June 23, 2011
We had such a busy, long, exhausting day today. Breakfast at the Grand Pacific hotel, devotion with Diana, then off to meet ALL the local government officials. The Chairman, Speaker, Assistant to the chariman..or maybe mayor?? Lol.. And then the Mayor and police chief.
THEN, we were OFF to our very first village. And, we were again greeted by women and children running beside the bus dancing and singing and hoopin and hollerin ;) We took our seats. Talked, prayed and introduced ourselves. The women sang and danced. THEN, they cut us lose. Meaning…we were swarmed with people. Shalom asked me to minister to the children. It was good… I was a little scared. I had never used an interpretor before. And I wasn’t prepared… or was I?? lol.. I’m always preaching to my kids!! And Diana had just sent me a scripture the previous week, about being ready at all times. So, I spoke on the power of prayer and how we can pray and expect to receive.
I met so many people and children. There was a little girl, I first saw when we were driving into the villge, she was wearing a yellow dress…and the sweetest smile. She came and sat in my lap almost the entire ‘program’. She layed her head on my shoulder…and my heart swelled. Kellie, Ramona and Meredith too, had kids on their laps. Ramona’s peed on her!! Ha. She took it all in stride. The kids loved her.
There were so many children …staring RIGHT into your eyes. At the first village it was as if they could wait for you to speak to them or touch them. They ALL wanted a “photo” taken of them. One lady pulled me to the side and asked me to pray for God to bring her a husband. She said God told her to ask me to pray for her. I prayed for her and then she asked for my pone number. Pastor James had warned us that people would ask. And told us not to give it out. That they would write to us asking for money. So, I did not give it to her…but I felt so bad. She kept saying that she just wanted to keep in touch with me so that she could let me know when God sent her a husband. I assured her I would continue to pray for her and left. L That’s all I could do.
One little girl had something wrong with her arm,. It looked like, open..drying blisters or something and her elbow down was purple. We met so many people. With such great needs. They were hungry for love and attention. For prayer and healing.
In the 2nd village the moment the introductions, prayers, songs and dance were over and we were released we were mobbed with people. I mean, I could move. I couldn’t turn around. I couldn’t see Meredith or anyone from my team. Just people grabbing me to hug me and talk. One lady handed me her baby. Her infant baby..and said “you take her”… I laughed..and hugged the baby up… I thought she was kidding… I turned and she was walking away. ?? I grabbed her and laughed it off and handed her baby back to her… but, what was she doing?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
June 22, 2011
Dear Lord, we made it to Lira, safely..THANK YOU! We dont have running water, thank y ou that YOU are our provider. I got to talk to Phillip and the kids last night, It was so overwhelming to see them and hear their voices. THANK YOU for internet connection!!!
So...we arrived in Entebbe Tuesday night. A mosquito bit me right as we walked out of the airport!!! The airline left one of mine and Kellies bags in Brussells!!! Thats frustrating. It has my camera batteries and cards..AND a special item Logan sent with me from him. It was such a sacrifice for him to send it... Plese Lord bring it back to me.
We left Entebbe in a big bus. The ride to Kambala was nice. Pastor James and Shalom met us at the airport. Diana was so excited. Grinning for ear to ear. I guess the ride was no more than an hour. We stayed in a hotel in Kambala. I struggled for peace. I couldnt tell though...if it was a Holy Spirit thing, or the fact that I was in a new country, and struggling with fatigue. I was staying, be choice, in a room by myself. And, I confess... i was scared. Shalom...my new African sister stayed with me. I was a little uneasy at first...but, women truely are the same all around the world...we stayed up till 3am talking and sharing our lives with one another. It was such a sweet time that I will never forget.
Morning came, and Shalom knelt beside the bed and prayed for us. She named almost everyone of the Liberty team members by name (whom she had JUST met) and prayed... I mean...calling down the heavens kinda prayer at 7am!!It was an amazing way to start the day!!! She is my Africa sister---LOVE her!!
Breakfast was outside near the busy street of Kambala. People were everywhere. Walking, riding bicycles, motorcycles (no helmets!!!) On the bicycles there would be up to THREE people smushed on!!! Including babies and kids! Its like a taxi system. So are motorcycles... and the women sit on the back sideways...againg with no helmets. I would SO fall right off---and really need a helmet!!! ha. Breakfast was boiled eggs, loaf bread--but sweet, bananas..served with hot milk and tea. It was all really good.
