Faithful.

"Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

 

In what seemed like a whirlwind of a couple of days, we all were finally in the same place. Together. All eleven of us. For most of our team, it was their first venture onto the streets of Uganda. We all had a different story. All had heard about Sozo in ways only God could receive glory for. From falling in love with a little boy most know as Jimmy Thing through the daily posts by one of our precious missionaries, Laura. To hearing The Lord speak loud and clear, give up everything you have come to know and grow comfortable with and head on over to Africa--and he has. Twice. To seeing someone wear a Sozo tshirt in a Midwest state nowhere close to home and finding us that way. The Lord was clearly at work. Willing spirits result in a clean slate for our Father to work, and that He did! 

 

The ten days we spent in Uganda were nothing shy of hectic at times. We had a packed schedule so everyone tightened up their flexible pants and we conquered all we had planned. 

 

Worshipping as ONE family--together--at church is one of my favorite things about Uganda. For a couple of hours on Sunday mornings, you forget that the other six days a week are spent at 3 separate houses and 3 different schools. It's just a sweet reminder of the days that are soon to come where everyday will be spent together. Be still my heart at this precious thought. For one of the first times during my time spent in Uganda, I was overwhelmed at the beautifully innocent sight of some of our children pressing into The Lord and seeking His heart in worship. Reckless abandon. Their chains were gone. They've been set free. The Lord has done a mighty work in their lives. He's moved the mountains that they were told all their lives would never move. They've overcome the odds that were set against them. They know what freedom feels like, and they lavish in that. The way they worship our Father will humble you quicker than anything else. It does me. But there was something different about Andrew lifting those scarred arms toward the Ultimate Physician that morning. And something unique about the joy that radiated from Badru's infamous smile as he sang a new song. Or maybe I finally stopped long enough to breathe in the beauty of the mighty hand that is at work in each one of these children's lives. With one salty tear that streaked my check, more soon followed. Lord, let me learn from their passion to seek and know You more deeply and intimately. 

We spent the afternoon at house 3 where they all got brand new soccer jerseys donated by BUSA(MT--you're great!!). It was like Christmas morning as they each were handed a jersey then dashed off to their room to try it on. Our boys live for a good soccer match! You mention "football," and those ears hear those sacred words--watch out!!

They were ready to play, and we were ready to take the sights in! We popped open the nets and with a freshly pumped soccer ball, we took to the "field" or front yard! But first, we had to capture this exciting day, so like picture day for any typical team, one by one they posed for a snap. Man, I was one proud team manager! 

After about an hour of pure joy and 17 sweaty boys later, we loaded the jerseys up to take home for a good washing and were blessed to do devotion that evening with them. There are not many things more memorable than a good evening devotion at house 3. They love The Lord with all of their heart, mind and soul and they display this truth through worship, prayer and testimonies. Testimonies that usually begin with "I thank God for my life and for your life too." 

 

We began Monday with a quick boda boda ride back to Mercy Home which truly marks Sozo's starting point on the God-breathed journey He has walked hand-in-hand with us on.

 

Tuesday was spent in the village. We were able to go door to door and share The Gospel with families throughout the community. The eagerness for prayer that you see with those you come in contact with will move you. Over the past few months we've been able to witness The Lord do a work in individuals and among families. Some have prayerfully asked God to be the center of their lives. Salvation is what it's all about. I stand in awe that we get to play a part in life changing moments.

We shared scripture and were able to pray blessings over these families. Believing for opportunities for work to come along, financial provision, healing for sick family members and ultimately that the Love of Christ would wrap His arms around these individuals. 

 

We spent the following day with some of the most incredible families that we have come to know and love in Kabalagala. My heart rejoices as we come up to the window of Mama George and she turns that corner to greet us with hugs and kind words. Then out shoots George. He was home from school that day and he was as wild as ever. There is something so unique, so special, about him. He's a ball of energy and full of life. I snap photos and briefly catch up with his God-fearing momma and off we go. We then head to make my all-time favorite trek of the slums--the trek to Mama Phiona's. Davis and I didn't make it 10 feet before Henry was in full sprint down the hill.

