Out here in Arua, there are no street lights (or for the most part any other kind of lights besides candles if you are outside). All this to say at night it gets VERY dark outside. You can see so many stars in the sky and it is one of the most beautiful views you could ever see. There were times I was struggling with being discouraged and if I was outside I would look up and see all the stars in the sky and I was reminded of just how big God is and how He knows everything. He knows why I am in Uganda, He knows my struggles, He knows my joys, He knows every hair on my head. And wow. He created all those beautiful stars in the sky. Also there were times that I could look out the window and see the full moon. It was beyond large and the brightest orange you have ever seen. But absolutely stunning.
On the flip side, there were times we got up early in the morning just to go watch the sunrise off of Arua Hill. And once again… absolutely stunning. He is the best artist that ever existed.
There were many times I was reminded, in this large world, He can make it as small as He wants. There was a missionary couple serving out here in Uganda that was from my hometown. As a matter of fact, their home church is 5 minutes from my house. And yet, I had to come to Uganda to meet them. Even more than that, once they went on stateside and mom met them, turns out they live right across the street from a friend I grew up with. How cool. I’m sad but glad to report that Bob went to be with Jesus earlier this year. I’m encouraged by Bob and Bobbi Brown.
God used other people to speak to me also. There was a time I was in Nairobi for medical treatment. And there were several people who had a major impact in my life while out there, Laura Lee being the first one. When I was hospitalized, she came and spent time with me and we just got to catch up with each other. And since the hospitalization was unexpected she brought me a toothbrush and toothpaste as well as bananas. But even more than that, when I had to go to ultrasound she went with me. AND….. she was sharing the gospel with the nurses at the hospital. And if you knew what kind of hospital it was you would know how difficult it could be to do this. Then, there was Suzan and Orvell. They came the morning I had to go under anesthesia for a procedure. They came and picked me up from the hospital and I got to spend time with them after also. Orvell reminds me so much of my grandfather (especially the sense of humor) and it brought back so many fond memories. Then the Gandy family took me in also and took me around to different places but gave me the opportunity to be out and around instead of being couped up at the guest house. I praise the Lord for my new extended family, and the people I mentioned aren’t the only ones. There are so many more.
There were several times that I saw different things that reminded me of home and brought a smile to my face. A little girl wearing a Minnie Mouse dress, a man riding a bicycle wearing a Florida State University sweatshirt, my piki driver one day who was wearing a Sea World Orlando t-shirt and the guy the other day riding a piki wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey was just some of those instances. Or even the funniest was while I was on a run at 6:30 am, I ran past a boy riding a bicycle who was wearing a Bob Marley back pack, mesh running pants and none other than pink fat baby boots. How I can’t wait to wear boots and jeans again.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
When the Sand Runs out
When the sand runs out.
You know, it’s amazing what God uses to speak to us. Sometimes it’s through other people and sometimes it’s through music and sometimes He uses a combination of things to really work at changing your heart.
Today I was listening to a sermon by Francis Chan from several months ago. He covered several different points, but it was mostly about giving and how we react when a tragedy happens. And some things really stuck out to me. There has always been a big debate as to whether people were created or if we evolved. The evolution theory came from the thought of “survival of the fittest”. However, whenever tragedies happen or people are going through tough times, there is a desire to help. Now if we evolved through a process of survival of the fittest we wouldn’t care about the others, we would just be worried about ourselves. Now the Bible says God’s word is written on our hearts. That speaks volumes to me and hopefully to others about there being a Creator who cares and placed that concern on our hearts along with His word.
He also spoke on 2Corinthians 8 and the churches of Macedonia. Vs 2 “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity”. Vs. 5-6 “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. So we urged Titus, since he earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion, this act of grace on your part”. But before they gave to help the others, they gave themselves to the Lord first. And, this giving was an act of grace. God gives us the grace to be able to give and where needed, to give even beyond our means. But here is the thing. I do believe they are talking about money. But it can be used in another way also. I really felt like God was speaking to my heart and saying “it is also about giving of yourself”. How much time do we really spend pouring in to other people? Do we really try to focus on others and help or are we selfish in our time and money? God put an even stronger desire in my heart to REALLY pour in to people especially out here.
