Day 17...Proclaim what the LORD has done!

Today started with thunder and lightning and downpours.  I'm a rain lovin' girl for sure, but knowing I was hoping on the back of a motorcycle in the red-dirt-turned-mud with no umbrella made me nervous.  Surely if I had a big black trash bag I wouldn't hesitate to put it over my entire self like a sack of charcoal and climb on board.

But, about 8:30, the rain stopped, sun came out and my boda boda slowly and carefully navigated the slippery mud...sans trash bag.    I was greeted by tea and chipati and everybody finished getting ready for church.  

Knowing it was my last day, I tried to soak in every song and voice during the morning service.  John taught us about the word Proclaim and the various instances where the bible uses the word.  He is just worth being more than proud of, that boy!

As I write, I am doing every thing I can figure out to upload videos for you, instead of writing so much tonight.  Oh, who am I kidding, I will still be talking when the last shovel of dirt fills my grave.  Its possible the grounds keeper will routinely stop just to shush me even under a tombstone.

Of course there was singing and dancing, praising and praying and teaching.  I prayed for them and they prayed for me before the close of the morning service.  It was all more than encouraging.

Janet, Jesca and Sarah

Yoweri and Rashid

Jonathan with a bucket full

Regina carried on her head

Then out of the blue, Janet decided to wash the van...and it may seem like such a minor thing, but I sat and watched the entire production. Little ones carrying jugs of water from the back yard, pouring them into a larger bucket that was used to fill a plastic pitcher for rinsing the soap off.


Boys scrubbed the tires and rims and others removed the floor mats and swept the inside.  The number of people and the effort it took and all I could think about was the auto-scrubber at the gas station at home.  No one was asked, prodded or threatened.  Janet just started in and pretty soon there was a team.  

Corn was harvested over the weekend and dried in the sun.  Today the entire gang sat together talking and removing the kernels from each cob.  I might be a little obsessed with using some piece of trash for something fun...today it was stacking empty cobs in towers.  The cobs are given to people who can't afford firewood or charcoal for their stoves in a small area near the school.  

Judith took me to Olivia's school to say goodbye.  She is in the middle of some pretty challenging national exam preparation so we didn't see her much this trip.  Lunch was served when we returned and then we spent about an hour reciting bible verses and talking about stories...trivia questions and then Janet capitalized with some pretty teachable moments.  

We pulled out some crayons and paper and most sat around the dining room tables "shading". 

Remembering that someone had sent money for ice cream, we hopped in the van and brought some back to the house.  

Janet and I sat on the front veranda doing the corn kernel thing for a long hour while we watched the kids play some sort of tag game in the yard...but we both knew the time was coming.  She said the hours go by too quickly on the last day and we both are pretty quiet as the time approaches.  

She called all the kids over for final words and encouragement.  They promised to pray for the EMI team as they prepare for the trip next month and I thanked them for always being the best of hosts to guests.  We talked about how important tell the truth is and how important father's are to a family.   It's always difficult to be different, to go against culture, but God designed marriage and families with some pretty awesome specifics that work out for our best... their families should look entirely different from their surroundings and if even this small family, had the commitment and courage to stand out as an intact family, taking great care and responsibility for their own children, God would surely be glorified.  Lord give them the strength to choose your ways and influence others for your kingdom.

When I saw their eyes begin to roll back in their heads, I knew I'd overstayed my welcome saved them from sure death by my flapping mouth...They each stuffed letters into my hands to bring home and we pulled away to waves and "mommy Jod, bye".  

I love them so...but Mission Trip August 2015 is complete.  I'll be back on US soil Tuesday afternoon.  Thank you for following and praying us through once again.

Day 16...give me that baby!

It the day before the day before I leave and I can feel my heart beginning to sense the loss and the separation.  There is little time for that as Janet is so in tuned with the Lord's purpose, that she keeps us up and moving.  Today was no different, though when she brought me back to the hotel about 3:30 and told me to rest for at least 2 hours before we met for dinner, I realized we may both be getting weary...the mirror testifies to that very thing.  

