Until we meet again....

It's hard to believe this is the last blog for us. It seems as though the time here has flown by in so many ways, and yet in other ways it has gone by so slowly.

It's as if this place is now my "happy place." When the world as we know it gives me frustrations, I will go to my memory bank of my time spent in Uganda. I will remember the laughter and the jovial aura of the children. I will focus on the lessons that God has brought to the forefront of my mind. The true meaning of joy and contentment. I will be mindful to "just show up" in all that I do knowing that the places we enter into can change the pathway for someone else.

Each child is beautiful in his/her own way. Their features are distinct on the outside. But what makes them even more beautiful is their souls which exude constant happiness and their love for the Lord. I truly believe I will never judge a book by it's cover. I will strive to look inward and be reminded of the beauty that lies within.

These children are well taken care of...They are loved by their "mamma's", they have a family and they have what they "need." There should not be a sadness directed toward them in any way. They are being trained and educated to serve their country with all they are given here at Rafiki. I came here with the notion that I was going to help them, but the truth is, they have helped me. My soul has been turned inside out.

I used to do "one thing" for myself everyday. It was a running joke with a dear friend. I think I need to take it off of me and do one thing for someone else. This journey to Uganda was never about me. It was about being led to do something and then taking a leap of faith and doing it. My friend and I joked about Africa being my "one thing" to bring me to a place of pure joy and contentment.

I was reminded at church today how far and wide the love of God extends. We sang the same hymns in Uganda that we sing in Geneva. Imagine that! What an awesome reminder that there are no divisions among us. We all serve the same God.

We have said our goodbyes. Most of you know that is not my forte. The tears were temporary knowing the memories are embedded in my heart. When I am in despair and I am told to find my "happy place", I know exactly where it is. Uganda, Africa is not just a place on a map, it is a destination in my heart.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers. I miss all of you and can't wait to see you.

Love and blessings,
Robin

Well, yes, I am also amazed that the week is over. As I was preparing for this trip I mentioned to a few friends that I thought this trip to Uganda was for Robin. You need to know my heart on this, I knew I would learn plenty and be blessed in ways that I couldn't imagine, but the trip had more to do with getting Robin here. I have thought about that a few times this week but I mentioned to Robin for the first time today that God had a purpose for her to be in Uganda and He invited me to bring her. This was a God ordained appointment. I got to witness much but most of all I got to watch a gal from Geneva, Illinois give of her heart, her mind, her soul and her resources. She gave of herself to these children that will make an impact on their lives forever, I am certain of it, because God ordained it in advance.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

To Him be the glory for now and evermore. See you stateside.

Serving Him together,
Michelle

"Say Cheese"

I have not slept since we left the states. My physical body is depleted, but I am sustained. It would seem normal that I would be agitated and yet I am filled with joy. The kind that lingers even after the moment has passed. The children revitalize, teach and encourage me in ways only children can. I believe they have had more of an impact on me than I could convey.

I have a new appreciation for a "smile." This expression has taken on new meaning. Some of the children are stoic and others are guarded. Regardless, their smile invites you in. Everyone for the most part, wants to know they have value, they are cared for, and they matter. When we open our hearts to people, all of the above are confirmed in their hearts and minds.

Prior to my departure I had asked God to prepare my heart for the unknown. I have begun to ask Him to prepare me for the known. While I don't know what that path entails as of yet, I do know that I am in an awesome, spirit-filled place and it is lined with smiles.

Throw someone a smile today, it will go farther than you think :-)

