Everywhere I turn, something else is beautiful.

1/3/13

9:20 am

     This morning has been pretty amazing. We are all packed up to head to Jinja/ The Haven! We are only going to Return for a couple hours this morning and then we head out. Ernest shared a WONDERFUL devotion with us this morning. He told us that while many of us are "new Christians," we're toddlers in God's eyes. But we shouldn't let that hinder us or let us feel incapable of sharing God's love with others. "If you know God, you can share Him." He also said that while this trip is about the kids, we are also going through some big emotions and we need to encourage each other as well. It was really encouraging to me and I totally needed to hear it! He shared 1 Timothy 4:11-14. Afterwards, we worshipped singing Holy, Holy, Holy, and the Doxology. I love this team. AND MY LUGGAGE IS HERE! Woohoo! Praise God from whom all blessings flow... AK

Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 

1 Timothy 4:11-14

1/3/13

12:10 pm

     Goodbyes suck. I didn't think I would cry leaving here, but today was a little more personal. When we got there, we served them all breakfast and did the dishes. Once we had a little bit of free time, we got some jump ropes and footballs to play with. It wore me out quickly, so I grabbed a couple sweet ones and sat in the shade. They were enthralled with me and kept touching my face and hands. I have noticed so much that these kids are so kindhearted and such servants. If my feet are ever dirty, they stop to wipe them off. When I cried saying goodbye, they used their hands and shirts to dry my eyes. The two sitting on my lap were Barbara (6) and Doria (almost 4). They are sisters and both of them have rotten teeth. One of the staff members sat down next to me so I asked him about them. He told me that their home lives are not good so they come to the ministry as an escape. He said "very very many" children live in their house and in Africa, that's easily more than 10. Their dad works small peasant jobs, but spends all of his money at the bar and comes home drunk and angry. The mom does not have a job, but doesn't really take care of the children. Brian said "they are only alive by the grace of God." We didn't take our waters down there today, and after 2 hours I was SO hungry and thirsty. That's how they live every day. It was very humbling. I prayed over the two girls and they closed their eyes tight and held my hands while I did. I pray for protection, joy, and strength. I'm thankful that they have Jesus watching over them. I wish I could... AK

Barbara and one of her brothers

My sweet little Barbara. I will never forget her wiping away my tears.

1/3/13

5:05 pm

     Peanut butter has never tasted so good! We are finally at the Haven, and SO IS MY LUGGAGE! Woohoo! After lunch, we hopped right on the bus to head to Jinja. It was long, bumpy, and of course nauseating, but so worth it. I fell asleep on Sara's shoulder for a while so at least it didn't seem like forever. 

     I wish I could explain the beauty and tranquility of this place. The Haven is a resort at the base of the Nile near Victoria Falls. It seems somewhat Palmetto Bluff-esque. The rooms are gorgeous and have huge front windows looking out on the Nile. Pictures can't even capture this beauty. "Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' And he was afraid and said, 'How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of Heaven.'" Genesis 28:16. The grass is the greenest grass I have ever seen, and the sky the bluest blue. The water is calm and reflective, except for the beautiful rapids. The crashing water makes the most heavenly sound I've ever heard. Everywhere I turn, something else is beautiful.

     Tomorrow morning I share my testimony with the team and get baptized in the river! I mean, if ya like that sort of thing. I am kind of nervous that sharing my story will be hard on me, but I can't imagine a better place to rehash my journey and be born again in Christ. Praying for strength... AK

PS Since my luggage was never at Ekubo, the sheets and blanket I had for them were still in my bag. I took them to a woman on the side of the street in Kampala and told her Jesus loves her. Pay it forward.

The Haven. Unbelievable.

Our "front porch."

1/3/13

9:30 pm

     I am so in love with this place! It's so peaceful. I took a walk down to the water by myself and stuck my feet in, but in the meantime, I dropped my Bible in the river! Hahaha! It is fine, just a little waterlogged. Tighe said, "hey, your Bible got baptized in the Nile!" I love it!

     We had dinner and then a team discussion and worship afterwards. We talked about entitlements and our flaws and how to pray/walk through them. It was encouraging and eye-opening at the same time. I wrote out some of the main bullet points of my testimony earlier and I am nervous but so ready to be made new in Him. So I'll stand with arms high and heart wide open, in awe of the One who gave it all... I'll stand, my soul, Lord, to You surrendered, all I am is yours... AK

Sunset at the Haven.