To be honest, giving monetarily is kind of difficult out here. You wouldn’t think so. Many people would have the original thought of “there is so much need out there, why not just give and fix the problems”. However, when you just give money it only puts a band aid on the problem as well as establishing a relationship based on what can you give me. The saying “give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime” is so true out here. I want to be able to meet their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. That is where the agriculture ministry came in to play. It helps meet both of the needs. I am really thankful that the Lord laid this ministry on my heart.
Then after listening to the sermon, I put my itunes on random shuffle. The first song that came on was a Rascal Flatts song called “When the Sand Runs Out” and there was an even stronger desire in my heart to REALLY pour in to people for the sake of Christ. And I went from sometimes being concerned (a lot) about what was going on at home and what others were doing even on the mission field, to being focused on what is going on here with what the Lord has called me to do. The Lord really is working a whole lot in my life right now and it is amazing. The lyrics are posted below:
I spent the morning at an old friend's grave. Flowers and Amazing Grace, he was a good man.
He spent his whole life spinnin' his wheels, never knowin' how the real thing feels.
He never took a chance or took the time to dance. And I stood there thinking as I said goodbye
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on, And learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark, I wanna leave something here.
Go out on a ledge, without any net. That's what I'm gonna be about.
Yeah I wanna be runnin', when the sand runs out.
'Cause people do it every day. Promise themselves they're gonna change.
I've been there, but I'm changin' from the inside out.
That was then and this is now
I'm a new man, yeah, I'm a brand new man
And when they carve my stone they'll write these words
"Here lies a man who lived life for all that its worth"
And as the cold wind blows across the graveyard
I think I hear the voice of my old friend whisper in my ear
I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on. Learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark. I wanna leave something here.
Go out on a ledge, without any net. That's what I'm gonna be about.
Yeah I wanna be runnin', when the sand runs out
You know, it’s amazing what God uses to speak to us. Sometimes it’s through other people and sometimes it’s through music and sometimes He uses a combination of things to really work at changing your heart.
Today I was listening to a sermon by Francis Chan from several months ago. He covered several different points, but it was mostly about giving and how we react when a tragedy happens. And some things really stuck out to me. There has always been a big debate as to whether people were created or if we evolved. The evolution theory came from the thought of “survival of the fittest”. However, whenever tragedies happen or people are going through tough times, there is a desire to help. Now if we evolved through a process of survival of the fittest we wouldn’t care about the others, we would just be worried about ourselves. Now the Bible says God’s word is written on our hearts. That speaks volumes to me and hopefully to others about there being a Creator who cares and placed that concern on our hearts along with His word.
He also spoke on 2Corinthians 8 and the churches of Macedonia. Vs 2 “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity”. Vs. 5-6 “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. So we urged Titus, since he earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion, this act of grace on your part”. But before they gave to help the others, they gave themselves to the Lord first. And, this giving was an act of grace. God gives us the grace to be able to give and where needed, to give even beyond our means. But here is the thing. I do believe they are talking about money. But it can be used in another way also. I really felt like God was speaking to my heart and saying “it is also about giving of yourself”. How much time do we really spend pouring in to other people? Do we really try to focus on others and help or are we selfish in our time and money? God put an even stronger desire in my heart to REALLY pour in to people especially out here.
To be honest, giving monetarily is kind of difficult out here. You wouldn’t think so. Many people would have the original thought of “there is so much need out there, why not just give and fix the problems”. However, when you just give money it only puts a band aid on the problem as well as establishing a relationship based on what can you give me. The saying “give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime” is so true out here. I want to be able to meet their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. That is where the agriculture ministry came in to play. It helps meet both of the needs. I am really thankful that the Lord laid this ministry on my heart.
Then after listening to the sermon, I put my itunes on random shuffle. The first song that came on was a Rascal Flatts song called “When the Sand Runs Out” and there was an even stronger desire in my heart to REALLY pour in to people for the sake of Christ. And I went from sometimes being concerned (a lot) about what was going on at home and what others were doing even on the mission field, to being focused on what is going on here with what the Lord has called me to do. The Lord really is working a whole lot in my life right now and it is amazing. The lyrics are posted below:
I spent the morning at an old friend's grave. Flowers and Amazing Grace, he was a good man.
He spent his whole life spinnin' his wheels, never knowin' how the real thing feels.
