Hello from Africa: I am sorry that it has been some days now since I have talked to some of you or emailed. We have a lot of long power outage and then our internet has been out since Friday afternoon which meets no way to contact you. I have to confess to you that I am still very spoiled and dependent on being able to talking to all of you at home. And now that our service has been down I have been lost, going through withdrawal and at times feeling completely alone and out a touch with the outside world since I can not email or talk to all of you back home and it makes for long nights since I still am not sleeping. I have even going into town a couple times now to use the internet there but with the 7 hour time difference that is hard to do because when it is safe for me to go into town most for you are still in the bed.
I know I have whined a lot in most of my emails home about things here and to be honest with you for the most part I truly am BIG whiney baby but that is not the real reason why I tell you all things that happen here. The real reason I tell you all of these things because I just want you to see just gleams of what I see on a daily base here but more importantly then that I want you know just how GOOD GOD HAS BEEN TO YOU and just how blessed you really are in the states. If you could only see what I have seen.
Even though I see all this great poverty around me every single day there is still great beauty all around me too like Bujagali Falls and Lake Victoria “the source of the NILE” but to get to these beautiful breathe taking place you still have to drive though some of the poorest parts of this town. It makes you really see just how blessed we are in the states (yes I know we have poverty in the states but it still does not compare to what these 3rd world counties have to go through).
Here is just one of the things I see on a daily bases I see kids and sometimes even adults digging through trash piles and dumpsters to find food. But even as hard as that is for me to see with your own eyes I truly believe that harder for me is hearing other “Christians” who keep telling me that I will get use to all this poverty around me and to also see them also take advantage of these people. Here is one example of what I mean by this: where I am at the “Baby’s Cottage” is a good 15 to 20 min walk into town or you can take a Bota Bota ( a motorcycle) the driver will ask you for a 1000 shillings which is 50 cents in the states and I pay this willingly. But I have been told that I am over paying and I should never pay more than 500 shillings 25 cents for a ride. Back home I pay what people ask and not even think twice about it and I even leave a tip in most cases so why should I treat these people any different than I do back home. Just like the boat ride I took Monday we paid 50,000 shilling all together which is $25 for a 2 hour ride and in the states I would have paid way more than that per person. And I could give many, many more examples of this. But why would we treat this people any different then the people back home and how can you ever say you will get use to all this poverty around you.
God has shown me and taught me so much since I have been here, I will never look at things through the same rose colored glasses anymore. I came into this look for something totally different than what I wound up here to do and no I have to honestly tell you it has not been easy for me and it probably never will be because I take too much to heart, I let too much get to me and I get every emotional about everything but as Tyson likes to say that is just the way GOD wired me and you know what I would not change that for nothing because that’s what makes me, me. And no this will never be Tunnel Hill but for now this is where GOD has placed me to serve HIM and so I have to learn to except it as home for now until HE is ready to move me again or to bring me back to all of you.
GOD has a reason for sending me here and I just have to keep trusting in HIM because HE will see it through and HE will keep Providing for me and HE will keep Protecting me. I saw that again Sunday on our walk to church. I was a head of the other girls when just as I went to make my next step I saw out of the corner of my eye a snake coming out of the grass about a foot in front of me so I just stopped and told the others to do the same while it when a cross the street just in front of us. It was about 2 feet long and a dark shade of green. So yes I see GOD’S protection all around me each and everyday. I also know that in HIS time HE will provide the perfect place for me to live and HE will put me right where HE wants me to serve HIM.
If I have learned anything so far on this trip to Africa IT IS NOT ABOUT ME BUT IT IS ALL ABOUT GOD, Corinthians 3:18 says “But all of us who are Christians ….. Reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord.” One of my favorite writers puts it this way “The goal should not be about our own glory. In fact, trying to make life “all about us” pushes happiness further out of reach. Be this is hard to even think about because we live in a “ME CENTERED WORLD”. We are very mistaken if we think the universe revolves around us because it does not BUT IT DOES REVOLE AROUND JESUS CHRIST. He should be our one true focus and nothing else. So I need to raise each and everyday focused on GOD asking what HE would have me to do to serve HIM today.
My first focus should be serving GOD (but that is not always the case because I still can and do get focused on myself) and my second focus should be serving this 59 babies He has placed in my care. We received two new babies today. It was a set of twin girls about 3 weeks old, their mother only got to care for them for a week before she took malaria and died and their father can not take care of them so they are with us.They are so tiny, so fridge but they will truly be loved and cared for here.
In REV. 3:7b-8 it says, "What he (God) opens no one cane shut, and what he (GOD) shuts no one can open. I know your deeds, See, I (GOD) have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I (GOD) know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
He also tells us in John 15:18-20, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
So GOD has brought me here for a reason and I may never see or understand the fruits of my labor here but HE does and HE will get the HONOR and GLORY for it. All HE asks is that I serve HIM and that I is my one true goal in life to serve HIM each and everyday of my life.
An one more thing that GOD has showed me since I have been here is sometime HE has to take us from the people and things that we love the most in order to for us to come FACE TO FACE with HIM. HE has to take us out of our comfort zone sometimes to get our full attention and to help us get back on track to what our real focus in life should be HIM.
Thank you again for all the prayers, love and encouragement. I miss each of you more than I ever dreamed possible. Please pray for this dear precious babies that GOD has placed in my life. Continue to pray for housing and sleep. Pray that I will serve HIM with everything that I have in me and that HE will is done in my life.
