We've Been to the Mountaintop

I ended my third week here in Africa by traveling to the largest hospital in Africa on Wednesday and departing for one of the most beautiful places on Thursday, to start my fourth week. The hospital visit on Wednesday was just an easy visit with one of the children. He ended up getting discharged, which is great news! The most intense part about that trip was the transportation. One of the vans is broken here at GSF so Nurse Ruth, Faziri and I took public transport all the way to Kampala. It started off by hoping on Uncle Sam’s boda ( a motorcycle type vehicle) and driving down to Lugalumbo where the fruit and veggies market is. That whole drive is on village roads, meaning there is no pavement. It is just red clay roads with countless potholes, rocks and bumps. We had four people on one boda. If that wasn’t enough excitement already, we then hopped on a public taxi and managed to squeeze in some really tight spaces in between people that were already on there. Taxis don’t just make a straight shot to Kampala....they stop at every town, beeping their horn, trying to get more people on. So, there was a lot of stopping and going. After we got to Kampala we were taken to the taxi park. I am not really sure how to describe the taxi park except for it is a black hole, honestly. Once you are in there....you are in there, for a while. There are taxis and buses crammed in one area right next to each other barely leaving any walking room. Then once you get on your taxi, you are then bombarded with people at your window trying to get you to buy things. After sitting in the taxi park for 40 minutes we finally made are way to Mulago Hospital. We were dropped off at the bottom of the hill and walked, with a two year old, all the way up to the pediatric outpatient ward., which was all the way at the top. Once we got there, the nurse realized who we were, and we saw the doctor immediately. So, all that work and we were there at the hospital for 10 minutes. We then repeated the public transport system all the way back home.

Thursday morning came early as we boarded the GSF bus with all 20 missionaries to head to Mbale. We came to Mbale for a leadership retreat, but I have been calling it “Family Camp.” It seems more appropriate. We stayed at Mount Elgon Hotel, a beautiful place. It was crazy how much I appreciated certain things. We walked in to our rooms and just were so pleased, and happy. We had clean wooden floors, AC units, a white tile bathroom with a promising warm shower that actually had great pressure. There was also even a TV, but we didn’t turn it on once. I think we kind of forgot how to use one. I’m not complaining. Before my stay here in Africa, I would have never been so shocked at having all these great luxuries. I was so excited, I felt so relaxed. I also really realized something...we live in luxury back home in the States, or wherever. If you have consistent electricity, a clean place to shower, a TV, a heating/cooling system, a bed that has sheets on it to lay your head down on....then you live in luxury. I felt guilty. Why had I never been happy to have these things before? I take so much for granted. And I am slowly learning how much that is. I have become so grateful to even have clean, safe water to drink. 

Friday morning we got up at 7 am, headed to eat breakfast and then boarded the bus once again to head up to Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls. Literally, the most beautiful place I have ever been to. The pictures I have posted don’t do it any justice as to how amazing it truly is. God really has created a masterpiece out of His creation. We first stopped at a lodge to hike up to see one of the three falls that make up Sipi Falls. It was a beautiful waterfall with an awesome cave behind it. We explored there a little before heading out to another location. We got to this other location and holy smokes...WHAT A VIEW! You could see over all the land, it just kept going on and on. For eternity! It was so green and so vivid in detail. We got to see the second waterfall from a distance, but then we hiked on over to where we could actually stand at the top of the second waterfall. That was really cool. Our last stop was the most breath taking, literally and figuratively. We got to the next site and hiked up an extremely steep and rocky “trail” to get to the top. By the time we got to the top most of us didn’t have any breath left, but when you saw the view from the top, you really didn’t have any breath left. There are no words to describe to you what we saw. So, here. Just look at the pictures. From this view you can see all three waterfalls that make up Sipi Falls. It truly was an incredible day and the most amazing experience. Africa never ceases to amaze me with its beauty. 

The first picture is at the very top, where we lost all breathe. All of it. The second picture is of the middle waterfall You can see very slightly in the top picture to the left of Maggie's head and up a little ways. The last picture is at the top again overlooking Mbale. 

See what I'm saying?