But today was a day to go to the place where Brenda's family is from.  She wasn't living there when she came to Chayah, but was instead sent to work the rice fields for an aunt near Kakira.  We drove 2+ hours...partly because of this kind of traffic jam...

Partly because, I had a bag of candy left and we stopped along the road every time we saw a group of kids.   We gained some notoriety on the way in and heard the familiar sing-song of "Muzungu" calling after us on the way back out the same dirt road.

Partly because an older woman was walking alone in the heat with her hand all bandaged up.  When Janet confirmed that there was a hospital somewhere in the distance, I ask her to stop on the one lane dirt road and back the van up...all the way to the old woman.  It seemed like such an easy and good idea.  Backing the van that far back up the road turned into a fiasco accompanied by laughter...until finally we decided she should just look ahead and trust me to tell her which way to turn the wheel.  We zig-zagged until most likely the passenger caught up to us, rather than our making much headway in her direction.  Regardless, once she was in, it was at least 15 minutes driving, so who knows how long she could have walked.  

 Once we finally made it to our destination, the remote fishing area came alive with children.  It is not likely that this area gets visitors very often...and it would be rare to see a white person.  Children began yelling and coming from every direction as the van pulled up.  We quickly moved through the crowd and entered the 10' diameter round mud hut.  The smell of charcoal from the cooker in the corner was strong and we soon learned that the single mattress and tattered blanket was the bedding for 7.  The story is a familiar one, but for the first time this trip, Janet says I failed to be "strong" as the tears began leaking through my conviction to hold it together.  Its fun to both of us, when she can turn to me and make a bold statement in English, giving me direction, when not another person understands.   

A man accompanied us inside...he was called an "uncle" which I think just means older man, but not a father.  We talked for a good long time about his Muslim faith.  If I survive the night, it is only God's protection, as I have never in my life spoken so boldly and I am sure there was a mighty war going on in the unseen.                        There is a great difference between his laying his head down at night and hoping he has been good enough and following the rules that will grant him favor with Allah...and my KNOWING that I have never in my life had a day good enough to earn anything, yet being positive that my salvation is absolute.  It was such a peaceful conversation and we talked back and forth with Janet translating.

We were served Casava...a root that is boiled with water to drink.  I cannot tell you how difficult it is to eat, knowing that it might really be taking the food from someone elses mouth.  But to refuse would have been a greater disservice.  

But then in the midst of all of the signs of suffering there was this sweet gift...that came to visit.

The only way it really worked was to hold him facing away from me...because...well this.
As much as I love the babies...surely I have also traumatized more than one!

   At one point we progressed to this precious moment..

 

We did bring along a suitcase full of clothing that was distributed, along with a few pairs of shoes and we brought rice, onions, sugar and oil with us for this one family...but knowing that it helps for only a few days just about killed me.  

We had about 100 tiny toys left to hand out, a few last pieces of candy and a few cookies.  It changes no lives, but maybe today there was a different kind of fun.  And visitors alone, make for something to talk about. 
 
 It was an equally long drive back and the rain started in.  We stopped for a grandmother along the road, carrying a toddler and loaded them up and stopped for chicken on a stick. 

I know nothing about this particular boy...Judith had the camera today...and chose him for a special picture.

Tomorrow will be the last official day of this trip.  Church at Chayah, lunch and then packing up for Monday's trip to the airport.  I suppose the inevitable will be easier this time since I'll be back again in less than a month for our trip with EMI but saying goodbye is never easy.  

But for Saturday...that's a wrap!

Day 14...and she's off!

Elijah has nothing to do with today's post...between frequent episodes of sickle cell anemia.

Friday we met at the bank to take care of some business and then we went again to another home.  We are looking at and considering the designs of several different places trying to piece together what seems to work best for the needs of our particular ministry.  In preparation for our meetings with EMI next month, we are doing our best to be prepared by understanding what our current and future needs are so that the planning and work they do can be most efficient for them.  

