cucumber and a bunch of other Ugandan things. Then to the bank. Sat in the car for seriously an hour while Patrick withdrew money…TIA (This is Africa). I met with Irene for a little bit- she is Pastor Peter (Gaba church pastor) wife. Good to see her and how the children have grown! Today has been pretty uneventful. Just settling back into the interesting and sometimes frustrating Ugandan world here.

About to take a 15 minute power nap before dinner. I slept well, but Patrick is meeting with some people so I am going to take the opportunity. Enjoy the pictures.

before I get to Uganda

I thought i would post a list of prayer requests before I actually get on a plane to Uganda.  I sat in the airport in Atlanta right as they were getting ready to board the plane and got a little overwhelmed.  I realized I was alone.  No team. Just me. Going to Africa.  To figure out what God is up to.  In the world. In me.  And I fought back tears.  Grateful that I can go.  A tad scared to not know what is next.  But I guess that can be like any day.  Even at home.  We don't know what today will bring.  But I know that God knows.  And He has his best for me.  So that is enough.

For my bags to arrive- a 20 hr layover...have no idea where they are right now. I just want my big one to get there- it has most of the sponsor kid stuff.  I have gifts for at least 9 kids...I want the love to arrive!

For God's vision.  For what He is doing in Uganda.  How He would want me involved in that.

For my work peeps-for things to not be too crazy without me.  I know it can be a burden on them when I am not there.

For Barbara and Daddy- Barbara's Dad has been in the hospital for weeks with a broken hip and severe complications and hasn't even had his hip repaired yet. 

For my health- for rest in my bones.  Already I feel how out of shape I am! To not have sickness as a distraction.

For my protection- I don't pray for safety much.  It's never a guarantee.  Just ask those Bible guys...Jone, James....But whatever happens for the Lord to be glorified in my response to what may come.

For me to share life giving truth to whomever may need it.  And encouragement to the body of believers. 

For my sweet friends in Uganda- for the current unrest that exists there.

For God's people to think globally.  He blesses us in the states so much.  My desire is that "we" would know how to appropriately use what we have been given. 

To NEVER get motion sick in Uganda.  It is SUCH a distraction.  And to be drugged all the time is terrible.  I lose so much focus! This has been a previous prayer request every time I've gone.  And every time God has answered! Amazing. I get so car sick even in Auburn driving around town sometimes! (well, riding)

I may post again before I board...i got a sweet text this morning and have been awake so I thought I would list this.  I was thinking about the prayers being spoken by my sweet friend and realized I have failed to share specifics like i have always done in the past.

Thank you.  Grateful for each of you. And your intercession for me.

 

family comin to town

It has come to my attention that my some of my Ugandan peeps are coming to town next month.  The Mwangaza Childrens Choir will be here March 27th.  And little Simon from Buloba is in the choir (so I have heard).  Sorry I don't have a picture here of him.  (I don't have a picture in my phone of him!haha)  My friend Julie- his American grandmother will be beside herself.  If you haven't seen them you should.  If you don't live in Auburn, they are coming to cities from TX to NC and up to IL.  So check out the calendar. You will not be disappointed.

Touring Calendar

I need Africa part 2

BooMama  updated her blog today and reminded me that the Mocha Club's explanation of their theme is out.  Below is their video.  LOVE. IT.  Please watch it and be encouraged. (Don't bail out because you feel down about it...it gets good and makes you smile at the end)  For those of you who have been to Africa, you will understand.  For those of you who haven't, I hope you do. 

 

And No, I am not unaware of the needs around us... I remind you to see them as well.  It is often easier to meet those needs than the people half way around the world.  It comes down to willingness and desire.  Either way- in the US, Mexico, or Africa.  As they say in the Nike world...Just do it.  Just do something. 

Deadline for Uganda's May trip is this Sunday sign up here.   Don't miss the opportunity.  Opportunities for Lee County are coming soon too... 

And if you want to buy me a a shirt, feel free.  I would wear it proudly.  Size medium please.

A couple of updates

I have failed you, blog readers!  I have failed to update you on shoeboxes, sponsorships, and a couple of other housekeeping items! 

First up- 

    Because of your generosity we have 262 shoeboxes headed to the Atlanta processing center before heading around the world!  The children in Buloba will be receiving shoeboxes from Operation Christmas Child this year.  I hope to get pictures from them when that happens.  

I hope you included a picture or note...I saw a friend at the drop off last week and she said that her dtr. got a letter from one of the shoeboxes they did last year.  What a treasure.  

Thanks for all the toys, toothpaste, hairbrushes, cars, and love you included in your little wrapped boxes.  With the gospel of Christ presented to these children before they receive their boxes their eternal future can be changed!

Yep, I am going to be shameless...that is my kid.   I loved her since I saw her on the June trip.  And now she is "mine."  I am sponsoring little Resty through  ARM.  If you haven't picked out your child yet, you can this Sunday after either service.  Over in the left corner of the worship space.  And it doesn't have to just be folks from our church...it can be anyone from your work or family... just let me know!  $35 to change the life of a child and that child's family.  Well worth the money.  And keep in mind.  I am currently unemployed...so I understand the sacrifice! But it is SO worth it!!!

