And, we're looking at the same sun, even if it's setting and rising over different horizons and landscapes. Great photo, Brie!
Friday, July 30, 2010
You Ought to Be in Pictures!
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!
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!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
One Week from Today ...
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!
Monday, July 26, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Photos from Emily
Here are a few photos Emily uploaded to Facebook:
Praying together, with the book of hope.
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!
Friday, July 23, 2010
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!
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!
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!)
Monday, July 19, 2010
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.
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, July 16, 2010
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!
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, July 14, 2010
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!
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!
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!
Monday, July 12, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, July 9, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
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!
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!
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!
Friday, July 2, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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!
God bless!
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