He Speaks

Throughout the month of May, I delved into the book of Jeremiah and loved seeing how God is "The Lord, the God of Israel" and how often "HE DECLARED" His word to His often rebellious people. His love is incredible, just and faithful. Inspirational. God's sovereignty blows me away. 

I know that the Lord still speaks today, and so often this month - both in the Scriptures, and in Bible studies that were wrapped up these past few weeks, that was the theme that came across the materials. 

"He Speaks to Me" by Priscilla Shirer and "Listen" - a Velvet Ashes retreat reminded me of God's constant voice and presence.

And even when we feel God is silent, He still speaks. He delights over me with singing! 

God's glory also had me singing in thankfulness.

His creation speaks of His goodness.

Even Bones sees the beauty!

While in the U.S., Moses had the most divinely appointed time, staying with a man named Dan. They are now brothers and friends!!

And Dan's friends became our friends too!

And it build into a connection with Lakeside Lutheran Church, for which we are eternally grateful. Moses was able to share during two church services while there.

I just loved sunsets

When I asked Moses what he wanted to do, if he could have a little getaway in Florida... he said, "I want to see the church and burial place of R.C. Sproul". We had such a beautiful afternoon at this incredible spot in Sanford, FL.

Lots of great teachings and preachings happened here.

It was worth the drive!

Moses and I did have a bit of fun on our own in Florida... and we ran into some rather royal people.

Sometimes things go a little to far...

But after a good chat, Diana was a happy lady.

My super awesome boys picked us up from the airport. Victor, Opio, and Ocen, and their Dad, who I used to stay with, or lived next door to in Soroti, met us with our vehicle and drove us from Entebbe to Kampala at midnight!! We praise God for good friends.

Please pray that the U.S. government pays back the bond money that Moses had to pay in order to come and visit Florida for conference.

On the journey upcountry, we stopped to buy fresh fruit on the side of the road.

The neighbour kids were excited to have us back, so that Saturday kids club could start up once again. I am trying to collect durable games, so that 40 kids can have a fun time.

They also love colouring!! And so do I. It's kind of relaxing.

We pray these little ones will clearly hear and accept God's Word and that His stories will be hidden in their hearts.

Many of the children from our Saturday club hop in the tuktuk on Sunday mornings and also come to University Community Church. The Sunday School class is over flowing. And we love it!!

I was able to host a Velvet Ashes retreat at home. 

We focused on this year's theme of "LISTEN".

A lot of the theme focused about going deep with God instead of staying surface level and being tossed about by the waves of life.

Every time an underwater fish scene came up in the videos, I missed my days of swimming and diving amongst the coral reefs of the Philippines.

Every Sunday, after class, we finish with tea and bun. It is good to have both fellowship and swallowship.

There is not enough space on our Sunday school mats, so some children get creative in their work spaces.

Bless these little ones, O Lord!

Last week Moses blew a tire... which we knew was on its very last legs. We praise God for keeping us safe on the roads and that it blew while he was in Gulu town!! 

It was in our plans to go back to Kampala anyways, because our daughter Becky had to go back to school, starting second term of Secondary Five. And while we were in the States, the Lord provided for new tires!! So, it was perfect timing for the tires and rims to be replaced. We rejoice at the Lord's faithful goodness!

Now we feel much more safe and secure in our trusty vehicle.

And she's off to boarding. Grow in grace, precious Becky

This time on the way home, we bought my favourite mushrooms.

And I made them into a delicious cabbage and mushroom stew with peanut sauce!

The sugar cane trucks always make us nervous as they seem overpacked.

Saturday club again. We are going through the 17 Stories by OneHope and learning hand motions so that we can remember God's stories in chronological order.

I love the view from our bedroom window. 

Again, the glory of the Lord presents itself.

Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, Moses and I travelled to the U.S. of A. Okay, maybe it wasn't a fairy tale, but 2023!! During our 7 weeks there, we collected a lot of heavy books and we left them with friends in Texas who said they were coming to Soroti a few months later.  Well, mistakenly, that bag was forgotten when they made their trip to Uganda. 

My parents were serving at a disaster relief site in Texas last year, and helped to get that suitcase of books and bring it home to Ontario. We knew it would be easier to get our stuff from there.

A few months ago, one of my aunts reached out and asked if I would help answer questions for someone coming from Redeemer University in Ontario, to visit Uganda Christian University in Mukono (Moses' alma mater). After chatting a few times, she was willing to bring the suitcase to Uganda.  Aunt MaryAnn got the suitcase from Mom and Dad and delivered it to Kim.

Kim brought it to Uganda.

