Delight yourself in the Lord

I never imagined myself loving a place so passionately. I can remember my nana coming to my Kindergarten class and talking about Uganda; but as a 5 year old, I was more excited to be able to tell all my friends about how my nana had been there and seen all those animals that we had read about, and show them all the things she brought home with her. Then in 6^th grade I did a presentation about Uganda for my Social Studies class. My teacher picked it to be in the schools Cultural Fair, so I asked my nana to help me set up a little booth about it. It was a big hit, and somewhere along the way I wondered if I would ever go to Africa to see these things for myself. I had this image in my head of what Uganda was like, and then when I went there for the first time, it was so different. That was during my 8^th grade year. Now, I’m going into my junior year, and I see things there so differently now from how I did then. As soon as the captain announces that we’ve begun our decent into Entebbe, something inside of my heart jumps. I look out my window and see the sun shining, beautiful trees and grass, Lake Victoria and the Nile River; it’s captivating. However, I see more than that. I see a land of adventure, where each new experience is one where I learn something new. I see a mass of people with welcoming hearts that are so full of love and hope, while they may be searching for those things themselves. I see a place that stole a piece of my heart from the first glance; a piece that will forever remain in Uganda. I spend so many days just thinking about that beautiful country. I wonder if the students are well, I pray for God’s hand to guide and build the school… some days I even plead with God to make the days go by faster so I can return to this wondrous land sooner. I know I must sound obsessive, but I’m really not. I don’t consider it to be obsessive, for this one simple reason- God has called me to Uganda. It’s not something I question anymore, and it’s not something I’m confused about. It’s not even something that I can explain easily. I guess that’s how I know it’s real. I used to wonder if He was calling me somewhere else to do missions. I wondered if it was really His plan for me to spend so much time there; but what made me change my way of thinking, was one extraordinary day at the school. I just looked around at my surroundings and took it all in.  It was at that moment that my entire view on God’s plan for my life changed. I knew without a shadow of doubt in my mind, that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Of course like any teenager, I have other things I think would be incredible and fun to do. However, none of them feel like they are right for me… at least not as much as Uganda does. I don’t know if I’ll grow up to be a missionary and move over to Uganda permanently, and honestly, I don’t even know how many more times God has planned for me to go. It may be that He’s using me in Uganda now to prepare me for something else later. But for now, I’m choosing to simply enjoy the time I have there, with them. I’m choosing not to worry about the future, but instead to live in the present, because it’s a gift. And this is a gift that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Psalms 34:7 says this- “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Many people think this means God will give you whatever you want if you believe in Him. I used to think that way too. Earlier this year, I heard someone explain it differently. I was at a concert, and between songs one of the guys in the band was sharing his testimony. He explained the Truth of this verse to us all. I don’t remember word for word, but he basically said this- “This doesn’t mean that God will give you a new car or a new iPhone, or any of our earthly desires. If we truly and completely delight ourselves in the Lord, our hearts desires will no longer be self-centered, but they’ll be what the Lord Himself desires for us. We delight ourselves in Him and the desires He has for us will be fulfilled, and we will be content.” His explanation of this verse has stuck with me since then, and I wish I could remember it word for word, because it sounded so wise then, and still does when I think about it. Anyway, he was right- It’s not about our desires. If we lived through our own desires, think of the road we might be taking; it’d be one of unsatisfaction and destruction. In the words of TobyMac, we’d be building our kingdoms just to watch them fade.

 

                I say all this to make this final statement; I don’t know exactly what God’s plan is for my life yet. It may include Uganda, it may not. But at the end of the day, I am sure of this one simple truth- God’s plan for my life, your life, and all of our lives are so extraordinary and so special, that we could not possibly imagine the incredible things He desires. We need only delight ourselves in Him, and let Him do his wondrous work.

