Safari!

So we've written a lot of words on here... I'll spare you some reading and tell you that we had a blast on safari. The hotel was beautiful, the animals were amazing, and the falls were stunning. Check out some of our pictures! :)

Tuesday with the Jajas (and grandpas)

Tuesday we got to attend one of ROTOM's senior fellowships. These fellowships are really at the heart of what ROTOM does. Twice a month, all the grandmas and grandpas get together in a small church near where they live. I believe there are 27 fellowships around Uganda. In these fellowships, the grandmas and grandpas sing, dance, learn about Jesus, and are given a big (and I mean BIG) nutritious meal.

It was amazing when we first walked in to the little church. The Jajas were all singing to us and dancing. They were so excited to see us. Every one of them wanted to shake our hands or hug us. They tied scarves around our waists and wanted us to shake our hips like they do. It was so much fun! I have never seen that much joy and energy out of a group of elderly women before! Amazing!

Jerry and Susan both shared a message of hope with the group. At the end of the session, one man asked Jesus into his heart. He spoke Swahili, so we had to find someone in the crowd that could interpret for us.

What hit me after we got home was that this story and the message was not translated into Swahili. This man was so moved by the presence of God that he knew he wanted more of it. God is just THAT BIG!

We then served everyone a HUGE plate of food. They were just loving it. It was so funny to see how many of them had brought their own silverware or "Tupperware" type containers to take left-overs in. They knew what to expect. The women were swapping plates, taking what they wanted from their friends, and sharing what they didn't want with others. This reminded me so much of eating dinners with my friends.

After the fellowship, we went outside where there was a schoolyard full of children. The ROTOM staff told us that ROTOM also sponsors many of those children to go to that school. We sang and played with them- it was so much fun.

That evening, ROTOM staff held a BBQ for us. We had a great time with all of them, what a FUN group of people. We played games (including musical chairs), danced, and ate a delicious meal. Tuesday was our last day of ministry for the whole trip and we all agreed that this was just the most wonderful way to end it all. We said good-bye to all the staff of ROTOM and headed back to the hotel to pack up for our Safari!

Monday, Oct 21

Monday was a very special day for us!

After visiting ROTOM in Ethiopia (which is just in the very beginning stages), we got to visit some seniors in Uganda that have been a part of ROTOM for a while. WOW! What an encouragement. We also got to tour the ROTOM offices and the brand new medical facility they have built to treat all the seniors in their program. We were so impressed! This facility is top notch! Clean, beautiful, efficient, and designed with those sweet elderly in mind.

Later, we visited some wonderful seniors. These seniors couldn't stop talking about how wonderful ROTOM was.

Robert and I went with Jay and Kimberly to visit with their sponsor senior, Kamera. Their Jaja (grandma in Uganda) lives with her older sister. As we walked down their driveway they danced and sang, so excited to see us. We were invited into their home where we sat on one of the straw mats the women make to earn extra income.

Jay and Kimberly began to talk and ask questions, and it soon became obvious that "older sister" was the dominant one. She (older Jaja) also made it clear that she had a crush on Jay. We all laughed and laughed together. Before we left, Jay prayed for the women and we all sang and danced together in that tiny house. What a joy!

Another surprise (and special treat) was that these women were in the process of getting a new home! The sponsors of older sister (I have spaced her name...) had recently sent a special gift for a new ROTOM house to be built on their property. Their old home was beginning to deteriorate and was becoming unsafe. Construction on the new home was well under way and it was sturdy and safe. There was even an "extra" room that the Jaja's offered to us (well, at least to Jay) next time we came to visit. So sweet!

We also got to visit another Jaja  that had recently been given a new home as well. She, too greeted us with song and dance and then asked me (Mary) to sing a song for her. We went into her home and were pleased to see how well she was living. (Especially compared to the mud home she was in, which was still on the property.) Her grandson and his wife also lived there and Jaja was sure to tell us how proud she was of him, and tell us that when she passes she is leaving this home and her land to him. He had a sweet little 2 month old baby that we got to hold and snuggle.

I know that everyone on the team was so impressed and encouraged by the work that ROTOM is doing in Uganda. What a WORTHY cause!!

Jay and Kimberly with their "Jaja"

The "old" home they were living in.

The new home provided by ROTOM sponsors.

Jaja selfie. ;)

The mats and materials the Jajas make for income.

Jaja and her great granddaughter. So cute!

Mama Maria's motto! (Which I am making for my house...) 

