Time is going by a bit faster now that we have all adjusted to our schedules. Kelli and I have begun our tutoring program for the students. This morning went really well with the students. We discussed punctuation marks and using correct capitalization. I can't wait to start teaching on a regular basis.
Last night, the intern team decided to grill out. We had burgers, with no buns, and some "chips". The "chips" were cut up slices of potatoes, fried in the skillet. Yum. Thanks dad for teaching me the art of potato cooking...haha.
The Lord has really taught Baylee and I how to rely on HIM for our strength. It has definately been a trying experience, but He is in total control of everything. He has the whole world in His hands. AMEN.
However, it does get difficult when I think about home, and Kirby Woods. I miss the body of believers back home, but I must also not allow these emotions and feelings to shadow the plan and purpose God has for me here, in Uganda.
Gloria has been a little fussy lately, but I have implemented coloring into her daily schedule. She loves to color and to be held. I think what she really needs is some human affection.
Rita is my new best friend here... She is so sweet. She's 13 years old. I am going to try and invest more time with her as well.
Random, but....
We will be going out to dinner tonight. Pizza. YUMMY!!!!
Please continue to be praying for unity among the intern team, and for safety as we travel in and out of town. Also, be praying for Jordan, one of the intern team members. He fell and hit his head on concrete today... while playing in the rain. African rain is amazing to watch...haha. But, his wound is pretty deep. Its super glued shut now...but it still hurts. I will def. be posting some pictures.
Love you all...
"We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives,too" 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Entry 4 - Quick Update
I am currently sitting in a small coffee shop in Jinja. Kelli and I went to town today to make copies of worksheets, and to purchase school supplies for our tutoring program we are beginning next week. We both feel like we would be of greater service to the GSF students and school staff if we worked one on one with students who are struggling in classes. Thanks for praying for our ministry with the school. God is moving and giving clarity as to what He wants us to do while at GSF.
The educational system in Uganda is very hard to work with. There is basically no type of structured and organized curriculum for teachers to use, and you must get government authorization to teach anything other than what is currently being used. The school at GSF is one of the better schools in the area, but there is still great need for books and other school supplies that would make learning more interactive and intriguing for the students. Baylee and I are praying about doing a fund raiser when we return to gather gently used books and school supplies for the kids at GSF.
Kelli and I are also organizing the library at the school. Many books have been donated from schools in America. I found it funny that there were books about Florida's history, Native American Indians, and slave narratives.
Gloria, Cathy, Kelli and I had a dance party today. Both Cathy and Gloria love music. I think we may integrate "dance time" into our everyday activities. YAY!
Please pray for relations with the interns and the teachers at GSF. Pray for unity and discernment from Kelli and I as to how to handle the tutoring program. We don't want to step on any toes while we are serving here at GSF.
Also, can you pray for another girl that is here for two weeks with another team. She has been sick and running a fever. Also, pray for Adam. He has been feeling under the weather, and may have a case of malaria.
The four girl interns and Amanda have decided to have a girls day Friday. We will be going to town and to a garage sale. Amanda is trying to furnish and decorate her home, and we thought we would help her out a little. :)
Oh, and I am probably coming home with box braids. Yay.
Until next time, i love you! Thank you for all of your prayers!
The educational system in Uganda is very hard to work with. There is basically no type of structured and organized curriculum for teachers to use, and you must get government authorization to teach anything other than what is currently being used. The school at GSF is one of the better schools in the area, but there is still great need for books and other school supplies that would make learning more interactive and intriguing for the students. Baylee and I are praying about doing a fund raiser when we return to gather gently used books and school supplies for the kids at GSF.
Kelli and I are also organizing the library at the school. Many books have been donated from schools in America. I found it funny that there were books about Florida's history, Native American Indians, and slave narratives.
Gloria, Cathy, Kelli and I had a dance party today. Both Cathy and Gloria love music. I think we may integrate "dance time" into our everyday activities. YAY!
Please pray for relations with the interns and the teachers at GSF. Pray for unity and discernment from Kelli and I as to how to handle the tutoring program. We don't want to step on any toes while we are serving here at GSF.
