Here is our team video! Please watch and share, my friend Jenny did an amazing job on this!!
http://player.vimeo.com/video/45912586
The last several days have been amazing! This week has just flown by and I cannot believe that today was our last ministry day.
In the last several days we have visited an amazing orphanage, and the Mafubira village.
The orphanage was a really unique experience. We were able to see the ends and outs of what it took to run a Ugandan orphanage. They had 74 children some of which were disabled and some who were babies yet HIV positive. Really sad situations. But the director of the orphanage is an amazing woman. She is very supportive of Healing Faith and encouraged us all to share about Healing Faith and their ministry to as many as possible for prayers and to encourage others to support financially as well, something that I thought was very admirable in her.
We were also taken on a tour thru the childrens hospital. This is the 2nd African hospital I have visited and was definitely as heartbreaking as the first if not worse.
I saw children lined up with their mother waiting to be seen by the Dr with an IV of blood in hand waiting for them to connect the transfusion! And many other horrible sights. It was so dirty I wouldn't want my animal to be taken care of there. The families are required to bring their own linens, feed themselves and their children in care, and camp out in the yard of the hospital. The children were several to a bed and no sign of sterility was to be found.
It was a sobering sight.
Emotionally and physically our team was worn out. We were able to leave around 4:30pm and went home to nap. We ate dinner and then crashed! We prayed for energy so that we could give our all the last two days, knowing that we were nearing the end and exhaustion was setting in, we didn't want Mafubira Village to suffer for our lack of energy.
Our prayers were answered and we were all able to sleep well that night, waking up refreshed and ready for the day. Another bonus was that we didn't have to leave to go to the Village until 10:30am so we were able to sleep in some too!
Yesterday we went to the Village and did home visit assessments. We were given a questionnaire by Emma (known as Lufafa by some of you, the nurse that Healing Faith is partnering with in some capacity), we had to examine their home and whether it was safe, whether they had proper arrangements for Latrines etc. We also made comments about any health issues they may have had and prayed over them.
Before we started the home visits they sweet people of the village asked if we would like to see the project they were working on. So we followed them deep into the jungle of Uganda, all the while our guide saying in his lovely Ugandan accent "Your in Africa now!!" lol!!
When we arrived, we saw that this village was quite innovative! They dug out a pond and were planning on filling it with fish as a way for the Village to make money!
After the assessments we went back into town and visited The Keep. An awesome Muzungu (white person) restaurant and ate amazing westerner food! I got a spicy burger and spicy fries! It was deeelish!!
Today we again were able to sleep in, not quite as long but still! We went back to Mafubira and this time it was a work day!
The clinic was dirty and dingy and there was a huge pile of bricks in the back. The yard was full of trash and not kept well. So some of us painted, some of us raked, some of us moved bricks and some of us picked up trash! We worked really hard! But the place looks awesome!
We are now back at the guest house resting and taking showers. We will be headed over to the Segners tonight for dinner.
It feels weird that today was the last official ministry day. It is so bitter sweet. I am so ready to see my family, but I love this beautiful country and am so sad to leave it.
We will be leaving early Sunday morning to head to the airport. Please keep our team in your prayers as we travel home!
See you all soon!!!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Miracles
Well, first I apologize for not blogging on here since I have been in Uganda! It has been amazing. This ministry is near and dear to my heart and I am so excited to be serving alongside them for this short time.
If you would like to find out about our first couple of days you can check out our blog at missionuganda2012.blogspot.com.
For now I will talk about today.
Today has been an emotional roller coaster.
This morning I woke up early and went to the Segner's house to do family pictures of them, got some really good ones:)
Then we came back to the guest house, picked up the team, and headed to shop. Jason met Kari on main street to get her to help with a burn victim (a 2 or 3 year old baby girl) they had treated the day before. She had been dropped in a vat of boiling grease and has 3rd degree burns on 80% of her sweet body.
When they got there they realized it was much worse than they thought.
They took her to the local clinic and were told they didn't have the supplies to treat her, at this point they made the decision to take her to Kampala to a burn unit. Kari called me to tell me the situation and asked that we pick up the kids and her mom, Bonta. At this point Jonathan, and Dawson decided they should join Jason, who is obviously emotionally strained and then Kari arranged for a driver so Jason wouldn't have to. I asked the team to come pray over Jason, Jonathan, Dawson, baby girl, momma, and the Dr's. We prayed for peace, we prayed for a supernatural relief of pain for the baby, we prayed for the Dr's who will greet them that they will have open arms and hope. We prayed for the trip and safety, we prayed hard.
