Wednesday Morning--Faces that I Love

Wednesday mornings. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. I stand in front of a large class of Primary 2 students and share the amazing truth of God's word.  What a privilege! I love this activity in my week! 

The faces of P2

From the two stories I told today we could extrapolate a number of themes. But, we're talking about the Israelites and what usually stands out most with the Israelites was their almost incessant complaining and whining. If God was in the circus, they wouldn't be satisfied with a three-ring simultaneous performance! 

At the point where we picked up in the wilderness today we see He had already rescued them from Egypt, parted the red sea, fed them daily, made sure their shoes never wore out, provided them water and shelter, blessed them with able leadership, and gave them victory over their enemies. Apparently He should have added a few more rings to His amazing feats, for in the very next scene they are copiously complaining about how horrible the wilderness is and whining to go back to Egypt. God, in His great mercy, provides them with what they are asking for and we have a wee positive turn in their story--they were able to remain satisfied for a short bit. So much so that when they came up against another enemy in the land they cried out to God for His hand in victory instead of complaining against having found themselves in enemy territory. 

Whew! It seemed they were on track, but it was not to last, bummer. After said definitive victory they were back at the griping and moaning. Due to this lack of belief (for that is what complaining against God is--a lack of believing that He will provide and that what He is doing is enough) there were poisonous snakes sent into the camp and many died. Tragic.  God instructed Moses to raise up a stick with one of the poisonous snakes wrapped around it and told the Israelites that looking upon it would bring healing. Those who looked up were indeed healed. (This is from where the medical profession has taken it's worldwide known emblem.) I couldn't pass up the opportunity to point out to these children that we have the ultimate healing in Jesus--the One raised up and to whom we look. 

To make these long ago stories a part of their reality today, I encouraged the children to be thankful for where we are and what God has given us. Today it's hot even though the rains have begun and the tendency is to complain that it's too hot! We listed together the blessings God has given us, for we must remember and thank Him or we too become like the Israelites! Our recent rains, ability to plant in our gardens, the privilege of school, our shelters, places to sleep and food are all things for which to thank God.  It was sweet to leave them in a thankful state! And as I was leaving, Aunt Hannah walked in for her time of teaching them music! What better way to express thanks than to sing and shout praise to God!

On my way home I was feeling thankful for all the people God has placed around us--all those we have the privilege of sharing with in life. So, I decided to stop along the path home and visit some neighbors.

This is our dear friend, Lydia, and new baby. I was able to be a part of her labor two months ago when she'd gone many hours and needed some encouragement! I found her washing clothes, caring for her toddler and then feeding the infant while we visited. Once she finished around the house they were off to Kiwoko hospital for immunizations. I love the "drop-in" nature of visiting around here! Though she was very busy, she sat leisurely with me as if she hadn't a care in the world!

Her toddler "gave me a push"--a Ugandan custom of walking a visitor a ways toward their destination when the visit is over.  Here he was looking back to make sure I was still following him.

As I rounded the bend I found Auntie Lucy enjoying the shade and cutting greens for lunch. 

Her son joined her on the mat as he drank his porridge.

In the David Family kitchen I found this smiling face cooking beans and greens for lunch.

And who should ride by just then going to fetch water?  Kevin!

Upon returning home I found Kevin back from fetching water and playing peek-a-boo with the little baby of the woman who washes laundry for us.

Kevin was making him laugh and smile as they played!

This one's smile is captivating!

Toby has been at the secondary school all morning and just returned home for lunch. The 3-day seminar on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood started today and we wanted him to be a part of it. Geoff opened the series with the introduction and many are involved in teaching the various sessions.

Acacia and Kevin went to the garden this morning with Medi to plant black beans. They returned at break time, just before I left for the P2 class! 

I LOVE ALL THESE FACES!!!! Faces of dear ones that bless our lives!

smiles and silence

Whilst driving slowly up the hill, the last of many before the entrance, I ruminated again.  Had I had been too pushy, too aggressive, over stepped my bounds? No, I hadn’t pushed, I had guided. I prayed and led her to God’s Word. That is what is required of me, showing others the way of the one true God and then waiting patiently while they see His truth for themselves. And, it had to be done. But, I had her mother in the van with me and I quickly shifted to what she must be thinking. I’d had many opportunities to talk with her and each time she was supportive, though she complained that the school is expensive--there was no way she could pay all of the fees. And, indeed it is without the generous support of those who give to New Hope and the kids here. 

There is no way I could know what her mother was thinking. Her presence was enough, however, to say she was for this move. For this young girl who loves the Lord with all her heart and soul, mind and strength, she wanted to be in a place where her faith could flourish under daily encouragement. And this school? It was the place for her. Despite the objections of her non-Christian family members, she had decided to be faithful to God’s word, “take up My cross and follow Me,” were the words that moved her. 

Yes, I had done the right thing and so had she. Choosing God’s way isn’t always the easy way, but it is the best way. And her broad smile showed that she was expecting good things from her loving Father.

She was received well and all her things were checked and logged. Then it was time to say good-bye. So soon?  Last week when I took our other daughter to school it took no less than four hours!!! We moved all around campus, having papers signed, getting items checked more than once. This time? It was more than efficient--too efficient because it made the time to part come swiftly. 

The ride home was quiet--thoughtful, just her mother and me. She would be two years in that school and there was much to learn, AND a new set of school fees to come with every term! Again, I wondered what her mother was thinking, but I had no way of knowing. Likewise, she couldn't know what I was discovering in myself. A determination to stay true to what God has called us to do here at New Hope Uganda--point others to Father God. Today I served this young girl by helping her get to a place she'd hoped for, but confessed she lacked the faith at times to believe she'd get to. And I served her mother by helping her to see her child arrive at a place in life where maturity, faith and academia coalesce to strengthen the gifts given by God.

