tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19842102510070608172024-03-19T03:49:10.035-07:00Seeking Genesis: UgandaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-65080338272035671182015-11-09T16:16:00.000-08:002015-11-09T16:16:17.460-08:00I used to think... #OutofSortsBook<div class="tr_bq">
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<b>I used to think I could live this life on my own, but now I think I can do nothing without the grace and power of Jesus. </b><br />
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My story is unique yet similar to some many other people. I became a Christian at 18 when I realized, like all Christians must do at some point, that I needed Jesus. I had been doing it on my own for so long, and I was so tired. Each day I would seek fulfillment in the world around me, just to find that the next day I needed to be filled all over again. It was temporary, and left me wanting more, feeling dirty and unlovable.<br />
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I joke with my friends about this old life, and call it BC: <i>before Christ</i>. I was a totally different person before I allowed God to take over my heart, will, and life. There is a lot of things I used to think, but now my world has changed...<br />
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I used to think that I couldn't be loved (if only you <i>really knew me</i>), but now I must choose to love myself every day.<br />
I used to think that I wasn't beautiful but now I think that my beauty is an undeniable part of the woman God is transforming me to be.<br />
I used to think that I loved well but now I see love is a commitment to choose God and choose the other over myself. <br />
I used to think that I had to see, touch, feel to believe but now I know that believing is obeying, and requires faith.<br />
I used to think that my worth came from my abilities but I am learning that I am worthy even when I am unable.</blockquote>
The love of God is a wave, crashing down on you, overwhelming you with its power. Each down the wave of his grace and mercy fall upon you, you change. The waters of his love transform you: carving you, building you, and shaping you from the brokenness you are and have experienced. There is no denying it or fighting it.<br />
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It changes <i>everything</i>. Your heart, your friends, your desires, your will, your direction, <b>your life</b>. There is no way you can encounter Jesus and not be transformed.<br />
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I used to think that I could do this on my own, but now I think I wouldn't want to live any other way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-49026276937392582642015-10-27T17:52:00.002-07:002015-10-27T17:52:24.917-07:00Uganda Celebration 2015This past weekend, my team gathered to celebrate the wonderful things God has done through us, our supporters and the people of the Revival Mission Church in Eastern Uganda. It was a <i>great</i> <i>success</i>! There was delicious food, preachimonies and lots of pictures! We began our presentation with this short video that provided an overview of our time in Uganda this past summer:<br />
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We then used this slideshow, found <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1i9iHP3DEE3bG16NmVDbDlFUU0/view" target="_blank">HERE</a>, as a starting point for our time of sharing and discussion. Following the formal presentation, many people stuck around to eat the bounty that was shared by our Ugandan friends. It was very exciting to share what we have done, and look forward to what is to come! Thoughts and prayers are already being had about summer 2016!<br />
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Stay tuned for more information!<br />
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You are loved.<br />
LizAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-80278260527590010032015-10-19T20:16:00.001-07:002015-10-27T17:58:16.733-07:00Bukigai: Church ConstructionMost of what we give and get in Uganda is intangible: love, stories, relationships, encouragement, joy, praise, worship, prayer. We leave with fuller hearts, overflowing with testimony to the greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Countless "God moments" throughout our short time in Uganda.<br />
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The biggest tangible contribution we have made to the community in Bukigai is the financial provision for their new church. Three years ago, Alex and Milly Wori were sent with the beginning funds to start the foundation of a new church.<br />
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You can see the original papyrus structure on the left, and the men building the foundation.</div>
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Two summers ago, our large team of <i>thirteen</i> people were able to raise enough money to bring up the walls. It was awesome to watch as our local brothers literally and figurative brought up the walls the re-ignited the light of this church body.<br />
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This last year we watched the building transform as a roof was constructed and completed. Leading up to our trip, and even while we were in country, we received an abundance of support so that we could also put in doors and windows. It was truly magical leaving the village knowing our brothers and sisters would have their first sunday worship in their new, fully enclosed building <i>very soon</i></div>
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We left the village at this stage in the construction.</div>
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Very soon after, it was totally enclosed! </div>
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The people in Bukigai are very excited about this new building! It is the biggest structure for miles, and people are already inquiring on how to rent it out! It speaks volumes of the BIG God that wishes to do BIG things in the people of Eastern Uganda. On our first day in the village this past summer, the choir of the church, called Bukigai Revival Mission Church (BRMC) sang us the original song!</div>
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<u>Lyrics:</u></div>
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Bye bye the church of papyrus</div>
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We are now in a concrete one</div>
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We congratulate you our friends from UCC</div>
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And the partners who supported us</div>
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We were ignorant people in papyrus</div>
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(something) with nothing to do</div>
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We appreciate you for the love that you showed us</div>
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Because now we shine shine shine</div>
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Praise God! It is honor to spread His provision and blessings to our brothers and sisters across the globe. Thank you for partnering with us! </div>
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You are loved.</div>
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Liz</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-68950241516791716382015-10-11T17:36:00.000-07:002015-10-11T17:36:03.760-07:00Worship. Sometimes, I just don't feel like worshipping. I am tired or disconnected or distracted. I don't have the warm, tingling sensation as a I sing out to our great Lord. I lack the reverence, the joy and the heart-felt connection that I am used too. That I long for.<br />
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Sometimes I feel disingenuous when I sing and do not feel these emotions or sensations. Am I <i>really</i> worshipping if my heart is not in it?<br />
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Yes. It is worship irregardless of how <i>I feel</i> about it. It is not about me, or my feelings, or my "place with God." It is about Him, His feelings and His place in my life. It is about praising His name, his works, His goodness, His work on the cross and the grace He has extended. We are to praise Him every morning and every night, in the good times but especially in the bad. Our feelings do not dictate Him, or His worthiness to be praise.<br />
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God designed us to be worshipful beings that sing out His praises all day long. But we don't live in that perfect world, and sometimes its okay to sing out when you don't feel like it. Actually, it is probably more meaningful when we worship in our yuckiness, in our despair, in our pain. Sometimes it's about obedience, and singing to Him because he deserves it, all the time, any time.<br />
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One time I asked Milly, our resident Ugandan, if she ever felt like <i>not</i> worshipping. Has she ever experienced the lack of desire to sing out praises? Her answer was an <b>adamant</b> <b>no.</b> "There is no place I would rather be than worshipping my Lord." She isn't kidding, and she is for real. This woman is the epitome of Holy Spirit filled and inspired.<br />
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Her intention was not to make me feel bad, or to compare. Her only responsibility is to our one true God. I am sure there are times when she does not <i>feel</i> the goodness and the greatness of our Lord. But ultimately she knows that is isn't about her, or me, or you. It is about Him, His son and His spirit. May we worship Him today, tomorrow and always. Because He deserves it, requires it and desires it.<br />
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You are loved.<br />
LizAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-33924562168966692312015-07-20T19:08:00.002-07:002015-07-23T08:48:24.673-07:00Community.Community. It is my favorite part about being a Christian. It is through the people around me that I experience a tangible expression of God's love. And in the times when I am not my best self, I experience God's grace through their unconditional support.<br />
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The African community takes this to another level. Their collective culture and the high value they place on togetherness and family intensify the effects of their community. If our van gets stuck in the mud, random farmers in the surrounding area congregate to help. The most often story we hear is one relatively poor family member giving to an even needier member. It doesn't matter that they are barely making ends meet, they will give what they have to their people. They give until it <i>hurts.</i><br />
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During a lot of our waiting times in Uganda, I took the opportunity to talk to my Ugandan brother, teammate and resident agriculture specialist, Moses. His passion and <b>desire for justice</b> was inspiring. He could motivate you to support just about any cause. His biggest conviction is his love for his country and the longing to help his people out of poverty. One of our conversations led us to discuss the way that he supports his family. He provides a lot from them, mostly because he lives in the states and is able to make more money. One time he was sending a larger amount to his brother, in order to pay his university tuition. The clerk at the bank couldn't believe he was supporting his brother in this way. And Moses couldn't believe that someone <i>wouldn't</i> support their brother in this way.<br />