Lord have mercy, what this child does to my soul. I scoop him up and kiss those sweet cheeks of his and its off to his house to see my favorite mama of them all-Beatrice! She lets out her joyous shriek and I hug that neck so tightly. What I would do to see that woman weekly. The language barrier that used to be so thick is beginning to break, and again I am reminded love trumps all.

She teaches me something new each time I get to see her. That day, she taught me trust. She has displayed trust with us on many occasions. Each time we get to visit though, she welcomes us in with open arms. She has learned to trust us and knows that we love her and every single one of her precious children unconditionally! We then went over to meet up with the team at Jimmy's compound. The mzungus had been spotted and the crowd of children were growing by the minute. Laughter echoed off those dirt walls we were surrounded by and it did my heart well to be able to soak up not only the sounds of joyful children but also the sight of 10 of the most loving team members pouring out every ounce of love they could possibly spill over onto these innocent lives. We wrapped up the afternoon with Jimmy Thing posing for a sponsor surprise to come later this year. 

 

We brought in America's birthday from across the big pond on July 4th. We headed back to the village on the 4th to spend a little time with Teacher Margaret and her bundles of joy she selflessly teaches each day.

Oh the miracles that take place in this 10 by 10 foot classroom. She is annointed by Christ to teach like no other. Thank you for your obedience to say yes Teacher Margaret. The light that you shine and the difference you're making in these 40+ children's lives on a daily basis!

We were also blessed to see the ONE Interns from Sozo working very hard in order to reach the goal date to complete village projects they began earlier this summer. It's hard work and no walk in the park by any means, but they do it with such grace and joy, you would never know it!

Thank you ONE Sozo interns for the blisters, sore muscles and exhausted bodies at the end of the day. The Lord is at work through y'all and the way you all served pushed us all closer to Christ. 

 

The week ended with a wedding celebration! Daudi and Maureen tied the knot on Saturday, July 6th! The wedding was short and sweet--both of them were glowing with pride at the first sight of each other. 

After they said "I do!" the party began! With horns blowing, Harley Davidson's revving their engines and cheers and waves from all, the bride and groom were on their way to the reception!! A short drive from the church, hidden behind the infamous Shell station we park at on days we visit Kabalgala, was where the reception celebration would take place. And a celebration it was!! Yellow and blue was the theme, and they did not disappoint with the music and food! We even got a little taste of Dave Barnes and K-Ci and JoJo!! 

But the only thing that could have made this day better would be to celebrate with some of our favorite Kabalagala munchkins!! 

Before we could get settled into our chairs to take in the sights and sounds, some familiar faces came running in! Dressed in their best for probably their first wedding experience, they were enthralled. And I must admit, we were too!!

 

 

Before the night wrapped up, we spent the last few minutes sending our love to all of our sweet friends who had joined us to celebrate Daudi and Maureen's marriage! We decided to add a little American kick to the mix because seriously, who can go to a reception and leave before the dance floor sees a little action! So we slipped our dancing shoes on and spun in circles under that flawless Ugandan star-filled sky! I must admit, I hands down had the best dancing partner and I loved every minute of sweet Henry and I dancing!

 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us on Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:3-6

 

Each time I leave, I am reminded of how much that place feels like home. And before I can begin to think about letting the tears come, I quickly remind myself I'll be back soon. The kids are growing like weeds, getting smarter by the day and mirroring Christ reflection more and more daily. How sweet it is to be reminded that they are being raised to be future leaders of Uganda and from the look of things, Uganda has a bright future in store if our children will be the ones helping to lead the way. 

Please continue to pray for our children's education as they are always asking and praying for more wisdom and knowledge, and prayer for our moms and dads who are raising them up to be God-fearing men and women! We could not be more thankful for the wonderful staff the Lord has put in our path.