tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587958619808703602024-03-14T07:17:10.697-07:00I owe it all to grace"love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible" ephesians 6:24Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-90677609073071215572013-03-21T02:45:00.000-07:002013-03-21T02:45:22.926-07:00faith restored<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Sunday I was traipsing through the masses of people in
Kampala transferring from the old Taxi Park to the New Park, I was headed home
from Jinja and I had my hiking backpack on. I try to play it pretty smart when
I have my backpack and not put any items in the outside zipper compartments; I
tie everything down and secure the entry points; mainly because I have been
warned about the thievery that happens in Downtown Kampala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However this Sunday, I happened to run into
someone that took pick pocketing to a whole new level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am bobbing and weaving through people,
dodging potholes and cars I look down at my waist strap and the zipper pocket
is undone, luckily my wallet was still sitting inside. Puzzled, I zipped it
back shut. No less than 5 seconds later I feel a tug at my waist and I look
down to find a hand pulling back quickly. As soon as I came to it and realized
what was happening I raised my ukulele and swung at the man, lucky for him he
dodged the swing and darted off across the street. Meanwhile I shouted and
pointed “VAYO! VAYO! That one is a thief!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in disbelief and I suddenly felt so
vulnerable in a crowd that one minute earlier I had felt somewhat a part of;
and that is never a good feeling when you are investing your life for the sake
of someone else’s country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily for
the thief, I didn’t chip my uke and I won’t get any second laughs at his
attempt to mess with the wrong muzungu!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With that being said… sometimes life here gets exhausting
and I just get tired of always watching my back and making sure I don’t get
taken advantage of, especially in the market or when taking public
transport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However today, just when I needed it most, my faith was
restored. It came through simple acts of love and generosity. It started as I
was taking a boda into Wakiso this morning, when I asked “sente mekka?” (how
much?) he replied, 1,000 which is such a fair price. Normally I have to haggle with
the drivers and move on to another driver after they won’t budge on the price.
So needless to say, it was refreshing to just ask the price and be treated like
everyone else. Once I arrived in town, I boarded a taxi and said “is it 2,000?”
and he could have easily just said yes, but he corrected me and said it was
1,500. I just smiled so big and got into the van and took a seat. It doesn’t
stop there people! Later I was getting some groceries at the market. The market
I used today was down by Lake Victoria, I’ve never used it before and those
people don’t know me from Joe. So I picked out about 5 small tomatoes and asked
the lady how much? She replied 500, so I said I’d take them. The price really
wasn’t that bad and I did hand pick them myself, but when she went to put them
in a bag, she selected 3 more tomatoes and added them to my package. She didn’t
just grab 3, but she examined her selection and individually picked the 3
brightest red tomatoes. Normally you will find about 7 or 8 small tomatoes for
500; I had only picked 5 and she could have easily sold me just those, after
all I did agree to the price. But the fact is, SHE DIDN’T! She knew what was
fair and she treated me with love and generosity. And that spoke volumes to me!
Lastly, as I was on my last taxi back home, the sun had hit the level in the
sky where it is just blinding as it shines through the window. I was putting my
hand up to the window trying to block the rays that my sunglasses weren’t. Then
the kid next to me tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a book to block the
sun. He said “we saw that you were struggling”. My mind was blown. That is
loving your neighbor, people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To you these encounters may seem insignificant, but for me,
it really meant the world. After the past three days of pent up angst about
Sunday and just feeling all around somewhat blue, today was a gift from God.
Indeed He knew what I needed and it was His presence through people, or rather
my attentiveness to his presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
verse comes to mind and is quite fitting, “<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">And the God of all grace who called you to
his eternal glory in Christ after you have suffered a little while will Himself
RESTORE you and make you strong firm and steadfast” 1 Peter 5:10.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t so much understand the part about letting us suffer...
but if the past 3 days hadn’t been so hard, today probably wouldn’t have meant
the same to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indeed my faith in the work I am doing has been restored and
I couldn’t imagine serving any other nation right now. The Pearl of Africa will
rise again; these people hearts are too lovely.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-60392864009627588972013-03-17T02:29:00.001-07:002013-03-17T02:29:09.432-07:00the transforming power of knowledge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immy and I were preparing
a pumpkin to steam and I watched as she cut into it and carved away the goop
and seeds into the trash pile. I started to retrieve them and told her how the
pumpkin seed has an anthelmintic known as cucurbitacin found in them and this is
the same active ingredient found in deworming medicine. She replied, “OHHH! I
didn’t know! Every time I get a pumpkin, I won’t throw the seeds now. We don’t
have to buy tabs now”, (tabs are medicine and deworming tabs are not easily
available and expensive in the village, but oh so necessary). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was amazed and kept saying “thank-you for
teaching me”! I showed her how I prepare them by rinsing the seeds and roasting
them in a pan with some small oil and salt, until they are dry and crispy. Immy’s
family of 5 and I ate those seeds so quickly! They tasted really good! Other
people that walked by were inquiring about what we were cooking and we
explained to them about the cucurbitacin found in the pumpkin seed acts as a
natural de-wormer and how to prepare the seeds for eating. Most everyone seemed
so amazed and excited for the next time they get a pumpkin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It really is amazing how knowledge has the power to
transform communities; who knows the impact this will have on the health of
Immy’s family and the surrounding community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Props to my Pops for teaching me about anthelmintics and
cucurbitacin in the pumpkin seed last October<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-22075395332308553762013-03-11T05:23:00.000-07:002013-03-11T05:23:50.420-07:00Everywhere: an excerpt from my journal 3/10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I hit “the homesick hump”. I didn’t think I’d have “the
hump” this go around. Partly because I feel at home here and I’m really loving
what I am doing and partly because last year for a 3 month stay I really didn’t
have a “hump”. So I thought three weeks, easy-peasy! Oh contraire!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as I was sitting in church this morning… going
on the fourth hour… my eyes were welling with tears and I had that feeling of
just wanting to quit… I felt “the hump” coming. I was so confused, why am I feeling
this way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I realized the last
time I had seen a white person was 5 days ago. This doesn’t seem like a big deal,
however I have never been the minority before, so 5 days had subconsciously gotten
to me I think. (in past trips I have worked in the vicinity or with white
people)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So church ends, and I am holding back tears like it’s my job;
all the while may ugandans are greeting me. I started to walk to lunch with 2
other Africans I hardly know and I was literally about to sit down, in the
road, in the muddy filth and just cry and legitimately think about going home.