We have currently sponsored 113 kids of the 257 that ARM sent us from Buloba.  I encourage you to pray about it and step out in faith if God is calling you to do this.  

I have been so encouraged by seeing your excitement about helping kids you have never even met!  One of my friends was walking around the tables the first morning. I walked over to talk to her and she looked up at me- with tears pouring down her face.  She said "How do you just pick one?"   And the night of Celebration Dinner one of our KidzTown kids had picked out a child and her mom said "She won't stop crying."  Her heart was broken for this kid that lives half way around the world and I think she was so happy to be able to help her... If it wouldn't have been too tacky I would have taken a picture to share.  It was such a picture of the body of Christ...

We sold just short of $3000 of the ladies wares from Buloba.  They will be back for sale in a couple of weeks in the worship space.  All proceeds go into the Buloba fund for the church building and for future microeconomic needs for the ladies (sewing machines hopefully in the future as the ladies get interested in sewing!) 

As soon as I can figure out how to turn pictures in my Mac I will post them of the ladies working.  Funny thing is that they look fine until I upload them and then they are suddenly turned! 

And THANK YOU for signing up for the TigerTown gift wrapping.  I understand there is a waiting list for spots.  Right now we are looking at expanding to the 4-6 times.  I will be in touch with you who are on the waiting list about that soon.  

I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving (if I don't blog before Thursday).  Keep in mind that speaking about what you are thankful for is more powerful than just being thankful in your heart! Let it out! :)  

Below is a video from Brooke Fraser.  She went to Rwanda and promised a child she wouldn't forget them and get the word out... for those of you who have been to Uganda, I think you will understand. 

what do you think?

Would it be better to have a lot of ministries with a few folks involved in each or a few ministries with a lot of folks involved?

I know the question leaves some "if's" out there. Just tell me what you think- cover whatever "if's" you want.

Just trying to be good steward of what I have been given and want to get some thoughts.

a couple of opportunities

I ordered some bracelets from Voice of the Martyrs that say "Pray for China" if you would like to wear one to remind you to pray for the olympics and the opportunities that exist for Christ's name to be further glorified in China. And it is great because even after the Olympics China still needs our prayers. After my visit in December I have a new understanding of the amazing people in the house churches who actually have some freedom and then up north where freedom does not exist... Come by the Information Desk and they will have them.

Operation Christmas Child! They have a processing center in Atlanta! This means you can drive to Atlanta to volunteer in the center where they process shoe boxes. Shifts actually already started. You need to register with them to get a time- call or email 770-777-9342 or occsoutheast@samaritan.org I plan on going if I can get a couple of people together. Well, i may go anyway! I think it would be so fun!

thanks for reading! I would ask a thought provoking question so you feel COMPELLED to comment...but I won't.... comment anyway : )

smashed

So, for the 3 of you who read this...here is some more randomness. In case you wonder why I put this here...I do too. I think I do it so that we can all feel some sort of togetherness in this journey to be more like Jesus. And part of me puts it on here because I am not sure I can call anyone and tell them my random thoughts crazy thoughts. And mostly so that you can see that we are all in process...seeking to be like Him more (some days better than others).

So I have a friend named Ashley. My friend named Mel nicknamed her Smash. It stuck. I still call her Smash. But the title of my blog has nothing to do with her. Just wanted you to know.

This past week I realized I smashed my arm, hand, or fingers at least 7 times. How do I know that? The bruises, cuts, and blood blisters. This morning was the most recent. I was shutting the big door to the dumpster at work this morning and pinched my thumb. Pinched it so hard that I got a huge blood blister. Couple that with the smashing/pinching on my pinky (same hand) from Thursday night I am working on about 3 fingers left on my right hand.
But the title of my blog has nothing to do with my smashed hands and arms. Well, not really.

I started thinking about the blood blister this morning and of course I start drawing analogies/parallels to where I am in my world. I am smashed. I can't explain it other to say that the scripture where Paul describes us as jars of clay brings to my mind "I am a smashed, broken jar, good for nothing today." I know you have had days where you have been tired. Some of you have had days that you are so smashed you can't talk. Yep, been there. I am pretty sure I am there today, will probably be there part of tomorrow too.

I have a friend who reminded me of some simple truths today. To rest, to pray, to journal, amongst other things. Part of me is terrified of it. But deep in me I long for it. To sit? To not get to the to-do list? But I can get some things done and rest later! That is irresponsible! But...

I am ready to be put back together- by Him. By His sweet, gentle, strong hands. I am so smashed all I can do is pray this prayer that I recently rediscovered by Margaret Becker. My friend and I prayed it last week instead of the out loud kind of praying. I am dwelling here:

"Give me eyes to see You, ears to hear You, and a heart to respond to all You reveal to me. Let the things that are important to You become important to me. Let all other things fall away in appropriate measure. Grant me grace when I stumble and veer too far off Your path. Give me mercy when I linger there too long. May this journey leave me more like You at the end than I was at the beginning."

