The more time I spend here and the more time that I spend trying to write down what we have experienced I realize that words could never possibly make someone understand what we have seen and heard. The sights and smells will be ingrained in my mind forever. To give you a small picture of a walk through the slums, you have to first smell the dusty air, the burning trash, and the animals wandering the pot holed roads. Then look to the left and you will see a mother and small child, only half dressed, sitting at the entrance of their home (which is smaller than your kitchen). Other small children between the ages of two and ten are running in between a group of American teenagers, yelling “Muzungoo! Muzungoo!” (Which means ‘crazy white man’). It’s the best sound in the world! When we get to the school that we are headed to, after walking much longer than most of us are used to, all you see is a sea of beautiful white eyes with dark brown centers staring at you waiting to see what you are going to do. This is only the beginning of what our day starts with. I am so glad that we came to this country to see how God is working, and Hallelujah that we have had eight confirmed kids who have accepted Christ into their hearts. Our group has also see the power of God so clearly though the lives of each other, with hearts being changed and lives healed! I love you Mom, Dad, Anna, Emmie, Christa, Tyler, and Sophie and I miss you! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!!!! –Lacey
HEY MOM, DAD, MCKENNA, LOGAN, AND RICO (cant forget about my dog)!!!!!!
I can truly say this is the best experience of my whole entire life!!! I feel like I am living in an Invisible Children movie. We walked into the slums the other day, and I took a picture with a little boy with a swollen stomach from mal-nutrition and no shoes on his little black feet. Oh it is also kind of weird being the minority…… but at the same time it is amazing because little kids always run up yelling MUZUNGOO!!! I love it. We have 8 confirmed new brothers and sister is Christ! God is good, all the time, all the time, God is good cause that is his nature WOW!!!
I love you more than any earthly thing I know!!! Love parker
P.S. we ate fish heads the other day……
Kenny G, Cody Bob
God is here and He is moving. The word is ALIVE here and we have seen 8 lives come to Christ in the last 48 hours! Pray that we fight and Christ is our center. Hallelujah!
-Chris Tuttle
Hi Mom! God is doing so much here. It has been exhausting so far and we are leaving for gulu tomorrow. I can’t wait to see what God will do there.
-Collin
Macy says I have no other words except praise God!
Hey mommy and daddy and Michael!
I love it here! I never want to leave, the kids are so precious here. It breaks my heart to say good bye…every stinking time! God is doing so much here! Tomorrow we leave for Gulu and we are going to an ORPHANAGE!! I miss you guys and can’t wait to see you but how about you come here, so I don’t ever have to leave.
Shannon
Hey family! I miss you so very much! I’m beginning to wonder just how long I’m going to be able to make it without you in college! This trip has definitely been more stretching than expected! You know how I tend to over think! Highlights: dancing with the street kids, singing at night with Cariana, laughing at Tyler, eating very interesting food, and observing the differences of African and American life!!! I love you to the moon and back 52 trillion times!
Abby
P.S. I haven’t gotten sick once
On Saturday a little girl and I played tag and duck duck goose and ring around the rosey. She just held on to my hand the whole time – even when she got separated during the game she would run and grab my hand again. Her name is Fiona and I’ve never felt so much love so instantaneously. When it was time to go I told her I would see her later. She said, “When can I see you again!!” I told her to come back tomorrow. On Sunday after church we were sitting outside and there were a bunch of children outside the gate of our hotel. So a few of us went to play with them. Fiona found me immediately and latched on to my hand. She sat down and she just sat on my lap holding my hand. The she leaned in and whispered, “my mom and dad are far away. I live with my aunt …..she beats me. I don’t like her. Will you take me back to America with you and be my mother?” It literally broke my heart. I haven’t seen her since Sunday, but I look for her everyday just praying that I see her.
I love you all a lot and I miss you tons!!!
p.s. you’re very lucky you made Kayla promise to make me come home cuz I probably wouldn’t otherwise.
Kate
Hi Dear family and friends,
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God is doing more than we have asked or thought could happen on this trip. It’s going to take a LONG time to share all the experiences we’ve had so far. Every day God has shown Himself to the group and to this community that we are falling in love with.