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The culture of Uganda raises its children with this value of <b>family</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>and <b>community</b>. It's not only family first, but <i>others first</i>. You give to others until its uncomfortable, until you can't give any more. You see that family reaches far beyond the context of mother, father, siblings. It is your fellow church members, your neighbors, that person across the street that just lost a loved one. Sounds similar to what Jesus means when He says "love your neighbor as yourself," right?<br />
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I was reading Mark 12 the other day. It talks about the widow who sacrificed all the little she had back to God at the temple offering. As I was reading the commentary on the website <b><a href="http://www.shereadstruth.com/" target="_blank">She Reads Truth</a></b>, I realized that often our Ugandan friends live this way.<br />
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"The widow's everything was next to nothing. And yet she knew that all she has was from God, her protector and provider."</blockquote>
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"<i>She had the guts to give God everything</i>... This woman with very little looked at absolutely everything she had- her poverty- as abundance."</blockquote>
The author of this particular devotional goes on to challenge the readers in this way:<br />
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"Are we digging deep, deep down into the next-to-nothing parts of our pockets and calendars and efforts to give to the Lord from a place of sacrifice what is already from Him?"</blockquote>
Are you all in? Am I giving until it hurts? Not just your money, but your time, your priorities, your thoughts? Unfortunately, in America, we live in a culture that encourages comfort. It tells you that you have to be comfortable and if you're not, then you do whatever it takes to get there. Even in church, we are prompted to give, but do you give <i>until it hurts, </i>until you might have to give up some of your comforts in order to support someone else?<br />
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I admire my Ugandan friends that have come to live in America. They have left their comfort, their known world, to come to a vastly different place. They work really hard to live in average apartments so that they can send resources back to their family. But they always have enough, and they are always giving to others. It's almost as if the more open your hands, the more you have. <br />
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We have a lot to learn from one another, friends. And I am thankful for this example of community, of giving, and of sacrifice.<br />
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You are loved.<br />
LizAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-14988797875093216982015-07-16T14:20:00.000-07:002015-07-16T14:20:15.337-07:00Thoughts on time, relinquishment and faith.As I start to process my trip and all that I experienced while in Uganda, my thoughts have been sporadic. It will take time and lots of conversation to bring them together into a coherent message leading to long term effects. In the past week, as I have been journaling, I have had short moments of inspiration, where thoughts flowed and I was able to come up with a brief glimpse of God. They are messy, full of dead-end logic and incomprehensible questions. Each stream of consciousness are totally separate, but I have hope that in time they will come together to reveal more of Him, His movement in Uganda, and His will in my life. Until then, we wait.<br />
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I can't believe my time in Uganda has come and gone. Time is not linear. It's almost as if there are moments or long series of moments when we can almost experience another dimension of time. Like there are gaps in the time-space continuum when it doesn't make earthly sense. I know God is outside of time, and does not see the world as we do. I wonder if there are moments when we can see beyond our humanly understanding of time.<br />
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Why do we even have time? I guess it helps our finite minds attempt to organize an infinite universe. And when we try to understand beyond this present moment, we end up going in circles. We start to believe that something came out of nothing, and that life might be possible outside of this place we know as home. We struggle to understand a god that is outside of time, outside of this known world. It is hard to see beyond ourselves, beyond our understanding of time and space. But I believe there are moments, moments that can't even be defined by seconds or minutes, that we experience a different kind of time. How is it that I am already here, three weeks after I started my Ugandan adventure? It is almost as if it never happened, and I have been doing my normal routine this whole time.<br />
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Again I say this, <i>time is a strange phenomenon</i>.<br />
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To relinquish: to surrender what you have and what you want. To leave your convoluted human desires and dreams behind, to give up and give in to God's love. It sounds painful and it is. It sounds hard and frustrating and impossible, and well, it kind of is. To let go of letting go is confusing, and unknown and unexplainable. Releasing your grips and allowing life to be willed through you is terrifying. It is like a zip line, and those first few seconds (or minutes or days) after you jump before your lifeline (or Jesus) catches you. The free fall is what we all live to avoid. But without the jump and fall, you will never know the feeling of true reliance on God. Or the freedom of flying down the line with the wind of His grace and love that both propels you and holds you.<br />
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God, you are a paradox. The more You reveal, the more You expect (Luke 12:47-48). The more I know, the more I want. The closer I get to You, I want less and less of this world. As I drink more of Your living water, the thirstier I am for You. I want You to reveal Your plans to me, but what that comes more responsibility and higher expectations and closer obedience. I am saved by faith, but without works, am I really saved? It is not about what I do, but if I do not obey am I really in relationship with you? You love me just as much today as yesterday, so why am I working so hard to earn your love?<br />
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We are just finite minds attempting to define an infinite God.<br />
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You are loved.<br />
LizAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-2741977939187684522015-07-11T17:47:00.004-07:002015-07-23T08:43:26.158-07:00[2015] Home (?) and Happy (!)Home is a relative term. I am currently in my bedroom, close to my friends and all that I consider normal. But part of me will always remain in Uganda. I find that as I get older, the more my heart grows and is spread out across the country and world. And home is where the heart is, right?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Baby Jaden is one of those that stole my heart!</span></div>
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One thing I love about the Ugandan people is their ability to make me feel at <i>home</i>. I don't feel intrusive or out of place (mostly). I feel welcomed and included, <b>wanted </b>and part of something bigger. We were at home there, amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is always hard leaving them, but I rest in the hope of the future. Not only my return, but also our eternal heavenly home!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Saying goodbye in Bukigai</span></div>
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I also know that our accomplishments and future projects wouldn't be possible if we didn't live here. Living in America allows us to finically support our friends over there, and to make connections to others who can also join the mission. I am thankful for the life God has provided me here, and the heart He has given me to continue investing in His work in Uganda.<br />
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Still, over and over people asked us to stay. From marriage proposals to job offers, our friends did not want us to leave! Our Pastor Richard was insistent on it! Upon my return last year, I wondered and prayed if that was what God wanted for me. A few months ago, I was getting ready for my internship, and I felt confident that God wanted me here. He has gifted me with skills, filled me with compassion (and now provided a dream job) here in America. I have a peace that this is what God has for me right now. I do not know what the future has, but I feel certain that I am exactly where I need to be.<br />
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So I am home. And definitely happy. Leaving is bittersweet, but today I choose to be joyful in all that God has done the last two weeks.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Reunited with Baby Faith and her whole family!</span></div>
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I have lots more to share! Check back soon :)<br />
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You are loved.<br />
Liz<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For more pictures, check out my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/liz.meagor/media_set?set=a.10153376080046827.1073741831.514151826&type=3&notif_t=like" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or the <a href="http://www.uccinuganda.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">UCC blog</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-50862990716830537372015-07-03T02:53:00.003-07:002015-07-11T10:19:48.627-07:00[2015] One week down!So it has been a week already. Time is a weird phenomenon- it moves simultaneously slow and fast. Our five days in Bukigai were beautiful, joyful and too short. Part of my heart will forever be there!<br />
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I am currently at cafe arabica, my favorite spot to hang in Mbale. I have been looking forward to this cappuccino since I arrived in Uganda!<br />
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I don't have much time or internet, so I'll keep this short. Our program in Bukigai went fabulously- we trained and taught around 100 locals on the topics of positive parenting, poultry management and agriculture. The information was well received! By the third day, the people were teaching one another!<br />
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During the last part of the seminar, the group collaborated to build a chicken coop with left over materials from the church roof.<br />
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We also have a fully roofed structure!! It was awesome to watch them finish the rafters and put on the roofing!! I found a great joy in visiting the site a few times a day to encourage and cheer on the workers, who were Alex's brothers and friends!<br />