Also, can you pray for another girl that is here for two weeks with another team. She has been sick and running a fever. Also, pray for Adam. He has been feeling under the weather, and may have a case of malaria.
The four girl interns and Amanda have decided to have a girls day Friday. We will be going to town and to a garage sale. Amanda is trying to furnish and decorate her home, and we thought we would help her out a little. :)
Oh, and I am probably coming home with box braids. Yay.
Until next time, i love you! Thank you for all of your prayers!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Entry 3 - School Time
Whew. Today has been really good. Tiring, but really good. And its just the morning. I went to the school around 7:40am and helped kelli teach a match class. The class was going over the ones and tens place. We used counting sticks and circles. It was interesting to say the least. The children seemed to understand by the end of class.
Yesterday, Kelli and I had a girls day with Gloria and Cathy, two of the special needs children. We painted finger nails and toe nails. They loved it. I am growing to love them more and more as I am here. Praise God!
Gloria and I went for a stroll this morning. It rained last night, so the ground was a little wet, but we loved it anyway. I thank you for praying for the relationship building between Gloria and I. I love her smile, and I want her to know she is loved.
Pray that the Lord will guide my heart in how to work with her and to better understand her needs. While we were out, we met up with Sam, and some of the younger children. Today was also a monumental day. It was the first time I was called "fat" by one of the children...hahahahaha. How nice. Here, it is a compliment to be called "fat" because they see it as beautiful. I knew it would happen, and im just glad no one else was around to hear. But, now of course, i am telling you about it. Oh well.
After walking with Gloria, I went back to the school to read to another class, and it was wonderful. The book I read was called "The King's Children" by Max Lucado. It was so much fun. At the end, I paralleled the King with God, and stressed the importance of giving God out time and heart. During class we prayed for four of the students who were out that day due to sickness. The children loved praying for their friends.
God really showed up and made an awesome display of His love and power to children and also to me. Prayer works, and I thank you for praying for me, too.
Amanda made it safely last night. She is so sweet!!! Very funny, and we were wearing matching, (well, almost matching)clothing. She will be here for two years!
We will be cooking our own meals from now on while we are here. Pray for us. haha.
Tonight we will be having Chili. Yummy.
Today, I encourage you to read Psalm 36:5-12. Please pray that I will continue to meditate on these verses while I am here.
"In Your light we see light"
Till' next time! Love you all, and thanks for praying! May God bless you as you continue to life me up to Him.
P.S. - I will be teaching English on Monday. We will be going over parts of the body. Ha. Spelling of words, etc. Pray the Lord will guide my heart and the students will see Christ in me.
p.p.s. - Caitlyn, i read one of your letters yesterday!!!! THANKS! The LORD really used it to minister to my heart in preparation for teaching Sunday School on Sunday. You are being used in Africa, even while you're in America. Love you sister!
Yesterday, Kelli and I had a girls day with Gloria and Cathy, two of the special needs children. We painted finger nails and toe nails. They loved it. I am growing to love them more and more as I am here. Praise God!
Gloria and I went for a stroll this morning. It rained last night, so the ground was a little wet, but we loved it anyway. I thank you for praying for the relationship building between Gloria and I. I love her smile, and I want her to know she is loved.
Pray that the Lord will guide my heart in how to work with her and to better understand her needs. While we were out, we met up with Sam, and some of the younger children. Today was also a monumental day. It was the first time I was called "fat" by one of the children...hahahahaha. How nice. Here, it is a compliment to be called "fat" because they see it as beautiful. I knew it would happen, and im just glad no one else was around to hear. But, now of course, i am telling you about it. Oh well.
After walking with Gloria, I went back to the school to read to another class, and it was wonderful. The book I read was called "The King's Children" by Max Lucado. It was so much fun. At the end, I paralleled the King with God, and stressed the importance of giving God out time and heart. During class we prayed for four of the students who were out that day due to sickness. The children loved praying for their friends.
God really showed up and made an awesome display of His love and power to children and also to me. Prayer works, and I thank you for praying for me, too.
