Beginning to Share the Story

Graham, our youth minister, asked Mary Beth to share a brief story/testimony in church Sunday. She shared straight out of her experience and from her heart. Here's her unedited story:

Good morning. My name is Mary Beth Colley for those of you who don’t know me. I spent 7 weeks this summer in Uganda going back and forth from the city of Kampala to the rural areas of Gulu, on a mission trip. It would be impossible to fit 2 months of cold showers, living in tents, getting bombed by terrorists, and 35 days of ministry in a 3rd world country into 5 minutes, so today I’m going to share a story from one day of ministry.

On the morning of July 19 we had gone to a youth center and done our abstinence program and in the afternoon some of the students went with us out into the community to be our translators. We were split up into ministry groups, and while my ministry group was walking we stopped to talk to a group of people. The boys in our ministry group were talking to the father, son and neighbors but a girl in my ministry group, Carlie, and I noticed that there was a women sitting with her back to the boys shelling peanuts. Carlie, a translator and I went over to speak with her. She was really apprehensive at first and didn’t want to talk to us, but after a while she started opening up telling us more about her family and kids.

After a while she asked us why we were there. We simply told her God sent us to share his love with the people of Uganda. She told us she had heard of God before but that she produced alcohol for a living and got drunk on a regular basis and wanted to know if she could still be a Christian even though she drank and produced alcohol as a living. We shared Proverbs 20:1 with her. It reads, “Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler who ever is led astray by them is not wise.” We told her that even though it is not a sin to drink, it is a sin to get drunk because when you’re drunk you lose inhibition and become less aware which can lead to other sins.

She wasn’t really receptive and told us how could we understand when we come from a world of such wealth – producing alcohol was her living it was her source of income. Without it there would be no money for food, for her kids, their school fee’s – without it they wouldn’t be able to live. We kept sharing more about God’s love for her and how he sent Jesus, his only son, to die for her sins and all her burdens so she could live a free life. “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” We told her that God wants her to live a rested life through him. We could tell she was listening but she wasn’t convinced so we continued showing and reading her more scripture.

We shared Jeremiah 29:11-13. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” We told her God has a plan and it’s not to harm her but to prosper her and give her hope and a future. We explained that by putting her trust in God and giving up her source of income and well being He will reward her and prosper her and love her; that through him she will find new life and not only does God give you new life on earth but he promises eternal life with him in heaven. Her eyes were lit up she grabbed both me and Carlie and hugged us. She was so eager she told us she wanted to have God in her life and she was ready. She said that she had faith that he would provide for her and she was ready to stop producing and drinking alcohol and ready to hand her life over to Christ. Afterward we prayed with her and reassured her that God loved her and so did we. She thanked us and gave us one last hug.

 As we were walking back to the bus and on the whole ride back to the Acholi Inn I was just thinking about that woman and how in a hour her life miraculously changed. She gave up everything, her livelihood; she gave up her source of income and the ability to know that she had enough money to make it through the day. As I was thinking about this I thought what if God presented me with that situation would I be willing? Would I be willing to give up my job, my source of income to obey and follow him? If I was faced with the situation would I be so secure in my faith to trust he would provide for me and my family? Would I take that risk? This woman didn’t even know God and wasn’t a Christian yet she was willing, and I know God. I go to church every Sunday, and I can’t say with certainty that I would. I can’t say I would follow God in that situation I don’t know that I’d be willing to give up everything, but I should be.

We all live in a world where it’s safe and we don’t take risks that often and if we do they’re things like taking a different position at work or moving to a different town. Those aren’t really risks – those are luxuries – giving up everything for God? That’s a risk, or so I thought. As I thought about the day more and more I realized if I think giving up everything for God is a risk then there’s a problem because giving up everything for God means being able to relax. The moment you give everything up to God and tell him to do what he wants with your life you become overwhelmed with the fact that everything is going to be okay because like it says in Jeremiah 29:11, God won’t harm you but only prosper you and give you hope and a future, but that’s only if you let him.

I look forward to hearing more of Mary Beth's unfolding story. She's a remarkable young woman! We are blessed to have her with us! God bless!

End of this Chapter

One of Mary Beth's leaders, Chris, took this amazing sunset photo, a fitting way to end this part of the blog. I started it to chronicle Mary Beth's time away from us, and thankfully she is home safe and sound now.

I have marveled at her stories and experiences and am prepared to help her share in writing. She has filled a journal with her thoughts, prayers and experiences. In the days ahead we will organize the journey, photos and journal into the next chapter and re-tell her story for others to hear.

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.

She's currently preparing her "kodak" moment for church, a short testimony, while she ponders how best to share the big picture. Keep her in your prayers as she processes the experience and its potential impact on her life. God bless!

A Message from Emily, Project Director

I pray everyone is doing well back at home. I wanted to let all the missionaries, MA's, and TL's know they are missed by myself and Dan. We were so honored and blessed to have spent the summer with you. You showed perseverance, faith, love, and joy in all you did. We couldn't have asked for more amazing teenagers and young adults to spend the summer serving God with. We are praying for you as you transition home. Remember to abide in Christ, that is the core of our being- to simply be in God, hanging out with him. Remember that the enemy will seek to steal, kill, and destroy what God did in your life this summer. So be on guard, vigilant and empowered with the Word of God to fight off the works of the devil.

To all the parents and families- thanks so much for entrusting your young person to Global Expeditions. We loved them and didn't want to send them home, but know they are now commissioned to be Christ's ambassadors at home on this mission field there.

Keep in touch and know that you can contact us at any time for anything at all- we are always here for you and praying for you! We love you and are proud of you!

I would encourage you to post testimonies and war stories as well as pictures. Emily

 

USA Here We Come!

Emily reports to us: We have had a great last few days. After the safari, the team came back and encouraged workers at a local orphanage and prayed over the kids rooms and the ministry happening there. Your kids our awesome prayer warriors and have such a heart for children here. Our drive back to Kampala was great, and the hotel staff and ministry partners were so happy to see us. It was great to wrap up and debrief here where it all began 2 months ago. The team has spent time preparing and praying over how they will take what they have learned here home with them, and how they will live out a ministry heart once home. God is laying a lot of things on the young peoples hearts. We are encouraging them in two areas- abiding and loving. We looked at John 15 and how any fruit in our lives comes from abiding in Christ, and in Romans 12 letting our lives be characterized by love for others. Students will call home once we arrive in Houston. They'll have lots of stories!

An hour ago (it's 10:25 pm here, now 6:25 am in Dubai), Emily reported that they were in the Dubai airport in the middle of the night watching our teenagers do crazy things to stay awake. We've said our sad goodbye to Africa but it will always be in our hearts. Now on to making an impact back home. So, I guess they're not sleeping in the hotel in the hopes of sleeping the 16 hour plane trip away! Though the trip is 16 hours, they will leave Dubai around 9 am and get to Houston around 4 pm. JET LAG, much? I know that I will be very happy to hear from her tomorrow! And, of course, I can't wait to hear the stories Thursday and in the coming weeks! God bless!

You Ought to Be in Pictures!

I certainly have missed our girl and was pleased to see that her roommate from the A trip (who only stayed the first month) posted some photos of them. It's good to get the two thumbs up and know all is really well with them, even half way around the world!

And, we're looking at the same sun, even if it's setting and rising over different horizons and landscapes. Great photo, Brie!

Kampala Bound!

It sounds like the last week in Gulu was action-packed! Tuesday the team ministered in two primary schools through drama, Bible songs, scriptures, games, and lots of love and too. Emily reports that it was great to see the team continue to pour out love, unconditionally.

The last two days the group has been on safari. Mary Beth says the giraffes were amazing. They also saw a waterfall, baboons, hippos, warthogs, lots of different antelope, water buffalo, and more!

