It's been a while since I've posted to this blog. My last day in Uganda just happened to be the day my camera battery died. As soon as I get pictures from my friend Sharlyn, I'll post day 10 in Uganda.

Since our trip so many events have taken place in Tororo. Two year old Difasi was finally able to have his much needed bladder surgery. He is recovering well. I look forward to the photos that show him walking again! It amazed me how many distractions came along before he was able to actually receive his surgery. Extreme situations all the way from his father abducting him, thinking some how his mother was making money from their sons surgery, to riots in the city the day of his scheduled surgery. The good news is he had his surgery and it was a success! What was going to be a four part procedure, ended up being done in one step! Thank God for Pastor Ruth and Rachel from World Vision who never stopped interceding and making sure he was taken care of.





The children from smile africa are now receiving fruit each week in their diets from Heart of God in Uganda. They look forward to "fruit day" and scream with excitement when the van pulls up with the sweet treats. The babies are getting much needed milk from Evelyn. We met Evelyn while in Africa. She is a missionary that lives in Uganda and visits the orphanages. She brings Bible study materials and other needed items as she is able. The physical and spiritual health of the children depend on these gifts from God.




The adolescent girls from smile africa also received a wonderful blessing! Ten girls are now living in a safe home, free from abuse and living on the streets. They are also getting a formal education for the first time, with daily meals, bible study and medical care. Gods provision, through a generous donation, has made it possible for them to start living a normal life. The life all children have a right to, but unfortunately don't always get.





It is always heart warming to know that in some small way you are making a difference in the life of Gods children. As the good news came pouring in so did the bad. It came as no surprise that satan would try and undermine the work we were trying to do for Gods kingdom. I was not prepared for the way in which he would do it.
An email came from Pastor Ruth telling me of a toddler named Wudo that was thrown into the streets. Wudo is only 3 years old. His sister Sande is one of the adolescent girls sponsored by Heart of God in Uganda. Sande was abused by her Aunt. Sande and Wudo lost both parents a few years ago and the Aunt took them in. Sande was forced to gather rotten garbage for her Aunt. The Aunt in anger of having no one to gather food tossed little Wudo out. He was found on a deserted road alone, naked, dehydrated, hungry and crying. He had been there for at least one day. One of the teachers from smile africa, by the Grace of God, happened to travel this road and found him. He was brought to smile africa immediately. He was given porridge and clothing. He is now living in another home run by children.







I can't understand how a toddler can be punished by an adult this way. I know that it's our sinful nature that cause us to react in ways that aren't conducive to
living a life that's right. I continually find myself wrestling with God about the conditions and situations these children live in and why He would allow it to continue. Children living in homes that are run by other children. When will they ever get the chance to be a child? Having come from a broken home at an early age I was forced to grow up quickly. Children need to be children. They need to feel safe, and be safe. Many of these children are babies! Many are like Wudo. They have no paternal parent to nurture and care for them. They don't know what it's like to be hugged and cuddled! They are forced to live in abusive homes, with rejection or on the streets. Their childhood is robbed from them!

In the same email came the sad news of Akol, he is 13. Having no food at home his guardians sent him to school with a stomach full of alcohol. He began to vomit profusely during class. The teachers carried him out and poured water on him. Tried giving him milk to settle his stomach and left him to sleep for hours. When he finally awoke he was dazed and confused!





Please continue to pray for the children of Uganda. While great steps are being accomplished, there is still so much more to do. My brain is trying to understand, and come up with a plan to help educate the adults on the effects of child abuse, both physically and spiritually.

If you'd like to help end the needless hunger and suffering of these precious children go to
http://uganda.heartofgodinternational.org

Denise

My Journey with God to Africa - Day Nine 29-06-2009

"Live in Harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose"
1 Corinthians 1:10


What a verse to start the day with today. It would prove to be more accurate as the day went on.

I awoke this morning and as I got ready I felt led to read scripture. I took my Bible and went out on the balcony. I had wondered what God would reveal to me and if it would be something I would bring with me to share in the worship service this morning.

I opened my Bible up and Jonathans sunday school bookmark had brought me to a page in Matthew. As I looked down there was a verse highlighted, the only one. It was Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal." If there were ever a group of people that would need this scripture, it would not be the Ugandans. They have very little and are always so thankful for what they have.

