~ aftermath ~

Sometimes its hard to believe that I'm home and that I actually did spend 1 month in Tororo, Uganda. Sometimes it almost feels like it was a dream...I hope that I never get into the groove of the busyness here and forget the wonderful experience the Lord in His grace allowed me to have. As I sit and think how is it possible to get down in writing all that it entailed and meant to me, I keep coming back to one thing...the Lord's faithfulness. He was faithful to call me there, with 5 wonderful girls, to get me there, to work in me and through me there...He is more than worthy of our trust and obedience! He is faithful to His people, here in the States and just as much overseas. He's faithful to His children in Tororo, and I can find comfort in His faithfulness to the children that I love so dearly and miss so excruciatingly sometimes. Jesus loves the little children...all the children of the world...that song makes me smile now because I know that its true. I know that the Lord is the same God here and there and He loves those children the same that He loves our children here. I see it in the provision He gives them. I see it in the hopes and dreams that He gives them. I see it in the joy He gives them....joy that can ONLY come from Him. Because of His love and mercy and grace. If you could see these children's lives...how they hunger for love and attention....and their happiness, how they can still laugh and play and love each other. That is a true gift from the Lord and it truly goes to show that without a doubt true joy and happiness do NOT come from money, material things, even security in worldly aspects. They can't ~ there's no way. Reflecting on the Lord's love for His children, I know that this is where He would dwell, where He DOES dwell...among the orphaned, among the poor. And I am humbled that He allowed me to spend the time that I did with them. There is much we can learn from them. I know that the love I received from them and the love I was able to give to them comes from our Father in Heaven, for He is love. (1 John 4: 7-21) And yet I think that part of His provision for them is in our obedience...we need to be obedient and do our part as part of His plan to provide for them. May we live lives characterized by faith, love, and obedience.

And in light of that, allow me to introduce you to a few of the best little children I know, who have stolen a piece of my heart:

Eli....love that little smile!!

Juma, 12 years old, wants to be a pastor ~ praise God!! It was a privilege to get to see the Lord working in his heart

Peter, our in house drummer :) And by drum I mean empty water jug and a stick....He would start playing and would instantly have a group of joyful little dancers around him!

Hungry for the Word!! Reading with Allan and Juma ~ the one on my lap is Christine...she is probably about 2 or 3 but looks about 1 year old. She is so very skinny and can't walk though she should be able to. Continue to pray for her health and well being! Her smile is simply precious ~

Lunchtime! :)

Abucha, mentioned earlier...man I miss him with everything in me!! Quite the little character

Being goofy ~ the creativity of these kids is incredible!

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." ~ James 1:16-17 ~

More thoughts soon to come ~ Blessings!