Ministries

So much to update you on! I have seen God move in so many ways the past few weeks!

Enjoyed having the team from Birmingham here with us. We did the first ever Medical Clinic in a local village.  Saw hundreds of people. Treated them all day long. Lots of prescriptions and testing's for HIV, Malaria, Typhoid, Syphilis, and Pregnancy. An 8 year old girl was the youngest to test positive for HIV. So hard to see. Mothers coming in with all her babies and her telling me that she is afraid that they all have HIV and wanting to get everyone tested. Some of the faces I saw are still in my mind as they waited for their test results. So many of them so young.  While some of the team were testing people, some were giving out prescriptions, some removing jiggers, some bandaging wounds, etc. 80% of the community are Muslim. At the end of the day we went to eat at a local family's home. We were entertained by a couple tribal dancers. So much fun. The 2 guys that danced came to our wedding to entertain us too. Good to see them again! So many gathered to see the Muzungus (white people) and most were the people that came to see us at the medical clinic. So, we had the opportunity to share the gospel with the crowd and through that, 26 people came to know the Lord! It had been raining all day and as we were praying for those people, the sky broke and the sun came out brighter than ever! Gave us chill bumps as the presence of God was known! God is good!

A line to register and a line to the ambulance (pharmacy)

Testing Center and Waiting on Results. This was inside a school room.

 

Went to a school on the island and so many people were there! We sat under a couple of tarps with huge holes in them. They gave us their best chairs and even decorated them with doilies for us to sit on. The wind was blowing and looked like it was about to rain. As the group sat, the crowd grew. The school had no walls and a dirt ground. Some of the children were inside practicing songs to come sing to us. As usual, we all introduced ourselves. Names, where we are from, and a word of encouragement. The Ugandan team introduces and then the American team. First time I am not on the American team. I am not officially a part of the Ugandan team and introduce myself as from Uganda. (: After the introductions, so many beautiful voices came out and sang for us. Then the entire school and village children broke out in worship. It was amazing! Some of the group then began setting up for the jigger removal clinic/wound clinic and some set up for puppets and bible stories. Over 100 came to remove the jiggers and clean the wounds. While that group was finishing with the clinic we went down to the field. Let just say it was beautiful! Overlooking Lake Victoria it was breathtaking. We played a game of "Cat & Mouse" (duck, duck, goose)and sang songs. Yes, the kids think it's fun to pick the muzungus for the games to run around. (: These kids run fast and you are running for your life so you don't get tagged to run again! This isn't a small circle to run around either. It has at least 100 kids in a circle. Ha! We were all hurting from running the next day.  

School House

 

2 days later, we went out to a village for hut to hut evangelism. We split up into 4 groups and went different directions from the church. My group went down a small dirt path and through some corn field to find the homes. While walking through the corn fields, you can't see anything around you but you can hear someone following you in the field. Couldn't get them to come out and couldn't see them but could hear them walking with us. (: The majority of the homes we visited were Catholic and Muslim. Came across 1 home that the entire 3 generations of family were believers but still wanted to hear what we had to say. We spoke and then prayed for them. They were so happy that we were there. Went to several other homes and 8 people came to know the Lord. Visited a lady in her field and she came to us asking for prayer. Her 6 year old girl was strapped to her back. Said that her daughter got sick last year (not sure what it was) and had many seizures. Her daughter has never spoke or walked since that day. She carries her with her everywhere she goes. She asks that we pray for her strength as she is still working and has to carry her. Pray for her little girl. We went back to the church to meet the rest of the teams and hear their stories. A total of 23 came to know the Lord that day. Gave the names to the pastor so he could follow up with everyone.

A team came in from Canada this week and they handed Ivan and I some cash to go into Kampala and buy Bibles! We were able to buy 500 Lugandan Bibles and are in search for some in the Lusoga language. They Bibles are being distributed between churches and villages. Huge blessing to have the Bibles!

Tomorrow we are going back to a village to share the Jesus film with the people. Will update you on that soon!

Donations

This month has flown by! It's crazy to think that I have been here for just over a month. I wanted to update you on all the donations that ya'll gave for my team to bring up here last month! First off, Sonrise says "THANK YOU!!!".