And then I had this thought… surely if God is everywhere like the bible says,
He must be here even know; watching little Arielle just crumble in the middle
of dusty Uganda. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No less than 1 minute later I turned the corner and on the
street I spotted the back of a white woman with blonde curly hair! I just got a
glimpse or three of her as I bobbed and weaved around the people that separated
me from her. She was about 50 feet up the busy street. I never could see her
face, but she was walking slowly and after a couple glimpses she was gone.
Indeed, she was a God-send. Sometimes I wonder if it <i>was</i> God in real
life! It was almost mysterious, the nature of the woman. She walked slow and
peacefully and I never could see her face as I fought the crowds to get closer
to her. I guess you could say I felt a little like that woman in the bible who
was trying so hard just to touch and see Jesus to be healed as He walked
through the masses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whether it was God in the flesh, or not, seeing her was not
a coincidence. After I saw her I sighed that sigh of relief, when you feel
settled, comfortable where you are, and have come over “the hump”. So surely,
surely, as the dirt stains red, Jesus <i>is</i> everywhere. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do any of you have a story when you really knew Jesus was
there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-78902859660235677992013-03-08T11:37:00.001-08:002013-03-08T11:38:08.885-08:00the good 'ole red dirt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
this is my view these days, and i absolutely love it. Immy (a ugandan partner) and i are headed back over to Banda tomorrow for our first "interview" and starting a self doccumentation project at their home. The seem really receptive to this friendship and said they are awaiting our return; very excited! :)</div>
Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-17916328404202827412013-03-03T22:49:00.004-08:002013-03-03T22:49:48.652-08:00Here we go!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last month has been a rollercoaster!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who don’t know… last spring
when I was in Uganda, I purchased a plot of land to build a “babies home”
(better known as a Christ-centered, stable and loving, transition home; more to
come on how the home/compound will be run). In January it became evident that
the time was drawing near to begin the process of getting back to Uganda, with
the intent of breaking ground on the property in Banda; a lot of the money
needed to build had been donated without even fundraising and a couple people
in my immediate community and beyond have stepped up and expressed a desire to
serve alongside me. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So I
began gearing up to return to Uganda… 40+ dozen cupcakes later, not only were
my arms tired from mixing 30 pounds of buttercream frosting, but I had a plane
ticket! Check. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The following weekend I went skiing in West Virginia with my
brothers and some friends for one last hoo-rah! Let’s keep the story short and
just say that I didn’t come home in one piece. I thought, ‘why did this happen
to me? I am supposed to go to Uganda this week. This wasn’t in <i>the plan</i>!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still don’t know why I was injured and
spent another week at home, but I have to believe it was for a reason. I know
in that time I was able to prepare my heart more fully for the adventure ahead
and just relax. With a knee injury and not being able to walk, I didn’t have
much of a choice, but to sit back and chill-out. I think that alone is reason
enough for my injury. After seeing the orthopedist, he ruled out any torn
ligaments, just a sprain to my MCL and a possible torn meniscus and sent me for
an MRI. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a weekend of praying for God to just show up, because
I was utterly confused, this is what happened…. When I saw my orthopedist again
he was baffled (as baffled as all-knowing orthopedists get); he kept messing
with my knee and looking at the MRI and back and forth and back and forth. I
think he said, “kid, I don’t know how you lucked out. You should have had more
of an injury.” I just smiled and waited to hear the precious words I was hoping
to hear…”you are cleared to go to Uganda.” He said them with a tone of
bewilderment and hesitancy, but I knew without a doubt, those words were final,
I was healed. And so I ran home and bought the soonest plane ticket I
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, 4 days later, I am on a plane cruising over the
Atlantic Ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an adventure
already! Needless to say, my trip has been shortened by several weeks. I will
be abroad for only a month. If it was up to me, buying a plane ticket all the
way over there isn’t worth it for such a short stay; but I believe God wants to
show up extraordinarily in a brief amount of time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Due to my down-time healing and as it became evident that my
trip was being shortened, I began really stressing out about breaking ground on
the property in Banda. It just didn’t seem possible. I became so unsettled
about it and confused! One morning as I was having a pity-party, waddling
around on my crutches and lamenting over what is supposed to be happening in
Uganda… my mom simply said, “What if this trip isn’t about the agenda you’ve
made? What if it’s simply meant to build relationships with your neighbors in
Banda?” and almost instantly it was like the sunshine rays broke through the
clouds! Thanks mom. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the American standpoint, everything was all clear! Just
as easy as making another high-rise on the coast. But that’s exactly what the
process had become. An impersonalized project, intended to better the
community, but wrongly approached. My heart was still centered on Christ and
the people of Banda, but the way I began to execute it, was very western. As I
write this I am realizing how BEYOND thankful I am for the step-back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So this trip looks different than what I originally thought,
but I have such a peace about the goals. I plan to meet with three different
ministries and learn from various things they are already doing in Uganda and
possibly establish relationships with them. I also plan on gearing-up to break
ground in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main goal
however, is being with the people of Banda. These people are who is going to
carry-out this vision of a brighter Banda. If the people do not feel valued and
