Bri here, and I would just like to announce that: I'VE DONE IT! I have officially taught basically every child at Faith CHildren's Home how to Play Big Booty! I hear little Angel singing the beginning to it constantly! "Big booty, big booty big boo-ooty! O Yeah! Big Booty..." Haha I love seeing her sassy little face light up when I catch her singing it and I ask her if she wants to play. She can only make it from number 1 to number 2 then she gets this worried look on her face so we just repeat the beginning again about four times and again when she still can't get passed number two, haha!
But anyways...here's what's been goin on with the gang and I :)
On Friday night after we finished laying down the concrete at Faith CHildren's Home we rested up the rest of the day to prepare for the overnight at church. And let me tell ya...I should've actually slept during the day because the night was rough sailing! First Kaly and Natasha blessed us with some inspiring messages and lessons, we even got to act in Natasha's! Then we worshipped on stage with the worship team, dancing and jumping and praising the Lord. We had a guest Pastor from the big city of Kampala come and he went for about 5 HOURS! Towards the end of the event he began to annoint people in the crowds and that's when things got, well-interesting. I guess it's a pretty powerful and common practice for them that when they're deep in praise and the Holy Spirit is abouts, demons are exercised from people and they fall to the ground with fits and tears. The team and I were nothing short of disturbed because we had never seen anything like this before. We were all very confused and unsettled by everything and are definitely in search of advice on how to go about interpreting the night's ending events. And after that finally died down we were asked to sing some worship songs on Natasha's guitar up on stage, of which we were incredulous of how we would be able to do so after what we just witnessed. But we buckled down and got up there in our half-dead, sleep-deprived state and sang our little croaking hearts out for Jesus.
Saturday was our dear sister Kaly's 21st BIRTHDAY! We celebrated by spending the day shopping for presents for family and friends in Jinja! I spent all my money basically on the coolest and most random things I could find for gifts. While we were there some boys had been following us around asking for money. I knew they were probably bad news and pick pocketers but I felt God tuggin at my heart strings, as he enjoys doing more than I would prefer sometimes, so I stopped and gave them some money and watched to make sure they used it to buy food, then I talked to them and got to know their names: Joel, Sam, Jackson, and Shaggy (like from scooby Doo!). The boys were only about 13 and apparently had no money for school fees so they begged on the streets instead. Joel was quite the show off, flashing his dance moves and sporting some orange shades that were missing a lense, saying he was a fighter and was waiting for the rebels from the North to try and make their way to Jinja so he could show them what's what. Something tells me he would be thinking twice about his "fighting skills" if that event ever came to be, which God forbid it does! But the boys were funny little rascals and it was obvious they were only living the only life that was available to them at the moment. But later that night, when we arrived back home, Mama Mercy and the girls surprised Kaly with a delicious homemade carrot cake and we sang "Happy Birthday" and celebrated as a family.
Sunday was church and we partook in Holy Communion, which had been the first time for me in a rather long while. Although I'm not qite sure what the "blood" of Jesus consisted of I'm glad I was able to share that precious tradition with my new family here in Uganda. That night we returned to FCH and broke out the glow sticks for a night of revelry, laughter, songs, and many rounds of Big Booty.
Today when we returned to FCH, it was warm with a cool breeze blowing the big white clouds above us lazily across the sky. I played tic tac toe, and a few other games I don't know the names for in chalk on the veranda with the kids. And then I was getting my hair done like Baby Spice from the Spice Girls when I stopped in my mind and thought of just how peaceful it was to be here, in this single moment of time. With the kids I have grown to adore and the beautiful African sky passing by above me, worship music spilling out of the main hall with the breeze and the smell of campfire coming from the kitchen. I think it suddenly hit me how much I'm going to miss them and how hard it will be to say goodbye.
But I hope it's in God's plans for me to return one day and catch up with all my friends here, but for now I'll be happy to play a few more rounds of Big Booty, even if little Angel can't make it passed number 2 still...
Monday 13 August 2012
Wednesday 8 August 2012
Thankful for Calluses
Hey all!
It's Sonora reporting to you for the first time since the first post. We are here one more week....oh my goodness. Where did all of our time go?? We've been having such a great time here every day. Today, I can truthfully say that I am thankful for calluses. We worked for maybe two or three hours at Faith Children's Home, mixing cement, sand, and rocks together to pave the common area in the FCH compound. We shoveled endlessly, and I wheeled the wheel barrow back and forth countless times, weighed down with sand and rocks and wet cement. But you won't hear any complaints here. It was so great feeling like we were really working hard. We always have a great time speaking at churches and loving on the children at Faith when we go there, but actually doing physical work was wonderful. I felt like we were tangibly serving these amazing people here. And it was also nice to prove the assumption wrong that us "mzungus" don't know what it means to get our hands dirty and build up a few calluses. All the children gathered around, and the older boys who were helping out with cementing, laughed when we first started working. We were told that they thought mzungus (whites) don't get calluses. But, oh! Did we prove them wrong. I watched as they stopped laughing after the first hour or so of work and looked surprised that we were still going strong. We did some hard work, and it was nice showing the children at the home that we are made of tougher things. And it was such a fun time! We laughed and sang and encouraged each other the whole time. We go back tomorrow to finish the paving, and though our muscles may be complaining in the morning, I have no doubt we'll all be excited to do more productive work!
This evening, we went to another church before our usual fellowship at Pastor Hudson's church. It was such an amazing place. If you just walked up to it without the congregation in it, you would not think much of the place. It is such a simple place, set far back off the main road into the countryside. Probably no bigger than your typical living room. But let me tell you, when the church is assembled there and the music is going and the children are laughing, you feel more joy in that place than in the most beautiful building you've ever seen. We arrived before sunset and joined the congregation of no more than twenty people, as they rejoiced at our arrival and the opportunity to meet new sisters of Christ. We sang and danced with them, and the energy that these beautiful people exemplified just made me a witness to the wonder and love of our Creator. The music they made was beautiful, and they did it all in praise to our God. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole service. I spoke there, as well. I gave a message on Matthew 11:28-30, on rest for the weary. I am usually a wreck up in front of churches when I have to speak. I think if I had been given the option of doing something else rather than giving sermons to churches full of people, I would have taken it all too quickly. But I have had to speak, and each time I become nervous before I go up to the front. I worry that I am inadequate and that I won't say what I want to say the way I want to. But tonight, I really prayed and asked that I say not what I need to say, but what I am meant to say by God's grace. And I was the calmest I had ever been, praise be to God. Sitting in a pew before I got in front of the crowd, I felt so at peace...the weather was wonderful, and I heard thunder in the distance off to one side and a cow repeatedly mooing nearby on the other side. If you know me at all, you know that I love an approaching storm, and that cows are so much a part of what I associate with home...so it just seemed so right that I should be speaking right then. Coincidence? Nah. It was wonderful, and there was a moment after I had finished speaking, when Pastor Hudson asked the congregation if they felt like God spoke to them through us (Kati Paye spoke after me) and they all put their hands up. Woah. Praise be to God, and not to us at all, but it just felt like I was really doing something right. So many times I wonder if what I'm saying is even reaching people, or whether what I bring to the front of the church is relative to the lives of people here or not. But today, I felt like God was really using me for a purpose...and it felt GOOD. So yay!