22 people came with me in July. We were able to bring around 53 (50lb) bags of donations. Everything from adult clothes, children clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, plastic spoons, toys, flip flop of all sizes (over 500 pairs), baby shoes, socks, books, crayons, chalk, bibles, shampoos and soaps (for the aunties), etc.

The day we arrived, we started sorting through the donation boxes to get the items where they needed to go and when we got to the formula, the workers were so excited! Found out that they had JUST run out of the last bit of formula they had that morning. Gods timing is the best timing!

We just handed out the last bit of those donations last week. With all the flip flops/shoes, you were able to supply a couple pairs of shoes for each child in the Baby, Children's, and Girl's Home. We had enough left over to give some to the workers too. Then we carried them into the villages. Gave them out at several schools. In the jigger removal clinics, we were able to give out shoes to those who just had their feet treated for the jiggers.

Thank you to Westside Baptist Church for raising the funds for the Berkey Water Filter!! Use it every day. Nice to have clean water! (:

Thank you to the anonymous donor for the new camera! We are loving it and it is taking great pictures.

Thank you to United Baptist Church for the funds to buy water filters to put in the homes!

The aunties were so excited to get their shampoos and soaps. Children are loving the toys and chalk.

Again, thank you for all of your love, support, and donations! It means so much to all of us here!

The Kasiki/Wedding

Wow! The wedding was more beautiful than I could have ever dreamt of.  Wedding for a queen!  When I arrived in Uganda I was still going around with the team I can with and planned to do everything they were doing. One day we went out to go digging in some gardens and I was told to stay in the shade and not to do a thing. They didn't want me to get scratched, bruised, or burnt. Haha. They later told me that in their culture, the bride is usually not seen a week before the wedding. She is supposed to stay in a dark room, in her bed, resting. The most she will do is lift her arms for someone to rub oil on her! (:  Aleto and Brenda gave me dance lessons. Told me that I will be the center of attention and everyone will be watching to see how I dance. This white girl found it hard to dance the way they do. I'm just not that coordinated! haha.

Thursday night was the wedding Kasiki (usually the night before the wedding). The Kasiki is held at the grooms home. It's 1 big dance party that lasts all night long! We arrived to music you could hear a mile down the road. Earlier that day, they killed and skinned a goat for the Kasiki feast. You could see it cooking on the grill in the corner of the yard. I had to go around to every person to greet, introduce myself, and thank them for coming. Of course, there was a bride and groom dance to start the party off. Glad it was a dark but I danced! (:

Friday they allowed me to take a nap (bride needs rest) and then they took me to a local "Salon" (Saloon - is how they say it) to get my nails done and get the african dirt off my feet. Was told that if I got dirt on my feet again, they would hurt me.

Saturday was the wedding! Got up at 5am to get to the Salon by 6 so they could do my hair and all my girls. Learned that 6am means 7:30 African time. Wedding was supposed to start at 10am. At 11am we were still in the salon and I was getting worried. LATE!! But someone came in to reasure me that they are supposed to wait on me and I am not to rush 1 bit and to take my time. The cars arrived at 11:30 to pick us up and take us to The Source of the Nile Gardens. I figured that the groom and grooms men would already be there but no. Our car pulls into a gas station and pulls up right next to the groom and his car. All the girls in my car (including me) started screaming at Ivan to turn around and for the driver to drive away. I quickly laid down in the car as flat as I could with my dress. Sheesh. We finally move on without him seeing me. We arrive at 12noon and everyone is waiting. 2 hours late for my wedding but they tell me I am not late and I am right on time. (: The place was beautiful. Cool breeze, sun was out, plenty of shade, and the nile river right next to us. 20 min later, I walked down the isle in my daddy's arm to meet my Ivan. He looked so handsome standing there waiting for me. We said, I do! I felt like a celebrity. Cameras all up in our faces all day long. counted 15 cameras at one time. Danced back up the isle and took lots of pictures. The decorations, tents, flowers, food, and hours of entertainment was amazing! Tribal dancers, Sonrise Childrens Choir, more dancers, singers, and speeches.  