Today is Saturday and we will be heading back to GSF this afternoon. I am actually really excited. After three days, I really miss the kids. I honestly can’t imaging how it is going to be when I have to leave and go back to America. I don’t even want to think about it. I have about one month here left to go and I plan on taking full advantage of all that is offered to me. Tomorrow I think we are planning on traveling to Jinja to a place called “Two Friends” to watch the Italy vs. Spain Euro 2012 Championship Game. Here, football is a HUGE sport. And no, not american football. Football as in soccer. Everyone gets so in to it and I LOVE IT! I have lots of plans this week traveling to different villages, a hospital, Jinja and just hanging out and working at GSF. It is going to be a fun but busy week. And Wednesday I will be wearing my Americal Flag shirt proudly to celebrate Independence Day!

Well that is all for now! I am going to hop in the pool with everyone and swim before lunch! Hope all is well for you. 

(Side note: Yesterday I had my first American craving...Chick Fil A. It was a difficult time.) 

In His love! 

A Culture Shock Day

It all started Sunday night as I drove home from the fruit and veggies market with one of the missionaries here. She had her two youngest in the back and me up front with her. As we were driving along, she was quick to put on the breaks. I was confused at first, because I didn’t see anything, but I knew something had to be up. I looked to my right and there she was. A lady so unaware of her surroundings, that she was passed out in the middle of the road. Literally, sound to sleep. There were other villagers around, but none seem phased by her, not even a slight bit.

My next encounter began yesterday afternoon, but I wasn’t fully aware of the situation until today. A young boy was sent to see us in house 2, the toddler house, yesterday afternoon during nap time. The man who dropped him off only spoke Luganda so I had no idea what was going on and the young boy didn’t say a word. All I knew was he had a rather large, rough looking open wound on his scalp. I didn’t think much of it because I didn’t know what was being said. He remained to stay in house 2 for a long time after being treated. Later on when the kids woke up, he left. But he didn’t really leave. We saw him later on down by the clinic just sitting there, alone. That is the last place I saw him, until this morning. Upon opening the clinic early this morning, I saw the young boy peak around the corner and give me a smile. He was wearing a hat this time. I instantly recognized him. I walked up to him and greeted him with a handshake and smile. I then proceeded to remove his hat. I looked at the back of his head, and there was the gash, again. It was uncovered and looked just as fresh as the day before. I became curious, and very worried. It was just this feeling that came over me that made me feel sick almost. I couldn’t even describe it, but I knew something was not right. I walked him to the clinic door and sat him on the bench while another patient was being taken care of. That is when I decided to ask what had happened. I asked two other ladies who I work with what had happened. In the most casual way they told me the boy was hit on the back of his head with a stick that had a nail on it...by his father. How could they say this so casually?! Here in Uganda, if there are any laws, they are very loosely followed. Since the boy belongs to a man who worked here, and was not a student or a boy who lived here, there was not anything we could do. It is being investigated, though. In America and in the UK, if this were to happen, the boy would be taken from his family right away. Not here, nothing really can be done. But I am still struggling with the frustration and just hurt feelings. Why is God doing this? Why is He letting me see all this so suddenly? 

Then while I was about to head out to Jinja, a baby was brought to GSF by her 16 year old mother. This young girl lives with her Jaja in a nearby village with her 9 month old daugher, Leticia. Keep in mind that she is 9 months old. When they came to get the key from us to the clinic to retrieve the scale, I was eager to find out her weight. I received the report later on...she weighs 7 pounds. 7 pounds at the age of 9 months. A baby so tiny, so malnourished. One of the missionary girls here told me that she held her and it was like holding a bundle of bones. But we have to trust that the right thing will come out of this situation and that God has carried this baby through 9 months already, He will continue to carry her. 

Trust. Trust. Trust. I have to keep repeating that over and over. Trust God. He will make all things work the way He wants them to. It is still so hard. So frustrating. So heartbreaking. I just can’t understand it sometimes. I am so young, but being so exposed to the culture. It is so draining and so exhausting, but I know I am here for a reason and I am supposed to witness all that I have. He has my plan written out exactly the way He wants it. I must trust. I must trust that He has a plan for all these kids and all these people of Uganda. He knows. He promises. He reigns. He is sovereign over all. He is always right. He is always good. He makes all things better. So I must trust always. We must trust always. My one word for Africa; Trust. I ask for you to pray for these kids and these people I have witnessed. Pray for all the others that go unseen. Pray for safety and comfort. Pray for those involved in the investigations. Pray for me that I will fully trust God. 


