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Kisses from Katie

I want to be like the Jesus I see in her...

 

Kisses From Katie

And yes. I will be buying the book.

reality check

I have a little time so let me take a minute to give you a little reality check on being in Africa.  Things don’t always go as planned.  As I have previously shared I have been pretty unprepared.  Today I was ready.  Granola Bar in case I got hungry.  Tennis shoes to stay out of the mud because it looks like rain.  Camera batteries charged. Toilet paper roll in my bag just in case the toilet was toilet paperless.  Going to the baby house.  Headed out at 9:15ish.

 

Went to the Loving Hearts Baby home which is here in Gaba.  It is run by the Gaba church with several partners.  They keep orphaned children newborn to 3 years old.  In the past 2 years they have had all the children adopted out thus far but if they make it to 3 years old they go to Bethany Village to start schooling and live in a “family” home there.   I met the office staff and Miriam the director (She was the director of the school right down the street from Gaba-kids in yellow we visited one time while we waited for the women’s ministry booth to open.).  I anticipated holding and playing with babies all morning. Well…..

 

I got the tour with Dorah-one of the workers then met the director and chatted with her.  I told her I would do whatever.  I am willing to assist as needed.  So she said “Maybe you see the babies and do some ironing and washing.” Ok.  Sounds like a plan. 

 

So we walked inside and got the tour.  And she took me outside to iron.  And I ironed baby clothes, towels, washcloths and everything in between.  For 2 ½ hours. 

At first I was just sitting and ironing away.  Contemplating why I was there “Was my reaction not strong enough when I went inside?  I should have said “BABIES. OH MY WORD I WANT TO HOLD THEM ALL. Maybe then I would be inside holding babies. But no….i play it chill and here I am ironing.”  It reminded me of when we went to Mexico and built homes.  The troublemakers, the ones who wouldn’t keep working had to go and “paint the trim” to keep them busy and out of trouble.  So I am thinking….i guess maybe I am painting the trim.  Goofy white person.  She doesn’t seem interested in babies. So we will put her out doing the ironing.

 

On the way here and yesterday I finished up the first section of “Sons of Encouragement”  it is by Francine Rivers and it is a narrative based on different biblical men.  She has some similar books I have read also.  I read about Aaron-as in Aaron and Moses.  And after you read it you always have to go back to the original Bible text and read the story again.  So I have been working on that.  And as much as we think Moses was amazing and things were probably just awe inspiring from leaving Egypt, the ten commandments, burning bushes etc…Francine does a wonderful job pointing out how it really might have been- the days in between. 

 

Those mundane days.  When God told them they would have to wait at the foot of the mountain while Moses went up to met God.  And the days of tedious waiting.  Of the people grumbling and complaining to Aaron.  The day to day rituals for Aaron as they wandered.  To set up the tabernacle and possibly the next day pack it up to move and then have to do it all over again.  And have to mind every detail as God told you or there would be trouble.  Aaron the high priest having to take the sacrifices of his people every day and slaughter them. Animal after animal after animal.

 

And while I am sitting there ironing I’m thinking this is what it is like.  Ministry-a life of service is ironing when needed.  Washing baby clothes.  I said “Whatever would be helpful” and they decided helpful was ironing baby clothes.  Life.

 

A girl named Karen came over to help.  Turns out my big blue tub had a partner.  If I had known that I would have ironed faster.  So I joked with her that maybe I was too slow.  She assured me that wasn’t the case.  So we talked and we ironed.  And I made it through my tub and part of hers.  She got done and I had a few more things and the rain came.  Aww man. I had 2 more things to iron! Job undone.  Guess I will have to go back and make up the difference.  I did learn a lot from Karen-she is from Kenya and is at Kampala International University studying sociology and child development or something along those lines.  She wants to work for a project with children somewhere.  Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda.  She is open to what God calls her to.  She said she’s worked at the baby home for 6 months.  Victor came over an picked fabric balls off some clothes and we all talked.  He is Ugandan and usually does the ironing and washing (mostly in the washing machine- thank goodness). And he does outside cleaning and a bunch of other things.

They did bring the older ones out for bathtime.  Totally cracked me up.  Christine- the worker who continually sings was bathing them.  She would put a baby in the swimming pool splash and splash and laugh.  One of the babies thought it was hilarious.  One of them wasn't too thrilled with bath time in general.  one of them tried to crawl away after his bath.  Cutest things ever. 

