We LOVE it!!!

WOW!!!! Parents, first I just want to say that you have aMAZing teens. I knew that before we came, and feel it even stronger now. I love them all dearly and count it a great privilege to be over here loving on all these precious orphans with them. Thank you again for releasing them to do this. We’ve already seen God do awesome things in them and we’ve only just begun!!

I want to give you a quick rundown of the trip. The flight went smoothly. It was fun – long, but so fun traveling with that many people. The kids switched seats every so often and that worked out really good. All three flights went without a hitch. Your prayers were totally felt all along the way. Only once did we even have some major turbulence....of course it was while we were eating a meal.  We had to hold our drinks to keep them from spilling. Felt kinda like a roller coaster ride so most of us loved it. Teehee!! Oh…. And Taylor flew for the first time. We had so much fun watching him.

We got here at night and were all like a bunch of zombies walking around. Most of us slept on the 1 ½ van ride to our hotel. We are so pleased with our hotel. It feels very secure and it’s just the right size for us. It’s basically one hall with 5 rooms on each side. There are 5 rooms with 3 and 5 rooms with 2. After tonight we are switching it up and will do that every 3 to two nights.

We all crashed in our beds the first night about midnight and slept like babies. Cari….our precious, quiet leader here had our time planned from the get go, and we loved it. We got up and started right away. While Rodney, Cari and I went to the airport to pick up Stacy and Liz, the rest went with Cari’s two helpers, Annette and Charles to paint a couple of rooms at a school near by. Everything we will be doing is within walking distance from the hotel so that’s really nice. But your kids are going to get in great shape.

That afternoon we went to Cari’s and ate a wonderful lunch her cooks prepared – rice and beans and cabbage…quite yummy. Then there was a short rest time and then we did what Kayla talks about. Today we visited Cari’s church and had a wonderful message on Daniel and Jesus and what it means to be a true hero. It was very pertinent. Now we’re at the mall where we ate lunch…the kids can describe the crazy experience. So…..that’s all for now.
We love it!! Everyone is well. We’ve been hearing great sharing from your kids in the evening.

Love to you all ….thanks for your prayers!! Clarissa





Romans 4 is all about how Abraham was justified by faith: our group has so much potential to have that. It is great to a part of this whole experience. Josiah Davidson

“The more we get together, together, together… the more we get together, the happier we’ll be.” Yesterday evening we visited a hospital and sang and danced with all the children. We took a little bit of time to let the children sing some songs to us. One of the songs the kids “taught” us was the one above. After they sang through it one kid at a time would jump into a line and say his or her name, and then everyone would sing the word “together.” After all the kids went through their names, our team joined in and said our names. It was really cool to realize at that moment that God is a global God. It’s not just our team or our church or even all the believers in the USA who are united under Christ. It is every believer in the whole world, even the little children in a hospital in Uganda. Kayla Roop

Ahh! Africa. Chris Tuttle

Hi Mom, Dad, Logan, McKenna, Rico, and family—love you mucho, Parker

We are here and having the time of our lives! This country is AMAZING, God is so great! Holding little African babies could never be more satisfying. You learn that love is the best thing that you can give. Because they are happy with life as it is! Words cannot explain all that I want to say… all I can say is that I LOVE IT! Lacey Platner

I came to Uganda knowing that my life would not be the same after I got home… I didn’t realize that the children would teach me so much… they have so little, but they love life; they’re so happy; it almost makes me ashamed of myself! My life will never be the same after this… I love it! Katelyn Rackley

I am in love with this country. I want to take every child home with me. Uganda is everything I pictured and so much more. These people are so happy and joyful and I LOVE it! Shannon Pere

Oh my dear goodness!! I’ve never felt this at home in any of the places I’ve traveled. I just want to stay here forever, and if I can’t do that then I could just settle for taking all the children home with me (especially Hurbert). All I have to say is T.I.A. (This is Africa) and I love it! Liz Harter

To finally be here… the reality of it still hasn’t sunk in. The need is immense and it’s such a reminder that God doesn’t need me—on my own, I can’t do anything at all. But Hallelujah Jesus that through His power—anything is possible. Yes, the need is great—but the hope here is greater. Because, unlike America at the moment, Africa wants Jesus. God, give us a want—a desire—to never be satisfied to stay where we are… but always go deeper, farther, and higher. Megan Toney

Oh my word! Am I really here? I think it’s going to take a while longer for that reality to sink in. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE how welcoming it is here. It’s so much fun to be walking down the street and all these kids come running towards you. They are so much fun. I am so excited to call this place “home” for the next 3 weeks. Shelby Delay

There is such a sense of community here in Africa. People truly care about others, and there is an overwhelming feeling of joy. We are having so much fun! Miss everyone so much! Happy Day! Abby Benson

Be warned: I’m bringing home kids!!!!! Tyler Rosenthal

We’ve only been here for one full day and it feels like forever! The love and joy and beauty of Jesus are everywhere you look. I am so glad God chose to use us to share His love here in Uganda. He definitely doesn’t need me, but He chose to use me and that is such a blessing. His love and joy and laughter are contagious and unforgettable. Love to all—Taylor Thompson

Wow! There aren’t words to describe what we are getting to experience. God is showing me so much and we have only been here for one full day. I can’t wait to see how much he will reveal during the next like 17 to 18 days! Love you! Macy Epp

I love this country!! The people are incredible and unique. The weather is a little hot though…. David Eliason

We serve an amazing and faithful God. And He has been so good to us! He has answered so many prayers, and we are grateful that you are lifting us up to Him while we are in this beautiful and friendly country. Your kids are doing well, and you would be proud of how they are caring for one another and interacting with the Ugandan children. There have been a few tears and upset stomachs, but we are seeing how “His strength is perfect when ours is gone.” We’ve laughed a lot too! You should have seen Tyler dancing for the children yester—a traditional Ugandan dance, “Tyler style”  Nookie

All these other comments have pretty much covered it, so yea. What keeps coming to mind is “White as Snow” by Jon Foreman. Enough said. Luke Smith