And We're Back...

We are back from Uganda! What an incredible experience we all had… the word “life changing” has come up AGAIN and AGAIN as I try to put words to what the last two weeks was like. All of us went to Uganda to love and serve the children at Watoto and in doing that, WE ended up being the ones that were blessed beyond our wildest dreams!!! As we met for the last time as a team, Katelyn and I gave the graduates an opportunity to share their “highlights” of the trip. I was completely overwhelmed as I heard these young women from different backgrounds, different ethnicities, different states and with different stories share how God had personally answered prayers—how He had stirred a new sense of passion and purpose. It was clear, as the graduates shared with tears and such tenderness, that God had done “exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask, think or imagine..."

We came to Uganda to pour out God’s love and compassion on all who we came into contact with —and not only did our graduates do that, they were ALL walking and breathing examples of hope restored and true freedom!!! Everywhere we went, I saw our graduates praying for the house moms of these orphans, sharing their testimonies, and loving on people through a hug or smile—these graduates truly LIVED OUT what Isaiah 61:1-2 says…through their actions, these graduates were used so tenderly to partner with God to bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom!

So—as I look back over the last two weeks, there are so many incredible memories that come to mind… holding the babies at the Bulrushes, attending service at Watoto Church, laying hands on the building to dedicate it to the Lord, and visiting the HIV positive women at Living Hope. No memory is more important than the other... and all touch a place deep in our hearts in an unexplainable way. We were all FOREVER changed by our time in Uganda and serving alongside one another at Watoto!

I want to end this entry by saying “thank you.” Thank you to the prayer partners that covered us in prayer during our trip—your prayers were definitely answered! Thank you to the Mercy graduates that attended this trip, you are truly our heroes… thank you for serving so tirelessly, for being transparent and for carrying the penetrating love and heart of Christ to all that you came into contact with!!! Also, a huge thank you to Watoto and the founders of Watoto, Gary and Marilyn Skinner, for allowing us to come to Uganda and serve such an incredible ministry. We pray blessings over the entire ministry and that God would continue to multiply the work of your hands. And lastly, we are thankful to the Lord for allowing us to partner with Him to serve such an amazing group of young leaders and future world-changers!!!

TO ALL THE GRADUATES… “paddle faster, faster, faster!!!...GET DOWN!!!” Haha!!

- By Nandi

Day 12 - Reflecting and Preparing to Go Home...

Me (Ainsley) and Giovy with some of the kids at Watoto!

As I sit here staring at the computer screen, I’m at a loss for words. Not because I have nothing to say, but because I have so much in my heart to share. As we face our last night in Kampala, I’m in awe. I’m in awe of the incredible and indescribable work of my Almighty God. These past two weeks have been some of the hardest, yet BEST days of my life. Why hard? LOTS of reasons and more than I can name in a few sentences. In these past two weeks I have felt a heart wrenching pain for the orphans and children of Uganda. I have looked into the eyes of countless children who suffer from HIV, no family to call their own, and/or have no hope. Immediately my heart is overwhelmed with love and compassion for each of them. I believe God showed me a glimpse of His love for me as I was filled with a motherly love for each and every child. Also, it’s been hard because God has taken these two weeks and completely stripped me of myself and covered me in His love and grace. He has broken walls in my life and for the first time in a long time I’m completely consumed and passionately in love with my Heavenly Father. In His faithfulness, He has called me by name and rescued me from myself.

BUT…in the midst of the hard times (more GOOD than hard), I have completely fallen in love with Uganda, and most importantly the people of this country. As I board the airplane tomorrow and head back to ‘real life,’ I know that my heart will be left here. The work of God I’ve had the privilege of witnessing is life changing. I’m honored to be able to be here alongside my Mercy sisters and serving our Lord Jesus by reaching His people.

Since I was five years old, I’ve had a love for the African people…a love I’ve never understood, until now. I will never be the same. My prayer is that above else, all glory, honor, and praise is given to my Jesus.

- By Ainsley

Day 11 - The Safari...

We headed out today on day two of our Safari!  As we were driving, I was once again awestruck by God’s beautiful creation.  This morning we went out into the wild of Murchison Falls and had the privilege of seeing nature in its natural habitat.  We were up close and personal with giraffes, elephants, antelope, and even the lions!  From the animals to the terrain, it was all so uniquely beautiful.  It struck me that God has created all of it, each to be different and to serve different functions.  I was in awe of how the animals embraced their role and lived freely doing as God had designed.  Even the plant life, like the palm trees and whistling Acasia bushes, served a purpose in God’s creation.

Me (Danielle) with our Safari Ranger, Sarah

Reflecting on this and God’s great provision for their daily needs reminded me of two things.  One was how in the body of Christ there are many parts, some big and some small, some seen and some hidden, but all equally important in order for it to function.   In watching the animals, I realized how they all embrace how God has created them.  An elephant does not try to become an antelope or live as one.  It embraces what it is and its role and lives it out to the fullest. 

The other was watching how, day in day out, God provides for their daily needs.  Jesus commanded in Matthew chapter 6, “Do not worry.” He goes on to explain that if He provides for the birds and flowers and grass, which are of little value, how much more will He do so for us whom He desires relationship with.  The Safari showed me over and over again through watching these animals live as they were created that God is in control.   It was wonderful watching them live in peace and enjoy the day.   Today, God’s creation has taught me what peace and joy there is in trusting the Lord for my daily needs and thankfully embracing who He has made me to be.  Everything is created for a purpose, and as humans our purpose is to worship Him.  The Safari was a great reflection of the awesome provision of God and how He has purposed us all uniquely to bring Him glory. 

- By Danielle

Antelope

Lioness

Buffalo