If this is Monday, it must be Kenya

It has been an exciting few days! I have been traveling to and getting settled in Kijabe, Kenya. The view of the Rift Valley from the Poenaru's house is breath-taking. It is cool in the mornings and evenings. Dita and I are having great times catching up. How beautiful to be united as sisters in the Lord. We walked and talked for over an hour after work today. It was a lot of uphill climbing. I feel like I'm in training for our ski week! Dan is away for a few days at a remote clinic...so Dita and I are enjoying lots of 'girlfriend' time together.
The Lord is challenging me to live thankfully without complaining...that's a tough one to learn! I am also challenged to trust rather than fret! These are life lessons that look tidy on paper but tricky to live out.
Tomorrow is a big teaching day so I'll continue more on Kijabe the next time!

Serving together: Megan

 Megan possesses a quiet strength that blessed our GO Team Uganda.  Although I did not know her before meeting her in the airport in Amsterdam.....I enjoyed getting to know her! How thankful we were for Megan's nursing skills.  During the Mbarara clinic, there was a staff shortage. It was great to have Megan trained on the spot to assist. She did a great job. The medical officers were very pleased with her calm and efficient care. These clinics can be hectic!
Megan has a playful side too which endeared her to the children. I have a vivid memory of Megan playing 'tag' with some children in Mbarara. It was the end of the clinic day and we were getting on the bus back to our hotel.....I thought I was going to fall asleep standing up! Yet Megan was having the time of her life with the children.

Megan loving-up on a dear little baby!

 Megan is going to be a great nurse! I am so excited to hear about her progress and future ventures. The Lord will definitely have something special in serving Him....here or abroad!

Thank you, Megan for coming. We learned much together!

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:2-3

Serving together: Kasie

Kasie loving the babies at CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda

Kasie is an enthusiastic GO Team member. Most mornings she would be the first one at breakfast, where we would share our love for the Lord Jesus together as the others arrived. We enjoyed our morning cups of coffee together! She has a gift for extravagant and picturesque writing. She should be writing these posts!

Kasie carrying a baby Ugandan style!

 Kasie is thoughtful and inquisitive. She likes to be aware of what's happening and jump in to be helpful. Kasie is a nursing student too and was most helpful at the mobile clinic when there were gaps in clinic staffing. It was wonderful to have Kasie take the lead with the Bible Story telling. She had the team organized in no time at all! The caregivers in Mbarara enjoyed learning stories from the Bible in order to teach them to their own children back in the villages. Kasie said that she will never be the same again after the GO Team experience. Like all of the team members, Kasie is asking God to show her the next step for studies, training and preparation for future service to God. I am missing our morning conversations already! You are so loved and appreciated!

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:2-3

Back in the USA!

GO Team Uganda 2010 leaving Mbale for Jinja then home!

"Don't cry because it is over...rather smile because it happened." (Dr. Seuss)  It is always with mixed feelings that I leave my beloved ones in Mbale, Uganda. My heart is linked to the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda and the staff. Each visit draws me closer to the mission and staff members. 
How grateful I am for the love and partnership with CURE International! 

How grateful I am for the GO Team members....each one was unique and brought their special gifts to our time together. 

Many of you following this blog are interested in the real scoop....you know,  the pictures that say the thousands of words to describe our wonderful time in Uganda. (Please see the hundreds of pictures on a Shutterfly link http://uganda2010curegoteam.shutterfly.com/ )

Thank you for all your faithful prayers while we were away. But....please do not stop! Our journey is not really over. We now have the responsibility to assimilate what we have learned and experienced into our lives. How will we be changed? 

The GO Team Uganda 2010 is in the process of re-entering daily life in the USA. Some have already returned to work, school, home and ministry responsibilities......just like that!  As we prepared for our return we prayed that our lives would be transformed in our plans for the future and to stay engaged in the mission of CURE International.  We discussed various ways that we could share our experiences with others with church, community and family. We discussed ways that our team could continue to impact the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda.....praying, buying CURE crafts and anything that might help raise awareness and funds for the hospital. May God direct our plans to bring help to the children and to bring honor to Him.

As we return to the USA:

• Please be patient with us if we seem "overboard" enthusiastic,  slightly depressed or sad.......we are trying to understand the things we have seen and heard. 

• Please try to be patient if we seem 'spaced out'......our bodies have endured many miles of travel, many short nights of sleep, different food, different water and sensory overload everyday for the last 16 days or so!

The GO Team with the backdrop of beautiful Mount Elgon

• Thank you for understanding if we can't quite put into words all that we have seen or done.....or if we talk your ear off until your eyes glaze over! It is all part of us getting the word out about CURE and the joyful, challenging and amazing experiences we enjoyed.   