32 comments:
Hey Kate! Loved reading your blog& reading it to your mom on the phone--it made her cry! I started a blog (actually sent it) but apparently it didn't take b/c of my ineptitude! Right nowyou are starting out on your last walk thru the neighborhoods--I am praying that you find Fiona--wish you COULD bring her home, but know it's not that simple--even Brangelina has to go thru more red tape than that! Am praising the Lord for the new souls He has added to His Kingdom & that He allowed you ALL to participate in the birthing process--only His Spirit can move in the hearts of people--even children. Hope your last walk proves even more productive!! Luv GrandK8 p.s. will write more of a post later for your mom--she's having a major problem w/her phone.
p.p.s. Lydia, are you still on this adventure or have they lost you & are afraid to tell yourdad & me? Ha! Just kidding--you are in my prayers almost every minute for success in standing for Him as well as spiritual & physical protection! He is our Rock! Ps. 18
Luv you, Mom
Hearing all your words, all I can say is, my cup runneth over!!!! :) I love you all and am praying for you every day!!! Macy, I miss you! I love you to the moon and back INFINITY!!!
WOW! God IS good! Thank you SO much for posting a picture! What a fun surprise!
I am praising God with you all for the ones who will join us in heaven and thankful that He used you all to share His love!
Parker, I am looking closely at the picture to see if you are still needing to wear the splint on your arm. I can't tell for sure, so if you think about it, let us know how your arm is doing, OK?
Mimi and Pa, Aunt Joy, Grandpa and Grandma Nancy, Mrs. Arnold and others are following the blog, too!
I love you SO much!
Mom
ps - RICO is missing you, too! He's just been moping around.
Matt are you there? I haven't heard a word from you... Send us a post and at least say Hi I am doing great or I'm not doing great!! We miss you alot and pray for you many times each day. I saw Kappi Farrington yesterday and she said she wished she were in Africa with you and to tell you Hi and that she would be praying for you and the group.
Love you, Mom
It is awesome to get to read your posts. Thanks for sharing. What an amazing opportunity for ministry! Jeanne Butler
Shelbybelby, I looked really hard and couldn't find you in the group picture. I'm assuming you were somewhere working so hard you just couldn't take a break to pose for a photo. I hope you are getting some really good shots.I look forward to seeing picutres of those precious little faces as you tell me all the stories you will have to tell.
Tonite was the first night of my highschool reunion. You wouldn't believe how many people came up to me and wanted to know what I've heard from you. They have seen my posts on facebook and are really interested.Then old friends who aren't on facebook would overhear and then join in the conversation.There are probably a dozen or so more people praying for the team now than there were before tonite.Pretty neat, huh? One of my old girlfriends has two 7th grade daughters who are on their first ever mission trip this week. It's a local trip to do some work in the Ozarks.She is looking forward to seeing her daughters learn to love serving and hearing about you and the team you are with brings her much encouragement.
I check in here everyday and look forward to the next time you get to post.I miss you all day but especially when I walk past your room and can see the floor.
Love, Mom <><
Clarissa,
I passed your girls of to Kristie last night. We enjoyed our last day together. We had a lazy morning and then hit the Parkway Place pool in the afternoon.The DeLay and Davidson families were represented as were the Thompsons and the Pere's. It was almost like a Africa Adventure support group.
We stayed at the pool until 4:30, then I had to run home to get ready to work at the church at 6:00
I met Kristi with your girls on my way to the church. I gave her the blog address yet you know as well as I do that her house is a lot busier than mine so I'm wondering if she'll get a chance to check in.
They left in very good spirits, ready to go play with Kylie and Bryce.
Thanks for loving on my girl!! We are praying for your family and for the entire team.
Sharon <><
Hello Lydia and Kaitlyn,
I'm not sure if you are receiving my messages. I cannot find them!
My heart races when I read of your experiences, especially reading the posts from other volunteers. It must defy words. Sometimes when you sense the presence of God in such a foreign place, the contrast makes it stand out even more. Such must be your experiences.
Please know I am praying for you and sending many wishes for a memorable time. For your safety and health as you return, the Lord will protect you. For this to become an ideliable memory, the Lord will allow this to happen.
God richly bless you, in His love,
Deb Rogers
Hello my sweet Lacey! We all love reading your posts and the picture was awesome. We have been praying endlessly for you and the team. The children and I went to Tana's the last few days and so your blogs have been read amongst all the family. We are all good and can't wait to wrap our arms around you and hear it all in person. We send lots of love!