I glanced over and another verse caught my eye. It was Matthew 6:1-4 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

Suddenly my heart sunk and I began to cry. Everywhere we went it was like a processesion and I was so afraid that we were guilty of sounding a trumpet, and all the while giving to the poor. "Oh Lord, Please forgive me and I'm so sorry if you have found any of this in my heart!" As I lifted my my face with tears streaming I was led to Psalm 66:19-20 "But certainly God had heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me." Wow, I absolutely love when God meets us where we are and through His word both rebuke any wrong doing and once we've asked forgiveness heeds our prayer and still loves us...Glory to God!

I had come inside the room and asked Sharlyn if she would join me in the other room with Jan and Jeanice. I expressed my concerns of any wrong doing on our parts or mine in particular in our giving. Together we prayed that if it's conviction being felt that God would reveal it and replace it with only things that would be glorified by Him. I love this group of girls!



Pastor Ruth arrived and we headed to Royal Palace Church led by Pastor Steven Onamuna and his wife Roselyne in Mairo Aboro, Tororo. Once again we were greeted like royalty. Women and children would take our hand and kneel down before us. I kept praying, "Lord, let it be for your glory and nothing for us." I felt near tears everytime someone would kneel down. We entered in and the praise and worship had been started. Drums, singing, triangle bell, dancing all up and down each isle. I was thanking God at this point as I saw the excitment in Sharlyn's face. She was hoping for a chance to share in a music and praise celebration with drums. Thank You, Jesus for your thoughtfulness every step of the way!



The church was packed wall to wall and then some. As the worship continued you could see the love for God in each one of these precious faces. Some had tears, some sang with eyes closed as if they were singing a song of prayer directly to God. The youth groups had come up and sang songs of praise. It's always so fun to see the children, from primary to young adults sing. Pastor Steven had made an announcement to the older youth to only pick one song of the several they had planned and to ONLY sing ONE song. They sang about three! LOL



After the praise music had ended pastor Steven had come forward and introduced some of the members of his church. He let us know how Pastor Ruth was a big part of the growth in his church. She had been with him when they had only a handful of members. Now they had standing room only. He and the congregation were praying and believing God for a piece of land in which to build a new church on. I'm praying and believing too.
Pastor Steven had suggested that each team member come up and give some words of encouragement. Before we did he began the service. His first few words were about not blowing our trumpets before men...whoa! Only God could orchestrate that. Something that was so tender on my heart from the moment I read the scripture was now being spoken again by a pastor that had no idea of the significance it would have on my heart. Well needless to say as I approached the group I tried the best I could to tell them how that verse had effected me. All that would come out that they could make any sense of was "I love you so much" and I had to sit. Each team member made their way to the pulpit and gave some encouragement or words from the heart. I can't tell you enough just how much God had moved in our lives. I kept thinking back to the mission workbook I read before our trip and how it stated "we are not there to bring treasures, but to find them right where they are". Thank You, Jesus for the many wonderful treasures we were given each day.
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They closed the service with tithe and offering. Two separate entities. One basket was set for those that made income during the week and was designated for their tithe, the other basket was for those with an offering to God and the church. I was so touched by this! Again another nugget for my heart. The hearts of these brothers and sisters in Christ are rich, even though they are poor. Women had brought forth crops from the gardens as an offering to God. I couldn't help but wonder what a spectacle it would be if someone in our church brought crops to put in an offering plate. There is something seriously wrong in our churches and worship. Am I the only one that thinks this way?

After the service we were led outside to greet the congregation. Again, we were greeted so warmly. Once the church had cleared out we were led back inside for lunch. We each washed our hands in a basin and prepared to eat. Lunch consisted of beef, rice, cabbage, and yellow bananas for dessert.





As we ate lunch Pastor Steven talked more about his ministry and told us of the nursery school he runs. He has several children in the Royal Palace Nursery School. Many are dropping out as parents are not able to afford the fees for school. When I asked him what those fees were he replied, "15.00 per session, which is 3 months, with 3 sessions per year." It just amazes me that children cannot attend school for 5.00 per month, less than .16 cents per day. Jan and I looked at each other and I knew she was thinking what I was thinking, sponsorship! The 5.00 per month pays for the rent of the building, teacher fees and a small snack at the end of the day. Even if you had 10 children a month = 50.00, and 2 teachers those teachers are getting less than 25.00 a month salary after rent and food are deducted. Just amazing! God provides the needs. We will have a sponsorship page soon for these precious babies!

Before we left the church a gift was given to the church to help start the funds for land. We prayed that God would multiply it and we all believe He will.


As we drove back to the hotel, we all were quiet and smiling. Our trip with God to Africa has been a life changing event. Each day as we drive to our hotel we always pass this sign below. We can't help but giggle at it, but it is so Africa. Pure and simple!




