A Wonderful Miracle

Lord send me anywhere, only go with me.  Lay any burden on me, only sustain me.  Sever any ties but the tie that binds me to Thy service and to Thy heart. --David Livingstone

Six weeks!  I have lived in my Ugandan home six weeks!  It is hard to believe as I feel I just arrived but as I look back over the six weeks I see God working in such wondrous mysterious ways.  What an awesome God.

I start each morning asking God, "What are you teaching me today?  How are you changing me?"  And each day I see His works all around me.  From the gentle cool rain falling outside soothing my soul to little Sophia from the slum who captured my heart to the young boy in the slum with desperate eyes taking my hand not wanting to let go.  Everyday there is a new lesson that changes me, a new experience, a curious child, a beautiful new friend, a desperate situation.  This is all God's plan to grow me, teach me, and change me as a person therefore spreading His love and joy to others.  I am not here in Uganda for myself.  I have been sent here for others!  As said in Mark 4:26-27  Jesus also said, "The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.  Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens."  My job is to sow the seed, but it is God's work to grow the seed.

Sophia and her friends

Many times I've walked by the small building with a cross on top.  Each time I walked by I thought to myself, "Is this a church?  I wonder who worships here?  What kind of church is this?"  Until one day my curiosity overcame me and I asked Mommy Agetha if we could stop and take a look inside this cute little building.  "Is this a church?"  I asked.  Mommy Agetha said "yes this is a Catholic parish."  As we opened the doors to the empty church I saw the simplicity of the alter with a small cross hanging above.  The wooden benches that lined the isle.  The cement floors and raftered ceiling.  Yet this is God's house and I felt His presence.

God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.--Hudson Taylor
Buwaate Catholic Church

His presence there moved me in such a way that I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to bring my Catholic Children's Bible I bought from St. Mary's Press and give it to them as a gift.  I shared my desire with Mommy Agetha and she agreed to help me find the Parish Leader so I could do just that.  She asked around to find out where we should go.  We were pointed in the direction of a house across the street.  We approached the house and knocked, but to my dismay no one was home.  I left feeling saddened by this missed opportunity but Mommy Agetha assured me we would return and try again.  She said to me, "I know when you have that special feeling inside that you should do something you must do it.  I will help to make sure you are able to give the Bible."  This is the Holy Spirit working in me.  At that time I did not know why I should give them the one Bible I had but I know now.  A few days passed and I was ready to go back to the church with the Bible.  It did not work out to go so Mommy Agetha said, "We must go on Sunday, that would be best."  I agreed and eagerly looked forward to Sunday.  Three days passed and it was Sunday.  We started our journey up the hill that afternoon.  I was excited but also a bit concerned that no one would be there once again.  I was not prepared for what God had in store for me!

As we approached the church I heard drums and children singing.  We peaked inside and saw the most amazing sight.  Children playing drums, singing and performing God's music.  My heart jumped and I whispered "thank you!" to my Father.  He knew the exact timing and brought me here to experience the most wonderful singing coming from the most beautiful, beautiful Ugandan children.  I sat on a bench and marveled at the glorious praise and how His presence filled the room.  I sat and listened, smiling, clapping and joining in once in awhile.  I almost forgot my purpose for coming because I was so overwhelmed with what I was experiencing.  We sang together, "I, I love Jesus, You, you love Jesus, we, we love Jesus, praise God Amen. Praise God haleluja, Praise God Amen, Praise God Hallelujah, Praise God Amen." A song I know I will never forget.