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This week they will be putting in doors and windows so the entire structure will be enclosed. Praise God!! We had a little taste of how wonderful that will be- each afternoon the tropical rains came and poured down and disrupted most everything. This sunday, our friends will have their first worship service in their new brick building! I have no doubt there will be much rejoicing.<br />
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From here, we will be visiting other churches under pastor Richard's care and offering a shortened version of the three day seminar we gave in Bukigai. The goal will be to expose them to a little bit of information, but mostly just to encourage the church members. We will be traveling a lot so please pray for travel mercies!<br />
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Please pray for these requests as well:<br />
-successful completion of the church building<br />
-effective trainings and sharing of knowledge<br />
-continued health and unity of our team (we have really been enjoying each other's company!)<br />
-establishing and continuing relationships with the people we encounter<br />
-discussions with pastor richard and team about future plans and directions<br />
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Thank you!<br />
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You are loved.<br />
LizAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-88127085967842221982015-06-27T01:00:00.000-07:002015-07-11T16:14:49.718-07:00[2015] We made it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />We are currently at Anderita Beach Hotel in Entebbe, which has beautiful views of Lake Victoria!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We are waiting for our dear friends Pastor Richard and Alex Wori to come pick us up! From here, we head to Bukigai, in time to have Sunday worship with them tomorrow. Please be praying for safe travels along the road here!<br /><br />We will probably won't have any internet in the village, so the next update won't be until later in the week (Thursday). Please pray for our workshops and trainings that we will be conducting- that they will be fruitful and lead to positive discussions. Also pray for the relationships we will continue to build and the new ones we will create!<br /><br />I appreciate you!<br /><br />You are loved.<br />Liz</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-21353433267204521142015-06-25T07:14:00.002-07:002015-06-25T07:14:44.230-07:00Update from the Wori Family!Here is an update from Milly we received a few days ago!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We (Alex, Ramich and Milly) arrived in Uganda safely on June 16, 2015. Glory to God and thank you for your prayers. We also give thanks to all those who have supported this Mission both financially and through prayer. We look forward to receiving the rest of the mission team members on June 26, 2015. </blockquote>
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On June 18th, 2015, the Roofing materials that had been purchased mostly in the capital, Kampala, were transported safely to Bukigai Village. On June 19, 2015, the carpentry work, led by Ezra (the Chief Carpenter-Alex's brother), begun. Today, June 20, 2015, is when we took the attached photos as the timber for roofing was being joined before it is put up on the building. The community is very very pleased and very grateful for the support and they all send their greetings.</blockquote>
Below are the photos:<br />
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Alex, Ramich and</div>
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(Alex's brother and the head carpenter for the construction project this year)</div>
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Milly, Alex and their daughter Ramich</div>
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The construction begins!</div>
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Every thing is cut and done by hand to save costs! </div>
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We hire Alex's brothers, cousins and family friends because they are carpenters by trade in Uganda.</div>
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That is all for now. We leave TODAY! Please be praying for the rest of the team as we travel to join the Wori Family. Our flight leaves SFO at 1:50pm and we should arrive in Entebbe by 10:40pm the following night in Ugandan time. They are 10 hours ahead of us, so our arrival time in CA will be around 12:40pm Friday afternoon. </div>
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From there, we will spend the night in Entebbe and head to Bukigai the following day! Last time, we had a lot of detours and mishaps, so it took us a whole extra day to get there. Pray against any unnecessary barriers, and that we will arrive in the village during the day (driving on the dirt road at night is dangerous). We will have sunday worship with the church in Bukigai, we are really looking forward too! </div>
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Thank you for your prayers!</div>
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You are loved,</div>
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Liz</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-87763914145626136322015-06-16T14:41:00.004-07:002015-06-16T14:41:41.627-07:00Grants upon Grants!This year I have been blown away by the way God has provided funding! Over and over again, people and organizations have come forward and awarded grants, extra support and and abundant blessing over this upcoming trip. I wanted to give you all an outline of some of the organizations we will be partnering with as we continue our relationship with the Bukigai church.<br />
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In the fall, one of our team members Kelly Huff found an organization called the <a href="http://theparakletefoundation.org/#" target="_blank">Paraklete Foundation</a>. This word "paraklete" means "to come alongside" in Greek. Their vision is:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The Paraklete Foundation proclaims, demonstrates and expresses God's love by supporting those in need of education, training or experience in life skills, spiritual nurture, and/or Christian service in lower economic communities.</span></blockquote>
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We submitted a grant proposal to fund the next critical phase of construction of the church: the roof! It is vital that we add the roof to the structure soon so that the walls do not get worn down. Praise God- THEY GRANTED US THE WHOLE AMOUNT! Nine thousand dollars later, and we will be providing this community, the preschool, and the church with a brand new, leak-free roof.</div>
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This spring, our new team member Cindie encouraged our team to apply to the <a href="http://blumcenter.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank">Blum Center at UC Davis</a>. They mission statement is:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333433; font-family: futura-pt, 'Futura Std', Futura, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">The Blum Center for Developing Economies addresses the needs of poor communities in developing countries. We prepare students with the theoretical understanding, applied skills, and experiential learning. Our courses and grants programs enable students to become agents of change in the war against world poverty.</span></blockquote>
We found out about this possibility at the last minute, but Cindie and our other team member Jenny worked hard to make sure they got it in by the deadline. Praise God- they received a four thousand dollar grant for their chicken project! Not only will this cover the cost of supplies, but will also cover some of the in country travel costs.<br />
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Lastly, our team has somehow (thanks to Jesus) gotten connected to <a href="http://vetswithoutbordersus.org/initiatives/uganda/" target="_blank">Veterinarians Without Borders</a> (VWB). This organization has initiatives in various countries, including Uganda. Their goal in Uganda is:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', sans-serif; font-size: 16.7999992370605px; line-height: 25.1999988555908px;">implementing regional trainings to teach smallholders to recognize signs of disease and report them to their District Veterinarian so steps can be taken to control disease before an epidemic occurs.</span></blockquote>
Another woman from our church has volunteered with VWB and encouraged us to contact them. Within weeks, we had set up a partnership between VWB and our two team vets, Jenny and Cindie. This organization has agreed to cover nearly the entire cost for these two, including airfare! That means all the financial support they have raised will now go to help the rest of the team! This is a huge reason why I was able to go.<br />
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CAN I GET AN AMEN?!? God is so good, and has continued to provide for us and our brothers and sisters in Uganda. He is not limited, and will use whatever means necessary to further His kingdom.<br />
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You are loved.<br />
LizAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-11010144226799964222015-06-02T19:38:00.002-07:002015-07-11T10:23:20.191-07:00Until then, we wait.Lately this phrase has brought me a lot of peace: Until then, we wait.<br />
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It seems like we are always waiting, doesn't it? Even after God has provided so abundantly and thoroughly in recent weeks, I still feel like I am waiting. Waiting for my job to start, for my husband to come, for real life to <i>begin</i>.<br />
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I have been reading this book called "When the Heart Waits" by Sue Monk Kidd. It has been exactly what my heart and soul has needed during this in between time. It is helping me redefine what it means to wait, and has fed the fire of the hope inside of me.<br />
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Our culture as a whole is constantly moving forward, barely slowing down to appreciate the milestones and memory markers along the way. We think we are wasting time when we are not doing something. Near the beginning of her book, Kidd quotes a monk she met during her visit to the St. Meinrad Archabbey:<br />
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" 'When you're waiting, you're not doing nothing. You're doing the most important thing there is. You're allowing your soul to grow up. If you can't be still and wait, you can't become what God created you to be.' " (22)</blockquote>
Instead of waiting, we often fill our time, schedules and lives with movement.<br />
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"Movement is a kind of diversion from our inner misery. Without the stimulation of forward motion, we're troubled by thoughts we usually keep at bay. Yet, stillness is essential." (33)</blockquote>
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Because often times, what we need is found in those times of waiting. Spiritual growth and ultimate fulfillment come as we painfully wait for what we think we want. As we trust in Jesus and obey His commands, we find the satisfaction, joy, love and worth we have been longing for. As Kidd writes:</div>