I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14


You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3-4


We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Be Strong and Courageous

I am now on my third week here in Africa! I figured it was time for an update. The past 3-4 days we have not had internet so it has been challenging keeping in touch with people, but honestly, it has been nice. Mom and Dad, I am alive! It is a refresher to not constantly have to check email, or facebook, and especially my phone. Since my birthday, a lot has happened. There have been several challenges, but the praises have continuously outnumbered all the challenges. Since you last heard from me I have been to the seizure clinic in Jinja, participated in my first feeding program at the GSF clinic, sponged a girl with a 104 fever due to malaria, traveled to Kampala to another clinic, experienced African Children’s Day, brought breakfast to one of the missionaries turning 40 all dressed in black with everyone else, traveled to Nyenga to have one incredible African lunch at one of our friend’s houses, watched a very powerful movie called Courageous, and distributed ringworm medicine to 15 different cases. That is a normal week for me here in Africa! There is absolutely no telling what each day will bring and I love that. My days are filled with abundant love, laughter, little hands, barefoot soccer games, monkeys, Daisy the strange donkey who rolls down hills, wonderful learning experiences, beautiful smiles, feet covered in red dirt (always, no matter how many times you wash them), bumpy drives through villages, dance parties at our house, views of vivid green fields, very random power outages, showering with lanterns, sleeping with bats, hearing the hunters mimic animals in the forest during quiet times, massive African meals, and wonderful fellowship. All of that happens, regularly, this is Africa. I will never forget this summer. I am actually worried about coming back to America because I will have to be on time to places and I won’t be able to just walk in to the toddler house to get some love. I am considering borrowing a child, or two, from the church nursery just to have a lap buddy during church when I get home. You don’t walk to church alone here in Africa, ever. You will have two to three, even four, kids hanging on you or holding your hand. Then they wrap themselves around you during worship. It is awesome. Every kid here just wants to be held or just loved. The thing is, it is not just you giving all the love...these kids will drench you in love. Today as the toddlers got out of school, I was walking down the red dirt road back to the clinic. I saw Paul off in the distance and he beamed a smile at me. I lowered down to his level as he proceeded to run at me and jump into my arms, giving me the biggest hug. That truly is the best feeling. That is unconditional love. Needless to say, I am falling more in love (if that is even possible) with these kids every day. 

Seeing Paul today was such a humbling experience, but I got to experience an even more powerful encounter today. Many of you know my mom. If you don’t, well, there isn’t a great enough word to describe her. She has the heart of an angel. She is the woman I look up to daily, hoping to be even half the woman she is some day. My mom has truly showed me how to be a woman of God, how to always love, encourage and stay faithful. I could not be more proud or blessed to have her. My mom sponsors twin girls here in Uganda. They attend GSF school but live in a nearby village with their Jaja (grandmother). I went to meet with the school matron today, Jane, to find out a time when I can meet these girls so that I can give them gifts my mother sent with me. When I told Jane, she at first didn’t know who I was talking about. All of the sudden, she literally jumps out of her chair, throws her arms up, and shouts “OH DIANA!” She then proceeded to move around her desk and give me a big hug saying how it was such a privilege to meet Diana’s daughter. She told me the whole story of how my mom began to sponsor these girls. She remembered my mom so well, and even said, “your mom is such a good woman.” As we walked out of Jane’s office, Nurse Katie turned to me and said, “I wish we could have video taped that.” I am brought to tears, yet again, just by typing this story for you. My mom was only here for 10 days, but in those 10 days she impacted so many lives. To have people constantly come to me asking if I am Dianne’s daughter is the best feeling. One of the house moms, Auntie Marjorie, asked every single intern if they were Dianne’s daughter. So when I finally got the chance to meet her, she had a huge smile on her face and gave me the most comforting hug. So mom, you are truly missed here and loved by so many. I wish you could be here. I am so glad to have you as my mother. 