I truly am BLESSED to have been chosen by GOD to serve HIM here. I will continue to stand in the gap for these dear precious babies until they can get a “FOREVER FAMILY”.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Subject: news from uganda
4/9/2010
Hello to all from Jinja Uganda, I pray all is well with all of you and miss all of you very much. Today makes my 17th day here in Jinja and 19 days since I left all of you in Tunnel Hill. I am still trying it all in and figure out just what my roll is here even though I am officially suppose to be the administrator here at Amani. I have already learned that I that my duties change on a daily bases so if the director sends word for me to be at her house to keep her kids for the day then that is my job that day or if there is a sick child to be held then that’s what I do or if they need help hanging out the laundry then that’s where I will be or if it is work to be done in the office then I will do it. I know GOD has chosen me to serve HIM here for a reason and I may never fully know or understand what that reason is but for now I will serve HIM here how I am to serve HIM here doing what ever He has for me to do.
This week I learned just how little this country takes stock in a child’s life. We received a new little girl this week we think she may be 2 ½ or 3 years old but we are not sure, we don’t even know her name, she had been left just out in the street like you would leave trash. She is very scared and unsure of her new home much like I was and still am at times here.
I was in my office yesterday by myself trying to figure out some of the things I am suppose to be doing in my new job when one of the other volunteers come by with her in their arms crying and very scared. So I reached out to take in my arms and I sit down with her at my decks and asked her did she want to stay with me for a little while. Sitting there rocking the terrified little girl in my arms and started sing to her the song that I sing to Henry P and Larkin Lou back home in the states ( I know I am not the greatest singer but you know what that did not matter) it quieted her down and she lay on my chest until time for lunch. I after here nap I went and held here out on the front lawn while the other kids played.
You what I have been where she is and I know just how she feels being in this strange place, scared, unsure who or what you can trusted, all alone with out friends of family to pick up, love you and tell you things are going to be ok and that you are going to be alright and you are going to make it here. I know exactly how this child feels and what she is facing right now. And I have to praise God that I could fill that gap for this little girl even if it just a few minutes a day.
I have to tell you that I also experienced that helpless feeling that most of you as parents have gone through when you have a sick child and there is not a lot you can do but pray.
One of my smallest babies as an ear infection and she did not want to eat. So I called the hand mama to get her some medicine and all I could do is pray, hold her, love her & sing to her. I would do anything to take the pain away from this precious little baby. You just feel so helpless that they have to go through any of this especially when they are this little.
So no I still don’t know what my really role is here and I may never truly know why God has chosen to use someone like me here but for now it is to serve this precious babies and people however GOD wants me to. Whether that be through hanging out laundry, holding a scared or sick child or even doing the books I will do it all to bring HONOR and GLORY to GOD. Because I here to serve GOD and HIS children no matter how hard it my be.
God is still teaching me a lot of life lessons here each and everyday. HE has also showed me that there a lot of things that I would never understand like throwing a precious child out like trash. HE has and is showing me everyday that HE is where my strength comes from and where my rest comes from each and everyday (especially since I still don’t sleep). HE is where my protection come from each and every day. Several of the girls in the room across from me have bad staff infections and the two rooming with me have had stomach viruses this week. And the lady teaching me in the office has just came down with malaria. They also killed another snake here this week. I even took a really bad fall this week out of a van and hit the ground really hard but GOD has and is still protecting me everyday.
Another lesson I learned this week was how not to order fish. I went to eat with a group of people on Monday night and ordered fish & chips which I have ordered several times now but I did not know at this particular restaurant that had to tell them that I only wanted a fillet and not the whole fish so when my supper came out it was still looking at me.
I thought I had handled it pretty good but everyone with me said the look on my face was priceless.
This is definitely not the fairytale life I would have always dreamed I would be living, you know the one I am talking about with a wonderful husband who is better than Prince Charming and 2 or 3 perfect children in a big house with a big yard. Instead there is 57 crying babies, dippers to change, babies to be fed and laundry to be done 24/7 it never ends here. You sleep on bunk beds, you share a house and showers with 9 other women besides the mamas and babies. There are always power outages at all hours for any length of time, all the dirt & red mud then there’s the no water when you least expect. And of course there’s all the critters you deal with snakes, lizards, spiders, mosquitoes and so much more. No this is not the fairytale life that all of you or even I would have dream about but one thing I know for sure is the life God planed for me for now anyway and it is a very rewarding just the same. (And whose to say HE won’t give me the other
life someday too.) But right now HE blessed me with 57 children to be “Auntie” to and my reward is seeing the smiles on their little faces and in knowing that I can show them GOD’S great love for each them, each and everyday that I am here and that I can fill that gap in their lives until they get a “FOREVER FAMILY“. And I also have the privilege of worker along side this dear Ugandan women. No I may never truly see the impact I made while I am here or even in the states for that matter and I will never know if I truly made a difference in anyone’s life but that’s ok because it is not about me anyway it is all about GOD and HIM being the one to receive the HONOR AND GLORY for everything that happens and not me.
