Halloween Redo

Wow, can you believe that I'm actually here!? I sometimes have moments of blog inspiration, but obviously it hasn't made it from my head to the keys in a loooooonnnnng time!
The only thing I really wanted to talk about today was humility and change. We all change don't we? Well, hopefully we do. We learn, grow, and change. I think as Christians having a humble heart is hugely important.
Ok, so remember my Halloween post from years ago? Prime example of my husband and I learning, growing, and changing. Last year our Halloween looked very different from our previous stance on the subject. However, I still have no idea if we closer to being "right". I'll tell you what we did anyways.
The weather was unusually warm last year which opened up more options for us. Matthew and I had been praying about what to do the weeks leading up to the event. We weren't totally settled with hiding out. We explained to our children the origins of Halloween. We also reminded them of the first and greatest commandment. SOoooo, we set up a hot chocolate stand, bought some fun stickers (with bible verses on them, ha ha) and a bunch of candy. The worst part for me was thinking about the garbage, it makes me a little sick actually. We had just moved into a new house last year and it was wonderful to meet a bunch of our neighbours and give them treats. Our kids had so much fun playing outside and meeting people. They didn't ask to dress up (although they love dressing up throughout the year). They of course asked for candy.
Now it's that time of year again and K asked me yesterday. Mom, have you been praying about what to do for Halloween? Wow, I love that girl! What a great question. It's not about me trying to figure out whats best. Just be spirit led!

Other things I'd like to blog about:
Homeschooling in a small space. I've been googling it for ideas and these people are like "boo hoo, all 5 of us live in 1500 sq ft". I wouldn't be able to blog anything helpful in that area. So far our homeschool year has not felt organized at all. We keep going and somehow are getting somewhere.
Peter. Have I even blogged since he was born!? He's so amazing and I just can't imagine life without him. Now that we know him and love him how could we ever not want him. It makes me think about other potential children in our life and how could we possibly deny them life and deny the pleasure of us knowing them. And yet, my selfishness prevails and the timeline in my head seems better than what God would possibly give us. Ugghhh, so stupid.

This Ache Persists

I sometimes "write" a blog post in my head. As you may have noticed they don't often make it from my head to here. I don't fully "get" blogging yet. Who the heck are we all writing for? When I blog there's no way I say everything I would if it was a private journal. Trust me I totally just deleted a couple sketchy, yet funny, sentences. The most entertaining blogs I've read have been strangers who I felt were being totally honest. Who knows, maybe they weren't. No one reads my blog anymore, so I really have to write for me. And yet those deleted sentences.... Oh bother.

Well here I am, but I just wanted to talk about a really sweet picture my daughter drew on the Magna-Doodle today. It's over there in my instagram shots. Its a family photo. Our whole family. She drew Caleb in a blanket in my arms. It really made me smile, how sweet and thoughtful of her. But once they were all tucked into bed and I looked at that picture that old familiar ache crept back up. My due date with Caleb approaches. How I wish that this house was getting ready for his arrival. How I wish for achy hips and back. How I crave those kicks and wiggles from within. Sometimes the sadness just hits. Tonight is one of those times.

I do have to say I've learned a ton though this experience. I've also been thankful for some pretty amazing friends. Sometimes people are just awesome aren't they? I am blessed. My times with God lately have been especially sweet. Oh it's just so friggin amazing to see him change this wretched heart of mine! Words just can't explain what it's like to really experience the love and grace of Christ and my precious Father.

Well I feel encouraged and lifted, and now I have this post to look back on and take me back to this time in my life. I guess that's part of what blogging is about for me.

Prayer Vigil

This past weekend I was in Calgary with the fam. I went down for a couple reasons, doctors appts, birthdays, hanging out with family etc. But because we were going I was super excited to join in the prayer vigil at the abortion clinic there. It was the number one thing on my list. More than Ikea, more than the cute consignment store, more than Phil and Sebastian coffee. I wanted to see what it looked like so that when I pray here at home it's more real. I wanted to support the efforts of 40 Days for Life. Most of all I wanted to pray for those Mammas going through such a hard time. I hoped that by being there I could be a light and shed love onto that place a bit.

