Good morning friends and family!
Happy February!
Time has been running and running and running. Even so, there remains the moments captured still in time. The sweet and enduring snapshots of little giggles, of daily hand holding, of African sunrises and flooding rain showers, of evening singing and drumming on the table – these are the catch-me-in-my-tracks and remember-the-goodness-of-the-Lord moments.
As always, my sincerest and warmest gratitude is owed to each of you who has faithfully endured and walked alongside me in earnest prayer, in encouragement, in love, and in support both spiritually and monetarily.
Here are some recent updates as we have begun the 2021 year:
I have moved and settled into the children’s home here at the Father to the Fatherless Uganda property. Our home is filled with 9 sweet (and stubborn) children, Aunt Liz, Mama Gloria, and Sister Susan! Our family is large, loud, and ever-growing. We love praising the Lord with sweet melodies and joyous dancing; giving thanks always and laughing often.
The Ugandan Presidential elections concluded at the end of January and although there was unrest and dissention in the minds and hearts of many, there was peace throughout the country. We were all safe and well despite the Ugandan government turning off all access to Wi-Fi, social media, and Airtel phone network for the week of elections. I was stunned as all internet and phones failed day after day, but those around me laughed and said:
"yeah, this happens sometimes."
We enjoyed the days without phones and patiently awaited the times when we were able to call our loved ones. They have yet to completely restore access to everything, so stay tuned for more updates and photos via my blog: Loving the Little Children of the World and social media coming soon!
It was just announced by the President that the reopening of primary schools is postponed for another three months. It was disheartening news as I anticipated the quick-coming of school and the joy of teaching many curious minds, but I rest assured knowing God’s timing and plan is greater! We await the coming school year in excitement and give thanks for the added time to plan and prepare.
Daily life in Uganda revolves around community and contribution - each person works side by side in the sweeping with brooms made of sticks and the bent over mopping with old t-shirts; the sticky peeling of matooke and the sorting out of debris in beans; the chopping of firewood for dinner; the digging of ditches and the spreading of manure in the banana plantation; the harvesting of maize, the typing of essential NGO documents, the bandaging of wounds, and the welcoming of each person who visits.
Through international sponsors, Father to the Fatherless supports and ensures orphaned, street, and vulnerable children all throughout Uganda are given proper schooling and have their daily needs provided for. We are preparing to visit each of our sponsored children in the coming weeks to ensure their wellbeing, hear their stories from this season of Coronavirus, encourage them in what they are doing, and support them in their dreams for the future!
If you have a heart to sponsor a child in need here in Uganda please refer to the Father to the Fatherless International website for donation information.
If you would like to donate to my service here in Uganda encouraging, empowering, and loving the people and community of Namuganga please refer to the donation page on my blog to see the different ways to donate and get involved!
There are few words to describe my gratitude and joy getting to serve in Uganda, but I hope these words give you a glimmer of all that it is.
With all my love & gratitude,
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