like their opinion matters, from the beginning, why would they ever jump on
board? They aren’t an after-thought once the building has been built, they are
a fore thought and deeply valued. I am using some material from Ideo.com called
Human Centered Design as a means of getting to know Banda, the people and their
needs. I am so very excited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(finding
out about Ideo and HCD, was another piece of fruit that came about during my
recovery period, thanks Grant and Marissa!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have read along this far, I should thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ask that you pray alongside me. I am arriving with an
expectant heart. That God will indeed show up, in an extraordinary way in an seemingly
brief amount of time. I just have a feeling and indeed it is a good one that
brings comfort and peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Talk to you soon,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mirembe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(my given African name; meaning peace)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-13519991413161100992013-02-21T19:45:00.002-08:002013-02-22T09:09:48.938-08:00favorite memories- spring 2012I compiled some of my favorite memories on my flight back to the States last spring, but never posted it. <br />
so here it goes...<br />
<br />
<br />
favorite memories from Uganda- Spring 2012<br />
<br />
<br />
-reading Alpha bible stories under the mosquito net at the hospital<br />
<br />
-late nights on Immy's floor, eating rumonday and catching up on life<br />
<br />
-realizing my community loves me just as much as I love them; when, without asking, some of the girls offered to give me some of their precious water to bathe so I didn't have to walk to to the next community over and pump a jerrycan or go without bathing. What once felt like a one way commitment, was now a two way friendship.<br />
<br />
-helping the matron wash on a slow afternoon<br />
<br />
-Praying flat on my face that the Lord would fill up my soul to be emptied again. And yet I stood amazed when I walk out of my room filled to the brim and immediately confronted with an opportunity to pour out the Jesus inside me... all. over. again. Smiling a goofy smile and laughing to myself. sweet moments.<br />
<br />
-sitting on the steps of my front porch with 6 year old Jackson watching the sunrise to the left and an intense lightening storm over Kampala to the right; knowing his favorite subject is science.<br />
<br />
-bed-time bible stories on my front porch; watching their faces totally captivated and enthralled by the living word of God.<br />
<br />
-praying with the 10-12 year old boys in their dorm before bed.<br />
<br />
- Having courage to act and words to speak when situations seemed too messy and i didn't know what to say or do<br />
<br />
- sitting with Favour in the kitchen, picking through rice, singing 'this is my story, this is my song'<br />
<br />
- receiving my african name on the last day before i went to the airport; Nza, Mirembe. (I am Peace)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
not all of my favorites, but I think I fell asleep after that last one.<br />
can't wait to get back.<br />
<br />
with a full heart,<br />
Arielle<br />
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Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-58878797002955169122012-04-20T01:41:00.001-07:002012-04-20T01:41:09.833-07:00pure JOY!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">THANK YOU to everyone who has joined in supporting the village both prayerfully and financially in Uganda, East Africa! Because of YOUR open hearts and obedience to God, We have had enough food for this week, the Greenhouse is FULLY funded and going up next week, and We will be purchasing LAND IN FULL for the babies home tomorrow! Please take a moment and say aloud "thank you, sweet Jesus Christ"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> --"..Your name and Your renown are the desire of our souls” Isaiah 26:8</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-11150395630310325042012-04-15T05:31:00.001-07:002012-04-15T05:42:06.699-07:00an open heart.<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Right now we are in a food crisis in Bulabakulu. Yes, can
you believe it? There actually are places in the world that are not able to eat
every day. We had temporarily cut back to one meal a day of “posho” and beans
and porridge in the morning, until last Wednesday…when we completely ran out of
food. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Lord has provided three meals a day since Wednesday! An
undeserved miracle for our village! We are unsure when this crisis will be
alleviated (via a sustainable income). Therefore I am writing you today and
asking that you pray about God using YOU to be tangible love in these people’s
lives through the purchase of food.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a mere $60 US dollars you can feed 100+ people three
meals for one day! I understand this is not sustainable, however we are still
moving forward with the greenhouse that will solve any future food crisis
problem. If you would like to buy food for the village please donate on the
right side of this blog. Just click on the yellow “donate” button and specify
the donation for “food crisis”. </span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t want to mention this next need until later, but as
usual God has nothing but impeccable timing when He wants to get ‘er-done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So today, out of obedience, I am writing to you with an open
heart. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Almost 3 weeks ago Joshua (my contact and friend) approached
me and began to tell me about a serious need he wanted me to fill in the Wakiso
district of Uganda, a babies home. Yes, you read that right and are probably
overwhelmed with emotions, as was I. My heart was overwhelmed and excited and
just speechless. But my head and all logical reasoning was pulling the plug on
even entertaining the idea. So I just sat on this information. I wanted to pray
and dream and think about the possibilities, but to be honest I was just too
nervous about what the Father might require of me. So I just ignored it; trying
to reconcile the differences between my heart and head. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make a long story short (which I don’t do often), the
Lord has given me and some others affirmation to move forward with His dream of
an orphanage in the Wakiso district. To be honest, the Lord is opening doors quicker
than I alone can walk through them. In fact we have been offered a piece of
land at $5,125 US dollars (this includes the land title and processing fees).