He never took a chance or took the time to dance. And I stood there thinking as I said goodbye
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on, And learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark, I wanna leave something here.
Go out on a ledge, without any net. That's what I'm gonna be about.
Yeah I wanna be runnin', when the sand runs out.
'Cause people do it every day. Promise themselves they're gonna change.
I've been there, but I'm changin' from the inside out.
That was then and this is now
I'm a new man, yeah, I'm a brand new man
And when they carve my stone they'll write these words
"Here lies a man who lived life for all that its worth"
And as the cold wind blows across the graveyard
I think I hear the voice of my old friend whisper in my ear
I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on. Learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark. I wanna leave something here.
Go out on a ledge, without any net. That's what I'm gonna be about.
Yeah I wanna be runnin', when the sand runs out
cute story from Joanna
Just a fun little story. The kids and I have a lot of times that we sit and discuss different things in life. One day we were talking about birthdays. Jacob’s was coming up within a few days and mine is 8 days after his. So I said guess what is in a couple of days. They all answered Jacob’s birthday and Aunt Sandra is turning 27. They said “you are really getting old Aunt Sandra”. So we laughed about it and went on. A few minutes later Joanna was snuggling in my lap and playing with my hair. All of a sudden she says “Aunt Sandra, why do you have white hair”? Gotta love kids.
How many countries??
Throughout my life I have done some travelling and gone to a few countries. Before I came to the field, I had only been to Mexico and Namibia. Since I arrived on the field, I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to many different countries as well. So I decided to think through all the travel and see just how many countries I have now been to in my life. So, on my way here I had a 12 hour layover in London (but I won’t count that since I never left the airport). I landed in Uganda on Sept. 28, 2009. Then in October 2009 I went to Zambia for our one month training. I came back to Uganda for a couple of months, and then was off to Kenya for a home school conference in January (2010). In June (2010) we went to Jinga for our prayer retreat (before the start of the retreat, some of us from Uganda, Rwanda and Sudan went white water rafting). But after the retreat I went on vacation to Tanzania and Zanzibar (though Zanzibar is technically part of Tanzania, but you still have to fly to get out to the island). In August (2010), I had to return to Kenya for medical time. On my way down to the International airport, we had to go to Sudan first to drop cargo. Coming up in January (2011) I am really excited that I will be going to Egypt on vacation. I will also be going back to Kenya right after vacation for home school conference as well as going back for a meeting in April (2011). In May, I will be going back to America for my best friend Heather’s wedding. I might stop in Europe on my way home for good (not sure where yet) in late July/ early August. So it looks like so far the count is now up to 8 about to be 9. (Unless you count the time that I crossed in to DR Congo for all of 2 minutes, because the road we were travelling on is actually the border between Uganda and Congo. So I got out on the Congo side so I could say I was in DR Congo).
Super Bowl 2010
for super bowl, Kelli and I made t-shirts to cheer on the team we were rooting for. She and I were rooting for opposing teams. But since there is also an 8 hour time difference, we went over to the Waflers to watch the game at 4 am. Evan Faulkenbury, Evan Johnson, Jacob, Jack and Pam were also up and watching the game. It was a great time!!!
Hand On
In January, a team of 4 “short term” people came out to join our team. Brigette Bedoya, Jessica Corzine, Jeff Turner and Evan Johnson came to work along with Kelli and Alissa with student ministry. Here was a lot of work that took place. Many relationships were built, several small ministries were started. Brigette and Jessica were excited to start playing netball with some local children at Arua field and then have Bible study afterwards. Evan and Jeff started meeting with piki drivers discussing the Bible and the difference between Christianity and Islam. They also went out and worked in the schools. Close to the end of their term the students went on holiday. So the hands on team, plus Kelli, Alissa, Evan, Trevor and myself hosted volleyball and Bible study time at our house (the girls house). The students learned how to use SPEAK (Sin, Promise, Example, Application and Knowledge of God) for being able to study scripture a bit deeper. Later on after Hands On left, many of the students that were reached out to, attended a week- long camp for storying, SPEAK, and learning how to tell their testimonies. We also had many good times. The guys got to go camping on the delta of the Nile at Murchison Falls National Park and had some good game drives. Later on the girls went and spent the night at Paraa Safari Lodge. We got to see and experience traditional dancing as well as had some awesome game drives.