We are so grateful the ways God’s hand has moved since the beginning, just the right person at just the right time, showing us the way to go, the people to talk to and the ones to avoid.  We feel provided for and protected by God himself.  EMI is just one of those things God did out of the blue, when we had no idea there was such an organization.  We pray that even more than the profession services they are bringing to help design Chayah’s new property, that they have the time to see and understand both the beauty and the suffering of Uganda. 

It can be tempting to see every home with a dirt floor as somehow void of family, void of caring or unloving.  The more I see, the longer I am here, the more God reveals the truth of His word.  Jesus did not have anything of value that could be seen.  What he treasured and still does is the heart of people, the most tender place in us, the most vulnerable part is the place he wants to dwell, heal and then make an eternal difference.  In my world, at home, from that lens, everything is beautiful.

I have easily and without awareness judged the wellness of others by their outward appearance.  If their clothing is clean, and their car is moving, they are doing well. I cannot remember a single place in scripture where Jesus commented on those kinds of things, though admittedly my knowledge of the Bible is so small.  Over and over again, he looked into faces, and spoke to the heart.  Perhaps I have a new understanding and greater appreciation of his claiming that he must go, so that the Holy Spirit could come and live in us.  The comforter, and the one who testifies to the truth, the one who guides and reminds us who we are…dwells deeply, intimately inside so that we can see what he sees and be capable of doing what he calls us to do.  It is only what has been given us that we can give away for others.  We are vessels for sure, overflowing with so many things…I am also so easily distracted and can fill my mind and heart with things that have little meaning and value…and then when it comes time for spilling, I can drench anyone nearby with some really petty ugliness.  But grace…

Back at Chayah yesterday, Big Sharon, sat with the big girls, speaking to them as they helped her pack her things. She is walking an invisible line between a big sister and truly a mother to them.   

 She is mature, wise and nurturing.  She is bold, yet humble and they are drawn to her sincerity and love for them.  She can easily be one of them, yet when she leads, they follow without a thought.  Before she left, she also met with the boys, challenging them to respect their siblings and balance their holiday time from school with playing and reading.  She is an amazing young woman and yesterday she left for her final year at the University.  Pray for God’s protection over her and great success this next school year.  Also, that God would speak to her and lead her in the direction He has for her future.  Selfishly, we are praying it has something to do with Chayah’s children.  For now…she is off to college.

I pulled out a second stack of books yesterday.  I don’t really know what I was thinking would happen, but an offer to read to them brings them close.  With their English improving and my attempt to keep the pace slow, even the simplest of books brings much interest.  With that success, I plan to strap a few paperbacks to my mid section on future trips to keep them close.

 A few escorted me to the home of the twins here who are growing like weeds!  Their father was killed in a car accident when they were just a few weeks old, but mom is getting by selling charcoal.

We went to this fun place again and I don't really know who was more entertained!

There were papers to sign at the house and then I headed out and back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner.  The truth usually is that I don’t spend one minute freshening, but attempt to upload pictures and prepare the blog as much as I can.

Judith, our counselor came to dinner with Janet and we talked about the heart issues with the kids and her thoughts on each one.  I had to tell her the joy I feel when she sits on the veranda and the kids, all on their own, come gather round her, all engaging in the conversation with ease.  I can’t understand one thing they say…but it’s so very obvious that they love her and feel safe.  

One girl in particular just seems locked down when it comes to communication.  She is pleasant and obedient, participates and plays, but if she is asked a question about anything that has to do with feelings, she is silent.  If pushed, she easily cries.  When she is near her mother, the anger and rejection is palpable, from daughter towards mother.  When asked why, she is silent.  She is closest to the girls who are much younger and has trouble feeling like she fits with the ones her own age.  She is strong physically and has a will like steel, but struggles in school and has repeated the same elementary grade, now so much bigger than her classmates.  When it comes to my degree of insight…you get what you pay for…but I can’t help but wonder what terrible thing has happened…how long ago and if she will ever be able to be open about it to someone.  Judith, our counselor, is committed to her like red on dirt and her goal over the next year is to invest in the relationship and work to become more trustworthy in her eyes.  Yesterday we were recording the stories of the ones who wanted to tell about their lives in Kakira.  She wanted to come in with us like others had, one at a time…but then sat silent, hesitant to even answer the simplest of questions.  She wanted to do like the rest, to be included in this little project, but the pain on her face…no words, no tears, spoke volumes of something… we just don’t know what.  She sat silent for only a few minutes and I thanked her for coming in, but that she could keep her stories private and it was ok.  We will be praying for her.  Whatever it is that has such a grip on her can be addressed by God himself, we just pray she knows that she is loved and safe and will be able to trust Him with the details even if she is never able to speak the words to anyone.