One week. That's seven days. I'm trying not to think about the upcoming conclusion of this amazing and unforgettable chapter of my life, but it's hard not to. I see the faces of the people I have come to love so much every day, and every day I feel like I become even closer to them and love them in a whole new way. And that's not something that you can just turn off because you know you'll have to say goodbye in the near future. But I do dread the day when I see them all for the last time before we get on the plane. The kids here have stolen my heart, and the Suubi family has made me a part of their own. I consider Mama Mercy and Daddy Suubi my parents here, and all their beautiful children and the children at Faith my siblings. Goodbyes are going to suck; plain and simple. But I rest easy in knowing that we were put here for a reason, and these goodbyes won't be forever. I hope so much that I will be back here next summer through Emmaus Road, and maybe for more than that, as well.
We'll be seeing you all real soon (too soon)! This Friday, we are having an "overnight" at the church we attend here, where we will worship and dance and hear wonderful messages from amazing people. All. Night. Long. I'm determined to try and stay through the whole night, but we'll see how that goes! On Saturday, we celebrate Kaly's 21st birthday! And we also spend the day shopping around in Jinja to get gifts and such, and do the tourist thing one last time. Our days are numbered, but I know they will all be filled with more beautiful and unforgettable memories. Just looking back on the time we have spent here already, I feel so incredibly blessed to be here with the people I came with and to have met the people I have met. I have gained so much from this trip and it blows my mind that it has only been three weeks of our lives. Pray for health for us, as we all seem to be reaching that point where sickness comes easily. And pray for us and the people we have come to love, that our goodbyes and transitions go smoothly with minimal tears. We love you all and can't wait to see you soon!
Love,
So-narwhal and the team-team
It's Sonora reporting to you for the first time since the first post. We are here one more week....oh my goodness. Where did all of our time go?? We've been having such a great time here every day. Today, I can truthfully say that I am thankful for calluses. We worked for maybe two or three hours at Faith Children's Home, mixing cement, sand, and rocks together to pave the common area in the FCH compound. We shoveled endlessly, and I wheeled the wheel barrow back and forth countless times, weighed down with sand and rocks and wet cement. But you won't hear any complaints here. It was so great feeling like we were really working hard. We always have a great time speaking at churches and loving on the children at Faith when we go there, but actually doing physical work was wonderful. I felt like we were tangibly serving these amazing people here. And it was also nice to prove the assumption wrong that us "mzungus" don't know what it means to get our hands dirty and build up a few calluses. All the children gathered around, and the older boys who were helping out with cementing, laughed when we first started working. We were told that they thought mzungus (whites) don't get calluses. But, oh! Did we prove them wrong. I watched as they stopped laughing after the first hour or so of work and looked surprised that we were still going strong. We did some hard work, and it was nice showing the children at the home that we are made of tougher things. And it was such a fun time! We laughed and sang and encouraged each other the whole time. We go back tomorrow to finish the paving, and though our muscles may be complaining in the morning, I have no doubt we'll all be excited to do more productive work!
This evening, we went to another church before our usual fellowship at Pastor Hudson's church. It was such an amazing place. If you just walked up to it without the congregation in it, you would not think much of the place. It is such a simple place, set far back off the main road into the countryside. Probably no bigger than your typical living room. But let me tell you, when the church is assembled there and the music is going and the children are laughing, you feel more joy in that place than in the most beautiful building you've ever seen. We arrived before sunset and joined the congregation of no more than twenty people, as they rejoiced at our arrival and the opportunity to meet new sisters of Christ. We sang and danced with them, and the energy that these beautiful people exemplified just made me a witness to the wonder and love of our Creator. The music they made was beautiful, and they did it all in praise to our God. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole service. I spoke there, as well. I gave a message on Matthew 11:28-30, on rest for the weary. I am usually a wreck up in front of churches when I have to speak. I think if I had been given the option of doing something else rather than giving sermons to churches full of people, I would have taken it all too quickly. But I have had to speak, and each time I become nervous before I go up to the front. I worry that I am inadequate and that I won't say what I want to say the way I want to. But tonight, I really prayed and asked that I say not what I need to say, but what I am meant to say by God's grace. And I was the calmest I had ever been, praise be to God. Sitting in a pew before I got in front of the crowd, I felt so at peace...the weather was wonderful, and I heard thunder in the distance off to one side and a cow repeatedly mooing nearby on the other side. If you know me at all, you know that I love an approaching storm, and that cows are so much a part of what I associate with home...so it just seemed so right that I should be speaking right then. Coincidence? Nah. It was wonderful, and there was a moment after I had finished speaking, when Pastor Hudson asked the congregation if they felt like God spoke to them through us (Kati Paye spoke after me) and they all put their hands up. Woah. Praise be to God, and not to us at all, but it just felt like I was really doing something right. So many times I wonder if what I'm saying is even reaching people, or whether what I bring to the front of the church is relative to the lives of people here or not. But today, I felt like God was really using me for a purpose...and it felt GOOD. So yay!
One week. That's seven days. I'm trying not to think about the upcoming conclusion of this amazing and unforgettable chapter of my life, but it's hard not to. I see the faces of the people I have come to love so much every day, and every day I feel like I become even closer to them and love them in a whole new way. And that's not something that you can just turn off because you know you'll have to say goodbye in the near future. But I do dread the day when I see them all for the last time before we get on the plane. The kids here have stolen my heart, and the Suubi family has made me a part of their own. I consider Mama Mercy and Daddy Suubi my parents here, and all their beautiful children and the children at Faith my siblings. Goodbyes are going to suck; plain and simple. But I rest easy in knowing that we were put here for a reason, and these goodbyes won't be forever. I hope so much that I will be back here next summer through Emmaus Road, and maybe for more than that, as well.
We'll be seeing you all real soon (too soon)! This Friday, we are having an "overnight" at the church we attend here, where we will worship and dance and hear wonderful messages from amazing people. All. Night. Long. I'm determined to try and stay through the whole night, but we'll see how that goes! On Saturday, we celebrate Kaly's 21st birthday! And we also spend the day shopping around in Jinja to get gifts and such, and do the tourist thing one last time. Our days are numbered, but I know they will all be filled with more beautiful and unforgettable memories. Just looking back on the time we have spent here already, I feel so incredibly blessed to be here with the people I came with and to have met the people I have met. I have gained so much from this trip and it blows my mind that it has only been three weeks of our lives. Pray for health for us, as we all seem to be reaching that point where sickness comes easily. And pray for us and the people we have come to love, that our goodbyes and transitions go smoothly with minimal tears. We love you all and can't wait to see you soon!