They'll do some ministry at an orphanage in the morning, and then will head back to Kampala for the last two nights to wrap things up and debrief with the team and global partners.

Then Monday, it's a plane from Entebbe to Dubai and on to Houston. She'll have debriefing and wrap  up with Global Expeditions in Garden Valley Wednesday and be back here on Thursday! In many ways, the time has flown, don't you think?! God bless!

One Week from Today ...

In one week Mary Beth will be back in the 'burg with her friends and family! I bet it will be hard to leave all of her new friends though! This is William, one of the global partners who works with Teen Mania in Uganda.

We did hear a little from Mary Beth yesterday, who is excited for home and family. She did ask me not to surprise her or let a bunch of people surprise her at the airport -- just mom and dad. So, we'll make sure that she has as calm an arrival as possible.

Eagle eyes David found Mary Beth on the left hand side of this picture, from worship last weekend. She's looking to the side. Keep our girl in your thoughts and prayers as this part of her journey winds down. They'll be back in Kampala Sunday before leaving Entebbe Monday afternoon. God bless!

Sunday, July 25 in Gulu, Uganda

Emily's message from the weekend: The team had a great morning at church yesterday praising God with the Ugandan people. We had the honor of going to a church that was just beginning a new campus here in Gulu. We had been able to help them with outreach earlier in the trip, so it was amazing to come and partner with them in the church as well. We led 1 worship song and performed the Ragman skit that presents the Gospel. The church cheered every time Jesus healed someone in the skit, and even louder when he rose from the grave.

In the afternoon, we took some time to learn about the history of the area of Africa we are in, and to explore and hike a mountain. We went to an area called Bakers Fort. This had been a place where Arab slave trading happened. It was very sobering to see the caves where slaves slept, and the areas where they would be bought, sold, and some of them killed. We also got to hike and incredible mountain nearby with spectacular views all the way to the Sudan and Congo. The kids stretched themselves hiking and made a memory of a lifetime.


In this photo I think Mary Beth is the "body" in the blue t-shirt at the top of the page. My best guess anyway! God bless!

Photos from Emily

Here are a few photos Emily uploaded to Facebook:

Praying together, with the book of hope.

Sharing hope in Gulu.

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Luke 10:2

Keep those prayers coming for those at work in Uganda and all over the world! God bless!

No PBJ for Lunch Wednesday!

As I posted before, Mary Beth had a free day on Wednesday. The team was able to head out and shop and eat lunch in town. According to them, "smoothies, wi-fi, pizza -- all is right with the world." Emily reports that everyone is doing great, and they're all healthy and loving Uganda.
 
And a personal report from Emily on Thursday: Yesterday was an amazing day of personal evangelism. The team was in two different communities and worked with a church doing service projects and personal evangelism in homes. The teams did everything from sweeping out dirt huts, washing clothes and dishes, getting water from the well to praying for the sick. The team loves spending time just loving on people and helping them in practical ways. We ended the night with a session on our authority in Christ and using the word of God to stand against the attacks of the enemy.


The week ended with a little down time. The team spent some time in nature at a historical fort and resting, laughing and relaxing together at a small lake. Glad to hear it. I hope they'll enjoy this, their next-to-last weekend, in Uganda. God bless!

Messages from Mary

So we haven't been able to message back and forth with Mary Beth since the move to Gulu, but this week she was able to get on the Internet twice and I gleaned some information from her messages back to me. Let me see if I can provide a synopsis ... I told her that David and I had 9 kids in the nursery Sunday, and she said, "Well, try that times ten every day!"  She said that she'd been able to get online (Wednesday) because it was their shopping day. Sleeping in tents for the last part of this trip (originally 2 weeks in tents now equals 4 1/2 weeks in tents) has been challenging, as they have had nights of torrential rain when everything was soaked. And, while she's anxious for home Mary Beth reports that "right now I need to be here because it's where I'm supposed to be. This is a much needed change in my life, and I'm so glad and wouldn't change this experience for anything." She sent David a message indicating that he would be pleased with the outcome of this trip!

She misses lots of things too. Like: Kampala, her cousins, us (YEAH!), friends, church, ice cubes ("you don't understand how much I miss ice cubes!), chocolate chip cookies and hot water.

And what's she excited for (besides coming home and going to get her ears pierced with Grayson?)? "I'm so excited for just movies on the plane and foooooooooddddddd!" Sweet. And, in her words, "I love you all soooooo much! MWAH!" (By the way, that's a kiss!)

Here's a photo of the group from Emily. Mary Beth's in the back -- in that pink WAC sweatshirt. Oh my! Can you imagine being outside today in a sweatshirt?  God bless and love to you all!

Sounds Like an Eventful Weekend in Gulu!

So, how do you end a week that began with multiple bombings 20 minutes away? With a wedding! Life is good! And, it goes on, doesn't it? The missionaries were able to attend a traditional Acholi wedding this weekend. Ugandan culture dictates that marriage is about the union of families and dowries still play an important role in marriage. Can't wait to hear another goat story!

Students also ministered at a secondary school this weekend, and on Sunday the students went to church, which Mary Beth has reported is quite long by our standards.

Emily reports that today the team was at a technical school in the morning presenting the abstinence curriculum and visiting homes for personal evangelism and service projects in the afternoon. She writes, "We love your kids and how faithful they are being with what God has given them to be a part of."

Me too. God bless.

Friday Afternoon in Gulu, Uganda ...

Emily reports a good week back in Gulu! She says the team has settled in quite well, and after their first day of ministry on Wednesday, held a "Christmas in July" together including the "funniest gift exchange and Christmas sing along ever"!  On Thursday the team was able to re-visit a school and community about an hour and a half outside of Gulu (I think this is the community they crossed the Nile to visit, if you saw that video.). This village is full of people who have been living in the internally displaced people (IDP) camps since the Lords Resistance Army was in place. They are now building a school and church to live an established life again. The missionaries are the first in the area since the LRA left. Emily says, "It was exciting to be able to bring smiles and hope to their faces, and to help serve in a couple homes."

She reports that they woke up singing many songs about rain today, as they had torrential rains overnight. Nonetheless, she said that everyone was in good spirits as they left for a church nursery school this morning. This afternoon they'll be in a secondary school, presenting the abstinence curriculum.

I am so thankful for the reports, since we're not able to hear directly from Mary Beth in Gulu. Perhaps we'll get a little phone call next week!  God bless and thank you for the prayers. Keep them coming!

Wednesday Update from Emily's Droid!

You know, you really have to appreciate technology! Even if you really don't like it or like to use it, isn't it amazing that we knew about the events in Uganda less than 4 hours after they happened? News of the American Revolution took some colonies right here months to learn! My niece, Michelle, texted me because she had received a tweet from CNN Sunday evening. I knew before Mary Beth did because she was snug in bed asleep, 20 minutes from the bombing and fortunately oblivious. Amazing when you think about it!  So, anyway, although there's no Internet Cafe readily available, it looks like Emily can get some connection via her global phone!  I am grateful for the information!

Here's what she writes: Wow! Crazy how things can change in Africa in 48 hours! We moved out of Kampala after the bombings and are now up north in Gulu. It's so different, but good.We all made it safely to Gulu last night. The team is in super good spirits and excited about ministry here. The team is out doing various service projects and playing with kids at a community development village all day. We appreciate all the prayers and want you to know we are doing very well and are safe. All the students say, "Hi." We love you all.

We love them all too!

Changes in Plans -- Everyone's Safe

After the news of three bombs detonating in two separate venues in Uganda Sunday night it was wonderful to hear Mary Beth's voice on Monday morning! She said that they were fine and unaware of the bombings at the time. She indicated that they would be staying in from ministry on Monday but might be able to resume on Tuesday. She sounded her bright and chipper self!  We did receive a couple Facebook messages from her later in the day. She wondered what our reactions were, especially her dad's! She said that they had spent an hour praying and lots of time singing together on Monday. She posted a line from a favorite song on her FB page: ‎"Greater things have yet to come, Greater things are still to be done in this city." We're all safe; prayers are appreciated. Love and miss you all.