 

 

After the cake cutting, he took cake to my family to serve them and I took cake to his family to serve them. I met his grandmother (87 years old) through this. Then we went and served each other cake and Mountain Dew (:  Made our speeches and danced some more. We had over 800 people at the wedding. I am so glad I was able to share it with my parents, sister, best friend, new family, and team. Many came from Canada and the UK to join us for the wedding too. All the Aunties, Church members, Mirembe girls, and Sonrise children/babies were all there.

So thankful for my wonderful husband, siblings,  and his team of friend who planned this beautiful wedding. I love you all!

 

 

 

The Move/Saying Goodbye

So much to catch up on. Several posts to come!

So grateful for all the love and support that I have had in the past month.  When I left my job, I made my rounds to see my grandmother, mamaw, brothers, and friends. I don't like saying goodbye and knowing I would be missing important things when I left made it hard to do. Finally got all the donations and my things packed up. Drove back to mobile to fly out.

When we landed it was such a relief feeling. Hard to explain but, I was finally in my new home country. My new family and new sonrise family welcomed me with open arms. After a week and a half in Uganda with my team, parents, sister, and best friend, I had to say good bye to them too. I was reminded by a friend in the states to not be afraid to live this verse out.

Matthew 12:46-50
46,While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48,But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49,And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50,For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Great encouragement. So thankful.

I have been married for almost a week now, CRAZY! I am so incredibly blessed to be married to Ivan and look forward to the years to come. We are now in our new house and I am in the process of getting it set up and unpacking myself. It's a beautiful home and much more than I expected. Ivan did good (:

Now to learn how to cook, clean, and wash Ugandan style. Right now Ivan and the night guard are getting some American style meals for dinner (while the supplies last). Our 2nd day in the home, Ivan asked Maureen to come help me unpack/clean so I could cook dinner for my family that night. So thankful for her help! My house would have been a wreck without her. Was able to cook breakfast for dinner (easy 1st meal). Eggs, Homemade Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, Muffins, and Fresh Juice! Learning how to use the oven was difficult but I finally figured it out and everything turned out great! Last night I made Potatoes, Left over Biscuits, and Stir Fry Veggies. 

Mr. Cluckers (the chicken we were given as a wedding gift) watches me through the kitchen door window as I cook and clean every day. If I am not careful and I leave my front door open, I will find him in my living room. (: Trying not to get attached to him but it's so hard! He is my new friend . The goat we were given is with a lady who is taking care of all the Sonrise goat because we don't have much grass for him to eat here at the house.

Must also start learning the languages so I can communicate better! Right now, I am enjoying the babies, girls, and children.

God is good!

From Daniel at the Mirembe Girls Home: 

Your prayers worked, Brenda is back home from the hospital and she can now smile again, God is so good.

 

 Please take a few seconds and pray to God to provide a VAN for Mirembe Girls Home so that the girls can get a ride to and from school and this will help us avoid such accidents like the one that almost took Brenda's life.

 Watch their facebook page for any updates. (: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mirembe-Cottage-of-Street-girls/304017426321574

Prayers and Praise

 

           Let me start by saying that your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me and Sonrise ministries in the past few months.  I hear of people raising money and donating for new mosquito nets, sun dresses, shoes, clothes, formula, etc. It makes me so happy when I hear of your joining me in this amazing opportunity and ministry.

            I ask that you please pray with me as I continue to prepare to leave my home here in the states to start a new home and life with the Sonrise ministries in Uganda.

-Prayer Needs -

*Financial needs are met to pay bills/student loans off before I leave

*Needing Monthly Supporters while I am there. Will need about $1,200 a month for rent/ministries/living/etc..

*Must get shots/boosters/medical supplies before I leave

*Need to find a buyer for my car in June ('02 Honda Civic)

*Taking a team of 22 people with me, at the end of June, for a couple weeks. Pray for the team as they prepare to minister to the people of Masese and Jinja.

*Move June 29th, only 3 1/2 months away. It's sneaking up fast!!!

*Getting married July 6th, wedding preparations!