Love,
So-narwhal and the team-team
Tuesday 7 August 2012
Monkey Business
After painting Faith Junior School for four days, the job is finally done! We sang and laughed the whole way through, enjoying the hard work. Once the work was finished, we were able to be reunited at Faith Children's Home (the orphanage). The image of the children running toward us with smiles from ear to ear is something we'll never forget. Our time with them is always special and joyous... I don't know how we'll manage saying goodbye.
Each night we continue to have church fellowship, consisting of worship and two sermons given by a rotation of our "team team". On Sunday Kaly and I spoke at church! We've definitely been learning a lot from the preparation it takes to preach. More extensive time spent in the Word and in prayer has undoubtedly been great for all of us. For me, I know I gain an incredible sense of peace and clarity that can only come from the Lord. But there's also conviction that comes with all these teachings...
On Friday the twins came home from boarding school! There are now 18 people living in this house. Plus all the random people that come to serve and be friends. All I have to say is it's a full house, but never a bore.
Pastor Hudson and his wife Mercy took us to the rainforest yesterday for a wonderful lunch and to see monkeys! It was super refreshing and relaxing to get away for a second and breathe. All of us have felt some sort of sickness the past couple of days, ranging from allergies to migraines to the flu. But by the grace of God we're all feeling much much better and healthy. (Note to all concerned parents: We're fine! It could be far worse).
Everything is still going strong here. Trying to soak in these last 8 days in Africa as best we can. Thank you all for the continued love and prayers!!!
-Kati Paye and "team team"
Each night we continue to have church fellowship, consisting of worship and two sermons given by a rotation of our "team team". On Sunday Kaly and I spoke at church! We've definitely been learning a lot from the preparation it takes to preach. More extensive time spent in the Word and in prayer has undoubtedly been great for all of us. For me, I know I gain an incredible sense of peace and clarity that can only come from the Lord. But there's also conviction that comes with all these teachings...
On Friday the twins came home from boarding school! There are now 18 people living in this house. Plus all the random people that come to serve and be friends. All I have to say is it's a full house, but never a bore.
Pastor Hudson and his wife Mercy took us to the rainforest yesterday for a wonderful lunch and to see monkeys! It was super refreshing and relaxing to get away for a second and breathe. All of us have felt some sort of sickness the past couple of days, ranging from allergies to migraines to the flu. But by the grace of God we're all feeling much much better and healthy. (Note to all concerned parents: We're fine! It could be far worse).
Everything is still going strong here. Trying to soak in these last 8 days in Africa as best we can. Thank you all for the continued love and prayers!!!
-Kati Paye and "team team"
Thursday 2 August 2012
A picture!!!
The internet finally let us upload some pictures! This one is on our African Safari. Team-Team, Momma Mercy, and our driver Mike in front of trusty ol' Filly!
Eyelashes and Boogers
Greetings America!
Yesterday we began working on painting the Faith Junior School. It is the school adjacent to Pastor Suubi's church; it's the school that most children at Faith Children's Home attend. The school used to be housing for the big boys at Faith Children's Home, but last year was turned into a school that Pastor Suubi opened himself for many of the children in the area. The outEven side of the school had already been painted, but our job was to turn the inside classrooms into a work of art... well, sort of. Our job was to make them a beautiful bright blue color, and to rid the walls of all the dirt and scum build up from over the years.
We didn't know quite what to expect when we got there, but the first job was to sand all of the walls of every room. Using just a piece of sand paper and our own two hands, we got to work scrubbing off as much of the dirt on the walls as possible. It was hard work, and not only did we tire easily, but the powder, dust, paint particles and cobwebs covered us by the end of the job. It was a great time to use our hands and get down to some hard work that we haven't done in a while.
At the end of the sanding, KatiPaye said she was thankful for two things: Eyelashes and boogers. They catch everything. Haha... Two things I never thought I would give thanks for, but after the day's work, I most definitely praised God for granting us with eyelashes and boogers.
Even though we worked hard, I still felt inadequate. Many of the older boys from the children's home and even men from the church were there helping us, and it's safe to say they did more work than any of us. I wanted to do my best and work as hard as they did, but I felt weak and helpless next to them. They were so encouraging and helpful to us, as I wish we could have been for them.
By the end of the day we had sanded and painted a first coat in each of the 5 classrooms! Beautifully restored, we are ready to go back today, tomorrow, and the next day to finish the work we started. Bri spoke at church about how God loves when we work hard, and so we will continue to press on for Him, praising and dancing as we work. It's a time to serve others, and we pray to do it joyfully.
Yours truly,
Kaly and the Team-Team
Yesterday we began working on painting the Faith Junior School. It is the school adjacent to Pastor Suubi's church; it's the school that most children at Faith Children's Home attend. The school used to be housing for the big boys at Faith Children's Home, but last year was turned into a school that Pastor Suubi opened himself for many of the children in the area. The outEven side of the school had already been painted, but our job was to turn the inside classrooms into a work of art... well, sort of. Our job was to make them a beautiful bright blue color, and to rid the walls of all the dirt and scum build up from over the years.
We didn't know quite what to expect when we got there, but the first job was to sand all of the walls of every room. Using just a piece of sand paper and our own two hands, we got to work scrubbing off as much of the dirt on the walls as possible. It was hard work, and not only did we tire easily, but the powder, dust, paint particles and cobwebs covered us by the end of the job. It was a great time to use our hands and get down to some hard work that we haven't done in a while.
At the end of the sanding, KatiPaye said she was thankful for two things: Eyelashes and boogers. They catch everything. Haha... Two things I never thought I would give thanks for, but after the day's work, I most definitely praised God for granting us with eyelashes and boogers.
Even though we worked hard, I still felt inadequate. Many of the older boys from the children's home and even men from the church were there helping us, and it's safe to say they did more work than any of us. I wanted to do my best and work as hard as they did, but I felt weak and helpless next to them. They were so encouraging and helpful to us, as I wish we could have been for them.
By the end of the day we had sanded and painted a first coat in each of the 5 classrooms! Beautifully restored, we are ready to go back today, tomorrow, and the next day to finish the work we started. Bri spoke at church about how God loves when we work hard, and so we will continue to press on for Him, praising and dancing as we work. It's a time to serve others, and we pray to do it joyfully.