For you see I am just a Muzungu (white person) who doesn't know where she truly belongs or what her real role in life is but I am willing to serve HIM wherever and however HE wants me. But I still honestly have to tell you that if it were not for all of your prayers, emails, facebook chats, and skype calls I would have truly given up by now and came home already because even as rewarding as this is it is also very draining physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. And there is still a lot of red flags here and things here that have my heart very sadden and trouble. Even to the point of question GOD as to why things like this have to happen to precious babies and why send someone like me, what can I do that is going to make any difference here. But I know one thing for sure GOD had a reason and a plan for me to be here and I have to stick it out no matter just how hard it gets. So thank you for staying up with me and chatting during the all the
many nights that I don't sleep. Please continue to pray for me that sleep will come and the children here would all get FOREVER FAMILIES. Please KEEP praying that I would find a save, cheap and close house here to live. Pray that GOD'S WILL, will be done in my life and that I will give him the HONOR AND GLORY FOR IT ALL.
I miss each of you very much and love you more than you will have know. THANK YOU again for everything you have and are doing for me. Blessing to you all and you are all in my prayers.
In Christ
Tracey
Hello to all from Jinja Uganda, I pray all is well with all of you and miss all of you very much. Today makes my 17th day here in Jinja and 19 days since I left all of you in Tunnel Hill. I am still trying it all in and figure out just what my roll is here even though I am officially suppose to be the administrator here at Amani. I have already learned that I that my duties change on a daily bases so if the director sends word for me to be at her house to keep her kids for the day then that is my job that day or if there is a sick child to be held then that’s what I do or if they need help hanging out the laundry then that’s where I will be or if it is work to be done in the office then I will do it. I know GOD has chosen me to serve HIM here for a reason and I may never fully know or understand what that reason is but for now I will serve HIM here how I am to serve HIM here doing what ever He has for me to do.
This week I learned just how little this country takes stock in a child’s life. We received a new little girl this week we think she may be 2 ½ or 3 years old but we are not sure, we don’t even know her name, she had been left just out in the street like you would leave trash. She is very scared and unsure of her new home much like I was and still am at times here.
I was in my office yesterday by myself trying to figure out some of the things I am suppose to be doing in my new job when one of the other volunteers come by with her in their arms crying and very scared. So I reached out to take in my arms and I sit down with her at my decks and asked her did she want to stay with me for a little while. Sitting there rocking the terrified little girl in my arms and started sing to her the song that I sing to Henry P and Larkin Lou back home in the states ( I know I am not the greatest singer but you know what that did not matter) it quieted her down and she lay on my chest until time for lunch. I after here nap I went and held here out on the front lawn while the other kids played.
You what I have been where she is and I know just how she feels being in this strange place, scared, unsure who or what you can trusted, all alone with out friends of family to pick up, love you and tell you things are going to be ok and that you are going to be alright and you are going to make it here. I know exactly how this child feels and what she is facing right now. And I have to praise God that I could fill that gap for this little girl even if it just a few minutes a day.
I have to tell you that I also experienced that helpless feeling that most of you as parents have gone through when you have a sick child and there is not a lot you can do but pray.
One of my smallest babies as an ear infection and she did not want to eat. So I called the hand mama to get her some medicine and all I could do is pray, hold her, love her & sing to her. I would do anything to take the pain away from this precious little baby. You just feel so helpless that they have to go through any of this especially when they are this little.
So no I still don’t know what my really role is here and I may never truly know why God has chosen to use someone like me here but for now it is to serve this precious babies and people however GOD wants me to. Whether that be through hanging out laundry, holding a scared or sick child or even doing the books I will do it all to bring HONOR and GLORY to GOD. Because I here to serve GOD and HIS children no matter how hard it my be.
God is still teaching me a lot of life lessons here each and everyday. HE has also showed me that there a lot of things that I would never understand like throwing a precious child out like trash. HE has and is showing me everyday that HE is where my strength comes from and where my rest comes from each and everyday (especially since I still don’t sleep). HE is where my protection come from each and every day. Several of the girls in the room across from me have bad staff infections and the two rooming with me have had stomach viruses this week. And the lady teaching me in the office has just came down with malaria. They also killed another snake here this week. I even took a really bad fall this week out of a van and hit the ground really hard but GOD has and is still protecting me everyday.
Another lesson I learned this week was how not to order fish. I went to eat with a group of people on Monday night and ordered fish & chips which I have ordered several times now but I did not know at this particular restaurant that had to tell them that I only wanted a fillet and not the whole fish so when my supper came out it was still looking at me.
I thought I had handled it pretty good but everyone with me said the look on my face was priceless.
This is definitely not the fairytale life I would have always dreamed I would be living, you know the one I am talking about with a wonderful husband who is better than Prince Charming and 2 or 3 perfect children in a big house with a big yard. Instead there is 57 crying babies, dippers to change, babies to be fed and laundry to be done 24/7 it never ends here. You sleep on bunk beds, you share a house and showers with 9 other women besides the mamas and babies. There are always power outages at all hours for any length of time, all the dirt & red mud then there’s the no water when you least expect. And of course there’s all the critters you deal with snakes, lizards, spiders, mosquitoes and so much more. No this is not the fairytale life that all of you or even I would have dream about but one thing I know for sure is the life God planed for me for now anyway and it is a very rewarding just the same. (And whose to say HE won’t give me the other
life someday too.) But right now HE blessed me with 57 children to be “Auntie” to and my reward is seeing the smiles on their little faces and in knowing that I can show them GOD’S great love for each them, each and everyday that I am here and that I can fill that gap in their lives until they get a “FOREVER FAMILY“. And I also have the privilege of worker along side this dear Ugandan women. No I may never truly see the impact I made while I am here or even in the states for that matter and I will never know if I truly made a difference in anyone’s life but that’s ok because it is not about me anyway it is all about GOD and HIM being the one to receive the HONOR AND GLORY for everything that happens and not me.