As a result of the situation, the B group (who was still in Texas Sunday) went to South Africa with another group. Team leaders helped the kids who needed it obtain some cooler weather clothes and they are off to SA with Dan!  The C group in Kampala traveled yesterday back to Gulu, to the resort where they were camping and ministering earlier this month. They'll complete the trip there.  Here's the message from Global Expeditions:

Family,

Uganda B has arrived in Dubai and are going through customs now. We will be creating a South Africa B Facebook Group for them shortly and will email out that link as soon as it's availble. The Project Director, Dan Blankenship, will then transition to utilize that page for South Africa B updates.
Uganda C is on route. We will let you know when they have settled into Gulu. As well, due to the limited ability to get online in Gulu, we are working with Emily Barnes (the Project Director) to ensure that updates are still getting posted.
Everything has gone smoothly thus far and I want to thank everyone who has been praying for peace among our leadership team. We sense the favor of God and know it is because of your prayers.
Sincerely,
Emmie Harper
Director, Global Expeditions

The only downside to three weeks in Gulu is limited contact. There are no Internet cafes that we know of, so I'll let you know whatever we do know. The upside is that I know Mary Beth was wanting to get to know some people and develop relationships and now perhaps she will with a longer stay in Gulu.

Keep those prayers for safety and protection coming. God is good!

Missionaries Are Safe and At Their Lodging

http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/dozens-killed-in-bomb-attacks-in-uganda/19549841?icid=main|main|dl1|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fworld%2Farticle%2Fdozens-killed-in-bomb-attacks-in-uganda%2F19549841

The article linked above reports the violence in part of Kampala late last night (after 10 pm their time; after 3 pm our time). I was able to contact a representative via the Texas hotline. She called back and indicated that the team in Uganda was in the hostel at the time and unaware of the attacks. They will stay there today while the authorities assess the situation and risk. We should be hearing from Mary Beth today (It's 6:15 am here now).

Keep praying for the missionaries and also for all of these who where injured and for those who have lost friends and family. God bless.

Posts from America -- The A-Trippers Are Home

It looks like some of the A trip missionaries are starting to share their stories on Facebook, so I'll add a couple of interest.

Here's one from Tabitha: Hey Uganda parents and B-trippers! I just got back with A trip and let me tell you... I am so broken for this country. God did so much on this trip and is continuing to speak to the hearts of whom with the Gospel was shared. I will never forget the the youth.. I saw such hurt but hope, such brokenness but beauty unspeakable in their eyes. They have gone through hell but their hearts remain soft and open to the Word of God. We went to a church of widows in Gulu during the second part of our trip- literally, the church was held beneath a tree-they didn't even have a building. One of the widows was the mother of Alice Lakwena (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Auma). She had been born again for over twenty years and you could just feel the joy of the Lord radiating from her. She told us about the church and how they take care of about 20-30 orphans. It was so convicting and humbling to see how though they have nothing, they give everything for the Lord. We're called to live lives of sacrifice and I saw that in those women like I had never seen before. I can't even begin to process let alone write all that I learned this past month, but I know I will never be the same.

And from Anna: Hello Uganda followers! i just got back from A trip and I miss Uganda [and our C trip teammates] already! Uganda is an amazing place that is filled with incredible people. Our global partners are such a blessing - B trippers prepare to meet some awesome people! The Lord is so faithful - and I have learned so much, but I haven't been able to process it all yet.

Finally, Emily posted this about Uganda C's day today: B trip MA's are going through training in Garden Valley and are so excited to welcome the missionaries in a couple days! Those in Kampala for C trip got to go work with a Christian non- profit called Hope Alive. We played games, did skits, prayed, and loved on the kids that are sponsored through that program. Now we are off to a park at the nearby university to get some relaxing time in.

God bless!

Settling In and Enjoying the Experience

I received a new message on FB from Mary Beth today. She says she has hung up some of the cards and pictures we sent in her room at Nana Hostel and it is "slowly starting to feel like home, but just so you know I have only had ice cold showers even in Texas" for this whole trip. She also reports that they wake up every morning to the sounds of Muslims chanting.  She can't wait to share her pictures and experiences with everyone. I hope she'll leave out the goat details! I asked her if she ate any and here's her reply: "No,  I wouldn't eat any of that thing. We were doing something outside and Jerome, one of our global partners, was like, "Come over here." They were gutting one goat which didn't really bother me, but then they slit another one's throat right in front of us! It was so gross. It like stood up with a slit throat, then fell and started kicking until it finally died." OK, so whoever says that kids can't write with description ... oh my.

She also reports that she has purchased some wonderful gifts and surprises for friends and family. It's touching to hear some of the thought that went into finding something personal for each person, but I will not spoil any surprises  by telling!

Emily Barnes, trip director, reports that the C "gappers" had an amazing afternoon of ministry yesterday going from home to home in a slum community. They got to present the Gospel to many Muslims even, and several of those made decisions to follow Christ. The kids are working well in new ministry groups. Today they will go to a secondary school very close to our hostel and present the abstinence curriculum. Pray for changed hearts in the lives of those we minister to. It is amazing the stories we hear when we go to schools, the young people here are dealing with a lot of pressures and need a message of Hope now more than ever.

The kids have also been getting some down time. We've let them sleep in until breakfast at 9:00 the last two days, and today they got an ice cream treat from their team leaders. I have never seen kids devour ice cream so quickly:-)

Anyway, ministry is going great as always. Tomorrow we will be working with an area community center with a Saturday program for kids being sponsored in the slums.

Back in Garden Valley, team leaders and MAC's are on campus with Dan this weekend preparing for the arrival of the missionaries! We are praying for you as you finish up packing and fundraising. The C trippers are excited to meet you.

Mary Beth reports that the B trippers will be in Kampala next Wednesday. Peace.

Back in the Internet Cafe!

Several of us heard from Mary Beth today via Facebook. She let me know that today was an awesome day of ministry in the Masaka orphanage and that she is doing really well, much better than earlier. I think she's getting used to the routine and more comfortable with the ministry. At this time, only the C trippers are there, so a small group of 20 seems to be easier to navigate than a larger group of 60.

She says the safari was good, but not worth the 17 hour bus ride! (?????) Sorta reminds me of David and my Grand Canyon trip from Vegas. Words cannot describe the splendor of the Canyon, but neither can they describe the 6 1/2 hour bus ride completed in 5 hours!

We told her not to step one little toe into any natural water (based on Nurse Nikki at Travel Health's graphic details of the microscopic snails that take less than 10 seconds to burrow into your skin and wreak utter havoc up to seven years later!), and she joyfully reported that the camp in Gulu had a concrete pool! So, she's gotten to swim in Africa.

I asked about the goat. Her only comment? Ya, well we saw it killed ... Needless to say, I am suspecting that Mary Beth is living largely off of peanut butter, rice and pineapples!

I must say that I am so pleased to read posts and messages from her that sound happy and adjusted! And, I am so appreciative of the reassuring messages I continue to receive at every turn. Today I went to the pharmacy and the new pharmacist (now an American citizen and US Army veteran) was originally from Cameroon, West Africa. He and I chatted a while, and he said something like, "You know, the Internet is not good in Africa all the time, but you should know she is well all the time".

Cool. God is good. So are people. God bless!

Hello ... Goodbye

Mary Beth is back in Kampala. Here's a report from Emily:

The A trippers are on a plane heading home today! They got off to the airport safe and smooth, but with a lot of tearful goodbyes.Last night we had a fabulous BBQ with all of our Global Partners, the volunteers, the staff of the hostel, and many others. We had a fun dance party, sharing time, and lots of yummy food. Ask your child about the goat:-) Students also had a lot of team time yesterday to bring the trip to a close and crystalize what God has done in and through them. Please ask your missionary to share their "Kodak moment."