 

It rained and rained.  I ate lunch with Mariam.  Rice, Matooke, and sort of a beef stew.  It was good but a little rich.  I had a big ol glass of juice and worried that the food was going to circle back around.  (after my gallbladder surgery sometimes it happens.  I think it is mostly because I don’t each much greasy food…not that this was greasy but it was rich).  I sat and talked with Mariam about life in the US and in Africa and it slowly started circling back around. 

 

Here’s the funny thing- I went to the bathroom earlier in the morning- but it was DARK in there.  When I shut the door there wasn’t much light from the holes at the top of the door. And of course-no flashlight so I had to stand there a minute to adjust to the dark to find the porcelain hole in the floor.  Well…it just stopped raining and I HAD to go.  So they took me to a regular toilet inside a store room in the house.  Thank you Lord for small favors.  But a little problem….the toilet won’t flush.  The tank has no water in it. Soooo no where to turn the water on going in the toilet…so what to do…. Hmm. Bucket over here.  Fill it up in the sink that is working.  Manual flush type thing- pour it in the bowl and it will go down.  Thank you previous Mexico trips to know this is how it goes when the pump goes out and the water is off.

 

Why am I telling you this? I don’t know.  Maybe to just say TIA-This is Africa.  Maybe to say that this trip hasn’t been all fabulous.  I knew it wouldn’t be.  But I think like when we read the Bible “stories” we think of the amazing parts and forget they were people just like us.  In the not “amazing” days it’s mundane. It’s the little things.  It is work.  There is no “easy” road to true discipleship.  The body is called to serve. And while many days it is joyful and crazy and fun…somedays it is joyful in the normal, everyday, mundane things. And sometimes we do things and don't fully understand why..but we are called to obedience.  I found out after Patrick picked me up the reason they iron everything (including underwear and socks) is to disinfect the clothes.  Ohhhh. My 6th trip here and first time anyone has ever told me that.  I was just thinking everyone was being OCD or something.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

I have no clue what tomorrow looks like.  I guess it will be a day o surprise.  I do know that tomorrow night I have to pack up… boo.

 

Oh.  the grasshoppers- I only ate one last night. tasted a lot like a little shrimp.  Pretty good. But it was bed time so I didn't eat more.  Maybe tonight after dinner.  And as Sarah mentioned in her comment yesterday-she gave me a pea lookin thing the other night and warned me that I wouldn't like it.  She said it was a good antioxidant and brings down your cholesterol.  Well...it was terrible.  Tasted like chewing and eating an aspirin or something.  i told her she can keep her pea and I would go with blueberries or something...

was today Tuesday? I slept through it

Today the plan was to go to the hospital for an appt. Sarah had.  We left around 9 and got there around 930.  By 10am I was fighting the worst sleepiness i have had in awhile.  As I read the paper Patrick bought I kept nodding off.  Come to realize this morning when i grabbed my medicine bottle to take my thyroid medicine I grabbed the muscle relaxers I brought.  I have a bad neck and brought them just in case-I have an incredible ability to pull a muscle doing absolutely nothing.  Typically i take a half unless i am planning to go to bed or stay on the couch.  Needless to say-i took a whole one.  The rest of the day was a complete loss. I do remember sitting until 1:30 going to the museum to eat traditional ugandan lunch then back to sit for another hour...TIA.

I did get some street shots as we travelled from Muynuno-the neighborhood in Kampala to the north east side where the hospital is.  I tried to get a picture of the newspaper guy that jogged or chased our van for almost 3.10ths of a mile.  Patrick didn't have his money ready.  So they guy had to catch up because Patrick couldn't stop.  Patrick tipped him as he should have.

Tonight we ate by LED lamplight-power went out again (it was out earlier at the house while we were gone).  And as I reported earlier- word of the week seems to be unprepared.  Forgot my flashlight (first rule of coming to Africa-toilet paper for when there is none, and a flashlight).

Tomorrow I am heading to Buloba.  As much as i cannot wait to be there I kind of dread it.  I feel like a celebrity there-I am treated as such.  And while it can make my head swell up, I often wish I wasn't so highly regarded.  I have simply been a servant to the Lord Almighty and sought to do what He would have me do here in AFrica.  And the honor and praise belongs to Him...not me.

But I cannot wait to see my friends. And my prayer is that the Holy Spirit would remind me of so many names I have forgotten. I cannot wait to give out some sponsor kid gifts and I will go to the Bible College that Gaba has started down the street.  It's going to be a good day. Please pray for me especially tomorrow and Thursday as they will be Buloba days.

And rest assured-the muscle relaxer bottle has been far removed from my bedside table...