I dare you to LOVE

Do you remember when you were little and you would play truth or dare, and your friends would dare you to do some of the craziest stuff? If you’re like me, you probably also remember backing out of a lot of those dares. I would always feel so brave and cool when I would say “Dare”, and then I would always chicken out. Why is that? I mean, we’ve all backed out of something at some point, right? And if we back out of something as silly as a party game, what have we passed by that is actually important? Well, that’s what I’m writing about today. Not about truth or dare, but about taking a real and important dare, and making it a life promise.

As you can all probably tell, I have a strong passion for traveling to Uganda and spreading the word of God, and my heart’s desire is to make a difference in this world. And as this is what my mind wanders to a lot, I’ve been trying to focus on God more, and one the things I am learning is that we are called to Love. It’s so much more than just a 4-letter word that we use on a daily basis. It is something that changes lives, and saves lives. It’s something that a lot of people don’t know, simply because they have never felt loved; they’ve never felt the greatest love. And I’m realizing that if we as Christians don’t show them love, they’re going to search for it in the wrong things, and in the wrong places. We are all called to step out and love!

1 Peter 3:8 says “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

1 Peter 4:8 says “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

The greatest sign of love was given on the day when Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, died on the cross for you, and for me, and for everyone. And our goal as followers of Christ should be to share that love with everyone! His love never fails, it never runs out, and we should all desire to make this known!
I’m gonna wrap this up, but first I want to tie this all together with the “real and important dare” I mentioned earlier. That dare, is a dare that should be taken very seriously, and it’s a dare that like I said, should really be a life promise. It’s a dare that -if taken seriously- will change lives, including yours.

I dare you to Love. Love like you’ve never loved before. Start now! As soon as you stop reading this, go out, and share the Love of Christ with someone. It will have a huge impact, and it really will make a change! For example- A lot of the children I met last year in Uganda don’t know the love of a parent. Many only have a mother, or are orphans. But even in those cases, those children always have a big smile on their faces. They will see you coming, and will run to greet you with a million hugs. They cling to you as if you’ve been friends forever, and they love you instantly. And the more time you spend with them, and the more you show that you love them, the more they love you back. It’s a feeling that I wouldn’t trade in a million years, and it’s all because of Love. They so enjoy hearing about what Jesus did for them, and how He loves them.  

That’s just one example of how spreading Love can make a difference. If you step outside of your comfort zone and trust in God, you’ll be amazed at what will happen! And it all starts with you saying YES!

Did you hear that? Love is calling YOU! So go on and LOVE ~

 I triple-dog dare you!

A million voices

We’ve been back from Uganda for roughly 5 months now, and I am missing all of my children very greatly right now. It’s hard for me too look at pictures of them and embrace the idea that they’re asleep right now on the other side of the world. It’s hard for me to wait for my next trip to see them. Even more than that though, I’m learning that everyone has a voice, and all of our voices have a purpose. Some voices speak towards politics, some towards sports, some towards charity, some towards careers or education; the point is, we all use our voice for something. Lately, I’ve been searching for what God wants to use my voice for. I know He has called me to missions, but I guess I’ve been hoping to find what he specifically wants to use me for. God has changed my life by changing my mind, and changing the way I look at things. And now that I’m seeing things differently, I’m becoming more… I guess you could say “aware” of what’s going on around me. I’ve been hearing about different organizations that are standing up to end slavery, there are people who work with disabled children, even my youth group has started a missions group. Seeing how other people are using there voices has been a great encouragement to me, and it’s given me an idea of what God wants to use my voice for. My voice is going to be used to make a difference. Everyone talks about how they want to help, how they want to make a change, right? Well, why don’t we do something to actually make that change? Is it that we don’t know WHAT to do, or is it simply that we don’t want to go outside of our comfort zones. Whatever it is, it has to end! There are broken people out there, who need Christ to put their lives back together. There are children who can’t go to school simply because they don’t have a pencil. There are families that are falling apart. There’s poverty, and hurt, and hunger, and slavery, and sickness, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to do something about it! I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. And really, God never promised that life would be easy, but He promised he would never leave. With that comes the knowledge that we have Him in our lives, and we have a voice, and we are called to take a stand for the things that really matter! I want to reach the broken, and the poor in spirit. I want to share the good news to those who feel like there’s no hope. I want to set the world on fire, for HIM! You have a voice too, and although you might not know what it’s for yet, God will use you and your voice for something big. The question is, when you do figure out what your purpose is, are you going to embrace it and take a stand, or are you going to turn away?
We all have a voice. So let's make some noise!