Friday's over...but Saturday's a commin'

Day 13...Be forewarned...

I posted earlier that I woke up with such a heavy heart.  The memories of yesterday about turned me inside out.  There was a television on in the restaurant this evening showing a Dog Show.  Costumed canines were featured parading around in some kind of competition and you can imagine I guess, what that juxtaposition made me feel...

I am an animal lover.  I have a dog and believe he should be taken care of. I love horses, I've been asked why American's pet their cows.   I know animals bring joy and a sense of well being to their owners.  I realize they can be comforting and certainly like any other animal God has created, that they should be treated with care, rescued from harm.  

BUT...you realize what we are doing with animals, right?  You get that we have enough in the US to also, then, shower our pets with extravagance.  We laughed at the program, Beatrice and I, when she said..."I think there are people who even give their dog a mattress for sleeping!" I nodded and wanted to scream at the TV  "You realize that kids here will place big banana tree leaves on the mud floor of their huts to sleep on?" 

And you know that every single thing we are offered via subscription, is fluff in our lives. You know there is a "Bark Box" available for $29 per month, where your dog gets 4-8 treats delivered right to your door?   The Bark Box is the one that grinds me the most, though I am sure there are many that are more ridiculous...  But I'm sure you realize.

Child sponsorship is also a monthly subscription... what if we didn't sign up for the Bark Box or Stitch Fix or the Wine of the Month club and instead sponsored a child through any number of organizations, including Compassion, World Vision, Amazima, Chayah and others. 

I can tell you first hand that my dog has no idea what he is missing without a Bark Box...but every hungry child is hard pressed to ignore a missed meal, especially when he is only getting one a day...on the best days.

Forgive me...I'm sure you know.  I'm sure you too can see that we are constantly tempted to elevate any number of things to a place of honor and servitude, these things we value ahead of children. 

 I realize, I get to stare into the faces, hold the hands and talk to the little ones who are suffering and that in a few weeks when I've been back in my comfortable first world home, the pain will diminish, even for these first hand eyes.  

But, today...today my heart breaks and between my feet and the red dirt of Uganda sits a soap-box and I'm not usually one to walk around an opportunity to speak out for children.

It may be the last post you ever read here...maybe this offends or hits a nerve...maybe its too much in our business...except that sometimes it takes a hard word to push us to action.  Maybe we have known there are needs, but not really right in our faces or it feels too big.  Maybe its difficult to trust an organization, maybe its more fun to watch our pets dig into a bacon scented package, than wonder if we are really making a difference far away.  

But maybe, one child, somewhere could be changed.  Maybe sponsorship would provide medicine for a common-turning- deadly illness.  Maybe a family receiving some emergency food help, or a pair of shoes to walk to work in might just really change things.  Maybe one child in a family getting to go to school would eventually help the entire family, or at least give some hope and self worth to the ones God holds so closely.  

I don't know...but maybe, just maybe today is a good day to start something new.  Heaven forbid we switch our dogs to some generic dog food and give the extra to a child we've never met...imagine the confusion if that child could somehow see how upside down our priorities were...could see our pet spas and dog parks...God forbid them from ever knowing please.  

I do this here on the blog...a place where I can't see your faces, where I feel protected from the consequences of offending you/us.  I am as guilty as the next, of maybe not with the dog thing, but in a hundred other ways.    Let's just commit today to asking God to check our priorities and speak truth over our ways and then move as He directs with courage.  