The kids on A trip are already missed. God is stirring up something new in the C trippers during this time between A and B trips. New and deeper friendships will form and more of God's presence will be active. The teams will get to rest some this week and also continue ministry. Tomorrow they will go to the Masaka orphanage all day.
 
So, I can't wait to hear about the goat and Kodak moment!  God bless and keep on praying!

A Few More Video Links ...

A short video of St. Michael's in Gulu. I think Mary Beth is the one in the green shirt on the left of the screen near the end of the video (backpack on her back). http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1508955930062#!/video/video.php?v=404624948460&oid=267546878187

Eating very FRESH fruit in Gulu. http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1508955930062#!/video/video.php?v=404624073460&oid=267546878187

Gulu http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1508955930062#!/video/video.php?v=404622933460&oid=267546878187

Making pb and j in a most resourceful manner ... http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=267546878187#!/video/video.php?v=404621953460&oid=267546878187

Again, these videos are only on Facebook, so grab a friend with access so you can see them!

Finally, A Phone Call from Mary Beth!

Although we'd heard from Mary Beth when she arrived (remember the sleepy 30 second call in the middle of the night?), and we'd heard from Emily when Mary Beth was a little sick, we finally received a phone call from Mary Beth yesterday. She called around 3:30, 10:30 in Gulu, Uganda, and was tired from a long morning in an orphanage and afternoon in a village. It's hard for her to talk on the phone; she gets quite emotional, and that did make our hearts go right out to her.

She definitely is missing home and feeling a little alone, so we'll continue to pray for her courage and strength! The biggest challenge, she says, has been the one-shot opportunities with people. They have been in a different environment for ministry every morning and afternoon, delivering programs in schools and ministering to people through play and evangelism. She says it's been hard because there's been very little opportunity to share a relationship or get to know people (her experience base has been the ability to stay in one park all day, all week, in Philadelphia). So, she's working through this challenge. I know and trust that she is learning so much about herself every day.

She has met and gotten to know her teammates, one in C with her, who will be staying, and 2 in A, who leave next Wednesday. She's already pretty sad about their leaving, but we tried to assure her that she'll meet some B members who will join their team and become their partners for the last half of this journey.

And, she loves us, misses us and knows how very proud we are of her for this difficult undertaking!  Keep Mary Beth close in your heart. She will be in Gulu (tents) until Tuesday, then they'll have their first excursion, a safari, before the A group leaves Wednesday. I suspect she'll be able to hop back into an Internet cafe then, so send her a message if you're on Facebook.

God Bless and Happy Independence Day!

News from Gulu

A message from Project Director, Dan, who is with Mary Beth's group in Gulu this week:

Hello to all the parents out there ... this is Dan up in Gulu. I am here with Jana and Charles' team, "The Penguins." Today we drove about an hour and 40 minutes to Latok (I believe was the name; I had a tough time with the accent). It is one of the worst poverty stricken areas in Northern Uganda. The village we were at specifically has been devastated by over 20 years of war. The school house is a rough set of logs that created a pavilion style structure with a simple tarp as the roof. We will be posting pictures when we have a stable Internet connection. We thank you for all your prayers and the kids wanted you to know that they crossed the Nile river and it is no longer filled with blood (think Moses and long bus ride).

Here's a link to Dan's second video, of the kids crossing the Nile. Again, you have to have a Facebook account. Sorry! I'll get my work techno gurus to help me! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=267546878187#!/video/video.php?v=404416648460&oid=267546878187

God bless!

Video from Gulu

Daniel Blankenship, one of Mary Beth's leaders, took this video in Gulu this week. You can hear the van radio talking about the world cup. Interesting European influence having them drive on the left side of the road too. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=404058153460&oid=267546878187 Ok, and sorry, but I'll have to figure out how to post this NOT on Facebook for those who don't have accounts. I am not sure how to right now.

God bless!

Settled in Gulu for a Week

Emily reports that Mary Beth's team is safely and happily settled into their camp in Gulu for the week. While they are staying in the village of Gulu the teams will be tent camping on the grounds of a hotel. While we won't hear direct reports this week, Emily says, "The teams are happy, healthy and loving ministry in Africa!" Since they are in country for nearly two weeks, I suspect the initial adjustments are over and the missionaries are settling into some good routines.  I can't wait to hear all about the week!

I love this picture of Mary Beth and Bill at her Ugandan Tamasha. Next Tuesday Mary Beth goes on safari! Keep those prayers strong and steady! God bless!

And Week #3 Begins!

We received a couple of messages from Mary Beth yesterday; some of you received the same, yes, she "questions" the meat for meals in Africa! What a great time to go vegetarian! Something tells me she'll be first in line at Chick-Fil-A on August 5!

Mary Beth says the church services are nothing like ours, and they're about 4 hours long! She really enjoys hearing stories from her national partners, Will, Isaac and Joseph, but did share that she is more comfortable doing things with the children and in the schools than she is in outright evangelism which is proving challenging for her.

Today is a touring/shopping day in Kampala and then tomorrow her team leaves for Gulu, so you may not hear from her. They'll be there a week, and next Tuesday, they'll rejoin the other group for the safari trip. That group, A, leaves for the states on Wednesday and will mark Mary Beth's half-way point.

Pray for their safety as they travel. God bless!

Saturday Sick Day for Mary Beth

We received a call from Emily this afternoon, about 2 p.m. (9 p.m. in Uganda). She let us know that while Mary Beth was fine, that she had been to the doctor today because she'd had a sore throat a few days and did not have much of an appetite. She does not have any malaria or typhoid, but had some bacteria in her urine and blood tests, so they're treating her with antibiotics for a urinary tract infection and upper respiratory infection. She slept most of the day and was feeling better this evening. Emily says that she's a sweet girl and doing fine. Mary Beth texted us several times tonight on a global phone -- missing us, hoping for a puppy when she gets home, feeling better, not liking the food much, and enjoying watching the US v. Ghana game with the group. They go to bed at 10:30 each night, so I guess they did not see the end result.

Here's more update on the day from Emily: The team from Gulu arrived back in Kampala safe and sound tonight. They were welcomed back with cheering, signs, and even an original song from the Kampala team. We sure are happy to all be back together again. We'll be going to church together in the morning and then in the evening take part in the traditional "war stories" where kids will get a chance to hear from both teams what God has been doing. Today the team in Kampala had a chance to visit and minister at a Salvation Army orphanage. Many of the children there were from up north and had been affected by the LRA. Our students played games with them and shared some skits that present the Gospel. Then we got to see their traditional dances and songs, what a treat! In the afternoon our students got to help with some painting projects and had a blast serving. Yesterday, the team in Gulu got to minister in a primary school with skits and games, and then presented the abstinence curriculum in the afternoon. We are so happy that all the teenagers in Gulu were released from the hospital yesterday and are all healing quite well. Monday will be the first free day for the students where they will have some down time and shopping opportunities. We hope to have the kids call home that day. Tuesday the teams will get back to regular ministry. Thanks again for all the prayers.

Here's a picture from Gaby's (another missionary) Facebook page. Hopefully Mary Beth will wake up feeling great from a day's worth of antibiotics working! Keep those prayers coming her way!

Happy Anniversary from Uganda

Mary Beth managed to get on a computer earlier today to wish us a happy anniversary! She reports that the ministry is great, but that she misses us terribly. I am tempted to print and frame those emails!