The purpose came back to me as the leader of the choir, Caroline, came towards me and introduced herself. I shook her hand with a strong grip and with I'm sure a huge smile on my face! "You have such an amazing, beautiful children's choir." I told Caroline. She looked a little confused I'm sure wondering why a Mzungu was there watching them. She said thank you and then waited for me to go on. "I brought you and the children a special Bible. This is the Children's Catholic Bible and I want to give it to you to share God's word with the children." I showed Caroline the Bible and the wonderful colors and illustrations it had in it along with God's precious word. She was very thankful. She said to the children, "You see children, if we are faithful and believe God will send us people and gifts like this!" They clapped and cheered and said "Thank you!" Caroline went on to tell me that they are practicing for a special fundraising event that will happen that next Sunday. She said they are wanting to build a new church and are going to have the event to raise money. "We would be honored if you would attend this event." Were the words I heard from Caroline's mouth. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and told her that I would be honored to attend. I'm so looking forward to Sunday!

Friends! This is not the end of the story! The best is yet to come. So that very next day I wrote an email to St. Mary's Press to share the story and the pictures with them. They have been a huge support of me and God's mission for me here. They replied within minutes of my email. In their reply they said, "We are now going to send 24 Children’s Bibles to be shared with the children of the parish choir if you would be so kind as to deliver them for us." I read their reply over and over again with tears running down my face. God performed a miracle and allowed me to be in the middle of it! You see the day I was prompted to give my Bible to the parish I had no idea why, but God did. He orchestrated everything. And now I go back to the scripture Mark 4:26-27. I realize I am to scatter the seed for Him. If I am obedient to do this when He asks, God will grow the seed. When I allow God the privilege of shaping my life, I discover new depths of purpose and meaning for me here in Uganda. This is a joyful thought to realize that I am a chosen vessel for God -- perfectly suited for His use.

What is God teaching me?

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

Learning to cook

Mommy Agetha has taught me so much while I've been here.

Village children who love to wave and yell "Mzungu"

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, now walk in it."  Isaiah 30:21

I have lived here in Uganda for a month now.  I have had so many amazing experiences while I've been here that I couldn't of asked for more.  But I would not be honest with you if I didn't tell you there are some days I ask myself "Why am I here?  What is your purpose for me God?"  Being so far from home makes me yearn for my children, my family and friends and the comfort of home.  It would be so easy for me to say I'm just going to go back to what I know.  A world that is easy for me.  Especially those days when I am feeling lonely and do not feel like I am making a difference here.  But at these times I have to remember God has put a promise, a vision, inside of me.  Often times I find myself walking through the wilderness before I reach the promised land.  I even find myself going through seasons when I don't see anything happening but I stay the course.  There have been days I get tired and discouraged while I'm here in Uganda and am tempted to be frustrated and give up on it all but I know I cannot give up on my future, my purpose.  So I will stay on the high road because I know my God is faithful.  Even though it may take a long time, I know that what He has started in my life He will finish.  It is written in scripture that the eyes of the Lord search to and fro to find someone who will be faithful on His behalf.  I have decided I will be the person He finds faithful.  I will remain faithful to Him and do His good works.  I will keep believing and praying.  I will continue on the course because I have faith that He is leading me to the path of victory.

So, because I know you are following me and you enjoy being part of my adventures here, I will continue to invite you to go with me on this journey.  I stepped out of my life a month ago to follow the calling God placed in my heart.  I had no idea what to expect and found when I arrived here it is so much more than I could have imagined. The journey takes me through many ups and downs and teaches me daily.  It is a journey that God carved out for me to learn a little each day of how truly awesome He is.  A journey that shows me of His love and compassion for His people and His deep desire for His people to know Him more.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.  Isaiah 55:12