"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?  Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.…"  1 John 16-18

I've never been a great influencer...I can get excited and passionate about something and have no body follow...that's very possibly God's protection for those within earshot of my big ol' mouth.    But not every one is called to GO, so not everyone has the opportunity to see. I pray you hear my heart's cry for the hurting and not a shred of condemnation.  If you didn't care and weren't doing something, I doubt you'd have taken one second to read such a hard post.  

Thank you for sticking with me.  I believe I can step down from that box now.  


 

Day 12...Angels and the Blind

Today was difficult, but I wouldn't trade it for another.  It hurts to be broken, but its necessary to have even a glimpse of the heart of God.  You might want to refill your coffee before you start this post, it feels like I have lots to say today.

Janet reminded me as we went back Kakira, that spending the most of our time at Chayah, masks the reasons there is ministry and the need to push forward, in loving, praying for and giving in the painful conditions of the suffering in this village.

Janet picked me up about 9 with Melisa and Jesca.  I gave Melisa the camera today as she, like the rest, loves to take photos.  If there is a hint of confusion in the hues of the photos we will chalk that up to her creativity.

We stopped first checking back on the old woman with the 5 boys.  She had been gone for weeks, but was now back.  Only one of the 5 boys was home, the others were in school she said.  We doubted that.  The one that remained had a swollen cheek, he said from falling on a stick.  It seemed like an abscess of some kind.  I gave him 3 antibiotic pills I had with me not knowing what else we could do in the moment. 
We sat down to try to talk to the grandmother about leaving the boys and all that has happened since we first began coming to check and help them.   More people have moved very near by after the house for the boys was built last year.   Anticipating Janet's van pulling in every month or so gives them some hope for help.  It also means that every time the old woman gets something intended for the boys, she gives it away to others.  Even the two room house we built, has been moved into by a woman and her children.  The boys are sent to dig in gardens instead of school, and their belongings are filthy, including the bedding and mattresses.  We talked to her about moving the boys to a place nearer the school and nearer someone who would oversee them:  a more controlled environment.  At first she refused to allow them to go away from her.  I wish it was because she loves them so, but she said "who will dig for me and bring me something to eat?"  We went round and round trying to show her that children are to be taken care of, not caretakers...she seemed opposed to the idea.  Children need to go to school so that they have a chance for a better future, she was opposed to that if it meant they would not be working.  "You are trading their chance for a future so that they can stay and take care of you. Is that what you want?"  "Yes".  We have tried over and over again to bring food, clothing, bedding, medicine and she gives it away, doesn't use it to care for the boys. When the boys are gone, she thinks the help will dry up.   The whole thing seems impossible and we left frustrated with the mentality and how widespread it is.   Janet will give her some time and see if she changes her mind.  If not, our help there is useless if our target is the boys. 

We left there and headed for the home of Julius.  Julius, 13 years old, is a Compassion child and I got word about the end of June, that he'd been abducted.  Here is the story his mother told us.  

Julius's father woke him up in the morning to get ready for school.  When we came out of an outhouse around the corner, two men grabbed him and told him that if he yelled, they would kill him.  They tied something over his mouth and eyes, and one lifted him over his shoulder.  He was told that if anyone asked about him, he was to pretend to be sick and they would act as though they were taking him for medical care.  Both of Julius's parents believed the other one had seen him get ready and leave for school.  They walked up to the edge of a forest area and tied his feet and hands together against a tree.  They put a needle in his arm and drew out some blood and as they did Julius heard them say that they would sacrifice him and then change their clothes so that no one would see the blood on them.  They put the knife to his throat just as a man from up the hill called out "what are you doing?" believing that they had stolen a goat and were getting ready to kill it.  The men ran and the rescuer used his own knife to cut Julius's tethers.  The man told him to run home and followed to make sure he got there.  His mother said when he arrived at home, he couldn't speak, just cry and that for a week he stayed home from school, scared to death of everything.  We thanked God for sending an angel to stop the horrific plan about to unfold.  We prayed for Julius and his family to know that it was God who saved him and that their faith would be strengthened, then for the heart and mind of Julius to be healed from the trauma and memories that he carries.

