Mission minded/ Servants heart

Just some of the cool ways the Lord has spoken to my heart

2010-11-27T11:20:00.001-08:00

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.

When the Sand Runs out

2010-11-27T11:13:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-27T11:12:00.001-08:00

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??

2010-11-27T11:11:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-27T11:10:00.002-08:00

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

2010-11-27T11:10:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-27T11:06:00.001-08:00

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!!

MTN run, Thanksgiving, Prayer retreat 2009

2010-11-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-11-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

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.

on my way home (to Arua that is)

2009-10-09T04:04:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-10-09T03:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!

2009-09-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-01T06:40:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2009-07-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-19T13:14:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-06-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

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.