What hurts the most

Sometimes it just hits me like a brick. I'm in Uganda, and have been for almost 2 months. And during these 2 months, I've been a teacher, a friend, a student, a rainy day entertainer, a playmate, a nurse(I'll explain later)... but at the same time, I've had to see things that break my heart, and have left a big mark in my life. I've had to comfort 2 little girls who are ill with Malaria, I've had to buy food for a little girl who's stomach was "paining" her because of hunger and lunch wasn't ready, and I've seen children running around with no clothes on. Now, some people might think I'm complaining about the things I've seen, or that I'm growing tired of some of the challenges. But that's simply not true.

This morning, Christine, Kelsey and I took Ian, a P2 student, to see a nearby doctor because he has a serious wound on his leg from spilling hot porridge on himself a few days ago. After having an injection, ointment applied, and medicine prescribed, we walked back to the school. And then, Christine was telling us that Anisha (P3) is his sister, and his caregiver for the time being. Their mother is currently working in Kampala, and won't be returning for about a year. So that leaves a 3rd grader as the primary caregiver for a her brother, who is in 2nd grade... Is it just me, or does something sound off in this situation?? I want so badly to take care of them until their mother returns, but I don't have enough time left here to do so.

An hour or so later, we made our way back to the doctor with Ritah and Prossy, who were both complaining of headaches. Come to find out, both girls have Malaria. Ritah's temp was very low, while Prossy's was high. After some injections, more prescribed medicine, and orders to come back after school and before school tomorrow for another injection, we went back to the school, where both girls layed down to rest. They seem to be feeling a little better, but they aren't over the hill yet.

Then, after thinking we were done with our "excitement" for the day, Anisha starts complaining of a stomachache. Christine gave her some medicine, but her stomach pain did not go away. Then she said that her stomach pain was because of hunger(common problem). So Christine and I(along with her ADORABLE son, Elvis) walked down the hill to buy Anisha a snack, because Lunch wasn't even close to being ready. Anisha ended up with 2 biscuits and a banana... enough to hold her over until lunch.

As I sat in the office eating lunch this afternoon, I looked around and saw Ian, Ritah, Prossy, and Anisha, smiling and coloring, along with Jessica, Shakira, Marvin, Vicky, and the other Ritah(These  5 kids aren't sick but just wanted to spend time with their friends). And as I listened to the sound of the heavy rain on the church's tin roof, I thanked God for putting smiles back on these beautiful faces that I love so much. But my heart still longs to do more for them. That's what hurts the most. Knowing that Ritah and Prossy still need to be cure of their Malaria. Knowing that Anisha and Ian's mother won't be home for a year. Knowing that most of these children live in such extreme cases of poverty. Knowing that we're only their teachers for 2 more days... But I'm going to give up control. I'm gonna let go, and let God take the wheel. And really, he's been in control this whole time.

I don't know what else to say to these children when we leave, other than
Nkkwagala ("I Love You" in Luganda)

Forever Changed

Sometimes I have to be reminded of just how important our attitudes are. They affect so much, and it they can influence people too. I never imagined Kelsey would've been able to come with me on this trip, but looking at it now, things would be so different here without her. I never imagined that i'd have my 1st teaching job at 15 yrs old, but here I am now. I never imagined that these kids could change me in the way that they have, but... they have. And the attitude I have everyday makes a difference. If I choose to drag around all day, they are gonna do the exact opposite, but they can tell i'm not being myself, and they start to think it's because they've annoyed me in some way (which they haven't). So looking at our last 3 days here at the school...

Attitude means everything.