The owner has agreed to hold the land until this Saturday; with the
understanding we pay a down payment of $3350 US dollars. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This dream of His is HUGE and we cannot do it alone. So I ask
you to join me and many others in prayer over this dream; that we would be
obedient when it is uncomfortable, courageous when following in faith, and
refract all admiration to the Father who deserves it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could go on and on about how I feel about all of this, but
the truth is, it is not about me, not on ounce. If you would like to give
towards buying land for the babies home, please direct your payments via pay-pal
by clicking on the yellow “donate” button on the right-side of this page—be sure
to denote “babies home land”. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you would like ANY further information on any of these
matters or an alternate method to give money, PLEASE contact me via commenting
on this blog thread or email at: arielleferrell@gmail.com <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to leave you with this verse:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“YES LORD walking in the way of Your truth, we wait eagerly
for You, for Your name and Your renown are the desire of our souls” Isaiah 26:8</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:)</td></tr>
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</div>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-49917307775259935232012-04-08T11:55:00.000-07:002012-04-08T11:55:23.894-07:00ohh the possibilities...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I am writing to you on behalf of my community here in
Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are currently dealing with
food security in our village, there is not always enough food to go around. In
fact for the past 6 days we have been eating porridge at noon and one serving of
posho for the “meal”, for the entire day. This problem is due to the rising
cost of food in Uganda, as well as a drop in monetary funding from various
supporters. Although this may seem to be sad news, these circumstances are
pushing us to look into alternative solutions that empower the community in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sustainable</i> way. I believe in a
“hand-up” not a “hand-out”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well let’s just plant a garden then!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not quite that simple….the seasons here
are getting worse; extreme droughts followed by too much water when the rains
come. These factors make farming very difficult and crop production unreliable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore we are turning to a widely used,
age-old strategy used in countries around the world, such as Kuwait, Israel,
and Philippines: greenhouse technology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Balton Greenhouses is a local company whose goal is
“improving food security and livelihoods for small scale farmers in Uganda”.
The effects of constructing a greenhouse on our property would enhance numerous
aspects of the welfare of our village and the surrounding community. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will be able to grow continually throughout the year,
making the crop yield up to 10-12 times larger (depending on the crop). We will
be able to incorporate farming education into our schools curriculum, providing
knowledge not only to our community but to the surrounding communities via the
students that attend our school from outside. The most important benefit is the
food security that it will provide. We will be able to sell off the excess
vegetables and fruits to provide income for the staple foods, rice, posho and
beans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The total cost for this project is $3,710.42 USD. This
includes EVERYTHING; Construction materials, seeds, irrigation tanks and drip
lines, gardening tools and four people to be trained properly in this gardening
technique. If you ask me, that’s a bargain for not only what we will be
getting, but for what we will be able to give this vulnerable community. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ask you to prayerfully consider giving to this project
today. Donating is easy, just click on the yellow “donate” button on the right
side of this page and please note it is for the greenhouse. If you would like
an alternative method to give, please contact me. The greenhouse can be
constructed as soon as we can pay the company, hopefully before I leave in
May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have more information about this greenhouse than you want
to read about on here, including a PowerPoint and project proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would like any more explanation about
any aspect of this project please ask! Either via comment on this blog or
email: </span><a href="mailto:arielleferrell@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">arielleferrell@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-40578356398773781742012-04-01T23:31:00.002-07:002012-04-01T23:31:44.054-07:00Pre-Sunrise Pictures<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently I stood outside in the early morning with the
intent of trying to capture the African sunrise. If you have ever tried to
capture a sunrise or sunset you know it is nearly impossible to catch the
beauty. So many mornings I just stare towards the sun as it rises, enjoying it
more and more, as it gains intensity in color and splendor. As I was prepared
with my camera in hand, I started clicking left and right, most of the pictures
were before the sun was even visible. Thinking to myself “ohh THIS has got to
be the best”…one minute later “ohh no this one!” All the while the dense hues
of orange, purple, yellows and reds were just getting stronger and the sun
rising higher and higher. Watching the sun intently, just peeking out and now
fully visible and blazing. Once the sun had actually appeared and the full
“sunrise” picture was captured I realized how grandiose and epic it was
compared to my “pre-sunrise” photos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5RCkp_ggmRk2EkoS4sD7wGhyphenhyphen2YBN1gjR0-vK16CIhwE7yCvwECTxn-pkMFb8YGnQ8dp2-Oz3KL_L5gtVfHkaUJLFlGFuTeWTrB-O5avlBm9uo11tRxOPItB-2VgmeiwsfhVyJaf6wN4/s1600/sunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5RCkp_ggmRk2EkoS4sD7wGhyphenhyphen2YBN1gjR0-vK16CIhwE7yCvwECTxn-pkMFb8YGnQ8dp2-Oz3KL_L5gtVfHkaUJLFlGFuTeWTrB-O5avlBm9uo11tRxOPItB-2VgmeiwsfhVyJaf6wN4/s400/sunrise.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then it hit me… this is so much like life at times. We
see the immediate situation, weather good or bad as the climax and settle for
what that offers. But so many times God has a much more epic climax in the
making. Building on experiences and situations, all adding to the intensity of
the final shebang! It saddens me to think that too often we settle for
“pre-sunrise” pictures, when there is actually something better in the making.