Amanda made it safely last night. She is so sweet!!! Very funny, and we were wearing matching, (well, almost matching)clothing. She will be here for two years!
We will be cooking our own meals from now on while we are here. Pray for us. haha.
Tonight we will be having Chili. Yummy.
Today, I encourage you to read Psalm 36:5-12. Please pray that I will continue to meditate on these verses while I am here.
"In Your light we see light"
Till' next time! Love you all, and thanks for praying! May God bless you as you continue to life me up to Him.
P.S. - I will be teaching English on Monday. We will be going over parts of the body. Ha. Spelling of words, etc. Pray the Lord will guide my heart and the students will see Christ in me.
p.p.s. - Caitlyn, i read one of your letters yesterday!!!! THANKS! The LORD really used it to minister to my heart in preparation for teaching Sunday School on Sunday. You are being used in Africa, even while you're in America. Love you sister!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Entry 2
I finally have the computer.... YAY!!! Its a hott commodity here, and i finally have my turn. :)
Last time i wrote, i asked for you to pray for me because i was going to the school for the first time. I wanted to thank you for praying, and let you know that everything went really good! We received the schedule for all the classes two days ago,and have been planning out our schedule for the following weeks. We will be sitting in on classes all this week to get a feel for how the school system works. So far, i have been to three classes. The system used here is in poor condition, and there are no lesson plans in sight! The students are eager to learn, but the resources are limited.
Today, i will sitting in on two more classes. YAY! i also get to read a letter from Caitlin, i am sooo excited! She gave Baylee and I a folder full of letters to read while we are in Uganda.
I have also received my assignment to my special needs student. Her name is Gloria. She is in a wheelchair, and had to go to the hospital yesterday for a check up. She has seizures sometimes, and goes to town to get checked ever so often. Pray that the LORD will use me to minister to her, and the other special needs children. I was able to spend time with Sam, another disabled student, yesterday too. He is in a wheel chair and cant feel anything from the waist down. We strolled along the road, and played around the slide yesterday. He loved it. Sam is one of those children who grabs your heart and will never let go. I cant wait to post some pictures of the children on here. I just need to find a faster internet connection. ha
The showers are still cold. But, the girls are moving to another building later this afternoon. I cant wait to have more space, and a hot shower.
There is a team coming in today. Pray for their safety in traveling. They will be here for two weeks. Amanda is also coming today. She will be here for the next two years as a tutor for the missionary's children.
Sorry, i have to go so quickly! This is an abrupt stop to the post. I will write later.
In Christ.
Last time i wrote, i asked for you to pray for me because i was going to the school for the first time. I wanted to thank you for praying, and let you know that everything went really good! We received the schedule for all the classes two days ago,and have been planning out our schedule for the following weeks. We will be sitting in on classes all this week to get a feel for how the school system works. So far, i have been to three classes. The system used here is in poor condition, and there are no lesson plans in sight! The students are eager to learn, but the resources are limited.
Today, i will sitting in on two more classes. YAY! i also get to read a letter from Caitlin, i am sooo excited! She gave Baylee and I a folder full of letters to read while we are in Uganda.
I have also received my assignment to my special needs student. Her name is Gloria. She is in a wheelchair, and had to go to the hospital yesterday for a check up. She has seizures sometimes, and goes to town to get checked ever so often. Pray that the LORD will use me to minister to her, and the other special needs children. I was able to spend time with Sam, another disabled student, yesterday too. He is in a wheel chair and cant feel anything from the waist down. We strolled along the road, and played around the slide yesterday. He loved it. Sam is one of those children who grabs your heart and will never let go. I cant wait to post some pictures of the children on here. I just need to find a faster internet connection. ha
The showers are still cold. But, the girls are moving to another building later this afternoon. I cant wait to have more space, and a hot shower.
There is a team coming in today. Pray for their safety in traveling. They will be here for two weeks. Amanda is also coming today. She will be here for the next two years as a tutor for the missionary's children.
Sorry, i have to go so quickly! This is an abrupt stop to the post. I will write later.
In Christ.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Uganda- Entry 1 contd...