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"Transformations come only as we go the long way round, only as we are willing to walk a different, longer, more arduous, more inward, more prayerful route." (19)</blockquote>
There are no short-cuts in God's kingdom. God cares more about the <i>process</i> than the <i>product. </i>Even then, when we arrive at our long awaited destination, we find that there is always the next thing we are waiting for. I am starting to see that it really is in the "in-between times" where the most growth happens. Moreover, it is where <b>most of life happens</b>.<br />
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My hope in this time of waiting grows as I recall each time God has been faithful to His promises. I have been here before, waiting for the next revelation, for greater understanding. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. And I have more faith than ever that it will happen. And when it does, I will once again be amazed by God's greatness and abundant provision.<br />
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Until then, we wait.<br />
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You are loved.<br />
Liz<br />
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PS- Sorry, this post has nothing (directly) to do with Uganda. Just wanted to share :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-69620886716303121522015-05-18T13:15:00.001-07:002015-07-11T16:15:02.858-07:00[2015] Our Mission<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; widows: 1;">
Ultimately, our mission is to build relationships with the Ugandan people.</div>
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When preparing for and going on short-term mission trips, it is important to have a long-term perspective. It is silly to think that I am going to Africa to bring Jesus or that I will change the world of the people that I meet. Instead, I believe that I am taking part of the work that God is already doing in Uganda. There are already people, churches and movements happening. There are dedicated Christians and full-blown ministries that are reaching out to the poor and needy of Uganda. The only new thing I am bringing is my American culture and my white skin.</div>
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With that said, our team does hope to bring some skills and training that might not be available to our friends there. This year, we are bringing along Moses, who is a Ugandan that now studies agriculture at UC Davis. We met him last year (as he is a friend of our resident Ugandans) on our adventures while he was doing research in some of the areas that we visited. He will be on our team, providing some agricultural workshops for the local people. Additionally, my girl Jenny and another new team member Cindie will be facilitating a chicken project that will include education, vaccination and maybe some chicken coop building! Due to their work with chickens, these two have received a 4,000 grant and FREE airfare, which is part of the reason I was able to go this year! Additionally, Uncle Greg, our team leader again this year, will be continuing his positive parenting discussions. Last summer, he started training some of the elders and pastors about the "Family Hui," a creation of his nonprofit that focuses on bringing together families into a larger community. He hopes to continue this training and spread the information to more people this year.</div>
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I am the only one on our team that does not have a specific...purpose. My only role is to bring the <b>love</b> and <b>joy </b>and <b>excitement</b> that God has abundantly blessed me with. As an inherent achiever, I anticipate this might be difficult for me. I love being productive and completing tasks and having a tangible <i>thing</i> to leave behind. With that said, I know I want it to be more about the <i>people </i>and less about the <i>product</i>. I believe that is more in line with God's heart, anyway. </div>
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One great thing about returning this summer is that it shows the all the people I met last year that I was <i>serious </i>when I said that I would be back. It is sometimes hard for me to accept the fact that simply my presence is a blessing to people, especially those in other countries. I mean, think about it- wouldn't you feel privileged if people traveled across the globe <b>just to meet <i>you</i>??</b> The idea that I would give up my time, money, and comfort to get to know them <i>blesses them. </i>And the fact that I would do it again solidifies the fact that I am committed to them and our relationship. </div>
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Thanks for coming along side me as I prepare my heart and mind for another African adventure. I love being a part of what God is doing here in Davis and across the globe in Uganda!</div>
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You are loved.</div>
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Liz</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-37476458927745232682015-05-12T12:01:00.001-07:002015-07-11T16:18:40.020-07:00Trust and PatienceOn October 26th, 2013, I wrote in my journal: "Trust and patience hurt so bad."<br />
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Waiting and trusting, patiently obeying, and taking that first step into the unknown is painful. And hard! But God calls us to do this consistently. He calls us to obey when we don't know what is coming next. He ask to trust that His plan is best. And through it all, we must be patient for his timing. In the midst of that, you sometimes find it hard to hope.</div>
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But then the moment comes. His promise is fulfilled and you find yourself wondering why you ever doubted His goodness. Because His plan is better than you imagined, better than you could have thought. Let me explained a little more :)</div>
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In December this last year, God brought me (again) to the story of Abraham. God fulfilled His promise of a son to him, but He later asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Issac. Abraham did not know what God's plan was but trusted that it was the best. This story resonated with me and I realized that God desires us to sacrifice everything to Him, even when it doesn't make any sense! Over the past few months, God has asked me to surrender my desires, or my "Isaac"s to Him. This included my hope for marriage (right now), as well as my desire to go back to Uganda this summer. As I made my final decision to not return at this time, I told God that he could have it, have this hope, and that I would not go unless He gave "it" back to me (just like God gave Isaac back to Abraham). </div>
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For months, I grieved the loss of a return trip as my roommate/best friend/travel partner/soul sista Jenny prepared to go with the team to Uganda this summer. We would joke that if the team raised enough money for me to go, then maybe that was a sign from God. We included our resident Ugandan/prayer warrior Milly in on this joke. We should have known that she would take it very seriously!</div>
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On Thursday April 30th (less than two months before the team would leave), I received this email from Milly:</div>
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"<i>Hello Liz,</i></div>
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<i>I hope the Lord is telling you to go with us. We have also started funding raising late but we are confident we shall make it. Please join us. You do not have to raise all your need your self. Some body is willing to bridge the gap in case of any deficit. Please join us. Just let Greg and Rick know you want to go.</i>"</div>
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I was shocked, doubtful, and excited. Was this it? Was God giving me back this hope NOW? Upon further investigation, I found out that there a generous donor who was willing to "bridge the gap" and donate the money we needed in order to get the team to Uganda. Hours later after receiving this email, we found out that one of our projects received a large grant that would cover some of the other in-country travel costs. Within the next day, our two veterinarians, Jenny and Cyndie, also started a partnership with another organization that would pay for their airfare. Therefore, all the money they had been fundraising would now go to the rest of the team...which very soon would include ME!</div>
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To say the least, I was skeptical. I wanted to make the right decision. I only wanted to go if God wanted me to go. Plus, I was graduating and needed to find a job. I was convinced that if I made the right decision than God would provide me a full-time job for next year. That is when my girl Jenny called me out- I was acting as if God's promises were conditional on my faithfulness. But as you can see in the story of Abraham, God fulfills his promises despite our mistakes. <i>God's promises are founded in His faithfulness</i>, not on me or my faithfulness. God would fulfill his promise to me to provide a job, whether I made the "right" decision or went to Uganda. </div>
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So with that, I decided to go. I decided to persevere through my doubts and wonderings and <i>trust</i> that God would provide. I boldly proclaimed that truth as I shared my reasons for returning. I have known since I started my masters program that God would provide a job following graduation. Now I just gave Him a slightly smaller window to show up, between my graduation trip to Hawaii and this adventure to Uganda. </div>
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One week after Milly's email, I had an interview for a school counselor position at a high school in Vacaville. I felt good going into the interview, I felt confident in the interview, and I felt positive after the interview. I knew it was crazy, but I prayed that they would call back that day. Four hours later, I got a call from the principle. And they offered me the job <b>the same day</b>. This NEVER happens...<i>except with God</i>. </div>
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Within a <b>week</b> I had decided to go back to Uganda AND God provided me a job. SAY WHAT?!? I was bursting with <b>JOY</b> and couldn't contain myself as a relished in God's goodness. He longs to bless us with good gifts. And they are even more sweet when we are <i>patient</i> and <i>trust </i>in His good and perfect plan.</div>
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Often times, it seems as if God is slow to action, but when He decides to move, it happens really quickly! I have been swept away in this river of goodness. And I CANNOT WAIT to see where God takes me next!!<br />
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More on my next Ugandan adventure to come :)</div>
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You are loved.</div>
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Liz</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-28185910214358211602014-10-02T20:14:00.002-07:002014-10-02T20:14:52.705-07:00Stumbling UpSometimes, I just stumble upon answered prayers. It takes me a while to realize that this is it: this is what I have been praying for! Let me explain.<br />