But I didn't go. I didn't go?! Seriously, I didn't even go. And there is no excuse. I guess I could say I was busy, which it true. I could say I was tired. Which is also true. I could put the blame on Satan because of course he didn't want me bringing the power of God to that hurting place. I really don't know why I didn't go, but it makes me feel sad, and a little sick. It's also a wake up call.

It's hard to get our butts out the door. I have SO much respect for the people that are filling the hours on the sidewalk there. I feel horrible that the sidewalk was empty when I should have been there. Beyond words. Sad.

Christians, we need to wake up! It's time to join together, to BE THERE! Time to stomp Satans crusty dirty head and ruin his plans! Our prayers matter. Our presence matters. Our time is worthwhile. What are you using yours for? I sure was convicted over what I'm using mine for, and it sucks when I have to answer God with a grovelling and meek "I'm sorry." I'd much rather have said, "Nice work God, thanks for being there with me, it was powerful!" I'm sure thankful that I'm forgiven and saved by grace (and don't actually have to grovel), but next time I'd way rather be used in His mighty army.

Food for thought. I'm munching. Now I'm thinking about other things I fill my day with, and what I can be doing instead. Oh wow, I have so far to go and so much changing and growing to do. It's fun! I'm excited!

p.s. I didn't do shopping or coffee either, just for the record ;-)

So many things are on my mind I can't choose just one to blog about tonight. So I'll do a list because I'm a lover of lists.

1. Africa and sweet little toes that I got to paint purple while I was there. I was scanning through some instagram photos today when a friends picture just hit me out of no where. It was a sweet little black foot with pink painted toes. It reminded me of the three girls at the drop in center who I still pray and hope for

2. Abortion. A word that makes me squeemish for so many reasons. I hate HATE conflict. I'm a people pleaser. I'm working on it because it's so not healthy. I hate controversy and I don't feel smart enough to debate issues, especially not abortion. All things that I'm submitting to Jesus. I'm asking God to soften my heart and I'm willing to be used by Him in the area. I'm squeemish about it for the obvious reason too. Just the thought of what they are doing to that sweet babe and our country's stand on the topic. Disgusting! However in saying all that, the whole thing, for me anyways, is about love and compassion. Love not only for the baby, but for the mother. It's a big decision and no matter what she thinks there will be emotional healing that needs to happen. And compassion for the mother because we are all broken and need fixed. Where is the root of this mentality that "Women should have a right to their own bodies." I just texted this to a friend and I'll share it with you: "I think we as a society are so busy taking care of our rights, feeling entitled, and not feeling supported that we forget about responsibility. What about our responsibility as a mother to that unborn babe who doesn't have a voice?" I would add something about families, the importance for good ties between us and our parents, and the lack of that in so many these days. I don't know how to word it all yet, so just never mind about that part yet.

3. Big families. I love big families and have always been intrigued by them. I wonder if I'll be the mamma of a big family one day. When I was in Calgary this summer and shared our happpy news of expecting our fourth with some girls I met they were amazed, thought I was crazy, but also had a healthy respect for me. It struck me as odd. I guess I live in a place where it's normal accepted to have more kids than just the one or two. My how different I am than the girl I would have been had the planning been left to me and we had stayed in Calgary all these years. How thankful I am that God has a much much better plan. Back to the subject. Big families (we're talking 6 or more children) seem warm, fun, centered, and so many other things to me. This subject ties into another one on my mind

4. Control. Birth Control. Don't worry I'm not going to get all gross on you here. I'm a control freak and like to plan things. Check this out: Married '04, first child '06, second child '08, third child '10. Mini van, house in cul-de-sac, holidays, craft times, cute hair cut, check. Check. Check. The image is all down pat and good. Right? HA! It drives me crazy when I hear that people think I have it all together, and yet how can I blame them. That's what I've worked so hard for isn't it? Oh God make me humble! I would say to those people that they are SO wrong for thinking I have it all made. God is working on my heart. Breaking down the barriers. It feels SOOOO good to let Him in. To let Jesus wash it all away. Sorry, this is so not about birth control anymore, how did I do that!? See, I should really not be allowed to blog at night! I'll just say that I am finally willing and excited to give God my whole heart and life, even this area of controlling when and how many children we have. It's hard for me to feel emotionally ready to "try again" ( I hate that term. Like Caleb was a fail and we'll just try again), but I know in my head I need to lay it down and let God work. Let go and let God.

