Ultimate Encounter

I must share with you the story of a girl at Kutamba. This is the most evident, direct, spiritual encounter of my actual journey (God's faithfulness before the trip was another huge spiritual lesson-see early posts) . There were other spiritual moments on the trip, but this was the most impacting for me. I really wish I knew her name. I think I was so surprised when we met because of what she did, I didn’t think to even ask at the time. I did manage to ask Eric to take our picture together.

The day of the groundbreaking for the Kutamba AIDS Orphans School, we also visited the temporary facilities. We had visited with the kids for a bit, then it was time to go. The kids sang us one more song, and we began to walk back down the path toward the van. Instead of the kids just standing in front of their buildings and waving as we left, they sang and escorted us down the path. I was about a fourth of the way, clapping along and enjoying the music when I felt a tug on my backpack purse. I wondered who was doing it and why. I turned around, and it was the girl in the attached picture. She took my purse and wanted to carry it for me to the end of the path. Once I understood her offer, I helped her position it so she had both straps over her shoulders. I was so honored, humbled, and blessed that she chose to serve me in this way. It still brings tears to my eyes. I shared this at church at communion time at church as a wonderful example of how Jesus chose to serve--to carry our burdens to the end—for him, it was to the cross. It was also wonderful confirmation of the effectiveness of ministry with children—they “get” faith and they "get" service, and often far more clearly and with less reservation than we do as adults. I will never forget that experience.

E-zines Getting the Word Out

Check out these e-magazine articles about Nyaka and Kutamba:

http://www.ugpulse.com/articles/daily/Education.asp?id=588

http://www.ugpulse.com/articles/daily/Education.asp?id=454

http://www.ugpulse.com/channels/educ_index.asp?channel=Education ( Click on the picture. This is about the Kutamba AIDS Orphans School groundbreaking, in which the SOCC mission team participated.)

Hope in the Holy Week Scriptures

This week, I've been reading through the Holy Week happenings in the book of John. In John 14, Jesus is trying to prepare the disciples for his departure by sharing that the Holy Spirit will come to them to counsel, comfort, and remind them of His teachings. He promises, "I will not leave you orphaned. I'm coming back. In just a little while the world will no longer see me, but you're going to see me because I am alive and you're about to come alive. At that moment you will know absolutely that I'm in my Father, and you're in me, and I'm in you" (John 14:18-20 Msg).

What hope--not only for us, but for the Nyaka and Kutamba children that He is here with us through His Spirit. We are not alone.

2 Letters from Students

Below you will find two letters given to me by Nyaka students the day I left. I'll type them as they wrote them and add clarification in parentheses.

Hello Aunt Cynthia (I didn't use this title, she came up with it):
This is the special thanking from M. from P-7 class. I would like to thank you for the words you taught us about God. Surely I love you. I will pray for you day and night I will keep on remembering the purposes you taught us. Greet for me the children at your church. I am sure I will not shame you and I request you kindly to come back for our graduation in December 2008 (the first Primary class to "graduate" from Nyaka.). May the Good Lord bless you and your family. Special greetings to your son and daughter.
Loves you, M.

Dear Mrs. Cynthia:
How are you and how is your life (?) Back to me I am not fine because of your living (leaving). I have miss (will miss you) because you where teachering us songs and five pourpeses. One of it was conect, grow and share about God. I will keep on remembering you and keep on.
You told us that your a teacher in church so when reach there you great (greet) all and told (tell) them that Nyaka loves you, T.D. also loves you. I great (greet) them in the name of Jesus Chrsit our Lord. I will keep on praying for you. Keep on thinking about Nyaka and T.D. God bless you and your family.


I have come to believe that the only true way we can serve God is to serve His children.
Paul Cook's diary in the book, The Sunflower, p 205

Level One Conversion

Brad, the missions minister, talks of "level one missions involvement" as becoming interested in helping someone. That's where I started when I watched the Nyaka video for the first time. Honestly, before that, mission work was for other people, those who were more rugged, adventuresome individuals. I wanted to go to help the teachers better facilitate coping as the kids deal with the death of one or both parents.