Last night, the interns and I gathered around my computer to watch a movie called Courageous. If you have not seen it, you really should. It isn’t an easy movie to watch, but it is incredible and beyond powerful. The movie focuses on five different dads who come together and are good friends. The reason we watched this movie was because Uncle Mark had shown it here about a week ago to the whole GSF staff. Before that, he had showed it to other fathers. Here in Uganda, many children are fatherless. I wrote about this in an earlier blog. The father role is not something that is valued or has a big part in the family life here. Many fathers leave their children and wives to go work or just by choice. Showing this video to men of Uganda, now that is bold. I wish I was there to watch it with them but I was on a hospital visit. I have typed up a quote from the movie that I want you to all read. It is when the men signed a resolution to always promise to be a Godly father. Here is what is said, “ Take full responsibility for myself, my wife and children. I will love them. protect them and serve them. And teach them the statues of God as the spiritual leader of my home. I will be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her, as Christ did for me. I will teach my son to love God with all of his heart, all of his mind and all of his strength. I will train him to honor authority and to live responsibly. I will confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy. I will treat others with kindness, respect and compassion. I will work diligently to provide for the needs of my family. I will forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those who I have wronged. I will walk in integrity as a man answerable to God. I will seek to honor God, obey His word, and do His will. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Children need a father. They need that authority and security. They need someone to provide for them, teach them to love God, and somebody to love them, unconditionally as God loves us. It is so hard to see kids, not just here but all over, live without a father. How can one trust in a Heavenly Father if they are abandoned by their earthly one? We need an earthly father to represent the character of God, our Heavenly Father. Being a father takes a lot courage, but we need that strength from our dads so that they can leave a Godly legacy for us to continue on. And for those fathers out there who know other kids without fathers, this is an opportunity to be a mentor. They need love. They need direction. I love my father, he is a great man who represents the character of our God in Heaven. I am so thankful for all you dads out there. You are looked up to more than you will ever realize. Leave a Godly legacy and thank you for being courageous! 

Every day, God is removing more and more of me. In turn, He is replacing it with Himself. It is something hard to do. I can be extremely prideful at times. But the way God is tearing down my walls, my past, my masks is a very awesome experience. He makes all things work together for my good. I am learning to fully rely on Him. He has my heart and I must trust Him with all He is doing. Even if it breaks me, the outcome will be so much better than I can imagine. I need to step back, take myself out of the situation and let Him step in and take over completely. So with that, I ask you to keep praying for me. Pray that I realize more and more every day that it is not about me. It is about Him and all He is doing through my life. 

With that, I have several prayer requests. Pray for us interns, that we may constantly realize we are adequate for this job and He picked us for a reason. Also, please pray that we get the rest we need and remain calm in His peace. Pray for the missionary families here as they have given up their lives for Him and work everyday to do His will. Pray for rest for them, comfort in His love, and knowledge of how grateful we are for them. Pray for Nurse Katie as she enters her last week here in Uganda at GSF. She has been here for a year and everyone is truly sad to see her leave. Pray that she finishes off her time here with great memories and a feeling of content! Pray for a handful of kids here that are dealing with learning and discipline issues. Pray that the people in charge are given His wisdom to do what needs to be done and love to do it in a Godly way. Also please pray for one of the aunties here that lost three close, young boys in a house fire last week. Pray for GSF as a whole, that we continue to live out His will and overflow with His love. Pray for the country of Uganda, for all those who are sick or do not know the Lord.

I hope you all are doing well! Thank you again for all your time and prayers. You have no idea how grateful I am for each one of you. 

“You fill my cup to overflowing. Surely Your goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:5-6

With an abundance of love from me and all the kids here! 

He Keeps Me From Stumbling

It has been 11 days since I have arrived in Uganda and it has been a roller-coaster of emotions and activity. I think it has officially sunk in that I am not here for just a two week mission trip, but instead, I am here for two months. The whole “honeymoon” stage is quickly coming to an end and we are becoming more immersed into our internships. It really has been such a blessing. I have seen more things than I have ever imagined I would and I am quickly learning how the Ugandan medical care system works. There are times where I don’t understand much though. I have had quite a struggle being able to concept certain things and understand why God would let that happen. It has been hard coming back to our house some nights not having a mom or dad to debrief to or even my best friend. The relationships between the interns are quickly growing though which is awesome. We are becoming more open in showing our emotions and just sharing our days. The other morning one of the interns sent me such a simple, but day changing text. All she said was, “Praying for your day today! Hope you experience God’s joy. See you tonight!” She had no idea how much that text meant till I got home that night when she saw how emotionally and physically drained I was.