We left the boys and headed to eat lunch with heavy hearts. Today was our fun day and we had swimming and a boat ride planned. Man was it hard to go from that emotion to trying to wind down and have fun.
But we prayed about it, since there was nothing we could do at this point other than pray and my team needed a little rest even if they didn't want to.
We then met up with Kari at Arise again and Jason and the guys and momma and baby were there as well. First thing we are told by the guys is that a miracle has already happened!! For 3 weeks (that is how old the burn is at this point, which Jason could not believe she had made it so far) and from what we were told she has not been able to stop crying this whole time. They arrived to pick her up and she was sitting up in bed eating!!!! You cannot imagine the emotional wave that was sweeping through our team. We gathered around the van they were about to drive to Kampala in and prayed again for their safety, for baby and for Dr's.
Again transitioning from emotional roller coaster to trying to have fun was so hard. But I tried to set an example, getting right into the pool and swimming around, and soon we were mostly all laughing and playing with the kiddos.
We ordered our food and then headed to do something that I have dreamed about since I was a girl. We got on a boat and rode around in the Nile river! I got to visit the SOURCE OF THE NILE! The Nile river is an amazing thing. To me it has always been something incredibly magical and amazing. To think of all of the historical moments in time that have taken place in the Nile. I am so thankful and blessed for this amazing opportunity to enjoy another beautiful piece of creation.
When we were done we walked back up to the resort we were swimming at and had already ordered our dinner. They had several tables set up for us. It still took at least an hour or more to get our food! But it was really good!
Then once we were done it was 9 at least, maybe later. We had originally planned on leaving by 8, but the food took so long it was later. So we called our driver to let him know it would be later and they said "no problem, Jeffrey will be there to get you" who is not our normal driver. Well we get out to the parking lot to load up and we don't see the bus! So then we realize it was there but they had sent an 8 passenger van! We had 20 people!! He said "I'll take half of you and come back for the other half" it's pitch black by now and we are a good 15 minutes at least from the guest house which means it would be at least 30 minutes probably more to getting the second half. We were thinking about calling a Matatu (basically a taxi van), and then Kari and I looked inside the van and we decided we could fit everyone! And we did!!! We literally fit 17 full grown adults and 4 children (including driver)!! We made it back all in one piece and didn't get stopped at the police stop! Whoo hoo!! There will be a great "clown car" video later:)
We got back and Kari called Jason to find out how things were going. We had found out earlier that they had made it to the hospital and were able to be seen and things were looking good.
The guys had planned on staying the night in Kampala because it is dangerous to travel at night.
Dawson answered the phone when Kari called and he informed Kari that the guest house that had been arranged and they found was either not the guest house they were supposed to be at or was and there was no way they were staying there. Apparently it looked like an abandoned warehouse in the middle of crazy bars! So they had started to make their way back to Jinja. This of course concerned Kari and Michelle!
So first things we did as a team was to sit down and pray for the guys.
Then we had an incredible time of testimony and devotionals.
About 10 minutes later the guys pulled in. As they walked in I was beginning this blog, so there is some new information!
They walked in and said, the story was much worse than originally thought. The momma told the driver on the way there that she was a co wife. She said that she had been in an argument with the other wife and that the other wife had intentionally poured boiling grease on her baby girl! My heart just literally dropped into my stomach at hearing this evil! I cannot fathom causing this innocent sweet baby girl harm for any reason much less over something so trivial as an argument!
But then they went on, it was only the story that was worse. They said when they arrived they spent about 30 minutes trying to figure out where to take this baby. Jonathan described the hospital in this way: "The worst hospital in America, in the middle of the slums would look like a 5 star hospital compared to what I saw tonight" He went on to describe blood on the floors and people with chunks of their legs cut off waiting in the rooms while this sweet baby with open wounds was waiting to be seen!
They said they were told several times to go to another area of the hospital until finally a Dr saw her leg and the wounds and asked them what happened. They explained the situation and he said follow me. From that moment on they were escorted to the front of every line! She was seen and the Dr is certain she will survive!! The hospital may be a horrible one as far as cleanliness, but it has a burn unit, dr's who know how to treat it and are optimistic as we prayed for, and because it is a public hospital all of the treatment will be free! PRAISE GOD!!
Then this is where I am just continually being amazed by the Segner's, as they leave, Jonathan describes Jason as emotionally and physically exhausted but instead of succumbing to that, he begins to witness to the driver of their van!! He begins to explain Christ and what it means to be a follower! Getting this mans number and explaining to him how to except Christ as his personal savior!!
