faith restored

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.  However this Sunday, I happened to run into someone that took pick pocketing to a whole new level.  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!”  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.  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!

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. 

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.    

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.  This verse comes to mind and is quite fitting, “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.

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.

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.

 

the transforming power of knowledge

 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).  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.

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.

Props to my Pops for teaching me about anthelmintics and cucurbitacin in the pumpkin seed last October  J

 

Everywhere: an excerpt from my journal 3/10

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!  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?  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)

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.

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 was 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.

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 is everywhere.   

Do any of you have a story when you really knew Jesus was there?

the good 'ole red dirt

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! :)

Here we go!

The last month has been a rollercoaster!  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.

                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.

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 the plan!’  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.

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. 

Now, 4 days later, I am on a plane cruising over the Atlantic Ocean.  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.

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. J

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.

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.  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!  (finding out about Ideo and HCD, was another piece of fruit that came about during my recovery period, thanks Grant and Marissa!)  

If you have read along this far, I should thank you.

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.

Talk to you soon,

Mirembe

(my given African name; meaning peace)

favorite memories- spring 2012

I compiled some of my favorite memories on my flight back to the States last spring, but never posted it.
so here it goes...


favorite memories from Uganda- Spring 2012


-reading Alpha bible stories under the mosquito net at the hospital

-late nights on Immy's floor, eating rumonday and catching up on life

-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.

-helping the matron wash on a slow afternoon

-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.

-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.

-bed-time bible stories on my front porch; watching their faces totally captivated and enthralled by the living word of God.

-praying with the 10-12 year old boys in their dorm before bed.

- Having courage to act and words to speak when situations seemed too messy and i didn't know what to say or do

- sitting with Favour in the kitchen, picking through rice, singing 'this is my story, this is my song'

- receiving my african name on the last day before i went to the airport; Nza, Mirembe. (I am Peace)



not all of my favorites, but I think I fell asleep after that last one.
can't wait to get back.

with a full heart,
Arielle

 

pure JOY!

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"

 --"..Your name and Your renown are the desire of our souls” Isaiah 26:8

an open heart.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

So today, out of obedience, I am writing to you with an open heart.

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.

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.
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.

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”.

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  

I want to leave you with this verse:

“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



:)

ohh the possibilities...

Today I am writing to you on behalf of my community here in Uganda.  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 sustainable way. I believe in a “hand-up” not a “hand-out”.

“Well let’s just plant a garden then!”  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.  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

I have more information about this greenhouse than you want to read about on here, including a PowerPoint and project proposal.  If you would like any more explanation about any aspect of this project please ask! Either via comment on this blog or email: arielleferrell@gmail.com

Pre-Sunrise Pictures

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.

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.

My prayer over this blog is that together, we don’t just settle for the “pre-sunrise”, 5^th grade art work, but we wait patiently for the Father’s masterpiece that blazes with beauty and immaculate intensity.

the sun just keeps shining

there have been many good things happening around here lately...if only i had electricity to post everyday!

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!

I rode a donkey bare-back.

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.

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!



picture of the day: March 12

1st world problems in a 3rd world country....

                                                I have to butcher my own meat.

Mr. Cow

Today was a day of firsts.

I paraded through villages...

 ...and towns with cow in tow.

 

I soon became close with Mr. Cow, who later we found out was a misses.

 

I thought how FFA would have been somehow fun.

I bartered at Wakiso Central Market and bought 41591561 Irish potatoes.

I closed out the long day by participating in the brutal slaughtering of my well-trained, dear friend.

 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.

After today I really feel for Chick-Fil-A’s campaigning cows. Eat mor chikin people! …for real, the slaughter is much more manageable.

we continue to wait in hope.

This is an excerpt from my journal on February 22:

(the names have been changed for privacy sake)

“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.  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.

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.

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.”

And the night fell again.

And again.

And again tonight.

No return.

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?

Father you have forged this relationship and burdened my heart with love and compassion for this family. Guide me to discern what it is you have me do or not do. Above all else I ask you to envelope Katie with your peace un-explainable.

Those who are reading, please join me in prayer for Katie and Amy.

God, you say ALL things work together for your good and to bring you glory. So let your glory shine Lord.

just a day of my life here.

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!

Mosquito nets hung: CHECK

Girls room before nets



After nets! and the lovely ones who helped me hang them :)

Washing clothes: CHECK

is there a better place to hand wash and line dry?



Bulabakulu

             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.

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.

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.  It is easy to share your faith across the world, people either take it or leave it.  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.  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.    

Many of the projected ‘projects’ I had mentioned have been done or are no longer a need.  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. 

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.  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.  We then walked to her friend’s home and Immy requested she stay the night with me in my room. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Favour and I- teaching me how to sew on the no electricity machine :)

             Truly, truly the lord has brought me to Uganda and given me favor among the people.

ISAIAH 42:6-7

                “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness. I will take hold of your hand and   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.”

Jambo!

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.

My journey started with my lovely family dropping me off at the airport.



even Nana came!

I flew to Philadelphia. I did not eat a Philly cheese steak.

Then to Brussels, Belgium. I bought bread from a man there and said "do you speak-a-my language?"
He just smiled.



My chocolate croissant

Then off to Rwanda!
I arrived in Uganda 27 hours and one day later.

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!

she is opening a gift for baby Eludai :)

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.

check out these lyrics from a song i found on my ipod last night:
               
            "You are what I long for. When it's You and I my heart can sing. When it's You and I my  
              soul is free."  --Oceans Above "You and I"



When it's You and me, Lord. :)

 

A 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!

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: http://amanibabycottage.org/ 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! 

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".

thanks for reading,
Arielle :)



http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1388382206