Sophie is crawling now, by the way!
XOXO,
Mom
Wow!!! I love all the stories you are posting and praise the Lord for 8 saved lives!!!! I continue to pray for you every day!! Much love!! Shanny
It's Sunday morning ....so...
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY RODNEY!!!!!
You are one of the most amazing fathers I know. Thanks for sharing yourself with our kids and the children of Uganda for these few weeks.
Collin
Just spent 30 minutes writing a post that apparently did not post. So here goes again. It's 4:20 am Sunday morning. Been up since 1:30 when Keegan came in. Can't go back to sleep. Thought I'd check out the Africa blog. I am so proud of you for going on this trip. I pray that God will speak to and thru you all in powerful life changing ways. I pray God will answer your question why we are all here while there. From the blog it sounds like you all are having the adventure of a life time. Soak it all in, and let it all sink in. Hope you are getting more sleep than me. I bet you all are worn out about now.
Can't wait to hear about all the amazing things you are experiencing. Love hearing from you on the blog. More is better than less. It appears the blog has a big following now. We all like reading your stories. So keep them coming. Big news around here is that I leased the office. We've got to be moved out by June 30, 2009. Have not found a new place yet, but plan to find one next week. May have to move into the home office for a bit while I look for a place, but I hope not. We all miss you, especially your Mom. But Kenley too. He spent the weekend with mom and dad in Mt. View. They went to a military surplus store. He came home with a real hand grenade, and patches and insignia for his camo jacket. He loved it. Hope you are loving Africa.
I LOVE YOU
I AM PROUD OF YOU
DAD
Kydia, Kaitlyn, Carrie and everyone else on your continent,
You may believe you are the ones receiving the blessing of being obedient to the Lord, but rest assured those of us across the pond are equally blessed from reading your posts and responses. I know at times you may long for your family and other times you are probably grateful to be away for a while. Just remember that back here, there are countless people missing you and praying for you and your well being while you are gone.
We are having another hot hot day n Arkansas. I am sure your temperature is much hotter, however. As I read last night, the smell and taste is first of all dusty, then intense heat, combined with strange (or different is a better word) aromas, scenes, etc. It must be very surrealistic. Soak it all in so you can share. Take plenty of pictures and write everything down. Are you keeping a journal?
I am so proud of all of you for begin there and making this commitment to the people you serve. You exemplify Christ. It IS more blessed to give than to receive, isn't it? It would be easy to become overwhelmed but for the mercy and grace of our Father. Take comfort in Him and know He is with you wherever you go.
With love, appreciation, and respect, Deb
Hey Katelyn!
I love the picture!! I was hoping you they would put a picture up :)
I've been praying for you everyday! I miss you so bad!! Last night i had a dream that you and Lydia went shopping right after you got home and left us at home! :( Joshy miss you to Kate :) I've been praying that you would see Fiona again! And i told EVERYONE that story, and Josh and Alex didn't believe me when i told them. I want to be with you Katelyn! I want to go to Africa so bad!! I know that God is calling be there! And i want to get there as soon as possible! I love what God is doing in your life :) I love you so much Katelyn, and i can't wait till you go home, i want it to go by fast for me, but slow for you :) I love you Kate! <3
Your sister
~Melissa
Hey Kate,
Babe I miss you so much!! It's so good to hear from you and I love the picture. Your story about Fiona made me cry. I've been praying that you would see her again.
Hopefully you're journaling and taking pictures like crazy (if I know you, you definitely are!). Can't wait to campfire with you!!
I'm praying for you throughout each day!! We miss you tons and tons....but we're glad you're where you're at!! I guess we just wish we were there with you. Ü
The kids and I went to TX on Wednesday to do more packing and sorting. Dad had to work W, Th, and F...so the kids and I camped out in my room. We had mattresses all over the floor. It was really fun!! We saw Josh every day. So that was good for the kids (and me, of course!). Dad came on Friday after work and we got lots done. It's hard to believe we've actually sold our house and are now one (big) step closer to where God's taking us!