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During my time in Uganda, and after my return, I was struggling through the idea of worship. What does it mean to worship God? I don't think there is a right answer, but I do know that people in Uganda do it <i>much</i> differently than we do it here! Their songs, prayers, sermons and relationship with God is all about..GOD. They are constantly praising Him, adoring Him and sharing about just how GREAT our God is.<br />
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I was convicted. They seemed to have it right, so that must mean we were doing it wrong. Luckily, I didn't stay in this place of comparison for long. I quickly realized that our faiths were different, and that was largely due to our experiences and stories. I found that while we served the same God, He provided for us in different ways. Jesus to them is often a physical provider: His work in their life is visible and tangile. He provides work, money, food, shelter, a helping hand. Therefore, the Ugandans couldn't help but worship just how great and powerful our God has been to them. In America, at least in my experience in California, God provides emotionally. Jesus has impacted me personally: He has redeemed me, healed me and is transforming ME into a more full version of myself. This leads me to worshipping God with songs that revolve around His desire to change me from the "inside out."<br />
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It was amazing to see how the same Jesus provides so differently across the world. And it was impactful to see how this changes the way we follow and worship Jesus. While neither approach is all-encompassing, each has its positives and negatives. I too often make my faith about ME and what I want and need. The Ugandans can forget that Jesus also longs to restore their souls, not just their homes.<br />
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So with the full awareness that neither way of worship was best, I still knew there was something for me to learn. How do I praise God like the Ugandan people?<br />
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This is when I stumbled upon the answer. At the same time, God was also encouraging me to learn how to repent, to live life with a more repentful heart. One way to create this habit was to practice as Jesus did: Praise, Repent, Ask, Thank. In the beginning, I was confused about the difference between praise and thankfulness. Aren't I doing the same thing?<br />
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Oh no. Praise is worship. That is a time when I can remember how God is WONDERFUL and MIGHTY and FORGIVING. Thankfulness is remembering how God has blessed me. In the beginning of my journal time each day, I spent time repeating back God's promises, basking in the glory of His greatness. I let God lead me through as I recall the truths of His Word. I write out His love song, reminding myself just how much He loves me, that He is worthy of my whole life, and that His will is ultimate.<br />
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While God was teaching me how to repent, He also taught me how to praise. It has been incredible to spend time remembering all of God's promises. Consequently, I find it easier to recall them in times of darkness and doubt. I do not as easily forget when I am regularly reminding myself of the great God that I serve.<br />
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Over and over, I see that God answers my prayers. He always answers. Sometimes, he just uses the backdoor.<br />
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You are loved.<br />
LizAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-15810360276144428712014-07-26T16:26:00.001-07:002014-07-26T16:26:26.797-07:00Mission Team ReportHello there!<br />
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I have been back three weeks now and I can still hardly believe all the experiences I had while in Uganda. Most of our team got together last saturday to catch up and have dinner together. We shared some brief reflections, as well as heard from Alex Wori about his experience on the trip (since his was much different than ours as a Ugandan). Since some of our team have yet to return home, we have yet to discuss in detail next steps.<br />
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Our team leader Greg was kind enough to put together a report summarizing our trip. Here is the majority of that letter:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We left Davis the morning of June 17, arriving in Kampala
the evening of June 18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate a
late dinner at Milly’s Aunt Irene’s guest house, and were ready the next
morning to drive the 5 hours to Bukigai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, a tire on one of our vehicles had other ideas, so we were
delayed until noon leaving for Eastern Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple other stops we found ourselves in Jinga,
about half way there, late in the day, so we stopped for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning we met with a
representative of the Amazima Foundation, founded by the young American woman,
Katie Davis, whose story is chronicled in the book “Kisses from Katie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was an opportunity to learn more
about the Ugandan culture and her approach to addressing the needs of orphaned
children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We continued the trek to Bukigai after our meeting, and
gradually made our way allowing for roadside stops for mangoes, bananas, papayas,
watermelons, live chickens, and even a couple turkeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But once again, a flat tire slowed one
of our vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the other van
continued on, even the spare on the first vehicle went flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So after two flat tires another 1 am
dinner ensued – but we were in Bukigai at last.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we had time to meet our hosts, including
various members of the Revival Mission Church in Bukigai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Milly’s brother Richard – one of our
guides and drivers from Kampala – is actually not only the pastor, but the
Bishop overseeing the church in Bukigai along with several other churches in
the Mbale region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a tour
of the area, got settled into the rhythm of Bukigai and checked-out the
construction of the church/community center which was one of the major
initiatives of our mission trip.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it turned out, Alex – who had preceded us by a week –
had enlisted the assistance of his brothers and cousins (who are skilled construction
workers) and church members in Bukigai, and the walls were already 6 feet tall
by the time we arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hope
was to get the walls to the point that a “ring-beam” could be installed to tie
all the walls together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as a
result of your generosity, enough funds were raised to not only get the
ring-beam installed, but finish the walls to the height that the roof can now
be installed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This exceeded what
we thought was possible.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, on Sunday we went to the top of “Prayer
Mountain” for our worship service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our vehicle got us half- way up, but after getting stuck in the muddy
roads once (requiring the assistance of local farmers to help dig us out), the
roads simply became too steep and muddy to proceed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This meant hiking the rest of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two plus hours later, we arrived,
finding several church members from Bukigai who had started hiking up the
mountain at 6:00 am, and after a 4 hour hike had been waiting 2 hours for our
arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This became known to us
as operating on “African Standard Time” – humorously accepted by our African
hosts, and contrasted with “North American Standard Time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all had our first taste of providing
a “preachimony” – sharing about our faith and what had called us to come to
Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be repeated on
several occasions.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our descent back to Bukigai, and a good night’s
rest, Monday started a couple of our other activities – working with kids at
both the primary and secondary schools on art projects, and doing some positive
parenting “training of trainers” with a group of leaders from the
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the week,
both schools had murals on external walls that can be seen from the main road
through Bukigai, and about 8-10 people were trained to help pilot three positive
parenting family cooperatives.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights were part of
evening outdoor crusades sponsored by the local church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At each meeting our team shared
favorite scriptures, testimony, encouragement, greetings from UCC as part of
building a long-term relationship with the Bukigai church, and even some
singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This pushed most of us
out of our “comfort zones,” which occurred continuously and actually was one of
the great blessings we received during our trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we cannot forget Richard’s leading of “Morning Glory”
every day at 5:00 a.m. during the week, a time of prayer, Bible study and
getting ready for each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
jet lag?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We left on Saturday to go to Alex’s village, which
normally would be about a 3-4 hour journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the day before, a heavy downpour had resulted in a large
petrol truck being stuck in the middle of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In essence the road going into and out of Bukigai was
blocked for about 36 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
here we learned about “Kingdom Standard Time,” as when we arrived – not knowing
if or how long it would take to get through – a tractor showed up and pulled
out the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited only
about 30 minutes and then were the second vehicle through and on our way.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The greeting we received in Alex’s village – Muganja –
was unbelievable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Muganja is a
more remote village and much smaller than the Bukigai area, and had last been
visited by Mzungus (us white people) 15 years earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us felt like rock stars mobbed
just for showing up, not doing anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this reception was real and genuine, and
represented their desire to show their appreciation for our coming to visit and
provide a message of encouragement from UCC.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a wonderful dinner with Alex’s brother Geofrey and
other family members, we drove back to Mbale where we spent the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning we worshiped in