Love and Blessings,

Robin

Crying Baby

n 1998 I was trying to figure out if this thing called faith, and the person of Jesus was for real. I listened to this song called The Potter's Hand and said to God, If you are really out there, then show me. I don't want to hear about from the guy up front, I want to know it from You. God used "the guy up front" in a few different churches to say something that was scripted from my own thoughts. When the statement was made I often times had a ...yeah, but what if...The "the guy up front" would say something like, for those of you who wonder what if, then he addressed my question. I was shocked. Even though it took nearly two years of questioning, doubting, and asking some wise people a lot of questions, I came to realize without a doubt that this thing called faith and the person of Jesus is for real. My life has never been the same and I have never looked back thinking I made a mistake by committing my life to Christ and asking Him to make something beautiful of it. I have desired to hear from God and be obedient to whatever He asks of me. In the beginning it was "easy" to follow. Then, a few years into my journey, I got on an airplane with a crying baby. I was several rows back but specifically heard God say, hold the baby. Now, I didn't hear an audible voice, it was first in my mind and then in my heart. My heart started pounding and I began to argue (two things I have often associated with God speaking), the baby began to really scream, the mom was working so hard at calming her. With my heart ready to pop from my chest, I said to God, I can't do it, can you find someone else. As soon as the thoughts left my mind, the man in the seat in front of her turned around, motioning to take the baby. The mom gladly relinquished the baby, the man put the baby on his chest and the baby fell fast asleep. I didn't feel guilty or ashamed that I didn't obey God but my heart was heavy because I knew I missed out on an adventure with God. I'd love to tell you that every time since then I have been obedient but that isn't the case. The following year I was on a plane to India and the baby behind me was throwing a fit. She was crying, kicking my seat, and then began to scream. I heard again, hold the baby. I argued, justified why that wasn't a good idea, and asked if there was anyone else. Again, another woman came along right after that, took the baby and the baby put her head on her shoulder and fell fast asleep. As I departed for Africa, Robin and I decided to read and do a small Bible study called What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Teurkerst. I had read the book before and knew what I was in for and couldn't wait to get started. While sitting on the plane getting ready for take-off in London, I shared my crying baby story with Robin and said, "If I hear a crying baby this time I am going to be obedient!" Nervously I waited to hear the cry. Robin fell asleep and we began to taxi down the runway and sure enough a baby began to cry. I began the conversation with God and said if the baby continues to cry I will go. The baby was crying so hard I thought he would throw up. We lifted off and the wailing continued. I let God know that I needed the fasten seat belt sign to go off and then I would go. We were still ascending when the light went out. I was seated at the window but I wasn't going to let that stop me. I climbed over Robin and walked several rows back. There in a seat was a little guy just over 2 with a tear stained face, trying to catch his breath in between cries. I didn't care if the mom didn't speak any English, I just made the hand motion to pick up the baby. I told God, there is nothing in me that can make this baby calm down or fall asleep but I trust You can. The mom handed the baby to me and off we went. The baby tried for just a split second to go back but as I walked to the back of the plane...praying A LOT...the little guy stopped crying, put his arms around my neck, nestled his head onto my shoulder and allowed me to rock back and forth for nearly 20 minutes before he fell asleep. I delivered him back to his mom and we didn't hear a peep from him again. She said in very broken English, "Thank you." With a lump in my throat I walked away, climbed back over Robin and settled in for the flight. God has been so gracious with me over the years. I have always known him to be a God of second chances, this time He was my God of third chances. I am so glad He was so patient with me. He will never call us to something that He won't enable us to do. All the glory and honor and praise be to Him who can do all things!! Oh, sweet sisters, may I be a woman willing to say yes to God, and then watch how He accomplishes it!

Blessings,
Michelle

Giggles Galore

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations that the Lord has done great things for them. Psalm 126:2

This day was needed after yesterday's events at the clinic! Today we spent most of the morning getting a storeroom ready for the start of their third term school semester. We were "working" with our roommates from Florida which made it great fun! But during the afternoon we got to play with the kids. Oh my goodness did we laugh! We made pretend soup with a couple of girls and before we knew it we had a swarm of little girls bringing ingredients for our concoction. Every homemade soup (featured to the left) begins with stones and sticks, then some sweet potatoes, stick fish (also known as fish sticks but that can't be translated) some seasonings, and a few other unknowns. I'll let Robin tell you about the bugs but needless to say, it was very FUNNY! I pretended to use a large leaf to eat my soup and the girls thought that was quite funny, they wanted to "eat" the soup too. These kids are so content with sticks and leaves sprinkled with dirt, as well as basketballs that have no rubber covering, soccer balls where all the patches have been worn off and a volleyball that isn't really a volleyball. The laughter today was contagious and the smiles were beautiful. Our God is so good to have given us such joy today after such heavy hearts yesterday.