As we pulled up to the school this morning, I was tired. I just wanted to go back to bed... I had the wrong attitude. And my kids turned it right around, before I had even said goodmorning to them.

It was no sooner than we had turned onto the bumpy road to the school, that we saw this massive group of little children in green uniforms, running full speed towards our car! And Michael looks back at us and says "Oh! Oh! Oh! They want to see their teachers!" I honestly felt like I was going to cry! Suddenly we were surrounded by little kids, banging on our window, wanting us to come out. It was a feeling, that I wouldn't trade in a million years. "Can we get out and walk to the school with them?!?!" Kelsey asked in a very excited, yet serious look on her face. I don't really know why she asked, considering we were out the door before we even got an answer! We walked, skipped, and danced the rest of the way up the hill, in the middle of a sea of children.

Words can not describe, how happy I was, and still am. And looking back at it now, i'm almost in tears at how much they really love us! They've given me so much more than I could ever ask for. They are so, incredible, and I love them... more than they will ever know.

Yesterday, 2 little girls came to the school. Ritah, is in P3, and Vicky, is in P1. I had the privilage of spending some time with Ritah, and she is absolutely precious. She has a beautiful smile, and she hides her face whenever I ask her a question (which I find rather adorable). She likes football (soccer), and enjoys singing & dancing, and her favorite school subject is English. And Vicky has the most ADORABLE little laugh, and a big, bright smile. And just like her sister, she loves to play and dance around. And both of these girls like matoke(a meal made from bananas).

This afternoon, I spent a few hours with our other Ritah, who is in P4. But that time wasn't spent playing, or laughing, or dancing around.

Ritah is sick.

With a headache, a stomachache, and a fever, sweet Ritah slept on my lap for quiet some time, only waking up long enough to eat and drink a few sips of her water(not filtered, of course). And everytime I looked into her eyes, I could see that she was hurting. As I rubbed her back and hummed softly as she slept, I longed for the chance to see her beautiful smile. But when she woke, there was no smile. Christine suspects that Ritah has Malaria. I don't know if it's that serious, but if she's right... I don't even want to think about that. Ritah is a strong little girl, and she's a fighter, and I have no doubt that she's gonna be just fine. But having known how horrible headaches feel, my heart aches for this sweet little girl.

With a new Ritah, and a new Vicky making my day a little brighter, and then with our other Ritah being sick, my heart longs to spend more time here. We only have 3 days left at the school, and then we won't be their teachers anymore. We'll be leaving Uganda a week from today. I can't imaine waking up one day and realizing, "I'm not their teacher anymore." It just seems too strange. Adjusting back to my day-to-day life... not seeing these beautiful faces everyday... not being here... it's so hard to imagine.

Just a fair warning everybody... I will never be the same. These children have left a big mark on my life, and no matter what, I will NEVER forget them.

Jemima (Nursery)
Shakira (P4)
Rose (P3)
Reyna (P2)
Prossy (P4)
Vicky (P1)
Jovan (P4)
Moses (P3)
Marvin (P2)
Ian (P2)
Aisha (P3)
Ritah (P3)
Jessica (P3)
Anisha (P3)
Jonathon (P4)
Ritah (P4)

These are just a few of the children that have changed my life... Forever <3

The Greatest Need

A few weeks ago, I did a post saying that the school has several renovations to be done. Since then, many people have asked both Kelsey and myself, how help can be given. So today, I want to tell you about what some of the needs are, and I hope you will be in prayer for them.

1. Flooding/Roofing: Because of the lack of roofs on 2 of the 5 classrooms, they flood every single time it rains. So almost every morning, the students have to de-flood their classrooms. Kelsey and I spent probably an hour on Wednesday helping them get rid of all the water in their rooms, while it was still raining. I would definitely call this the greatest need.

2. School Fees: Every once in a while, we continue to see children being sent home because of school fees. Most of the students need sponsors. This is a great need also. To send just 1 child to this school for an entire year, costs as little as $30. That's a few trips to Starbucks, or a dinner out.


