Wednesday and Thursday

Thursday: (7/21/2011)

—This morning I was having doubts about whether I could really bring anything today—whether what I was doing was really helping, whether I was being a good steward of the opportunities to learn while I’m here. I spent a good bit of the morning thinking and praying. The Lord gently reminded me that it’s not through my own strength to bring anything new today. In fact, my devotions spoke about that this morning—but it took a while for it to sink in I guess (this seems to happen a lot to me). What the Lord asks is for us to be willing to come to Him in our weakness, so that He can work through us and pour Himself into other’s lives.

I was also really missing my family a lot. This is nothing new because I’m always missing them a bit when I’m not home; however, I have a couple letters that my sisters have written to me over the years and I always take them with me when I go on longer trips. Marianne and Margaret, I am so thankful for you both and continue to pray for you daily (P.S. I was missing the chicken broil today J You will have to let me know how it was!)

This summer has given me a new appreciation for my two parents as well. Both showed me that they loved me every single day when I was growing up. The analogy of God as a loving Father is easier for my mind to picture than many in the world. Many of the children I’ve been talking to have at least one parent who is somehow gone (dead, abandoned them, etc) if not both. Thankfully, these ones have found that needed love and security through other people who have taken on that role. The frustrating thing is that there are dozens and dozens of more children in Arua who need to be shown this same love (that’s just in Arua, how many children all over the world have this same problem? It overwhelms me and frustrates me sometimes). Will these children ever know how special they are or how valued they are?

Jane came over again this afternoon to teach me more Lugbara. We worked on simple statements, questions, places, etc. Then she and I headed over to Stella and Florence’s home. We rode with our Boda driver Mawa for the first time. That was quite a hilarious experience.  It was raining, but we decided to go anyways. I’m thankful that our destination was not far. We started out with 4 children in the home when I arrived and it grew to about 35 in all by the time we had to leave. We sang and told stories and danced and sang some more. Because of the rain we had to stay inside and quickly filled up their house.  It was such an encouragement. The smiling faces make it worth it. Jane and Eunice are such blessings to everyone that they come in contact with.

Wednesday: (7/20/2011)

First thing this morning Meg, Timbo, and I went to visit Medlin at Arua hospital. That was a cultural experience all in itself. Medlin is the wife of David who provides for the street boys and girls. She just had a beautiful baby girl 3 days ago, named Melody. I got to hold her! :)  (Definitely a highlight of my week!) She is so precious and strong and healthy. What a joy to celebrate with them on her birth. I was so happy to finally meet Medlin after hearing so much about her. Even while recovering in the hospital, she possesses such a sweet and understanding nature. It was such an honor to meet with them. I also met a woman who was assisting Medlin on her recovery. She works for a couple that lives here in Arua. They are associated with YWAM! (It's the little connections).

 (Melody and Medlin)

 (Ah yes, She is an amazing little girl!)

 (Timbo was so excited to see the new baby.)

 (Looking at David's photos and videos from the week before)

Market/ Supermarket—We went into town to get some fresh vegetables etc at the market. I also had my first experience at a Arua supermarket. It was fun, and I decided to buy some snacks that looked similar to ones I used to buy last summer in Asia. They are very tasty!

I had another lesson with Jane this afternoon and then went to the MK Bible study. It was again a different number of children since last week. Be praying for these children and my time with them. God is using this as a stretching experience each week. 

blessings,

Mer