Richard’s now “home church.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
should say something here about worshipping with African Pentecostals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have not worshipped until you have
experienced the genuineness, joy, enthusiasm and sense of the Spirit found in
the African Pentecostal church – at least in the services we attended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, we were provided an
opportunity to share our stories and bring a word of encouragement from UCC.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we returned to Kampala to prepare for our
departure on Wednesday, July 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
did have the occasion to visit the source of the Nile on our way to Bukigai,
and once back in Kampala, finding ourselves with an extra day due to travel
conditions, we ventured to the wilds of Murchison Falls National Park north of
Kampala to view wildlife and see the Nile squeezed through a ravine 10 feet
wide with a 140 foot drop – hence considered the most powerful waterfall in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was an unexpected adventure
which capped our trip.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think that is enough reading for now!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are loved,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Liz</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-60587922026323951072014-07-11T13:38:00.001-07:002014-07-11T13:38:59.273-07:00Dream big.There was a lot about the Ugandan people that I admired. I mentioned in an early post that their heart and willingness to serve was unlike anything I had encountered. They were also full of <i>hope.</i><i> </i>God provided them a hope that was far beyond what would be expected. They also looked to heaven more than most Christians I know.<br />
<br />
But what struck me the most was their courage to <i>dream big.</i> They saw their papyrus structure and were bold enough to pray for something bigger and better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVh28-UmFQjDZazKECiUkzXaqZ56xNJCnWI7YBrtEkRLw7IL_uKGt852PUEtcQicvqWevGaDiDOYImXLik6ReXhGGsgzhP6-HdHbBgYT0-pZQazyWucdKuoDqpK5QGourQprydccckX1m/s1600/P1030307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVh28-UmFQjDZazKECiUkzXaqZ56xNJCnWI7YBrtEkRLw7IL_uKGt852PUEtcQicvqWevGaDiDOYImXLik6ReXhGGsgzhP6-HdHbBgYT0-pZQazyWucdKuoDqpK5QGourQprydccckX1m/s1600/P1030307.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q4ww-1UrbtRUhRGT6kgceWbf-DotEjwLI7QNmGCG8TYWUQbl8Tz3bTrDfOGCplIzO72dLmzPBaYn82DqcgT4hedTOeK1HwGUMZbBPP0Yk7xU-M8Whtjci8vhrwCdqv3YAn0wBu2SWU9a/s1600/P1030304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q4ww-1UrbtRUhRGT6kgceWbf-DotEjwLI7QNmGCG8TYWUQbl8Tz3bTrDfOGCplIzO72dLmzPBaYn82DqcgT4hedTOeK1HwGUMZbBPP0Yk7xU-M8Whtjci8vhrwCdqv3YAn0wBu2SWU9a/s1600/P1030304.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our team and all our supporters were part of God's plan to answer those prayers!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSU1bVNiAP2ZaGjUR-7Nqmrp-WSTALqQsNu68Kfgu3Y5nZ0g95b_ZVWvfpObR0qaUnlk-3g9nCKvB-2T_Hsomp_FkMuF_0rYaSzkU2UhMP9L4JS52bmuACU2AhFZc2UU6NklFqxs2voBN/s1600/P1030305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSU1bVNiAP2ZaGjUR-7Nqmrp-WSTALqQsNu68Kfgu3Y5nZ0g95b_ZVWvfpObR0qaUnlk-3g9nCKvB-2T_Hsomp_FkMuF_0rYaSzkU2UhMP9L4JS52bmuACU2AhFZc2UU6NklFqxs2voBN/s1600/P1030305.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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To save money, the workers made a lot of the materials by hand!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7sI_JFrNzJaoqR63gbJIL95RrtQzASSvN0F-0nWnRVm6DCPtMmyHgxSHHosGlq7AER0u1AimywXlmqn9F6_YT6rpI_cyE1pfX0Gzu-xDKvpe_gZysiMT-hrxbYeto26TOh-wPa2_1OpB/s1600/P1030303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7sI_JFrNzJaoqR63gbJIL95RrtQzASSvN0F-0nWnRVm6DCPtMmyHgxSHHosGlq7AER0u1AimywXlmqn9F6_YT6rpI_cyE1pfX0Gzu-xDKvpe_gZysiMT-hrxbYeto26TOh-wPa2_1OpB/s1600/P1030303.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4Kxdz3t-1EZddT9FSgE5o1bD_LjuX1fzc_ivzGqf0EqvQfNaaX5JPKM9dwAmlBT6-a8kh0a4bo6ko7iEbnAZ-LfvUCWS6ojNQwX7X7Yc4jN5GHVCeEFi4yR2Uo9TSRhg_WTCpLv2M4z8/s1600/P1030308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4Kxdz3t-1EZddT9FSgE5o1bD_LjuX1fzc_ivzGqf0EqvQfNaaX5JPKM9dwAmlBT6-a8kh0a4bo6ko7iEbnAZ-LfvUCWS6ojNQwX7X7Yc4jN5GHVCeEFi4yR2Uo9TSRhg_WTCpLv2M4z8/s1600/P1030308.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the two offices</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FHY7Crlf5WH8M1RjAqT3VBDfwEYJei0DK3hyth8MsS023ANmLjNTGxgXdAXXPXodOtLbkoANazvUhHIQAfPOHhxcoPII4xRL_0voIZAB1NPir_Gml1qNu-MD4NYmhPgAM4WVTYZHAFE_/s1600/P1030310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FHY7Crlf5WH8M1RjAqT3VBDfwEYJei0DK3hyth8MsS023ANmLjNTGxgXdAXXPXodOtLbkoANazvUhHIQAfPOHhxcoPII4xRL_0voIZAB1NPir_Gml1qNu-MD4NYmhPgAM4WVTYZHAFE_/s1600/P1030310.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is Pastor Richard. The two offices are on either side of him, and behind him is the main sanctuary area where the old structure will be until their is a roof on the new building.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaJGwBtIZdUd4tuYKFrPtf3L_RKjHUZ_ezOx5CV5O0aHUmnL3XKKSzwgS1_O3cbf1GeL0cF4Z0hTR8G9826b2GRxkd3hnRBnVt1vrWdL42ywPeqWbbxWfineA8Uh0HXOIXlSO-WI1KrOv/s1600/P1030312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaJGwBtIZdUd4tuYKFrPtf3L_RKjHUZ_ezOx5CV5O0aHUmnL3XKKSzwgS1_O3cbf1GeL0cF4Z0hTR8G9826b2GRxkd3hnRBnVt1vrWdL42ywPeqWbbxWfineA8Uh0HXOIXlSO-WI1KrOv/s1600/P1030312.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is an outside view of the new church, all made of brick. There was more added to the structure throughout the week we were there. The roof in the background is the old papyrus structure. </div>
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The church currently runs a nursery school in the old structure, but they have dreams of a larger building with more kids. Pastor Richard and his congregation see their run-down city of Mbale and dream of a radical transformation. </div>
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They are doing what I desire to do, what God calls us to do. Ask and you shall receive! Dream big and allow God to fulfill those fantasies in ways we never imagined. I am so thankful for their dreams and the courage to proclaim them. It is inspiring to witness their desire to see a little bit more of heaven here on Earth. I pray that they will continue to imagine an earthly realm much better than the one in front of them.</div>
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Our trip was just a small part of a much larger picture. And there is still more to be done. As a team, we are praying and thinking about how we can continue to support this village, these churches and the amazing people that we encountered. One of the ways is to continue to give financially to the building of the church in Bukigai. But we cannot do that on our own! While the "how to" is still in the works, it is our hope to see this project to completion! </div>
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My hope is to have dreams as big as the Christians in Eastern Uganda. We so often underestimate our God and what he can do. There is so much need, how can we ever do it all? Luckily, God is bigger than all of it. And He will use us as long as we are open to it. I cannot wait to see what He does with me and the churches in Uganda!</div>
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You are loved. </div>
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Liz</div>
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<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-38862764028481129532014-07-07T15:01:00.002-07:002014-07-07T15:01:38.193-07:00Abounding joy.Our team was incredibly blessed by abounding joy. The people, the landscape, our gracious God-- all of it left us reeling with joy.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, mid way through our week in Bukigai, I wrote this in my journal:<br />
<br />
"<i>I just can't stop smiling whenever I go out, especially around the kids. I smile the whole time because these people bring me so much joy. I love their bright white smiles against their beautiful black, smooth skin. Their giggles fill my heart. Their fascination with us and our strange ways and appearance is now normal and enjoyable."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Not only were the surrounding hills and expansive skies beautiful, the people were even more stunning. Their bright eyes and warm handshakes welcomed us. Their hearts to serve was unlike anything I have encountered. And when we complimented them on their hospitality, we discovered they didn't know any different. It was the Ugandan way.<br />
<br />
The main goal of this trip was to build relationships and start a long-term partnership with the local churches in Eastern Uganda, especially in the town of Bukigai. Normally, something as intangible as "building relationships" would be hard for me because it's not easily measured. However, the relationships we started were so real and authentic and tangible, you could almost touch it.<br />
<br />
Each one of my team members set out to love those around them. And that is exactly what we did. We went into the experience with open hearts, expecting our lives and souls to be transformed. Of course, when you are willing, God shows up. We were all forever altered by our short time in Bukigai, mostly because of the people we met, loved and encouraged.<br />
<br />
Some of the most memorable people for me was Pastor Fred and his family. Fred was incredibly kind with a compassionate heart. He was constantly serving us behind the scenes without any recognition or complaint. He is one of the lead pastors in Bukigai and has an amazing family. His wife Sarah is a quiet spirit with a loving heart. She helped me and others clean our laundry, gently showing us the way. They also have three, precious daughters who were an unexpected blessing.<br />
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The middle daughter was four years old. Her name was joy and boy did she live up to her name. I didn't even know how it started but every time she would see me, she would run up to me with her radiant smile and hug me. All she knew how to say in English was "I'm fine" (which is common), but that didn't stop me from loving her to pieces. My heart aches just thinking about her!<br />
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Their youngest daughter was named Faith. Similar to most Ugandan babies, she was unsure of me. She would allow me to hold her, but didn't express any emotion, which was very different from the older giggling, smiling children. She would simply stare at me with her big brown eyes. But every time I saw her, I would hold and cuddle her. By the end of the week, she smiled with me, and I even got her to repeat my name! </div>
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The oldest daughter was Gift, and it was precious to watch her care for her sisters. She was also full of life and joy. It was an honor to love on this family for a week. I miss them dearly!!</div>
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This family is just one of the many that we encountered. The people of the village felt privileged that we would come to visit them. But over and over we told them how incredibly blessed we were by them and their faith. I think it is really cool how God created a loving relationship to be symbiotic. All of us, Ugandan and American alike, were fulfilled by our time together. </div>
