on my way home (to Arua that is)

On Saturday Oct. 3 we left the guest house at 5:30 am and began our 7 hour drive to Arua. Even though it was dark out, I still couldn’t sleep in the backseat. I just wanted to try to take in as much as I could. You could see the shop fronts in the dark and people up and sweeping in front of the doors. There were even a few adults and kids that were sleeping on the store fronts. Once daylight broke, you could really see how people in this country live. You could see the different villages and their huts. You could see people tending to gardens or the women who were hard at work carrying things on their heads and children on their backs. Some women were even gardening with children on their backs. We passed people who had to walk to the well to pump their water and then take it back to their huts. They hand wash their clothes and then lay them on the grass roof of the hut to dry.

It was really cool when we got to the Nile River. The amount of water that rushes through there is incredibly crazy and powerful. But if you want pictures of the river, you have to take them before you get to the bridge to cross. There is a lot of security by the bridge because they can’t afford to have anything happen to the bridge. They won’t even allow you to take pics of the bridge because they don’t want anyone to be able to plot destroying the bridge since that is the only way out for a lot of people. They will actually take your camera if you are caught taking a picture of the bridge or the water from the bridge. It’s pretty crazy.

Then we drove on a road where there was a history of rebels hiding out and ambushing vehicles back when you had to drive slow on it. The road has since been repaved and cars go too fast through there so it isn’t possible for them to ambush anymore. Plus there isn’t as much of an issue with rebels anymore. Around 1:30 we finally arrived in Arua and unloaded the truck with my many bags plus the food and stuff we bought for the house. I spent several hours working on getting unpacked and settled in. At 5:30 we had a team get together and played volleyball and ate dinner. It was great to finally meet the rest of my team plus the kids I am going to be working with.

Kampala (the capitol of Uganda)

When I first arrived in Uganda (on Monday Sept. 28), we left the airport in Entebbe and started our journey into the capitol city of Kampala. The drive truly broke my heart. I was expecting things to get better as we got closer to the city, but it never did. It is so poverty stricken. The slums are all over the place. Even the “nicer” homes would be considered run down in the eyes of Americans. Although there are a few places that resemble western living. There is a mall, but nothing in comparison to anything we have. It truly is a hard place to describe. The traffic is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. There is only 1 traffic light and several round- abouts. People don’t care about traffic rules, they come in from all over the place, cut people off and that is only the cars. Then you have to watch for piki pikis which are motor bikes that weave in and out of traffic worse than motorcycles in the states and bicycles and pedestrians and you have to force your way through or else you will never get anywhere. I don’t know how there aren’t more accidents than there are. It truly was a scary experience but I started getting used to it the more we were out and around. There are a couple of good restaurants there, so we did eat some pretty good food. We stayed at the guest house provided by the Baptist Mission of Uganda and had decent electricity and water. Pam (my supervisor’s wife) and I got to have good time of conversation and getting to know each other as well as us sort of discussing what will be taking place with the kids. There were many new sounds that were so fun to hear, such as a bird that sounds like a monkey. It was the funniest thing I have heard. On Wednesday, the girls on my team came down to bring Alissa’s mom to the airport and for restocking supplies. On their way down, they got pulled over for “inconsiderate use of a motor vehicle”. HAHA it truly was because there were 3 white women in a truck that was full of luggage. The police wanted them to park the truck and go to court to pay the fee. They told them they couldn’t park it there, but the police could follow them to the mission and handle everything there. The cops had taken down the girl’s information. Long story short, they ended up getting out of it, but after being harassed by the cops for a while that afternoon. But that afternoon we went to get lunch at the mall and get much needed pedicures. They were amazing and cheap. It came out to about $7.50 per person. That rocks!!! The next day I got the opportunity to go shopping with the girls for things that we needed for the house in Arua. And we started going over how things would be split and handled in our home. I am so grateful for the girls that I am living with. We get along so well. I eventually got to enjoy my time in Kampala, but couldn’t wait to get to my new home in Arua.