3. Steps: Some of the classrooms are somewhat elevated, so although it's not top priority, steps are needed.

4. Grass: I wouldn't call this a need, but it is something they are wanting to add to the school. It would somewhat help the mud situation, but the mud doesn't stop classes or really cause much damage, so I would probably consider grass to be the least priority at this point.

So roofing, flood control around the school grounds, and the school fees are the greatest needs at the time. The other roofs are supposed to be going up next week (hopefully), but the flooding and school fees are still a problem.

Kelsey and I have decided that we want to start raising donations and finding sponsors as soon as we get home, so please be in prayer for that as well. I greatly appreciate how much you have all wanted to help! We will have more details and information when we get home, but if you have any questions about the flooding, the roofs, or the students, you are welcome to message me on Facebook, and I will try to answer some of your questions.



School photo with all students, teachers, and the Muzungu visitors <3

Thank you all again! The need at this school is great, and your help and support will make a BIG difference!

Love is Calling

It's hard to believe that we'll be leaving Uganda 2 weeks from today. It seems like we just got here yesterday, but we've actually been here a little over 5 weeks. How the time flew by so fast, I will never know.

Kelsey and I have talked a few times about how hard it'll be to re-adjust to our normal lives in America. But I've realized that the life I'm currently living here in Uganda, is normal to me. It seems normal to see chickens and goats everywhere I go. It seems normal to eat either Posho or Rice almost everyday for lunch. It seems normal to have a bunch of little children surround our car every morning, and it seems normal to have even more little children come up to us and hug us as we leave every afternoon. It seems normal to choose a skirt to wear every morning instead of searching for my favorite pair of jeans. All of these things seem perfectly normal to me!! Now, don't get me wrong, I still look forward to putting on my sweat pants every night, and I can't wait to come home and wear pants whenever I want. But I've gotten so used to the day-to-day life here, that NOTHING seems to surprise me anymore.

For those of you who didn't see me post about it on Facebook, I learned that the little girl who I have been calling Beckah, is actually Jemima. She was probably playing "Let's trick the Muzungu!!" I have no idea how I heard the name "Beckah", but I just wanted to clear that up. Also, Kelsey worked with Aisha yesterday, and she told me afterwards that she thinks Aisha has Dyslexia. Dyslexia isn't something you would hear about in Uganda, and finding someone who can help Aisha with that will be difficult, so please be in prayer about that, as well as the school situation.

Yesterday during P.E., a group of children surrounded us, and with a very sad look in their eyes, said "We will cry when you leave..." How can you look into those beautiful brown eyes, and it not melt your heart??? We hugged them, and said "We will cry too!!!!" And the whole time, I was holding back tears. You see, these children aren't just our students anymore. In fact, they've never been "just students" to me. They are SO much more than that. They're my friends, my playmates, my students, my teachers (some of them have been teaching us to speak Luganda), my "little monkeys" (the boys are anyway), but more than anything, they feel like family to me. And in the Christian aspect, they are. But they're family to me in another way too. I can't explain it in words, but these children have filled my heart with so much Joy!!!

One of my favorite songs that got me pumped up for this trip, is "Love is Calling" by Karen Spurlock. Part of the chorus says:

"Reach the fallen, reach the broken, help them keep going, come on, Love is Calling you"

Everytime I hear those words, I think of Uganda, and all these lost, broken people, who need someone to help them keep going. They need JESUS.

Over these last several weeks... months, actually... all I've wanted to do is make a change. Change just one life. I know now, that only God can change lives. And my hope, is that He will change lives here in Uganda through me, and Kelsey, and Paps, with the men he's teaching.

God is Love.
Love has called me to Uganda.
Love has called me, and Love is calling you <3

*EXTRA NOTE*
I want to thank all of you who have wanted to help with the school situation. It is GREATLY appreciated!! We will keep you updated during these last 2 weeks, and when we get home we will tell you all of the details. God bless you all!!