Not to say we shouldn’t enjoy the “pre-sunrise” snapshots of life, but we must
continue striving towards our romancer, Jesus Christ; settling and enjoying are
two different things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My prayer over this blog is that together, we don’t just
settle for the “pre-sunrise”, 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade art work, but we wait
patiently for the Father’s masterpiece that blazes with beauty and immaculate
intensity.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9HxXMNSzgUCM4ICi78pNDwRo6U4ioUhOU-PZTz_5GhFUcFz5RZJq67X4SL7P4tYhh775D5UcgrX-9MN1WTUzGgLC3shzM2DhwI2qFbVenp0s1PtX-Q5vRszFsBchkcgH_uuABE0CCyY/s1600/sunrise+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9HxXMNSzgUCM4ICi78pNDwRo6U4ioUhOU-PZTz_5GhFUcFz5RZJq67X4SL7P4tYhh775D5UcgrX-9MN1WTUzGgLC3shzM2DhwI2qFbVenp0s1PtX-Q5vRszFsBchkcgH_uuABE0CCyY/s400/sunrise+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-24914569541163850152012-03-26T07:44:00.002-07:002012-03-26T07:44:31.560-07:00the sun just keeps shiningthere have been many good things happening around here lately...if only i had electricity to post everyday! <br />
<br />
Last Monday my boys got uniforms! Seeing them for the first time with their bright purple and white checkered shirts made me overflow with emotions. They all look so grown-up and just plain beautiful!<br />
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I rode a donkey bare-back.</div>
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i was able to celebrate Favour's 40th birthday and Immy's 34th birthday with them. These women understand how to love your neighbor as yourself and it is a beautiful, beautiful thing.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6ccm1IN7dxmmdLAkGuQ74BXbpKjelfwm2wmhmyZhknkrexzCKwxthy9KPm-yzUDjx-PR-z5lbM9e3jBTWdhuVO0XdVuxghSZ-fqFYgwUu5uMMKFeGQRsyjdOJzWMVRbQtz-O6lKDL70/s320/immy+and+favour.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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I also want to thank all of you who have been praying for my friend Amy, a mother of three. She has returned home safely to our village! Thank our Jesus for that! </div>
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</div>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-42424953324761658662012-03-12T07:32:00.000-07:002012-03-12T07:34:44.663-07:00picture of the day: March 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXYPGasBiVNiwWjnLIRTIbDtpC5C19sKIo3T7gcCWzzGRlg1S5NEFzWXoyWR2Z_UcrLb-Fv2Ip4CN9R67IUj-o2qObLbzQugTMYw1kTaWjxVK9XLMUiQUgKCQRvVme-j1-f2KN5LMwQg/s1600/DSCF7294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXYPGasBiVNiwWjnLIRTIbDtpC5C19sKIo3T7gcCWzzGRlg1S5NEFzWXoyWR2Z_UcrLb-Fv2Ip4CN9R67IUj-o2qObLbzQugTMYw1kTaWjxVK9XLMUiQUgKCQRvVme-j1-f2KN5LMwQg/s400/DSCF7294.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1st world problems in a 3rd world country....</div>
I have to butcher my own meat.Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-1611953580631381182012-03-07T12:10:00.000-08:002012-03-07T12:10:04.980-08:00Mr. Cow<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was a day of firsts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I paraded through villages...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfT5mkQNPmKf2EkKxYPEQG-7s0bR6r9QRYz-zMlJSKCUAucNKEdnuUgaZqyi1vuoBM0a3EIthcYm9OxL3vKFf2Ha-5FyHSGUGypOQGz-5B09lEyL4EuqoBJ1tgAg-4CU-yJ3zwWQlnT6Q/s1600/DSCF7248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfT5mkQNPmKf2EkKxYPEQG-7s0bR6r9QRYz-zMlJSKCUAucNKEdnuUgaZqyi1vuoBM0a3EIthcYm9OxL3vKFf2Ha-5FyHSGUGypOQGz-5B09lEyL4EuqoBJ1tgAg-4CU-yJ3zwWQlnT6Q/s400/DSCF7248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ...and towns with cow in tow.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsPfwFYOege27J5M7TzAhojNCEWFs57lEJ64gvwLXiVHRpfpGblChZ97d1iApZOtfJ2cNUW9VObyuk3eTQLuoIdCMMNQRqBsCIjaLrPS882urwR9ZEp6_edw5YyM2PI-11Usx2bXJHhM/s1600/DSCF7252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsPfwFYOege27J5M7TzAhojNCEWFs57lEJ64gvwLXiVHRpfpGblChZ97d1iApZOtfJ2cNUW9VObyuk3eTQLuoIdCMMNQRqBsCIjaLrPS882urwR9ZEp6_edw5YyM2PI-11Usx2bXJHhM/s400/DSCF7252.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I soon became close with Mr. Cow, who later we found out was a misses.</span><br /><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought how FFA would have been somehow fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I bartered at Wakiso Central Market and bought 41591561 Irish
potatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I closed out the long day by participating in the brutal
slaughtering of my well-trained, dear friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5u_C0RKJk7FQKHOHNsnBH2dW8ZkVNgQ079zZ3LT3W_uXPzDqtR6nc-qEc0YT-1ZNYPBbx2XZah0hjMd5BiBrEc89-BDvrdxGmIFf40G3kChYDuZfbanLcfxGQPNcGOAyICFpngaN2AE/s1600/DSCF7261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5u_C0RKJk7FQKHOHNsnBH2dW8ZkVNgQ079zZ3LT3W_uXPzDqtR6nc-qEc0YT-1ZNYPBbx2XZah0hjMd5BiBrEc89-BDvrdxGmIFf40G3kChYDuZfbanLcfxGQPNcGOAyICFpngaN2AE/s640/DSCF7261.JPG" width="408" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I went in on a spur of the moment feast for the kids here in
the village. I wish I filmed the kids as they saw us parade the cow into the
village, knowing that they would be eating MEAT! That has been THE ONLY
conversation for the rest of the day. It makes sense seeing as how their two
main meals a day are posho and beans (posho: ground corn flour). I have paid for
the cow and feast out of pocket (from my March budget) for a grand total of 150,000
Ugandan schillings (65 US dollars). If you are reading and would like to “feed”
the Bulabakulu Village a fresh beef dinner, just click on the yellow donate button on
