Saturday, March 26, 2016

Under Contract

We are under contract on our home!  One more day in which the Lord is confirming our move.  We plan to close April 29th, then head to Mission Training International for the month of May.  This home has been another appointed blessing.  Each home in our story has been so significant, and this one is no different.  We are so thankful and ask for your prayers to close successfully.    

This was Allison's 10th bedroom in her sweet 12 years of life!

Thursday, March 17, 2016

My Most Favorite

The best moment of my week was visiting with the director of Cherish Uganda.  He gave us a tour of their 80 acres in the center of a fishing village off the coast of Lake Victoria.   As we walked through, he shared with us their new health clinic (shown below designed by eMi), their school, and their housing for their 400 orphaned children, all HIV positive.  They have more plans to expand the school and update the employee housing, in which they will call upon eMi for help.  

He shared the story of how he arrived there from Austin and how Cherish Uganda began. I've told the story several times, but have not gotten all the facts straight (probably couldn't comprehend it all clearly through the tears in my eyes as I was listening).  Therefore, I would love for you to read it HERE  

As he continued, he looked straight at our team and said "thank you eMi."  "Without eMi we would not be nearly as effective in this small village.  This clinic has changed our ministry completely."  Yes, before the building was built, they were serving the poor, sick and lost, with a focus on children that are HIV positive.  However, now they were doing so completely equipped by our Savior's abundance of resources!

Cherish Uganda changed my perspective of eMi and why we are moving our family to over 7,000 miles away to serve the poorest of the poor.  When eMi changes a ministry's environment, we change their existence, impact, power, and sometimes expand their purpose.  When those serving on the "front lines" can be suited with the best of the best earthly armor, they can dive into the depths of pain and suffering, then rise to the top by God's grace!  Lives are touched, changed, healed, and opened to the Gospel of God's love and forgiveness.  eMi doesn't just build buildings, but they build lives.  
 

I will speak for Jim and say that meeting Hattie was his week's highlight.  Near mid-week we stopped by the eMi office where he was able to meet Hattie. She is a Ugandan native, born and raised.  She went to university there and studied architecture.  She is now employed by eMi and works in the office full-time. When the two of them sat in their office getting to know each other, Jim teared up, just as did she!  He told her that we've been praying for her and are really looking forward to working with her, discipling her, and mentoring her professionally and spiritually.  She then voiced that she has also been praying for him.  She can't wait for him to finally move there, as she desperately needs his help. We told her that we'll be there ASAP.  Its was actually hard leaving.  We wish we could be there tomorrow, just for her sake.  

I believe that Hattie is Jim's most motivating thread.  He lights up when talking about leading, discipling and growing up Ugandans in their specific discipline.  They are so willing and able and treasure work.  Its such an honor to come along side these precious people and lead them to their greatest potential at the foot of Christ.     



A Few Random Pics

Ugandan lunch after church on Sunday.  LOTS of starch!
 Superbowl Party at 2:30AM.  First time to have 
coffee at the Super Bowl rather than chips and dip.
 Church on Sunday at Calvary Chapel Entebbe.  Didn't hear much of the sermon, as we were so distracted by Lake Victoria and the amazing birds an fisherman behind the pastor. Uganda has over 1,000 different bird species!  I can't even put to word how creative God is! 

 Typical street scene 

 Made it to the zoo.  Kinda odd to go to a zoo in the middle of a country home to so many 
wonderful animals, but I have to say it was the best zoo visit EVER!  And yes, I road a camel.  No side-saddleing a camel.  

Quick pic of what we might be driving. A van, 
or at least something with high clearance. 

Good Shepherd's Fold

 We also stopped by Good Shepherd's Fold near Jinja, 
which is an orphanage and school.  eMi designed this pavilion.  
 We were blessed by their staff to enjoy a wonderful 
dinner with them and gracious tour of their property.  

 eMi also designed this home for the staff director.

This home was along the side of the road on the way back.  
This make-shift shack is more typical than not.

Our Stay in Jinja

Our 3 hr drive from Entebbe through Kampala to Jinja.  Beautiful forest part of the way, as well these rolling hills of tea were amazing.  We were able to have real "drive thru" experience on the road.  If you pull your car over for just a second, you will be swarmed with the whitest, sweetest smiles, asking you to buy their "Gonja" (grilled plantains).  And WOW!  Way better than a drive thru McDonalds window!
 
While in Jinja, we visited Amazima ("truth" in Lugandan) Ministries.  If you get a chance google Amazima!  Katie Davis's story of the Lord's work through her life is absolutely remarkable.  I encourage you guys to read Kisses With Katie, a book she released in 2011. Anyway, eMi has designed and is managing the construction of a 65 acre campus, complete with a boarding school for 700 Ugandan children.



These last two pics were taken where we stayed on the Nile River.  Unbelievable. 





Our First Stop in Uganda

 We had an amazing trip that was more than confirming!  We took over 400 photos, so here are just a few to catch you up.  

Entebbe Vine Inn.  It was like a B&B here in the states.  Such a great place!  

Our Team!  Jeff, on the far right, was our guide for the entire week.  He is on staff with eMi and has lived in Kampala for over 4 years.  Very knowledgeable and such a gracious host! 
This is a quick shot of Entebbe, where the international airport is.  You can see Lake Victoria in the background.  The second largest freshwater lake in the world.  Beautiful!

This little guy confirmed the Lord's presence in my week personally.  If you know me, I'm not a fan of any type of amphibian...ANY.  So as we were having morning devotional outside under the wonderful gazebo, God's little creature paid us a visit....and I didn't freak out!  I know it may be a minor thing for some of you, but when the Lord makes a MAJOR thing in our life minor, its a big deal!

This is Enid. She served us a stellar breakfast every morning!  Veggie omelet, toast w/jam, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and juice. Scrumdidilyumcious!