• Please help us to keep the stories alive by giving us an opportunity to share these with anyone who is willing to listen....church, community, family, work gatherings etc

• http://uganda2010curegoteam.shutterfly.com/ remember is our picture gallery....please take a peek....you don't have to look at every single picture....try to find the ones with your loved one holding babies or in a random pose with a new friend...GO Team member or Ugandan!

• If we suggest that we sell the house, its contents, the car and use the proceeds to sponsor surgeries in Mbale, Uganda....you will know that our hearts have been touched with the plight of the dear children and their caregivers! Help us to pray for wisdom and God's direction for stewardship of our time, talents, money and other resources....who knows?

•  Meanwhile, help us to take the next logical step by faith.....nurture our spouses and family members, complete studies and commitments at work with excellence.....serve the Lord right where we are...and being available for His next assignment here or abroad! 

Thank you so much for the enthusiastic and encouraging comments! Look for the next blog to tell some stories about the people I enjoyed working with!!

Hello

We are on the homeward journey.
Rick, Katherine, Kathryn, Megan, Lauren and Mandi set off bravely for white water rafting. Anna, Sam and Kasie are having their own adventures in Jinja. I have the honors of watching the luggage and valuables at Kingfisher Hotel. I gave my local phone to the girls in town so they have an emergency plan. So please don't worry about them. They are being taken to an American style cafe for brownies and ice cream. I shall be content to have fresh avocados and citrus dressing.

What can I say as the team leader at this end of the journey?
Thank you to each team member! What a joy to serve the LORD together! You have all used your gifts for assisting the mission of our host staff at CURE Mbale. We can say with confidence that the LORD is our strength and joy. I am so very proud of each one.

Thank you to all who supported financially, those who loaned clothing, those who donated time and goods. Most of all thank you for your prayers. The Lord protected us from harm and serious illness. Katherine Lean had to receive IV fluids for dehydration. It has been a learning curve for all of us to keep hydrated. We began to hold each other accountable to drink a minimum of 4 bottles of water. All are in fine form for the rafting!

We are changed people...I hope for all eternity. We desire to assimilate these experiences to further God's kingdom work especially in cooperation with CURE international.

We praise God for giving us Heather Hunter to organize the team from State side.
Thanks to Derek Johnson for his care and organization in Uganda.
Thanks to sweet Miriam Ongom and her Spiritual Life team for the privilege of being partners with you in the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you to all the CURE Mbale staff and Administration.
Thank you Dr. John Mugamba for his love and expertise in caring for these precious children.

We will be setting up a site so that you can view the hundreds of pictures we took! God bless! Truly we have done this work through the strength of Jesus Christ!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

GO Team Update...

Rick is ready for a big day at the hospital!

Lauren and Kathryn playing and praying for the dear little ones!

One of the Mamas with their little one who has hydrocephalus

What a team! Megan, Anna, Casie, Samantha and Lauren--all smiles...having the time of their lives...for God's glory!

Megan, Anna and Mandi enjoying morning chai! (Tea time)

Our GO Team has been busy today doing what is most important in Uganda....being with people....visiting mothers and children. Rick, Megan and Kathryn Lean spent some time in the Lab this morning. Zephaniah was so kind to explain the tests, equipment etc. Kathryn Hall and Mandi enjoyed being with the Pastoral team visiting and praying with the mothers and babies. Some of the team stayed with a grieving mother until family arrangements were made. Anna, Casie, Samantha and Lauren were busy with all sorts of things in preparation for Mbarara. Everyone, under Casie's direction, practiced Bible story telling....I think we are ready and excited for next week.
Please pray for safety as we travel to Mbarara.
Pray that many would turn to Christ as their Savior and Friend.
Pray that the mothers/caregivers would be inspired, empowered and encouraged and we spend time together next week.
Pray that we would continue to work together in unity! We are such a fun team together. It is such a privilege to work with these special team members. I feel your prayers! You are doing the important work...praying! Thank you so much! Keep praying for all the GO Teams that are serving with CURE International, please.
We are learning and experiencing so much!!!
We appreciate you all so much.

Shine the Light!