We finished our day with a tour of African Village. African Village is an amazing place that was started by a sweet Austrian woman 10 years ago to help the orphans and young people in Uganda. It's truly amazing what God has been able to accomplish in this ministry in 10 years. Hundreds of youth are cared for, trained for a huge variety of vocations, receiving medical treatment, and taught the Word of God every day. So very cool!

Check out this ministry at:
http://www.visionforafrica-intl.org/en/index.html

Sunday, Oct 19

Sunday in Uganda was a joy!

Earlier in the week, we had been surprised with the news that we were guest speakers at Grace Assembly Church. This was the church where Marjorie and Glenn Broce attend and serve. Several of us have known the Broce's for several years, and we were excited to see them.

As a group, we elected Jay and Kimberly to speak the powerful message they wrote for the church elders in Ethiopia. They did a fantastic job and the congregation responded so well to their message.

It was a special surprise to realize that this was the church Mariam (Youth for Christ Uganda director) and the girls at Mirembe house have been attending. We didn't even know for sure until we pulled into the "parking lot." (I say that because parking in Kampala is interesting)...

After church we drove to Marjorie and Glenn's home to relax, eat spaghetti, and tour the international school they work at, Heritage International School. What a beautiful school!

We were picked up from there by ROTOM staff and we drove to African Village (where would be staying for the next several days.)

Building with "scaffolding" in Downtown Kampala (on the way to church).

Jay and Kimberly ministering at Grace Assembly Church in Kampala

Saturday Oct 18

Saturday began with a visit to Youth For Christ's Suubi Home. 

This is a home for young women with children who desire to gain a skill. Most of these girls became pregnant very young, and many "without consent." We got to hear their stories of heartbreak and redemption as they have come to know God and learn new skills in their time at the Suubi Home. Susan shared a powerful message with them and we were able to gift them with "31 days of prayers for your children" cards. They were thrilled to receive it. They blessed us with Mandazis (Ugandan cake/doughnuts). One of the skills they are learning is "cookery" and these were the best Mandazi we had all trip. Yum!

The workers and volunteers that are working with Youth For Christ are amazing. People working tirelessly to spread God's love and hope. 

The afternoon was very special for me (Mary). Robert, Susan, and I went to meet with my sponsor child, Angela, and her family. Angela's mother, Leah, was a part of the YFC outreach to pregnant teens. Angela lives in the "slums" of Kampala in a tiny little room with her mother, sister, grandma, and at least one other child (a cousin, I believe). My heart broke as we weaved through little alleys under clothes lines and around "ditches" for trash and standing water to get to Angela's door. 

I am so thankful that I can be a part of this family's life. Leah (the mom) was so excited for us to come. She had been calling YFC all day asking "when are they coming," "why aren't you here yet," "I'm outside waiting and I can't see you yet." She greeted us warmly and offered us soda and cakes. She looked at me and said "I'm sorry, it's not much." To think that someone with so little would offer me anything was incredibly humbling. What an honor. 

We sat on the floor of their little room (there were no chairs or furniture, other than the family bunk bed) and talked and shared. I gave little Angela a baby doll, which she immediately undressed. Amazing how a four year old girl in Uganda will do the same thing with her baby as my 4 year old does. When we arrived Angela was wearing a pretty little dress, but it was worn and ripped. I know that she was very excited to see us, and I am sure she was wearing her best. In the little bag I brought for her was also a little dress. When Angela pulled it out of the bag, her mom was so excited and took her to the corner of the room for her to change into it. 

Of course, this was a special visit for the family, so lots of family members and friends had to stop by and visit. At one point, we had 8 adults and 5 children in that little room. It was such a joy. I brought pictures of my family to share, and they wanted to keep all of them. That made me smile. Even one of the neighbor girls asked for one. Before we left, I asked them if there was anything that we could pray about with them. They each asked for prayer. Grandma (Mary) wanted prayer for her business (a tiny little store that sold sodas), Leah wanted prayer for her goal of finishing beauty school starting again in February, and other family members asked for prayer for jobs and schooling. We all held hands and prayed in their home for God's blessing in each of their lives and for safety and protection. It was truly amazing. 

My family has had a sponsor child in India for a while now, but my sponsorship of Angela began just a few months ago. I have to tell you that meeting her and her family has changed me. It's not just about a monthly sponsorship fee, there is a potential for a real relationship. I can almost guarantee you that if you have a sponsor child somewhere in the world, they know your name. They have kept every letter or picture you have ever sent. Their family is thankful for you. Now that I have met Angela, my hope is to one day meet Prajakta (my sponsor child in India). My view of child sponsorship will never be the same.