As with any intensive ministry experience, once you become immersed in it, you realize how much of a two-way street it is. Let me own that statement (as the counselor in me dictates). Once I got over there, I quickly discovered it was NOT about what I could offer them. The music and the teaching opportunities were vehicles to developing relationships. They were connection points with the kids. While I hope some of it "stuck," (and I think they might be able to name a purpose or two if asked now), I would love to go back sooner rather than later and spend some more 1:1 time with the kids.

I think back to the times when they were having breakfast or lunch, and I just sat back and observed. I didn't want to intrude on their social time with friends. (Otto was great at going up to them and initiating conversations). They also watched me from afar during breakfast. I did take some books out with me a couple of times to read them a story if they were interested, and I did with a few who sat down with me. Most, though, were quiet and shy. I wish now I'd felt more comfortable just approaching them without any kind of tool or connection point--just a genuine interest in who they are, how school is going for them, and how they're coping with all the circumstances in their lives. Why did I need the crutch of books, teaching, or song leading? I guess it's the teacher/administrator in me, trying to be "effective." I want to go back and be "effective" at building relationships that are going to encourage them in their walk with the Lord and pursuing the best education for their skills and abilities. I've often had to remind myself that ministry is not about curriculum, programs, and events, but about PEOPLE.

What a truly rich experience it was. The kids, the school, the teachers/staff/supporters, the culture, the rural living, the villages and cities, the gorgeous mountain scenery, the rugged road trips, the animals, the team of SOCC guys (not to be confused with the animals), the economy, their perspective, their faith--all of it has profoundly affected me. I'm still sorting it out.

Over spring break, I have allowed myself the pleasure of reading a novel. A rare occasion, honestly, as I'm often reading something related to work. I think I'm in the middle of 2 about leadership and communication, discussing 2 others with different individuals or groups, and about to start 3 others for ministry reasons. You'll be seeing quotes from the novel in the next few blog entries, because, of all things, it's about a woman going on a humanitarian mission trip to an orphanage in Peru. It's called The Sunflower.

"The surest way to minimize your own burdens is to carry someone else's."
Paul Cook's Diary from The Sunflower

Trip Agenda

I promised a trip agenda so you'd know what we did each day.
Tuesday: Depart Bloomington around 11:30 for a 2:30 flight out of Indy to Detroit. We got delayed a bit with final packing and a misplaced passport. From Detroit we flew to Amsterdam. The part of the airport we were in was extremely busy and, of course, was very international. It's a major hub for Northwest and KLM Airlines. I learned my carry on should have been on wheels.
Wednesday: This day felt basically lost with the time change. We flew from Amsterdam to Entebbe. When we arrived at the airport, it was about 9p. Stephen, our driver and weeklong escort, met us. We loaded the van (and boy, was it loaded down with 5 people's luggage and all the toys, trinkets and supplies). We got a glimpse of rural life and city culture in the dark; even noticed some businesses, including several barbers open at night. We stayed at Hotel Equatoria in Kampala.
Thursday: We got up, I was the only one with a hot shower (sweet!), and had a wonderful buffet breakfast. We then loaded up for the long van ride to Nyaka. We first exchanged our American dollars for Ugandan shillings ($1=1700 shillings). We crossed the equator, went thru Mbarara, had a little van trouble due to the rough roads, and got to drink in a daytime glimpse of rural life and city culture. There are few traffic lights. They drive on the
wrong" side of the road. Traffic was crazy! That's one reason why we appreciated Stephen so much. We knew none of us could have driven a mile in those conditions without wrecking. We arrived at the school after dark and were greeted by the guest house residents.
Friday: We took it easy, trying to adjust to the time change. We took a walk through Nyakagyezi (the village closest to Nyaka School) and to Kambuga--the larger village at the end of the road. The guys took lots of pix, and we enjoyed a coke at one of the stores.
Saturday: We went to the Seventh Day Adventist Church--the church closest to Nyaka School. Because the new school term started on Monday, they were hosting Nyaka students who sang several songs for them. They prayed for the students and the school. Several of the teachers attend there also.
Sunday: We got up early to drive the 2 1/2 hours to Kutamba School's new property for the groundbreaking. We then visited the temporary facilities (One of my favorite Uganda stories happened here). We ate lunch at a local hospital which was known as a safe local restaurant. This is the day we really saw how green and lush this part of Uganda was--absolutely breathtaking.
Monday-Thursday: I spent time in the classrooms teaching the 5 purposes and VBS music. The guys took pix, interviewed people for their videos, did road work, hauled supplies and worked on mudding a room in the new kitchen/dining/office building. On Wednesday, the grandparents and guardians worked also, then offered us baskets and native crafts, and sang and danced for us. Thursday morning, I finished teaching and we passed out all our gifts and officially donated the 120 pounds of books we brought. In the afternoon, the Anti-AIDS club performed their musical drama for us. It was very powerful.
Friday: Travel to Lake Bunyonyi. Took a boat ride around the lake and got off on a nearby island before returning to our lakeside cabins. Enjoyed dinner out on the deck and a great campfire discussion before bed.
Saturday: Traveled to Lake Mburo National Park for the animal adventures, then back to Kampala to Hotel Equatoria.
Sunday: Shopping in the local markets, then a trip to Ginja where the Nile begins out of Lake Victoria. To the airport by 8 for our 11:00 flight out. Final snacks and shopping at the airport along with passport questions and security procedures.
Monday: We all appreciated having an American meal at Chili's in the Detroit airport after customs. Back to Indy to a special SOCC welcome just on the other side of security. My wonderful children met me at the church when we got back and took me home. (it only took 3 stop lights for them to get into a heated discussion--sure made me miss them. . .)