As I sat writing this it was drizzling with a dark sky and background rumbling. It was peaceful. A cow below our second story balcony stood chewing the wet grass. In the distance you could hear horns blowing, warning bikes and pedestrians of it's arrival. Motorbikes zoom down the street in a hurry to their destination before the rain pours hard. I will miss Africa, as God has given me so many gifts here to tuck in my heart. I look forward to seeing my family very soon!


"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12

My Journey with God to Africa - Day Eight 27-06-2009

"And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" Acts 2:47


This morning we were able to sleep in some, which was nice. We held the women's conference today. Pastor Ruth had personally invited over 200 widows/women today. She ministers to over 800 widows/women in Tororo and the nearby areas. Her heart for the women is evident and her desire to bring the Love of God to them even more so.

We had planned on starting around 10:00 am, and as I've mentioned in previous blogs time schedules in Africa just aren't as rigid as they are in the states. Where we would be frantic that time was wasting, they are calm and take their time to get things done.

As we pulled up to the conference hall the women were already inside singing praises to God. Many had been there since 7:30am, waiting in anticipation. It was refreshing to the soul.

We all started out of the van and I happened to be first. I was facing everyone in the van and we were all in conversation about the early arrival of these precious women when suddenly a high pitched shrill, (something called trilling) came running up behind me and about scared me to death! A similiar sound of a battle cry, but for the women in Uganda it is used as a gesture of joy, anticipation and great enthusiam for the Lord. No doubt the look on my face as I jumped 3 feet in the air was priceless as the rest of our team giggled at the sight! LOL

As we began to enter the building more trilling came from the women inside. It was a strange thing to witness for me, but fun I must say.

The morning started out with praise and worship. Many of the songs the women sing have a story in scripture and motions to them. One in particular was about being delivered from bondage out of egypt. They sang and began placing items on their heads and walking around as if they were leaving egypt headed for the promise land. As they sang, it was pressed on my heart to share with them that an important part of making it to the promise land was obedience. Many of those that were delivered never made it to the promise land because of their disobedience.

Pastor Ruth had gone through the formalities and introductions and then let the women know that the rest of the program would be turned over to me, to me? Many of you may know and some may not that public speaking is not my strength in gifts. I have expressed this to God many many times, and for some reason he just does not take me seriously! This trip would prove to be a turning point for my fear of speaking. Before this day, or trip for that matter it would have made me ill to speak in front of a large or even small group. Today however, I had no fear at all. You could feel the presence of Jesus in the room, and the verse "if God is for you, who can be against you" kept coming to mind. I actually began to enjoy talking and felt very much at ease. Thank you, Jesus, it could only have come from You!

The overall theme for the conference was about the fruit of the spirit. We had the privilege of handing out to each widow a booklet of the gospel of John. Each of the team would teach on scripture from this book so that each women could go home and meditate on the verses. We had been informed by Pastor Ruth that many of these women had been lied to by other preachers, telling them that God loved some more than others. We were more than happy to reveal to them that he loves us all the same!



We all knew that we would speak on a verse from the book of John, but each of us really had no idea what exactly would be said by the other. Again, Gods fingerprints were all over this day. As each of us spoke, our messages would lead into the next like a well orchestrated masterpiece. I don't know why we all look or seemed so shocked by it, after all,it is God we're talking about! ha!

Sharlyn gave her testimony of the heartbreak that comes from abuse as a child, and how through Gods grace she was able to forgive. Noone on our team had any idea that she would share such a difficult story. I was so proud of her and felt such a blessing to be called her friend!
Jeanice would share a story of the widows mite. Many of them were able to relate to this story. I love how Jeanice speaks on Gods word. She speaks from what God places on her heart at the moment. It's amazing to see God at work through her.

I was able to share about the fruit of the spirit and how it's only through God and a changed heart that we are able to produce these qualities in our life. Jan had given a message of salvation. What a powerful witness she is for Christ! Her words are strong yet gentle, they ring out His truth in every detail. Through her ministering four widows came forward and gave professions of faith! What an awesome sight to behold. Many had raised hands that they too excepted Christ.



A guest speaker on behalf of the Ugandan women was present also. She gave them hope for the rights of women in Uganda. The women are still oppressed by men in Uganda and it's been until just recently that they have a found a voice and are being heard. It's another example of how blessed we are in the United States.

We took a break and headed back to the hotel for a few minutes. It would be a welcome break for Jan as she still was not feeling well. She decided to stay behind and rest the remainder of the day.