After stopppig to exchange our American money into shillings...we left off for our long ride to Lira. We stopped at a market...where I made my bery first African purchase::: a dt coke, cough drops AND some hillbilly gummy teeth for Max & Kylee.
The drive to Lira was over 5 hours. nice though. The scenery was captiving. I usually sleep on long drives.. I could not take my eyes off of the people, buildings, huts, cows ---literally...on the side of, and IN the road. There was so much to take in. Children everywhere. In the roadPeople do not have the ride of way here. You move or get hit. I wondered where all there parents are? We saw a BEAUTIFUL ummm, lake... or river...maybe?? There was a water fall. THEN, we saw monkeys!!! They were right beside our bus on both sides..everywhere.
We arrived to an amazing welcome by the women and children of Bridge of Hope Church. They line both sides of the road and followed alongside our bus singing, dancing and making this noise..umm, not a scream...not a yoddle.... but something in between. They make this noise as a way to show excitement. It was all beautiful... powerful and I think all 13 of us were weeping. Who are we.. to deserve such a welcome?? They were smiling so big!! We stepped off the bus to sooo many hugs and smiles. I cant wait for Phillip to see the video and pictures. It was amazing and overwhelming.
We were taken to our rooms and then immediately to the church. Diana introduced us, more hoopin and hollerin and yoddeling ;). Mommas nursing their babies right there in the middle of worship and message and prayers!! Now, THATS my kind of mommas!!!
Then we went outside to a big table ...where our team was seated as well as the leaders of Bridge of Hope Church. They had prepared a song for us in English and then they also performed an African song and dance.Beautiful.
Next we ate. Dinner was rice, chicken and pork, a veggie soup mixture, and the bread was like tortillas...only thicker...called Chipata's...sooooo good!! And the most amazing pineapple I have ever tasted. Logan would have LOVED it!!!
We went back to our rooms ..no running water for a shower. But, we did have power now. I got settled in and skuped my family. I layed down in the bed with my laptop and my husbands face and went to sleep. It was good.
Father, renew our strength this morning. In Jesus name. Amen.
So...we arrived in Entebbe Tuesday night. A mosquito bit me right as we walked out of the airport!!! The airline left one of mine and Kellies bags in Brussells!!! Thats frustrating. It has my camera batteries and cards..AND a special item Logan sent with me from him. It was such a sacrifice for him to send it... Plese Lord bring it back to me.
We left Entebbe in a big bus. The ride to Kambala was nice. Pastor James and Shalom met us at the airport. Diana was so excited. Grinning for ear to ear. I guess the ride was no more than an hour. We stayed in a hotel in Kambala. I struggled for peace. I couldnt tell though...if it was a Holy Spirit thing, or the fact that I was in a new country, and struggling with fatigue. I was staying, be choice, in a room by myself. And, I confess... i was scared. Shalom...my new African sister stayed with me. I was a little uneasy at first...but, women truely are the same all around the world...we stayed up till 3am talking and sharing our lives with one another. It was such a sweet time that I will never forget.
Morning came, and Shalom knelt beside the bed and prayed for us. She named almost everyone of the Liberty team members by name (whom she had JUST met) and prayed... I mean...calling down the heavens kinda prayer at 7am!!It was an amazing way to start the day!!! She is my Africa sister---LOVE her!!
Breakfast was outside near the busy street of Kambala. People were everywhere. Walking, riding bicycles, motorcycles (no helmets!!!) On the bicycles there would be up to THREE people smushed on!!! Including babies and kids! Its like a taxi system. So are motorcycles... and the women sit on the back sideways...againg with no helmets. I would SO fall right off---and really need a helmet!!! ha. Breakfast was boiled eggs, loaf bread--but sweet, bananas..served with hot milk and tea. It was all really good.
After stopppig to exchange our American money into shillings...we left off for our long ride to Lira. We stopped at a market...where I made my bery first African purchase::: a dt coke, cough drops AND some hillbilly gummy teeth for Max & Kylee.
The drive to Lira was over 5 hours. nice though. The scenery was captiving. I usually sleep on long drives.. I could not take my eyes off of the people, buildings, huts, cows ---literally...on the side of, and IN the road. There was so much to take in. Children everywhere. In the roadPeople do not have the ride of way here. You move or get hit. I wondered where all there parents are? We saw a BEAUTIFUL ummm, lake... or river...maybe?? There was a water fall. THEN, we saw monkeys!!! They were right beside our bus on both sides..everywhere.