Uganda Flashback

Ya know how they say sensory experiences trigger memories? Like when you get a whiff your mom's fabric softener and it makes you think of when she did your laundry? Or when you catch the aroma of a long-ago date's fragrance and you're instantly transported back to another day and time? Well, I had a sensory triggered flashback Thursday morning--only it was tactile and the time frame wasn't that long ago. Right about the time I got up to brush my teeth, our power went out. I had planned to work out, get the kids off to school, then shower before going to work. Plans change.

I first had to go into crisis management mode. Were the two teenagers up? Had my son taken his shower? What was my daughter going to do about her hair? (And that turned into a major life crisis--yearbook pictures were that day and she didn't want her children and her children's children seeing her without her hair straightened [she actually said that!!!] She ended up going over to a friend's house to get ready for school. She had less than a half hour for picture-ready primping.

Okay, now to the Uganda connection. My son used all the hot water, and there was no chance for it to recup before the power went off. I really woke up to a cold shower with the get wet, wash up, take a deep breath and turn the water back on for a rinse technique. It made me think about Uganda, where the shower was cold, and really appreciate our guest house hosts at Nyaka, who boiled water over an open fire twice a day so we would have warm water. They would bring in 1 or 2 yellow plastic "gerry cans" (sp?) of water, like you see in the picture, and set them in the bathroom at 6:30 am and 4p. We could then pour them into a plastic basin and use that water for more comfortable clean-up. (Those yellow water cans were EVERYWHERE in Uganda-you'd see women carrying them on their heads and even children carrying them from the nearest water source to their home. They are very heavy! The younger children carried smaller containers that looked like an 1 gallon anti-freeze jug.)

Nobody at home boiled water over an open fire for me that morning, even though my husband was home. ;) Welcome back to America!

Sun "burn" ?????

The first Sunday we were there, we made the 2 1/2 hour, trek (45-ish miles) from Nyaka School to the Kutamba building site for the dedication. Kutamba is the second AIDS orphans school of what is hoped to be many schools like Nyaka. That was the most beautiful, most adventurous 4 wheel drive ride I have ever taken. It was our first exposure to the green, lush, mountain terrain of southwestern Uganda. We wound around, up, down, back and forth on hillsides, often with very little shoulder. It definitely was not for the faint of heart (or anyone with a fear of heights!) In many places, the road had washed out and 4-wheel drive was the only way to get through. Our driver was very skilled in navigating this this terrain. We were grateful!

Behind me in the picture are several boys who showed a curiosity about this mzungu (white person). We were there on this hillside for a couple of hours during the dedication ceremony, festivities, and pictures. Figuring this light skin was on the way to a significant burn, I got out my sunscreen and started to apply it to my arms, face and neck. The boys were walking past me, gave me the strangest look, and stopped to watch. I tried to explain in simple English with some actions that the hot sun makes my light skin "burn." They giggled and walked on. Later, they were sitting behind me as I talked to the woman on my left. They were having a conversation, but not in English. She said, "The boys behind us are still talking about your skin." I said, "Really??" After she confirmed it, I turned around and extended my arm to invite them to touch light skin. They were hesitant at first, but then all of them did eventually. We sat there talking a while longer. Right before we left, I turned around to them and pushed on the skin on my arm for them to see the pink color it had gained. They giggled some more. That was not a usual sight for them!! They were intrigued. I wondered later if their understanding of the word, "burn" may have complicated things. Perhaps they thought I was preventing my skin from catching on fire! No wonder they were curious!

