Thursday, May 6, 2010
Amazing people!
Where do I start? So many emotions. So much to process. I tried to imagine what it would look like, but that turned out to be truly impossible. I was able to process really dirty and run down and sad because I have been to Mexico on a mission trip before but that wasn't even close. We have all expressed at one time or another that we will never really be able to express so that you all will truly understand. I have to pause for a moment because as I sit here on the back patio of our home there is a big convention or something going on in the church next door and I can hear the most beautiful singing going on in their native tongue, like angels from Heaven. What a blessing on this day. We are having a little set back right now as several members of our team have become ill. Justin is in the clinic on I.V. and will remain there for several more hours. Elicia appears to have some sort of urinary tract infection and is on antibiotics now and doing better. Lashae is starting to get sick so Kathy (Justin's mom) has started her on some things that should clear her up shortly, she is resting right now. Kevin started to get something but it seems to be clearing up as well. Charlie is at the hospital sitting with Justin and the 2 girls and I are hanging out at the house so they can rest. Kevin, Ron and Mark went to Redeemer House to see the kids. Today was suppose to be our swimming day so we will postpone that until everyone heals. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!! Other than that it has been an eye opening experience for all of us.
We come to places like this to offer these people Jesus. And that it what He calls us to. But I can't help but think, after being here for 4 days that we need to take these people to America in droves to show us who He is. They truly know from the depths of their hearts what it means to trust our living God. As they sat in a little "kitchen", this by the way is a little room about 5'by 6' with a dirt floor and only a few boards for walls and preach their hope in Jesus as they cook on a little stove about the size of a camp barbque with coal (can't tell you how hot that little room was) for most of the day to put out a meal for the kids, staff and we visitors all day long. By the way this was at Ssenge the boys home we were at the past three days. And that's not the only time we saw faith like that. These people are amazing. I hesitate to say it but we in America have no idea (including myself) what it truly means to trust Him and love Him in the toughest of tough situation. I know I have never been in that tough of a situation in my whole life. It will be extremely difficult to return home after an experience like this. I don't believe that any of our lives will ever be the same. So please continue to pray for all of us and for the people we come in contact with that God will truly use us in the way He sees fit as we desire to be used by Him in awesome ways. We love and miss you all. By the way, God has answered my prayer to hold back the tears "somewhat". However, calling home and talking to the kids and grandkids was very difficult. Also, the babies home sent me into a very difficult place. But God is good and He restores, praise You Jesus. I am almost out of battery so I need to send this now.
Thank you for all your love and prayers, keep them up please. God Bless, Renee'
We come to places like this to offer these people Jesus. And that it what He calls us to. But I can't help but think, after being here for 4 days that we need to take these people to America in droves to show us who He is. They truly know from the depths of their hearts what it means to trust our living God. As they sat in a little "kitchen", this by the way is a little room about 5'by 6' with a dirt floor and only a few boards for walls and preach their hope in Jesus as they cook on a little stove about the size of a camp barbque with coal (can't tell you how hot that little room was) for most of the day to put out a meal for the kids, staff and we visitors all day long. By the way this was at Ssenge the boys home we were at the past three days. And that's not the only time we saw faith like that. These people are amazing. I hesitate to say it but we in America have no idea (including myself) what it truly means to trust Him and love Him in the toughest of tough situation. I know I have never been in that tough of a situation in my whole life. It will be extremely difficult to return home after an experience like this. I don't believe that any of our lives will ever be the same. So please continue to pray for all of us and for the people we come in contact with that God will truly use us in the way He sees fit as we desire to be used by Him in awesome ways. We love and miss you all. By the way, God has answered my prayer to hold back the tears "somewhat". However, calling home and talking to the kids and grandkids was very difficult. Also, the babies home sent me into a very difficult place. But God is good and He restores, praise You Jesus. I am almost out of battery so I need to send this now.
Thank you for all your love and prayers, keep them up please. God Bless, Renee'
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Especially the little things
Well...where do I start? How do I even begin to describe this place and all the things that we have done and seen and heard and smelled and touched? It's literally impossible. However, I can attempt to rehash some of the most precious moments from today...(to be honest though, they are all AMAZING!)
This morning started out a little before 7am...I woke up and ran downstairs to see the sunrise. But, of course, I missed it again! Elicia and I were up before almost everyone and even got to go pound on the door to wake up the "freaks" (chuck and Justin). Breakfast started later today and Emma (a boy - our driver) was on time (that never happens) despite the rain and thunder.