An update from the team in Gulu, via Emily, Trip Director. Here is an official medical update for everyone to put your hearts at ease. We do indeed have some sick students up in Gulu. All of those student's parents have already been contacted and the students are getting the appropriate treatment . They have been diagnosed with Typhoid, which actually is very easily treated and has a quick recovery. A leader has been with those students at all times to insure excellent medical care. No one has malaria; praise God! If you have not heard from Dan or myself, then your child is doing just fine. Those who were not affected are out at the moment doing ministry at a primary school and will present the abstinence curriculum in a high school this afternoon. Please know that if your child ever has a serious illness beyond just normal traveler's stomach issues, you will always be personally contacted by our leadership team here. We appreciate all the prayers going out on our behalf; keep them coming. The students that were being treated in Gulu have been discharged from the hospital and are feeling much better. They are heading back to the hotel at the moment. Thanks for all the prayers; the kids are in good spirits and excited to get back to ministry very soon.

God bless!

Keep the Gulu Kids Close to Your Heart

Mary Beth is in Kampala this week.

There is a group of missionaries in Gulu, as I mentioned earlier this week. Some of them have contracted Typhoid from a small child they were ministering to and are well on  their way to recovery thanks to their vaccinations and medications. We all know how hard it is to be away from our kids (especially this far away), and it's especially hard if you know they are sick. GE has done an excellent job of informing the parents of the ill missionaries, but I know they could use our prayers and love, so turn it up!!

Thank you for loving ALL the children. God bless!

Wednesday News from the Field

A message from the project director, Emily:

Teams are out doing ministry again all day today. The team in Kampala spent the morning in a slum community going from home to home sharing their lives and the Gospel. The students loved playing with the kids and getting the opportunity to share their faith. We are so proud of how servant-hearted and full of love each of these students are. In the afternoon, the Kampala team is planning to teach the abstinence curriculum in a high school of about 150 students. The team in Gulu was able to visit a school today to teach about abstinence and purity. This is such a needed message here. Our contacts told us that parents and teachers are afraid to teach on this topic, and that we have been able to step in and be the voice of the parents and teachers. The students break up into small groups after the lessons, and God has been faithful to turn many of the conversations around to him so that the students are able to share their testimony and the Gospel.

Mary Beth is with the Kampala team. Keep those prayers rolling!

News from an Internet Cafe

Well, our world certainly is shrinking every day, isn't it? Mary Beth had some time off last evening and the group was able to go to an Internet cafe (in Kampala) to email family and friends. Given the number of people Mary Beth was able to touch base with, I'd say her fingers were flying (and she credits the spelling errors to crummy keyboards in the cafe)! It was awesome to hear from her, and I think she's doing well, albeit fairly homesick, especially at night. I keep reminding myself that she's only been in country 3 1/2 days and working only 2, so I suspect she'll feel better soon. I think it was very helpful to be encouraged by friends and family via the Web yesterday.

So here's what I gleaned from her various messages. The ministry is great, yet harder than she'd imagined. The conditions are poor at best, especially in the slums where they worked yesterday, and the situations are sad and heartbreaking. Uganda, though, is a beautiful country. As for the creature comforts, she reports that the showers are ice cold (and it's in the 60s each morning), the food is "uh, interesting" and the rules are stricter than any she's ever heard!

I know Mary Beth is lifted up by your prayers and positive encouragement. Thank you and God bless!

Getting Into A Routine in Uganda

Another update from Emily Barnes, Trip Director:

The teams are doing very well. The team that went north to Gulu arrived safely Monday afternoon and had their first night in the tents. They are actually going to meet with the King of the Acholli Tribe today. In the afternoon they will be doing children's ministry in a primary school. The team in Kampala had an amazing first day of ministry. They taught the abstinence curriculum to over 400 students. So many of them made commitments of purity, and many came forward for prayer. The school officials were so thankful for the message we shared and have asked the church to come back and do more teaching. We are excited to set the church up for more long term ministry. Today the team in Kampala is working with the church to pass out feed and do personal evangelism in two Muslim communities. Thanks for the prayers. I'll update more soon.

Sounds like busy and productive days. Continue to pray for the missionaries, especially the leaders who are getting by on little rest. God bless!

An Update from Emily Barnes, Trip Director

Our prayers certainly go out to Emily who is working so hard to lead these young people and keep us parents informed!  Here's her in-country update:
Wow- I've been wanting to get an update on here since we landed, but we have had internet and phone issues that are now resolved.


We got in Saturday evening safe and smooth. The students are so excited to be here.

Sunday- local Ugandan church service and lunch with the church staff and volunteers for the summer. The students had a great time getting immersed in the culture. In the evening students had worship, team time, and ministry tool training.

Monday- One team (DiNial led by Brittany and Chris) departed for Gulu in northern Uganda with Dan (Project director). Words can't describe the excitement in the air as they loaded the bus to go. The other team(Penguins- led by Charles and Jana) and Emily did a final cultural training session in Kampala and will soon head out this afternoon to a school to present the abstinence curriculum and build relationships with the students.

All the students are in good spirits and are excited about ministry.

We've had some great African food served by our amazing chef at the hostel. She treats us as if we are her family and the food is delicious. We are indeed reminding students to take their malaria medicine and drink lots of water. The weather has been great, sunny and in the mid 80's.

We all really appreciate your prayers and encouragement on the wall! Be proud of your kids, they have servant hearts and are about to make a huge impact.
Emily and Dan
Project Directors

A Gastronomical Digression

The foodie in me would be remiss if I did not post on my culinary experiences last week! After leaving Mary Beth at camp, we stopped for dinner in Dallas, near the Love Field airport. Yes, I did say we ate dinner with her, but we hadn't had lunch, so I count the two pieces of delivery pizza as a very late lunch! We pulled into a little stucco restaurant called Mia's. The sign out front promised authentic Tex-Mex, and I am happy to report that it delivered!  The restaurant was brightly decorated in typical kitch and was packed -- a good sign on a Monday evening.  David enjoyed the specialty, brisket tacos. He said they were the best he'd ever had and has unofficially sworn off our local Mexican eateries! I had three chalupas -- one guacamole, one cheese and one bean. They were so fresh and delicious, and while I couldn't finish them, I tasted them all! So, if you're ever in Dallas, Mia's gets our two thumbs' up! (And it doesn't hurt that they had about 50 reviews, including a 2009 piece from Southern Living, all over the walls too!)

While dropping off Andrew in Raleigh we enjoyed another great meal at No Fo (at the pig) near downtown. My sandwich was awesome -- BLT with avocado and brie on Hawaiin bread. The spread was sweet pepper jelly. The men had grouper tacos with slaw. Yum! Seriously worth the trip AND they have a wonderful shop upstairs, full of eclectic treasures. I bought a couple birthday gifts.

Happy Father's Day to the dads! David is missing his girl, mostly because I cut his hair last night in her absence. In the LIGHT of church today, I discovered the roller coaster track I'd left!  I managed to correct my mistakes after church, although I inadvertently left something that looks like an errant lightning bolt in one of his sideburns ... what some men won't do to save a few dollars!

Enjoy a laugh and God bless!

It's After Midnight...

It's 5:12 here and Mary Beth just got woken up to call home! I guess it's a challenge to get everyone to check in with spotty cell service. It took two calls for her to get through to us. She said everything is "fine." This is much more than I ever get from her when she wakes up! She said that they'd been asleep since about 10:30 p.m., and that the city was really loud with people following the World Cup. She sends everyone her love. So, I guess we can relax and let her get to work! It's amazing that she's an ocean away yet sounds the same as ever and as if she's right next door!

Anyway, keep those prayers coming! God bless!

Waiting for a Phone Call

Hey there! Just so you don't think I am crazy, it is now 9:26 am here. Who knows what the blog will post, but let me assure all of you I am NEVER on the computer at 3:00 am, EVER. I think I may have thrown off the timing by adding the world clock set to Uganda, but I like knowing the time there!