As we arrived back at the conference the women were enjoying a lunch of rice, beef, and cabbage that God had provided through the wonderful donations that were given through garage sales. You have no idea how grateful these women were. Pastor Ruth had motioned to us to get in line and have some lunch. As we looked around we realized that no one was eating with utensils, they all were using their fingers. We decided it might be best to sit this lunch out. Although this custom is very foreign to us to eat with your hands, it's completely normal and exceptable for the people of uganda.
After lunch the women come forward and we handed each one a new garden hoe, seeds, toothbrushes and some candy. Again, these wonderful gifts came from donations that were so graciously given for this trip. The women were excited, some trilling again as they waited in line. It was not the most glamourous gift to give a woman, but I can tell you that it would be the most practical and useful, and would continue to help them long after we were gone to provide food for their families.





As Sharlyn, Jeanice and I were setting up the table for quick and easy distribution we noticed some school children coming home. They were waiting up in the balcony and watching. We checked our supplies and saw that there were plenty of toothbrushes and sweets to hand out to them when the women had all been given their gifts. Suddenly, what was about a handful of children, turned into a line of them outside the door! We were all too happy to extend Gods love and provision to them. It seemed as though our heads were down and we were reaching and handing, and so on, when all of a sudden Pastor Ruth said, "don't give to this one!". We looked up in bewilderment, and she smiled at us and the child and said, "he's already got, look at his face he is smiling, trying to trick you out of another". Well, there you have it! A kid is a kid and they were trying to get back in line for another round of candy. LOL

As we headed back to the hotel we could help but smile at another God driven day!

"Evangelization is a process of bringing the gospel to people where they are, not where we want them to be...When the gospel reaches a people where they are, their response to the gospel is the church in a new place." Vincent Donovan Missionary to Tanzania

My Journey with God to Africa - Day Seven 26-06-2009

I woke up in the middle of the night with an urgency to pray about the upcoming women's conference to be held the next day. I'm not sure why, but it seems that God always presses on my heart to pray when I'm asleep, and as I awake I sometimes am not sure if I'm delirious, dreaming, or if it is in fact God. The thoughts that were running through my mind were words to be spoken about women being given unique qualities about them as life-givers, life-savers and nurturers of their families. These qualities are what separate us from men. I was also being led to pray about true salvation. I sat wondering what kind of response I would get from these words, but going to say them nonetheless. When we are truly saved through Christ there is a newness of life, the old ways pass and a new life emerges. We begin to bear fruit in our lives. If we are not seeing change, or bearing fruit we may want to consider if we are truly saved.
I dozed on and off meditating on these thoughts, and suddenly my alarm went off.
I noticed that I had 2 text messages from Nichol. She had sent me the news that Michael Jackson had died, and it was really making her very sad. It hit me as very sad news, but in a way I didn't expect. My first thought was, "who cares!". I felt that it was really sad that so many today would mourn an idol, a mere man, when so many would die of starvation and noone would care. I was irritated at the world and feeling very sad.
I went into the restroom and was surprised at the fact that we had NO water. This would be a mess on many levels..no toilet, no sink, no shower. Luckily I had showered the night before and there was enough water in the shower pipes to wet my hair. Sharyln on the other hand was not so fortunate and had to make due with wet wipes she had brought.
I went online with the few minutes I had and saw that Farrah Fawcett also died. A sad day for many people. Michael had died at 50 of a heart attack and Farrah at 62 of cancer. Both major icons in the entertainment industry.
I thanked God again for Sharlyn and her infamous coffee! As we got ready for the day I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with sadness in so many ways, one of them being that this would be our last day with the children at smile africa.
We went down stairs for breakfast and met with Pastor Ruth. She had confirmed that we would visit the slums of Tororo today to visit some of the homes that the children from smile africa live in. She had gotten permission from government officials for us to enter this area. They want to make sure that anyone that enters this area are in there with the right intentions and not to exploit these people.
We would also take time today to visit the widows tailor shop. It would be another busy day.
Here in Africa there are very few time commitments. You get there when you get there and not a moment sooner or later. LOL
We loaded up the van with supplies we would bring with us for the kids, and the families in the slums.
As we pulled up to smile africa, the kids were so excited, screaming and yelling at the van. Sharlyn was overwhelmed and teared up at their excitement when we come. Again, it was so wonderful to see God move our hearts at different times during our stay with the children. Although I will say that tears seemed to roll almost everyday and several times a day!



We unloaded the gifts God provided for the children. We had a limited amount of time this morning, so we asked pastor Ruth if we could spend 5 minutes with the teachers and children showing them how to use the parachute. She agreed this would be fine.