We headed out to Ssenge first thing today, for the last time. Chuck and Maswaa went to working on the roof right away and powered through all day...whether the trusses fit or not didn't seem to matter to Maswaa. He just wants it "tip it straight" and for Chuck to look at him. But they got them up. (Chuck was praisin' the Lord!)
While the roof was being worked on everyone else reformed a human chain and we tossed the rest of the brick pile on down the line...brick-by-brick. The boys were a great help. They are such hard workers. We also had a few extra hands, some of the guys from the Kampala house came and helped. And we finished the pile before snack time.
After snack/break time there wasn't a whole lot to do...other than finish putting up the trusses on the roof, but only a few guys at a time can do that. So some of the boys went for a drive with Lutiya (the guy who started African Hearts). They love driving around!! Elicia wasn't feeling too hot so she spent the afternoon trying to get some rest and watching the action from the front "patio" and talking to boys as they bustled about.
I had the awesome opportunity of learning how to cook chapate (similar to tortillas, but better!) with Moreen (an absolute saint and the most amazing woman ever). She is a great teacher and is incredibly patient. I am not a good cook, but it was fun to spend time with her and learn something new and Ugandan :)
At one point, once I was done cooking, I went outside and played soccer with some of the boys - they made goals with the safety net from the trampoline (they are so creative and don't waste anything). Of course they are all much better than me and go easy, but I still suck. During our game though, two of the little neighbor girls from the end of the driveway came over and stood by the net. I went and said "hi" to them and they instantly clung to me and wanted me to hold them. I happily lifted one into each arm and walked towards their mother who was at the "house" (it is more like a small storage room made with brick and has a tin roof and plywood door).
She was all smiles and giggles when we arrived. The girls were also grinning from ear-to-ear. Neither the girls or the mom spoke hardly any english, so it was extremely difficult to communicate with them. Fortunately, I did learn the kids names (but I cant pronounce them or even really remember them) and was able to just hang out with them while the mom cooked lunch (jack fruit) in her "kitchen"/3-sided shed. I decided to run back to the house and grab some candy and jewelry for the family. Before I left though the mom graciously gave me one of her jack fruits, I tried to decline but she insisted.
When I returned I gave each kid (there were four - a set of twins 4 yrs old, a 3 yr old and 9 yr old girl) and the mom a necklace or bracelet along with some starburst and other candy "sweets". They LOVED it!! One of the necklaces was a cross that said "Jesus Loves Me" and I told them that. Later I heard the mom tell another girl that the necklace said Jesus. It blessed my heart as she said it with a huge grin (missing a front tooth) and excitement beaming out of her.
This part of the day was by far my favorite. The boys even came and played for awhile, along with several other children from the village. It was blast. I didn't understand them and they didn't understand me but we enjoyed each others company.
Before I left I was playing with the girls and spinning them around, they were cracking up!! It was hilarious. I even set one down and she started spinning herself around. She was laughing, falling and having a bawl. Her mom couldn't stop laughing! It was brillant!
I departed with many hugs and smiles and "thank yous". I walked away with 3 avocados and a filled heart! Moments like these are what I am here for. Trying to show who Jesus is by simply loving those around me. I don't even have to speak the same language because, through Christ, I can speak with my heart and my actions. God can, will and does use anything we give Him. Even candy and pictures (they love having their picture taken!!).
There were several other moments that were gifts from God today but I won't blab on about them too. However, they did include: taking pictures with and of the cooks (making funny faces), jumping on the trampoline with the boys, eating sugar cane and talking about life, running out of gas on the way home and saying some very bittersweet goodbye's. These people hold such a special place in my heart and I am going to miss them terribly. Especially sweet sweet Moreen.
I wish I could better capture the Glory of God shining down on this trip and even through this place. Yes, there are some dark and sad scenes EVERYWHERE and yet I find a great sense of joy here and through the people. The simplest gestures can light up their whole world. It's unimaginable and unexplainable. But I love every moment.
I am thankful, blessed, undeserving and blown-away that I get to serve God in this way. He is doing a big work in me, on my heart and through my team.
Thank you all so much for your powerful prayer, excellent encouragement and staggering support. We love you all!
--Lashae
This morning started out a little before 7am...I woke up and ran downstairs to see the sunrise. But, of course, I missed it again! Elicia and I were up before almost everyone and even got to go pound on the door to wake up the "freaks" (chuck and Justin). Breakfast started later today and Emma (a boy - our driver) was on time (that never happens) despite the rain and thunder.