I've learned a lot this year. About me and about God. I'm submitting to Him, going to Him, being changed by Him. I'm stoked to meet with Jesus these days, to talk with him and hear from him.

I know God is working in intricate ways in my life in this area of giving up control to Him when it comes to our future children. I shouldn't be fearful that I'll have 10 more kids, drive a "Morman van", never travel, be broke, be judged. SEE! When I write it all out I know it's totally ridiculous and those with big families totally just laughed at me. It's good that they would laugh because they know how silly I'm being too. Of course life isn't always easy when you have many children to love, guide, and care for. But is it all worth it in the end? I hope I can someday answer that truthfully with a: HECK YEAH!

Rainbow Waterfall

Disclaimer: I'm super nervous to share this with you for fear you'll all think I'm crazy. I'm not. I'm also not a weird parent..... ok not usually anyways. I'll just carry on now.

I love having kids. I love it for countless reasons. Yesterday June Bug was in one or her dark moods. I walked through something with her, trying to make her feel better. Explaining things to a child, teaching them things is such a privilege. Isn't it often the adult who learns more in the process? Well here is what I walked through with her:

"June Bug lets imagine a beautiful place together. Let's imagine a waterfall, with a forest and lots of green around it. There is a large rock we can sit on to watch the waterfall. Close your eyes, what do you think the waterfall would sound like? Ok, now lets imagine that the waterfall is big enough that it's spraying water and if we stand on the grassy bank we can feel the spray on our faces. You know what else happens because of the spray? A rainbow! There is a rainbow coming from the waterfall and going into the sky, it's so bright! Ok, now look by the waterfall in the water, do you see Jesus standing there?

(This is where the Monkey piped up, "Yes, and he's standing on the water!") Well June Bug, you can go to Jesus. Just let him give you a hug. He wants you to go out there with him. You can talk to him. Tell him what's on your mind and what is making you so upset.

(She was quiet for a long time, eyes closed).

"June Bug did Jesus say anything to you? (No, I just talked to him) Did you know that Jesus gives gifts? He gives gifts like comfort, love, light, truth. You can ask him for a gift. You can always go to Jesus and talk to him, he loves you SOOOOoooo much!"

That was pretty much the extent of our conversation. It was so convicting for me! Why don't I go to him with the things that are making me sad, angry, confused? The worst part for me is that I know better! I'm not a child! I've experienced God, I've gotten the goosebumpy, so excited I can't sleep feeling of knowing Him. And yet I still find myself slumping around trying to do things on my own. Pretending that I'm doing just fine.

How much sweeter it is to meet with Him, our Saviour! He wants us to give him all that crap. It's why he died! And how sweet it is to be able to worship the Father because we are clean and purified!

This picture was actually taken from my first "real" Bible. I was probably 9 when I got it, and not much older when this verse hit me square in the face. I don't remember what my burdens were way back then, but the meaning has only become more clear.

Because a persons a person, no matter how small.

I don't have much to say today, the fog in my brain won't let me get out what is really rattling around up there. I have been craving God's word, and yet not really seeking it. I've been lazy. Today I was reading other peoples stories of their early pregnancy loss and these verses came up from Psalms

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16)

I marvel at those verses, especially in relation to our little Caleb. I marveled over those verses while Caleb was still growing in me, and I can still marvel at them. God isn't knitting him together in my womb anymore, but he's cuddling with him in a very real place. I think about this picture of Jesus.

If you don't know about this picture google either "Heaven is For Real", or "Akiane Kramarik" it's just a phenomenal story. It is also extremely comforting to me right now.

We are blessed with three living children. I love them SO much and always have. However having a child in heaven has changed my perspective. I appreciate holding my kids in a different way. I love seeing their facial features and knowing what their little sounds and grimaces mean. I love knowing every little thing about them. My perspective on future children has also changed. God told us (somewhere in the bible) that children are a blessing from the Lord. At this point in my life I want more kids. I feel a little obsessed. I feel like I constantly want a baby in our house. Who knows how this will change over the years.