I honestly don't have words to share my heart about this visit. I saw many things in Africa that changed me. I met some amazing people doing amazing work. My visit with this sweet family, however, was by far the most life changing thing for me. I am so thankful to have this opportunity.

Friday.... in Uganda!!

We arrived in Uganda early this  morning (like 1am early). and were greeted so warmly by Miriam the YFCU director. We got to our hotel and had a few hours to rest before beginning our ministry time here in Kampala.

Us ladies were dropped off at the YFCU headquarters  and our men took off for evangelism in a school. The men were split in 3 groups to speak in individual classes and talk about the choices we make in life. It was fun to watch our men come back and share that they had such a great time with the kids.

During that time, us ladies were able to meet with some girls that they minister to. Six or seven of them were between 15-17 years old and they had dropped out of school at some time. Now they were meeting there at Yfcu to complete school (something like a GED program?). The other four girls were there were living in their crisis pregnancy center. Mary shared about our identity in Christ and it was well received.  we then played "pass the bracelet...think pass the potato" and shared one way in which we felt God's love this week in our lives.

When the men joined us we had an amazing lunch with some of the YFCU staff. The volunteer who prayed, prayed that we would have amazing appetites and with the food being so delicious...we did indeed.

In the afternoon the men were able to speak with the YFCU staff and volunteer men, Mary and Susan shared with the girls in school, and Tara and Kimberly shared with the pregnant teens. As we concluded our time with them, we were able to give  a very special gift to  these soon to be moms. We had a donation of approximately 25 blankets that were hand crocheted for them. These 4 girls were able to choose out their own blanket for their baby who is coming soon. They were so filled with joy to get to choose something that they specifically liked for their baby. The rest of the blankets will now be given to other girls that come in  to the crisis pregnancy center and live. We so enjoyed watching their faces glow as they proudly held their blankets.

We all had such a wonderful time sharing and being with them.

Our team is recognizing and processing the differences between Ethiopia and Uganda. They are vastly different. Even driving is much different and the craziness of Ethiopian driving is calm in comparison!

Thank you for praying for our team. Continue to pray for us as we complete this time here that we would be faithful to give our all and finish well.

Wednesday- VBS and Lunch with Pastor's

We had the most delightful time with all the children for vacation Bible school. We sang songs together and the team did a skit. It was about how unique and very, very special God has made you. Tara was the ladybug. Chad was the snail. Robert was the ant and Jerry was the Caterpillar who wanted to be like one of them who eventually turns into a beautiful butterfly. It was hilarious! I'm giggling out loud right now. The caterpillar crawling across the pew was hysterical. 

We did crafts with them. It was so special to be there and have little people just grab hold of your hand not let go.  The most precious faces. Many had worn-out clothing, worn out shoes.  They were just so full of love.

Each couple then went to one of the pastor's homes for lunch. It was fun to hear everyone's recap when we loaded the bus to come back. I was glad they were sharing the details of their visits. I have to be honest though, I didn't want to share mine - not yet...It was so very special and I just had to hold the experience close to the vest for a little while.

Nagusu, his wife, two sons and daughter hosted us. We had the traditional coffee ceremony and enjoyed the traditional meal with lots of offerings. We enjoyed hearing about how they met and married when they both were in the choir.  They surprised us later with a song after donning their purple choir robes. It was really moving actually to see how freely they share and how unencumbered they are by "social acceptance".  They are so full of joy and so very loving. They are simply and completely sold out to Jesus in everything they do. There were a hundred things about that day that I will always remember.

Hearing all the joy in the details of everyone else's visit was really fun.  You come hoping you will be a blessing but I know all eight of us were immensely blessed by these precious, humble, generous and loving people.

That evening was a 'closing ceremony' where the elders invited us to the church to thank us.  They made me sing!! Y'all know that is the last thing anyone who has heard me sing would do!! But again, they don't care about that kind of thing - none of that matters - they just love Jesus - no judgments, no comparison, just be free in Jesus - it is so cool. They blessed each couple. We were able to share many gifts with them as well.  Then they built a fire right there in the brick paved courtyard, placed a large pan across the three brick fire and started cooking dinner - Sheep. It was a very special evening and we were so humbled, again, by their genuine care and generosity. What a wonderful partnership - they are inspiring in so many ways. I so wish I was a wordsmith to capture everything for you.