As we began unfolding the parachute, Pastor Paul,one of the workers that round up the karamajong children came over to help us unfold the "tarp". They had no idea what this was and how much fun they were going to experience. Slowly but surely groups of children came over to see and soon there was a large gathering of children. I began to worry about the little ones underneath the parachute, that they might get trampled. Sharlyn showed the teachers the different techniques you could do with the parachute. It was so much fun to watch. Soon, the soccer balls came into play and they bounced it up and down on top of the parachute!


There were other items that were given to the teachers for the children to do at a later time, we still had much to do outside of smile africa. Last night Sharlyn had put together a little care packages to give each teacher with small tokens of love. These teachers work tirelessly each day with the children. We put 30,000 schilling in each bag which amounts to 15.00 USD. They make this each month, 50 cents per day. Pastor Ruth was so excited that the teachers were recognized this way, I could see tears in her eyes. Each teacher was so thankful for God to provide this way.
While we were waiting at smile africa food was being purchased for the families we would visit today. Once it arrived we loaded back up in the van and headed out. It was hard to leave the kids knowing we would be gone most of the day and we would not see them after today.



We stopped at our fist area I thought to myself that it didn't appear too bad. We got out of the van and started to walk. Jan had some concerns about walking long distances and pastor Ruth suggested she could stay at the van, but that it was not too far. We forgot that ugandans are used to walking very long distances..so when they say not too far it's all relative to what you're used to! We headed down and alley behind a store front and there sat a young woman reading her Bible, as we passed her and turned the corner we would see that it was much worse than it seemed. The smells here alone can make you ill.



As we walked down the dirt path Pastor Ruth brought my attention to a small area of bushes and said this is the toilet. There is no running water here, no sewer system. They build the "hut", dig a hole and when it gets full they move to another location.



We continued down the path and I heard giggling coming from a large area surrounded by trees. Then I heard "mazungus" coming from up above. I looked and small children had climbed to the top of the trees to watch us. There were curious on lookers all over.



The first home we visited was of a man and his family. A small mud and grass hut no bigger than most of our bathrooms. It was bare. The father was dressed in a t-shirt and trench coat and the children even less. We prayed with him and offered him provisions that would help his family for a day or two of rice and beans/posho and some toothbrushes. He seemed a bit frightened. The officials that came with us from smile africa were taking notes on the children. Although the items we left with him would not make a real change for them, they seemed very grateful.
The other homes were worse in condition that the last. Roofs with holes, walls falling in, no windows. The doors consisted of what looked like sheets. When the weather would get bad, these people were left to the elements. One home we entered comprised of a mattress, cooking pot and chicken on a nest next to the mattress laying on eggs. The room was about 5 X 7.





We walked through several areas and met with families. We prayed over them and their homes. All were eager to for us to bless them as if we had magic in our words or on our tongues to cause a change in their conditions. If this were to happen it would not be from us, it would come only from God. The children were excited to get their toothbrushes and the families happy to recieve food. Just as in every other place we visited the children loved to have their pictures taken. The parents did also, they would push their children into areas to be seen and ask us directly to photograph them.



The area suggested that their were businesses, but I highly doubt that they made money. We passed a pharmacy and I was amazed that it stood in the middle of the slums. Who on earth could afford medicine?



As we were nearing the end of our visit we began to hear drums in the background. I had asked Pastor Ruth what it was. She told me that it was a nearby village and they were rebuking us for not bringing gifts to them. That was a scary thought! At that point I was ready to get in the van!
Pastor Paul guided us through the slums and before we left he showed us his home and introduced us to his family. He was so proud of his home and said that he was only sorry that he did not have a chair for us to sit on. It was by far much cleaner than most and made of concrete. Most others were made of dirt, mud and grass. Pastor Ruth had told me that many of those living in the slums paid about 1.50 a month in rent. Which was highway robbery!
It was getting late and we were really wanting to get back to the children at smile africa. We still had a stop to make at the widows tailor shop.