Let me tell you about that day. It was this past Friday, the 15th. I hopped in a van at 8 am with 6 kids and headed to Entebbe to JCRC Hospital. This is a very western built (NGO) hospital, but it is still very Ugandan run. Meaning, there is absolutely no telling what to expect when you get there. It could be orderly, it could be all over. They change their check in process every time you go. I knew the reason I was going and I was doing okay with it. It wasn’t till later in the day when I had time to sit and watch the kids interact that a flood of emotions ran over me. The reason we made this hospital trip was because these kids are HIV positive. They go to the doctors every 3 months to be checked up on and get their medicines filled. HIV is something we make such a big deal about in America. It even is a disease that is not really spoken of. Here in Africa, HIV is something so tragically common. Too common. I got to spend 11 hours that day with some of the coolest kids I have ever met. One stuck out in particular. A young boy who always has the most radiating smile on his face. He is a little different then the rest of the boys. This one has AIDs and is on his 3rd string of medicines, the last string that is available in Uganda. This boy has come close to death 3 times. Actually, you could say he has met death. His CD4 count has read zero twice. At the hospital he was running around smiling, laughing, giggling, playing soccer. It really just got to me. This young boy has met death and knows he is so sick, but that still does not stop him. He is happy, he lives life. Why don’t we all have this same attitude? It is by the grace of God he is alive. But it also by the grace of God that we all are alive. It is experiences and interactions like this that are slowly peeling back layers of my heart. Revealing it to a more humble and grateful outlook on the life I have been blessed with. 

Then there was Father’s day this past Sunday. What a great day to celebrate. I am so blessed and so beyond thankful to have a father like mine. So shout out to you, pops, for being so awesome and always being there for me! You have been a constant encouragement in my life and in my walk with Christ. I love you, dad! When I got to church that morning, I then realized, most of these kids have never known who their father was. Some have passed away and some have just left. Then there are those that have fathers but they just cannot support their kids so they come stay here at Good Shepherd’s Fold. That really peeled off several layers. I am so lucky to have a father in my life that I know will always support me and love me unconditionally. I never realized how much my father does for me or even how much I have taken that for granted. A father is the role model, the provider, the strong hold. The father is a care taker. It breaks my heart that these kids cannot have that in their lives. They have to raise themselves with some help of others. But, there is nothing that will replace a father in the life of a child. What I do know is that I can pray every day for these children. Pray that they many know, always know, there is a Heavenly Father who loves them more than anything in this world, that will always be there for them and provide for them. Our Heavenly Father, our God, will never forsake them. I ask you to join me in that prayer. And to all the fathers out there, keep doing what you do. Be the father God has called you to be. Happy Father’s day to you all! 

What a wonderful week and a great birthday today. What a blessing to celebrate my birthday in Africa with some of the most loving people surrounding me. I am sorry for the delay in updates. We lost internet for a couple of days and I have been so busy. Please pray for me tomorrow and Friday as I travel to other hospitals again with other kids. Pray that I may accept what I witness and trust God with what He shows me. I am shining His light into the lives of others. I must always overflow with His compassion. I must fully know that Christ will keep me from stumbling through these difficult times I am having. He will present us without fault and with great joy, no matter what. It is crazy how much these kids are changing my life. All within 11 days. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me he next 47 days I have here. Hope all is well! 

In Christ alone. 

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 24 and 25.

Grace

Grace- a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace; favor, mercy, kindness, service. 

That is the definition of "grace." Some of you may be wondering why I have titled this blog that and why I have listed the definition. Keep reading and you will shortly find out.

At the start of my nursing internship I was asked to travel to Kampala to a rehab hospital with some of the kids here and a paralyzed man. Mark, who is crippled and has no legs, was taken to see about prosthetics. Great news, he is able to receive prosthetics and will begin the procedure in the near future. He is an incredible young man. On the way over I noticed him reading something. I became curious and asked. He turned around and said, "I am reading the Bible, the book of Psalms." Without me saying anything else he began to explain why he was reading it. His words, "I love the book of Psalms. I love it because David is praising the Lord no matter what, in every situation. The good and bad. It shows me how I should praise the Lord even though I have no legs, I am here because of Him. We should praise Him forever." Wow. I literally sat there speechless. Why do I complain about all my bad situations? I should still praise Him. Even through the bad times, God still brings mercy and grace. We are constantly beautifully broken so that He can reveal to us how unconditional His love is, how deep His grace is and how powerful His mercy is. Mark is a wonderful example of a man seeking after the Lord and loving Him always. What a great disciple Mark is. Keep him in your prayers please! The paralyzed man, they think due to a stroke, we picked up from a village through GSF's Mercy Ministry. He spoke no english so I learned little about him. He will be continuing physio-ex in the Jinja hospital. When we were arriving back to GSF and parting our ways, he put his hands together and said "thank you" to me so many times with a massive smile. I barely said any words to him. I didn't give him the exercise and I didn't even drive the van. Why was he thanking me? I felt a huge blessing of love cover me as he thanked me. He was so compassionate, he was so thankful and the grace he showed was so true. God doesn't do massive things in our lives every day. He does do little things every second. Many of those go unnoticed by us. The man thanked me, I think, just because I rode in the van that took him there. He knew I was with GSF and all I did all day, was give him smiles. We should thank God like that every single day, every moment, for all the little things. Each second, each moment, each breathe is a huge blessing. 