Yours truly,
Kaly and the Team-Team
Wednesday 1 August 2012
Real Live Animals
WE WENT ON A SAFARI! We took Filmore: our trusty van (nicknamed Filly) and travels hourrrrrs out into the African wilderness. Bumpity bumpity bump we went. We left at 4:30 am and got to the beautiful resort at lunch time. It was right on the Nile river. We scarfed down our food and hurryed to catch the boat ride. We got to see lots of Hippotumus's and Crocadiles. (I clearly haven't practiced spelling my safari animals). Then we saw Murchinson Falls. It was powerful to say the least. Everything has been. It's almost silly to me to even try to explain since everything we got to see with our naked eye has been seen before either in a zoo or in clearly pixelated pictures on Google. But to see it, up close and personal is surreal. When I close my eyes I still see the giraffes in their "Tower" (which is what a herd of them is called... don't quote me on that, the guide could have said Town... it was hard to heard her). It was cool to see how many times we prayed for simple things "In Jesus's name" and boom, the car started, boom, we saw a lioness (Sirabi) and then BOOM, "dear Lord, please can we see Mufasa!" and there he was. walking away from us, so we sped up and then whistled at him. He stopped, turned around and looked at us. Wow. what a mighty face. I couldn't help thinking about how God is described as a Lion and the Lamb. It brought a whole new picture of our Lord to my head. Powerful. Majestic. On His Own Terms. (its very hard to blog here, we are listening to Redeemer make all kinds of baby noises, loudly. Trinity is speaking to himself and playing with his new toy car, all the team is watching "Friends" and I have a hard time thinking without silence. And I'm the one thinking I'd love to have a lot of children... Lord, please change me to be able to love loud commotion.) back to the Safari mini vacation. We got to take out door showers which were amazing. Nothing like bathing with the saphire sky looking down on you with nice cool water. We stayed in clean tents. We ate wonderful food. We bumped around on the road a lot. On the way back Momma Mercy taught us a pluthera of songs, some in English, some in Swahili, some in Lugandan (which is the hardest for me to say/sing). Anyways. thats enough for now. I like to say in the moment. and let others use the computer. God is good... all the time. All the time, God is good!
Amena!
Amena!
Sunday 29 July 2012
Stoaked about Safaris
Today was our second Sunday in Uganda, it is amazing how in twelve days we can go from strangers in a completely new enviroment to friends who arrive at church and immediatly have multiple children calling our names and running into our arms to welcome us.
It has been such a sweet twelve days of learning and bonding. As a team we have all been enjoying getting to know one another better having "team time" and sharing our lives with one another. I feel so incredibly blessed to have these sisters in christ with me on this adventure. Each of us have a unique aspect and perspecive that makes our team stronger and more effective as we minister to the people of Uganda.
This week we have spent a lot of time playing with the Children at Faith and forming relationships with them. It has been so neat to have time to get to know the children individually as we play guitar, sing, dance, blow bubbles, jump rope, kick a soccer ball, and pass out toys and clothes. Our afternoons have been restful as we prepare for the evening services that happen everynight. Everyone has had multiple opportunities getting to speak in front of an audience and we are beginning to get over some of our fears and feelings of inadaquacy as we preach the gospel to the people of God's House of Miracles.
Tomorrow we are going on a real life African Safari! We are so excited we can barely even see straight and I guarentee that the Lion King will be sung (multiple times). We will not be able to connect to internet until Wednesday....so until then Hakuna Matata!
Prayer Requests:
1) Safe Safari
2) Bri really wants to see Giraffes
3) Relationships would continue to grow
4) God would be glorified in all that we do
Love and Blessings,
Megan and the TeamTeam
It has been such a sweet twelve days of learning and bonding. As a team we have all been enjoying getting to know one another better having "team time" and sharing our lives with one another. I feel so incredibly blessed to have these sisters in christ with me on this adventure. Each of us have a unique aspect and perspecive that makes our team stronger and more effective as we minister to the people of Uganda.
This week we have spent a lot of time playing with the Children at Faith and forming relationships with them. It has been so neat to have time to get to know the children individually as we play guitar, sing, dance, blow bubbles, jump rope, kick a soccer ball, and pass out toys and clothes. Our afternoons have been restful as we prepare for the evening services that happen everynight. Everyone has had multiple opportunities getting to speak in front of an audience and we are beginning to get over some of our fears and feelings of inadaquacy as we preach the gospel to the people of God's House of Miracles.
Tomorrow we are going on a real life African Safari! We are so excited we can barely even see straight and I guarentee that the Lion King will be sung (multiple times). We will not be able to connect to internet until Wednesday....so until then Hakuna Matata!
Prayer Requests:
1) Safe Safari
2) Bri really wants to see Giraffes
3) Relationships would continue to grow
4) God would be glorified in all that we do
Love and Blessings,
Megan and the TeamTeam
Friday 27 July 2012
Joy
Kati Paye's turn!
We've now been in Uganda for over a week, and each day is filled with wonder, laughter, questions, challenges, confusion, learning, and above all a peace that can only come from the Lord. Being here has proved to be hard in a lot of ways, but that's where the real growth is found. Each day requires a true surrendering of ourselves... letting God mess with our lives in the best way possible! I think the biggest lesson I've learned so far is finding your identity in Chirst no matter where you are or who you're with.
Our "team team" is simply wonderful and I feel so blessed to have each of these girls here with me. The family is incredible and it's been awesome to witness the way they dedicate every single part of their day to praising God. The simple living is fun! Bucket showers for life.
I've gotten to give 3 messages so far, one to a school and two to the church. It's crazy how the right words just seem to flow into me. Each time I'm at a complete peace and comfort... I love it. The other day we went to a nearby hospital to pray over the patients. There were a lot of people there because of HIV aids, malaria, abuse, miscarriages, and burn victims. As you can imagine it was really hard to be around. They were really receptive to our prayers and presence, but the heaviness of pain and suffering was still overwhelming.In the section I was in, one woman even asked to be saved and have a life with Jesus (praises!)... so I prayed for her salvation!!! It still blows my mind.
Faith Children's Home has been such a joy to be at each day. Building all these relationships with the kids is beyond words. Hearing their stories, playing games, singing and dancing and laughing.. it's just all SO good. They have so much love to give! I've been learning a bit of Lugandan as well-- "kwagalanyo" is I love you so much, "njagallanyo enanansi" is I love pineapple (which we eat with every meal. Praise the Lord.), "embuzi" is goat, "katonda mulungi" is God is so good, and "enjakukuba" is I will beat you. Those are just some of my personal faves.
Please continue to pray for us to find ourselves in Christ each day. For us to be courageus and confident in Him. For safety and health. And for us to keep learning and holding on to this crazy joy.
PS-Make sure to give Papa Paye some birthday love!!!!!! I love you, dad!
