Week Two

Jodi and Jacob are here and we're having a blast!! We've been going non-stop for the past week and a half, but it's been great. The first week of sports camps down at the school went fairly well with just a few minor bumps along the way. The second week is off to a fantastic start and I'm thankful that it's a much more chill week. Having my youth kids here has been amazing and I'm incredibly thankful to the Lord for this awesome opportunity. I'm doing my best to give them an idea of what my life looks like from day to day, from the things that I do to the places I go. We've traveled by boda, gone to the market and bartered, cooked local food, hung out with my lovely Sudanese friends, taught ESL classes at the Centre of Hope, held and played with little tiny orphans, and studied the Bible together. I'm blessed beyond measure and loving every minute of this. It's almost a strange feeling to have people who are so familiar here with me mostly because the last time I was in Uganda, I didn't know these two.

God is so good and His plans are perfect. It's amazing to think about the way our relationships have formed and grown so quickly. Quickly enough to bring them 9,000 miles away from home to hang out with me. I know Jesus is using this time to bless all three of us and teach us new things. I'm really enjoying reading through the scriptures with them. Each evening we sit down and I read 2-4 chapters aloud to them. Even when there's no discussion, it's a blessing. I'm praying for their hearts to be forever changed like mine was after being here. I'm praying that they are experiencing and seing God in a new way every single day. When I walk down the road I'm usually so distracted by the beauty around me that I don't even think about the cars speeding by... I hope that they are just as in awe of the glory of God's creation as I am. It's such a joy to share a place that I love so deeply. It's been awesome for them to meet some of my friends that I've been talking about for the past year or so.

After we finish out this week of camps, we chill for the weekend and then head out on a three day safari. I know it's going to open their eyes even more. Just being out of the city will be a blessing. Please pray for safety on the roads as we travel and pray for health. Some of you may know this, but most don't... I've been sick for almost a month now. Nothing very serious, but I've just been completely exhausted and having headaches everyday. Nothing to stop me from doing ministry or going about daily life, but enough to make me sluggish. I've been tested for a certain illness and it was negative, which is a good thing. It may be a flare up of mono, which I had in college. I recently bought some antibiotics in case it's not viral, so we'll see what happens. Either way, I'd love some prayer for my health and for Jodi and Jacob as their tummies continue to adjust.

Thanks for your prayers and for the love you show through your support. I'm hoping to post some pics when I have more than ten minutes to sit and chill! Much love!

The Time is Nigh!!!

I'm getting ready for bed right now, but thought I'd do a quick update. I'm currently in Entebbe, Uganda on the WGM Uganda field retreat. There are nearly 30 people here on the field. Lots of little ones... 7 under the age of 5. Yikes! We arrived today and so far so good. I'm really excited to be here and to have time to rest. I'm leading worship at 6 different sessions over the next 3 days, but beyond that I feel like there'll be plenty of time to chill. The best part about retreat though is that tomorrow morning (in about 10 hours) I get to head over to the airport and pick up Jacob and Jodi!!! It seriously seems like we were just talking about the idea of them coming and now they're almost here! Last I heard they were having some dinner in London and then heading back to the airport. I can't express how excited I am to share this place that I love so much with two people that I love so much! CHAMUKA!!! (means get excited!)

It's going to be really nice to be able to chat with them when I get home in 6 months and for them to understand much of what I'm talking about. I'm excited to share life with them, study the Word with them, and watch them experience some of the awesome ministries I get to be a part of here. I'm excited to watch them and their reactions to this culture that is at times very frustrating, but for the most part enjoyable. I'm excited for them to have this HUGE life experience here and I'm grateful to their parents for trusting me enough to let them travel 9,000 miles to do it. I'm praising the Lord for the way their funding came in and very happy with the responsibility that they took in order to make sure they could get here. Remembering back to being 19, I can't even imagine being focused enough to make a trip like this happen, also I'm not sure my parents would have said "yes". Who knows?

Anyways, all of that to say that I would love you guys to join me in praying for their trip. Pray for continued safety in travel, even while on the roads here. Pray for continued peace in Uganda and safety in the city. Pray for their health... physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Pray for them as their hearts and eyes are opened to the reality of daily life in a third world country. Pray for an easy adjustment with culture shock and such. Also pray for strong stomachs... we don't want any bathroom issues! Pray for their families at home and the possible anxiety that they're feeling. Pray that they would see God in a new and very real way; a way that draws them deeply into His presence with no way out. :)

Thank you all for supporting them with prayer and finances. I'm praising the Lord for your faithfulness and for the fact that you've said "yes" to serving God through these two amazing youth. We will try to keep you updated. Much love!