When you lose a child or pregnancy people always think you might resent other people who haven't had a loss. I haven't resented anyone around me who is still pregnant or has a new born. However I get frustrated when people take what they have for granted. I'm sure I was there at some point in my life too so I'm not pointing fingers. God has really been convicting me in the past year about my need to control the size of our family. It's always a good thing to give up control and to trust him. I don't really know where I'm going with this.

You know how "they" always say there are different stages to grief? I wonder if there is a resentment stage. I don't feel resentful over the situation, but towards people not trying to understand what I'm going through. I try to be graceful when people stumble over their words to me, because I certainly have been there before. It's hard to know what to say to someone who is grieving. Just let me know that you're sorry for my loss, and then don't forget about me. It's only been two weeks and two days. There is no timeline for something like this. I'm still processing stuff and new waves of grief are hitting all the time. My due date is sure to be a sad time. Oh, and also don't think that if we get pregnant again I'll be all better, not true!
Sorry that I'm just venting. If you're reading this then you probably care and have in no way offended me. I'm venting about people that don't care to even read this so I don't know what the point of writing it is. I guess just to get it out. I should really get some sleep and gain some perspective so I don't have to keep being grumpy on my poor loyal blog.

My Days At Home

I spend most days at home with my kids. I don't do a whole lot. Well, ok, I keep the house tidy, I keep good food on the table, I kind of school my children, and recently I've been trying to generate a bit of income besides what my hubbie makes. But really, our days aren't filled with activities and the things we do don't feel busy or stressful.

When I first came home from Uganda my days at home loomed long and boring ahead of me. I couldn't believe that I had stayed home all day everyday with the kids before the trip and I was ok with that. I felt restless. Like I was missing something. I felt that life in Uganda was moving along without me, and life here in Canada was just stuck. As I started processing the trip more I kind of got out of my funk. I realized that there is a lot that can be happening in Uganda, and if I take it a step at a time I can still be part of it. I don't know what that will look like yet. It's pretty simple though, it's just praying about it and saying yes when God gives me the opportunity. I'm totally in love with Uganda and a little obsessed when random strangers visit and I somehow get to see their pictures on facebook. Someday I would love to go back and hug those kids and pray for those families.

BUT I'm here now. So now what? Well. I spend most days at home, and that can seem pretty boring at first glance. But what if I let God take that and use it for His glory? That is my purpose here on earth after all. My life brings glory to my God, my creator. My actions, words, attitude, choices, they all mean a lot more than just surface stuff. What if I decided to visit my neighbour who just lost her husband to cancer? What could God do there? I don't know, but I'm sure going to find out. I can go hug her and pray for her and I bet you my heart will be filled to overflowing, just like it would be if it was a cute black kid in my arms.

What if instead of belitting my child for getting the windows smudged yet again, I patiently took their hand as we helped each other clean it up, while I joked about the pet spiders crawling outside and up their arm (and of course start a tickle fight).

What if I told a new friend about my awesome church family and how they helped us out when my husband got his tools stolen, and how much love we felt because of that? What if those thieves were prayed for and loved instead of hated?

What if I prayed to commit a new business venture to God and His glory and immediately see him bless it by doubling my income overnight?

The point I'm trying to make (to myself more than anyone), is that I can say yes to God, and see Him work, and get goosebumps when I see the Spirit at work, no matter where I am. I did go and visit my neighbour, and it was great. I know it's just the beginning of something amazing because it's totally the Spirit guiding my words. She commented that there was something special about me. Someday I'll tell her that that something different is my Creator, Saviour, Lover, God living inside of me and He's her creator too and He's drawing her and wanting to woo and love her.

There is no way that on my own strength I can happily keep my household running and skip around the neighbour hood spreading warm fuzzies (believe me I've tried, it's not fun, there is a lot of pressure and sadness). But thank GOD that it's SO much more than that. When I live for HIM it clicks, makes sense, and it's sheer joy to serve Him. Even in sorrow we can walk with Him, even if it just means telling Him how mad we are. Realizing my purpose, and changing my perspective makes life worth living.