To say that I have seen God working today would be an understatement. We witnessed miracles today. We have seen what Healing Faith is here doing and I for one know that I want to support and help them as much as I possibly can. To see their faith and their compassion and willingness to serve those they do not even know is incredible!! God is so good.
If you have made it this far I am incredibly thankful for you. I want to ask that if you haven't yet, you please visit Healing Faith's website at www.healingfaithuganda.org. They are incredible and I ask for your prayers for this amazing family and their ministry.
God Bless!
If you would like to find out about our first couple of days you can check out our blog at missionuganda2012.blogspot.com.
For now I will talk about today.
Today has been an emotional roller coaster.
This morning I woke up early and went to the Segner's house to do family pictures of them, got some really good ones:)
Then we came back to the guest house, picked up the team, and headed to shop. Jason met Kari on main street to get her to help with a burn victim (a 2 or 3 year old baby girl) they had treated the day before. She had been dropped in a vat of boiling grease and has 3rd degree burns on 80% of her sweet body.
When they got there they realized it was much worse than they thought.
They took her to the local clinic and were told they didn't have the supplies to treat her, at this point they made the decision to take her to Kampala to a burn unit. Kari called me to tell me the situation and asked that we pick up the kids and her mom, Bonta. At this point Jonathan, and Dawson decided they should join Jason, who is obviously emotionally strained and then Kari arranged for a driver so Jason wouldn't have to. I asked the team to come pray over Jason, Jonathan, Dawson, baby girl, momma, and the Dr's. We prayed for peace, we prayed for a supernatural relief of pain for the baby, we prayed for the Dr's who will greet them that they will have open arms and hope. We prayed for the trip and safety, we prayed hard.
We left the boys and headed to eat lunch with heavy hearts. Today was our fun day and we had swimming and a boat ride planned. Man was it hard to go from that emotion to trying to wind down and have fun.
But we prayed about it, since there was nothing we could do at this point other than pray and my team needed a little rest even if they didn't want to.
We then met up with Kari at Arise again and Jason and the guys and momma and baby were there as well. First thing we are told by the guys is that a miracle has already happened!! For 3 weeks (that is how old the burn is at this point, which Jason could not believe she had made it so far) and from what we were told she has not been able to stop crying this whole time. They arrived to pick her up and she was sitting up in bed eating!!!! You cannot imagine the emotional wave that was sweeping through our team. We gathered around the van they were about to drive to Kampala in and prayed again for their safety, for baby and for Dr's.
Again transitioning from emotional roller coaster to trying to have fun was so hard. But I tried to set an example, getting right into the pool and swimming around, and soon we were mostly all laughing and playing with the kiddos.
We ordered our food and then headed to do something that I have dreamed about since I was a girl. We got on a boat and rode around in the Nile river! I got to visit the SOURCE OF THE NILE! The Nile river is an amazing thing. To me it has always been something incredibly magical and amazing. To think of all of the historical moments in time that have taken place in the Nile. I am so thankful and blessed for this amazing opportunity to enjoy another beautiful piece of creation.
When we were done we walked back up to the resort we were swimming at and had already ordered our dinner. They had several tables set up for us. It still took at least an hour or more to get our food! But it was really good!
Then once we were done it was 9 at least, maybe later. We had originally planned on leaving by 8, but the food took so long it was later. So we called our driver to let him know it would be later and they said "no problem, Jeffrey will be there to get you" who is not our normal driver. Well we get out to the parking lot to load up and we don't see the bus! So then we realize it was there but they had sent an 8 passenger van! We had 20 people!! He said "I'll take half of you and come back for the other half" it's pitch black by now and we are a good 15 minutes at least from the guest house which means it would be at least 30 minutes probably more to getting the second half. We were thinking about calling a Matatu (basically a taxi van), and then Kari and I looked inside the van and we decided we could fit everyone! And we did!!! We literally fit 17 full grown adults and 4 children (including driver)!! We made it back all in one piece and didn't get stopped at the police stop! Whoo hoo!! There will be a great "clown car" video later:)
We got back and Kari called Jason to find out how things were going. We had found out earlier that they had made it to the hospital and were able to be seen and things were looking good.
The guys had planned on staying the night in Kampala because it is dangerous to travel at night.
Dawson answered the phone when Kari called and he informed Kari that the guest house that had been arranged and they found was either not the guest house they were supposed to be at or was and there was no way they were staying there. Apparently it looked like an abandoned warehouse in the middle of crazy bars! So they had started to make their way back to Jinja. This of course concerned Kari and Michelle!
So first things we did as a team was to sit down and pray for the guys.
Then we had an incredible time of testimony and devotionals.