We've now been in Uganda for over a week, and each day is filled with wonder, laughter, questions, challenges, confusion, learning, and above all a peace that can only come from the Lord. Being here has proved to be hard in a lot of ways, but that's where the real growth is found. Each day requires a true surrendering of ourselves... letting God mess with our lives in the best way possible! I think the biggest lesson I've learned so far is finding your identity in Chirst no matter where you are or who you're with.
Our "team team" is simply wonderful and I feel so blessed to have each of these girls here with me. The family is incredible and it's been awesome to witness the way they dedicate every single part of their day to praising God. The simple living is fun! Bucket showers for life.
I've gotten to give 3 messages so far, one to a school and two to the church. It's crazy how the right words just seem to flow into me. Each time I'm at a complete peace and comfort... I love it. The other day we went to a nearby hospital to pray over the patients. There were a lot of people there because of HIV aids, malaria, abuse, miscarriages, and burn victims. As you can imagine it was really hard to be around. They were really receptive to our prayers and presence, but the heaviness of pain and suffering was still overwhelming.In the section I was in, one woman even asked to be saved and have a life with Jesus (praises!)... so I prayed for her salvation!!! It still blows my mind.
Faith Children's Home has been such a joy to be at each day. Building all these relationships with the kids is beyond words. Hearing their stories, playing games, singing and dancing and laughing.. it's just all SO good. They have so much love to give! I've been learning a bit of Lugandan as well-- "kwagalanyo" is I love you so much, "njagallanyo enanansi" is I love pineapple (which we eat with every meal. Praise the Lord.), "embuzi" is goat, "katonda mulungi" is God is so good, and "enjakukuba" is I will beat you. Those are just some of my personal faves.
Please continue to pray for us to find ourselves in Christ each day. For us to be courageus and confident in Him. For safety and health. And for us to keep learning and holding on to this crazy joy.
PS-Make sure to give Papa Paye some birthday love!!!!!! I love you, dad!
Tuesday 24 July 2012
You turned my Mourning...
Natasha is now going to speak to you, or try and speak to you my experience here so far. Overwhelming. In every sense. the air smells of a mixture of burning trash smoke, fresh pineapple, freshly rained on red red mud and so many more interesting and new smells. The sky has been a white overcast most days allowing the sun to disperse all over without beating down too harshly. Most days it has poured rain for about 20 minutes, not drizzled, but POURED. the way I've felt God's presence POUR out on me since the minute I stepped into the San Francisco airport. By calling this a mission trip, automatically I feel like I have to be constantly thinking and worshiping the Lord Jesus. Which isn't a bad thing to have to do. Being aware of the Lord of all creation at all times is the best thing for anyone of God's children. But, when I first got here I was nervous and God just told me to weep. Because Jesus wept. So low and behold, as Bri shared her testimony one night, the flood gate of my soul broke open. And I started weeping. I tried to hide it at first, but then God kept telling me to be OPEN. So I was and it allowed me to pray so clearly to our Heavenly Father. Throughout the next few days, God told me he will turn my weeping and sorrow into laughter. If you asked Kaly, last night I laughed so LOUD, so FULL, so BIG. I also told my whole life testimony to the girls and it was so nice to get all my life out there in the open so I didn't feel like I was hiding anything. The more vulnerable you are in any situation, whether it is in front of God or man, always brings blessings. I feel like these girls are my friends now. I feel the peace and comfort only God gives us. I brought my guitar on the trip thinking it would be fun to worship with. I didn't realize how much God would have me play it. If you knew me when I was younger I had the dream to be a famous singer. God is making that come true in such a good way. Everytime we go to a school to preach, Pastor Hudson Suubi (Hope) has us sing a few songs. So yesterday we talked to 4 schools, 8 songs I got to play. In front of hundreds and hundreds of students. The rest of the team was doing dance moves that the kids could follow along to. Describing standing in front of God's beautiful children, singing praise songs to the King of Kings and having them all lift their beautiful hands in unison is POWERFUL. God promises us that if we will humble ourselves, He will raise us up in due time. I feel like I have a purpose. I feel like God had me learn guitar for this very reason, to praise His wonder. The Lord turns our mourning into JOYFUL singing and dancing!
Monday 23 July 2012
"You are welcome" friends and family! Tis Bri, the one and only.
I can't believe we've almost been here for a whole week already! Time has flown by and I have enjoyed every second of it. Walking around we always hear shouts of children saying, "Mzungu! Mzungu!" followed by them running over to play and stare at us. I find it really heart-warming to see how happy and excited they are to see us! The smiles on their faces seem to reach from ear to ear! Today we went to speak to a few schools and when we came out of one we had our own little entourage waiting for us outisde the gates. They played catch with a ball made of trash bags with Sonora and I got into a tickle fight with a couple of the little ones. They're quick little suckers too! Then when we tried to leave one of the kids jumped onto the back bumper of the car and rode it a good six feet before hopping off!
Later today Sarah, Aisha, and Mama Mercy took us to the markets in town. It's very similar to a farmers market but with more animals roaming around. They're were these little fishys that had been dried and Mama Mercy wanted us to eaet them! WHOLE FISHYS! HUNDREDS OF THEM! They were just chillin right there in the basket, all dried up and dead ready for the taking. We diverted her attention to another food group. When we got back from the market we all kinda just chilled out and then the girls and Mercy decided to shouw some of us how to make African tortillas. And while they did we got to here to story of how Mercy and Pastor Hudson met and were married. It was so sweet and amazing to hear of the faith Mercy had with God and how she didn't want to "help" Him but wanted to wait and let God work in his own way.
Being here is nothing like waht I expected....however there are large bugs that like to hover righjt above my head and frogs that sneak into the house sometimes. But I am actually really glad that it's not. I feel like God is breaking down the walls of my expectations in life and allowing me to just take things as they are and appreciate them the way they are meant to be apreciated. Something that I've noticed, and I think we all have, is that although the people here may not have all the luxuries that we do in the states, they have God in such a way that He consumes their whole life. Everyday all day has been worshipping God in one way or another while we've been here. And yeah, I know what you're thinking, "Bri, you're on a missions trip.....DUH!" But seriously no matter who you talk to off the street, they greet you with, "Praise God, how are you?" And this mentality of devoting absolutely every part of your day to God's glory is so new to me.....and I think that's what makes me feel like the outsider here. Not the fact that I have pale skin, or that I'm from America, but the fact that I have been living in a way that has not been honoring God with everything I do all the time. I thought I came here to give and teach, but it turns out God would have me learn and receive.
I can't believe we've almost been here for a whole week already! Time has flown by and I have enjoyed every second of it. Walking around we always hear shouts of children saying, "Mzungu! Mzungu!" followed by them running over to play and stare at us. I find it really heart-warming to see how happy and excited they are to see us! The smiles on their faces seem to reach from ear to ear! Today we went to speak to a few schools and when we came out of one we had our own little entourage waiting for us outisde the gates. They played catch with a ball made of trash bags with Sonora and I got into a tickle fight with a couple of the little ones. They're quick little suckers too! Then when we tried to leave one of the kids jumped onto the back bumper of the car and rode it a good six feet before hopping off!