Rick helping with packing of Bibles

The count-down is getting closer and closer! In yesterday's blog, I shared about the many team players who have helped the GO Team get ready.  You saw the Bible Story telling panels....what are we going to do with this huge display?  One of our team members, Kasie, is organizing our team into groups so that we can not only tell Bible stories to the caregivers...but teach them to tell the stories. It is quite a challenge with those who are illiterate. The symbols that we colored represent various aspects of God's character and specific Bible stories.  Kasie and I talked this morning and we are pumped!
Fortunately there are staff members and others who are able to read English. It is such a joy to bring Bibles that have been donated by loving Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Bibles are heavy! Rick is bringing his second bag almost full of Bibles and helps for the Spiritual Life Center of the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda. We have had a few frustrating interesting moments trying to keep our bags at the 50 lb. limit. I appreciate Rick's patience and muscles as he hoists the bags on his shoulders to weigh them. Rick assembled a bunch of mini flashlights for us. I asked him to 'Shine the light'....to make sure they were working before we packed them.  That is what he did. In reality, 'shining the light' is what we are going to do.....Shining the light of Jesus Christ! Bringing the Light of the World, Jesus to dispel ignorance, darkness and discouragement.

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins...Colossians 1:13,14 NIV

Rick checking out the flashlights!

All of this is so exciting!  Those of us who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, are to be reflectors of  His light. What does that mean? 
Light shows the way....Jesus is the Way John 14:6
Light dispels darkness-reveals truth...Jesus is the Truth
Light is cheerful, giving warmth, encouraging growth etc....Jesus is the Life!

The GO Team is joining the CURE staff to share the Good News with caregivers at the hospital site and Mbarara mobile clinic. We hope that we will 'shine the light' of Jesus Christ with those we leave behind, our fellow travelers and people we meet in Mbale. May we...let our light shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our heavenly Father...paraphrase of Matthew 5:16
May we shine the light of Christ's love to the hospital staff and each other too! We are growing into a team!
I can hardly wait to see Derek, the hospital Executive Director, Miriam the Spiritual Life Director, Florence the Nurse Manager and Elisha her assistant nurse manager, Juma, George, Joseph, Nelson, Collins, Katherine, Justin, Rachel, Rose, Esther, Corrett, Angela, Alex, Stephen x2, Nathan x2, David, John, Simon Peter, Immaculate, Moses x 3, Zephaniah, Sebby, Bonney, Annette, Angela, Helen, Bernard, Dorcus, Mary, Martha, Regina, Monica, Fred, Elizabeth (Betty), Peter Paul, Jonathan, and dear Yocolum.....and so many others.
Do I sound excited? Hope so!

Team Work

Many have been working on details for the GO Team Uganda for months! The actual going is a small part of what God is doing and going to do.......we the 'goers' have the privilege of having front row seats this summer to see what God is doing through CURE International in Uganda. So many of you who are reading this blog have prayed, supported financially, donated supplies, cut fabric, packed craft kits, painted Bible story panels, weighed luggage, organized tickets, managed logistics of team travels and accommodations.....the list is endless! Before I go, I want to publicly say a huge THANK YOU! Thank you for your help, prayers and interest in this aspect of God's workings around the world through CURE.

Sustainable craft kits....130?

Joann making kits--122...123...124?

Organizing supplies is a time consuming aspect of preparation. My sister Ruth and friends Ramona and Joann gave hours of loving service to the Lord for the sustainable craft. Mandi and Anna each made a sample bag ahead of time.....I cannot wait to see their finished products. The GO Team will have apart in training women in Uganda to have a skill that may lead to a small business and increased self esteem. Many women are blamed personally for bearing a child who has a disability! May this craft be a means of bringing some joy to their very difficult lives.

Another aspect of the GO Team's ministry in Mbarara Mobile clinic will be Bible Story telling. We want to help the women, especially those who are illiterate to know God and His Word through story telling. Team member Rick along with my daughter Anne, niece Rebecca and friends Shanna and Chris came to dinner on Wednesday evening. After we ate, under the expertise and direction of Shanna, we painted with fabric markers Bible Story panels. These panels are pictures that represent an aspect of the Bible's message.....through images. It has been said that 'God has set His truth in picture frames of life'.......Bible characters and events reveal the truth about God, His character, His standards, His ways and His workings. It is through Bible stories to the caregivers that we can explain salvation through Jesus Christ.

Anne, Chris, Shanna, Rebecca and Rick painting Bible story panels

 Thanks to all the team players whether they are going or staying.....you are a part of God's work in Uganda. May you be blessed for your using your talents and plain willingness to do anything to help prepare the GO Team Uganda. Thank you again and again!

What are we going to eat in Uganda?