This post was supposed to be about a typical day that I spend at home. It was supposed to be peppered with funny things the kids said recently, and how much fun we've had frog hunting and planting seeds. I have thoroughly been enjoying my days at home, and I was going to write all about that. I would still like to write about that someday, but I'm glad that at least for today it turned into more. God is definitely doing a work in my heart and I just love it. I love Him. So I guess for now, I'll just go enjoy one more day at home and see what else happens on this blog another day.

This picture was taken at the airport when they came to pick me up after my trip. I was tired, and happy.

Where to Start?

How do you sum up a trip and experience like this? The words to describe it all just aren't coming to me, yet I feel I need to update you before I head home in a couple days. It will be so hard to adjust my brain to home mode. There are so many things I totally love about being here, most of which are impossible to incorperate into daily life in Canada. I would love to go for two hour walks in the morning before the heat of the day sends us into the shade with mango juice in hand. Ummm yea, that's not going to happen in Canada for a long time. I would love to openly talk about Jesus and what he did for us with just any random person I meet. People here are so open and most people know Jesus and are excited to talk about him. People here are eager to greet us because we are visitors. I love walking down the street and being able to wave and smile at everyone and have them warmly greet me. I would get some strange reactions in Canada for that behaviour. The pace of life here is slow and relationships trump that "to do" list. Oh and obviously I would never get sick of coming home to a clean house, meals on the table, and laundry done for me everyday. The girls at the guest house are amazing! Thanks for listening, this is helping me sort out my thoughts and feelings.

The past few days we have been in Kamengo "working". Ha ha, we haven't really been working at all. We've been sitting in Mama Florences house sewing with the ladies, playing with the kids, taking lots of pictures, and watching the progression on her new building. It's hard for us because a lot of times we feel like we want to do more and hurry things up and accomplish more. But I know God is working on us, and through us and we can just trust in that. Even if we don't feel like we're working hard enough, we are here for a purpose and He is faithful.

Today we are driving up northwest for about 5 hours to get ready for Safari day tomorrow! I was hesitant to book the safari because I was feeling guilty about using up basically two days to be frivolous. But I definitely see the value in taking a day or two to adjust and start thinking about home, and obviously to enjoy the country we came so far to see. People here really want us to enjoy our time, it's funny. Everyone asks what we have done and they want to make sure we enjoy it, they all want to plan different outings for us. I can see how easy it would be to spend months here doing little trips and outings. So I'm really hoping to see some elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos tomorrow. We will also get to see some water falls. Then we have a long drive back to Kampala on Friday. Saturday morning we will go out to Kamengo to see the building again and buy some crafts from the ladies there. Then hopefully we can do some shopping for jewlery and local crafts. We fly out late Saturday night. I think once I'm on the plane I will start getting super excited to come home. Right now I miss the famliy like crazy, but I know they are safe, happy, and we'll be together again, and that makes such a difference. Sometimes I wish I was just going to pick them up from the airport and we can all just stay here together. I wasn't quite prepared for how much I would love it here. I think Matthew and I will start planning and saving for another trip very soon:-)

I'm not sure what life will be like when I get home, but I expect to hibernate a bit. I will want to spend a lot of time with the kids, plus the fact that it will be freezing cold outside, lol. So be patient with me if you don't hear very much from me in the next couple weeks. I love you all and can't wait to share with you more about the trip. Thank you so much for your prayers. Please keep praying for us, for flights, and health, and connections with the people we've made here. Talk to you again on your side of the pond!