the right side of this page and denote that the donation is for Mr. Cow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After today I really feel for Chick-Fil-A’s campaigning
cows. Eat mor chikin people! …for real, the slaughter is much more manageable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-16971907121582177082012-02-25T10:55:00.000-08:002012-02-25T10:55:26.437-08:00we continue to wait in hope.<br />
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This is an excerpt from my journal on February 22:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(the names have been changed for privacy sake)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“the Lord is in control. This is a
truth I cling tightly to tonight. My heart is heavy and full of uncertainty.
Katie comes to me after bed-time bible story, tears running down her scared
face. I know exactly why. She was expressing what I feel inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mother and two brothers were expected
back yesterday, after a routine day-trip to a local hospital for blood work and ARV meds. 48 hours later we
are still awaiting their arrival. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If only I could feel half of
Katie’s emotions. What she feels in her heart; what is racing through her mind.
Will my mom return? What’s keeping her? How long do I wait? Will I end up like
every other orphaned girl around me? What if she never returns, what then? I
know they run deep with concerned fright. After losing her father a year ago,
her mom and brothers are all she has left. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All I could do is hold her tight
and pray over her until she fell asleep, among many, yet so alone. I repeated
over and over, “God is in control. God is in control. He is holding you.” As I
tried to believe in my heart what I was telling her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the night fell again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And again tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">96 hours and 5 days later we continue to wait and wonder.
Lord I ask you what my role in this part of the script is. What’s my next move?
Do I go and try to track her down? I know Amy and her love for her children and
desire to rise on her feet again. What is keeping her? Is she sick? Was there
an emergency? My mind then wanders to the worst. Has she abandoned Katie? Why
take the others and not Katie? How long do I wait to intervene on behalf of the
vulnerable 8 year old daughter left behind? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Father you have forged this relationship and burdened my
heart with love and compassion for this family. Guide me to discern what it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> have me do or not do. Above all else
I ask you to envelope Katie with your peace un-explainable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who are reading, please join me in prayer for Katie
and Amy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God, you say ALL things work together for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your good</i> and to bring <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you glory</i>. So let your glory shine Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-49966631219426991052012-02-20T10:37:00.000-08:002012-02-20T10:37:20.907-08:00just a day of my life here.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love productive days; days when you have tangible proof of being productive! They don't happen much around here, Africa doesn't have the need for speedy anything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mosquito nets hung: CHECK</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Girls room before nets</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro0gSbmXhf3ZAC-vXwjH4rbc4hgZJxoeMJSwP4fx8IYNkBm4CbSij4YKiVTk7Ujuu5vLPyJ5ykcdUMctMhbtXgwmNQDW24yt52NBOT95vEsmNYdNFnN9FyDSL1_-tNvT34NbfUpyi99s/s1600/DSCF7065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro0gSbmXhf3ZAC-vXwjH4rbc4hgZJxoeMJSwP4fx8IYNkBm4CbSij4YKiVTk7Ujuu5vLPyJ5ykcdUMctMhbtXgwmNQDW24yt52NBOT95vEsmNYdNFnN9FyDSL1_-tNvT34NbfUpyi99s/s400/DSCF7065.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After nets! and the lovely ones who helped me hang them :)</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Washing clothes: CHECK</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxIiVkK3pF5BcOTxeQv5btPelfQw3Oy2b9Y-Rc6Dpe-wHB1mJqtkyN6SZhhI6GyaI9gPHI7ul-uXWrk36YFB5aSyo78Ssj3-3x76aCl8HEn_pFL7dV7E98K4AGvp3WMTs7RAXpN2Z5O0/s1600/DSCF7050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxIiVkK3pF5BcOTxeQv5btPelfQw3Oy2b9Y-Rc6Dpe-wHB1mJqtkyN6SZhhI6GyaI9gPHI7ul-uXWrk36YFB5aSyo78Ssj3-3x76aCl8HEn_pFL7dV7E98K4AGvp3WMTs7RAXpN2Z5O0/s400/DSCF7050.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is there a better place to hand wash and line dry?</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<br />Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-60941881670576918252012-02-15T08:03:00.000-08:002012-02-15T08:03:10.707-08:00Bulabakulu<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> My heart was literally jumping inside of my chest as I made
my trek to the village last Tuesday. The corners of my mouth could have cracked
from the smile across my face. Bumping and jostling down the looong red dirt
road, further and further into the bush; knowing at the end of the road, I
would be reunited with some passionate and beautiful people. When I arrived I
was loudly and extravagantly welcomed, indeed my friends had remembered me! I
wish I could have recorded it. Words can’t describe the joy that filled the
air. I will forever remember that special memory.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When returning to Bulabakulu I