For you see I am just a Muzungu (white person) who doesn't know where she truly belongs or what her real role in life is but I am willing to serve HIM wherever and however HE wants me. But I still honestly have to tell you that if it were not for all of your prayers, emails, facebook chats, and skype calls I would have truly given up by now and came home already because even as rewarding as this is it is also very draining physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. And there is still a lot of red flags here and things here that have my heart very sadden and trouble. Even to the point of question GOD as to why things like this have to happen to precious babies and why send someone like me, what can I do that is going to make any difference here. But I know one thing for sure GOD had a reason and a plan for me to be here and I have to stick it out no matter just how hard it gets. So thank you for staying up with me and chatting during the all the
many nights that I don't sleep. Please continue to pray for me that sleep will come and the children here would all get FOREVER FAMILIES. Please KEEP praying that I would find a save, cheap and close house here to live. Pray that GOD'S WILL, will be done in my life and that I will give him the HONOR AND GLORY FOR IT ALL.
I miss each of you very much and love you more than you will have know. THANK YOU again for everything you have and are doing for me. Blessing to you all and you are all in my prayers.
In Christ
Tracey
Greetings from Uganda,
Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement and love. I have now been Uganda for 2 weeks and I have to honestly say everyday is still an adjustment for me. God has really been showing me that we never know how bad someone else has it until we walk in their shoes (like our newest toodler she was just left laying on the street just a few streets over Monday night, she is very sick so please pray for her) but yet at the same time HE has showed me beauty like I have never seen it before here. God never promised that our life’s would be easy when we surrender them to HIM. But HE did promise that HE would never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." And Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged.") I know God has a mighty plan for my life and right now that plan was me living and serving in Jinja Uganda East Africa. And I will serve Him with my whole heart. No matter how hard that may be or how challenging it may become.
I have to confess to you that I have doubts about this, the week before I left the states I had a lot of doubts was I really suppose to come and serve here and the night before I left GOD put a beautiful RAINBOW in the sky to show me HE still keeps HIS promises and that HE is still in control theneven once I got here fear and doubts took over again and I started feeling like I can’t do this and how and why would GOD use someone like me. But then on GOOD FRIDAY GOD showed me again that special sign of HIS, another beautiful RAINBOW as if to say “have you already forgotten I (GOD) promised never to leave you or forsake you, I (GOD) am here and I(GOD) am still in control just trust ME. God calls each of us in James 1:27 to look after the orphans and widows James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." And from 1991 to 2010
I had the honor of taking care of widows and now HE has given me the opportunity to come here to take care of these precious orphans.
GOD has always giving me a great desire to be a mommy and to want lots and lots of children and even though I have never physically given birth HE has always given me children now was given me 57 to love and take care until they get a FOREVER FAMILY. His word is true and HE keeps HIS promises Isaiah 54:1 "Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the LORD. And I am now that desolate woman with 57 amazing babies. I now know what it means when they say a mother’s work is never done because here it is not ever done. And I also now know how it feels to have to hold them down while they get stuck with a needle at the doctors and how you would let the doctor stick you a 100 if your child did not have to go through that.
Yes the days are long, hot and tiring and there is a lot to be done. Like feed babies, changing babies, loving on babies and doing laundry. There is also things that are not as convenient as they are at home like make sure your water is boiled or ran through a filter with bleach before you drink. And you have to be always be careful of snakes and other dangers (they killed another one last night at the directors house). But the love these precious children give far out weigh anything you have to give up or go through.
One thing GOD showed me through the EASTER season here was that no matter what I go through HE went through much, much more for mysake.
And I don’t know why HE would choose to love and use someone like me but HE does and for that I will always be grateful and GIVE THE HONOR AND GLORY FOR IT ALL.
Please continue to pray that I would have opportunities to share HIS LOVE with others and that people would see HIM in me as I serve. Please keep praying for housing for me. Please pray for safety. Pray that these children would all get FOREVER FAMILIES. Thank you again for all your prayers and love.
Blessings In Christ
Tracey
Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement and love. I have now been Uganda for 2 weeks and I have to honestly say everyday is still an adjustment for me. God has really been showing me that we never know how bad someone else has it until we walk in their shoes (like our newest toodler she was just left laying on the street just a few streets over Monday night, she is very sick so please pray for her) but yet at the same time HE has showed me beauty like I have never seen it before here. God never promised that our life’s would be easy when we surrender them to HIM. But HE did promise that HE would never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." And Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged.") I know God has a mighty plan for my life and right now that plan was me living and serving in Jinja Uganda East Africa. And I will serve Him with my whole heart. No matter how hard that may be or how challenging it may become.
I have to confess to you that I have doubts about this, the week before I left the states I had a lot of doubts was I really suppose to come and serve here and the night before I left GOD put a beautiful RAINBOW in the sky to show me HE still keeps HIS promises and that HE is still in control theneven once I got here fear and doubts took over again and I started feeling like I can’t do this and how and why would GOD use someone like me. But then on GOOD FRIDAY GOD showed me again that special sign of HIS, another beautiful RAINBOW as if to say “have you already forgotten I (GOD) promised never to leave you or forsake you, I (GOD) am here and I(GOD) am still in control just trust ME. God calls each of us in James 1:27 to look after the orphans and widows James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." And from 1991 to 2010
I had the honor of taking care of widows and now HE has given me the opportunity to come here to take care of these precious orphans.