This is the question that rings within me; What is God doing through me?  Am I willing to give to someone else?  It boils down to this.  Bottom line.  If I am willing to give to one, ten or to one hundred, how many will they be willing to give to? I have to realize that some days I may not have the opportunity to give to 10 or one hundred but only have the opportunity to give to one.  During these times God wants me to give, no matter how big or how small.  He wants me to give of my time, patience, skills, wisdom and above all love and then it multiplies.  My task is not always easy, but it is very simple, LOVE because He has first loved us.  So daily I pour out His love with a hug, a wave, a handshake or a nice hello.   I continue to pour into the girls I teach at the Amani compound by teaching them how to speak English, to read, spell and write.  But my mission consists of so much more.  I also teach the girls to be confident in who they are in Christ and to love as He first loved us.  You see love has to be shown to others so they know and can feel the love that our heavenly Father desires for us.  The girls have a distorted perception of love because the love that they experienced before coming here is not the pure love God has intended.  I want them to know His pure love therefore I shine His love through me.  I see how the girls are taking that love and multiplying it to others.  I've seen this by all they do for me.  They love to spend time with me, teach me Luganda, cook for me and give me very heartfelt hugs and I love yous.   Above all I know God's hand is working in them when they take His love and share it to others by smiling at others in the village, waving hello, giving a hug to people they barely know and by volunteering to help children in our village carry their water jugs up the hill.  I especially see it when they pray.  When they pray for people they barely know.  When they pray for sick children in the hospital.  Something that has touched me in a way I will always remember was a trip we made to the Mulago Hospital to share the love of Christ with sick children.  One of the girls poured out God's love in prayer to the children and shared with them how to pray and how important it is.  This girl professed to be a Muslim a few months ago and now is overflowing in God's love and joy.  Our God is amazing.  I see it firsthand everyday and feel so blessed to be part of this wonderful journey!  So until next time my friends.  I will continue on this journey bringing you along side of me.  I will try my best to share the stories of my journey in a way that glorifies My Father who has given me this amazing opportunity!  Peace be with you!

Mulago Hospital

Katanga

Gift

The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
 ~Fredierick Buechner

Today started off as every normal Ugandan morning. Beautiful, chilly, waking to birds singing and roosters crowing. Although as I woke this morning I knew that I was going on adventure that I would never forget. I did not know how much this adventure would touch my heart, but God did. Every day here is a new adventure for me, learning more about the culture, seeing and experiencing new life changing experiences, learning more words in Luganda, and experiencing the love that the Ugandan people poor out to us. Every new day opens my eyes to a new way of life, a simple way of life. Today my journey would take me to the Katanga slums. The scenery today was different for me. A new place, new sidewalks to walk, new streets to cross, new people to say "hello, how are you?" and smile. I don't even know where to begin to describe the poverty I experienced. Until you actually walk the dirt there you will not understand. As we walked up very small children ran and started to hug our legs. They smiled and were so happy to see us mzungus! white people. We walked in and around the slum area. In the slum there is a very narrow path to follow, with a ditch of water running through. I think there was probably urine and feces flowing there. We followed the path in and around corners leading us to the next group of huts. The huts were very small and on either side of us with people sitting in front of them leaving very little room for us to walk. The people were friendly but I'm sure were wondering what the mzungas were doing there. There were children everywhere as we walked. I had to wonder if they had parents and where they may have been. We arrived at Momma Rita's house. Her 2 year old daughter saw us round the corner and hugged our legs. I kneeled down to hug her. She was so happy. Momma Rita saw us and invited us into her hut. There was barely enough room for us all to fit. She had 2 very small beds and a very small area I think was her kitchen. The floor was dirt. Momma Rita has HIV. She was telling us she had been in the hospital with her 2 year old, Gift, for 2 weeks. She is pregnant and was sick and they diagnosed Gift with malaria. The doctors gave her a prescription of antibiotics for Gift but she didn't have any money to fill it. AC and Angeline gave her money to fill it.


We stayed and visited for awhile and then said our goodbyes, until next time. My heart and mind filled with a desperation to do something more for these people, these precious children. I had to realize that our presence alone was a blessing. They are people accustomed to their ways and their lifestyle. The greatest blessing of all was sharing God's light and love with them as we walked on the very narrow paths. I prayed in my heart the God would continue touch each and every one of the people with His presence and His love while we are away.


We do many outreaches to slums, hospitals and orphanages. If you are interested in helping by donating items for us to take or money to buy items here for the people please message me at kraliklynne@gmail.com. I will give you more information.


Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your goods works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16