This blog is just for fun! See my 'killer daughter Anne'.....last summer, she killed about 7 chickens and plucked them...singed them to get out the down etc. For some of you, this might be a daily task or something you did growing up on the farm. My Anne is a city girl. She is comfortable in Paris, Barcelona, London, Sydney.....but Mbale plucking chickens? Well, she loves to cook and especially loves to bake. Preparing a treat of chicken for the hospital staff was a new and exciting experience for her. As the GO Team Uganda spends a little time at the hospital, we will see new things and will have new experiences, too!  In this picture...Alex on the left is my Scrabble buddy....he beat me last time. It is so annoying as I am supposed to have a Master's degree in Science! He is very smart! Stephen on the left is one of the hospital chefs. He amazes me. He can cook anything in the roughest of conditions. I love his beans and rice! We eat beans everyday practically along with cabbage, dodo, 'sacumoweekie', or other greens. He has great talent too as a cake decorator....which is hard as most people don't have ovens in Uganda...as they cook on small stoves close to the ground. His specialty is wedding cake decorating. Anne is in the red skirt and Rebecca (a British medical student) is next to her. She was so much fun to have on the team last summer! (For the women on the GO Team, yes, her skirt is a little too short, especially for the mobile clinics....in case you were wondering.) This picture was taken on the CURE Mbale hospital grounds.....the outside kitchen! Any one interested in Kitchen duty?

Searching for......God

These dear mothers come to the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda with their babies with the 'big heads' and babies with 'a hole in their backs'.
They are scared....
They feel cursed for having a baby with such a condition....
They feel worried for the future of the baby's life...
They discover that no money, no position, no political connections or influence...can help them out of this state of affairs.....
They find themselves in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar beds, equipment and buildings.......and discover......Other mothers/caregivers struggling with the same things.
Medical care that is hopeful, healing, restorative and realistic!
Nursing care that is compassionate!
Pastoral care that is wise and winsome......winsome so that they might win some people to the knowledge and salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Seeds of the gospel are planted....watered and sometimes harvested in the lives of the mothers, caregivers and children while they are at the hospital! This sweet mother came from another African country. She claims to have another religion. We shared with her God's plan for a relationship with Him. What a delight to open the Bible and share God's truth! I had the privilege of sharing the Good News with this woman, her husband and baby. Although, she did not come to Christ at that time......our prayer is that this message would be nurtured in her mind and heard....springing up to eternal life.  God said in the book of Isaiah:

Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22

Taking God's Word to the nations.....

For many, the Bible is a dust covered and neglected book on a shelf. In travels with CURE International, I have observed that the one thing people clamor for is a personal copy of the Bible. The scriptures are extremely expensive in comparison to their incomes.
To see the face of a believer who receives their own copy brings such joy!
Several years ago, I met a pastor (James M), who is a headmaster of a government school...in addition to being headmaster of a Christian school in Mbale, Uganda. He has a vision for his church to be used as a training center for church leaders. Each year this church hosts a pastor's conference and training times to refresh, inspire and encourage church leaders in God's Word. It has been a joy and privilege to teach at these conferences. The hunger for God's Word is so refreshing.....and makes for a great attentive audience!
Last summer, this dear pastor asked me if I could give a few hours every afternoon, for a couple of weeks to train Sunday School Teachers.  So, last summer after the GO Team returned home, we held a Sunday School Teacher's conference. I would volunteer at the CURE Children's Hospital in the mornings then go for a few hours to teach in this village church.  Sunday School teachers received a notebook and pen to take notes. The participants in this training time took ownership of their training and delighted in developing songs, acting out Bible stories and classroom situations. We laughed, sang, discussed, pondered, played and prayed together during the conference. It was so delightful to see pastors so concerned about the training of the next generation in God's Word. Upon completion of our sessions, each one received a certificate and a small book outlining the themes of scripture. We had many public school teachers attending to learn classroom techniques!
What a delightful, exhausting and exhilarating time! May God and His Word be made large in these Sunday School classrooms!

  Here is a young man who clearly wanted to show his respect and enthusiasm for the USA by wearing his Obama T-shirt-----as I showed my respect and love for Uganda by wearing a traditional African dress. Pastor James sensibly wore a suit:)

"Pray-ers" and "Stayers"

Some go....Some stay....Some support....
Some pray......here are some of the ones who uphold me as I serve the Lord with CURE International....my dear, dear husband Paul of nearly 32 years, my Mum and Pappa.  These precious family members along with many others, pray for me daily and even more often.  I can count on them to uphold the  GO Team Uganda in prayer during our preparations, mission journey and re-entry to Western culture.

My dear Paul, is a unique gift from the Lord to me and to CURE. He not only supports me but encourages me to obey the LORD in whatever He calls me to do. I know it is a huge sacrifice as we enjoy being together.  My absences leave him to cook and care for himself and Dusty the dog! I know there will be a huge reward for Paul in heaven for his quiet trust and generosity to God's work. 

Pappa is in a nursing home after several strokes and Mum visits him daily. Every time I travel, I ask the Lord to watch over them in a special way.  Pappa's health is very fragile and many ask....how can you leave?  Pappa's response would be... how can you not go?  The LORD has it all covered! I can trust the Lord with my marriage, my family, Mum and Pappa while I am away.