We arrived at the tailor shop and the widows greeted us with songs. It's always a big ordeal to have guests and visiting a shop was no different. They would continue to sing until Pastor Ruth in her hearty laugh said, "thank you my sisters, you may cease". They began to show us what they made. Sharlyn and I would purchase items to bring home. It was nice to support them in this way. I will say that Sharlyn bought the cow and the farm! LOL She is so sweet and had many friends and family that she would bless back home with wonderful handmade gifts from Uganda. We went into the back of the building where Pastor Ruths mother stays. What a wonderful woman, and it's easy to see where pastor Ruth gets her dispostion. Her mother made wonderful jewelery as well. I was able to find a couple of pieces to bring home with me.
Time was getting late and we would need to get back to smile africa if we would see the children again before they went home. As we entered the gates of smile africa the kids were waiting for us with much excitement. As I watched them I couldn't help but cry. It's been a long emotionally draining week, but one I'll never regret being a part of. I will miss seeing them!



We jumped out of the van and began interacting with the kids and passing out more of God provisions. I was talking with the teens and told them that we would miss them. They didn't understand how long we would be gone. It seemed that time was not something they thought of more than within the day. When I told them it would be one year, they didn't seem to understand how long a year was. Uenice came up to me and in a teenage attitude told me "maybe I would come to America with you someday"..and the group of girls she was with just laughed. I beleive that she wishes she truly could.
We passed out booklets, bracelets and candy and said our good-bye's. It was like tearing out a piece of your heart to drive away from this place.
"You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving" Amy Carmichael

My Journey With God to Africa - Day Six part II 25-06-2009

Go Out in Joy
"You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!" Catherine Booth
What an awesome observation Ms. Booth had and how appropriate for the time!
As the day continued and the team sat and listened to the teachers reveal to us how the children had come to this school, many orphans from the cattle raids of the Karamojong tribe, and the children sang songs of the crisis they face daily with hunger, famine, and AIDS, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed with grief and sadness for them. Yet each one of them had an unmistakable smile of Joy! I thank Jesus for allowing me the opportunity to go into the world in His name and bring His Joy to those that most likely feel like they have been abandonded and forgotten at times.
We were all so impressed by how well mannered the children were and how much they respect their elders and teachers. The headmaster "Naboth" would approach the children and say "Hello Children" and they would immediately respond "Hello Headmaster", then he would follow with "God is Good" and they would reply "God Is Good All the time" and then everyone together in unison would say "God is good, all the time, for that is His nature". How awesome is that, that they teach the children daily, and instill in their hearts and memory that it is Gods NATURE to be good all the time! It would seem so easy for these children and adults to curse the God that seems to have forgotten them and to moan and groan about all that's going wrong. To be mad about not having what they want, when they want it. Wow, how disgustingly American that sounds to me! I would dare to say this is how 90% of Americans would react if they were living in the same condition, and YET these children and adults of Uganda PRAISE GOD each day for being good because that is His nature. I think we could all learn alot from the Ugandan people. I'm already beginning to understand some aspects of why God allowed me on this trip. ;)
I was allowed the priviledge of standing before these children and talking with them about How God is good, and that no matter how bad it might get He is always there with them. I was able to share with them that many people in America had wanted to come and be there and that many had helped us to bring some special gifts for them in the name of Jesus. I had introduced our team members and asked Sharlyn to come up and share a song with the children. We asked all the teachers to come up too, as this is one that they would enjoy and we would get a kick out of watching them. She sang the song "King of the Jungle". I can't tell you how much fun this song is, and how much they all enjoyed it. It was much different from their cultural songs..it was a song from America. I think some of the adults enjoyed it as much if not more than the children!





After Sharlyn and her wonderful song came a salvation message to the children from Jeanice. Her words were so appropriate for the day and reaffirmed that God is the King and that the children belonged to Him. Not only did He provide them with gifts we had with us that day, but He gives them the most special gift of all, the gift of eternal life. Naboth and all the teachers had commented on how much her sharing meant to not only the children but to them as well.
We had decided that the time was perfect for passing out Gods gifts to the children. Naboth had asked me to come tell them what gifts we had for them. When we sat and really thought about all we had and I started telling him he just sat and grinned and said Thank God, the children will be well pleased. Well pleased they were! As I started to tell them all the wonderful things God had provided for them, they began to yell in excitement...eyeglasses for those that were in need..YAY!! fruit, YAY!!! story of Jesus booklets, YAY!!! soccerballs..HURRAY!! big screams..toothbrushes and toothpaste..they screamed so loud at receiving toothbrushes and toothpaste I thought I would lose it and break down crying right there! All the team members stared at each other in disbelief, could they really delight in the thought of a toothbrush over a soccerball?? It was true! And of course each child would go home with their own personal Bible. It was a day of blessings all around.