Later today Sarah, Aisha, and Mama Mercy took us to the markets in town. It's very similar to a farmers market but with more animals roaming around. They're were these little fishys that had been dried and Mama Mercy wanted us to eaet them! WHOLE FISHYS! HUNDREDS OF THEM! They were just chillin right there in the basket, all dried up and dead ready for the taking. We diverted her attention to another food group. When we got back from the market we all kinda just chilled out and then the girls and Mercy decided to shouw some of us how to make African tortillas. And while they did we got to here to story of how Mercy and Pastor Hudson met and were married. It was so sweet and amazing to hear of the faith Mercy had with God and how she didn't want to "help" Him but wanted to wait and let God work in his own way.
Being here is nothing like waht I expected....however there are large bugs that like to hover righjt above my head and frogs that sneak into the house sometimes. But I am actually really glad that it's not. I feel like God is breaking down the walls of my expectations in life and allowing me to just take things as they are and appreciate them the way they are meant to be apreciated. Something that I've noticed, and I think we all have, is that although the people here may not have all the luxuries that we do in the states, they have God in such a way that He consumes their whole life. Everyday all day has been worshipping God in one way or another while we've been here. And yeah, I know what you're thinking, "Bri, you're on a missions trip.....DUH!" But seriously no matter who you talk to off the street, they greet you with, "Praise God, how are you?" And this mentality of devoting absolutely every part of your day to God's glory is so new to me.....and I think that's what makes me feel like the outsider here. Not the fact that I have pale skin, or that I'm from America, but the fact that I have been living in a way that has not been honoring God with everything I do all the time. I thought I came here to give and teach, but it turns out God would have me learn and receive.
Saturday 21 July 2012
By the Grace of God
Good morning America! Kaly speaking. Y'all are just now waking up, whille I'm getting ready to eat dinner! Anywho, I wanted to tell you that we are all safe and wonderful, enjoying the many blessings God is showering down upon us. Including the pouring rain and beautiful lightning! We are still luggage-less, but we recieved good news that hopefully the luggage will arrive tonight! I am amazed at how well the team has handled living on one outfit and our bibles we had in our carry-ons. There has been little complaining and so much joy I can't even express.
Last night we all were able to listen to Bri's testimony. She has such a beautiful soul and God has given her such a unique story to share with all of us and it touched the deepest parts of our hearts. Some of us were led to tears and even weeping because of the grace that God has for us. It was a beautiful time to share with one another and our host family, speaking of how God has and still is and always will affect our lives.
Today we got to tour the city of Jinja and see the source of the Nile river. It was beautiful to get to spend some time in Divine Favor (the name of Hudson's car; quite appropriate) and enjoy the company of our teammates. Uganda is beautiful. Filled with so many treasures and wonders, it is only by the grace of God that we were able to come here!
We send our love and prayer to you at home as well,
Kaly and crew!
Last night we all were able to listen to Bri's testimony. She has such a beautiful soul and God has given her such a unique story to share with all of us and it touched the deepest parts of our hearts. Some of us were led to tears and even weeping because of the grace that God has for us. It was a beautiful time to share with one another and our host family, speaking of how God has and still is and always will affect our lives.
Today we got to tour the city of Jinja and see the source of the Nile river. It was beautiful to get to spend some time in Divine Favor (the name of Hudson's car; quite appropriate) and enjoy the company of our teammates. Uganda is beautiful. Filled with so many treasures and wonders, it is only by the grace of God that we were able to come here!
We send our love and prayer to you at home as well,
Kaly and crew!
Friday 20 July 2012
Arrival.
Hey all!
So today is our second day in Uganda and I feel like we have been here at least a week already! Our journey was quite long, but such a fun adventure. We traveled for over 30 hours, some a little longer if they had to fly into LAX before departing to Istanbul. We flew 12 hours to Istanbul, then 8 more to Entebbe, Uganda where we discovered that we were luggage-less due to the planes being loaded with the wrong luggage. Pastor Hudson and his wife, Mercy, met us at the airport at 6 in the morning and drove us to their home in Lugazi. They welcomed us so lovingly and fully that, no matter how tired we were, we felt so happy to finally be there with them.
We drove two hours or so to get to their home. We watched the sun come up on the way there, and were able to get a taste of what urban Uganda looked like, and what African traffic consisted of. It was a fun experience, and the sun rise was so beautiful! The day consisted of sleeping, eating, sleeping, and going to church that evening. Adjusting to the time difference has been weird, but so far we're managing! At church, we heard Pastor Hudson speak to his congregation while being loved on and hugged by so many of the children. When we walked up to the church, they were all outside, waiting to hold our hands and hug us and play with us. I fell in love instantly. Throughout the sermon, I had a beautiful little girl named Christine in my lap the whole time, playing with my bible and petting my hands and smiling at me. It amazed me how trusting and kind she was, along with so many of these other children. The service was so great; we danced and praised and loved God with these amazing people of faith. I am so excited for a whole month of this :) Last night, we got back to the house we are staying at and had an absolutely amazing meal before sitting together and worshipping and praying. I shared my story with the group, as we have agreed to share a testimony a day. I thought I would start so I could get used to talking in front of groups of people. The night ended well, but we all slept a little weird because our bodies weren't on Ugandan sleep schedule yet.
Today, we woke up, had a snack of pineapple (the best pineapple any of us have ever had!), and went over to the Faith School where all of the kids from the Faith Children's Home go to school, both places being run by Pastor Hudson and Mercy. We joined the beautiful, loving young children for their PE this morning which was a bunch of dancing, singing, and running around with some of the happiest kids I have ever seen. They would fight over being able to hold all of our hands, so we would usually have at least six children hanging on our skirts, hands, and arms at a time. No complaints from me....I think I could do this for a long time. A young girl named Joy was in my arms almost all morning, petting my face and holding my hands, jumping when she wanted to dance. It was a beautiful morning with the kids.
Later in the day, we went to a local high school and joined them in prayer and worship before Kati and Megan shared their testimonies and Scripture with a room full of students. I was blown away by the passion these young people had for God and how happy they were to be praising Him and thanking Him for everything. I have so much to learn.
That has basically been our time here so far! Learning the ways of this beautiful place and building friendships with those around us. I have loved every second of it so far and cannot wait to see what is in store for us while we are here with these amazing people. We are still luggage-less, so we're sort of Bear Grylls-ing with only one outfit and nothing else. But what I love is that we are still remaining optimistic and so happy. Only by God's grace and mercy.
Verse from a song we recently learned from dearest Natasha, and really love:
Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me,
Thank you, Lord, for what you're doing now,
Thank you, Lord, for every little thing in my life,
Thank you, Lord, for oh- you make me sing!
