Hey there! Oh my goodness I love it here! Everyone is seriously so friendly and excited to see us! I also think it’s so neat when I start sharing Jesus with someone and they already know Him; that’s honestly a wonderful feeling. Sooo, yesterday we got to meet the Deputy of Lira(next step down from Governor). He showed us his land and family, then walked us to the border of Lira. We were sooo exhausted(and sunburnt) after walking for over 2 hours, but the landscape is just so beautiful. We were followed by about 20 children all over Lira and took turns holding their hands. God has been so faithful to this land by providing tons of delicious crops; There’s corn fields and banana and mango trees everywhere!
Before we left on the journey across Lira with Mr. Ogwan, I was asking God, “Am I really using all my strength here? Am I really relying on You fully?” And after walking under the Ugandan sun for over 2 hours my hands were fried and hurt as a small child held them. I felt like I couldn’t walk anymore. I wanted water and relief from the sun and heat, then the Holy Spirit said, “This little boy has walked the entire way with you without shoes. I will sustain you. Keep going.” So, I picked him up and slung him on my back and walked the rest of the way. I felt so so so happy knowing that God was the only One keeping my feet moving.
Today was our rest day, and I was able to wake up to the rooster crow and have a nice heart to heart with one of the girls here. I did laundry in a bucket with one of the sweet workers here, and it was so nice to be taught how to do things the Ugandan way while investing time in a person who truly has been taking care of me here.
The Lord is my strength and joy. My hands are so burnt and sore, but I can’t help but laugh and smile. Oh hey! FINALLY we are about to start our ministry projects!!! Yay! I will be singing on the praise team at Victory Outreach Church here! I’m so excited! Their praise team is pretty sweet, and they sing in English and Luo 😀 I will also be able to invest in widows and orphans and share Jesus with them! There is a HUGE list of needs here, so it was so hard to choose only 3 projects!
What I’m learning:
Things are slower here, and God is using that to teach me patience. I’m so excited to wake up and see what He brings tomorrow! Friends, today I want you to ask the Lord, “How far can I be stretched and strengthened by You? How can I serve today?” Something else the Holy Spirit convicted me of; How much we complain in America. I have not yet heard a single complaint here in Uganda. Children wear the same dirty and holey clothes for a week, have cuts on their feet, have no parents, eat one meal a week, yet they have JOY. I challenge you to stop and thank God for everything you can think of when a complaint passes your lips. ENCOURAGE and build up one another. PRAY out LOUD to the Lord with conviction, thankfulness, and transparency. I love you all, and I’m hoping to be able to post photos soon.