We arrived to an amazing welcome by the women and children of Bridge of Hope Church. They line both sides of the road and followed alongside our bus singing, dancing and making this noise..umm, not a scream...not a yoddle.... but something in between. They make this noise as a way to show excitement. It was all beautiful... powerful and I think all 13 of us were weeping. Who are we.. to deserve such a welcome?? They were smiling so big!! We stepped off the bus to sooo many hugs and smiles. I cant wait for Phillip to see the video and pictures. It was amazing and overwhelming.
We were taken to our rooms and then immediately to the church. Diana introduced us, more hoopin and hollerin and yoddeling ;). Mommas nursing their babies right there in the middle of worship and message and prayers!! Now, THATS my kind of mommas!!!
Then we went outside to a big table ...where our team was seated as well as the leaders of Bridge of Hope Church. They had prepared a song for us in English and then they also performed an African song and dance.Beautiful.
Next we ate. Dinner was rice, chicken and pork, a veggie soup mixture, and the bread was like tortillas...only thicker...called Chipata's...sooooo good!! And the most amazing pineapple I have ever tasted. Logan would have LOVED it!!!
We went back to our rooms ..no running water for a shower. But, we did have power now. I got settled in and skuped my family. I layed down in the bed with my laptop and my husbands face and went to sleep. It was good.
Father, renew our strength this morning. In Jesus name. Amen.
Monday, June 27, 2011
June 21, 2011
Lira, Uganda continued….
June 21, 2011
Waiting to leave Belgium. Missing Phillip but have peace now. Thank you Lord for PEACE!! Flight from Chicago to Belgium was 8 hours! I sat with Meredith, so that helped. Seats uncomfortable and I could not sleep. This flight to Entebbe< Africa we are waiting to board is 8 ½ - 9 hours. It is 415 Bama time… 11:15 Belgium time. I am so ready to sleep. I sure wish Phillip was here so I could lay my head on his shoulder.There is comfort even resting on his shoulder. I never even realized it…until I don’t have it, looking at Meredith snoozing on Nathan and Kellie all cuddled up next to Keith. Makes my heart ache.
There have been other missionaries on every flight we have been on. That’s cool…all headed to different parts of Africa.
I wonder what my babies are doing… Last time I talked to Max he said “ What time you coming home mom?” He doesn’t understand, I don’t think….that I will be gone….for days. I didn’t get to talk to maw maw L before I left, so sad over that. Give me rest sweet Lord, renew my strength and sing over me while I sleep. Protect & comfort my family and thank you for keeping me & my friends safe on this journey. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
June 21, 2011
Waiting to leave Belgium. Missing Phillip but have peace now. Thank you Lord for PEACE!! Flight from Chicago to Belgium was 8 hours! I sat with Meredith, so that helped. Seats uncomfortable and I could not sleep. This flight to Entebbe< Africa we are waiting to board is 8 ½ - 9 hours. It is 415 Bama time… 11:15 Belgium time. I am so ready to sleep. I sure wish Phillip was here so I could lay my head on his shoulder.There is comfort even resting on his shoulder. I never even realized it…until I don’t have it, looking at Meredith snoozing on Nathan and Kellie all cuddled up next to Keith. Makes my heart ache.
There have been other missionaries on every flight we have been on. That’s cool…all headed to different parts of Africa.
I wonder what my babies are doing… Last time I talked to Max he said “ What time you coming home mom?” He doesn’t understand, I don’t think….that I will be gone….for days. I didn’t get to talk to maw maw L before I left, so sad over that. Give me rest sweet Lord, renew my strength and sing over me while I sleep. Protect & comfort my family and thank you for keeping me & my friends safe on this journey. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
Time to play catch up.
Well, the lack of information and details on our trip is due to no internet. We have also had some time without power and running and water.
I have been journaling, as always.... so, I think I will do a recap of the days we have spent here so far directly from my journal. Hope you are inspired to GO make a difference.
love, j.
I have been journaling, as always.... so, I think I will do a recap of the days we have spent here so far directly from my journal. Hope you are inspired to GO make a difference.
love, j.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Our Uganda Journey has BEGUN!
Good Morning from Lira, Uganda AFRICA!!! Our journey here was long. And Im gonna tell ya all about it...but let me say.... Im gonna give it to ya straight... I am a US citizen and all that that implies. I will be real...so dont judge me till you live it.
