Wow, the last week has been so busy! We are now in Masaka, which is where I will be spending the rest of my time in Uganda! I will try to recap the past week as much as possible, but I am sure that there will be details that I will forget about. Anyway, here goes...
The first day here, I was overwhelmed with the idea of going back to Jireh and not seeing Mackie. I actually spent about twenty minutes crying that morning. (Yay for being open about emotional breakdowns! haha.) Luckily, there were a couple people on my team who knew the story and they provided a lot of comfort and support. One of my friends told me that even though I had lost one, I had many more to reach. That really encouraged me and helped prepare me to go.
Robin and Jim (the founders of Jireh Ministries) met us at the hotel and rode with us to Jireh. As we reached the top of the mountain and could see the Children's Center, Robin said "Welcome home, Lauren." Immediately I felt a peace and knew that this is exactly where I am supposed to be.
One of the first kids I saw when I got off the bus was Susan, Mackie's sister. She seemed very happy to see me, but at the same time, she seemed unsure. A group of other girls from last year crowded around and they were talking to each other in Luganda. I couldn't understand what they were saying, but I kept hearing Mackie's name and then they would point to me every once in a while. I kept saying, "I know about Mackie," but they didnt understand me. Finally, one of the girls said "Mackie is dead." I told them that I knew and then I gave Susan a hug. I told her that I was there to spend time with her and with all of the other kids there. She smiled, and she has not left my side ever since. I have a sweet group of girls and a couple of rockin' boys that I spend most of my time with and I am really excited to get to know more of the kids.
The biggest highlight to the week was a mzungu (white people) vs. Uganda football (soccer) game on Thursday. We basically got a bunch of street kids and village people together and had them watch the mzungu Americans play a ugandan team. At half time, one of the pastors spoke and shared the gospel. My team leader, Natasha, and I were able to talk with a very confused man about Jesus. He asked a lot of questions and the Lord gave us a lot of answers and his mind was cleared and he accepted the Lord. It was an AMAZING experience and I am really glad that I got to be a part of it.
The team leaves tomorrow and I am not excited about saying goodbye. I have met a lot of great people and they have become a great support system and encouragement for me. It will be really different to be on this journey by myself, but I am really excited to see how it goes. I found out that I will be living in a back room of the clinic at Jireh. It's quite...quaint. It will be an adjustment, but I think it will be good. I will only be using the computer about once a week when I can make it into town because there is no electricity at the Children's Center.
Sorry if this is messy, I dont have time to proof-read. I hope that all is well with you in the states, I can't wait to get some emails and hear some stories! All my love!
3 comments:
"quaint", well that's a polite way to put it :) I think you'll get used to it though (well, mostly, it'll never quite be the same as in america), but the blessings of being there with the kids will be so worth the more primitive facilities compared to in town.
If you see Babra Z. (I think she's in S1 now) will you tell her I send my wishes to her!
Good to hear how things are going, and update so I have a better idea how I can be praying for you!
Awww, Lo...that's so neat about Mackie's sister. Perhaps the Lord has in mind for you to impact her life, too? For someone in her orphaned shoes, it must mean the world to have a 'connection' with someone that knew and loved her sister.
Your mom e-mailed us about the language barrier thing. I know it's rough, but hang in there. The Lord will continue to provide! And don't forget...the love of Jesus the see in you will surpass any language barrier. Like our buddy Tim Hawkins would say, "Just love on 'em". When the fruits of the Spirit are evident in your conduct and your actions show them the Great love the Lord has for them...they can't help but to be drawn towards the Light of the World they see you reflecting.
It occurs to me that one of Becky's 'wordless' Mime performances might come in handy right about now, huh? Not the sprouting flower one, but maybe one of the Ray Boltz songs. ;)
I heard a great story today that I thought might encourage you. A friend of mine just got back from a European tour with her college aged daughter. They were in Monaco when they got separated. For two hours they searched for each other without the benefit of phones or being familiar with the area. Debbie did the only thing she knew to do and prayed. And minutes later, she decided to step into a shop, and it happened that her daughter had come into the very same shop through the back entrance. All that to say...before all else fails, we can pray. In fact, praying continually...that His will would be done through you each and every moment...allowing Him to guide your every step giving you those little nudges of what to do next is ideal. You can't go wrong with minute-by-minute, step-by-step guidance from the Lord.
We're praying for you, girl. That the Lord would use you mightily for Him in that place.
Lisa forwarded me the e-mail from your mom about the phone. If you REALLY want to call, couldn't you borrow someone's phone whom you trust and just buy an airtime card? That's what we've done before. Make SURE, though, that it's someone you can trust. A missionary would be preferred. You don't want the number you call to be saved and used later for anything. Hang in there. I know you've committed to a much bigger task, out of the comfort of a large group. I trust that this will be the MOST growing you will do. Know that God is with you ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE - even "quaint" back rooms (I can TOTALLY picture it!). Cling to HIM and you're going to remember this for the REST of your life! Besides, you know you'll LONG for that crazy place once you get home! Breathe in a big, smoky breath for me and have a heaping serving of matoke! Hugs, Michelle.
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