Arua, Christmas 2009 and New Years
I wasn’t really sure how Christmas would be in another country and away from my biological family. But the Lord has provided me with a new family here in Uganda. Kelli, Alissa and I decorated the house with decos that came from Joanna Coppedge, and stuff that their families had sent out here. We had a Christmas party/ cookie swap and made paper snowflakes. Christmas Eve many ex-pats went over to Sherry’s for a huge Christmas party. Sherry works for Radio Paces a catholic radio station and lives on the compound of the radio station. They have a huge tree that is decorated with lights, we sang Christmas carols in all the languages that were represented by the people there (which it was like 5. Italian, Dutch, German, English and Lugbara). There were also 21 flavors of ice cream which was GLORIOUS!!!! Christmas morning, Kelli, Alissa and I woke up and had a special breakfast cooked by Alissa (cinnamon rolls and quiche). Then we opened presents from each other’s families and each other. It was definitely a time of surprises. Mom got a package to Kelli that I was never expecting and didn’t know it came. So that was awesome. After we opened presents, we just had a quiet day of relaxing and watching some t.v. Later on we went over to the Wafler’s house for a team meal of Gumbo that Evan’s family had sent out here. It really was a great Christmas holiday!!!!
For New years Eve 2009/2010, we went to Arua Hill to spend the evening with the Germans from Diguna and watched the fireworks from there. Perfect view and they were beautiful!!! And it is a new year here 8 hours before Florida!!
For New years Eve 2009/2010, we went to Arua Hill to spend the evening with the Germans from Diguna and watched the fireworks from there. Perfect view and they were beautiful!!! And it is a new year here 8 hours before Florida!!
MTN run, Thanksgiving, Prayer retreat 2009
After I returned from 40/40 we were to have a prayer retreat a few days later. So we stayed in Kampala and participated in the MTN run. Alissa and I speed walked the 10k. Pam, Stan, Jacob, Jack, Cathy and the Fielder family ran the 10k. Kelli and Corey ran the ½ marathon. Thanksgiving Day we had a gathering of the missionaries from Uganda, DR Congo, Sudan and Rwanda and ate at an Italian restaurant in Jinga. Our hotel was literally right on the Nile River. I was totally in awe. I have a new obsession with the Nile. We had a 3 day retreat, where we broke up in to groups and shared our hearts and our prayer requests and could seek the Lords face for each other. It was awesome and super encouraging.
40/40- quick summary
40/40 was an amazing experience for me. People who are new to the field in Africa are flown to Zambia for a one month training. We spent about 12 days in the city of Lusaka where we had DFA’s (daily field assignments). We had a cultural and language helper that would go out with us each day. Some of the assignments included just getting to know people, sharing Creation to Christ, having to visit somebody who just lost a loved one and learn about funerals. We stayed at the seminary there and in the afternoons after our assignments, we sat through lectures and questioning time with a pastor from one of the churches as well as some of the professors from the seminary. But we got a taste of what it would be like to minister in a city.
After we spent time in Lusaka, we went to a smaller town called Petauke where we stayed in a bush camp. Once again we had DFA’s. These were more tailored for small town/ village life. One day we had to go and meet government officials. I was honored to go to the Minister of Agriculture’s office with Alan, Micah and David Hooten. Though we didn’t get to actually meet the minister, we got to meet his assistant and discuss agriculture in Zambia. I really learned a lot. We also had to learn about asking permission to work in a particular area. So the men got meet the chief and the women got to meet the chief’s wife. We got to decorate the mess hall at the camp to welcome her as well as some other dignitaries from the area. That night was also the first time I got sick with some kind of tummy issue. We weren’t really sure what it was, but just about everybody going through 40/40 got sick at least once. Guess it came with being new to the field and tummies still adjusting. One day was for going out to share our testimonies. We had a small group that ended up going to the same place and shared with many people. Two of the people we shared with came to know Jesus as their savior. The pastor was with us also, so he knew where to be able to come back and follow up. We had the opportunity to really experience “squatty potties” (a concrete area that has holes that go in to the ground and you have to try to go to the bathroom in the hole). Bucket showers where we let our water heat up during the day by setting it in the sun and then by pulley lifting the bucket up high enough to shower under it.