I love you tons and tons~
Mom
May May!!! Lamar loved his text message from you. He got it this morning and it made him feel so good! I got a picture of him holding the phone with the text on it. :) I am missing you so much! Judy and Joe Edwards have been in town. We've had a lot of fun with them. Hannah and Justin got an apartment. They're moving tomorrow. Rosie is going to spend the night with us on Thursday so we're looking forward to that. I have to have a root canal sometime this week. Dreading that but glad it's me and not you! :) Tomorrow I'm taking Rosie to the spray ground. I wish you were here with us. We could share an A. Club Turkey Club Sandwich!!! YUM!!! I LOVED hearing your voice a few days ago. You made my week!!! I cannot wait to see your face again!!! I love you to the moon and back INFINITY!!!
Lydi& Kate--It's almost lunchtime there so am up early praying for you today! Rhonda & I are driving to Williamsburg to see Jo Wms.(1100 or so miles);going in dad's car. If you read this, u can prayfor us as we are going & coming back by Thurs. stopping to see Grandmother. Hope u have found the original Fiona & othersas well. Can hardly wait to see pictures, talk & pray w/ya'll!!! Mom/GrandK8
Shannon, Not sure my last comment went through. Ah, technology. I sound like Dad! We are missing you terribly and praying that you are feelng better. Michael leaves on Thursday for Scout camp. Dad goes on Friday and he will be back in time to meet you at the airport. Thanks for the couple of texts. Love you, 10,000 times. Mom
Taylor,
Not sure if you all have internet in Gulu... not sure how often you all check the blog... Missing you and wishing I could hear your voice... Didn't get a text today... Keep your eyes on Jesus and bind the enemy in the name of JESUS! Focus on others not yourself. Let God use you regardless of the circumstances--I know you must be weary! Keep your phone AND camera charged, journal EVERY day so you won't forget a thing that God is doing over there, take LOTS of pics :)!! Can't wait to hear from you again--PLEASE text or call ASAP! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU BABY GIRL!!
Mom
Hey May May! I MISS YOU!!! I miss you too much to even be mad that you left your room in a disaster and Judy and Joe saw it yesterday!!! Asa and Lamar are upstairs working on the "dance" room. Your electricity is out because of it. I told Lamar that they needed to fix that soon where you would have electricity when you get back. They're wiring it themselves. Hmmm... :) I took Rosie to the sprayground today. She was so cute. I saw Rachel Boling there and she asked about you. Just wanted to write you a quick note and tell you that I love and miss you!!!! Still praying LOTS for you!!!
MEGAN!!! i luv u so much & can not wait 2 cu when u get back. seeing all the pictures makes me want 2 go 2 africa. next time u go somewhere stuff me in your suitcase.
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!
why bob under water????
hey pig how did u end up in that tree???
Hey Shelby!!
I'm childless this week and I'm thinking I don't like it very much.
Shannon left for New Orleans with Meg and the Goodrich grandparents.
Cody got a new job waiting tables at Cozymel's so Daddy and I went there last night.I'm keeping the Pledger girls tonite, guessing they will be pretty disapointed when I show up at the door instead of you.
So how's Gulu? I'm sure the little children there have captured your hearts just as the ones in Kampala did.Love them well and let them see Jesus in you!!
Love and miss you, Mom <><
Macy, We are sure you are enjoying doing work at the orphanage in Gulu. The last days,of this trip,therefor you all. May you remain Bold in your witness and sharing the gospel with others. We continue to pray for you all. Love, Grandma &Grandpa Epp
MEGAN!!!!!! hey this is kaitlyn... i just got home from guatemala last night at like 1 in the morning! i read the blogs and i'm so excited to see you and hear more about ur trip like more then just a paragraph :) i took ur advice and journaled EVERY day so u won't have to worry about me forgetting things... sounds like u guys have had some interesting things... me ... i've had alot of beef jerky cuase alot of the stuff had gluton but i learned how to say i'm alergic to bread in spanish! haha i can't wait to see u and i LOVE u a TON!!! oh and guess what in guatemala all the people are like touchy people and so now i'm missing all the kisses on the faces and the holding hands :) haha so i might be extra cuddly once when u get back (just a heads up) love you!