We headed out to Ssenge first thing today, for the last time. Chuck and Maswaa went to working on the roof right away and powered through all day...whether the trusses fit or not didn't seem to matter to Maswaa. He just wants it "tip it straight" and for Chuck to look at him. But they got them up. (Chuck was praisin' the Lord!)
While the roof was being worked on everyone else reformed a human chain and we tossed the rest of the brick pile on down the line...brick-by-brick. The boys were a great help. They are such hard workers. We also had a few extra hands, some of the guys from the Kampala house came and helped. And we finished the pile before snack time.
After snack/break time there wasn't a whole lot to do...other than finish putting up the trusses on the roof, but only a few guys at a time can do that. So some of the boys went for a drive with Lutiya (the guy who started African Hearts). They love driving around!! Elicia wasn't feeling too hot so she spent the afternoon trying to get some rest and watching the action from the front "patio" and talking to boys as they bustled about.
I had the awesome opportunity of learning how to cook chapate (similar to tortillas, but better!) with Moreen (an absolute saint and the most amazing woman ever). She is a great teacher and is incredibly patient. I am not a good cook, but it was fun to spend time with her and learn something new and Ugandan :)
At one point, once I was done cooking, I went outside and played soccer with some of the boys - they made goals with the safety net from the trampoline (they are so creative and don't waste anything). Of course they are all much better than me and go easy, but I still suck. During our game though, two of the little neighbor girls from the end of the driveway came over and stood by the net. I went and said "hi" to them and they instantly clung to me and wanted me to hold them. I happily lifted one into each arm and walked towards their mother who was at the "house" (it is more like a small storage room made with brick and has a tin roof and plywood door).
She was all smiles and giggles when we arrived. The girls were also grinning from ear-to-ear. Neither the girls or the mom spoke hardly any english, so it was extremely difficult to communicate with them. Fortunately, I did learn the kids names (but I cant pronounce them or even really remember them) and was able to just hang out with them while the mom cooked lunch (jack fruit) in her "kitchen"/3-sided shed. I decided to run back to the house and grab some candy and jewelry for the family. Before I left though the mom graciously gave me one of her jack fruits, I tried to decline but she insisted.
When I returned I gave each kid (there were four - a set of twins 4 yrs old, a 3 yr old and 9 yr old girl) and the mom a necklace or bracelet along with some starburst and other candy "sweets". They LOVED it!! One of the necklaces was a cross that said "Jesus Loves Me" and I told them that. Later I heard the mom tell another girl that the necklace said Jesus. It blessed my heart as she said it with a huge grin (missing a front tooth) and excitement beaming out of her.
This part of the day was by far my favorite. The boys even came and played for awhile, along with several other children from the village. It was blast. I didn't understand them and they didn't understand me but we enjoyed each others company.
Before I left I was playing with the girls and spinning them around, they were cracking up!! It was hilarious. I even set one down and she started spinning herself around. She was laughing, falling and having a bawl. Her mom couldn't stop laughing! It was brillant!
I departed with many hugs and smiles and "thank yous". I walked away with 3 avocados and a filled heart! Moments like these are what I am here for. Trying to show who Jesus is by simply loving those around me. I don't even have to speak the same language because, through Christ, I can speak with my heart and my actions. God can, will and does use anything we give Him. Even candy and pictures (they love having their picture taken!!).
There were several other moments that were gifts from God today but I won't blab on about them too. However, they did include: taking pictures with and of the cooks (making funny faces), jumping on the trampoline with the boys, eating sugar cane and talking about life, running out of gas on the way home and saying some very bittersweet goodbye's. These people hold such a special place in my heart and I am going to miss them terribly. Especially sweet sweet Moreen.
I wish I could better capture the Glory of God shining down on this trip and even through this place. Yes, there are some dark and sad scenes EVERYWHERE and yet I find a great sense of joy here and through the people. The simplest gestures can light up their whole world. It's unimaginable and unexplainable. But I love every moment.
I am thankful, blessed, undeserving and blown-away that I get to serve God in this way. He is doing a big work in me, on my heart and through my team.
Thank you all so much for your powerful prayer, excellent encouragement and staggering support. We love you all!
--Lashae
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day 2!
Thank you all so much for your prayers! The response is so encouraging! In case you haven't seen them yet there are 3 pictures below! It's pretty hard to upload them, so that's why there aren't more.
