#inthepearlofafrica

Tonight I watched a 13 yr old iron her sheets before putting them on and perfectly making the bed she would sleep in about 4 hours later. After reading this morning about the vineyard owner who entrusts his fields to workers that kill his own son (Mark ) and after seeing this precious girl do her sheets with no prompting, I am left wondering tonight if I have ever fully grasped the meaning of the title "Steward." What do i do with all I have been given?

My second week here, a shop owner asked me if I could sing. I said that I like to but rarely do. She then asked if I could dance. I said, "not really." She asked if I could move side to side and turn around. Yes? Then I could dance. And I should not make little of the gifts and abilities God has given me.

What is a good steward? I have seen the people here iron their tshirts, sweep their dirt paths, polish their shoes every night, take their shoes off before entering a house with a dirt floor, wash their vehicles regularly before driving on dirt or mud, mop multiple times a day, etc. The list could go on and on. For some it is excessive. For me, it is convicting. What people live their lives like is a testimony to the people they represent. For us that includes the God that breathed us into being. How can I not try everyday to go above and beyond what is required of me in order to show others that I am trustworthy? Not just with things I own but also with relationships. If they can trust me completely with those, shouldn't they be able to trust my words about a God who loves, cares, and provides for me?

We are almost halfway through our internship and I already can't imagine ever not being here. These kids and these people are quickly becoming family. I'm falling in love with Uganda.

Uganda Chapter 1

How do I fit two weeks into one blog post? I will start by saying, "I am in Uganda!" My heart is full. I have met most of the 115 kids that sozo cares for, and let me just tell you, they are PRECIOUS.

One of our babies last night during devotional was paying pretty close attention, but still does not always catch everything that is said in English or its translation. The devotional was on choices and how accepting Christ is a choice we can make.. the biggest choice. It said that some things we are born with are not a choice, like whether we have "big noses, blue eyes, or curly hair." At the end we always ask what anyone has learned. This sweet little one stood up with great confidence and said that he learned, "when we get to heaven, we will all have big noses, blue eyes, and curly hair." Here was one of many "happys" for my heart yesterday.

We spent time with a village family last week that will be our group's family for the remainder of the summer. It is an older woman, Jjajja Magrin, her daughter, Mama Mary, and Mama Mary's nephew, Enos. They are so sweet. We carried water from a well for them, and let me tell you, I will have some muscles when I return Stateside. My goal is to be able to carry one of the buckets on my head by summer's end.

God is blessing right and left. We are having a wonderful time getting to know people, loving on them, and learning how to do all things Uganda-style (such as mopping with a rag quickly and efficiently). The interns are great. We've faced no power and no water and it has been nothing less than a fantastic trip. I love it here. My heart already finds itself settling. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you guys for your prayers!!