GOD has always giving me a great desire to be a mommy and to want lots and lots of children and even though I have never physically given birth HE has always given me children now was given me 57 to love and take care until they get a FOREVER FAMILY. His word is true and HE keeps HIS promises Isaiah 54:1 "Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the LORD. And I am now that desolate woman with 57 amazing babies. I now know what it means when they say a mother’s work is never done because here it is not ever done. And I also now know how it feels to have to hold them down while they get stuck with a needle at the doctors and how you would let the doctor stick you a 100 if your child did not have to go through that.
Yes the days are long, hot and tiring and there is a lot to be done. Like feed babies, changing babies, loving on babies and doing laundry. There is also things that are not as convenient as they are at home like make sure your water is boiled or ran through a filter with bleach before you drink. And you have to be always be careful of snakes and other dangers (they killed another one last night at the directors house). But the love these precious children give far out weigh anything you have to give up or go through.
One thing GOD showed me through the EASTER season here was that no matter what I go through HE went through much, much more for mysake.
And I don’t know why HE would choose to love and use someone like me but HE does and for that I will always be grateful and GIVE THE HONOR AND GLORY FOR IT ALL.
Please continue to pray that I would have opportunities to share HIS LOVE with others and that people would see HIM in me as I serve. Please keep praying for housing for me. Please pray for safety. Pray that these children would all get FOREVER FAMILIES. Thank you again for all your prayers and love.
Blessings In Christ
Tracey
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Hello and Greetings from Uganda this Easter weekend: I pray all is well with each of you. I am good. I have to say that I truly stand in amazement and wonder how GOD could possibly use someone like me, someone as self center, selfish as me, someone who whines and complains as much as me. But yet He does and that just amazes me. I stood at the cross last night, HE did that for me and the least I can do is serve HIM where ever HE puts me. I have learned a lot in my short time here and I know I will learn so much, much more if I am just willing to let Him teach me and show me through life lessons here.
GOD has taught me just how humbling life can be here and just how spoiled I am in the states. For those of you with a large washer and dryer be very thankful because I hand wash and ring out my own clothes to dry on top of all the laundry I hang out here for the babies home (and Ugandan red mud has Georgia beat hands down). Here are some of the other things you should be very thankful for Power, here is goes off everyday at least once and it can be off for just a few minutes or up to hours before it comes back on. Water goes off on a whim here too so you learn to shower and do dishes when it is on. And drink water is more challenging here too, it has to be filtered with bleach or boiled if it is not bottled water. These are just a few of the many things to be thankful for.
GOD has also show me just how HE protects us here: one of the other girls rooming here went to light the oven the other night and the gas had built up in it and it made this really load BOOMING noise, fire shot out and shook the whole house and thankfully she was not even burned and it did not explode PRAISE GOD. Then we had a burglar who try to break in the other night but one of the MOMMIES (the Ugandan women scared him off) and Thurs. night they killed a black mamba snake right outside our home (very poison-est).
GOD is really showing me to rely on HIM for HE is where my strength comes from because there are very long days here and even longer nights since I don't sleep. Here at the babies home I am known as "AUNTIE Tracey" and the Ugandan women are the mommies for the most part here. We have 56 kids here now and I room upstairs with the youngest babies. So there is always something to be done here and always children to love and held. I was told other night the same thing I am told back home in Tunnel Hill "every time we see you, you always have a baby in your arms". To be honest I don't know how to act without one in my arms. I have always wanted children of my own and this is how GOD has allowed me to have them both in the states and here.
It is a very different life here but it is a very rewarding life too. Earlier this week I have had the privilege helping to take 3 kids to Kampala (I have to say you think Georgia potholes are bad you have not seen potholes until you experience Uganda's) to get their physicals started for their adoption and then today I had honor of getting to see them meet their FOREVER FAMILIES for the first time. I have also had the change to get to know some of the Ugandan women here (the mommies) and I have even had the opportunity to talk to them about my first and true love Jesus and about what HE has and is doing in my life. One of them has asked me to teach her bible study class once I get settled in good (so please pray about that). And have gotten to go help another one of our mommies with the shopping here last week and that was nice to get to get to spend sometime to get to know her. I have also gotten to attend two different churches here for services and both were good. So please pray that GOD will show me where HE wants me to serve HIM while I am here because I real miss having a church family.
I have to be honest with you this trip has been much harder to adjust too this time especially being all alone here and since I been very use to having all of you a round me for love and support whenever I needed it. Here in Uganda I am just another Muzungu (white person) to the Ugandan's and to the other muzungu's I am just an outsider and don't belong. If it had not been for all of your prayers, emails, facebook chats, and skype calls I would have already packed up and come crying back home. But I know GOD has a reason and a plan for me to be here and I have to stick it out no matter just how hard it gets. So thank you for staying up with me and chatting during the night while I can't sleep. Please continue to pray for me and the children here that they would all get FOREVER FAMILIES. Pray that I would find a save, cheap and close house here to live. Pray that GOD'S WILL, will be done in my life and that I will give him the HONOR AND GLORY FOR IT ALL.
I miss each of you very much and love you more than you will have know. THANK YOU again for everything you have and are doing for me. Blessing to you all and you are all in my prayers. And I HOPE AND PRAY THAT YOU HAVE A HAPPY EASTER.