Serving Him with joy!
Michelle

If you had told me earlier that I would be laughing as hard as I did by just sitting on the grass making "soup", I would have not believed it. Yesterday my heart was filled with pain, and today my heart was filled with joy. It was a gift to see and hear the sights and sounds of laughter. The giggles were so loud and we were all rolling in the grass. It was at that point that I realized that there are lots of bugs in the grass. As mentioned before, everything here is bigger! Let's just say I tend to get a little spooked by the bugs here. The girls thought it was funny to see me that way. So they all brought me bugs for the soup. Grasshoppers, caterpillars, snails, ants and even just the legs of something yet to be determined. I would probably have eaten the bugs if it would have made the girls laugh, well maybe not... The laughter was pure and the play time was simple. Another reminder of what matters most. It's not really that these children have more fun, it's that they do more with less. They exude a contagious spirit that makes my heart skip a beat. I have so many moments tucked in my reserve. Like the line from The Blind Side..."You're changing his life, no he's changing mine." I don't know if these children will ever know the impact they have had on my life. I am so grateful to be able to serve in this capacity. I am so glad I said "yes" to God.

Love and Blessings,
Robin

Just Show Up

Most times God's only request of us is to "Just Show Up." This has become one of my favorite sayings, especially this week. We were originally scheduled to do "GAMES" but the plan got changed. Each day has been an unknown, we continue to just show up. Today we were asked to assist with 6 children while they got immunized. 4 adults and 6 children all packed into a Toyota Camry. Obviously car seats are not mandated here. As we pulled up to what looked like a pavilion at the park district, I realized it was the medical facility. It was open and dirty. There were about 50 women holding their children, either by the arm, in a sack or layered in blankets. Apparently, children with Malaria are cold so they are covered heavily. We sat on a cement slab for nearly 1 1/2 hours. The children (all under the age of three) sat patiently, quietly and content. No one whined, complained, or fidgeted. No one was bored. Finally it was our turn. The children were stripped and weighed in what looked like a sling and a luggage weight. Emma (Emmanual) had tears rolling down his face and his lip quivered the whole time. I could not tell if it was because he was afraid or because his dignity had been stripped as well. The shots were administered and each child was held until they calmed down. The children were so strong and courageous. Their faces of fear will forever be in my mind. There is more to the story but it will need to be told another time. I was reminded that when we "show up" we can be used and even encouraged. The children "showed up" as they were instructed to do because it was for their greater good. When we "Just Show Up" for God knowing there is a always a greater good we need to imagine the possibilities. Today was one of the hardest days of my life, but it was also one of the best...

Love and blessings,

Robin

Another day in the village

Another sunny day in Uganda with lots to do and see. We spent some of the day doing "business" with the director. We got to tour the facilities with Mike, hearing the stories of growth and training of the students. For those of you who purchased some items at the Rafiki presentation, we got to see how the purses were made, how the shawls were made, as well as the coasters and rag-style rugs. Some were done on a hand loom, the other pieces were made on a very large loom. The "recipe" for the shawls required quick thinking, the art of counting..I say that with all seriousness, if I were making the shawl my mind would wander and I would wonder which number I was on and my shawl would be very crooked! We got to play African Dodge Ball with Mama Anna and her 10 children. I got to have lunch and dinner with the them also! After dinner we walked back to their home so that I could read them stories...so fun! As we made our way to the house a monkey decided to show off as he jumped from branch to branch, did some scratching and he kept a very close eye on us. We also got to see some videos of the kids when they arrived to the village and then the pictures of today with a joyful, healthy child. It was so exciting to see familiar faces and say, "Hey, that is Phiona, I met her today." We also met three children whose families were killed during the Uganda mudslides about 5 months ago. The twins are 3 years old twins and a sibling who is 7. They have not been here very long but seem to be adjusting well. They love to hold our hands and look up at with those big brown eyes...just wonderful. Tomorrow we are going with the children's director to a medical facility to have some of the children immunized. We saw inside the door of one medical office and it was scary!!! What an experience that will be. Thanks for checking up on us and for your continued prayers, we feel them! We will try to post some pictures tomorrow.