Last time i wrote a note, i was in a hurry, so i wasn't able to go as in depth with my arrival in Uganda or at Good Shepherds Fold. The plane rides from the states to Uganda were quite the experience. I had very interesting people sit next to me from both Atlanta to Amsterdam, and Amsterdam to entebbe. One was an Indian man, mid thirties, who kept belching during the whole plane ride, and the other was a man from Germany, mid forties, who made four dress changes while on the airplane, and who also took off his shirt while i was sitting next to him. When i saw him doing that, I got up and proceeded to act like i had something in the overhead compartment i needed to get. haha. can anyone say awkward.
When we arrived in the city, it smelt just like Lima, Peru. Which was interesting to me. Brought back good memories, and made me look forward to what the Lord was going to do this summer. While in the city, we grocery shopped and ate at a "food court". Which was an adventure in itself. Let me explain the "food court" experience. You proceed to sit down at a table, while about 6 to 7 people from all the different food vendors swarm around you, showing their menu to you...sometimes really aggressively. If anybody knows me, you know that i am so bad at making decisions about almost everything. I analyze, debate, and constantly change my mind when it comes to making a quick decision like food selection. haha I finally decided on the vegetarian lasagna,..which was REALLY GOOD. it was recommended by Amy Gwartney. So that helped.
The drive from Kampala to GSF was long, but seeing the city was an eye opener to all the poverty that is still there.
When we arrived at GSF, we were greeted by a mass of children singing, playing the drums, and dancing. Handpicked flowers were given to the girls, and the children were so beautiful. I don't think i can ever forget that moment in my life. I wish all of you could have experienced it.
Tomorrow i am going to the school at 8 in the morning to introduce myself to the students I will be teaching!!! Please pray that the LORD allows intentional relationships to form with them.
MAY ALL GLORY BE GIVEN TO THE GREAT CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE!
When we arrived in the city, it smelt just like Lima, Peru. Which was interesting to me. Brought back good memories, and made me look forward to what the Lord was going to do this summer. While in the city, we grocery shopped and ate at a "food court". Which was an adventure in itself. Let me explain the "food court" experience. You proceed to sit down at a table, while about 6 to 7 people from all the different food vendors swarm around you, showing their menu to you...sometimes really aggressively. If anybody knows me, you know that i am so bad at making decisions about almost everything. I analyze, debate, and constantly change my mind when it comes to making a quick decision like food selection. haha I finally decided on the vegetarian lasagna,..which was REALLY GOOD. it was recommended by Amy Gwartney. So that helped.
The drive from Kampala to GSF was long, but seeing the city was an eye opener to all the poverty that is still there.
When we arrived at GSF, we were greeted by a mass of children singing, playing the drums, and dancing. Handpicked flowers were given to the girls, and the children were so beautiful. I don't think i can ever forget that moment in my life. I wish all of you could have experienced it.
Tomorrow i am going to the school at 8 in the morning to introduce myself to the students I will be teaching!!! Please pray that the LORD allows intentional relationships to form with them.
MAY ALL GLORY BE GIVEN TO THE GREAT CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE!
Uganda - Entry 1
So, i made it to Uganda!!!!!!!! It has been such an amazing experience. I cant wait to post pictures. The orphanage is wonderful and the children are so sweet! The view from where we are sleeping is beautiful! The internship team is definitely interesting..haha
Today we attended our first church service here at GSF and it was so much fun! the children love to sing loudly! I have picked up a few words of the Luganda language, the native tongue of the villagers where we are, and am looking forward to using them with the children :)
Well, that's all i can write for now because people are waiting to get on the computer. ( We only have one) so, here are some prayer request:
1. The internship team can have unity
2. We can remember the names of the children,... there are so many, but i am trying to remember them all.
3. The children will grow in their relationship with the Lord
4. Protection from sickness - such as malaria
5. 1 Unspoken
6. Sunday school next Sunday -- the interns will be teaching next week, so pray we are sensitive to what the Lord wants for us to teach.
Thanks for all of your prayers!!!!
