Being Present

July 6, 2017

 

His Mercy School

Today was a low key day but still a day filled with grace and excitement.

 We were able to sleep in a little today. After two medical clinics, the team was tired; Refreshment was needed! Mike has reported that over the two days at His Mercy School 833 people saw the doctor and 79 the dentist, with the pharmacy filling a total of 2,805 prescriptions. Incredible! Praise to the Lord because it was all Him!

Today we headed back to the school to simply be present with the kids. No clinic. No work. Just to dance, sing, laugh, love, and pray. I love times like these. Sometimes my American mindset thinks we need to work, build or fix something in order for it to be “mission work”. This is a long distance to travel so we want to maximize the time. Then a day like today happens and I remember that just being here, showing the children and people we love and care for them by being present is being Christ’s hand and feet too.  This time is both a blessing to them and to us.

Walking to School

Today we drove until we couldn’t. Rosa, the bus got a flat tire. Luckily we were in Mayuge, (where we needed to be) so the team hit the red dirt road and began walking to the school. We got to ask about plants, gardens, and how food is grown. We saw bricks being made and engaged with people along the way. It was a truly special time. We all loved it. Crazy how a flat tire allowed for a much needed walk.

When we arrived at the school the children were screaming and singing their welcome to us. They were so excited to see us again. Warmed my heart. I truly love this school and these kids. To see many of them grow up over the years, work hard and do so well in school. Wow! To see today what God has accomplished since when we were first here in 2008 seems impossible! (Side note... Mike and I are going to work on a picture timeline of the school starting in 2008 to today. I think it will be overwhelming to see the transformation and all that God has done.)

Edward gave us the full tour of the school. It has changed so much since our last trip in 2015. They now have a demonstration garden to help educate the local community how to grow matooke for a a better harvest. Love the outreach to the community! There is also now a girl’s dorm which houses 56 girls on sight. A nursery. Additional teacher housing. A medical clinic on site for the children with a social worker and two nurses on staff. I am completely blown away!

 Also, Edward reported to us that in the last round of testing His Mercy School had the highest exam scores in the region. This little school in a rural village. That is all God.

Passing out suckers and mango juice.

We were able to give each child mango juice and a sucker. We had them tell us stories (My personal favorite was the story a young boy told of being a hunter and killing squirrels, monkeys, and snakes to sell for money). The team introduced themselves and told a little about their lives and families.  We then had the kids line up for lunch,  As they walked the team prayed over every child at the school. What a blessed time! To pray for each child and their future. Incredible!

Of course there was singing and dancing. Always! The team got to hand out gift bags to the choir and dancers from our church’s VBS kids.  Each bag

Praying over each child.

had some sweets, toys, and a picture of the child that made the bag with a personal letter. We read the letters from the American kids to the Uganda kids. Again what a special time!

We also were able  to speak with the teachers. Greg encouraged, empowered, and thanked them for the work they are doing. We got to pray for them as well. Such a great group of men and women who love to educate!

We had to say goodbye. It was hard. I have gotten to spend time with these children over ten trips. They are sweet, smart, sassy, funny, a little bit of trouble, creative, and amazing. I love them s much. 

It was pretty cool to come back after two years to walk the grounds at the clinic and hear the kids calling me the kyabazinga! (When I was here last, I told them I would be running for that position in their community.) That made my day! 

The team then drove to Edward's home, where he hosted a feast with his family. Julie, his sons, Joshua and Isaiah, plus his father, mother, and many others were so gracious.  They served us Matooke, rice, beans with minced meat, beef, fried chicken, yams, cabbage, g-nut sauce, avocado, chapatti, pineapple, and papaya. All amazing and fresh.

The Magumba Family

It was a gift we did not deserve but we were honored to partake in. We then gathered everyone, team and family, into Edwards home to pray for the home, his family, ministry, the community, and the school. It was such a special time. Edward has said many times that the relationship he and I share is divine connection. One only God could bring together. The things God has done through this friendship is staggering. I cannot comprehend it all. I am honored to call him my brother. He truly cares for his village, the children and sharing the love of Christ. We continue to pray, dream and share together asking God to guide us. I can't begin to understand it. I just try to keep saying "yes", making sure not to get too far ahead or behind where God wants us to be.

 Another side note.... I love this team. Their hearts, spirits, desire to

Leigh blessing a baby.

love and engage people any and everywhere amazes me. Always working together to taking care of each other. It has been an honor to serve with them.

Also, getting to serve beside my daughter for a second trip is incredible. She truly has a heart for the children. I love seeing her engage, talk, hold babies and jump in to dance. She serves where she’s needed and does it like a champ. I am super proud of Kariel. If you ever get the chance to serve with your children do it; If not, then make the chance happen! Don't hesitate. Get out of your comfort zone and go. It is an amazing opportunity.

Finally, when we returned to the hotel, the team jumped on boda bodas to head to town for ice cream. No locals. Just us. It was a great adventure! 

I know today's blog is not as detailed as usual. It is hard to explain a day like today. And honestly the best way to really understand is to have a team member share and show pics sharing their stories and hearts. Each person received something different today. Each story and perspective is special and meaningful. So today is a cliff notes version. When you get your friend or family member home find the time to settle in and enjoy the full novel. Today will come alive. I want them to share their hearts and tell their adventures.



A Family Hug with Mama Jessica

Tomorrow we head to the church in Buwenda (where we will worship on Sunday morning); plus, see the church/school matooke farm. This farm is an income generating project for both. Our church helped with some seed money and I am excited to see how it is progressing. We will also take another walking tour of the village to see a house build, meet some of the church members, and pray for them and their families. It will be another amazing day with people. Then we will spend the afternoon in Jinja town to enjoy the local environment. Saturday we raft the Nile. Cannot wait!

The team would like to invite you to join us in praying for our Amazon mission team which leaves tomorrow (Friday July 7, 2017) led by Jody and Mary Farrell. Our church has a long standing relationship with the church in the Amazon. We will be lifting them up in prayer as they serve as the hands and feet of Christ.

Thank you for your prayers and support. The team is well. A few sniffles and pains here and there. Nothing major it seems. Mainly exhaustion. 

Good night! We will visit tomorrow.

Chris