When we finished our time doing town work, we left for a 3 day home stay. Rachel, Amber and I had the privilege of staying with Daisy and Henry. They were super sweet and took good care of us. Part of the point of us doing a home stay was to see what village life was like. We had to go meet the local chairman and let her know that we were staying in the area and introduce ourselves. (It isn’t typical for a woman to be the chairman). We had the opportunity to help shell groundnuts (peanuts), take maize kernels off the cob (maize is similar to corn, but a bit tougher) and take it to the mill to be crushed, fetch water from the well, and go to an “introduction” (a cultural wedding), however, the guy who was the “groom”, wasn’t even expecting this. It’s a long and complicated story. This was also my first encounter with the phrase “just there”. Amber, Rachel and I as well as Henry were walking home from church and it was REALLY hot. I asked Henry how much further we had until we got home. He said “it’s just there”. Twenty minutes later we finally reach the house. The Africans don’t have a concept of explaining time or distance, so they say “just there” for pretty much everything. Oh what an experience.
Then we had some time at this place called Ibis Gardens to learn about the PILAT program which is a way of learning language. We also had a time to debrief our experience during 40/40. I am really thankful for this experience. There were many families that I had gone through my two month training in Virginia with, and we went through this together as well. They really are like my extended family, and I love all of them so much.
40/40 was an amazing experience for me. People who are new to the field in Africa are flown to Zambia for a one month training. We spent about 12 days in the city of Lusaka where we had DFA’s (daily field assignments). We had a cultural and language helper that would go out with us each day. Some of the assignments included just getting to know people, sharing Creation to Christ, having to visit somebody who just lost a loved one and learn about funerals. We stayed at the seminary there and in the afternoons after our assignments, we sat through lectures and questioning time with a pastor from one of the churches as well as some of the professors from the seminary. But we got a taste of what it would be like to minister in a city.
After we spent time in Lusaka, we went to a smaller town called Petauke where we stayed in a bush camp. Once again we had DFA’s. These were more tailored for small town/ village life. One day we had to go and meet government officials. I was honored to go to the Minister of Agriculture’s office with Alan, Micah and David Hooten. Though we didn’t get to actually meet the minister, we got to meet his assistant and discuss agriculture in Zambia. I really learned a lot. We also had to learn about asking permission to work in a particular area. So the men got meet the chief and the women got to meet the chief’s wife. We got to decorate the mess hall at the camp to welcome her as well as some other dignitaries from the area. That night was also the first time I got sick with some kind of tummy issue. We weren’t really sure what it was, but just about everybody going through 40/40 got sick at least once. Guess it came with being new to the field and tummies still adjusting. One day was for going out to share our testimonies. We had a small group that ended up going to the same place and shared with many people. Two of the people we shared with came to know Jesus as their savior. The pastor was with us also, so he knew where to be able to come back and follow up. We had the opportunity to really experience “squatty potties” (a concrete area that has holes that go in to the ground and you have to try to go to the bathroom in the hole). Bucket showers where we let our water heat up during the day by setting it in the sun and then by pulley lifting the bucket up high enough to shower under it.
When we finished our time doing town work, we left for a 3 day home stay. Rachel, Amber and I had the privilege of staying with Daisy and Henry. They were super sweet and took good care of us. Part of the point of us doing a home stay was to see what village life was like. We had to go meet the local chairman and let her know that we were staying in the area and introduce ourselves. (It isn’t typical for a woman to be the chairman). We had the opportunity to help shell groundnuts (peanuts), take maize kernels off the cob (maize is similar to corn, but a bit tougher) and take it to the mill to be crushed, fetch water from the well, and go to an “introduction” (a cultural wedding), however, the guy who was the “groom”, wasn’t even expecting this. It’s a long and complicated story. This was also my first encounter with the phrase “just there”. Amber, Rachel and I as well as Henry were walking home from church and it was REALLY hot. I asked Henry how much further we had until we got home. He said “it’s just there”. Twenty minutes later we finally reach the house. The Africans don’t have a concept of explaining time or distance, so they say “just there” for pretty much everything. Oh what an experience.
Then we had some time at this place called Ibis Gardens to learn about the PILAT program which is a way of learning language. We also had a time to debrief our experience during 40/40. I am really thankful for this experience. There were many families that I had gone through my two month training in Virginia with, and we went through this together as well. They really are like my extended family, and I love all of them so much.
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