*Some ladies in Angoltok are afraid to become Christians because their husbands will beat them. Pray for them.

 

*Pray for Brenda at Mirembe Girls Home. She was hit by a motorcycle on her way to school today. Was unconscious for about 2 hours. She is in a hospital right now being treated.  She is scared.

-Praise Reports -

*Team went into new village (Angoltok) and over 100 came to know the Lord through the Jesus Film and Hut to Hut evangelism!

 

* They were able to build new huts and fix a well to give them cleaner water to drink from.

 

* New Nursery School has begun in Angoltok!

 

*For the Financial and Item donations.

*My parents and my older sister are now going with me to Uganda for a couple weeks and will be there for my wedding!

 

 

 

Thank you all for the sweet letters of encouragment! I love hearing from you!

 

 

 

                                                            

Move Update

Let me just start off by saying , God is Amazing! I was invited this past weekend to go back to my home church at Westside for the GIC (Global Impact Celebration) and speak along the side of 50 other missionaries. In those 2 days, I was able to meet, share stories, and get advice from the missionaries. I also have the opportunity to share with some ladies at breakfast, children, youth, college students, and a few sunday school classes about the ministry that I will soon be working with. Everyone asked me some of the same questions:

 

1. What do I need to get started  

2. What do the homes need 

3. Can I get them a list of the needs and prices so they can help
4. Prayer requests

 

I told them I would create a list and post it for them. Here is the list of everything that I can think of right now. I have also attached my amazon wish list that has some of my items that I need on it that I hope to purchase before I go and take them with me.  http://amzn.com/w/3MAMC6AXSJ5M

 

My Needs:

Royal Berkey Water Filter - $370

Berkey Shower Filter - $32

Screening (to put up in my windows of my home to keep the mosquitoes out) - $100

Tape Measure

Staple Gun

Washer and Dryer - $1,000

Microwave - $200

Converters

Refrigerator - $500

Stove - $400

Vehicle (4 wheel drive)

Bed with mattress - $200

Fans (3) - $30 ea.

Couch

First Aid Kit
 

Baby Home Needs: (ages newborn - early 3)

Twin Size Sheets (30+)

Formula

Diapers

Sippy Cups

Mosquito Nets (30+) - $10ea.

Washer and Dryer - $1,000 (They wash all day long by hand)

Flip Flops/Shoes
 

Children's Home Needs: (ages late 3-9)

Twin Size Sheets (30+)

Mosquito Nets (30+) - $10ea.

Clothes 3-8years old

Coloring books

Crayons

Soccer Balls w/pumps

Washer and Dryer - $1,000

Flip Flops/Shoes

Books
 

Girls Home Needs: (ages 5-15)

Twin Size Sheets

Mosquito Nets (30) - $10 ea.

Clothes 6-14 years old (skinny kids)

Construction Paper

Writing Paper

Pencils, Coloring Pencil, Markers

Washer and Dryer - $1,000

Flip Flops/Shoes

Books
 

Medical Needs:

Tylenol

Baby Tylenol

Safety Pins

Needles

Gauze

Bandaids

First Aid Cream

Anti Bacterial Soap

Alcohol Wipes
 

Sonrise Church Needs:

Plastic Chairs ($20)

Tent 30x40 - $2,000 (Church stands by 4 sticks and a tarp. They have outgrown and need something larger and stronger)

Bibles
 

Village Needs:

Money for Seeds, School Supplies, Bibles, Building Supplies, Shoes, and Medications.

 

Prayer:

*For Sonrise Ministry as they continue to minister to the children and the community.

*A village, Angoltok, as a team goes to them in a few weeks to start sharing the gospel with them.

*For my family as they trust the Lord with my life and ministry.

*Please keep me in your prayers as I take these next few months to prepare financially, mentally, physically, and spiritually to move to my new home, Uganda.  

 

 

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation you can go to:

www.sonriseministriesinc.com - donations, then put my name in the notes and if it is for anything in particular, write that down too.

 

If you would rather make a donation directly to me, click the paypal link on the right.

 

 

Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and support I have already received. You are all a huge part of this journey already!

 "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."                          - Matthew 28:19-20

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8