In Christ
Tracey
GOD has taught me just how humbling life can be here and just how spoiled I am in the states. For those of you with a large washer and dryer be very thankful because I hand wash and ring out my own clothes to dry on top of all the laundry I hang out here for the babies home (and Ugandan red mud has Georgia beat hands down). Here are some of the other things you should be very thankful for Power, here is goes off everyday at least once and it can be off for just a few minutes or up to hours before it comes back on. Water goes off on a whim here too so you learn to shower and do dishes when it is on. And drink water is more challenging here too, it has to be filtered with bleach or boiled if it is not bottled water. These are just a few of the many things to be thankful for.
GOD has also show me just how HE protects us here: one of the other girls rooming here went to light the oven the other night and the gas had built up in it and it made this really load BOOMING noise, fire shot out and shook the whole house and thankfully she was not even burned and it did not explode PRAISE GOD. Then we had a burglar who try to break in the other night but one of the MOMMIES (the Ugandan women scared him off) and Thurs. night they killed a black mamba snake right outside our home (very poison-est).
GOD is really showing me to rely on HIM for HE is where my strength comes from because there are very long days here and even longer nights since I don't sleep. Here at the babies home I am known as "AUNTIE Tracey" and the Ugandan women are the mommies for the most part here. We have 56 kids here now and I room upstairs with the youngest babies. So there is always something to be done here and always children to love and held. I was told other night the same thing I am told back home in Tunnel Hill "every time we see you, you always have a baby in your arms". To be honest I don't know how to act without one in my arms. I have always wanted children of my own and this is how GOD has allowed me to have them both in the states and here.
It is a very different life here but it is a very rewarding life too. Earlier this week I have had the privilege helping to take 3 kids to Kampala (I have to say you think Georgia potholes are bad you have not seen potholes until you experience Uganda's) to get their physicals started for their adoption and then today I had honor of getting to see them meet their FOREVER FAMILIES for the first time. I have also had the change to get to know some of the Ugandan women here (the mommies) and I have even had the opportunity to talk to them about my first and true love Jesus and about what HE has and is doing in my life. One of them has asked me to teach her bible study class once I get settled in good (so please pray about that). And have gotten to go help another one of our mommies with the shopping here last week and that was nice to get to get to spend sometime to get to know her. I have also gotten to attend two different churches here for services and both were good. So please pray that GOD will show me where HE wants me to serve HIM while I am here because I real miss having a church family.
I have to be honest with you this trip has been much harder to adjust too this time especially being all alone here and since I been very use to having all of you a round me for love and support whenever I needed it. Here in Uganda I am just another Muzungu (white person) to the Ugandan's and to the other muzungu's I am just an outsider and don't belong. If it had not been for all of your prayers, emails, facebook chats, and skype calls I would have already packed up and come crying back home. But I know GOD has a reason and a plan for me to be here and I have to stick it out no matter just how hard it gets. So thank you for staying up with me and chatting during the night while I can't sleep. Please continue to pray for me and the children here that they would all get FOREVER FAMILIES. Pray that I would find a save, cheap and close house here to live. Pray that GOD'S WILL, will be done in my life and that I will give him the HONOR AND GLORY FOR IT ALL.
I miss each of you very much and love you more than you will have know. THANK YOU again for everything you have and are doing for me. Blessing to you all and you are all in my prayers. And I HOPE AND PRAY THAT YOU HAVE A HAPPY EASTER.
In Christ
Tracey
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
March 27TH & 28TH
Sorry I have been a few days posting but here is what is happen here in Jinja. HE GOD IS TEACHING ME EVERYDAY THAT I HAVE TO RELAY ON HIM AND I KNOW THAT HIS WHERE MY STRENGTH COMES FROM. HE HAS A REASON FOR ME TO BE HERE AND WHO KNOWS IT MAY EVEN BE TO BRING HOME ONE OF THESE DEAR BABIES.
HE HAS ALSO TAUGHT ME TO BE THANKFUL IN THE LITTLE THINGS. LIKE WALKING TO THE MARKET WITH MAGGIE, AND WALKING TO TOWN WITH EMILY. AND SHOWERS WHEN I CAN GET ONE (WHEN THE WATER WORKS). AND GETTING TO KNOW ONE OF THE OTHER LONG TERM VOLUNTEERS A LITTLE BETTER WE WALKED TO DINNER SAT NIGHT (MY FIRST INDIAN MEAL HERE) AND WENT BACK TO HERE HOUSE TO WATCH A MOVIE (IT WAS IN FRENCH SO I HAD TO READ THE SUB TITTLES) THEN IT WAS POURING DOWN RAIN AND TO LATE FOR ME TO SAFELY GO BACK HOME SO I SPENT THE NIGHT AT HER HOUSE. GOT UP SUNDAY MORNING AND PLAYED WITH HER TWO BOYS THEN WENT TO CHURCH AND HAD CHINESE FOOD (IT ALMOST FELT LIKE BEING BACK HOME).
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS FOR ME THIS WEEK AND FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT HAVE SO MANY DEAR FRIENDS THAT I KNOW HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR ME THIS WEEK. I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT I COULD NOT HAVE MADE IT WITHOUT ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS. LIFE HERE IS HARD THEN YOU CAN IMAGINE. WE TAKE SO MUCH FOR GRANTED IN THE STATES MUCH MORE THAN I EVER THOUGHT ABOUT LIKE POWER, WATER, WASHING MACHINES AND DRYERS, AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS. BUT ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS I THANK WE TAKE FOR GRANTED IS OUR FRIENDSHIPS. THAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST THING FOR ME MISSING ALL OF YOU. I AM VERY THANKFUL TO HAVE EMAIL, FACEBOOK, AND NOW SKYPE.