Today. Wow. What a day! Sadly Lashae and I slept through sunrise again... We're working on it though. Tomorrow maybe? Florence, is the lady who makes us breakfast and she is incredible. We got to eat early and squeezed 10 of us into a SMALL 7 person van and drove almost 10 minutes (out of our 45 minute drive) out to Ssenge African Hearts Boys Home. Chuck spent the day on the roof being told to "tip it straight" by Maswa (talking about nails.. Charlie gets the award for patience for the day). We spent the morning working on a roof, moving bricks, crushing bricks, playing football (soccer), and talking with kids there. During lunch 800 bricks were dropped off by a tipper (dump truck) and we spent about an hour and a half with a line of 15 people tossing bricks from the end of the driveway to the building we're working on. We only moved half of the bricks, but the boys who weren't moving bricks started playing drums and making music on EVERYTHING! There was a congo drum, roof siding, buckets, water barrels, and the concrete siding. It was a great way to work! I have learned a lot about Ugandan time.. Basically people show up when they want and that's when we leave. Our driver was supposed to be back to Ssenge at 3 so we could have a lot of time to play with the kids at Sanyu, but he didn't make it until 4:30. We did make it to Sanyu in time to play though.. This time in a bigger van. Eventually we'll have to upload a video of what the drives are like. The van rides are pretty crazy and impossible to explain. We helped feed the kids at Sanyu and washed them and put them in their cribs before we left tonight. After almost getting stuck in a jam (traffic) we made it back to our guest home. Another great dinner by Florence. Ron was able to lead us in some worship music around the table. Now a few of us our sitting down in the kitchen with our brains fried... Justin has balloon pieces on his toe and is talking to it. Mark had his heart broken when Betsy told him there was no way he could put corn rows in his hair. I'm about to be told an infamous troll story by Chuck. We are all having a good time and are gonna try and get more pictures up. Thank you for your prayers. We love you guys!!
--Elicia
Today. Wow. What a day! Sadly Lashae and I slept through sunrise again... We're working on it though. Tomorrow maybe? Florence, is the lady who makes us breakfast and she is incredible. We got to eat early and squeezed 10 of us into a SMALL 7 person van and drove almost 10 minutes (out of our 45 minute drive) out to Ssenge African Hearts Boys Home. Chuck spent the day on the roof being told to "tip it straight" by Maswa (talking about nails.. Charlie gets the award for patience for the day). We spent the morning working on a roof, moving bricks, crushing bricks, playing football (soccer), and talking with kids there. During lunch 800 bricks were dropped off by a tipper (dump truck) and we spent about an hour and a half with a line of 15 people tossing bricks from the end of the driveway to the building we're working on. We only moved half of the bricks, but the boys who weren't moving bricks started playing drums and making music on EVERYTHING! There was a congo drum, roof siding, buckets, water barrels, and the concrete siding. It was a great way to work! I have learned a lot about Ugandan time.. Basically people show up when they want and that's when we leave. Our driver was supposed to be back to Ssenge at 3 so we could have a lot of time to play with the kids at Sanyu, but he didn't make it until 4:30. We did make it to Sanyu in time to play though.. This time in a bigger van. Eventually we'll have to upload a video of what the drives are like. The van rides are pretty crazy and impossible to explain. We helped feed the kids at Sanyu and washed them and put them in their cribs before we left tonight. After almost getting stuck in a jam (traffic) we made it back to our guest home. Another great dinner by Florence. Ron was able to lead us in some worship music around the table. Now a few of us our sitting down in the kitchen with our brains fried... Justin has balloon pieces on his toe and is talking to it. Mark had his heart broken when Betsy told him there was no way he could put corn rows in his hair. I'm about to be told an infamous troll story by Chuck. We are all having a good time and are gonna try and get more pictures up. Thank you for your prayers. We love you guys!!
--Elicia
Just a few moments captured thus far...
Charlie and Maswa working on the trusses for a new building which will have a kitchen, guest house and storage area.
One of the boys at Ssenge. (African Hearts Boys Home)
Killer view out the back door on day one.
Lake Victoria.
Monday, May 3, 2010
We are here!
13,000 miles, 1,000 pounds of donations, 25 sleepless hours, 9 exhausted people, all here for one purpose... to bring glory to our Lord and Savior. God is Awesome! There is so much to tell already and it's only the first morning. There were a few close calls during our travels, but we are no worse for the wear. I am sitting here this morning just taking in all of it. The view is incredible! I am sure that you will all hear about the sunrise. I think my favorite part so far is to sit and listen to all of the comments. I love to hear peoples reaction to this incredible place for the first time. There are no words to describe everything that is Africa, and so listening to everyone try to describe it is interesting. Day one is upon us so we are off for now...