"Facilities" Questions

It appears that one thing weighing heavily on some of my friends' minds about my trip is how rugged it got when it comes to practical matters like restroom facilities. They know that was one concern I had since I'm not the primitive camping type (startling revelation for some, I know). I would have to say that either there was some major coincidence about the timing or God was again faithful in taking care of me in another manner on this trip.

After arriving at the Entebbe airport late Wednesday evening (I'll have to give you the travel schedule sometime, too), our driver, Stephen, picked us up and took us to Hotel Equatoria in Kampala-about an hour drive. We ate dinner there (chicken and fries :) ) and then went to bed. Recognizing that this might be the last chance for a hot shower and flush facilities, we all aimed to take advantage of it before we left in the morning for a day's drive to the school. I was the only one that had hot water for a shower. The "boys"were quite jealous when I reported it to them at breakfast.

The way the lunch and fuel stops worked out, I, unlike the boys, could get along without a stop along the road (which Stephen labelled "a short call" and they adopted that term). The longest time frame with unavailable "facilities" was the last leg of the trip to the school that evening. Stephen kept saying, "We're almost there." I learned he would say this before I would have on any trip. His idea of being close to the destination and mine were a little different. By the time we arrived at the guest house that evening, I was ready to live the semi-rugged life--even looking forward to a latrine visit (which turned out to be an outhouse with a toilet frame to sit on). I was prepared with my flashlight and the roll of toilet paper that stayed in my purse the whole trip. When we got out of the van, Brittany, (the I.U. grad who was there to teach English for 6 months) greeted us. I asked about the latrine and she said words that were an unexpected blessing to my ears, "Latrine? You don't have to use the latrine. A plumber just left 2 hours ago after installing a flush toilet just down the hall." Are you for real?? I wondered. Sweet!!!! Wonderful! Fantastic! This experience was already going to be easier than I anticipated. Thank you God!!!

We did use the latrine some during the day, expecially the day the house ran out of water because a farmer up the line was diverting water onto his property. That was addressed and we were back in business. I learned that it was good to kick the latrine before using it, to dislodge the flies and avoid an improper "buzz."

We did travel other days in some rugged territory, but it always worked out that restaurant and gas station stops were enough for me to stay civilized.

As far as showers, cold was the only option from the tap.. . . . . .but. . .. .. . .. ..the people who hosted us at the house-who cooked for us and did our laundry, went out every morning and afternoon and boiled 5-10 gallons of hot water over an open fire for us to use. We would then pour some in a plastic tub, step into the shower stall, "sponge" warm water over us, lather up, and rinse off either with more warm water or cold. I'm glad to report that I was able to keep up the leg shaving routine the whole time too. I had purchased a battery powered razor just in case. I know, some of you might not be able to fathom the lengths one must go to to appropriately consider all possible hygienic needs in a third world country. For a prissy girl like me, it was important to keep the legs smooth for the dresses, shorts, and capri wardrobe. It was also important, since I was on a hair appliance fast (at one point, I nearly suffered from delirium tremens), that make-up and specifically, lip stick was regularly applied to at least look like I'm trying to look my best. Hair options were the head band or pony tail (although, my hair was just long enough for a high one. I looked like a sumo wrestler because it was a short tail!). Rumors that I kissed my blow dryer and straightener (and facilities after disinfection) upon my arrival home are completely unfounded.

More to come as time allows. I promise the next post will contain a bit more depth :)

Lucy

"Facilities

First Day of School

Number estimates varied, but this is a sampling of people who came to apply for a P1 (primary 1 or first grade) spot at Nyaka for a child in their family. Remember these are all grandparents or aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., of the children. Almost all children at Nyaka are double orphans because of the AIDS pandemic. There were 26 openings for P1 (four children were being held back) and at least 90 children vying for a spot. They were there all day for the screening process. If there was another child in the family attending Nyaka, they were not as likely to get in. Some might balk at the system, but they're trying to assist as many families as possible, so they try to spread the educational opportunity around.