As I sat back down I looked at Jan she was wiping the tears in her eyes. She was overwhelmed with Gods goodness this day and the joy He brought to these precious children. It was amazing to watch how God had worked in each of our hearts at different moments during the trip.
Before we would hand out the treats to the children, Dr. Bwonya had come out with the matching glasses and had begun calling the children and adults up that we were able to find a match for. This was such a joy to my heart!





It was getting late and time was coming for the kids to go home. Many had to walk long distances and if they didn't leave soon they would walk in the dark. We also had to visit Feddy still. It was hard to leave the children. Naboth had asked us if we would come back tomorrow and work with the teachers on handling the children. Now knowing what they are saying he was asking us to come work along side the teachers on new methods of learning in the classroom. Unfortunately our schedule was so full that we would not be back in Butambutye this trip. It was something I tucked in my mind as a new project on another trip to Uganda..yes.come back! ;)




We all loaded back up in the van and headed a few hundred feet up the street to the home of Feddy. Feddy is the grandmother of a Ugandan soldier in Iraq by the name of Deo Mushumbo. I had met Deo online through Verda Reeves the Assistant Attorney General in Arizona. Deo is also involved in the Soldiers Bible Ministry of Heart of God International. We send Bibles and study materials to any soldier that wants them. Deo's testimony is amazing and somewhat long, so I'll share a shortened version, he was born and raised a muslim and began having dreams about a man named Jesus. This man Jesus came to him each night and began to reveal himself to Deo and to uncover and reveal the sins Deo was committing. The dreams intesified each night and the desire became more urgent about following this man named Jesus that after the fourth night he gave his life to Christ. He is now sharing the gospel with other men in Iraq and hopes to return home soon and share his new found faith with his family. This is quite amazing when you think about it..a man in N.Y. is ministering to Deo from Uganda in Iraq, who is in conversation with a woman in Arizona, who in turn is in conversation with me in California and Feddy just happens to live within 5 minutes of a school we are ministering to...hmmm..God once again has his fingerprints all over this trip! Another interesting fact; Dr. Bwonya also happens to be a childhood friend of Deo, they grew up just huts away from each other, so he knew exactly where to take us to reach Feddy..amazing!! Feddy is blind. Verda asked me to bring her some seeds to help her grow crops and some money to help her buy food. There is a drought in Bunambutye and food is harder to get.






Deo told us that even though she could not see us, just to be near her and pray with her would be a blessing. Next to the home were graves of family members that had recently passed away. All the family members came to greet us and thank us for taking care of Feddy. When we arrived we sat with her and Dr. Bwonya explained to her what gifts Verda had provided, that we had for her. We really didn't have much time to spend as it was getting late and you don't want to travel at night in Uganda. As we thought we would be leaving all of a sudden they began to bring out food and set it on the tables. YIKES! We don't have time to eat, and we're not sure about how much we can eat. It's a horrible spot to be in, you don't want to offend anyone that has taken the time to prepare food, ESPECIALLY when they don't have the food themselves and yet they are preparing it for you. Things are not prepared the same way we prepare it and the bacteria could be a problem for us.


I looked at Dr. Bwonya and said, "what do we do? we don't have time to spend for dinner?", he grinned and quietly said, "sister Denise, it is custom that if someone prepares a meal for you, you must take a small bite of something before you leave", ok, so here we go..we all sit and take a small bite. I had some boiled potatoes. All the neighboring people were out near the hut, peaking at the "mazungo's", the guests of Feddy. They really don't have guests in these villages, so it's a big deal if you do. We sat for about 15 mins. and during that time Pastor Ruth had shared her testimony with me. She is ONE amazing woman and I am forever thankful to God for allowing our paths to cross! We were soon on our way back to Tororo. What a long but rewarding day we had. It saddens me to see some of these wonderful people just once in our trip. I know that God must have future plans.
On our way back we were able to see more of the african culture. This photo is a group of men sitting around a large pot with very long straws. They are "boozing". A common custom of adult men. They sit around drinking from these long straws and get drunk on homemade booze. As we drive by and take photos I say a silent prayer that God would release them from this habit.



We were able to stop at Mbale Regional Hospital for Dr. Bwonya to take in a bag of glasses that still need to have the prescriptions read on them. I was excited to see this because I had be working with Dr. Bwonya for a few months prior to our trip and he had told me that he was a specialist here at this hospital. It's amazing how different you picture something in your mind, then when you actually see it. Let me paint a picture for you. In Uganda there are NO ambulances, if you get hurt, you figure out how to get you or the injured person to the hospital. Picture our roads, very smooth and paved. Now picture a road riddled with pot holes large enough for your vehicle to go into and not be seen until it comes out again...this is the road to Mbale regional hospital! If you were injured, you may very well not survive the ride to get help if your injuries were bad enough! Anyway, I'm glad I got to see with my own eyes where Dr. Bwonya works.