Amazing Opportunities

Here are a couple amazing stories that we have gotten to be a part of this past week. On Wendsday we went to the slum with Frontline Ministries. While we were there our friend John Mark noticed a baby laying with his mother that didn't look good at all. The baby is 10 months old and has measles. This wouldn't be a big deal in Canada, we would probably take care of the child at home until they recover, or worst case seneario we would have to drive to the hospital and wait an hour to get in. This mother wouldn't even consider going to the hospital because for one, how would she get there, and for two she wouldn't be admitted once she was there anyways. When John Mark saw the baby he made a call to the hospital he works at and arranged for her to be admitted. We had just been at the hospital the day before, so we were shocked to hear that she had been admitted so fast. This hospital is insanely busy. But once she got to the hospital she didn't have anything for herself or the baby, the hospital doesn't supply anything. So we were able to go through our suitcases of donations from YOU! I picked out some blankets, baby p.j.'s, snacks, towel, and cloth. It was just amazing to actually pick something out to send and bless this mother. Thank you all so much for your generous gifts and donations, it has been amazing to be able to bless the people here, I only wish you could all be here with us.

Today we went to the drop in center again that Peace for Children in Africa has. Andrea and I were able to watch the older boys play football and had a great chat with Freddy the whole time. The people here LOVE to talk. They talk about where they went to school, where they grew up, what they do for work, the infrastructer of the city, how to help things improve, and of course they ask lots of questions about us. While we watched football (soccer) Ruth went with John Mark to buy food for the center, it was an incredible experience for her, I'm jealous! They went to a very busy down town market and bought enough rice for at least a month, some veggies, and MEAT!!!!! This was the most exciting thing for them to have meat for the kids. These kids NEVER get to eat meat, they were SO excited! We also bought a little stove and two huge cooking pots. Once we all got back to the centre we started the cooking and did lots of playing with the kids. The main point of the centre is to show the kids the love of Jesus. They also want to give them a bit of their childhood back, living on the streets doesn't allow a person to be childish for long at all. Something John Mark said really stuck me, he said he loved bringing his friends into the slums because it gives the kids something to dream about, something to aspire to.

Otherwise their dreams are very small, if they never see anything but the slum, how are they supposed to aspire to be anything outside of the slum? When we first got back from watching football I saw three girls hesitantly hanging around by the entrance gate. I asked them if I could put nail polish on for them. Who knew that a simple bottle of nail polish would make such a difference in someones life. From that first moment the girls just attached themselves to me and i was more than happy to spend the day with them. We played the "cup game" I'm sure many of you played it at camp growing up. One girl drew a picture of me to take home, so cute! Then we did a skit for everyone and taught them "My God is so Big". I was so happy to teach them this song. By the end I was feeling very emotional because these kids are just going back into such a desperate situation. But to know that they have this safe place to come, and that they can hear the gospel, the TRUTH, that is my peace. That's the only reason I was able to leave today. Two of the girls had never been there before and they met with the social worker today and filled in all the info. I'm praying that they will come back again and again. I'm praying that these kids would know that my God is their God, he is so in love with them and I'm praying that they will reach out and accept him. Please pray for the kids at PCA, especially the girls Nanteza Irene, Nawgwa Chrezer, and Rehema. My heart breaks especially for them because girls can have such a hard time living in these conditions. These girls actually live with their grandmother but they are not in school because she can't afford it. I would like to be able to pay their school fees. It is about 450$ per year per child. It would make such a difference in their lives, to be off the streets, to be given the chance at a future! Since I'm here I can go to their schools to pay the fees to avoid any confusion with the funds. Please please help me in this, I can't do it alone! If you donate here on my blog we can access the money and help change these girls lives forever. I'm so excited about all these opportunities coming up.

I can't remember if I've already blogged about Mbazira, but he's another opportunity that has come up. He is a young man desperatly wanting to preach the Word of God, but isn't able to get the training. We exchanged contact info and I'm praying that we can somehow get him into a good school. Tomorrow we go to Kamengo! I can't express how excited I am about all this. I could seriously just live here, it's so great, I love it! Thank you all SO so much for being involved with this. Please keep praying for us. Today no one got sick or hurt, this was amazing, thank you for praying! I can't remember if I've blogged about my toe. I cut it pretty bad, but so far it is clean and healing well. Pray for all these people that we are meeting, that we would have wisdom with the funds we are sharing here, and mostly for the people's hearts. That they would know how much God loves them, and that their hope would only be in Him.

I'm Finally Here!