Child sacrifice is common.  Jesus died for us once, no other sacrifice has power, yet Satan always counterfeits what God has done and in this place, the vulnerability of children makes them easy targets.  Two to three children a week disappear in Kakira.  God help us.

I needed to find Julius in the flesh and see for myself that he was ok (my mother and grandmother call it "eye-balling" somebody to see for yourself)  We headed off to his school and he was pulled out of class.  The intensity of the hug I gave him may have triggered some flash backs, but I couldn't help myself and his smile was really the most beautiful thing I have seen in a while.  Rescued and saved and alive and well and we gave him a box of cookies to take back for his class, which may be been the highlight of the visit for him.  Regardless, I thank God that his word promises that each child has a guardian angel.  

Matthew 18:10
"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." 

 
 I love the picture of an angel looking back and forth between a threat to a child and the face of God, like a horse in the starting gate, just anxiously waiting for a nod of God that says "GO".  

When I could tear myself away from that darling boy and his miracle, we left the school and headed deeper into the bush.

The place Olivia and Jesca are from and the family of Mary one of our first cooks, sits far away from anything.  There is much I could say about it, like their mother, Rose has had 3 more children and I suspect is pregnant again and the little ones, every single one is beautiful and 
valuable. 

There is no man around, just a visitor once in a while I guess. She smiles like Olivia and her eyes are like Jesca.  The round mud hut was empty when we arrived as she worked in a private sugar cane field, cutting down the cane with a big panga knife.  

 
Soon after we arrived the kids came out from every which way and word spread quickly that I had cookies to share.  8 year old boys with pangas explained that they also work in the sugar fields, making 1,000 shillings a day...33 cents.  

The one who captured my heart though, was a 15 year old named Jennifer.  She almost totally blind, but gave birth last year to a baby.  Her eyesight allows her to see the well worn path between the well and a few homes, so 5 times a day she walks to the well, fills a Jerri can with water, puts it on top of her head and follows the path to her customers who pay her 200 shillings per trip. 

Her pregnancy resulted from a surprise on the path one day a year ago.  Today her baby is sick, maybe malaria.  She paid as much as she had at the clinic.  She is 15, a mother, and doing what she can to contribute to the household. 

Both of them live with her mother, siblings and Mary's children.  We believed that Mary was taking her wages back to her family to support her children because that is what she told us...it sounds like that never happened.  Mary was let go in 2014 and hasn't been back at home to care for her children.  

Janet and I both fear for Jennifer, that without her sight she will be targeted again and again.  Her blindness is a result of illness when she was younger and limits her ability to adequately clean her baby.  Jennifer is thin, doesn't get enough to eat to supply enough milk to her daughter who already shows signs of malnutrition.  If there is one, there is 100 nearby.  She is able to wash clothes well without her vision which makes me tempted to bring suitcases of clothing from the US just so we could pay her to wash them again and again.  How...what...can be done?

We shared the gospel with the group that gathered around our attention to her. I spoke directly to her and pray her decision and prayer for salvation is genuine and takes a firm hold of her heart.  We were sneaking shillings in the hands of the moms and pray it helps them get through for a while more.  

Do you know that last week, early in the trip, I met a guy from the US who was here to set up an eyeglass clinic, training people to do eye exams and left 3,000 pairs of lenses and frames.  I'll be on mission to get her there if its possible before I leave.  

Our last stop was at the grandmother of Kwagala to see how she is doing.  Kwagala's mother has never been around, leaving her tiny daughter years ago.  A mentally ill aunt showed up several weeks ago, whose behavior has been wild. We tried to encourage and pray for them again, tucking a few shillings into her palm as we left her.  

So much suffering, I pray I never become numb to it.  I wish I was one super strong Christian that could hand every burden over to Christ and go to sleep in peace, but I fail there and yet it seems right to carry the heaviness of it.  I suppose too, my lengthy entry here is so that you know how much it hurts and how much there is yet to do.  The solutions are far greater than we are and in that I can trust the Lord, but when he opens the eyes of a tender heart...the impact is , powerful and in this case full with direction and steps to walk; often overwhelming.