tried not to have any expectations. Knowing it had been two years since I had
lived here. But as with anything, I did… I expected some things to be the same:
children to scream when they see my skin color because they are not familiar
with white skin, enjoying the challenge in pumping 20 liters of water into my
jerry-can and walking a half mile uphill to bathe, short days due to no
electricity, choosing wherever I want my “bathroom” to be (that can be quite
interesting at night in the bush!), and my friends both young and old to
remember me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was excited to see improvements
had been made! All the structures are now permanent! They also have running
water and toilets! This is major people! To my surprise, I also found 8 other
muzungus here. Instantly my frame of mind shifted…wait other people know about
this place?? How? How long had they been here? What were they doing? I had been
prepared to go through the culture shock all over again; no running water, the
challenge of communication, skin color, etc. If you know me you know I enjoy
adventure, so when I saw my challenges were no more I was somewhat let down.
Excited for the advancements in the community, but wondering how life here
would differ. I took a step back and realized God knew about ALL of these
things and still chose to send me. He has a plan. I was forced to find comfort
in that plan and I still am. The other white people here do not believe in the
Jesus I follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easy to share your
faith across the world, people either take it or leave it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have a fear of being stero-typed when
sharing Christ with people from my country. I am not ashamed of the one who
saved my soul, but I am ashamed of the ones who distorted the picture of a
Jesus lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So of course I am
continually searching for the lesson and growth to be gained in this experience
of both discipling my village family and trying not to distance myself from the
others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many of the projected ‘projects’ I
had mentioned have been done or are no longer a need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet another let down. But I believe this too,
God knew. Maybe this is so I focus more on the root of why He sent me here. To
disciple. Plain and simple. If nothing more gets done, it doesn’t really
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first night here I was the only
white person. I knew it would be this way, but when the reality of night hit I
was beyond frightened. Fear got the best of me and I couldn’t shake it.
(remember that night fall here is pitch black everywhere no lights near or far)
I prayed that God would provide comfort for me. At 10 pm I chose to walk to
Immy’s (my African mom) house and seek refuge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was more than welcoming, taking me into her house and eager to know
what was bothering me. She was understanding and had compassion…just like
someone else I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then walked to
her friend’s home and Immy requested she stay the night with me in my
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mind you…I had never met this lady
until now and couldn’t make out the lines of her face. So now, this big Ugandan
woman who hardly looked me in the eye has been woken from her slumber and asked
to sleep with a muzungu. With me. In my room. So much for sleep tonight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That night I drift in and out of
sleep all night. Reading a book of promises my mom had made me and praying, for
anything! And keeping an eye on this Ugandan roommate who I don’t know from
joe. Desperately trying to make it to morning and get things figured out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, but I was once again
mysteriously wooed by my heavenly Father. Around 4 am I read a verse about
Christ being my provider of comfort (I have read verses like this all my life,
but this time something clicked) I hardly finished the verse before my body
totally relaxed and I fell deep asleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I woke I greeted the woman who
had stayed the night. I asked for her name and she replied “Favour”. My heart
leaped when she said her name. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favour and I- teaching me how to sew on the no electricity machine :)</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>Truly, truly the lord has brought
me to Uganda and given me favor among the people.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ISAIAH 42:6-7<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness. I will take hold of your hand
and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">keep you. I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the
nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to
release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-70681976586777942822012-02-05T07:35:00.000-08:002012-02-05T07:35:48.141-08:00Jambo!The muzungu has arrived! (muzungu is "white person" in Luganda). My trip has been nothing short of awesome and I praise God for that! ...now soak that last statement in, because i am sure it will become hard.<br />
<br />
My journey started with my lovely family dropping me off at the airport. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T25KC2jTVJYGK9LUOrLnCjW3XsNg6qeeyKgOTQnQvAGX-jFVJeAswcVVQmzUAoE_vVycibMNeLrITXbyVKXzFCYKpW3tPmYTY9-tgDtKcdkA0JpPfieu-jELubQAiEzUJGjl9XE6m9s/s1600/DSCF6928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T25KC2jTVJYGK9LUOrLnCjW3XsNg6qeeyKgOTQnQvAGX-jFVJeAswcVVQmzUAoE_vVycibMNeLrITXbyVKXzFCYKpW3tPmYTY9-tgDtKcdkA0JpPfieu-jELubQAiEzUJGjl9XE6m9s/s400/DSCF6928.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">even Nana came!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I flew to Philadelphia. I did not eat a Philly cheese steak.<br />