I HAVE TO SAY IF IT WAS UP TO ME I WOULD HAVE ALREADY TURNED AROUND AND CAME HOME. BUT IT IS NOT UP TO ME GOD HAS CALLED ME HERE FOR A REASON AND I HAVE TO STAY TO SEE IT THROUGH NO MATTER HOW HARD IT MAY GET. I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO SEEK HIS WILL FOR MY LIFE AND THAT IS MUCH HARDER WHEN YOU ARE SO FAR AWAY FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND ARE TOTALLY ALONE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY WHERE YOU DON’T EVEN SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE.
I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE HIM HERE AND TO HAVE A CHANCE TO BE A GOOD MOMMY OR “AUNTIE” AS THEY CALL ME HERE TO THESE 58 DEAR BABIES.
SO PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY AS I SEEK GOD’S WILL AND TO KNOW WHAT HE WANTS NOT FROM ME NOT JUST WHAT THEY WANT FROM ME HERE. PRAY FOR ME AS I STEP INTO MY NEW ROLE AS AMANI'S BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR AS I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I AM DOING AND IF I AM CAN EVEN DO ALL THEY ARE EXPECTING FROM ME. ALSO CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT I FIND HOUSING (CHEAP, SAFE & VERY CLOSE HOUSING).
Sorry I have been a few days posting but here is what is happen here in Jinja. HE GOD IS TEACHING ME EVERYDAY THAT I HAVE TO RELAY ON HIM AND I KNOW THAT HIS WHERE MY STRENGTH COMES FROM. HE HAS A REASON FOR ME TO BE HERE AND WHO KNOWS IT MAY EVEN BE TO BRING HOME ONE OF THESE DEAR BABIES.
HE HAS ALSO TAUGHT ME TO BE THANKFUL IN THE LITTLE THINGS. LIKE WALKING TO THE MARKET WITH MAGGIE, AND WALKING TO TOWN WITH EMILY. AND SHOWERS WHEN I CAN GET ONE (WHEN THE WATER WORKS). AND GETTING TO KNOW ONE OF THE OTHER LONG TERM VOLUNTEERS A LITTLE BETTER WE WALKED TO DINNER SAT NIGHT (MY FIRST INDIAN MEAL HERE) AND WENT BACK TO HERE HOUSE TO WATCH A MOVIE (IT WAS IN FRENCH SO I HAD TO READ THE SUB TITTLES) THEN IT WAS POURING DOWN RAIN AND TO LATE FOR ME TO SAFELY GO BACK HOME SO I SPENT THE NIGHT AT HER HOUSE. GOT UP SUNDAY MORNING AND PLAYED WITH HER TWO BOYS THEN WENT TO CHURCH AND HAD CHINESE FOOD (IT ALMOST FELT LIKE BEING BACK HOME).
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS FOR ME THIS WEEK AND FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT HAVE SO MANY DEAR FRIENDS THAT I KNOW HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR ME THIS WEEK. I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT I COULD NOT HAVE MADE IT WITHOUT ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS. LIFE HERE IS HARD THEN YOU CAN IMAGINE. WE TAKE SO MUCH FOR GRANTED IN THE STATES MUCH MORE THAN I EVER THOUGHT ABOUT LIKE POWER, WATER, WASHING MACHINES AND DRYERS, AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS. BUT ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS I THANK WE TAKE FOR GRANTED IS OUR FRIENDSHIPS. THAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST THING FOR ME MISSING ALL OF YOU. I AM VERY THANKFUL TO HAVE EMAIL, FACEBOOK, AND NOW SKYPE.
I HAVE TO SAY IF IT WAS UP TO ME I WOULD HAVE ALREADY TURNED AROUND AND CAME HOME. BUT IT IS NOT UP TO ME GOD HAS CALLED ME HERE FOR A REASON AND I HAVE TO STAY TO SEE IT THROUGH NO MATTER HOW HARD IT MAY GET. I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO SEEK HIS WILL FOR MY LIFE AND THAT IS MUCH HARDER WHEN YOU ARE SO FAR AWAY FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND ARE TOTALLY ALONE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY WHERE YOU DON’T EVEN SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE.
I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE HIM HERE AND TO HAVE A CHANCE TO BE A GOOD MOMMY OR “AUNTIE” AS THEY CALL ME HERE TO THESE 58 DEAR BABIES.
SO PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY AS I SEEK GOD’S WILL AND TO KNOW WHAT HE WANTS NOT FROM ME NOT JUST WHAT THEY WANT FROM ME HERE. PRAY FOR ME AS I STEP INTO MY NEW ROLE AS AMANI'S BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR AS I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I AM DOING AND IF I AM CAN EVEN DO ALL THEY ARE EXPECTING FROM ME. ALSO CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT I FIND HOUSING (CHEAP, SAFE & VERY CLOSE HOUSING).
Friday, March 26, 2010
DAY 5 at Amani
March 26, 2010
I want to start today’s enter by PRAISE GOD for getting me here and for keeping me here. I know HE truly has a purpose for me being here. And no matter what my finally job assignment is here GOD is in control and HE will give me the strength to see this through for HIS HONOR AND GLORY alone. Because HE is the one who opened this door for me to be here for HIS purpose. And I will give HIM my all my everything here as long as HE wants me to be here. No matter how hard it may be and how tired I become.
