Wow. What a wonderful day and a long one at that.

We went to church at His Mercy Church in the village of Buwenda outside of Jinja town where Edward is the senior pastor. I think worship in Africa met and exceeded all expectations for our first timers. We pulled up to singing and music and yells. We were welcomed so passionately everywhere we go! The choir was singing as we entered and we took our seats and simply worshiped. I wonder sometimes what worship is really. I know after coming here the last 4 years it is not a style or an order of worship or the building. Worship is joy and passion for God that flows out of us. It is not something we create and give to God. It is in response to what God did for us, what we did not deserve, and how grateful and blessed we are by grace. That is true worship. I have truly worshiped in a building and under a mango tree. Seeing the passion and joy from these believers is contagious. You cannot help be jump right in... after the initial shock!!

We got to hear the main choir....the children’s choir... the youth choir.... 2 special singers.... and then 4 witnesses plus Edward speaking and welcoming us. We were there for around 2.5 to 3 hours. Like I said African church is an experience. Susan gave her testimony and just killed it. She was open and honest and full of grace. I was moved to hear her story. And then Tim got to preach. I am not sure how much he gets to bring the message at his home church but it cannot be enough. Excellent! He spoke on Luke 15 and the parable of the lost coin and sheep and how earnestly God longs to recover his lost children. I thought he nailed it. He was funny and honest and full of grace as well. Just an outstanding job...

I have to say I love this little church in Buwenda. To have been there in 2007 in the little wooden structure to the permanent building today brings tears to my eyes. To see this little community of faith thriving and growing is a blessing. I absolutely love this little church.

We then went back to Mayuge to show the Passion of the Christ movie. Over 400 men, women, and children crowed inside and out of the school to see the film. We then handed out 70 mosquito nets to families to help fight malaria. It was just awesome to be back in the little community. Jonah and I hung outside and talked to kids. They are such a joy. Jody, Mike, Jonah, and I got to take a walk with Edward and the chairman of Mayuge to see an area that children travel to get to the school. When it floods these children cannot make it to school. The chairman was making a plea to help. Man the need is so great, but we do not get discouraged. Mother Theresea said we can do not great things in the life only small things with great love. That is what we do. 70 families can fight malaria tonight with a net. 200 kids are beginning to fight parasites due to the medicine received yesterday. More children will get to go to school with the new classrooms. Small things but with great love. But we began to swirl some ideas in our heads about the future. Mike took a walk with Edward of the property the school is on and heard about CYORF’s dream for the school. It is amazing stuff. A water well, a community room to teach new job skills to widows to provide them a future, more classrooms to have 1 room for each grade 1 thru 7, a kitchen, a wash room, a housing unit, a chicken house to provide protein for the children. These are some of the ideas and dreams. We have no idea what the future holds. But we saw God at work with Edward and CYORF in the place and we feel called to help. Again no idea what that looks like, but I am just sharing what is on our hearts. More is coming....

Man it was a good day. We ended the evening at Chairman Moses Batwala's house for dinner. He is the chairman of Jinja district. (Comparable to the governor of a state.) He is a good man with a beautiful family. They served us dinner and he thanked us for coming to Uganda and supporting CYORF in their care for the people. This was a big deal for us. The chairman is the leader of Jinja. To get to spend time with him is a blessing...

Well I am off to bed. I am worn out. I think it is all catching up to me. The bus rides to the villages is an experience. Dusty and bumpy. I mean we are beat up from being thrown around by the roads which to be fair are terrible. Plus, we drive very fast on them. To look out the front window is too much for me...

But tomorrow is a day we need prayers. We are leaving at 6am to take the bus to Gulu. About and 8 or 9 hour trip. Everyone needs some sleep tonight and we need safe, smooth travels tomorrow.

The team continues to just be amazing. Tim and Genessa got to spend the afternoon visiting with people and hopefully moving their adoption process along! And again Susan, Mike, Elizabeth, and Jonah are just wonderful with the kids and adults. I saw a lot of eyes light up and smiles show up when they were spotted. They have come to just love and it shows and the children respond. I am so honored to be here serving with them.

Good night all. Long day and we need sleep.

God bless you and talk to you tomorrow!!

CRT