About 10 minutes later the guys pulled in. As they walked in I was beginning this blog, so there is some new information!
They walked in and said, the story was much worse than originally thought. The momma told the driver on the way there that she was a co wife. She said that she had been in an argument with the other wife and that the other wife had intentionally poured boiling grease on her baby girl! My heart just literally dropped into my stomach at hearing this evil! I cannot fathom causing this innocent sweet baby girl harm for any reason much less over something so trivial as an argument!
But then they went on, it was only the story that was worse. They said when they arrived they spent about 30 minutes trying to figure out where to take this baby. Jonathan described the hospital in this way: "The worst hospital in America, in the middle of the slums would look like a 5 star hospital compared to what I saw tonight" He went on to describe blood on the floors and people with chunks of their legs cut off waiting in the rooms while this sweet baby with open wounds was waiting to be seen!
They said they were told several times to go to another area of the hospital until finally a Dr saw her leg and the wounds and asked them what happened. They explained the situation and he said follow me. From that moment on they were escorted to the front of every line! She was seen and the Dr is certain she will survive!! The hospital may be a horrible one as far as cleanliness, but it has a burn unit, dr's who know how to treat it and are optimistic as we prayed for, and because it is a public hospital all of the treatment will be free! PRAISE GOD!!
Then this is where I am just continually being amazed by the Segner's, as they leave, Jonathan describes Jason as emotionally and physically exhausted but instead of succumbing to that, he begins to witness to the driver of their van!! He begins to explain Christ and what it means to be a follower! Getting this mans number and explaining to him how to except Christ as his personal savior!!
To say that I have seen God working today would be an understatement. We witnessed miracles today. We have seen what Healing Faith is here doing and I for one know that I want to support and help them as much as I possibly can. To see their faith and their compassion and willingness to serve those they do not even know is incredible!! God is so good.
If you have made it this far I am incredibly thankful for you. I want to ask that if you haven't yet, you please visit Healing Faith's website at www.healingfaithuganda.org. They are incredible and I ask for your prayers for this amazing family and their ministry.
God Bless!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Blessed...
For the most part my blog is about my ministry in life, and lately I have been really bad at that, busy is an understatement for my life as of lately!
But today, I wanted to get a little personal.
Yesterday was the 4th of July, Independence Day. And for us we were so blessed that Chris and I were both off of work for the day and got to spend it as a family out at my dad's house. The day was relaxing and so much fun! There were water balloon fights, redneck snorkeling (that is, Chris went snorkeling in the pond!), riding lawn mower wagon rides, and fireworks galore! It was a fabulous day!
I forgot my camera at home (GASP!!), and for some of the night I was sick that I did that, but then at the same time, I was able to better enjoy my family because I wasn't glued to my camera! I have these amazing memories of playing with my family, and that will be with me forever.
I tend to be a very sentimental person, and with my departure to Uganda right around the corner, I am even more so! Yesterday I cherished every moment with my kids, and as the moon rose and firecrackers were popping, kids were laughing and I was feeling very blessed. I love my family, and I thank the Lord He blessed me so incredibly. He has been so faithful even when I wasn't, blessed me when I didn't even begin to deserve it. I am so thankful I am given the chance to serve Him.
I am blessed to work for our church, and family comes first, right under God:) We were of course given off for the 4th, and then Pastor Will told us he wanted us to have off Thursday as well. What great timing! This is giving me a little extra time to cuddle and play with my girlies!! And gives me extra time to get everything ready for my trip.
Today we woke up at 9 (sleeping in for us!), and instead of doing our normal rush rush to get out the door, we just took our time. I made Egg's Nest (for those that don't know what this is, you should!! Make a hole in a piece of bread, put some butter on a pan, put your bread and bread hole on the pan crack an egg in the hole and turn to cook thru, add some cheese on top to make it even better!! YUMMMO!!!), then we set up the kiddie pool and splashed!! We ended our play time with some trampoline jumping:) I wanted to play with my kids, so often they ask and I tell them, later sweetie mommy is tired. But lately, I have really been convicted to actually play with them, so thats what I am doing!
We came inside, made yummy grilled cheese, and sat down to watch....STAR WARS! Yep, thats right! LOL! I love the movies, and the girls were pretty entranced, until Matti asked to go watch her movie in her room, to which I obliged in the hopes of her actually falling asleep, naps are necessary in my household!
These moments are the ones I love creating. These are the moments my children will remember. I hope so at least. I hope they forget about my less than perfect mommy moments, and remember those moments when I truly tried to be the best mother I can be.