Then there was baby Grace. Grace is a 6 month old baby that arrived at GSF about a week ago. She has the biggest eyes that are just so interested in everything around her. I got the greatest opportunity of holding her the whole ride there, the time the doctors looked at her and the whole time in the hospital while we were waiting. That was about 6-7 hours. During that time she never once cried. She looked around at her surroundings, she looked at me, she grabbed my hands tightly and she fell asleep in my arms. I just fell in love. Many people actually came up to me asking if I was her adoptive mother, and honestly, part of me wish I could have said yes. She is just so special. We took baby Grace to Corsu hospital because her fontanel (soft spot) looks to be a lot larger than it should. You can also tell her eyes are sinking back. They did measurements on her head and she is about 42 and a half, which is normal for her age. But, there still is just something that isn't right. The doctor told me that he is noticing fluid is starting to build up and there is growth. It could be hydrocephalus or any other neurological problem. He said we needed to get her to the Mbala Children's hospital right away. So, baby grace, Nurse Katie and Auntie Harriet are on their way there now. I am anxiously awaiting some news. There is something about baby Grace that just makes you love her so, so much. I can't even describe it. Her name was perfectly picked by God. She is everything that grace is. She resembles God's grace in every way. I feel as if God is going to do something so powerful through her life. Auntie Amy said that she keeps wanting to call Grace, Victoria and she thinks God is putting this name in  her because there is going to be great victory through Grace. There really isn't a way to put it, but she is just a blessing. She truly is a gem from God. She is something so powerful. God really is going to reach many people through her. Please, please pray for her. 

Sweet, sweet baby Grace 

The past two days have been crazy busy. I start my mornings around 7 am doing the medical house rounds and end my work days around 7 pm doing the evening rounds. This has given me a great opportunity to see every kid, every day. I usually work in the clinic all day but sometimes I go to the toddlers home to play with them. Actually, most of the time. (: They are so awesome. The things you see her are rough and quite different. Malaria and HIV are so common. Diseases that we fear in the US. It has really been an eye opening beginning to my internship. I can't wait to see all God has in store for me the next 7 weeks. Please keep all the kids in your prayers and please keep praying for God's strength to be made known to me. 

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this GRACE in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God

His Children.

Wow, where do I even begin to start! The past two days have been more than perfect. God truly has shown me how powerful and how incredible He is. 


We arrived at GSF yesterday afternoon after spending the morning in Kampala getting groceries and our intern phones. Upon arriving to GSF, Katie Mead, had posted several baby pictures of Baby Ketty (Katie in English). I had fallen in love instantly, just over photos. Avery Warfield handed me a baby right as I got off the bus and what do you know...sweet little baby Ketty was in my arms. Then I was grabbed by a young girl, had a grass skirt strapped around me, and taught how to do the dance. I was all in such a daze. I was so overwhelmed with joy and just so glad to have finally been here! My friend Emily, who I traveled over here with, sponsors a young boy named Solomon who she met last year when she came for two weeks. LAST YEAR. He saw her, and with the biggest smile, took off running towards her to give her the biggest hug. How sweet is that?! Once we greeted all the children we were taken to our guesthouse. If you are my Facebook friend, you will see how incredible our view is. I really feel like I am waking up to the Lion King every morning. You walk out onto our front veranda, and man...I sure am in Africa. Uganda is so, so green with beautiful forests. And they clay is so red. Together, the contrast is incredible. Once we sort of settled stuff in there, we were off to eat dinner at the Gwartney's with all the missionary families. That consists of the Warfield's and their 3 kids, the Gwartney's and their 3 kids and Auntie Claudia and her 8 kids. Needless to say, it was awesome! The missionary families have now made us part of their family and it is so comforting to have that love and support. After dinner we all headed to bed, it was a long but awesome day. 