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More to come soon!</div>
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You are loved,</div>
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Liz</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-47765291034234111942014-07-06T17:13:00.000-07:002014-07-06T17:13:15.084-07:00Servant or Queen?People keep asking me what it's like to return to America after experiencing a third world country. And I don't know how to respond. Most of the time we were there, we had running water, electricity and toilets. I slept in a bed every night and had plenty of food. Yes, sometimes I had to bucket shower or use dripping cold water, and there were a number of smelly pits I used for the bathroom but life wasn't vastly different. Plus I was only there for two weeks, which is not long enough to really miss the luxuries of the first world.<br />
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Part of me thinks that it should have been harder. Aren't you suppose to "rough it" on mission trips? While I went without some of my normal extravagances, I was also treated like a queen. All my food was made for me, my dishes were washed for me, even my hiking boots that were fully covered in mud were scrubbed clean for me. Where is the rough in that?<br />
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I guess that isn't what God had for me this time. In fact, it was incredibly humbling. It was hard to be served all the time.<br />
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Wait, really?<br />
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In a similar way that receiving money was hard for my pride, not being able to do things for myself for 14+ days was hard. I am suppose to be independent right?<br />
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But in fact, refusing help or insisting on doing it on my own can be disrespectful. It was a privilege for them to move my luggage, cook my food and help me do my laundry. You see someone carrying something, you offer to help them. This came in handy when we had a lot of paint supplies to carry to and from the secondary school. The kids loved carrying stuff and walking us home. It was just another opportunity to build relationships!<br />
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Apparently, roughing it wasn't the lesson that God had for me. He rarely does what I expect Him too! This entire process has been humbling. From the very beginning, God has been breaking down my pride and the idea that I can do it all on my own. Not only do I desperately need Him, I need other people. Without my generous supporters, I would not have been able to go on this trip. Without the large number of people who housed, served and fed us, our trip would have not been successful.<br />
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God desires for us to be servants and queens (or kings). He calls us to serve others but also to humbly receive the service of others. And the Ugandan people seem to understand this better than anyone! Their culture is based in community and values putting others before oneself. This is just another beautiful thing about these people and this country that I love!<br />
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You are loved.<br />
Liz<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-3151848167754052782014-07-05T17:08:00.000-07:002014-07-05T17:08:10.104-07:00Home(?)Where do I even begin?<br />
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I have been trying to think of a short description to encapsulate my experience.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Beautiful</span></i>.<br />
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<i>Full of life. </i><br />
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<i>And love upon love. </i></div>
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Simply and extravagantly amazing. That is the love and life God desires for us. It is simple yet breathtaking. </div>
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This is just the beginning of the pictures from our adventures. I cannot wait to share more with you, especially the stories of the beautiful people that I was blessed to meet. Over the next few weeks I will be posting about what I experienced in such a short amount of time. I did not spend a lot of time processing while I was there. Instead I focused on the what was in front of me and being present in the moment. Therefore, I have a lot to work through. My goal from here is to share with you all that I learned and how I (and we) can continue to support the people and the churches of Eastern Uganda. I hope you will join me!</div>
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As I return to normal life and my "home," I can't help but think of the saying: Home is where your heart is. I left a little bit of my heart in Uganda. And I cannot wait to see how God continues to grow and water that part of me!</div>
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Thanks for listening :)</div>
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You are loved.</div>
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Liz</div>
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-56983343380369231612014-06-16T12:47:00.000-07:002014-06-16T12:47:17.937-07:00Ready, set, UGANDA.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We start our adventure tomorrow. And we are ready to go.</div>
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I have the privilege of embarking on this journey with my best friend and soul sister Jenny. I think this picture speaks volumes about her: she is hilarious, full of life and ready to face anything that comes her way! The fact that I have her with me eases a lot of anxieties. It will be so beneficial to be able to have her to process with along the way.<br />
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We spent yesterday packing and organizing and repacking. How do you prepare for a trip to a place that is completely unknown and foreign? Luckily, we have a large team and are traveling with resident experts (we have five Ugandans on our team!)<br />
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Last week we had our last meeting to come together and prepare. We briefly went over our itinerary while we are there..and it already feels like it is going so fast! We arrive in Uganda Wednesday night, travel to the village of Bukigai on Thursday and will hopefully start construction on Friday! Most of our time during the following week will be spent with construction, a childrens art program and parenting workshops.<br />
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I ran into a man from my church yesterday at Nugget and he took the time to check in with me. He asked what I was most looking forward too. I would have to say the people and the culture! I am excited to experience new things and see how God is working amidst His sons and daughters in Uganda. I cannot wait to encounter God in a whole new way, especially due to my greater need for strength and guidance.<br />
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He also asked me if I was nervous for anything. The only thing I am truly worried about is the bugs. I was at my roommate's wedding this weekend and I now have 25 bug bites on my legs. Mosquitos love me, and I would hate to spend the whole time itching. I am also afraid of bugs....big bugs. They make my skin crawl just thinking about it.<br />
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This will be my last post for a while. I do not anticipate being able to post while I am uganda, but if I can, I will definitely take that opportunity to check in! Here are some prayer requests:<br />
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-my fear of bugs! and protection from the mosquitos<br />
-depending on God for my strength and courage<br />
-the chance to speak! May I be willing to be used by God in any way.<br />
-selflessness: seek to serve those around me, especially my team!<br />
-team unity and communication: always so important!<br />
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Thank you all for your continued prayer and support!!!<br />
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You are loved,<br />
LizAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-41586443172197294352014-06-10T13:26:00.000-07:002014-06-10T13:26:49.007-07:00ONE MORE WEEK!I cannot believe that a week from now I will be on my way to AFRICA. I have limited context to understand what I will be experiencing there. I am slightly nervous, but mostly REALLY excited.<br />
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A couple weeks ago we had a group training with all the mission teams from University Covenant Church. It was a great time of connecting and growing, learning about biblical conflict resolution, spiritual warfare and sharing our story. We had time to pray as a team and talk about the "rights" we were giving up as we go out on God's mission. It was a great day!<br />
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At the end, we were challenged to share our story in 30 seconds. As I was thinking about the reasons I was going on this trip, I was struck by how ready I was. And how unready I would have been only a year ago. A few years ago, my fear and doubts prevented me from even considering Africa as a destination. In the last year, I have grown so much. I have become more rooted in prayer and God's word, being able to recall scripture in times of need. I am learning how to choose trust over fear, and not dwell in those places of worry. Moreover, I am ready to preach God's word!! It wasn't until the past six months that God has put it on my heart to get up in front of people and talk about Him. While in Mexico for spring break, I gave my very first "talk" on community, and I really enjoyed it! Now I find myself going to Uganda, where I most likely will be doing some teaching, as well as sharing my story. While my experience is lacking, I trust that God will use me and my passion in any way that He can.<br />
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Lastly, my faith in God is stronger than ever. I trust him with everything, or at least to the best of my ability. I know that no matter what happens to me, God's plan and goodness will prevail. That is what I call putting my hope in Him. God's promise of hope is written throughout the bible. Here it is in Psalm 62 5-8:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-62-5" id="en-NIV-14833" style="position: relative;">Yes, my soul, find rest in God;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14833I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-5" style="position: relative;">my hope comes from him.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-62-6" id="en-NIV-14834" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>Truly he is my rock and my salvation;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-6" style="position: relative;">he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-62-7" id="en-NIV-14835" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>My salvation and my honor depend on God<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14835c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+62#fen-NIV-14835c" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup>;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-7" style="position: relative;">he is my mighty rock, my refuge.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14835J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-62-8" id="en-NIV-14836" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>Trust in him at all times, you people;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14836K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-8" style="position: relative;">pour out your hearts to him,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14836L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-8" style="position: relative;">for God is our refuge.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-62-8" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">May you find your hope and refuge in Him!</span></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">You are loved.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">Liz</span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-75052248315419813812014-05-29T16:42:00.000-07:002014-06-10T13:27:35.304-07:00Fear.Part of me is afraid God is going to call me to move to Africa.<br />
