July 21 Wednesday My Fathers House

Leaving Return was a hard thing to do!! There were some children crying because we were leaving. I felt so sad, wishing I could have spent the day playing w/ them and lovin on them. Now, we were heading to My Fathers House,a couple of miles down the road. I was so excited to be able to give school supplies to them. I was the most excited about giving them the parachute. Sarah and I had a conversation after I signed up for the trip about how other groups had taken parachutes w/ them to use to play w/ the kids and then have left them there. I was so excited because I had a huge one that I had gotten at a Yard Sale years ago and we had only used it a couple of times. I had decided I would take that w/ me.  Awhile after this decision, we got an email that shared some needs of the places we were going. On My Fathers House list were mainly school supplies and one of the things listed was a parachute. I was so excited and felt like God had given me yet another confirmation that I was truly suppose to go on this trip and He had a plan and a purpose for me. So, with that all said, giving this parachute to My Fathers House was something I was anticipating for months. I felt some sort of connection to this place before I even got there. Oh, how I wish we could have been there longer!!! But our short time there was ever so sweet!!!!

 First, we went to meet Rebecca.I cannot help but think about what Marge had shared during our presentation at church about our trip. Marge talked about what one person can do. The amazing servants we met along our journey were just people who were "one person" w/ a passion and a leading and acted in obedience to the call on their lives to be Jesus' hands and feet in the life of the orphan. To learn more about her story go here to my friend and co leader of this incredible trip ,Kari Gibson's blog.  :0) Also, go here and here to learn more about Rebecca and the ministry of My Father's House.And then please come back though you might want to stay there and hang out.
As we entered Rebecca's home not only were we welcomed so warmly by Rebecca and  the other people that she serves w/  she calls her family but on the walls were  posters  made by the children, welcoming us. We were invited in for some wonderful goodies and were blessed w/ such love and hospitality. Mama Maria served us fresh pineapple and mango juice. After being sick for most of the day and not eating all day , this was so refreshing!! 

One of our unforgettable memories for our team happened here. We asked if we could use her restroom. She then asked, " Will it be a short call or a long call,or how we like to call it an international call?" LOL She had two bathrooms ,one for each of the two. The rest of the trip those were terms we used quite frequently. haha 

After our refreshment , Rebecca asked us to walk to the school w/ her because the children were waiting for us there. So, we walked through the village, which in itself, was such an amazing experience .

 As we were walking , we came across a unique way of filling a pot hole.Never before,have I thought to be thankful for the roads we have here in PA. Usually, I am complaining about them.

I still have not figured out what this is. If anyone knows please let me know!!

Here are just some of the sweet things we saw on our walk.The kids were just so excited to see us . They would run to greet us,usually w/ these excited words, "Mzunga, Mzunga." Then some of the children would grab our hands and walk along w/ us. 

I will never forget when we came upon a bunch of these cows in the road. I must confess that I was scared. Look at the horns on that thing!!!!! 

As we continued walking through the village, we began to hear the most beautiful sound of children singing. I cannot even write this w/ out crying, even now,5 months later.This is the post that hung me right up. How in the world can I describe this??? I can't!!!!! The children were lined up on both sides of the road. We were to walk down the middle to get to the school. I think I can speak for my whole team when I tell you that as soon as I entered and saw their faces close up and heard their precious voices singing" Welcome to Africa" ,the tears just fell down my cheeks.I was completely  overwhelmed w/ such a welcome.  After I shared this story w/ some, they made the comment that they felt like they were treating us like royalty. No, honestly, that is not what it felt like at all. Hebrews 13:2 says ,"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels w/out knowing it."   Romans 12 :10-13 says 

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 

not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 

rejoicing in hope,persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 

contributing to the needs of the saints,

practicing hospitality.

Now, I am no angel but their show of hospitality ministered to me in such a way that I have really evaluated myself in reference to these scriptures. This is one of the ways that Africa has changed me.  The people there really take these scriptures to heart and I experienced this at every place I went.  We have so much to learn from the African people in the way that they love others and put others before themselves.( Well, I know I do. They have so little and give so much of themselves)  This moment will forever be engraved in my mind and will forever be grateful that i got to be part of this. Oh, and it does not stop here.

When we got close to the end of their line, one of the children would come out of the line and take our hands and lead inside of the school  and to our seats. The school was decorated w/ streamers, balloons and a banner and filled w/ sweet praise and worship from these precious children.

 The children led the worship. Their worship leader was  a young girl of about 12 years of age. I don't think I have ever seen someone worship w/ every thing w/ in them before. You could see her love and thankfulness for Jesus all over her face. The children sang from their hearts w/ such passion. Some had tears streaming down their faces.