Leaving my family Monday morning was the one of the hardest things I have ever done. Making the decision to GO in Feb., was easy.. I knew God told me to GO...HE answered and SOLVED every SINGLE concern I had about going before I could even give Him to full complaint...example... "God, the kids are in school...there is NO way I have chldcare for 2 weeks!" answer...trip in the summer. example... "God, I dont have 3500.00...what are you thinking?... God "4,000.00 is nothing to me". example " God, I dont have anyone I could ask to take care of my kids for 2 weeks.." GOd "Trust me"...then HE told me exactly who would keep them...and old friend, i had not seen in a while and who would be WELL into her 3rd trimester when we would leave in June. ...how would I even ask her? Hadnt talked to her much or seen her in months and months. That day....walking into Wal Mart---who do you think God caused me to walk RIGHT into as soon as we walked into the doors. My friend, Celeste....who HE appointed to care of my kids while i was away. It was confirmation. and it was easy. The biggest need...i thought at the time...was the financial need. And GOD provided that...in the form of 29 very special people...in 9 days. NINE days. again, confirmation. I struggled with so much over the next couple of months.... sickness, crying over not hearing my kids voices for 2 weeks, not touching my husband.... cars breaking down, the Tornado's ripping thru our communities...and then, my father in law died on June 3. 2 weeks before we were to leave. It was truely devestating. I was broken thinking of leaving my kids and husband and mother in law alone with their grief. I'm a mom... i fix them. or, I try. I couldn't fix this. I had to let it go and trust that God...our true comforter and only REAL "fixer" would comfort them and mend their broken hearts. I did not want to GO to Africa. I was torn...and only wanted to be with my family. In my Spirit...the CALL from God, on my life to "GO" had not changed. Walking the instruction OUT, being obedient...DYING to my flesh...that was hurt and screaming at God, was the hardest thing. Recommiting. I have NO doubt why God answered those initial concerns so quickly...so I would be able to look back and KNOW...that I know...that I know...that this WAS my time to GO. But, honestly....it didn't help the hurt.
OK....I have ran out of time and i didnt even get to the GREAT stuff!!!! :/. time for breakfast... pretty Kellei & Mere have come. to be continued.... love, j.
Leaving my family Monday morning was the one of the hardest things I have ever done. Making the decision to GO in Feb., was easy.. I knew God told me to GO...HE answered and SOLVED every SINGLE concern I had about going before I could even give Him to full complaint...example... "God, the kids are in school...there is NO way I have chldcare for 2 weeks!" answer...trip in the summer. example... "God, I dont have 3500.00...what are you thinking?... God "4,000.00 is nothing to me". example " God, I dont have anyone I could ask to take care of my kids for 2 weeks.." GOd "Trust me"...then HE told me exactly who would keep them...and old friend, i had not seen in a while and who would be WELL into her 3rd trimester when we would leave in June. ...how would I even ask her? Hadnt talked to her much or seen her in months and months. That day....walking into Wal Mart---who do you think God caused me to walk RIGHT into as soon as we walked into the doors. My friend, Celeste....who HE appointed to care of my kids while i was away. It was confirmation. and it was easy. The biggest need...i thought at the time...was the financial need. And GOD provided that...in the form of 29 very special people...in 9 days. NINE days. again, confirmation. I struggled with so much over the next couple of months.... sickness, crying over not hearing my kids voices for 2 weeks, not touching my husband.... cars breaking down, the Tornado's ripping thru our communities...and then, my father in law died on June 3. 2 weeks before we were to leave. It was truely devestating. I was broken thinking of leaving my kids and husband and mother in law alone with their grief. I'm a mom... i fix them. or, I try. I couldn't fix this. I had to let it go and trust that God...our true comforter and only REAL "fixer" would comfort them and mend their broken hearts. I did not want to GO to Africa. I was torn...and only wanted to be with my family. In my Spirit...the CALL from God, on my life to "GO" had not changed. Walking the instruction OUT, being obedient...DYING to my flesh...that was hurt and screaming at God, was the hardest thing. Recommiting. I have NO doubt why God answered those initial concerns so quickly...so I would be able to look back and KNOW...that I know...that I know...that this WAS my time to GO. But, honestly....it didn't help the hurt.
OK....I have ran out of time and i didnt even get to the GREAT stuff!!!! :/. time for breakfast... pretty Kellei & Mere have come. to be continued.... love, j.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Love... on PURPOSE.