Patrick honked relentlessly at this poor guy because he was too slow. ha

For the rich ugandans or the muzungus-golf course downtown.  Regular folks don't play-it just doesnt make sense to spend the money on it

overwhelmed, amazed, frustrated, hopeful, expectant

Had to share from the Oastvalls web page.  The video story of Gwen getting Joseph and Daisy in Jinja.  So sweet so amazing.  But part 2 is what floored me.  Yep, heart overwhelmed out my eyeballs. 

All the kids there in the community.  Unfed and in need.  Makes my heart break that the body of Christ get together to serve those in need in the world.  More than what we are currently doing today. 

I think of a CS Lewis quote I saw on FB via Twitter today from my friend Sarah-

"If we live at the same level of affluence as others who have our level of income, we are probably giving away too little."

And dont send me hate mail.... but I love that Alabama fans can unite for Toomers and so far raised over 11000 dollars last time I checked. To get over the at times ridiculous rivalry. And I understand the significance of the tradition. But for trees.  Part of me smiles.  Part of me wonders- really? Only in America.  It's what makes it great.  It's what makes me frustrated when I think about it too hard.

I just stop to think about how MANYkids that money could feed for how LOOONG in this Ugandan community and other communities across the world....it staggers the mind. 

God's heart for the orphans.  It should speak to our hearts. And stir us to do something...I am hopeful. At the work His people ARE doing.  How we ARE getting on board with God's heart...expectant for more.

Blessings.  Take the time.  Watch. Laugh, smile and probably like me, let it overflow out your eyeballs.

Part 2 shows Katie who I have mentioned. The 20something "girl" with 13 children who now lives in Africa. Amazing.  You'll see their home and all her sweet kids.  Her blog is at the bottom.  Read the most recent post.  You won't be sorry.  See Jesus.  If nothing else, read Katie's blog post I put at the bottom of this post.

And did I mention I am plannin to go to Uganda soon? You wanna come with? Just holla. :)

 

joseph and daisy part 1  

 

coming home part 2

 

Katie's Blog- the journey

 

the best birthday ever

I follow along on quite a few blogs (it's easier with Google Reader- it shows up when they have updated and you don't have to actually GO to the page and see that there has been NOTHING updated in forever!) Anyway.  I wanted to share this- because it made my heart well up and overflow out my eyeballs.

Suzanne has 7 kids- 4 of her own.  3 adopted.  I think I have mentioned or linked to her littlest from Uganda Josie Love.  Her friend Gwen has a bunch of kids too.  And they are all about HIV awareness for these kids living with HIV (Josie Love is) and Adoption.  So Gwen hijacked Suzanne's blog and asked people to donate to help a friend of theirs in Nashville bring home a sweet baby from Uganda.  They needed $9000.  And completely unaware this is what Suzanne got for her birthday.  It is ABSOLUTELY worth the watch. 

the birthday gift

And if you want to add their blogs to your fun please do:

Gwen's Oatsvall Team

Suzanne's- Joining the Journey

 

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

deck the halls

Deck the Halls with fake holly...

We are looking for kind hearted and if you chose to be, crafty folks to donate Christmas wreaths for our residents to have on their doors at Arbor Springs.  We would LOVE to have every door with a wreath on it!

Let me know if you would like to donate and hook them up with some Christmas decor delightfulness. : )

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. 

Family in need

This was in an email from a Cornerstone member about someone she knew in need. If you have any questions just let me know.-

Sheppard and I always knew that one day God would show us a blessing from our fire and be able to help someone else who is going through such a loss. A man called him the other day who did some work for us while we were building. His name is Mark Reap and he works for Jackson Heating and Air. They lost their home last week in Beauregard and it was also a total loss. He is married and has a 4 month old son. I talked with him today and he expressed his needs that I listed below:

Their son is 4 months but wearing 6-9 months so anything 6/9 and bigger for now and throughout the year. His name is Derrick Lamar Reap
They also need baby bed, and anything baby related, baby swing, toys, blankets, pack and play, exersaucer, etc.

Mark wears 38/34 pants, XL shirts, boots size 12 and tennis shoes 12.5
Rachel wears size 12 pants/skirts and L/XL shirts, size 9 shoes

They are going to look for their temporary housing today and he said they will be using most of their content money to build their new house so they will need pretty much everything. If you have anything you are no longer using and want to pass it along just let me know and we can be sure to get it to them.
Linens
dishes,
cookware
silverware
towels
glasses
sippy cups
tupperware

If you would like to send them something you can send it to us and we will get it to them.
Our address is 9660 Society Hill Rd, Auburn,36830

Thanks for being the Body of Christ.

Blessings,
Vickie