Finally Here!

Sorry if nothing in this post makes sense.  It’s really late and I’ve had a long day loving all over some amazing Ugandan children but so much has happened and I have to start filling you in.

One thing I prayed over this trip is that we would see miracles. Many times in the New Testament Jesus told the people around him that he couldn’t perform miracles because they had no faith. (Matthew 13:58 – “And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.) I wanted to show my faith so that God could show his faithfulness.  I wanted him to make the possible out of the humanly impossible. 

The miracles started before we barely began.  Once Willy and Tiana and I all got together in Chicago we almost missed our first flight.  We each had to check in 5 pieces of luggage (most of which we overweight) so it took forever.  Also, almost every one of our carry-on bags were checked by security.  As we were getting really close to missing the flight I told Tiana and Willy that they needed to stay with security while I ran ahead to stop the plane from leaving.  I sprinted towards our terminal and as the sweat poured off I begged the flight attendants to wait just a few more minutes before shutting the gate to the plane.  They said if I had come just one minute later it would have been closed.  I was so thankful for the Lord’s grace.  He has such a sense of humor.  I knew from that moment this summer is going filled with instances in which I have to trust the Lord to get me through. 

The second miracle we experienced was once we got off of our last flight.  As we waited by the baggage claim to get our 20 pieces of luggage filled with bibles, expensive sound equipment for the open air crusades, as well as all of our clothes, medicine, toiletries, etc. for the summer – we saw nothing.  Not one of our bags came around.  I immediately knew this is another one of those times when God just wants to get some glory. It’s so comforting to be able to rely on the Lord.  The verse we kept repeating to each other when we got worried about our luggage for the following day is Romans 8:28 -  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.” After a long two days in Kampala we finally got the call that our luggage had came!  Safe and sound we got it all back.

Although testing of the faith is challenging – it feels so good when it comes naturally, abundantly, and is that much stronger because of those times when you have to use it.  

Again, I’ve got lots to tell but no brainpower to do it. 



  

This picture kind of sums up the trip so far.  Yes, the stains all over my shirt are this beautiful baby’s pee. 

The pee symbolizes the cold showers in a basin.  Our lost luggage.  My cold (I have a horrible cough and horrible runny nose). Being dirty before I get of the door.  The frustration of the language barrier.  Missing my family. Having to eat some disgusting food in order to be polite. 

However the baby symbolizes the beauty of this trip.  The wonderful friends I made a few days ago that have already become my family.  The bright eyes and stunning smiles of all of the children in this village. The shouting of “mzungu” wherever I walk.   Seeing the Lord work in funny ways. The clear crisp Ugandan air.  Teaching new games.  My walks to the market with Mama DuDu.  Playing in the yard with Asha and Shamirah, making them repeat funny words in English.  Helping Mariam wash all of our clothes by hand.  Singing new songs. 

This summer is awesome.  Even if it all ended now and I had to go back to school, it would be the best summer of my life.  I’d be happy with the experience.  However, I’ve only been here for three days and have about 78 left.  I am SO excited.