So here I am in Kampala Uganda! It's hard to believe I'm actually
here! The flights went well, with a minor hiccup with the other girls
being delayed and me trying not to panic when they didn't show up.
We've been here since Sat night and so far it's been quite the
experience. We have gone to church, gone to a couple different
markets, a concert, cuddled babies in an orphanage, done lots of
driving and looking at the sites and had some meetings to set up
plans. It has been such a learning experience and I'm madly in love
with this country already and wish I could just move here. God is
opening up SO many opportunities. Here is one quick example. Last
night we were with our friend John Mark and his car broke down. We
were crossing a busy intersection and a chunk of his car actually fell
off. So after an interesting experience waiting on a busy road we got
picked up by his acquaintance Mbazira in his taxi cab. Now tonight
Mbazira picked us up again for the concert and we had a great talk.
He really opened up and shared his heart, he is a born again Christian
who loves the Word of God and is passionate about learning more. He
really wants to go to a good bible school and has pursued some options
in the states and Japan, but is frustrated that it's not working out.
People don't take him seriously when the only thing he can do is write
a letter. But tonight we really got to see his genuine passion and
excitement to study the Word so he can do Gods work with his people
here in Uganda. So we exchanged contact info and he was really
interested in our own experience at bible school. So who knows what
God has planned for Mbazira, I don't want to give him false hope. But
to be honest I'm dreaming about somehow getting him into bible school
somewhere, and wouldn't it be amazing if it was PRBI?!?! It's about
us saying yes to what God has planned and allowing his plans to come
to life.

Tomorrow we are going to the drop in center for boys that live on
the streets. The Frontline team works with them and has quite the
program set up so it's easy for us to fit into what they already have
going. After that we will go to the slums with the boys to see what
their world is like and just spend some time there with them. I will
try to take some amazing pictures. John Mark has a dream of putting
together a photo exhibit to show how the boys live and raise awareness
and money to help them.

Please pray for us, that God would continue to give us
opportunities and that we could keep being faithful and not get
overwhelmed. Also pray for our health and energy, we haven't been
sleeping great and the heat is very tiring. Pray for John Mark, he
has been such a blessing to us. He is a doctor and has such a passion
for helping people, he needs supportive people behind him to back him
up on his big dreams. Pray that God would provide Aggies Home for
orphans with funds to finish some projects. Pray for us tomorrow as
we are with the boys, that their hearts would be open and there could
be a response as we show them Gods love.

Thank you all so much for your love, support, prayers and
everything we need you! I can't wait to show you pictures! I forgot
my camera cord, so it will have to wait sorry. Love you and miss you!

God is our Provider

I have learned more about God and experienced more of Him during the planning of this trip than I have in a long long time. It has been such an adventure to see Him provide and feel the excitement that comes with saying YES to Him. You guys are part of that and I am so thankful for your generosity in donations, food, flights, support, prayers, etc. The past couple days have been a big struggle for me, and I'm about to be very open about that. Satan does not want the work of God to happen, and he has been attacking me and my family this week. He is crafty and gets me in ways that he knows will work. Like losing my patience with the kids, stressing about money, feeling dis-connected with Matthew, and sickness. Satan also wants me to keep silent and suffer alone because he knows I'm a control freak. But I'm choosing to let God take control, and asking my support network for help. Please pray for us! We also still need help with finances. Matthew and I have no money right now and expenses for the trip are coming up. I need money once I'm there to pay for a hotel, driver, and food. We also really wanted to be able to put beds and cribs in the building for Mama Florence. If we raise enough we can host a meal in the village for all the people, and buy a bunch of mosquito nets, medical supplies, blankets and whatever else comes up once we're there. I'm not trying to pressure people, but if God is asking you to give, please say Yes, it's always fulfilling to say yes to Him. It's been a struggle for me to leave this in God's hands and I'm being really honest in saying that. I am trusting Him to provide, and we've already seen SO much answer to prayer in this way. Thank you Lord!
p.s. 10 sleeps until we fly out!!!!!

Tickets are Booked!!!!!

Well the tickets are booked, this makes the trip seem SO much more real! I'm giddy with excitement, and can't even believe this is happening. We fly out of Calgary Feb 24th and return March 11th. I've had the biggest smile on my face every time I stop and think about this:-) So now that we're reeeeeeeeaaaally doing this it's time I introduce you to the team. I don't even know where to begin. It's been truly amazing to see God bring this team together. We have already been learning SO much together. These girls are amazing it's hard to use words to explain, so just bear with me.