The suitcase was then handed from Kim to a lady named Lydia who put it on a bus to Soroti and our friend Tom picked it up from the bus.

Our friend Beckie got the back from Tom and loaded into a car when she came to visit us in Gulu and...

Tada.. after three year!! We finally have a bag loaded full of beautiful resources, some fun clothes, and I found a comfy night dress too.  We love how God works things out and our thankful for God's people in every step of the process!! 

April's Showers of Blessings

I thought that April was a slow month until I looked back at my pocket calendar. Wowzer, God has done it again! So many wonderful things happened.

Good Friday night was spent at church for a Candlelight service.

Neighourhood kids are coming every other Saturday for a Bible club.

We had a blast on Easter Saturday, watching video clips of the crucifixion, making cross necklaces, gluing a glittery craft, singing, Bible story telling, and sharing birthday cake.

Benitah came to visit us at home!! She's a dear soul.

Seven new members were welcomed at University Community Church.

Church is packed beyond capacity now days. Hallelujah!

We were able to spend some time visiting our girls on their visitation days at school.

Moses and I joined a DRS - Disaster Relief Service team in Venice, FL for 5 days. Mom and Dad were team leaders and it was a joy to serve their team.

I was able to attend the MissionGO Global conference. Over 90 missionaries gathered together for fellowship, prayer, teaching, worship, rest, fun, and more.

It was such a blessing to gather from around the world, together, worshipping our one true King.

Four people were baptized!! Hallelujah!

Sunday portraits.

I love this man!

Our dear Tabitha came with for visitation day.

Back to the pool...

Raised up to new life in Christ!

Moses co-trained at a Helping Without Hurting in Africa workshop, here in Gulu.

Moses and I were able to share God's Work with a church family in Venice, FL!

Oh, how I love the family of God.

Spending time with Mama Cathy and Papa G!

Helping out at the DRS site.

Repairing homes hit from the hurricanes.

Moses with some wonderful, godly men in Venice.

Wait, I thought he was supposed to be a fisher of men?!

 

Visitation Day

 V.D.'s are one of my hardest cultural moments. 41% of secondary schools have boarding programs, so that means hundreds of thousands of our children are away from home for many months of the year. 

As parents we struggle to get everything on the requirements list - books, mosquito nets, blankets, bathing soap, uniform, pens, medical clearance and more (It's a one page list). But then there is also the child's own personal "requirement" list, which includes sugar, milk powder, bathing soap, personal hygiene items, crisps and biscuits, juice and milk boxes, cornflakes, socks and shoes, perfumes and deodorants, nail clippers, smearing oil, and more. Every parents dreads the first day of school because it is so expensive. Plus, the children need pocket money so they can buy whatever else is needed - pencils, medical treatment, a hair cut (since their heads usually have to be shaved), etc.

Secondary students have 3 terms. Each term requires school fees to be paid, plus the requirements. And then, in that term there is usually one parent/teacher meeting day, one proper visitation day, and one sports or prayer day when parents/friends are allowed to come and visit. Most schools will not allow even the parents to enter the school premises outside of the those 3 times. It breaks my heart. I want to hear from the girls and check in on the more often. It's like a locked prison to me. Students often say that the roots are difficult but the fruit is good.

When I was in high school, I remember walking to town on my lunch hour and buying a snack or a CD, or just roaming. Here, the children may never leave the school gates. Unless a parent has been given special permission from the head teacher. So, when it is visitation day, we as parents try our best to make sure we spend a few precious hours with our beloved children. 

Parents flood the gates with arms fully loaded with packages. Home-cooked meals (usually pilau and chicken soup), or KFC. Students smile with gladness because they are tired of the daily cornmeal posho and brown beans. More cases of juice, milk, even water are carted inside the compound. Students are excited that we have come from far and white. It's a crazy sea of people... finding a student is not always easy. Sometimes there is a P.A. system and an announcement is made for where a child and parents should find each other. Other times you ask students in their same level. Or maybe in their classroom block. 

The time is precious. But often the conversations start the same way. Robotic even. How are you? How is school? Are you doing well? You could be doing better. God created you to be the head and not the tale. Those are the statements I often hear around the campus. Our girls want different questions, because we know they are trying their best. So we ask - How is your heart? What has God taught you this term? Do you have good friends? Are you feeling well? What's your apples and onions moments?

After just a few hours at school, since the gates close at 5, parents make their way back to their vehicles, hoping that their children are happy and healthy. And you begin the long parade of cars leaving the school parking lot. And my heart breaks. We can't communicate via phone. I can't check in on their spiritual lives. I can't encourage them when their down or rejoice with them when they are up.

Study well, dear children. God holds your future.