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
Sunday 29 July 2012
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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