No news yet, but I will say that I know the plane landed on time (after a 30 minute late start from Houston) in Dubai. The group was to sleep overnight in the Emirates hotel right in the airport before leaving in the morning (around midnight our time last night) for Uganda. By my guesstimation they arrived in Uganda this afternoon (around 7 our time this morning), so as soon they drive to Kampala, etc., Mary Beth should call us.

Keep those prayers coming for this trip, Mary Beth, and us. We appreciate and do need the support. God bless you all!

Last Night in Texas

Project directors, Emily Barnes and Daniel Blankenship wrote the following last night. Tonight students were a part of Tiki Night and Commissioning. We prayed over each of the students and spoke about abiding in Christ, and fanning into flame the gifts of God that have been deposited in our lives. Students spoke out with faith the things they are praying to see God do. It was a very meaningful night for everone, standing together to commit to a summer of service.

A and C trippers are all packed up on campus, and are enjoying thier last night of sleep on American soil. We leave Thursday mid morning for the drive to Houston and then leave in the evening for Uganda, with an overnight layover (in an airline hotel) in Dubai -- yes folks, we're making sure to get as many passport stamps as we can on this trip. :-)

Students will call you within a few hours of arriving in Kampala. Thanks for all the encouraging notes to missionaries.

If you want to give Mary Beth a message, you can through this link: http://www.globalexpeditions.com/index.cfm/PageID/3758
Her trip is Uganda C. We just don't know whether or not they'll have a printer, so there is a small chance she may not get the message until the end of the trip. You can't blame anyone for trying, though.
 
We hope to hear from our girl once more before she leaves the USA! Have a great day and we love you!

Texas Training Schedule

Here's a peek into Mary Beth's week in Texas:

Monday
We arrived at about 2:30. See last post for some details. After we left there was a mixer prior to the opening worship session. Ron Luce, founder of Teen Mania Ministries, spoke to the missionaries. They all participated in worship.

Tuesday
Missionaries opened the day with worship and quiet time. They received information on the expectations for the trip and each team introduced itself. Emily reports that team Uganda had the best cheer, and I believe her! They also participated in some skits and learned some dramas. They spent the rest of the day learning their ministry tools, which will partly be the in-school abstinence awareness program. The rest is Bible school and drama as well as evangelism.

We did get a late night call from Mary Beth, doing well, but bug-bitten (as are David and I!) and tired. She said that she slept soundly and well Monday night, a testimony to hard work and well-earned rest!

Wednesday
Today was evangelism training, testimony training, ministry site overview, and country meeting time. Tonight they had a little free time to shower and pack, prior to dinner and worship. Right about now they're in a commissioning time and then it'll be lights out for the last night there. Hopefully we'll hear from her shortly.

Thursday
Travel to Houston, TX, for flight to Dubai in the evening. This flight is 14 hours, 55 minutes. She'll get to spend the night Friday in a hotel in Dubai. On Saturday, they'll leave Dubai for Entebbe, a 7 hour, 20 minute flight. We hope to hear from her between 6 and 8 a.m. Saturday morning (check the post it on the blog for the time change).

Keep those prayers coming! Traveling brings its own challenges. God bless you all!

Teen Mania Ministries Campus in Garden Valley, TX

We're back from taking Mary Beth to Texas for training camp! I am beat, but here's a quick update.

The campus at Garden Valley is a cross between a tiny college campus and a camp. Interns live, work and attend classes there year-round, so there are a few dorms, cafeteria, athletic courts and a pretty cool pool. There's also a big auditorium set up just like the worship rooms at M-Fuge, for those of you who have been there. The camp part is where the kids are at night -- 27 long houses (Mary Beth's had about 50 girls in it!) and big bath houses (hot, humid and damp!). 

When we arrived and checked in we were some of the last "drivers" to arrive. Mary Beth ended up with a bottom bunk in said muggy digs and after hiking there and not running into anyone, well, emotions were a little raw, and Mary Beth decided that we should take her home! That was a miserable and gut-wrenching moment for all.  Fortunately, the bus arrived from the airport and Mary Beth was able to connect with Gabby (Miami) and Lacy (Portland), two wonderful girls she's been talking to online.  We didn't see Mary Beth for the next few hours while they acclimated and got acquainted.

We ate a quick pizza dinner with them all and said a quick but still teary good-bye. As parents, that was a bit more difficult than expected. But, we've had several good texts since then, so I think if they all manage to weather the East Texas heat and humidity together these next two days, they'll all be fine.

I'm wiped out, but I'll update you on her schedule this week and give you info on how to send her a message tomorrow. Thanks for the prayers; they have helped tremendously. Love you!

The Only Safe Place to Be is Where God Wants You to Be

Pastor Tony called that "dynamic security" this morning. He preached about Abraham (Genesis 12) and made 2 main points. #1: God is not interested in our settling; he wants us to be fearless, bold and fully engaged in the journey He has set before us. #2: Perfection is not a prerequisite for the journey. Abraham wasn't perfect; neither are we.  God offers grace abundantly and so ought we. By faith Abraham obeyed (Hebrews 11). Ditto for us.

The sermon and the service were a great way to prepare to send off Mary Beth. We honored college and high school grads, listened to a preview of the children's musical and commissioned Mary Beth. How beautiful are the feet of those that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

We did some last minute shopping around and finished the last of the packing this afternoon before we headed back to church for the children's musical, Jailhouse Rock, which Mary Beth was both in and helping out with this spring. After, Mary Beth and her dear friend, Catherine, got a little teary (ok, a lot!) which in turn made the grandmas teary, then the mom ... and before you knew it ... tears all around! We were truly blessed to spend time with the WHOLE family, grandparents included, as well as most of our friends today!  We had a special prayer time as a family with Pastor Tony and Danner before leaving church.

So, we're finishing the details (emptying the dishwasher ...) before we head to bed; 3:00 AM will be here soon!  We're forever grateful to our friends and family for love, support and ongoing prayers. David and I will be back Tuesday night with an update on Garden Valley training camp. Until then, in the words of my favorite apostle, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you! Peace.

Fishing in the Potholes in Uganda!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/africa/10268958.stm

Ha! This story tickled my funny bone!

Tick-tock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock ...

That's the sound of the clock, quickly marking our time! What a tremendously stressful week for our Mary! Ending trigonometry a week early is proving very problematic, but with the help of her brother, Andrew, we think Mary Beth will pull off a test, a quiz and an exam.

I read this quotation this morning while preparing for work. It's written by Alexander Chalmers, over 200 years ago, yet is seems fairly relevant today and reminded me so much of Mary Beth.  The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love and something to hope for.

Something to do --
Mary Beth's taken that seriously; she's doing, going and serving. I ask myself, what am I doing? What can you do?

Something to love --
She loves the little children so much! And we love her! And together we share the love of our faith which we hold so dear and take for granted.

Something to hope for --
Mary Beth hopes that one day all kids will know the love of Jesus and the warmth and love of a family. She hopes that they'll  have clean water, good food and a safe place to live. I hope for peace.

So, maybe happiness is not the elusive creature we often think it is. Find something to do, something to love and something to hope for. And tell a friend.

Peace and love.

A Missionary's Call of Support

Mama John called Mary Beth this morning, to talk with her before she left. She and I spoke a few moments, too, and she relayed that many of her friends report that Uganda is doing well these years. She recalled her time in post-Idi Amin Uganda in 1979 and was thankful that those days were over for the country and for missionaries there! Me too! Mary Beth was so appreciative of the uplifting and positive call from Mama John, who lived in Williamsburg briefly and now lives in South Carolina. Mary Beth looks up to Mama John and is inspired by her faith and spirit.

David and I have our flight home booked and a rental car secured. We'll just be with Mary Beth the one day in Texas; she'll be quite busy training!

Mary Beth and I have been judiciously and carefully packing all week and hope to finish this Sunday evening. Those "space" bags that vacuum seal are amazing and have been a welcome addition to our packing routine.