The school year runs February to November with several weeks off in the middle and a long holiday break at the end. I knew they were coming back to school while we were there; I just didn't realize it was a new year, not just a holiday vacation. The school has grades P1-P7. After P7, the kids take a national test. If they pass, they can go on to secondary school (if they can afford tuition). One of Whitney's goals is to get a scholarship fund going to help these kids go on in school if they pass the test. He is working with someone to create a video to be used to promote donations to this fund.

After 3 years (I think) of secondary school, they go to college (more like high school), then they go to "university." One has to be careful if you talk about "college" students because that means something different to them. My roommate in the guest house had just graduated from Indiana University, but couldn't say she just graduated from college. I explained that my daughter will be attending a university in a year and a half.

There are 250+ kids between the 2 schools--Nyaka and Kutamba--and it only takes $145 to support one child through the school year. Leave me a comment if you'd like more info about doing that--that's a quite reasonable sponsorship! You'll see more pix of kids from both schools and the groundbreaking we attended for Kutamba(it's in a temporary facility now) ---coming soon. I can't wait to share more of my experience with you!

"Stuck In the Middle (of the earth) with You"

I don't know who sang that song, but "stuck" is not really the term I would use for spending time with this great team. As you can see, I'm the only female on this 5 person mission team. Otto is behind me, then L-R, Whitney, Eric, and Brad. This was our first real "tourist" thing to do. We crossed the equator as we travelled from Kampala (where we stayed at Hotel Equatoria--after arriving late in Entebbe, then traveling with our fabulous driver, Stephen, to Kampala Wed. night) to Nyaka AIDS Orphans School. (By the way, the guys intiation into roughing it began at the hotel--none of them had hot water for a shower--I did though!! Thanks, God!)

Did you know that north of the equator, water drains clockwise, south, it drains counter clockwise, and right on the equator, it drains without swirling?? I didn't! An amazing little equator factoid for you--you're welcome!

Anyway, I wanted to give you a glimpse of the team. I'm a visual person, so I like being able to picture people and things as they're discussed.

Sorry for the delay in starting the trip specific blogs--we had internet trouble at home for a few days--maddening timing!!

Must sign off for now--more coming soon!!

Home---and jet lag hasn't hit--yet. . .

Thanks to all of your for your prayers, resources, support, organization, family care, and all the other things you did to make sure this mission trip was a fantastic experience for both me and my family! We felt very well cared for half way across the world from one another. I got back to the church yesterday (Monday afternoon) at 5p. Long travel, but so completely worth it. The school visit, cultural observations, tourist sites, and travel were all educational experiences for me, not to mention the spiritual aspect of doing mission work and living with a team. I'm sure I'll be processing things from this trip for a while---maybe even until next time (wait--did I say that??---yep, I did--I want to go back!). My family might even look forward to it. The children's ministry team I work with at the church brought them meals every second or third day I was gone. They feasted on excellent food--put this mother/cook to shame! Thanks again Janelle, Vicki, Kristen, Mark & Marilyn, and Sherry. Claudia, second mom and mentor, also slipped lasagna and rolls in there, too.

I journaled every day, so I'll be posting selections from that along with pix when I get them. Brad, the missions minister, downloaded all my pix to his laptop, and he'll be giving them to me soon along with his. Eric and Whitney also took a boatload of pix and video which they'll be sharing--so there will be no shortage of visual remembrances of this trip. (In my vanity, I must say, you'll see me looking pretty "rugged" with no hair appliances and electricity available, I could not look my preferred best--I'm sure you'll continue to love me anyway and understand my limitations.)

Here are the other players you'll hear about and see:
Brad --Sherwood Oaks Missions Minister--a staff member with me.
Whitney--SOCC attender and Rotary Club representative. He first heard about Nyaka when he and Jackson Kaguri (Uganda native and school founder) were in Rotary together. He and the Rotary have been active supporters of Nyaka. He went not only to see and assess the needs of the school, but also to gather video so that a documentary can be created which will be used to solicit donations to send Nyaka kids who pass the national exam on to secondary school.
Otto--SOCC attender and friend of Jackson's during his stay in Bloomington who initiated Jackson's nomination into Rotary (forgive my use of perhaps the wrong terms there) & long term supporter of the school
Eric--SOCC attender interested in the school and the country, commissioned to chronicle the experience for an SOCC video about the mission.