Reagan has agreed to write in a journal to tell me about her everyday while I'm gone. I love seeing what a beautiful little women she is turning into. Her love for the Lord is so precious, I love teaching her about missions and why I do them.
And Matti, she has such empathy and love for others. Those who children would normally shy away from she goes out of her way to make friends with. I was telling my sister about this one day, and Matti heard me and she chimed in, "Because everyone is beautiful mommy!" awe! Melt my heart! I think Matti will end up being my missionary, I think the Lord has given her this heart to love everyone for a purpose, and I love nurturing her.
Kennedy is my firecracker! She is charismatic and loves life! She has a way of making you laugh like no other!
Blessed does not even begin to explain my life.
Now, a few words about my ministry:) I am leaving on Monday, for two weeks to Uganda. I am so excited to visit my dear friends the Segners. The Lord has big plans for this team. Please be praying for us as we travel and as we are there. I will update as much as I can while there, and you can also check out our team blog at www.missionuganda2012.blogspot.com
If you would like to make any last minute donations towards our team, you are more than welcome to, just visit www.imani-africa.com or find me! :)
Thank you for your prayers!
But today, I wanted to get a little personal.
Yesterday was the 4th of July, Independence Day. And for us we were so blessed that Chris and I were both off of work for the day and got to spend it as a family out at my dad's house. The day was relaxing and so much fun! There were water balloon fights, redneck snorkeling (that is, Chris went snorkeling in the pond!), riding lawn mower wagon rides, and fireworks galore! It was a fabulous day!
I forgot my camera at home (GASP!!), and for some of the night I was sick that I did that, but then at the same time, I was able to better enjoy my family because I wasn't glued to my camera! I have these amazing memories of playing with my family, and that will be with me forever.
I tend to be a very sentimental person, and with my departure to Uganda right around the corner, I am even more so! Yesterday I cherished every moment with my kids, and as the moon rose and firecrackers were popping, kids were laughing and I was feeling very blessed. I love my family, and I thank the Lord He blessed me so incredibly. He has been so faithful even when I wasn't, blessed me when I didn't even begin to deserve it. I am so thankful I am given the chance to serve Him.
I am blessed to work for our church, and family comes first, right under God:) We were of course given off for the 4th, and then Pastor Will told us he wanted us to have off Thursday as well. What great timing! This is giving me a little extra time to cuddle and play with my girlies!! And gives me extra time to get everything ready for my trip.
Today we woke up at 9 (sleeping in for us!), and instead of doing our normal rush rush to get out the door, we just took our time. I made Egg's Nest (for those that don't know what this is, you should!! Make a hole in a piece of bread, put some butter on a pan, put your bread and bread hole on the pan crack an egg in the hole and turn to cook thru, add some cheese on top to make it even better!! YUMMMO!!!), then we set up the kiddie pool and splashed!! We ended our play time with some trampoline jumping:) I wanted to play with my kids, so often they ask and I tell them, later sweetie mommy is tired. But lately, I have really been convicted to actually play with them, so thats what I am doing!
We came inside, made yummy grilled cheese, and sat down to watch....STAR WARS! Yep, thats right! LOL! I love the movies, and the girls were pretty entranced, until Matti asked to go watch her movie in her room, to which I obliged in the hopes of her actually falling asleep, naps are necessary in my household!
These moments are the ones I love creating. These are the moments my children will remember. I hope so at least. I hope they forget about my less than perfect mommy moments, and remember those moments when I truly tried to be the best mother I can be.
Reagan has agreed to write in a journal to tell me about her everyday while I'm gone. I love seeing what a beautiful little women she is turning into. Her love for the Lord is so precious, I love teaching her about missions and why I do them.
And Matti, she has such empathy and love for others. Those who children would normally shy away from she goes out of her way to make friends with. I was telling my sister about this one day, and Matti heard me and she chimed in, "Because everyone is beautiful mommy!" awe! Melt my heart! I think Matti will end up being my missionary, I think the Lord has given her this heart to love everyone for a purpose, and I love nurturing her.
Kennedy is my firecracker! She is charismatic and loves life! She has a way of making you laugh like no other!
Blessed does not even begin to explain my life.
Now, a few words about my ministry:) I am leaving on Monday, for two weeks to Uganda. I am so excited to visit my dear friends the Segners. The Lord has big plans for this team. Please be praying for us as we travel and as we are there. I will update as much as I can while there, and you can also check out our team blog at www.missionuganda2012.blogspot.com
If you would like to make any last minute donations towards our team, you are more than welcome to, just visit www.imani-africa.com or find me! :)
Thank you for your prayers!
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