I think I want to dwell in this prayer for a long time. It sums up my heart so much- go ahead and book mark it for that speech someone will make about me when I am with Jesus. : )

As always- comments, ramblings, and thoughts are welcome. Click "comments" and have at it.

A little something

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I have a hard time with the titles to these little blogs...

I wanted to follow up my last blog with an update.  So here goes (randomness ahead, be aware).

Yes, Cornerstone just had Camp Cornerstone (we don't do VBS...it is  way better).  We had little over 200 kids plus some nursery types.  We had a TON of volunteers.  So many I am afraid I won't get them all if I tried to make a list (which I will, just later).  We spent a lot of time, effort, money on the endeavor.  It was fun, it was crazy.  Tonight Brian and his wife got to close on their house.  So the first part of Camp was different.  I ran around and asked the kids what they learned.  And of course they had learned something.  It made me smile that they knew it was about Jesus.  It boils down to that. 

We collected an offering for the Talibe boys in Senegal.  They are basically farmed out to the Muslim clerics to learn the Koran then live on their own.  There are people who love these kids, give them medicines, give them a bath, and spend time with them.  Our kids raised just short of $900 for them.  That is some serious cash.  We showed them a video last night and the kids sat, listened, and watched.  I think they got it.  Sarah and the missions posse did a great job teaching the kids how to give- with nothing in return.  But tonight they were surprised by getting to take home bracelets- that change color in UV.  Like the "Son" changes us, as reminders to tell others.  Hope that they got that too.

The drama peeps were amazing- they had a full out mast with sails for the night Peter walked on the water, a tomb complete with Angel rolling away the stone tonight, blindfolded "blind" kids, and a bunch of quarentined kids one night.  I loved to watch the angel roll away the stone- even though I knew the angel and Jesus...still gave me chills.  Hope the kids remember it for a long time too.

And a shout out to the rec crew, band peeps, and the amazing fun craft peeps.  Lab Crew leaders, floaters, those who kept our stomachs happy, and anyone else.  Hope it was worth your time and energy.  I pray that the Lord would bless you for your investment in our kids if He hasn't already.  Hope you learned something along the way.

So, has it been worth it?  All the crazy attention to detail, stress, prayers, organizing, prayers, prayers of others, crazy props, lights, sound, cornstarch, goo, bubbles, and craziness? Yep.  Because I heard kids say it was about Jesus- yes.  Let's do it again next year....

The ways he uses us

So, I am in the mood to contemplate online and hopefully share logically how I have seen God at work in my life and those around me lately...

Camp Cornerstone is coming next week. Camp is Huge. 200 kids, a ton of volunteers, and a lot of crazy fun and learning. As Children's Minister over the last few weeks part of me is stoked about it, part of me wishes we could just all go in a field, divide up the kids into huge groups- do games, sing, color a picture, make a bracelet, and do a story. 3rd world VBS somehow seems so much simpler- it is, except for the language barrier. I struggle with the time and energy put into things we do in America sometime. My prayer for next week is that all the volunteers and parents next week will see how simple the messages are each night and will talk with their kids during the days nearby about what they learned, what their kids learned, and maybe even walk a little deeper with their kids. And for those who don't have kids- they will see the same thing and walk a little deeper with kids in their circles.

Which brings me to some kids in my circle. I spent the night and today with my step brothers dtr and son. They crack me up (their puppy totally frustrates me though). I loved that Maginnis keeps bringing Jake's little children's bible to me to read stories to her out of it. She picks the stories by the pictures (she is little). Jake pics the stories from the pictures- but likes the ones he hasn't read in awhile. Jake asks me to pray with him before he goes to bed. Love it. And they have a veggie tale CD in the car- really good worship songs with a little veggie flavor. I love that they were singing along in the car today. Kids singing praise to the Lord totally voluntarily. Love it.

This afternoon we made cow costumes out of pillowcases and paper masks to go to Chick Fil A for dinner and they got to eat for free. Jake was stoked- he had horns and was mooing all the way into the store. Maginnis a little tentative but stoked about the playground. And it struck me several times this afternoon- they get to dress up as cows, eat free food, and play on the playground at a restaurant. I continually am amazed that I get to live in a country that these strange occurrences can happen all at the same place.

So here is the God part. No matter how much I long to have my own kids, simplify Camp, or be in a different place than where I am I once again realize- HERE I AM. I am where God wants me today. I am putting myself full tilt into all of it. I am enjoying it. I cannot imagine walking through it and wishing my life away. I see God laughing at the kids mooing, the kids next week singing, playing, making crafts, saying "Aha" and all the other craziness that is fixing to happen.

I guess what I am trying to say is- I want to be where God wants me. I want to be "all in" in that place. Even if it is on the way to somewhere else...I guess we are always headed to somewhere else though aren't we? I guess I want to encourage you to see God in the midst of "everyday." Don't wait for something "huge" to happen to see God. Don't wait for a big voice to hear God. Ask Him to show you where He is during your day and see Him. Problem is as we see Him more in the everywhere we sometimes have to give more, invest more, and love more. Good thing is, He always makes up for that giving, investing, and loving in exponential ways.
Cow costumes and God...hope you understand what I am trying to say, cause it all sounds really weird.

feel free to post your thoughts....