Our dear Aziza says goodbye to the one she's cared for during her days of waiting for school to begin.  She helped his parents during the day with bathing him and watching out for him while they were occupied elsewhere.

getting ready to load the van, Me, Aziza, Geoff, Uncle Mulu

Geoff and Uncle Mulu laugh with Aziza as they comment on the heaviness of what's inside her school trunk!

One of Aziza's housemates came over yesterday to make a special cake to honor her.  She was surprised and very blessed by it and we ALL enjoyed eating it!!

These kids "leaving the nest" is only the beginning. All of our kids in David Family but three are in secondary school at this time. The years will pass quickly to the time when they will leave us and move ahead in the plans God has for them. Living here--I wouldn't trade it!

Meanwhile, back at the Britton ranch, we enjoyed a Honduran lunch yesterday! One of our dear neighbors in Long Beach is from Honduras and before we left the states, she gave us a large bag of  beans from her family's farm. We planted some in two of our gardens and ate what was left. Yum. Yum. I made tortillas and prepared them with soft cheese just like she did for us when we ate at her house. It was sweet to remember our neighbors.

Lately, Toby has been enjoying something his Aunt Linda sent him--pumpkin spice Dunkin Donuts coffee. Those of us who actually LIKE coffee don't really enjoy that frufru stuff, but Toby has a real hankering for it!


Blessings to you all and a special thanks to those reading this who contribute to New Hope Uganda! We are grateful to you for your generosity as it enables us to minister to so many in numerous ways!

High School and Cows!

Toby is just 12. University is a few years off--emphasis on few. Time is flying! But, today I got a taste of  what it's been like for many of my friends who have taken their kids to University. Nabukeera reported to S5 or the equivalent of 11th grade today. Our New Hope schools at current are only up to the level of S4, so for those who qualify, S5, S6 and University are completed at other institutions. We started our day by driving to Jjaaja's house to pick up Nabukeera and her school requirements. A three hour drive later we arrived in Kyetume village at the site of her new home for the next two years--Seroma Christian High School. Our good friend Dan drove for us and one of our beloved sons, Perez, came along to be a support. I was so glad he came as he is much more familiar with how things work at this level of schooling than I am. He was a great encourager and guide through the four hour process of check in and setting up her dorm room. 

This is who Nabukeera left behind in the village. Jjaaja, her great-grandson (on her immediate right) and some neighbor children who are frequent visitors to their home

Nabukeera and our little selfie on the walk from Jjaaja's to the car to load her things.

We're here! Hooray!

We did a lot of walking today. We had a check-in form to fill out and frequently were told we were in the wrong place and to return to where we'd just been. Oh well, lots of exercise and familiarizing ourselves with the campus!

The cafeteria. This was a great source of uncertainty for me--meals. Other schools either don't provide any or don't provide enough for the students they enroll. We were there for the entire lunch period and no one went hungry and it all happened in an orderly manner. Whew!

Moving in meant carrying all her things across the campus. No cars were allowed to drive onto campus today.

--

Her dorm is a three-story building with 8 girls in each room. Perez reports that it is probably the nicest dorm in Uganda--as far as he is concerned! He could be right!

We didn't know what to expect at this school as we know of no one from New Hope who has attended Seroma. We were pleasantly surprised with the Christian emphasis and the clean grounds. There are scriptures posted everywhere--so much so that Nabukeera and Perez said it was a "talking campus" All of our interactions with the staff found them very nice and accommodating. Nabukeera met one of her roommates who also happens to be a sister to one of Perez' schoolmates. Small country. This girl has studied at this school before and knows many people. She also was very nice and her friendship seems to be one that will help Nabukeera to get acclimated more quickly to this new place! 

love the scriptures, everywhere!

It was great to look up and be reminded of God's goodness!

in front of her dormitory as we were preparing to leave her behind :(

It was a great day and I'm thankful to God for leading us on this journey of seeking out schools and finding a good one! Thanks for your prayers for us as we LOVE walking alongside these dear ones through their paths of life!

Last month was Geoff's 45th birthday so we took a weekend out in Kampala just the two of us.  I managed to purchase, pack, carry and hide a ring all without him ever finding out until he opened the package! It is a ring made of actual working gears. We'd seen it in a magazine ad at the oncologist's office last year and he commented on its utter coolness. He was genuinely surprised and I was proud of myself for managing to get the surprise from the U.S. to here under the Geoff radar! He loves it not only because of the working gears, but because they remind him that God is always working in our lives! Amen!

We finally have water again!  Toby and Geoff had to prime the pump as it had been sitting idle for so many weeks!

Sam is in the midst of midterm examinations. He studies hard every night and reports each day that he is pleased with his performance in the exams. Please pray for him to continue to respond to our guidance. The reason we brought him in to live with us was because he needed some intense parenting--we're giving it, but only with God's help and wisdom!

I make the break time snack twice a week for Toby, Acacia and Kevin's school. Last week I decided to revisit an old recipe for chocolate orange scones! It made me miss our dear former neighbor, JoDell, who LOVED these little treats. JoDell--this picture is for you! When are you coming to taste these delectable yummies in person?????

And FINALLY---the COW portion I referred to in the title. Kakande arrived the other night all aflutter about Ente!!! (cow) MPALE!!! (trousers) and BANANGE (For crying out loud!!!) Seems he was helping somehow with the cows on site and one of them decided to make contact with Kakande's backside! He came over to show us the trousers and tell us his story. The whole story according to Kakande was three words said with emphasis about 7 times! Ente! Mpale! Banange! It's difficult to decipher, but there are two aptly placed holes in the backside of the trousers he is holding in this picture, but I was laughing so hard I didn't get it in focus.