Satan vs. the Lord

Our orientation was over on Sept. 24th. It was a long but great 2 months and the Lord revealed many things to me during that time. I had also been dealing with spiritual warfare in the form of dreams. Sometimes that can be the scariest place because you can’t control what happens when you sleep. All I could do was pray even harder and give my thoughts, mind and my dreams to the Lord all the time. I was scheduled to fly out of Richmond on Sat. Sept. 28th. Between the time orientation was over and I was to leave straight for Africa I had time to spend with my family and a dear friend of mine. This was also time to pack. It was a time for being excited for heading off to another country for a great adventure in serving the Lord. My family left on Friday and about 15 minutes after they left I received a text message that a good friend of mine’s brother had passed away. I was also having a hard time making everything fit in to the amount of luggage I had. I was beginning to really stress out. I was also becoming kind of nervous about leaving. Saturday morning I got up to start packing again. I had made a lot of progress the night before and felt like the job could be done. But I was still having issues with making everything fit and the zipper on one of the suitcases was about to bust and I wasn’t sure if it would survive the trip to Uganda. I had a question for the airline about luggage allowances, so I called. Come to find out I was on a different airline carrier for my first flight and my flight was 20 minutes earlier than what I was told. I was really stressing. And by the way, how am I going to get 4 checked bags and 2 carry ons through the airports when I land. And what if I had to get them and re- check them when I got to Chicago because of being on a different airline? I was really nervous. Well the taxi driver came to pick me up early. Thank goodness because when I got to the airport I had to shuffle stuff around a lot because of the weight of my bags. And I also ended checking a 5th item which ended up being a big box. During that time, the Lord put people in my path to help encourage me. There was the lady back at my quad who was cleaning and getting it ready for the next group to come in, some others I went though FPO with, a man and his 2 daughters at the airport who when they found out I was a missionary prayed for me and the list goes on and on. God is so good and faithful to take care of his children. He never leaves nor forsakes us. He calmed all my fears and made everything work out. I didn’t have to re-claim my baggage in Chicago and the airport in Entebbe was pretty empty so I didn’t have to worry too much about watching my luggage as I was trying to get everything off the carousel. Carts were close by and I didn’t have too far to go before I was greeted by my supervisor’s wife. I had no issues at all getting my tourist visa. God is good!!!!!

I know it has been a really long time since I have updated my blog and I apologize. Since the last time I updated, I spent 8 weeks in Virginia for training. We sat under the teachings of some really Godly people who have served the Lord for many years and have learned a great deal. For 3 days we had sessions about spiritual warfare with Jerry Rankin. We had sessions on language, the persecuted church, the ever wonderful contingancy training and much more. We inquired alot of insight and knowledge that will deffinitely help as we are around the world. Many new friendships and bonds were made. I will never forget though sitting by the creek singing praise and worship as we listened to the water over the rocks, or our bonfires that were just amazing because you could feel the Lord in the midst of us. The concert of prayer was amazing. I became the adopted aunt of many nieces and nephews, which as most of you know I love kids so this made me very happy. I have very precious and dear memories that I will never forget. The Lord truly revealed things in my life that I needed clarification on and I am so grateful. I loved learning how to analyze scripture in a different way (SPECKA: Sin, promise, example, command, knowledge, application) and to look for these things in the passage of scripture.

Well, that time has drawn to a close and though I miss alot of things about orientation, I am excited about the new chapter the Lord has opened up. I left VA on Friday Sept. 26 flew to Chicago then over night to London. The flights and airports were pretty uneventful. I sat in the London airport for 9 1/2 hours. Pretty long and boring. But then I got to meet a gentleman who is a high court judge in Uganda but his family lives in London. It was quite unique to get to talk to him. On the flight I sat near 2 babies from different families. One was 2 months old and one was 4 months old. Praise the Lord he gave me the ability to sleep through crying babies. But the next morning I landed at the Entebbe National Airport and had no problems getting through and getting the tourist visa. No issues getting luggage around the airport and all of it arrived which is a miracle because luggage gets lost all the time and returned later.

Pam (my supervisors wife) picked me up and we hit the ground running. We went to the mall to get money from the atm and get my cell phone. We had lunch and then went around town to the grocery stores. Traffic here in the capitol is crazy. They cut each other off all the time and pedestrians walk in to the road and I'm amazed there aren't more accidents. Later Pam and I spent time just hanging out and chatting while in the living room area of our guest house. It's really cool to get to hear the calls of some of the birds. It's really cool. Yesterday we went to have lunch with another missionarys from the area and got to meet an ISC couple that is getting ready to go back to the states. It was cool to get to talk with them and hear some of their experiences. This morning was a meeting with our logistics coordinator and the girls from my team are getting here in just a little bit so we will go to lunch and get pedicures. I am so excited for that. I've been able to get to know Pam pretty well over the last couple of days and learning about the kids I will be teaching. I can't wait to meet them. It has been an exciting few days getting in to the culture, and pray that the Lord would give me the ability to adjust well and truly love my people group and others that aren't even in my people group. Please pray for the dynamics of the team as some of it is going to change with me being here. But I believe the Lord will use the change for amazing things. Thank you to everybody for all the prayers and love. I love all of you guys and please let me know how I can be praying for you. I will be working harder at keeping this updated more. However, I don't know how stable internet will be yet. Talk to ya soon.

Make me fearless

Well, I am a little behind on updating my blog, but here goes stuff from over the last couple of days. On Tuesday July 28, I left Tampa to go to Virginia for 2 months for some training. While I was getting ready to check my bags there was a lady who was standing back and crying. Mom asked her what was wrong and she simply told us that she missed her flight. There wasn't a whole lot we could do. I mean, we could be sympathetic, but that was about it. Later after I boarded the plane, it turned out her new flight was mine, AND she ended up in the seat next to me. After getting to talk to her I found out her mother had passed away at 2 am that morning and she was trying to get home to be with family. So... so far her day was her mother passed away and then she missed her flight. But it ended up getting worse for her. I felt so bad already, but she ended up losing her phone case that had her id and credit card and some other super important documents. By this time she is trying soooo hard to keep herself held together, but she broke down crying. Then she was saying "this was the worst f'ing day in her life. So I asked her what her name was and if I could pray for her. I asked the Lord to calm her heart and give her comfort and that she would find this case and for peace for her family as they were dealing in this difficult time. After I finshed, through all the tears and weeping she simply said "thanks". A few minutes later she was finally calm enough to actually fall asleep. Praise God because this poor lady needed the rest so badly.