...Back at the guesthouse and what a day! We started out with the amazing sunrise, then breakfast... tea, bread, hard boiled eggs, pineapple and coffee. Next we were off to exchange money and out to Ssenge village to start on the roof building project. As soon as we cleared the gates of our compound, the cameras were clicking and "look at that" was the saying for the day. So much to see, truly sensory overload. We can't wait to share pictures with you all, but for now we can't download them so you'll just have to imagine. At the boys home in Ssenge we worked (fairly ineffectively I might add) on building rafters out of lumber that looked like spaghetti, not a straight piece to be found. Those who weren't roofing were filling in the floors of the rooms to prepare them for concrete. The shoveling went much better... shoveling is shoveling worldwide. The ladies at the home cooked us a wonderful meal of rice, beans, posho, cabbage, and cowpeas. African food is always good, especially after working in 85+ degree weather with 99.9% humidity... really works up an appetite. After we ate we handed out some of the donations... soap, toothbrushes, games, toys, and most popularly, two soccer balls. There are 12 boys that live there who range in age from 6 to 15 and they are some of the most appreciative, affectionate boys you could meet... especially considering the situations that they came from. All of these boys are from the streets of Kampala. They were brought in out of some of the worst situations imaginable and the love of Jesus Christ that is shown through the workers at the home has transformed their lives. The change in these boys just since I met them last May is incredible.
After we left there, we headed straight to Sanyu Babies Home, the same orphanage that Isaiah came from. I think that it is safe to say that this was the hardest part of the trip so far. Just seeing those kids who have no one to love them like a mom and dad should is heart breaking. We didn't get to spend much time there before we helped put them to bed, but we are planning to go back several more times just to love them.
We wrapped up the evening by filling our bellies with a great meal cooked by our hostess, Florence, and then tried to debrief a bit before bed. "Eye opening", "sensory overload", "unimaginable", and "surreal" were just a few of the words used to describe the trip thus far. Talking, laughing, looking through pictures from the day, journaling, praying, and blogging, we wind down the day trying to get some rest and prepare for another day. "Give us rest, Lord, that we may see your face in those that we see tomorrow, and that they might see you in ours."
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece, He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. -NLT
Trusting Him,
Justin
...Back at the guesthouse and what a day! We started out with the amazing sunrise, then breakfast... tea, bread, hard boiled eggs, pineapple and coffee. Next we were off to exchange money and out to Ssenge village to start on the roof building project. As soon as we cleared the gates of our compound, the cameras were clicking and "look at that" was the saying for the day. So much to see, truly sensory overload. We can't wait to share pictures with you all, but for now we can't download them so you'll just have to imagine. At the boys home in Ssenge we worked (fairly ineffectively I might add) on building rafters out of lumber that looked like spaghetti, not a straight piece to be found. Those who weren't roofing were filling in the floors of the rooms to prepare them for concrete. The shoveling went much better... shoveling is shoveling worldwide. The ladies at the home cooked us a wonderful meal of rice, beans, posho, cabbage, and cowpeas. African food is always good, especially after working in 85+ degree weather with 99.9% humidity... really works up an appetite. After we ate we handed out some of the donations... soap, toothbrushes, games, toys, and most popularly, two soccer balls. There are 12 boys that live there who range in age from 6 to 15 and they are some of the most appreciative, affectionate boys you could meet... especially considering the situations that they came from. All of these boys are from the streets of Kampala. They were brought in out of some of the worst situations imaginable and the love of Jesus Christ that is shown through the workers at the home has transformed their lives. The change in these boys just since I met them last May is incredible.
After we left there, we headed straight to Sanyu Babies Home, the same orphanage that Isaiah came from. I think that it is safe to say that this was the hardest part of the trip so far. Just seeing those kids who have no one to love them like a mom and dad should is heart breaking. We didn't get to spend much time there before we helped put them to bed, but we are planning to go back several more times just to love them.
We wrapped up the evening by filling our bellies with a great meal cooked by our hostess, Florence, and then tried to debrief a bit before bed. "Eye opening", "sensory overload", "unimaginable", and "surreal" were just a few of the words used to describe the trip thus far. Talking, laughing, looking through pictures from the day, journaling, praying, and blogging, we wind down the day trying to get some rest and prepare for another day. "Give us rest, Lord, that we may see your face in those that we see tomorrow, and that they might see you in ours."
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece, He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. -NLT
Trusting Him,
Justin
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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