Today, well today was nothing short of Africa learning. This morning we struggled with turning the microwave on, so we had to call Auntie Amy to the house to have her show us. After breakfast, we headed to sunday school! My kids are crazy awesome. I have about 10 to 12. They are ages 11 to 12. Some a little younger, some a little older. Today, Auntie Amy helped out and lead so that I could get adjusted to the culture and their style of learning and what all I should teach. They showed me a lot of respect though by calling me Auntie Cla-aire. Yes, they make my name two syllables and I love it. After Sunday school we head to "big" church. I got the privilege of walking with the most handsome little boy, Paul. Oh how cute he is! He held my hand the whole way and danced with me throughout worship. We sing songs of praise and worship., praise being dance songs and worship being slow, soft songs. Today, I did not stay in big church for the sermon. Instead, I went to "junior" church with Louis. In junior church today, we played capture the flag. I am totally okay with that. When the kids ate lunch, we joined the Gwartney's at their house for some more amazing cooked food by Amy. Seriously, I have never eaten so well. 


This afternoon we took a tour of the whole compound/site. We were joined on that tour by a friend I have known from growing up in Church, Kaitlin. She was there to meet little Betty, the girl she sponsors, for the first time. It was such a humbling, beautiful moment. When they saw each other, they started running towards each other and Betty literally leapt into her arms. I am getting the chill bumps as I write this! It was truly such a powerful moment. We then proceeded just to relax and play away with all the kids. Soccer, dancing, jump rope, going crazy, throwing shoes, etc. My feet are starting to be stained from the red clay. Such a good afternoon! I also got to venture into the woods to find an owl, with Uncle Mark. The monkeys were all over today coming to play! So fun. Tonight we shared a sweet dinner with the Warfields and learned about how missions is impacting their family life, in such an incredible way. 


Really though, it is only the second day and I am already so in love. I don't think I ever want to leave. Once your heart becomes so attached to a child, that relationship will never die. 


I will post photos at a later date. Or you can go to "www.facebook.com/claireegib" And click of the "His hands & His feet" album! The internet is super slow as it is! African time!! 


BTW- They call older authorities auntie and uncle out of respect. It is good to have them call you that. 

Blessings!!!

Well, I AM HERE! Currently I am in Entebbe, Uganda staying at a airport guesthouse with the Gwartney's. We are staying here because two of the other interns will not be arriving till very late tonight. Tomorrow morning we will head out to Kampala where we will hang out for a little and grab some lunch. From there we will finish off our journey to Good Shepherd's Fold! All in all, it is about a 3 hour bus ride. These past two days have been so full of traveling. I am so happy to be here! All though, I am really just extremely slap happy and laughing at everything. I am so tired and my body has no idea what to do with the time change. 7 hours! It is currently 5 pm here! Crazy. Anyways I am way too tired to write right now and my brain is straight mush. Praise the Lord for save travels! Welcome to UGANDA! 

Remember To Dance

So I have officially begun my journey to Africa and boy is it a long one. I am currently sitting in a Sheraton hotel room in Charlotte. It is actually really nice, but of course being home would be a little more comforting. The fact that I am on my way to Africa though is enough of a reason for me not to be complaining. I AM GOING TO AFRICA. What?! I still can't comprehend it. It is crazy awesome. 


Last night I had such an awesome, humbling experience. Not only did a good family friend pray over me, but later on I had some of my closest friends lay their hands upon me and lift me up in prayer. There really is not a better way to be sent off. To be surrounded by people who not only love you, but love Jesus, it is just...wow. I felt so revived in my spirit. It really was so surreal. I was lifted up, comforted, loved, blessed and encouraged. To hear what God was telling them to tell me was amazing. I have never felt so replenished or so prepared to go serve. I believe God is about to do something so big, something I could never do on my own. The power of prayer is something so magnified beyond our very own beliefs. It heals, it blesses, it loves, it gives peace. In Philippians 4:6-7 it says, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, Christ Jesus will guard you, He will protect you, He will not fail you. Prayer has been a big, big part of this whole process for me. It is through prayer that He has prepared me, that He has given me rest and that He has revived my faith daily. To have such good friends who have beautiful hearts of God pray over me, that's powerful. I am so thankful for them and my love pours out to them daily. I cannot wait to see how my time in Africa overflows to them. 