Now to my quiet time this morning that ties in. The Lord brought me to Acts 18:9-10 which says "And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision "do not be afraid, but go on speeking and do not be silent for I am with you and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.

This is what I wrote in my journal: This morning as I reflected on the events that happened on my first flight on Tuesday (Sonya who had lost her mother) I was very burdened that I couldn't share Christ with her. I could pray for her but I couldn't tell her about Jesus. WOW!!! And I am supposed to be going as a missionary to share Christ. The Lord brought me to Acts 18:9-10. So if God is with me why should I be affraid to share?

My Prayer: Lord, I pray for an obedient heart. I pray that you would take the fear away so I could boldly proclaim your name. Even here in the U.S. I pray for those going to places that can't boldly proclaim your name. I pray that you would open paths and relationships so they can share as much as possible.
AMEN!!!

Today is a big day!!!

After over a year and a half of praying about serving the Lord overseas and going through the application, one of the big days has come. I am currently at the airport getting ready to board my plane in about 15 minutes. Today I am leaving for my 2 month orientation in Rockville, VA. Time has gone by so slow yet so fast. It is the weirdest feeling ever. It was also hard to say my "see ya laters" to all my friends and family, but I know that God is going to use me in tremendous ways. I also know that He is going to use this time to not only grow me but my friends and family as well and give others the opportunity to step up and serve in the capacities that I was serving. I pray for our youth and college ministry. It has been a blessing to see all of our youth grow in their relationships with Christ. I love everybody in the college ministry and thank you guys for loving me so much. The blessing chair was awesome Dena. I'm glad God gave me the opportunity to hear the impact that He has used me for. I love everybody dearly and will be praying for you guys as well. Ron and Jeremy, you guys are doing an awesome job in your service as well and I am so thankful that you guys have been there right along side me in this process as well as many others. I love all of you guys and the next time I blog, I will be in Virginia. Pray for our classes as we learn about other cultures and worldviews for us to better serve in our areas.

drought

Hey guys,

So yesterday I was contacted by Stan Wafler who is one of the missionaries I will be working with in Arua, Uganda. He informed me that there is a severe drought (the worst they have seen in about 15 years). Since my major is agriculture I will be using that as part of my curriculum with the kids so I was already doing research on behalf of that. I am going to do more research to see what crops are drought tolerant and have good nutrition. I am going to post an excerpt from an update I just received. Please be in prayer for our team and the people surrounding. They are having a very difficult time.

"Please pray for rain in Lugbara land. We normally experience a long dry season from November to mid- March. However, there were only a few brief rains in April and May. Normally the heavy rain comes in June and July, but it has been very dry. This drought has become a crisis for most people because they have been unable to plant any crops. We did have one good rain this week but it is still not enough to sustain crops. There have been dozens of deaths, hastened because of startvation, recorded in Maracha and in Terego which are just north of the Arua district. We as a team have been able to share enough food for 2 meals with about 20 families this week. This is such a small drop in the ocean of suffering. Please pray for rain and that people will be able to trust God in this extremely difficult time."


Please also be in prayer that there might be opportunities to open up for me to be able to share my knowledge of agriculture and in my research find plants that are drought tolerant and help the locals be able to use the tools and knowledge they already have to a greater degree. Pray that relationships will be formed through this and God would be glorified through everything. Pray for our team for strength to deal with what the current struggles are. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it would be to watch people die from starvation.

I am down to 9 days before leaving for Virginia for 2 months and then to Arua. I am so excited. Also praise God for the work He is doing in the midst of everything going on. People are still coming to know the Lord as their Savior and that is so awesome.

As most of you may know, I am leaving July 28th to go to Virginia for a 2 month orientation and then will be leaving to serve as a missionary in Arua, Uganda for the next 2 years. The team I am joining have a very dynamic purpose already. I will be working alongside the Wafler family (Stan, Pam, Jacob, Jack and Joanna) as well as 4 other journeymen (Evan, Trevor, Kelli and Alissa).

Stan is working with Evan and Trevor doing story groups. They are teaching Bible stories to groups and bringing them up with the skills and knowledge to go start their own groups teaching these stories to friends and family, therefore spreading the gospel further since they usually take them back to villages.

Pam is already working some with Kelli and Alissa teaching True Love Waits in the local schools, then going back and doing small group Bible studies to help disciple the kids. My job is going to be homeschooling the 3 kids so that Pam can work more closely with Kelli and Alissa. When I am not homeschooling, I will be helping in other ministry areas.

I am so glad to be joining this team who are so devoted to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray for the team who is already out in the field that God would continue to use them in incredible ways. Pray for the Lugbara people whom we are serving amongst that their hearts and minds would be open to learn about Jesus. Also, please pray for me as I am making my final preparations for leaving. I will be using this blog to post updates. Please pray for us and also, let me know if there is anything I can be praying for you about.