Blessings,
Michelle

We have been here just two days and it feels like we have been here for a longer period of time. It feels comfortable, safe...I am right where I am supposed to be. That very thought was confirmed today when I looked at the bright blue sky ( and I mean bright) and I saw a cloud formed in the shape of Africa. Yes, it's true! I was trying to think of one word to define my day and the word that keeps re-visiting my mind is "contentment." I am 40 years old and I thought I was content. But today it had new meaning. It was simple, pure, unsolicited and real. I realized that being content means being joyful where you are, with what you have and with who you are, if that makes sense. It means appreciating the finer things. Finer things meaning love, patience, kindnes, faithfulness, gentleness and even self control. Yes, I have been content in God's love, but today it was a deeper, more emotional growth. I learned a different type of contentment through the little children. The fruit of the Spirit will prevail in all things here. I can't really explain it because right now I am overwhelmed in thought, and short on words. It has been like that for two days. I was able to spend time with a 3 year old named Timothy. My heart melted before I met him. I had seen him from afar. He does not speak much but his non-verbals were indelible. When it was time to depart, he cried. The power of holding a hand and loving on a child is something that has new meaning to me as well. I pray my spirit will continue to remain soft not just here, but for always. I have been changed...I have been blessed so I'm going to be a blessing. On a lighter note, I have never seen bigger bugs than I have here. I saw the largest black lizard scurry across the floor and I screamed so loud!!! Another black furry crawled on my leg and the day ended with the largest wasp buzzing by! It was about the size of my fist, NO LIE! I did just grab a spider because I seem to have no fear now, HA! HA! I miss you all so much. It's hard to believe I am 8000 miles away, but close at heart no doubt.

Love and blessings,
Robin

We Have Arrived

Robin and I have thoroughly enjoyed our journey to Africa. We had a 12 hour layover in London so we took a tour bus ride to many historical and monumental places. We now know a few details about a city that up until yesterday we knew very little about. We arrived in Entebbe this morning and had a car ride to the village. From the city streets to the village there is a vast change that occurs at the gate. The village is so peaceful, so lush, so clean, just beautiful. The children came out this afternoon and we got to play catch and tried our hand at several Ugandan games, but we are still learning!! We did get to play Monkey in the Middle, a well known American game. We will begin taking pictures with the children on Wednesday. The director finds it best for us to wait a week before we take any pictures, however we are leaving in a week so they are making an exception for us and will allow the photos to fly mid-week. The children are absolutely precious, beautiful smiles, playful and yet somewhat quiet and very well mannered. For those of you who know my airplane stories and crying babies, do check back I have a fun story to share. How gracious of our God to allow me to experience a crying baby on our London flight.

Blessings,
Michelle

First and foremost I would like to thank so many of you for praying for me regarding the flight. The prayers were felt so strongly that I even said to Michelle, I know they are praying because I can feel it. Amidst the turbulence, I was calm, relaxed and without angst. I slept most of the second flight despite a screaming child that I never heard! The journey has just begun. The hardest part is passed and we are ready, willing and able to serve in whatever way is fit. We did partake in meal time tonight. There are 12 cottages with 12 house mamma's and all eat in the dining hall. We each sat with a different "family." As I sat there looking at ten children I realized that meal time was more than just eating. It was comfort, security and love. It is knowing that the time together represented a unity. Meal time represents communion. There was no conversation at the table until every child was done. And let me tell you, they ate every morsel of food on their plate. Fish stew and all! We then went back to the respective houses and read bedtime stories. The children could not sit close enough and were hanging on to our every word. They asked so many endearing questions. They love life, appreciate humanity and enjoy fellowship. They are joyful always and are a true reminder of God's pure and wonderful love.

Love and blessings,
Robin

Africa Here We Come

I told a friend the other day, "Golly, I leave for Africa on Saturday." That statement just seems strange to me. Robin Johnson and I have our shots, our Malarone (pills for fighting Malaria), and suitcases that are open and ready to receive what we put in them. Several of you have given us packages of Silly Bands to take to the children, they have NO idea what Silly Bands are but they will soon be exposed to the rage of stretchy bracelets in different shapes and colors. Robin and I will post as often as possible when we get to The Rafiki Village on Monday morning. The weather is good right now, high of 83 and lows in the 60's at night. I don't know about you but when I thought of going to Africa I sure thought it would be hotter than that!
Please pray for us for safe travels, healthy bodies and a Christlike attitude to respond to different situations in a way that honors God.

We will chat when we get to Uganda! Feel free to leave us messages and words of encouragement