Next week will be so busy for our girl. She will be finishing the "on the road" portion of drivers' ed, and she'll take 1 SOL test, 2 German tests, 1 trig test, and an exam in German, trig and oceanography -- the price we pay for leaving school 4 days before the end of the year. Pray for her to keep focused, well-rested and positive. 

Peace, love, happiness and God's grace to you!

A Report from Someone Who's Been There

Tonight's post (by the way, has anyone noticed it's JUNE?) is not really mine. This wonderful young woman sent a bunch of the missionaries the most informative email on her experiences in Uganda -- basically "a bunch of stuff we def didnt plan for lol ..." so I thought I'd share some of the information. She sent 7 pages of text (very helpful), so I'll summarize and try not to overpunctuate with lol, caps and !!!!

First, advice. You will need lots of bug spray. Take a hot shower in Texas because there is no hot water in Uganda. Don't bring any camo. They do not have mirrors in Africa. Bring a bathing suit for the shower. Bring body wipes too. "Enjoy every second you have, enjoy the stars, enjoy the people, the cars, the smells, just take it one moment at a time! I miss it so much! I cannot wait to go back there!"

Next, facts. Gulu runs on a generator. The lights go out at 8 each night. There are lizards everywhere. The weather is great, dry, windy and it rarely rains. When it rains, it rains for an hour and is gone. Also, it's chilly in the morning. The free day is for a safari to see lots of African animals. Most everyone speaks English, but in Kampala they also speak Lugandan. In Gulu, which is poor and less educated, people speak Acholi. The language is easy to catch on to. When someone speaks to you, whoever it is, man, woman or child, he/she holds your hand -- sort of African eye contact.  In Uganda, whites are muzungus (moo-zun-goos), a positive term indicating one is well taken care of.

Last, the mission. In Kampala they went to schools to teach abstinence. In Gulu they went hut to hut and help with household chores like laundry, shucking corn, playing with the kids. To quote, "I mean the days just basically consisted of LOVING people, that was the main thing, just spending time with them, which is something they aren't used to!"

So, each time I read about or hear these young people, I am moved by their humility and openness, by their hearts full of love and their commitment to missions. And, I am not so worried about the future. They seem to have heard and believed the words from 2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

God bless and keep you!

Two weeks?

Mary Beth and I spent the afternoon shopping for the rest of her odds and ends for the trip. We finally found a couple of acceptable "long" skirts for church in Uganda, some t-shirts and other clothing essentials. Then we shopped for the array of "others" -- cold medicine, stomach medicine (NO salad, NO salad, NO salad!), bandaids, toothpaste, etc., etc., etc. Our goal is to pack tomorrow (for the most part) and be done. We'll see. Liz, Mary Beth's dear friend at church, dropped by a MONSTER tin of nabs and peanut bars! Thanks a ton!

The shots are done, and with the exception of a nasty yellow fever reaction, all went well. (That wasn't too bad -- feeling a little crummy and a random red rash at the injection site.) Mary Beth will start taking Malarone for malaria prevention two days before she leaves and all through the trip. She also has a good antibiotic just in case Montezuma seeks his bacterial revenge!

So, I guess we're really almost there.

Today's church service was lovely. Our pastor's daughter, Brittany, and brother-in-law, John, did a beautiful hymn/reflection medley that moved us all. So, Mary Beth is reading John's mom's (Mama John -- career missionary in Africa) biography right now and after church she said to me, "Oooh, I just read about when John was a baby and had nasty bumps all over him and Mama John opened up one and it was full of worms and she had to figure out what to do!" Well, there you go. Nothing else to say.

Three Weeks is Not A Whole Lot of Time!

Three weeks from today and Mary Beth will be in Texas, training for the mission she's been planning for over a year! Where does the time go? For us, it seems like mere moments ago she was starting kindergarten and now she's nearly done with high school and planning to launch herself into the mission field.

I am sure these weeks will fly by with the preparations and packing ahead of us! Fifty pounds doesn't seem so large of a load when you consider 7 weeks' worth of stuff! Luckily, there are two opportunities for laundry.

This is a tremendous adventure for the whole family and one we embrace whole-heartedly and yet with some fear and trepidation. Keep those prayers of support coming!  God bless!

Where to, what's the weather and other details ...

Where to?
David and I are traveling with Mary Beth to training camp in Garden Valley, Texas. We'll help her register, attend a parent orientation and be able to have dinner with her before saying our goodbyes. She'll have 2 more days of training during which she'll learn the abstinence school program for Kampala, plan games and activities for the children in the IDP camps and get to know her team.  Then they are off to Uganda [Houston to Dubai (United Arab Emerates) to Entebbe (Uganda)].
What's the Weather?
No one needs to ask to know that it will be HOT, HUMID and fairly miserable in Texas in June; however, it's winter in Uganda! So, Mary Beth's supposed to be prepared for the cold season! The average daily highs are upper 80s (winter at the equator) and evening lows are mid 60s. So, it will probably be somewhat drier than here and about the same during the day (ok, so that's wishful thinking for a July in the 80s here!).
And another thing or two ...
We have to bring two big jars of peanut butter and two squeeze jars of jelly. They collect those from the kids, so I guess we know the lunch option for the summer. Smart folks!
We'll get to hear from Mary Beth personally when she arrives in Uganda and then every other week via the director's phone ($6.00=5 minutes), so we won't go all summer without some personal contact.
And the countdown begins! Mary Beth's finishing her last thank you notes; we're sending out postcards and magnets as prayer reminders, buying some trip essentials and praying like crazy! Thank you so much for your continued support and well wishes. God bless!

Leadership in Uganda

Of course as parents, we're very interested in making sure the trip is well-supervised and safe, so we've been interested in finding out about the leaders. Emily Barnes is the Project Director and will supervise Mary Beth's C trip (June 14 to August 5) while Jana Cobb and Chris Biddix will be team leaders. There will be two shorter (A and B) trips that overlap, so Mary Beth will meet those folks and their leaders too.

GE has a Uganda 2010 with Global Expeditions facebook group that you can follow and see some more of the people who are going to Uganda this summer.

Here are the bios of the leaders sent to us by Global Expeditions:

Emily Barnes- C trip Project Director

I am extremely excited to serve as one of your PD’s this summer. I have been serving with Teen Mania and Global Expeditions since 1998 (Mexico twice, Costa Rica, Panama, South Africa, and Thailand). I also lived overseas in Thailand for four years, serving at a Christian missionary run school. I moved back to America in 2008 and moved to Colorado Springs and the Rocky Mountains to be closer to my nieces and nephew. I’m originally from Ohio, so a true Ohio State Buckeye to the core! I’m in my 11th years as a fourth grade teacher, and love kids immensely.

We are all going to have an amazing time together changing the world. Be prepared for God to really change your heart as well. You’ll be challenged in a way like never before. I pray you come with a humble heart ready to serve and grow.

Jana Cobb- C Trip Team Leader

Hey guys! My name is Jana Cobb and I’m going to be a TL on Uganda C! I am SO EXCITED about this trip and meeting all of you! A bit about myself: I’m 22 years old and I live in Texas (the San Antonio area). I’m a junior in college in which my major is English. I’ve been on four trips in the past with Global Expeditions; I’ve been to New Zealand, Cambodia, Thailand, and Costa Rica. They all have been amazing experiences and I’m expecting the same for this summer!

I want to encourage you guys to continue working hard in preparation for this trip. Keep on fundraising and praying for this trip because all of your hard work will pay off mightily. A scripture that comes to mind is Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. Although you may get tired or discouraged preparing for our trip, or even during our trip, keep pressing on toward the goal, which is ultimately eternity being changed for Christ!! God has called us to do great things this summer and I know that God wants to use each of you in a mighty way. I believe that each of you is called to change a life this summer, if not more. So when you get discouraged, think of the goal!!!