Thankfully, so is God's grace and his desire to lead and guide.  We need Him so.  Pray for these...

Day 11...Casual Monday

 

"Little" Sharon

 

I could shoot myself. 

I got confused and sent a wrong suitcase home with the team and its insides hold all the material and dyes I packed to make scarves with the kids this week.  

I'm just way more disappointed than I need to be, but grateful we will be back next month...but still!  I really want to whine to somebody and alone I sit in my room with a big ol' pout on my face.

The morning was slow paced and restful.  Janet picked me up about 11am and we ran a few errands...ie bank, setting up a cell phone and then meeting with Chris our driver to reconcile our account with him.   Janet dropped me off for a meeting with another ministry leader here and my eyes were opened once again to some of  the painful difficulties of the mission field.  Satan has a counter plan to every good work God wants to do.  Add people just like us, and our weaknesses and the best of circumstances can crumble under the temptation and deception of the enemy. 

Ephesians 6:12^" For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." ASV

"God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels." The Message

Life is messy and that includes ministry.  Its difficult not to be discouraged when there is human failure...not to want to pull out, throw up our hands and avoid all of the hard parts.  Hearing the heart ache of another makes this empathetic heart break right along side.  But Jesus loves children, which makes them a favorite target of our enemy.  If they can be corrupted, hurt, abused early in life, he's got a foothold for the rest of their lives.  Children still need to be protected, loved, and nurtured regardless of the obstacles and the risk.  So we pray more for the wisdom to do our best and trust God finish what he has started.

We arrived at Chayah in the early afternoon and today I was able to sit and watch them play and talk and though I understood nothing at all, it was really sweet to see them interact as a family.  Some played soccer, many more sat on the front porch and talked. 

John

 

 

 

I didn't need an interpreter to see how bonded they are to each other, how much fun they have and I am always impressed that they gather together in big groups, not two or three sitting off by themselves.  I guess it just feels really inclusive and warm.  

Judith, our counselor

Judith, Sharon and Olivia

I pulled out some paper and they got a pencil and we talked about building a new house on the property.  I asked them to think about what it should be like and draw their ideas out. 

Doreen

Janet and I went over most of the sketches and she commented that of course Judith wanted a "reading room" (library) and that the boys put the sports storage room right next to their bedrooms. 

Jonathan

Some had our cooks sleeping next to the kitchen and others drew swimming pools and fish ponds.  Some want 2 to a room, others designed 4, one of the older boys thought maybe he and the other should have their own rooms. 

Shakira

They had two things in common...multiple stories and everybody put themselves on the top floor and nearly every house had guest rooms for our teams.  

I loved their creativity and especially the way Yoweri was so careful to draw detail,

Yoweri

using the edge of a soccer cone for the round parts and a lego piece for the straight parts.  Now before you take up a collection for rulers and protractors...those things worked just fine and I have a feeling their school supplies are put away for safe keeping and only school work.

Melisa

 We had been given a large piece of left over cake at Solomon's wedding, so that was served as Janet and I spent a good deal of time talking about Chayah's future.  

So it was a casual day I guess and was a good change of pace for today.  Tomorrow we will go back to Kakira and check on the 5 boys, praying the absent grandmother has returned and has some completely justifiable reason why she has been gone and a HUGE PROMISE that it will never happen again.  I pray that is so.  I am not very confident that will be the case, but regardless we are heading back to check on them and make sure they have enough to sustain them for a while more.  

I'm out of good judgement tonight so I've overloaded you with words and pictures... be blessed by these faces, by the joy and contentment and stability our kids are experiencing.  I know most people are drawn to the rescue of a child...but God is bigger than that and is in the business of healing and sustaining those he loves...it is amazing to see it...I guess I wish you were here in person but pictures may be the next best thing.
 

Dafine

Regina

Olivia

Jesca

Sarah

 

Kwagala