Mom's, today would have been Bronner Burgess's 6th birthday. I don't know them personally, but grieved w the entire Rick & Bubba family when they lost their little boy. As I think about all that family has gained & lost as a result of the loss of their baby.. I am headed to hug my 4 babies a little tighter and take a moment to look them each in the eye and make sure they hear me say ...ON PURPOSE how very much i love them. Thinking of mom, Sherri Burgess & what bitter sweet emotions must come with today, makes me STOP, even if its only for an hour... our busy schedules of school parties, and sports, and church, and tv and video games(!!!!!) and purposefully take time to love on them, to listen to them, and to share with each of my babies from (almost) 4yrs to 12... how important they are to me and to the Kingdom of God. They are loved by their Heavenly Father more than I could ever love them. They were created by God...to be USED FOR HIS glory and purposes. However many days that may take. Their lives are intended to be used by GOd. I want them to hear that. To feel a sense of purpose that doesnt come from me--- their worth is not found in what mom wants. Or the dreams of NFL glory dad may have ;) I pray their worth be found in Jesus. All their hopes and dreams be wrapped so tightly in what Father GOD wants for them, that they be BLINDED by faith from a young age. Most of my close friends know how passionately I feel about praying, and praying SCRIPTURE (for scripture is truth and life and the WORD of God, and God cannot lie, therefore, by praying scripture--the very word of God into our families lives--we are speaking truth and LIFE over them)--so I encourage you to PRAY for your children today--ON PURPOSE. MAKE TIME. STOP. Whatever busy plans your day may be filled with...hug up your children..place your hands on them..and pray. Let your children HEAR their momma (or daddy) lifting them up to daddy God today. We aren't promised another day. You, momma aren't promised another day with that baby you would throw yourself in front of a train for. The, single most important thing you can do for them is not, getting them to the baseball field, or buying them the "I WANT".. or " I NEED" of the day.... the most important thing you can do for your children is to... share the love of Jesus with them. Do it. now.
My prayer today for Logan, Brady Cole, Max and my sweet Kylee--- based from Pslam 63.. Oh you are my God, earnestly, I seek you. My soul thirsts for you. May my children thirst for you as well. May their bodies long for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water. May they see you high and lifted up in the sancturary and behold your power and glory. Because YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE, Logan, Brady, Max & Kylees lips WILL GLORIFY YOU. THEY WILL praise you as long as they live, and in YOUR name they WILL lift their hands. Their souls will be satisfied, with singing lips their mouths will praise you! Because YOU, GOD, are their very present HELP in times of need.. they will SING in the shadow of your wings. Their souls find REST in YOU ALONE....no substance or person, or material possession....only YOU, their salvation comes from YOU alone... YOU ALONE, are their ROCK and SALVATION. YOU, GOD...are their FORTRESS, and as they place their hope in YOU...they WILL NEVER be SHAKEN, IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS I pray!!! and once again today... I commit my loves... Strong, determined, warrior Logan.................... Passionate, loving, big hearted servant Brady Cole.................. mighty Prophet with healing in his hands Max....................... and strong willed-- WARRIOR for the kingdom of God, Pastor Kylee Ruth into your MORE than caplable hands... for I, as much as i love them cannot do anything, including parent them, without YOU. Amen.
My prayer today for Logan, Brady Cole, Max and my sweet Kylee--- based from Pslam 63.. Oh you are my God, earnestly, I seek you. My soul thirsts for you. May my children thirst for you as well. May their bodies long for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water. May they see you high and lifted up in the sancturary and behold your power and glory. Because YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE, Logan, Brady, Max & Kylees lips WILL GLORIFY YOU. THEY WILL praise you as long as they live, and in YOUR name they WILL lift their hands. Their souls will be satisfied, with singing lips their mouths will praise you! Because YOU, GOD, are their very present HELP in times of need.. they will SING in the shadow of your wings. Their souls find REST in YOU ALONE....no substance or person, or material possession....only YOU, their salvation comes from YOU alone... YOU ALONE, are their ROCK and SALVATION. YOU, GOD...are their FORTRESS, and as they place their hope in YOU...they WILL NEVER be SHAKEN, IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS I pray!!! and once again today... I commit my loves... Strong, determined, warrior Logan.................... Passionate, loving, big hearted servant Brady Cole.................. mighty Prophet with healing in his hands Max....................... and strong willed-- WARRIOR for the kingdom of God, Pastor Kylee Ruth into your MORE than caplable hands... for I, as much as i love them cannot do anything, including parent them, without YOU. Amen.
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