But I have to honestly admit to each of you that this week has been very hard for me. Starting with all my good byes back in the states and that was extremely hard for me to say good bye to each of you. Because some of you I see or talk to every single day and now I am on the other side of the world all alone and seven hour ahead of you (like right now it is 8:28 pm here in Jinja Uganda while it is 1:28pm back home in Tunnel Hill, GA).
I have not only had to adjust to the time change, but the constant power outages, the water cutting off on a whim, the heat, the mud because it is rainy season, the constant sound of babies crying, dogs barking and sound of Monks chanting in the early morning just to name a few things. But for years now I have prayed for GOD to bless me a child and now HE has. HE has given me 58 precious boys and girls to love as my very own until they get a forever family.
Things never stop a round here you see I don’t officially start until next week but here is what I have done today and the work never ends. I started my day hanging laundry on the lines out side for all of this 58 babies & toddlers. Then I feed smashed rice, carrots and bananas to the babies, plus bottles and changing ( there are 9 babies in this dorm I am in). I did these feedings for breakfast and lunch today. Then I walked to town with Maggie one of the Ugandan women here and we went to by supplies for the babies home and the volunteers. I also had my 1st experience riding a Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi) today (I had to ride side settled). I praise GOD for my time with Maggie today and I pray that HE would allow us to become really good friends.
And Just like in the states I am still dealing with the constant reality that I don’t sleep so that makes things even more difficult here especially with the time change. So thank you to all of you who have been keeping me company on face book and yahoo in the middle of the night this week so I was not totally alone.
I know GOD HAS CALLED ME HERE TO SERVE HIM FOR A REASON AND HE WILL SEE IT THROUGH. HE tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, ...in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Then a dear friend sent me this verse today Joshua 1:8-9 Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. and of course I have to remember my favorite verse PHIL 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH.
So that means I just need a good kick in the moonshine and I need to stop ll this whining and worrying about all the what if’s and I just need to take it one minute at a time and follow GOD‘S foot steps where ever they lead. So if I am here 3 months or if I am here a year then I will give GOD my all in everything I say and do. To HIM be the HONOR & GLORY for the amazing thing HE has done in my life and still is doing. God never said following HIS will for HIS life would be easy but HE did say HE would never leave us.
Please continue to pray for me because honestly I can't do this but I know that if HE can move mountains and then HE can show me how to run the business end of things here and everything else they want me to do. And HE will also provide the house that I need.
I want to start today’s enter by PRAISE GOD for getting me here and for keeping me here. I know HE truly has a purpose for me being here. And no matter what my finally job assignment is here GOD is in control and HE will give me the strength to see this through for HIS HONOR AND GLORY alone. Because HE is the one who opened this door for me to be here for HIS purpose. And I will give HIM my all my everything here as long as HE wants me to be here. No matter how hard it may be and how tired I become.
But I have to honestly admit to each of you that this week has been very hard for me. Starting with all my good byes back in the states and that was extremely hard for me to say good bye to each of you. Because some of you I see or talk to every single day and now I am on the other side of the world all alone and seven hour ahead of you (like right now it is 8:28 pm here in Jinja Uganda while it is 1:28pm back home in Tunnel Hill, GA).
I have not only had to adjust to the time change, but the constant power outages, the water cutting off on a whim, the heat, the mud because it is rainy season, the constant sound of babies crying, dogs barking and sound of Monks chanting in the early morning just to name a few things. But for years now I have prayed for GOD to bless me a child and now HE has. HE has given me 58 precious boys and girls to love as my very own until they get a forever family.
Things never stop a round here you see I don’t officially start until next week but here is what I have done today and the work never ends. I started my day hanging laundry on the lines out side for all of this 58 babies & toddlers. Then I feed smashed rice, carrots and bananas to the babies, plus bottles and changing ( there are 9 babies in this dorm I am in). I did these feedings for breakfast and lunch today. Then I walked to town with Maggie one of the Ugandan women here and we went to by supplies for the babies home and the volunteers. I also had my 1st experience riding a Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi) today (I had to ride side settled). I praise GOD for my time with Maggie today and I pray that HE would allow us to become really good friends.
And Just like in the states I am still dealing with the constant reality that I don’t sleep so that makes things even more difficult here especially with the time change. So thank you to all of you who have been keeping me company on face book and yahoo in the middle of the night this week so I was not totally alone.
I know GOD HAS CALLED ME HERE TO SERVE HIM FOR A REASON AND HE WILL SEE IT THROUGH. HE tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, ...in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Then a dear friend sent me this verse today Joshua 1:8-9 Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. and of course I have to remember my favorite verse PHIL 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH.
So that means I just need a good kick in the moonshine and I need to stop ll this whining and worrying about all the what if’s and I just need to take it one minute at a time and follow GOD‘S foot steps where ever they lead. So if I am here 3 months or if I am here a year then I will give GOD my all in everything I say and do. To HIM be the HONOR & GLORY for the amazing thing HE has done in my life and still is doing. God never said following HIS will for HIS life would be easy but HE did say HE would never leave us.
Please continue to pray for me because honestly I can't do this but I know that if HE can move mountains and then HE can show me how to run the business end of things here and everything else they want me to do. And HE will also provide the house that I need.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, ...in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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