Serving as a missionary in East Africa, I am constantly bombarded with stories of woe followed by bold requests for money. I hate to admit that my heart becomes a little hard every time I’m asked for money…but it does. When was the last time a complete stranger off the street asked you for money? Not a single day passes where I’m not compelled to listen politely and decline gently. I’m not sure if it’s the asking or the declining that trouble me most. And here we are talking about inspiring generous...
Monday, February 20, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Happy Anniversary Surprised by Hope
Today marks the 1 year anniversary of the official formation of Surprised by Hope. What an amazing year it has been! Over the years I’ve heard people talk about “God’s call” or being “in God’s will” and intellectually I understood what they meant but eventually these phrases seemed overused or, dare I say, misused. These last few years, however, shed new light on their meaning. When I look back over...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Valentine's Day Girly Dresses
The big red event is just four days away. No matter how much you recoil at the idea of another Hallmark holiday, you do want to express yourself to that special someone you love. If you’re like me, you reject traditional gifts – flowers, chocolates, a fancy dinner – in search something a little less traditional, more thoughtful, and definitely something with an awe factor.
Nine new girly dresses...
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Until Next Time...
One of the real benefits of living in both Uganda and the United States is that I get to see everyone more often. I miss you all so much regardless of which side of the pond you live on. So many of you are constantly encouraging, praying, and cheering me on. I love telling you the stories of what’s happening in ministry, of showing how God is working all over the world, and of using pictures to illustrate how your support and prayer is making a difference.
Ministry in Uganda keeps me quite busy...
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Twin Dollies for Cynthia and Bobo from Grayson and Isaac
Every set of twins stood out to me until I suggested that someone might like to sponsor twin dolls. After that sponsor stepped forward I was hard pressed to find one single set…of course. I had so hoped to give the twin dolls to twin girls, but…it wasn’t meant to be. Instead Cynthia and Bobo each received a dolly. These girls are part of the group of four girls who always greet me in a culturally...
A Dress for Samat from Sarah
The walk from my house to the main road (Entebbe Road) is plastered with children, of course. Just up from the first dusty corner, four particular children tend to greet me in a way that suggests more than simply doing so out of fun in calling out “muzungu.” Samat, Cynthia, Bobo, and Grace are always ready to welcome me for the morning by kneeling and shaking my hand. Well, grace is a bit little...
Monday, February 6, 2012
Konoweka Kids have Courage
Each week the Konoweka children come running in expectation of singing songs together. Not to be disappointed, we sang several childrens’ Bible songs. They’re getting very good at doing the motions at the right time too. Today, though, they got an added surprise. We read a story about courage and the kids colored some pictures for you. I always look forward to continuing to spend time with the kids...
Sewing Machines for Konoweka
Hmm...which one to choose...
I’m kinda proud of myself. I figured out how to get two sewing machines and their stands from the third floor below ground up to the busy main road and then to my car without help from anyone I know. Not so proud that I relented on the prices thinking that I must have been mistaken about what I paid for machines last time. Did you know some machines don’t come with...
Sunday, February 5, 2012
A Dress for Vivian from Clover
Vivian’s tiny little feet didn’t fit any of the shoes we brought but she was just the right size for this cute little dress. She wasn’t very interested in visiting with me but she didn’t cry either. Her little nose ran and smeared all over her face. Her maama and jjaja were tickled with the interesting gift and weren’t concerned at all about the Christmas print on this dress. Another girl wrapped...
A Dress for Janus from Katie
Janus was a screamer. The moment she saw me she ran the other way. Even when offered this cute little dress with rocking horses on it, she wanted nothing to do with me. Daniel, on the other hand, was a welcome visitor in her book as long as he didn’t go near the muzungu. Daniel helped Janus slip the dress over her head and model for the camera. Nope, she didn’t want to see her picture after I took...
Wherever These Little Feet Step
You prayed over these shoes with me so that we could go into a mostly Muslim community and pave the way for Christian ministry. Daniel and I went to his hometown of Buikwe and, as always, the children were both eager and afraid. Once we pulled out the small gifts, they quickly warmed up…as did the maamas. Two different locations received piles of the shoes we prayed so hard over. The formerly bare-footed...
Saturday, February 4, 2012
First Visit to Buikwe
Our time was short in Buikwe, shorter than I would have liked. Sometimes I think I can get more than one thing done in a day…but that never seems to happen. Our visit began at the little eight-person church before heading out to the village where the majority of the population is Muslim. I had my eye on this little girl, daughter of the pastor and his wife. She was happily drumming and shaking her...
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