I must get to bed now, but be checking back frequently as I'll be posting journal entries and impressions.

One quick thing to share. We attended a 7th Day Adventist Church on Saturday while we were there a mile or so down the road from the school. They translated the sermon into English for us (there is a local language, but the national language is English since Uganda gained its independence from Great Britain in 1962--yea!). Near the end of the service, the translator said "God is Good" We responded "All the time." She then switched it around--there was a connection to America--I have done that same response (and sung the song) in my church experience before--
God is Sooooooo Good--
Lucy aka Cynthia

Thank You for Being A Friend (if you're 40ish, you can hear the tune in your head)

"Sometimes it's not easy, when I have had a day
Where nothing went right, but it'll be okay
Cause there are so many things that I am grateful for
That You have given me to let me know You more
One thing that is true
You give me the friends I need
to show how much You care for me.
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
When I'm up or when I'm down, I can count on them to be around
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
I see You through them, so thank you for my friends (yea-ah)
Sometimes it's not easy to try and understand
that You know what's best and that You have a plan
but I know that I can depend on You
and that You have given ways to help me through
one thing that is true
You give me the friends I need
to show how much You care for me.
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
When I'm up or when I'm down, I can count on them to be around
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
I see You through them, so thank you for my friends (yea-ah)
And when the rain comes down
they can be like the sun and brighten my sky
when i get turned around
a smile from a friend makes it okay
You give me the friends I need
to show how much You care for me.
Oh yeah, yeah yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah,
When I'm up or when I'm down, I can count on them to be around
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
I see You through them, so thank you for my friends"

"I See You" from the album The Way I Was Made, Family Wise Music

This song has certainly taken on more meaning as I have prepared for this trip.

• The children's ministry leadership team and others will be providing several meals for my family so they don't have to survive on Kraft mac and cheese, frozen pizzas, tv dinners, and carry out.
  
• People have offered their homes and beds if the kids want to do an overnight because they're bored or just need a mom.
  
• Forty dollars was secretly thrust in my hands Sunday morning with a whisper, "buy the kids a great souvenir or something."
  
• Two different people handing me sizeable sums to get whatever I needed personally to go (with some of it going for the most massive economical suitcase I could find for my 49.872 pounds of clothing, etc.).
  
• Cards, letters, emails, text messages, e-cards of encouragement and support
  
• and, as previously mentioned in earlier entries, donations that covered all travel expenses, including immunizations and visa (which included one anonymous donation that I'm still trying to deduce)
  

So I thank you and Praise God for all the ways He has led, blessed, arranged circumstances, prompted action, and made the way clear. . . What a network I have! I'm so incredibly blessed!!!!
Back to final packing and planning--Cynthia aka Lucy

Two days away. . .

I just got back for Orlando, where I attended the Children's Pastors' Conference with staff and team members. We had a great time, heard from the Lord, and gained ministry ideas and resources. Now it's turn around and unpack/repack time. Of course, Satan complicated the prep work by striking our washing machine with some kind of affliction the day I left, so we'll have to go to a friend's house or the laundromat to get the last of the necessary laundry done. It finally seems real. I'm not sure I'm sleeping til I get on the plane late Tuesday afternoon. It seems like there so much still to do!!!
More coming later. . .

