Mission Uganda – Blog 3
Day 3
It was another beautiful day in Uganda. As I spent some prayer time by the tree this morning (my prayer spot), I sensed a strong feeling that God’s Word would play a large part in today’s adventure. After our normal devotion time, we once again loaded up and headed across Uganda. As we visited our first school, Ashley and GeorgAnn became the child magnets as usual. To see the love in their eyes is truly a blessing. Collin ended his talk by reciting his ending in Lugandan (the native language). As he said the words Mukama Akuwe Omukisa (God bless you), the kids were blown away. Val has risen to the task of music coordinator which fits her to a tee. I will save Erv for later in the day.
After visiting two schools today, we loaded up on the bus for what I thought was a journey to the soccer tournament. Two schools is more than adequate to fill my bucket to overflowing. Beginning with the first devotions, the fullness of the Spirit’s presence continued to build. All roads in Uganda look the same, so as we traveled, I had no clue what was about to happen. We worked our way through the countryside and ended up on a smaller road than normal. I thought nothing of it until we rounded a corner, and there it was right in front of me. What was nothing more than a dream a year ago was now a house that Kathy and I built to house our three children. I cannot possibly put into words what went through my heart and mind. What I can assure each of you is that there are no earthly treasures that can even come close to the sheer joy that I felt in that moment. As tears streamed down my face, Maggi took my hand and led me into the house. Dennis did an amazing job of creating a home that will serve the purpose of rescuing many kids from utter hopelessness into a life of abundance and stability. The kids were in school, so my meeting with them will come, but that is not the end of the story.
As many of you know, we have a nanny for the kids. Maggi asked her to share her story with us. She walked away from a bad marriage with five kids ranging in age from 6 to 15. She has been separated from her kids for nearly a year. I’m sure you mothers can somehow feel the anguish of a mother separated from the children she loved with all of her heart. She yearned especially to hold her six-year-old in her arms, and give her the love that any six-year-old desires. As she told the story, I could see tears streaming down Val’s cheeks, and I saw her glance at Ervin. It was another heart moment that cannot possibly be penned! After several glance exchanges, Erv looked that little woman in the eye and said, “We will do what it takes to get your six-year-old into this house.” A look of utter disbelief spread across her face. She slowly made her way over to Val and Ervin and collapsed and Ervin’s arms sobbing uncontrollably. As God is my witness, if any of you could have seen this total surrender to God’s calling by a beautiful couple, your lives would be changed forever. It is now 10:16, and sleep is calling. I can lay my head on my pillow tonight, lift my eyes to God, and joyfully proclaim, “It is well with my soul.”
Saba Longo – Nuper