So today is our second day in Uganda and I feel like we have been here at least a week already! Our journey was quite long, but such a fun adventure. We traveled for over 30 hours, some a little longer if they had to fly into LAX before departing to Istanbul. We flew 12 hours to Istanbul, then 8 more to Entebbe, Uganda where we discovered that we were luggage-less due to the planes being loaded with the wrong luggage. Pastor Hudson and his wife, Mercy, met us at the airport at 6 in the morning and drove us to their home in Lugazi. They welcomed us so lovingly and fully that, no matter how tired we were, we felt so happy to finally be there with them.
We drove two hours or so to get to their home. We watched the sun come up on the way there, and were able to get a taste of what urban Uganda looked like, and what African traffic consisted of. It was a fun experience, and the sun rise was so beautiful! The day consisted of sleeping, eating, sleeping, and going to church that evening. Adjusting to the time difference has been weird, but so far we're managing! At church, we heard Pastor Hudson speak to his congregation while being loved on and hugged by so many of the children. When we walked up to the church, they were all outside, waiting to hold our hands and hug us and play with us. I fell in love instantly. Throughout the sermon, I had a beautiful little girl named Christine in my lap the whole time, playing with my bible and petting my hands and smiling at me. It amazed me how trusting and kind she was, along with so many of these other children. The service was so great; we danced and praised and loved God with these amazing people of faith. I am so excited for a whole month of this :) Last night, we got back to the house we are staying at and had an absolutely amazing meal before sitting together and worshipping and praying. I shared my story with the group, as we have agreed to share a testimony a day. I thought I would start so I could get used to talking in front of groups of people. The night ended well, but we all slept a little weird because our bodies weren't on Ugandan sleep schedule yet.
Today, we woke up, had a snack of pineapple (the best pineapple any of us have ever had!), and went over to the Faith School where all of the kids from the Faith Children's Home go to school, both places being run by Pastor Hudson and Mercy. We joined the beautiful, loving young children for their PE this morning which was a bunch of dancing, singing, and running around with some of the happiest kids I have ever seen. They would fight over being able to hold all of our hands, so we would usually have at least six children hanging on our skirts, hands, and arms at a time. No complaints from me....I think I could do this for a long time. A young girl named Joy was in my arms almost all morning, petting my face and holding my hands, jumping when she wanted to dance. It was a beautiful morning with the kids.
Later in the day, we went to a local high school and joined them in prayer and worship before Kati and Megan shared their testimonies and Scripture with a room full of students. I was blown away by the passion these young people had for God and how happy they were to be praising Him and thanking Him for everything. I have so much to learn.
That has basically been our time here so far! Learning the ways of this beautiful place and building friendships with those around us. I have loved every second of it so far and cannot wait to see what is in store for us while we are here with these amazing people. We are still luggage-less, so we're sort of Bear Grylls-ing with only one outfit and nothing else. But what I love is that we are still remaining optimistic and so happy. Only by God's grace and mercy.
Verse from a song we recently learned from dearest Natasha, and really love:
Thank you, Lord, for what you've done for me,
Thank you, Lord, for what you're doing now,
Thank you, Lord, for every little thing in my life,
Thank you, Lord, for oh- you make me sing!
Get to know us.
Family and Friends,
We are going to Uganda! Our mission: to be a witness to His great love. Here is how we got here...
Kaly's Story
I struggled through my first two years at Westmont, wondering if I should really be here and what God might have in store for me. After two rough years I had it in my mind to transfer. I thought I needed a bigger school with more people and the ability to share Jesus with those who didn't know him. What I didn't know was that God had something much better in store for me. After getting rejected from multiple leadership opportunities, off campus programs, and other schools, I wasn't sure what to do. I finally was asked to join the Emmaus Road core team, of which I knew absolutely nothing about. They saw me as a good fit for the team, and with no other options, I decided to join.
Joining the Emmaus Road Core team changed my life. If it wasn't for all the rejections, I would not have made it on the team and I would not have had the opportunity to go to Uganda. I never imagined traveling out of the country. For those of you that know me, I hate travel. I get sick on planes, I am uncomfortable being in between places, and transitions from one place to the next always hit me hard. But here I was, feeling God's calling for me to serve Him in Uganda. I know that this is where He has called me because when I made the decision, I felt overwhelming peace, something that doesn't come easily to me. I know that I am not going to be able to solve the country's problems, and I'm more certain I will be a burden than a help. But God has led me to Uganda; he has a plan, and I have dropped my own to follow Him.
Prayer requests:
-Health: I always seem to get sick when I travel which disables me from loving to my greatest capacity
-Self: I do not wish to make this trip about myself, how much the kids love me, what I get out of the trip. I wish to stay focused on His purpose alone and serving Him in all I do
-Transition: Like I said, transistions are extremely hard for me. The travel alone will be rough but with the culture shock and living with new people may add to my stress, so please pray that I recieve God's peace with this great transition.
Bri's StoryI've been at Westmont for a year now, and like most freshmen in college it was rough. I dealt with a lot of self confidence issues and dramatic changes with my personal life. Westmont is such a wonderful school and although I was struggling I knew I wanted to do something to make life worthwhile again. I specifically chose Westmont for it's missionary opportunities and when I learned that Emmaus Road was taking applications I felt like I needed to sign up. I was hesitant to fill in the application because I was afraid of spending the summer away from my family after such a hard year, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was supposed to do it. So the day before applications were due I filled out the application and turned it in. Everything was sort of a whirlwind from there, I got accepted, got my passport, went to meetings, and prayed....A LOT! However, I wouldn't even be able to have this amazing opportunity if it weren't for the gracious donations and prayers from my family and friends. I am so grateful and blessed to have so much support. I've always, always, ALWAYS wanted to go to Africa (specifically Uganda) on a missions trip and share God's love with the people there, and I guess God gave me that drive for a reason. I hope and pray that we can share and partake in a loving fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ there in a whole new and beautiful way. I'm not a pastor, or a nun, or a monk, or a wizard so I know I can't arrive and magically make everything better, but I hope can make one child smile, make sure at least one person knows that Jesus their Savior and God loves them unconditionally, and show them that love in some small way.
Prayer Requests:
-Health: I've had health issues with my immune system in the past year and obviously I'm not going to a five star resort for a month, so please pray for me that my body will sustain itself and adapt naturally to my new environment.
-Home-sickness: I get home-sick pretty easily, so please pray that I can overcome those sad feelings and that I am able to enjoy this experience and the people who are sharing their love and friendship with me.