From step of faith to step of faith

Today in our staff meeting, we had a conversation about the progression from seeker to believer to seasoned believer and how some get sidetracked and stalled in advanced faith. How does one's faith continue to grow after years of church, small groups, Bible studies, service, etc.? I believe that part of keeping one's faith fresh and vibrant is related to an economic principle I recall from college (which I tried to leave in Econ class, but apparently it has other real-life application). We talked about the law of diminishing returns. If you crave a Big Mac, then the first bite is going to be extra super delicious, and each one following will a little less so. Another way to look at it is thinking about thrill seeking. One graduates from the Merry go round to the kiddie coaster to the Spider and Scrambler to amusement park coasters. Then you look forward to the new one that's higher, faster, and has more loops. The thrill, risk, and challenge have to increase to keep our interest.
I heard Tim LaHaye speak once at the American Association of Christian Counselors' Conference. He talked about faith growing as a process and how we go from step of faith to step of faith, increasing our risk and dependence on God. The last couple of times I listened to it, it really resonated with me. I want to grow in faith! I love inviting God to show off what a faithful and personal God he really is. And He always does.
Speaking of increasing our risk and dependence, there is a line in the book I'm reading In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day: Are you living your life in a way that is worth telling stories about?
I was speaking with someone who was considering a mission trip experience, but decided now was not the time. Now, I'm not doubting the fact that they prayed about it and heard a "not now" answer, but I can tell you that I do not want to miss one opportunity God has in store for me to step out in faith and live an adventure with Him. Life is too short and too many things can happen between now and the "perfect" time to go.
I want to live a life worth telling stories about----how about you???

My FAITH Sign from Vicki

I have to look up at the FAITH sign in my office that my girl friend Vicki gave me and smile. I now have the travel funding I need for the trip PLUS some that can reimburse me for the immunizations (which cost $350).
My travel visa also came today, so things are coming together!!!
Who says the Christian life is a boring one?? Let's chat, because I think differently!!

Mission Trip Calling, Part 2

I can still hear them in my head repeating after me this Sunday. "God is a God of ________?" "Order!" they would yell back. That was the lesson for this past week in the kindergarten and first grade room. We talked about how creation had to be done in a certain order or, for example, the animals would have drowned! Have you considered how He has ordered the steps of your life to build on each other, preparing you for each upcoming experience? Isn't that cool what a personal God He also is??? Let's rejoin the mission calling progression.
I spoke with Brad about watching the Nyaka video and how it had touched me. He said that he was considering planning a trip there because that was mission organization he had not visited yet. It was indeed a possibility!! As I talked, thought, and prayed, it looked more and more like it could become reality. Initial discussions with my family revolved around whether it was a safe place to go. There were questions like, "Wasn't that where one of the cruelest rulers had ever governed?" (Idi Amin) Yes, but he's not been in power for nearly 30 years. I was not going to be dissuaded.

We set a goal for VBX of raising $5000 because that would build Nyaka another classroom. Our grand total was $5,287! We also held a successful book drive because that was one of the high priority needs listed. Now, what we did not consider was the cost of postage--which is completely outrageous (approx $250 for every 65 lbs), so we'll be taking books with us along with continuing to send shipments as we can afford them (if anyone wants to contribute to the book postage fund to build up their library (they are taught English, so books will help them immensely!), let me know.

As Brad and I talked more and he communicated with Jackson, school founder and one of the American contacts, the trip became reality. I ordered my passport in August even though my family was not fully in love with the idea of me going. They're coming around. In September, I experienced what I felt was another major confirmation of the calling.
My prayers at that time about the trip centered around the fact that all the info and training I had was about American children's experience with grief. How was I going to help the Nyaka teachers if I had no conception of their culture, the children's roles and relationships with their parents, etc? What had I gotten myself into? I didn't want to be some arrogant American with all the "answers"--none of which applied to these kids' situations. I prayed, "God, how am I going to at least get a glimpse of their situations and understand so I can help???"
I went to the American Association of Christian Counselors' conference in mid-September. I attended a very helpful seminar on kids and grief that was a great, concise, reminder of what I already knew. A few hours later, I was sitting in one of the main seminars, admittedly bored with its message and flow. I started perusing the conference program, and decided I would determine the location of my next breakout session. I find the building map (of the Opryland Hotel--I LOVE that place!!!! That was the first place someone ever said to me--I could see you in ministry--plenty of stories and memories there!). On the page facing the map, there was an advertisement for a mission organization. The headline was, "Be touched. Be inspired. Be changed. There was a quote in the upper right hand corner: "The HIV/AIDS pandemic is the greatest opportunity for the Church to be the Church. It is time for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need compassion." Rick Warren. Whoa, it got my attention. The paragraph on the page read:

Try to imagine the devastation of losing not one, but both parents as a young child. You are left alone with no one to care for you, no one to feed and clothe you, and no one to protect you. Millions of frightened children have been abandoned to fend completely for themselves after watching their parents die a slow agonizing death from HIV/AIDS. Meet these courageous children. They will change your opinions, your beliefs . . .and your life!