<br />
Then to Brussels, Belgium. I bought bread from a man there and said "do you speak-a-my language?"<br />
He just smiled.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLKFGVfY6nqB9Ib4ElGdW48E6KZWZv-xRG-duS9X8Tt9RpuNk1jtgsxwQG5_2FhuV0l_1h0jydquuH4lGJzfoYkIc0gAuR2okeVetPafRjytxaiSMH5nwhKp1Pk9SXPMKD0hAKMyvZQw/s1600/DSCF6930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLKFGVfY6nqB9Ib4ElGdW48E6KZWZv-xRG-duS9X8Tt9RpuNk1jtgsxwQG5_2FhuV0l_1h0jydquuH4lGJzfoYkIc0gAuR2okeVetPafRjytxaiSMH5nwhKp1Pk9SXPMKD0hAKMyvZQw/s400/DSCF6930.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My chocolate croissant</td></tr>
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Then off to Rwanda!<br />
I arrived in Uganda 27 hours and one day later.<br />
<br />
I received ALL THREE of my bags upon arrival in the country, a miracle I'm telling you! And nothing was stolen! craziness. One of my best friends from my previous trip, Rochelle, picked me up from the airport. She lives here indefinitely now with her husband Charles and baby to be! She is 6 months pregnant and is such a trooper!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KUuAvikl5GbvzVyjCMy1je1DWR4CMVO6gnwbppnh3WB3EYepqlUXD44IgGQPokybUghA5uIr8iS57o-rctwadKzNngu9XvvUzjfdzSczJX6JtpEzhb2IziYdNRrP-DVxxu4zNviw69M/s1600/DSCF6961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KUuAvikl5GbvzVyjCMy1je1DWR4CMVO6gnwbppnh3WB3EYepqlUXD44IgGQPokybUghA5uIr8iS57o-rctwadKzNngu9XvvUzjfdzSczJX6JtpEzhb2IziYdNRrP-DVxxu4zNviw69M/s400/DSCF6961.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she is opening a gift for baby Eludai :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I will stay at Rochelle's for a couple more days before heading to the village in Wakiso. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Jinja and I am adjusting much better than expected. It is so surreal being back! Thank you for your prayers.<br />
<br />
check out these lyrics from a song i found on my ipod last night:<br />
<br />
"You are what I long for. When it's You and I my heart can sing. When it's You and I my <br />
soul is free." --Oceans Above "You and I"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When it's You and me, Lord. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558795861980870360.post-68049170732782185242012-01-23T21:43:00.000-08:002012-01-23T22:07:14.978-08:00A new life is calling and I owe it all to grace.My name is Arielle and I am preparing to embark on a journey I've long awaited. In a week I will be returning to a land full of conflicting scenes and emotions. A land far away from Lakeland, Florida. A country full of old friends and new friendships yet to be made. To the one place I've felt most fulfilled in my life. This place was once named the "Pearl of Africa" and no longer shines brightly; but I believe it will shine again with vengence someday soon. Not by anything of my doing, but from someone much bigger than I. And I have been invited to take a front row seat!<br />
<br />
I first traveled to Uganda in the fall of 2009, four months after graduating high school at the naive age of 18. I volunteered at Amani Baby Cottage in a town called Jinja. (Amani's website: <a href="http://amanibabycottage.org/">http://amanibabycottage.org/</a> if you are looking for a trust worthy and safe place to volunteer and love on babies, THIS IS THE PLACE!) This experience opened my eyes wider than I thought was possible. After traveling on missions work out of the country numerous times before, I really didn't think much of a three month stay in Africa. Well let's just say I learned bunches! I am sure most of those stories will be told here in time. I made some of my best friends on that adventure, learned how to 'do life' in a hard place, and let love pour out on so many sweet babies and children of God. But perhaps the most important lesson I learned was quite elementary, at least for those that have grown up in church; craving to read my bible everyday. This is not something that is learned. Or maybe it is...the hard way. This is an innermost desire that wells up from within us. I hope that everybody that roams this earth will feel this feeling one day. When I said that Uganda was the place I felt most fulfilled in my life, I believe it was more than the life-altering experiences I had. I was filled by someone much bigger and grander than I. I believe that I was being 'transformed by the renewal of my mind' (see romans 12:2). And THAT has the power to fulfill someone! <br />
<br />
This trip will be much different than my last. I will be living among a group of people in Bulabakulu village. I will be teaching in a local school come mid-February. But more than all this, I will love unconditionally. Be a living definition of a tangible love. Afterall, how can someone comprehend a 'Fatherly love' if they themselves have never experienced love? There are 120+ children and 7 surviving mothers from this people group. All the rest have died or sought-out another life. These people need to be transformed my the renewal of their minds! And only through the Father's work, will this desolate country again shine as the "Pearl of Africa".<br />
<br />
thanks for reading,<br />
Arielle :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1388382206">http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1388382206</a>Arielle Ferrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14019814745123570642noreply@blogger.com6