<br />
This is probably because I have had more time to read the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">book</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Katie-Story-Relentless-Redemption/dp/1451612095" style="color: #006599; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kisses from Katie</a>, </i>which is a story of a woman who gave up "everything" to move to Uganda. As I read her words and wrestle through God's commission to give Him <i>everything, </i>I come face-to-face with the number one enemy: FEAR. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Fear. It's part of human nature but its not something we got from God. Second Timothy 1:7 says: 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.'"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
We all feel it, this burden of fear.<br />
<br />
"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We are afraid of change, of loss, of being hurt. We cling so tightly to what we have because we are afraid of what would happen if we didn't have these things anymore."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We fear what we do not know. We would rather stay in an hurtful situation that is known, than risk going into an unknown situation that would cause us to be uncomfortable. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"But what if, just beyond that risk, just beyond the fear is a life better than anything we have ever imagined: <i>life to the fullest</i>."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want that. I want life to its fullest. But to get there, I must move past the fear. My counselor once told me the only way to rid yourself of a fear is to feel it. You must experience it, tolerate it and learn how to live through it. Fears don't go away by avoiding them, but deciding to keep on going despite them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"We can let fear of something that really is small compared to the greatness of God cripple us...Life to the fullest exists. It's available. All we have to do is decide to get up and embrace it."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If only I could reach out and tangibly grab this full life. Too often I get stuck in this fear-ridden, comfort-seeking world, and all the expectations it has for me. Ultimately, I believe in a God who is more powerful than any of my fears. Sometimes, I start to think of Uganda and the big bugs, or the language barrier, or where I am going to go to the bathroom. Worry starts to build and I have learned to not dwell in that place of fear. I must quickly squash it with God's promises. God is with me, and goes before me. I will never leave his hands.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maybe, just maybe, on the other side of my fears and hesitations is the life God has for me. Maybe, once I have the courage to tolerate and break through my fears, I will experience a joy unlike any other. And maybe one day I will stumble across this full life, this life that God desires for me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are loved.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Liz</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-74326324086561200492014-05-18T06:34:00.000-07:002014-05-18T06:34:17.909-07:00We are free!This post has very little, if nothing directly, to do with Uganda. But I HAVE to share.<br />
<br />
My best friend and soul sister Jenny is coming with me to Africa. I am so excited to have her by my side as we travel across the world on this Jesus adventure. Last weekend, she shared her testimony at our church.<br />
<br />
It was one of the greatest moments of my life!<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(sorry for the poor quality!)</div>
<br />
<br />
As she mentions in the video, it is crazy that she is up there, sharing in front of hundreds of people. This is just a small part of the great adventure God has had her on these past years. I am incredibly blessed to have been a part of it!<br />
<br />
Learning to love Jenny through her darkest hours has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done. Not only has God transformed her heart, but He has shown me what it means to love unconditionally, especially when I didn't want too.<br />
<br />
God desires to set us free. I have been reading and re-reading Romans 8 lately. It talks all about the Holy Spirit and how with the Spirit, we are <i>free</i>.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rom-8-14" id="en-NIV-28131"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>For those who are led by the Spirit of God<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28131AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> are the children of God.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28131AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rom-8-15" id="en-NIV-28132"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>The Spirit<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28132AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28132AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28132f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28132f" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote f">f</a>]</sup> And by him we cry, <i>“Abba,</i><sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28132g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28132g" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote g">g</a>]</sup> Father.”</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rom-8-15" id="en-NIV-28132"><br /></span></span>
No longer are we slaves to this world- but we are free to live! I have seen how fear once entrapped Jenny, robbing her of joy and fulfillment. And I have seen how God can break every chain, peeling back each layer of hurt, pain and fear that was preventing her from giving and receiving love. I have witness spiritual healing in an unimaginable way- something you would have to see to believe!<br />
<br />
Let us cry out to Him, our true Abba, as He desires to heal and free us!<br />
<br />
Praise God.<br />
You are loved!<br />
Liz<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1984210251007060817.post-86815104295850681522014-05-04T14:36:00.000-07:002014-05-04T14:36:30.532-07:00God Provides.Over and over, God provides.<br />
<br />
He provides for my little, insignificant needs. He provides the most important fundamental needs, like community and love and unconditional acceptance.<br />
<br />
Recently, He has been providing financially. This morning I had the opportunity to share at my church about how He has provided in times of need recently, and how that has encouraged me to give more to Him and His church. Here is a little bit of what I said:<br />
<br />
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"Over the past two years, I have
been giving more regularly. But whenever I was low on funds, I would skip a
month or two of my tithe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recently, I again felt convicted to become a better steward with my
money by starting a budget plan. My sister was visiting a few weeks ago and she
helped me set it up. Due to all the traveling, weddings and car payments
recently, we realized that I had 42 dollars for the next 10 days when I would
get paid again. Than the asked me the dreadful question: did you give your
tithe for this paycheck. “No….But can’t I just starting giving my tithe next
month??” Luckily, my sister and my two good friends held me accountable. So
that next day I gave half of the 42 dollars to the church and was left with 22
dollars for ten days. I was unsure and worried that it wasn’t going to be
enough. However, I knew my sister was right when she said: “God can do more
with your 90% than you can do with your 100%” </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
God provided. That same night, my friend Katie, who was visiting, felt compelled to give me $25
dollars, without knowing my financial situation at all. So in the matter of hours, my allowance had doubled. A few days later,
one of my customers at the coffee shop came in, on a day I wasn’t even suppose
to be working, and handed my coworker and I a 20 dollar bill. He stated
nonchalantly- “I have been meaning to give this you, it’s a tip. Id rather just
hand it to you than put it in the tip jar.” So now I was at 67 dollars, with a
week left to go. That same night, my friend gave me 25 more dollars because she
had owed me money, which I had forgotten to account for in my original budget.
Within a week, God had tripled my original amount!"</div>
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<br /></div>
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Not only that, but I am thrilled to report that I am <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: normal;">FULLY FUNDED</span>! God did another crazy thing- a couple for my church, who have been a huge part of my community and encouragement here in Davis, had waited a while before they decided the extent they wanted to support me. When they checked in with me on Wednesday, I had reached $3000 dollars out of my $3500 goal. In his typical fashion, this friend nonchalantly stated: do you want us to finish it off for you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Uhh..what? You mean like give me $500 dollars?!? I was blown away, and I first I responded in pride and said no. That is too much. I can't take that. But eventually I said: I want as much as you two have decided in your hearts to give me. "That was the amount we decided upon." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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God had already prepared their hearts to give me the 500 dollars before they even knew I needed it. They planned to give me the exact amount that I needed. CRAZY, right?!?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is so good. He provides. Over and over again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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You are loved,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Liz</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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PS- Thank you for each and every one of you who have donated to my trip. Thank you for participating in what God has for me in Uganda. I am so glad you get to be a part of it with me!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16997974692857148511noreply@blogger.com1