I'm not sure I was breathing at this point. This organization was GIVING AWAY a book that contained the very information I had prayed about that week. The book, Children of Hope, is available (still free) through an organization called World Help . Tears welled up in my eyes as I experienced one of those God connection moments. I sank down in my chair, overwhelmed, and felt as if I could melt into the floor. Talk about a personal God. Confirmation of a calling? You betcha. After I prayed and the session let out, I dashed down to the exhibit hall to obtain a copy of the book. I began reading it before the conference was over. The stories were incredibly sad, but many had positive outcomes. Exactly what I needed. Wow. There was no turning back now.

Thank you God, for the way you lead when we ask and are trying to pay attention. Help us never to miss the ways you provide for us.

Criminal Mischief->Burglary

If you caught the end of my last blog, you'll remember that I cut my explanation of my call to mission trip short because I discovered my garage and car had been burglarized. Yep, it was true. When the garage door was up for a short time while my daughter drove a friend home around midnight, one or more misguided youth decided to get my purse out of my car in the garage, dump the contents in my side yard, and steal my mp3 player. They also found our other keys and checked out our cars in the driveway. My daughter got a good look at one of them as he ran across the neighbor's yard. We have given the unusual description to the police and hope they continue to investigate. The kids may have been looking for one more "thrill" before Christmas break ended (yes, we call it Christmas break around here, not "winter break" or "holiday break"). I'll let you know if any arrests are made. . .
It's already late tonight, or I'd finish the calling story. There are more stories to tell. I'll add more tomorrow night.

In The Beginning. . .

I love to hear about people's God encounters, especially when they involve a call into ministry. Tony Campolo once said when he was asked about his "call," "I wasn't called. My mother told me. She told me over and over again, 'Your life is for serving God and other people. Do you understand? Do you understand!?'" Several people lately have asked me about my call into ministry, and I have shared that story with them. I figure it's time I make good on my promise to tell my mission trip calling story.
Last year was my first year in a newer, larger church, planning vacation Bible school. Instead of requesting a recommendation from the mission committee as to which mission to share with the kids and where to direct the offering funds, I was able to ask the missions minister, Brad. We start planning in January, but some of the details don't have to be determined right away. He got back to me probably in March and said let's support Nyaka School for AIDS orphans. I thought, "Okay, fine. You know who needs the funding and attention." He told me he had a dvd from them that he would pass along so I'd know more about them. He also mentioned they had a website I could look up. I had felt in the past that I hadn't promoted the missions aspect of vbs heartily enough, so I was determined this year to know and understand Nyaka's purpose, location, needs, etc., so I could speak about it at vbs and informally in an intelligent manner. Little did I know what was in store. . .
Well, finally, several weeks later, as I snuggled in bed for one last laptop computer encounter before dozing off to dreamland, I went to the website. It said, "click here for Nyaka video." I clicked. As I heard and read the statistics of how AIDS is affecting the children of Africa, as I watched the kids in the video and heard them singing, as I saw the impact the current efforts were having--then the kicker--Jackson describing what kind of people they need to come help the school. There was no denying it--he said "social workers who could help the teachers help the children in their grief. " In an instant, I thought, "I have to go. I could do that!"
For those of you who know me well, you know what an absolute stretch of every fiber of my being this is. I have never been called to consider missions work (and really, was pretty much genuinely thankful about that). That was something other people did. Other people who spoke other languages. Other people who liked rugged adventures (like primitive camping). Other people who knew and understood the spiritual, political, and cultural situations in other countries. Other people who liked to and were skilled at building houses or churches for the locals. OTHER PEOPLE!!!
I thought about how God had prepared every step of my education and professional experience to lead me to this opportunity: my degree in child development and family studies, my graduate work in counseling, my research papers on grief, my work at the hospital with children who were grieving the loss of health and normalcy because of illness or injury, supporting kids who had lost family members in car accidents, dealing with my own conceptions of death as I helped intensive care nurses obtain footprints and handprints for the parents of a baby or toddler who had lost their health battle, teaching a seminar on children and grief . . .. . . . ..
The fear, the hesitancy, the disdain for rugged adventures, etc. disappeared in a heartbeat.

to be continued--apparently my car and garage have been broken into---
ah, the sin of humanity. . . . .. . .. . . .. .