We finally made it back to the hotel and decided to eat in the room. Sharlyn had packed freezed dried meals and we were able to sit and enjoy each others company and reflect on the day. Pastor Ruth had let me borrow her internet modem for my laptap! WOOHOO!! I was able to get online for awhile tonight and post a few things. We actually had been without computers, phones (for the most part) and t.v. the whole week, and actually aside from the computer..I didn't miss any of it! God is Good!
What an great scripture for today and all days! I love this!
"The poor shall eat and be satisfied...All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the Lord's and He rules over the nations." Psalm 22:26-28 NKJV

My Journey With God to Africa - Day Six 25-06-2009 Part I

We're on our way today to visit Kings Primary School in Bunambutye. It's about 2 hours away from our hotel and Smile Africa. We are holding another vision celebration and have loaded up the van with the glasses, toothbrushes/paste, and soccer balls. We decided that we would stop at a market in Mbale to purchase fruit for the children. Our original plans had included a meal for the children, but we encountered some problems along the way and the meal would have to wait.


Mbale is a much larger and a little more modern city than that of Tororo. The shops and vendors were all out in full force today as we waited for the purchase of the banana's. The heat was also at full force today in a van with no air conditioning other than opening your windows. Our windows were at half crack due to the amount of suitcases and things we had with us. It's not unusual for on-lookers to walk up and see what they can see in the windows.
After we purchased our fruit we drove a bit farther to meet up with Mary. Mary is Naboths wife, she will guide us to Bunambutye and Kings Primary School. We also met up with Dr. Bwonya's wife as they had some quick business to take care of while we were there. As we waited we started to hear music. It ended up that a parade happened down the main street while we waited. Although it was a very small parade it was exciting to see.


As we were sitting and waiting, and the sun was getting hotter and hotter something became apparently wrong. I don't know who noticed it, but all of a sudden we realized that we had left 300 Bibles sitting behind the counter at the hotel! This was one of the main reasons for visiting Kings Primary School along with the vision celebration. Now what would we do? I let Pastor Ruth know about our dilemna and she said, "I'm so sorry". Are we finished? Will the children get their Bibles? Surely, "I'm sorry" is not the end. Another education in language translation, "I'm sorry" means "I'm sorry"..LOL. She called a back-up driver to go to the hotel and drive them out to us. We had already driven a little over an hour. If we had driven back to get them we would miss the celebration and seeing the children all together. As it was they would be waiting on us to go home for the day.
Pastor Ruth had commented that satan was hard at work trying to keep those Bibles from reaching the children. We all agreed. Thank God that we noticed when we did! There was still time to get them to the children.
Pastor Ruth had made the decision to stay in Mbale until the driver arrived and then guide him to Bunambutye, otherwise we might never see them.
We headed off again and would drive another hour before reaching our destination.
Along the way we saw beautiful african countryside, more african culture and had a brief stop at Dr. Bwonya's home. It was quite beautiful and very ornate compared to those in the area.


As we pulled up to the school the kids were all sitting, waiting patiently for our arrival under a huge tree. When they saw our van they began waiving and yelling in excitement. Again, we are received far greater than we are deserving! We got out of the van and met some school staff that showed us up to the office of Naboth, the Headmaster of Kings Primary school. We greeted inside his office and signed the school guest book before heading out to the kids. He asked about our agenda and was concerned with time. We decided that what ever he though appropriate would be fine. The children were excited and it was an extra long day for them.








We were seated in front of the children and the teachers. Each teacher had a speech to make. Remember from previous days postings, when you have an event such as this, and guests involved, everyone wants a turn to say something. Their custom is to bring much formalities to special events. One such formality is the ever present coke for special guests!




In between the teachers speaking the children would come up from different grade levels and sing songs. Each song had a message attached to it from welcome songs, to Karamajong raids, and a young boy did a poem on Aids. It was all to inform us of the things they endure in their village. I had mentioned to Jan some time ago that it was interesting how God had brought two schools together for our team that are in opposition to each other. The children at Smile Africa are from the Karamojong tribe. The children in Bunambutye at Kings Primary school are victims from the Karamojong tribal raids in the district. Yet, God led our team to both on the same trip from meetings that happened over 1 year ago! One of the songs that the children had sung spoke of love and believing in Unity. Ok, God we know You are here!

This day would prove to be a long one...stay tuned for Day Six, Part II