This past week has really worn me down, physically especially. I have barely slept due to excitement, packing and wanting to spend every minute I can with friends and family. It is now hitting me that I actually should have slept some. Oh well...I'll sleep on the plane...I hope. Tomorrow morning at 5 am I will be headed to the Charlotte airport to catch my flight to DC. My friend and fellow intern, Emily, will also be traveling with me. Between us two, we have 8 pieces of luggage. Out of those 8 pieces, only the 2 backpacks contain our personal items. Donations, donations, donations! AWESOME! Praise Him for that! We pretty much look like we are moving to Africa. I'd probably be ok with that. Once we arrive to DC we have a couple hours to sit. Then around 11:30 we will be catching our 13 hour flight to Ethiopia! Wooooo! Sleep, sleep, sleep! I will be landing in Ethiopia at 7:35 am their time on Friday, which is about 12:35 am our time. From there we catch our flight to Uganda and get there about 6:10 am USA time/1:10 pm. Once we get there we take a 3 hour bus ride to the orphanage. So, in the end...we will be arriving at GSF around 4-5 pm their time and 9-10 am USA time. CRAZY! 


Please pray for all the interns tomorrow and Friday as we make our way to GSF. I have never been so excited! May God bless our travels and bring us in to the arms of those sweet, sweet children safely. 


Remember to dance, always. Dance in His glory and freedom. Through Him we will find rest, through Him we will find strength. So always continue to dance. 


Claire 

The Call

This past January I was blessed with one of the most incredible opportunities. The Lord provided me with an internship in Uganda, Africa. At first I was hesitant. I had no idea what I had gotten myself in to. But then I remembered, this wasn't about me and my summer plans, it was about Him and His plans in my life. He was calling me to be His hands and His feet. In Romans 10:14-15 it says "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” The Lord has given us the most incredible blessing of life, but not for us to live. He has given us life to give up to Him, so that we may live in His freedom and do His will. We are called to be His sons and daughters, to disciple to all nations, to go forth in to the darkest places and shine His light, open the eyes of the blind, free the prisoners, love as He has loved us, and make known His name. So here I am, two days away from beginning a journey to Africa through Him alone. 

Many ask what my internship is and what I am doing, but honestly, I couldn't give you exact details. What I do know is that I will be interning for 8 weeks at a wonderful place called Good Shepherd's Fold. GSF is an orphanage that was started in 1994, 15 miles west of Jinja. At this orphanage they provide homes to about 90 kids. God didn't want this place just to be an orphanage, though. GSF has been able to provide schooling not only for the kids living on the grounds, but for roughly 300 other kids from the five surrounding villages. They also are able to receive medical care, attend church and visit the farm. This isn't just a home for kids or a school to learn, but it is a place where love and compassion is shown unconditionally to these kids just like Christ loves us. God is love, and through love, God shines so bright. That, above all, is what is most important. So I guess you could say what I will be doing is letting His love overflow out of me in to all His children. 

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence. And his children will have refuge.

Not only will I be serving Him, but through this experience I know that God is about to shape my life and heart like never before. I have never been so excited. People ask me what I except, what I am most looking forward to or what I want to get out of this. My answer: I HAVE NO IDEA. I can't even comprehend all that God is about to do in my life and what He is going to show me. This is something so beyond my thoughts and control, that I truly have to give it ALL up to Him. This is the first time I will be away for 2 months, in a different continent, and without the assurance that I will be able to speak to my mom every single day. It is now time for me to fully rely on my God. At first I struggled with this, I was scared and nervous. At times, I still really am nervous. Why? Why am I nervous to do something so incredible all for the glory of Him? It didn't make sense. I started to pray more than ever before and read His word without stopping. Through this alone I have learned so much about His kingdom and He has (and still is) prepared my heart. Through the little things like a beach sunset, a crystal clear ocean, a sweet note from a friend, etc.- I have truly come to realize how big He is and how big His kingdom is. He is the King of all Kings and through Him alone, ALL is possible. I can do this. I can't do it on my own, but I can do it through Him. He is on my side, He is on your side, He will not forsake us and His promises are true. How amazing is that? 

So I write this not only for me to get my thoughts out, but for you to join along side of me on this journey. He calls us to be disciples of all nations with the promise that He will be with us till the end of age. (Matthew 28:16-20) Please join me in prayer daily. Pray that I remove my pride from this situation completely, that I rest in His promise, that I constantly overflow the love and grace He has given us, and that I keep my eyes open to His beauty. 

I cannot wait to share with you all! I will update this as much as I can- internet connection can tend to be shady. Thank you all for your constant love, words of encouragement and prayer. 

Be His hands. Be His feet. Through Him alone. 

Claire