The Kids said Thanks!

 After being with some amazing students for a whole year, I received some fun goodbye/thank you cards that my have put a few tears in my eyes.  Every day, 5 days a week, when school was in session, I was sharing God's Word and training them in Biblical history and I loved every minute of it.  I pray that the Name of the Lord was glorified and that the kids grew in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Mostly Meat...

 Moses and I absolutely love hosting, and to be honest, I think KK's goes a little overboard. A few years ago, our home was named KK's, meaning Karen's Kitchen.  And this December didn't fail to live up to the name. Although the kitchen is now MoKa's - Moses and Karen's.

A group of friends from Soroti came home for 4 days, so we finished our time together with a good, old-fashioned pork roast.

Then we got set for loads of Christmas festivities at home.

The end of year UCC (University Community Church) membership meeting was held at home.

Pastor Jimmy presented a wonderful summary of the year's activities, successes, and outreaches, and we wrapped up the night with another big meal.

This heavy bird was one of two turkeys that were prepped for Christmas dinner.  I had a young man come and slaughter the bird... as in take its life, but then I do all the cleaning and de-feathering.  A long process, and much easy on chickens.

Can I just be honest?  Moses loves his pork and I have to join him!

He gave up grilling this way and finished roasting it in the oven.

I'm so thankful that I have a husband who takes his time in God's Word more serious than meat.  It's another FOOD that he Chews on and Delights in often.

This was our Christmas party at church - another great meal shared.

And then Christmas day had 18 people in our home...

I can't believe 5 of us ladies found space to do the last minute dishes for Christmas dinner.

I look forward to having a home where even larger crowds can gather.

By the time Christmas was over, we were a little crazy!!

Soul Sistaz

Listen up Sistaz!

 On Friday evenings at church, there is a gathering called Soul Sistaz.  Most of the young ladies whom attend are university students from the campus next door.  There is a time for fun and games, Bible study and worship, as well as snacks and fellowship.  And, as I have learned the last two terms, we finish off the term with a fun slumber party.  I believe I will be hosting the next one.  

Some groups are bigger, some are smaller.  Honestly, it depends on the topic.  Some girls don't want overly religious discussions, or to be held accountable in purity and integrity.  But for those who come, there has been some great sharing and growth.

Catching up with the Odels

Well friends, we have done it again.  We filled our calendar with lots of exciting ministry events and opportunities.

The LEMA institute put on a huge conference in Soroti, and as partners to Resonate Global Mission, we attended and served alongside 250 pastors from Teso Region. It was a great week of worship, accountability, spiritual strengthening, and workshops.

Groups sessions

Workshops

The Bible class put on a fun presentation of all the hand motions we have learned this year.  I'm delighted that they have chronologically memorized many characters and stories that point to the Grace of Christ.

I continue to teach Bible every day at Gulu Globetrotters and now we are learning hand motions for every book of the Bible.  So fun! Here I am prepping descriptions of each book of the Scriptures. Moses asked if there are any pictures of me without glasses, but sadly, people, reading glasses are the new ugly norm in my life.  Either on my nose or on my forehead the way my Dad wears them.  Hihi.

We waited for months for a new shipment of discipleship and Sunday school curriculum to arrive from the printers in Kenya.  Hallelujah! I am gearing up for more trainings, to equip churches with these resources for their children and youth.

In my spare time I have made a few Christmas cards... be prepared for one to come your way.  You know that if I have your address, you WILL get snail mail.  :)

Last month we spent some time in Kampala to get further testing on some of my health issues.  After a dental visit, I went to visit an ENT, who sent me to a surgeon.  The surgeon booked me for an endoscopy 2 days later and it showed a hiatal hernia, stomach polyps and serious acid reflux.  I'm now on a major diet change.  Then I was off to a lung specialist for a spirometry test, I have weak lungs, but they seem okay - even after a chest x-ray and CT scan.  There is really no explanation for the cough in my throat.  I am not only losing my singing voice, but also my teaching voice.  Lord, help me!

Sometimes we just need to get pampered.

A wonderful friend spent a few hours making me feel beautiful.

Roots to Fruits held a small training, to equip schools on how to use this amazing Christian school curriculum better and to become regional helpers in the knowledge of the curriculum.  We pray that we can have Grade 5 off to the printers by November.  Every year a grade level is being added.  In two years we will have nursery and primary school finished!

I've shared these pictures many times, but Moses loves his goat offals and intestines.

I don't even words... but good on him!

Last Sunday Moses was ordained!! A lifelong calling has finally come into fruition.

He preached a very powerful sermon from Paul's letter to the Colossians.  If you want to hear of see the message, reach out to me and I will try to get you a FB link.

Anointed with oil - to go out and preach the Good News and to pastor God's flock.

Please pray for Pastor Jimmy and Pastor Moses as they co-pastor at University Community Church.

Moses receives his Certificate of Ordination.

 

The construction site now has a 3 car garage and a storage room. John 3:16 is written in Acholi, so that our neighbours can begin to know that this home belongs to Jesus.

Two weeks ago Moses and I spent a lot of time hosting this team from Eternal City, from Pittsburgh, PA. They are a part of the ACTS 29 church planting network.  Pastor Jimmy and Phionah have been walking alongside Acts 29 for a few years, as our little church is being developed.  With this team, we hosted another pastors conference in Gulu.  Around 75 pastors came for 2 days - to be fed and encouraged in the Word and in ministry.

These fun people helped serve all the pastors during the conference.

I can't even begin to describe what it means to be a part of the family of God. Joy! Pure JOY!

Allergies is affecting both of us right now. Moses is sneezing all day and I had a bizarre eye reaction.

Finally, old and new sisters in the Lord... fellowship is sweet.