We found out later that 3 of the girls had been raped a couple weeks before and contracted HIV. There they were praising their Lord w/ grateful hearts and such joy. I am blown away!!! "Oh Lord , may I live my life filled w/ joy and at rest w/ you,always aware of the many blessings that are mine because of you. May I always praise you even in the storms." 

In the middle of our time of worship, it began to rain. It was so loud as it came down on the tin roof. As some of us sat there w/ thoughts of ,"Oh, no it's raining," The kids sang and danced w/ greater joy. We found out that tradition says that if you have  a guest in your home and it rains, it means a blessing. It had not rained there for 3 months and the rainy season had not started yet. The children were so excited and jumped and played in the puddles.

I was able to give out all of the school supplies w/ the children piled all around me filled w/ excitement. It was a special time for me and I could hardly hold back my emotion as I handed Rebecca the parachute!! I hope to return someday and I hope I can spend more time at My Fathers House. The time was short but oh so very sweet!!!! After the rain stopped, we got back on our bus and headed to Canaan Children's Home.

July 21 Wednesday Return Ministries

This is our second day at Return. This si Returns Papa. I LOVE this shot!!! My team member, Carrie took this. If I have this right ,he is Pastor Samuels Father and this is his home where the children of Return live. What a sweet man  and you could see that he was greatly respected!!!

Last night, I went to bed w/ a headache and this morning I woke up sick. We were suppose to be out of the Sophie Hotel so there was nowhere I could have stayed to rest. *sigh*We were going to Return  again and breaking up into groups and doing some organized activities. I was so disappointed that I was sick. I ended up sitting under a tent out of the sun. There was a little girl who came and sat by me while she colored in her new coloring book.It was so sweet. I was too weak to even take her pic. :0( A little boy came over to me . He was not content to just sit and color. He kept getting into my bags etc. I handled it well but seriously, I had no patience. He finally saw that I was no fun. I am sad to say that I was glad which led to me feeling pretty bad about it and then some tears. It was only day 2 and I was unable to serve and I do not know about you but there is only one place I want to be when I am sick and that is HOME!!! That caused some tears as well. Amen for sunglasses!! LOL Thankfully , I did not get sick again but I just felt lousy. I had the wonderful opportunity to have Daniel , Pastor Samuel's brother pray over me. It was such a blessing and probably the most beautiful prayer I have ever heard. To know my team was praying for me as well brought me great comfort!! Here are some other shots of our time spent at Return:

There, now you can see Cynthia!! She was the one who brought the body glitter. :0)

Here is Kevin. The one who reminded me of my brother. He always made me laugh!!!

This boy was up front w/ the group of children that sang and led us in worship the day before.He worshipped w/ such joy on his face. It was such a blessing to watch!!

I enjoyed this little guy so much!!  When I first saw him, I was drawn to him because he seemed so quiet,maybe even sad. Not to mention that he was just adorable. But, I have to say ,when the music would start, he reminded me of Jonah!!!! LOL He got right down out of whoevers lap he was sitting on  and he would get down and bust a move. Boy did he have some moves!!!!

Here is a another shot of the first little boy I took a picture of in Africa. He melts my heart!!!

This was such a fun memory. This was the first time I was able to see my teammate, Vit in action. When I think of Vit I think of alot of things but one thing I think of is a book by Dr. Seuss, Mr. Brown can Moo. :0) " Oh the wonderful things Mr. Brown can do. He can go like a cork .....Pop Pop Pop Pop. He can go like horse feet.... Klopp Klopp Klopp............Mr. Brown can do it. How about you??" Vit had such a way w/ the kids and he needed no props. He entertained just by using himself.He had many tricks up his sleeve. Just before I shot this, He was putting his hand and fingers up tohis chin and making a pop sound w/ his finger. The kids were amazed and laughing as they were trying. I feel so blessed to have spent time w/ him. I have never met a man w/ such a gentle spirit but yet so adventurous. He has jumped out of a plane 298 times. He wanted to get to 300 before our trip but he had to pack. LOL

Ok, this still makes me laugh right out loud!!!! After my time at Return being all sick, I was so greatful for this time of laughter. Hearing Marge's laughter made it so much more funnier because at first I was not sure if I should laugh or not. LOL My sweet friend, Sarah, was holding a little punkin and she fell asleep. All of the sudden, a warm feeling swept over Sarahs lap. Yep , you guessed it. The sweet little punkin wet herself and Sarah. Sarah decided that her bladder was emptied and would continue to sit loving on her and letting her sleep. Welll, the bladder was not empty after all and she wet on Sarah 2 more times. The third time it ran down Sarahs leg and into her shoe. LOLOL Now, that is what you call a servant!!!