-kaitlyn
Hi Shanny Bear,
It has been fun to read some of the awesome events taking place in Uganda. I hope the side affects of the meds are over and you are able to just enjoy all that God is doing thru the TeensServe team. I had to laugh when I looked for you in the group picture and thought it may be you behind the pole. Did you do that on purpose? Enjoy Gulu and the Safari. I'll see you in a week. Love you, Dad
Hey May May! I miss you so much!!! I pray for you all the time. Only one week from today until I get to see you again!!! YEA!!!! I can't wait to hear from you again through the blog. THANK YOU for always writing something on here!!!! I look on here daily to see an update and when I see one, I get SO excited! I scroll down to what you've said first and then I read all the others. If I didn't do that, I wouldn't pay enough attention to what everyone else is saying because I'd be too anxious to get to your part! :) Asa and Lamar are upstairs working on the dance room again tonight...you've got electricity again! :) Lamar made homemade pizza tonight that you would have loved. I just got finished making Rolo brownies. :) The whole fam is going to the lake on Saturday (Nana's birthday) with the Pates. We'll miss you so much!!! Know that I'm missing you, loving you, and praying for you...to the moon and back!!!
Did you get a tiger on safari and pack it in your bag for Mason!! I hope you had a great time! I am ready for you to come home I miss you. I'm still praying throughout the day for you so usually while you are sleeping but I have prayed at 11 pm our time as you were getting up and starting your day with the Lord!! Love you! Mom
Aww, May May, I can't tell you how SICK I am that I missed your call!!!!!! :( I'm so sad I missed it!!! I was at the pool wishing you were there with me. I just missed you by about 10 minutes. :( I thought about calling you back but didn't get home until 4:45 which would have been 12:45 your time and I didn't want to wake anyone up. I heard from Nook's FB that y'all are back from the safari!!! I bet it was super fun! I cannot wait to hear all about it and see pictures. I can't wait to hear all about the whole trip. I hope you're taking a ton of pictures and journaling where you won't forget. I miss you so much! Only 6 more days until I get to see you!!!!! YEA!!! :) And, YOUR CAR IS READY!!!! You didn't even have to go one day without it. :) I know you're happy about that!!! Asa and Lamar are working upstairs again this evening. Guess what I'm doing right now? Downloading iTunes to your computer. :) I'm going to plug in your iPhone and get you the latest software, too. It's not all that different really but it does allow you to buy songs from your phone which is nice. I'm going to set you up an account, too. LSU is in the final 2 for baseball college world champs so we've been going over to mom and dad's to watch the games. The final one is tonight. Geaux LSU!!! :) I MISS YOU SO MUCH!! Still praying for you all the time!!! I think you leaving for college will be much easier than this trip for me....because you'll only be 1 hour away instead of across the world and you'll have your phone!!! I cannot wait to see your sweet face!!! I love you to the moon and back INFINITY!!!
May May, I just got your text...for some reason I got it a lot later than you sent it. Maybe because you are in Africa. I hope you call or text again soon. I'm worried. I'm leaving the ringer on the phone on tonight just in case you call. I LOVE YOU and am praying for you!!!! I miss you so much!
MACY!!!!!!!!!!! Hi precious girl! I was just praying for you! You are such an aamzing godly girl who follows hard after Jesus and doesn't count the cost! You ROCK!!!! Sunday when we were at Grandma's we posted something from all of us, but it didn't show up somehow, but please know you were thought of and prayed for along with your team! We love you gazillions of trillions of millions! Love, Marci :* mooowaaa!
Collin
Sleepless again. Thinking of you. Wondering how Safari went for you. Oh and thanks for the text on Father's day. I found a new office to move to. It's just down on Kanis right before Denny road as you are heading toward Jim and Kathy's. Nice little place. we should be moved in by the time you return. ou are going to miss all the "FUN" work of moving. Ah but you have the rest of the summer. (HA HA). Try to put a post up on the blog when you can. We all want to hear how it's going.
Dad
Hey Kayla,
Hope you are still having a great time. I bet the safari was awesome. Did you take lots of pictures? Dad found a new engine for the Taurus and is almost done putting it in, so when you come home, "your" car will be ready for you. Also, Anna and Matt are both coming to the reunion with us. Matt is even going up to the lake with us. Can't wait to see you next week. Have fun and make a big impact for Jesus these last days of your trip.
Love you, Mom
Post a Comment