Know that I love you guys and that I’m praying for you. I can’t wait to serve the people of Uganda with you! Cheers!

Chris Biddix- C Trip Team Leader

Hey Uganda 2010!!! I am from Fayetteville, NC, and currently and a students at Liberty University in Virginia, studying Inter- Cultural Studies and Linguistics. Upon competing school in the next year, I want to do Bible Translation among an unreached tribal group. I was an intern for Teen Mania Ministries working for Global Expeditions from 07-08. Since 2005 I have been going overseas (Peru, Honduras, Thailand) and this summer will be my fourth time to Uganda. It is a incredible place hungry for truth!! It is also lively with energy, so get ready for some great dance parties!!!!

Preparations ...

So, what will Mary Beth be doing in Uganda? Here's what the Teen Mania folks say:

The entire project will be separated in half and one half will travel to Kampala and live and do ministry within Kampala while the other half will travel to Gulu and live and do ministry in Gulu. About half way through the trip the two halves will then switch giving everyone a chance to minister in both Kampala and Gulu. Gulu is about 6-7hrs. from Kampala.



In Kampala – the purpose for ministry is to evangelize in schools and teach students about abstinence. They will serve as positive role models and examples of how Christians find a sense of “belonging” with God.


In Gulu – will mainly minister in the IDP (Internally Displaced Person) camps which have a HIGH population of children. Through a VBS like structure the missionaries will just love on the kids and make them feel special by playing games with them and telling them stories, etc.


In Kampala, we want to reach students with the Gospel and an abstinence message. The target audience is teenagers from 14-20 years old. Most of them are sexually-active, and they have a high risk of HIV/AIDS. They have been in boarding schools all their lives, where many of them have been abused and have lacked parental attention and love. They experience abandonment and rejection because their families are not involved much in their lives. Most teens do not feel loved or valued by their parents, so they turn to alcohol and sex. Also, there is a huge prevalence of witchcraft with people of all ages. Most Africans believe strongly in the supernatural, and as part of their culture, they typically revert to witchcraft to try to solve problems in their lives. As a result, serious strongholds exist among many of the students we will minister to. Because a small percentage of Ugandans have the opportunity to continue through secondary school and the university, these students will someday be the leaders of the country. It is imperative that they make serious commitments to God while they are young, so they will be influential leaders for Christ once they grow up.


In Gulu, we will be working in IDP camps which are large African communities full of people misplaced by previous wars and civil unrest in the country. There are many orphaned children in the camps as well who don’t know where their parents have scattered too. These children and teens have been through horribly traumatic situations, and they have little hope. Our merely being there with them will be an encouragement to them. We will mainly visit secondary and primary schools and refugee camps in Gulu. The missionaries will be shocked at the conditions in the schools (200+ per classroom with no desks or school supplies) and the refugee camps (up to 70,000 people in one camp with 2 water wells, little food, no clothing, with people living in mud huts.) This will profoundly impact the missionaries’ lives and hopefully motivate them to get involved with social justice. We will also hopefully be able to help bring about healing and restoration by loving the children and spending time with them. The teams should look for opportunities to participate in art therapy and dance with the children.

Housing: In Kampala, the team will be staying in a university-style hostel. Global Expeditions has been using this housing vendor for several years now and has a good-standing relationship with them.


In Gulu, the team will be camping out in tents on a hotel property. This is Global Expeditions first year staying at this location but they came highly recommended by our Global Partner AND they have a long track record with the nation as being one of the best housing accommodations in Gulu.


Showers/Bedding/Laundry:
In Kampala, All housing is dormitory style (2-4 to a room). Each room will have beds with mattresses and a bathroom (toilet, sink with running water, and shower with hot water). **Please bring sleeping bag and bed sheet**


There may be the opportunity to arrange laundry services through the facility, but it will be on an as needed/limited basis and their will be a fee associated depending on the amount of clothing being laundered.


In Gulu, Teen Mania will be providing the tents to sleep in and the teams will just setup on the designated area. The area is really nice. It’s a very well kept, very green and flourishing garden.


For showers and bathrooms the teams will use the pool house. There are two areas: one for males and one for females and each area has approximately 3 showers and 2 bathrooms.


The hotel does have capabilities of washing clothes but there is a few and will only be offered on a need basis.


Food you will be eating: Both in Kampala and Gulu the missionaries can expect something along the lines of: Breakfast: Eggs, with Veggies, Fruit, Chapatti, Juice, etc. Lunch: PB&J with fruit and snack. Dinner: Pilao (rice), Beef or Chicken in Sauce, Veggies, etc.


Intensity: 5 of 5 - this is rated a 5 out of 5 for the emotional intensity. The ministry in Uganda will be really hard especially in the IDP camps. Uganda is a war-torn nation and many of its people have undergone or witnessed horrible situations. The missionaries will be walking up to 2 miles at one time.
 
So, she'll be busy and challenged! We've been preparing by reading up on the climate (hot, yet dry), country (war torn and impoverished) and health conditions (a nightmare).
 
Mary Beth's been to Travel Health in Williamsburg twice now. Nikki, the RN, has been so helpful quizzing Mary Beth on WHAT NOT TO EAT and how to drink the water properly, etc. No salad, no salad, no salad! She has had the live Yellow Fever vacinnation -- and had a nice reaction to that! She also had Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Flu, Swine Flu shots. She'll start malaria meds prior to the trip and also has antibiotics for traveler's stomach (yuck).  Hopefully she'll avoid that!
 
Next, we'll get packing ... we have three long skirts and some light weight pants ... the packing list and flight information is supposed to be posted today.
 
Keep praying!  Thank you all for the wonderful support.

Getting Started: Beginnings

A little background --

For many years Mary Beth has been to Philadelphia with her youth group for Mission Fuge in the summer. She loves working with the children in the city parks there. For the last year and a half she has really been moved to go work with children in Africa.

Through connections at our church she found out about Global Expeditions and Teen Mania Ministries. She applied to go to Uganda in 2010 and was accepted.She will be working with children who for the most part do not have parents living. In fact, 50% of the population of Uganda is under age 14! Only 2.2% of the population is over age 65! The orphan children are the result of years of war in Uganda. The soldiers moved out of the country and left many of the children behind. Some of the children are former child soldiers themselves.

Mary Beth has been preparing for the trip in many ways. She has been praying that she may make a difference in the lives of the children in Uganda. She has been raising about $5,500 for the trip and almost another $2,000 to travel to training camp and for her passport, healthcare and other incidentals.

She sent out several rounds of letters to family and friends in hopes that they would support her through prayer and possibly through financial support. The Mission and Evangelism Council at our church is supporting her in many ways -- spiritually and financially. The response has been overwhelming and supportive, with all of her financial needs met and much love and well wishes from her friends and family. She has made so many close friends at our church.

We also had several successful fundraisers -- a sweetheart bake sale at Valentine's, a garage and bake sale in March (thanks to the grandmas wonderful baking talents!), and a Ugandan Tamasha (fair) in April, sponsored by the Roots and Fruits Sunday School class at our church. In addition, Mary Beth has been babysitting to fund her trip. People have been so generous and the fundraisers have been an excellent way to expand the message and increase awareness about the needs in Africa.

Last, Mary Beth is completing a Bible study, SOLO (the message), alone, to prepare. With her friends and a college leader, she is completing a Rob Bell Bible study.

Everywhere we turn, we seem to find reminders of the importance of this work -- meeting people who are missionaries to Africa, people who work in Africa -- and this helps us know that God is very busy in our lives!

Mary Beth doesn't really like to write, but has much to share and wants those who have supported her to be informed about her progress and work. So, she has agreed to let me write about her mission through this blog. Thanks for following her story and for keeping her and the children of Uganda in your prayers!