Part of our group shared skits and songs w/ the kids. It was a great time with lotts of laughter!! I can't explain what it sounded like or felt like to sit and hear these childrens giggles!!!! Afterwards a dance party broke out!!! This time I was thanking Jesus for my big camera.I heard my team members saying." I can't believe I am dancing in Africa!!" i still was not trusting my stomach so I covered my face w/ the camera . ;0) I did have a good time watching.

I decided to end on this note.LOL This last picture is of our fearless leader Kari Gibson aka Mama Ki Ki. This is a picture of a servants heart. LOL Do you see the pain in her smile???

July 20th Return Ministries Part 2

Only 15 children live here at Return but there were about 200 children from the community here today. They were all excited to see the Muzungu. That is what they call white people. When we went to shopping in Uganda, I saw a shirt that said " My name is not Muzungu. " I am kicking myself for not buying it. I almost forgot what my name was while in Uganda. I am exaggerating. LOL But whenever children would see us walking on the road they would run to the road yelling muzungu,always happy to see us. Not so much w/ the older children but usually all it would take would be to make eye contact and say hello and you would get a smile. This first day at Return really opened our eyes, I believe,to so much!! These children just wanted our love. You could not get too far w/ out someone wanting to be held on your lap.

To have this little one fall asleep in my arms was so special. At that moment , I knew I was right where I was suppose to be.

                                       I know this was a very special moment for Marge.

You could tell that these children were so desperate for love and for our attention. It broke my heart but it also gave me confirmation and felt so blessed and honored to be there and share God's love w/ them. It was a little overwhelming at times but I was in awe of it more.

 This is what I mean by overwhelming. I do not know if you can see her or not but my teammate, Cynthia, decided she would get the body glitter out for the children. It reminded me of a couple of things. #1 ~ When the pinata is finally broken open at a birthday party & #2 The very first concert I went to and what it was like trying to get to the front of the stage. I actually ended up in the middle of a fight  and got punched in the face. LOL

I was holding this pumpkin pie and some of the girls were coming over and putting glitter   on her face. So , I had to get a picture. She was so precious and so beautiful! I worried about her when I was holding her; wondering if she was sick. So many of the children came in their fanciest clothes. It was such a humbling experience.

It was so funny to me that the children I was drawn to the most and that were drawn to me were boys. My husband and I joke that if we were to have more children we take a chance of having more boys. He tries to use that to keep me from wanting more children. Now, don't get me wrong , I love and enjoy my boys but they are crazy. LOL Every place I went there seemed to be one boy who spoke pretty good English and would come along side of me and help me to understand what everyone around me was saying. It was the sweetest thing and I have to say that boys are so much fun!!!! I was blessed beyond words by boys. I wish I could have brought them all home w/ me!! This was my boy at Return.:0) I am so sad to say that I cannot remember all of the names of the children who have made their way into my heart on this trip.I have their pictures and will treasure them. The Lord knows their name as I pray for them.

July 20th Tuesday Return Ministries

Finally , the day was here that I would be doing exactly what I came here to do and I knew it would all be worth it and once I got to Return Ministries and love those children ,it would be so much easier to get my eyes off of self.  We all gathered together for a late brunch and got to meet Pastor Samuel. He shared with us what the Return Worship Center is all about. His goal is not only to care for the children but to change the lives of families and transform the community through Sharing God's Love.He runs the orphanage w/ about 15  children  but reaches out to the community as well.His definition of what an orphan is  really made me think differently. Being an orphan is a condition of the heart.Children who have parents can still be orphans because they are lacking love. He does not consider the children in this home as orphans.:0) You can find out more about this ministry here. Here is a shot of Pastor Samuel and his family. What sweet, sweet spirits!!!!

After a very long and exhausting couple of days, driving up to Return Ministries was exactly what I needed. So many children were lined up at the gate to greet us. They were cheering and clapping!! It was such a wonderful welcome. Return had tents and chairs set up for us. As soon as we got there, the children sang for us. It was so special to see these children worshiping w/ their whole hearts!!!! Nothing holds them back.  What a blessing to see Pastor Samuel playing the keyboard that some of the members from our team were able to donate.

After they were done singing, we were able to just play and love on these children.They LOVED the camera!! I totally saw what Dad was saying about taking disposable cameras.  They would not have loved those as much, though, because their favorite part was to  see their picture after. Here is one of the very first shots I took at return.

                           This is the shot I took after I showed him this one.

 Unfortunately, I missed the shot when his smile was the biggest!! It brought tears to my eyes. I found myself wondering if it could have been the first time that he saw himself. This is what I saw every time I saw him after that. He wanted me to keep taking his picture. :0) I am pretty sure a big junk of my battery dying happened on this day. I would put the camera away and then try to sneak it out . Once I would take one pic ,children would swarm. LOL It was very fun!!!