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!