I struggled through my first two years at Westmont, wondering if I should really be here and what God might have in store for me. After two rough years I had it in my mind to transfer. I thought I needed a bigger school with more people and the ability to share Jesus with those who didn't know him. What I didn't know was that God had something much better in store for me. After getting rejected from multiple leadership opportunities, off campus programs, and other schools, I wasn't sure what to do. I finally was asked to join the Emmaus Road core team, of which I knew absolutely nothing about. They saw me as a good fit for the team, and with no other options, I decided to join.
Joining the Emmaus Road Core team changed my life. If it wasn't for all the rejections, I would not have made it on the team and I would not have had the opportunity to go to Uganda. I never imagined traveling out of the country. For those of you that know me, I hate travel. I get sick on planes, I am uncomfortable being in between places, and transitions from one place to the next always hit me hard. But here I was, feeling God's calling for me to serve Him in Uganda. I know that this is where He has called me because when I made the decision, I felt overwhelming peace, something that doesn't come easily to me. I know that I am not going to be able to solve the country's problems, and I'm more certain I will be a burden than a help. But God has led me to Uganda; he has a plan, and I have dropped my own to follow Him.
Prayer requests:
-Health: I always seem to get sick when I travel which disables me from loving to my greatest capacity
-Self: I do not wish to make this trip about myself, how much the kids love me, what I get out of the trip. I wish to stay focused on His purpose alone and serving Him in all I do
-Transition: Like I said, transistions are extremely hard for me. The travel alone will be rough but with the culture shock and living with new people may add to my stress, so please pray that I recieve God's peace with this great transition.
Bri's StoryI've been at Westmont for a year now, and like most freshmen in college it was rough. I dealt with a lot of self confidence issues and dramatic changes with my personal life. Westmont is such a wonderful school and although I was struggling I knew I wanted to do something to make life worthwhile again. I specifically chose Westmont for it's missionary opportunities and when I learned that Emmaus Road was taking applications I felt like I needed to sign up. I was hesitant to fill in the application because I was afraid of spending the summer away from my family after such a hard year, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was supposed to do it. So the day before applications were due I filled out the application and turned it in. Everything was sort of a whirlwind from there, I got accepted, got my passport, went to meetings, and prayed....A LOT! However, I wouldn't even be able to have this amazing opportunity if it weren't for the gracious donations and prayers from my family and friends. I am so grateful and blessed to have so much support. I've always, always, ALWAYS wanted to go to Africa (specifically Uganda) on a missions trip and share God's love with the people there, and I guess God gave me that drive for a reason. I hope and pray that we can share and partake in a loving fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ there in a whole new and beautiful way. I'm not a pastor, or a nun, or a monk, or a wizard so I know I can't arrive and magically make everything better, but I hope can make one child smile, make sure at least one person knows that Jesus their Savior and God loves them unconditionally, and show them that love in some small way.
Prayer Requests:
-Health: I've had health issues with my immune system in the past year and obviously I'm not going to a five star resort for a month, so please pray for me that my body will sustain itself and adapt naturally to my new environment.
-Home-sickness: I get home-sick pretty easily, so please pray that I can overcome those sad feelings and that I am able to enjoy this experience and the people who are sharing their love and friendship with me.
Sonora's Story:
Westmont has been one of the most amazing things that has happened in my life so far. I've learned so much about myself, who I am, who I want to be, and what it means to be of this world and also a woman of faith and God. Not coming from a background where this was a taught balance, learning my way through finding what it means to have my own faith while being a student and living a life full of experience has been a trip, to say the least. Because it took me about three years to really understand that my faith encompasses all of it. Everything. There isn't faith along with everything else; it's faith over everything else, embodying everything else. Learning these things and being surrounded by the most amazing, gracious, and God-loving people I have ever met in these last three years had led me to where I am today. Last fall, I went to Europe for the semester and had amazing, life-changing experiences with such a wonderful group of people. I learned fellowship and dependence with that group and will forever be grateful for what a blessing that was in my life. Coming back to Westmont the next semester after that was a difficult transition. I saw so much through my travels, especially when in Israel and Palestine. I saw people who lived with such ambitious and bold faith...no one take offense, but it put the faith we are all familiar with to shame. I felt so challenged when I was abroad; challenged mentally, emotionally, and physically. I learned dependence on God - for, I think, the first time ever - and grasped an understanding for living on faith. Being back at Westmont, being in a comfortable place where I was allowed to be content...it felt so awkward after being away for so long. I had such a restlessness on my heart and I remember being a chapel one morning when lovely Miss Kaly presented a video for Emmaus Road, showing so many amazing clips of things people saw and experienced in places like Uganda, Nepal, Japan, Bolivia, Guatemala, and so many others. And sitting up in the bleachers, watching this video, I felt a pull and an excitement in me that I'd say was pretty Spirit-inspired. Before then, I had never even thought about taking off again on another adventure. But after going to the first meeting of the semester, I think I realized that the decision was already made. I had to go to Uganda.
So here I am! Two days away from embarking on what is surely to be one of the most amazing experiences ever with such a great group of beautiful people. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us. How he is going to break our hearts and reshape us. How we are going to learn how these beautiful people of Uganda love and worship and live on complete and absolute faith. I'm so ready for this crazy adventure! I know without a doubt I am where I need to be and that my life will be changed forever from what is to come, and I welcome it with arms wide open. I'm ready to be a witness and a disciple. But I know that I will be doing far more learning that teaching.
Pray for my group and I, that we continue seeking peace from above in times of stress or discouragement. Pray that we keep our minds on what is important through all this and that we learn to serve as we are needed. Pray that we represent the kingdom with as much grace, kindness and love that we can muster. And please pray for our safety as we travel.
Kati's Story:
I'm here and alive, succeeding and failing in this crazy fallen world. Being at Westmont has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Getting there wasn't easy, and trying to stay there is harder... But God is good, and He will lead me wherever He wants! My heart has always been for the nations and serving the Lord in any way I can. During this first year at Westmont I hadn't planned on leaving for any big trip this summer, but after hearing about Emmaus Road and the incredible opportunities before me, how could I not?? I was willing to go and serve anywhere, but after thinking more about it and my involvement with starting a campus chapter of IJM (International Justice Mission), Uganda called out to me. I can honestly say I've been ready and excited since day 1. I have surrendered it all!!! Day by day until Jesus comes, my friends.
Please pray that the words and messages that the Lord wants us to give are given. That our hearts and the hearts of the people we will be with would continue to be prepared. For us to be courageous and bold. For us to be open to anything and everything the Lord has in store for us, it's His plan not ours. Pray against any spiritual warfare and evil. And for traveling mercies. Thank you so much!
Please pray that the words and messages that the Lord wants us to give are given. That our hearts and the hearts of the people we will be with would continue to be prepared. For us to be courageous and bold. For us to be open to anything and everything the Lord has in store for us, it's His plan not ours. Pray against any spiritual warfare and evil. And for traveling mercies. Thank you so much!
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