I'll start with Ruth because in my mind she's our unofficial leader. She brings such maturity and insight to our times together. Her focused attitude towards doing Gods will drives us and continually encourages us. She has always wanted to be involved in missions and finally now God is putting things together and she's being faithful in that. Ruth has been contacting Frontline Ministries in Kampala and setting up some opportunities for us there. She has such a heart for the people living on the streets. She is also raising money to provide HIV tests to a doctor in Kampala once we get there. If you want to donate HIV tests please do so! You can just let us know to designate your donation for that cause. She is also looking forward to snuggling adorable little black babies:-)

Next there is Andrea. At one point in all this trip planning I thought I was going to end up going over to Uganda alone. I kept asking God to just put people on my mind and I would ask them to come too. God put Andrea on my mind, and I dismissed it because I didn't even really know her, how crazy am I!? BUT I got a second chance. The next week Andrea found out about our trip through her parents (her dad is our pastor), and jumped at the chance to come along. When we finally connected I got goosebumps because it was NOT a coincidence that we were put together like this! Andrea has also always wanted to do something like this, and now things are really just falling into place perfectly. I dub her our enthusiasm leader, because she brings such excitement and joy to our group, it's contagious. While we're in Uganda she's looking forward to getting a feel for the need there and helping out where God would have her be. We will also be keeping on eye on her to make sure she doesn't smuggle a baby home;-)

Then there is moi. I have loved Africa for as long as I can remember. My sister went to visit my Auntie in Kenya about 15 years ago, and I always wished I could go SOOO bad. I'm thrilled that it's finally being put in place and working out so well. I've been learning to listen and obey God, submit to Him and His plans, and rejoice in seeing His hand in my life. I sooo look forward to meeting the people over there, meeting some practical needs, but mostly just being the church with them and for them. I don't want to get into a theological sermon her about Christ loving the church like His own beautiful bride. I just want to say how much I look forward to meeting other people no matter where they are in their walk of life and walking with them. Oh, and I should also mention that the cute black babies will very much be affecting me too;-)

So there we are. Three girls who have always had this desire from God to go and minister to people. After all these years God has brought us together, and now off we go. There is no way we would be doing this if it wasn't for the desire God gave us, and now God putting things into place and working it all out. We are also so thankful for the support we have, we just wouldn't be able to do this without our peops. We all have wonderful families and friends backing us up in enthusiasm, prayer, and love. We are also super thankful for people donating to the Mama Florence project, may you be richly blessed in this! If you want to donate to the building project or HIV tests we still need more and we're trusting God to provide. I have a pay pal button or you could mail cheques in to Box 501 Sexsmith AB T0H 3C0, make the cheque out to Pathway Christian Communities. Any money raised above the building project and our HIV goal will go to meals, mosquito nets, medical supplies, blankets etc. Thanks again SO much faithful readers, we love you!

Let's Raise Some Money!!!

Official Fundraiser Day, whoohoo! God is moving and putting things into place. We have seen His hand and faithfulness as He shows us His plans, brings people together, and meets needs. You are being used by God as you give towards a delivery room for Mama Florence in Kamengo Uganda. We are giving people a better chance at life, right from the very beginning. By providing this building it is allowing for healthier babies, and who knows what they will be capable of as they grow up. We are not only meeting physical needs here, but we are showing Christs love.
I am so excited to see that thermometer go red over the next few days. As soon as the 3000.00 is raised the money will be sent to Uganda and the building will be started! Any amount helps, don't feel like you have to give a ton. If a ton of people give a little we will make a huge difference! Thank you all for joining with us in this project!

There are so many other things that we can help with in the future. Most people, especially in the villages depend on agriculture for their income and well being. This is another area we can equip these people with, with tools, information, etc.

This is the bed in the current delivery room at Mama Florence's house. Very humble. The new building will have three beds.

A typical Kamengo house, this would be for about 6 people. It's probably the size of our bathroom.