Snaps of September

Wowzer, September was a whirlwind, but my dear Mom always taught me to appreciate a good storm. Looking back over the past month, we finally have time to catch our breath before the next round of busyness begins. To be honest, after 16 years of living in Uganda, this was my/our first time to host a team. Yes, we have participated in many teams, but to organize, plan, host, and serve was an absolute joy for us. 

These pics come in random order, but we had a few fun ministry moments this month. Eternal City Church, from Pittsburgh, PA, returned to Gulu to encourage the Shepherd the Flock Conference for the fourth year in a row. Our hearts are blessed, as we witnessed over 90 church leaders be challenged and encouraged in their roles of pastoral ministry.

Moses led two workshops throughout the conference.

I picked up the That All May See team from the airport in Entebbe. Shawn Domes, Rachel N'Senga, and Karen and Don Stauffer brought their A-game to serve the people of Kitgum and Gulu.

Waiting at the craft market for the team to arrive.

Shepherd the Flock crew made it through customs with 100's of books to bless the pastors, and the eye clinic team also got through with bags of eye glasses. Our God is good, OH!

At the airport... a local tourist.

We were able to join both teams for an afternoon outing at Aruu Falls.

The Lord has been good to us. A tuktuk for Kingdom Business.

Shawn helped to lead Sunday school. He had a powerful singing voice and loads of energy. I miss being able to really sing with the kids. My vocal muscles are still messed up, but I appreciate how the Lord sends temporary helpers.

Waiting with Mama to see the eye clinic team. She was able to get new glasses!

Reading the prescriptions and seeing if we have any closely matched glasses in stock. Over 2000 pairs of prescriptions to choose from and each was logged into a special computer program.

Shawn and Isaac help get glasses fitted.

Pastor Richard shared the gospel with those who attended the clinic in Kitgum.

The tuktuk carried all the supplies from Gulu to Kitgum and back. 110 km each way.

Pastor Moses and Pastor Jimmy shared the Word of the Lord with those who were able to visit the Gulu clinic.

Desire is helping a wonderful lady to choose the perfect pair of reading glasses.

I cooked 3 meals a day for the team, especially during their stay in Gulu. Sometimes lunch was for 18 people, but don't worry, I didn't add any of these special proteins.

Taking the tuktuk home from church. 

Just a little puppy love! He's ADORABLE!!

These puppies add an extra ounce of joy to my days right now.

Encouraged by some Sunday school kids in Ontario!!

Radio ministry in Kitgum. Jambo FM

Pastor Jimmy and Pastor MO

Both of us had a salon experience. Moses had his face hardened.

And I got a not so nice cut with 45 minutes of straightening and combing. At least it all fits up in my hairclip. It will grow back.

Shepherd the Flock.

Small group sessions.

Hosting people in our home. Melts my heart.

Aruu Falls was overflowing due to rainy season, so we didn't get to hike as far as we desired, but we still had a team-building blast.

Checking out God's creation

And thanking God for my partner in life.

Some of our short-term teammates.

Pastor Chris from Eternal City Church

Lovin' the new specs.

Welcome to the clinic!

Arranging the right pair of glasses.

Delighting to read again!

Don had an awesome machine to check people's eyes and diagnose their prescription.

Karen and Rachel were the triage stations.

Gulu main market. This is where I do most of our shopping for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.

The serving team in Gulu for the eye clinic. So many willing workers.

Moses found a fun chair to wait on while the teams did craft shopping before heading back to the airport.

Day after day, sharing God's Word with visitors to the eye clinic.

"Come one, come all" - the eye clinic was in session.

And the grand finale is a bundle of love.