Today we attended our first church service here at GSF and it was so much fun! the children love to sing loudly! I have picked up a few words of the Luganda language, the native tongue of the villagers where we are, and am looking forward to using them with the children :)
Well, that's all i can write for now because people are waiting to get on the computer. ( We only have one) so, here are some prayer request:
1. The internship team can have unity
2. We can remember the names of the children,... there are so many, but i am trying to remember them all.
3. The children will grow in their relationship with the Lord
4. Protection from sickness - such as malaria
5. 1 Unspoken
6. Sunday school next Sunday -- the interns will be teaching next week, so pray we are sensitive to what the Lord wants for us to teach.
Thanks for all of your prayers!!!!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Wilderness
So, life has been normal. Which may be a good thing. Not sure yet. I feel like its the calm before the storm. Which is in a way satisfying. I'm not sure why. Maybe its because I am realizing how amazing it is that God is preparing me for it. He is not going to let me go. He is not going to leave. He is truly faithful, even when I loose faith.
I pray that this summer will be used to bring glory to God, and to strengthen and grow my relationship with Him. I need more of Him. DESPERATELY.
I was reading in Matthew, and I found something interesting that I have always missed. When the Devil is tempting Jesus, It never really clicked that Satan didn't tempt Christ until AFTER Jesus fasted. Get this : Jesus spent 40 days, fasting and getting closer to God. ( what an intimate picture of love) Yet, when the 40 days ended, who was there to try and persuade Jesus to bow down and worship him?- Satan.
And then, I was paralleling this encounter, with times in my life where I am completely on fire for Christ, when I am running the race with endurance, fasting, praying frequently, and loving others more out of the overflow of my encounters with God. But,... soon after, I feel like I am becoming more tempted to fall back into old habits. To succumb to what makes me feel most comfortable. To justify my laziness ( in response to what Christ is calling me to be [living radically]) by comparing my life to others.
But, i must remember, Christ has conquered Satan. He has won the victory. Even in Matthew, when tempted, Christ prevailed.
"24.He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. 25. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
1 Peter 2:24-25
Revelation 15:3-4
"And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
3 'Great and amazing are Your deeds,
O LORD God the Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the nations!
4 Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship You,
For Your righteous acts have been revealed"
I pray that this summer will be used to bring glory to God, and to strengthen and grow my relationship with Him. I need more of Him. DESPERATELY.
I was reading in Matthew, and I found something interesting that I have always missed. When the Devil is tempting Jesus, It never really clicked that Satan didn't tempt Christ until AFTER Jesus fasted. Get this : Jesus spent 40 days, fasting and getting closer to God. ( what an intimate picture of love) Yet, when the 40 days ended, who was there to try and persuade Jesus to bow down and worship him?- Satan.
And then, I was paralleling this encounter, with times in my life where I am completely on fire for Christ, when I am running the race with endurance, fasting, praying frequently, and loving others more out of the overflow of my encounters with God. But,... soon after, I feel like I am becoming more tempted to fall back into old habits. To succumb to what makes me feel most comfortable. To justify my laziness ( in response to what Christ is calling me to be [living radically]) by comparing my life to others.
But, i must remember, Christ has conquered Satan. He has won the victory. Even in Matthew, when tempted, Christ prevailed.
"24.He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. 25. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
1 Peter 2:24-25
Revelation 15:3-4
"And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
3 'Great and amazing are Your deeds,
O LORD God the Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the nations!
4 Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship You,
For Your righteous acts have been revealed"
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Family Vacay
Two weeks ago my family took a mini family vacation to Florida! It was so much fun, especially since we haven't been on a family vacation in a really really long time. I think the last one was when I was still in middle school!
Anyway, we had a very relaxing retreat, and it was so nice to not have to worry about things back home. I feel like it was just what I needed before the hustle and bustle started of getting last minute things done for packing in preparation for Uganda. Now, I look back and am really glad we went. I have some pictures on here of the fam. I had to use the timer on the camera, so the angles aren't the best, but they still turned out good! :)
There was actually a wedding on the beach one night we were there. The couple was staying in the condo we were in. From what I heard from my dad, it was really pretty. The bride's father walked his daughter down the boardwalk from the condo and onto the beach... too cute :)
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