Isaiah 43

This week, this chapter has popped up several times. On Monday at the hospital, a patient's sister read it to us, then at LT Warriors, one of the guys read it to end the session. It also came up in devotions, so I think God is trying to remind me of something! I thought I would share it with you...

"Israel, the Lord who created you says,

"Do not be afraid - I will save you,

I have called you by name - you are mine.

When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you;

your troubles will not overwhelm you.

When you pass through fire, you will not be burnt;

the hard trials that come will not hurt you.

For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you...

you are precious to me and I love you and give you honour.

Do not be afraid - I am with you!" 

Isaiah 43: 1-5

I also had a look at the Message version...

But now, God’s Message,

    the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
    the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
    all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
    That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
    trade the creation just for you.

I think this is pretty apt for me at the moment and a lot of my family and friends back home. God encourages us, He will not leave us.

(can't believe i'm saying this...) The Beginning of the End...

1st June
We kicked off June with a little lady's birthday. Berindah is the daughter of one of the local volunteers and she was turning 3! We gave her a little dress which she was so excited about and showed it off with her 'model walk' round the house! We love being her honorary Aunties and Uncle. 

3rd June

It was Martyrs Day here in Uganda so we all got a much needed day off. Susie, Anna, Kathryn, Olivia and I went into Kampala for a touch of retail therapy. The four of us girls then went to Cafe Javas for (very, very, very) big slices of cake! It was nice to spend some time together where we weren't thinking about work. It made me realise how grateful I was for my team and how God has blessed us with such close friendships.

 5th June
Thursday brought along community outreach. We love this time of the week. This Thursday we had chosen some families to bless with aid so we split into two groups and went to their homes. I was with Nic, Kathryn and Anna and we firstly visited Fatumah, Hadijah and Letifa. Fatumah and Hadijah are two little girls who come along to children's club every week and are so full of smiles and giggles. Letifa was born only a month or two ago and she's very tiny! They had their cousin, Gaddafi, staying with them. We gave them each a new pair of shoes and a tshirt. We thank God that he gave us this opportunity. 

We were due to visit Michael, Evas and Vicky's family next. As we were walking towards their house all the children started telling us that they weren't there anymore. We asked around and found out that their Mum had taken them to the village. I was sad to hear this as Michael has a special little place in my heart (I wrote a blog about him previously) but I know it's for his best interest. Please hold this family in your prayers as they are going through a tough time. 

4th, 10th, 11th June

School! We are thoroughly enjoying our time at Ruth Mother Care and can't bear to think that we only have 4 days left there. Susie and I are still working in Nursery class and are making our way through the phonics. Over these two weeks we have tackled 'z' 'q' 'v' 'x' 'ch' and 'sh'... with some interesting results! We are only there two days a week but we can always see evidence that Teacher Monica and Ruth are revising what we have done during the rest of the week and using the phonics in other lessons. I still get bemused when one of the children brings me their work and they've filled the gap of "_ _ eep" with "xr" instead of "sh". Just HOW did you get that answer? The A-Z of animals is as popular as ever (as you can see with the photo of Teacher Susannah). We're now working out what to prioritise in our last four days at the school :(

12th June

We had picked out a few more families to bless this week. Susie and I went with Moses to visit George and Innocent to give them some new shoes. We then went to see Tina who has become my little shadow over the past few months! Her mum is 8 months pregnant so we pray for her safety in her final month and delivery! We love spending time in the FBC community.

 We may be in another continent, but that didn't stop us from supporting England last night in the World Cup! Due to the time difference, the match didnt start until 1am here and we eventually went to bed just after 3! Unfortunately, England were beaten by Italy which made getting up at 7am for church that bit more difficult! 

I cannot believe how quickly the last few months have flown by. It absolutely breaks my heart to think about leaving this wonderful country. 2 weeks of work left... can we go back to October?

Devotions - John 21:1-14

John 21

Jesus appears to seven followers (v 1-14)

This chapter begs a question – why have the disciples gone back to fishing after Jesus has commissioned them? We would expect them to be going out and spreading the Good News, as Jesus had told them to do, but instead they have gone back to how they were before they met Jesus. However, we also have to take into consideration the fact that the disciples have just been on a roller-coaster of emotion. Jesus, not only their best friend, but their Lord and Saviour was sentenced to a horrific death on the cross, before he rose again three days later. Casual. The disciples were probably all a bit dazed, a bit overwhelmed and unable to decide what to do next. It’s understandable that they chose to return to somewhere familiar where they could reflect on what had just happened. They head back to the lake and Peter decides that he is going to go fishing, and the others follow. Everyone has to eat after all! And this is where Jesus appears to them. This is a reflection of his character.  When we are confused or stuck or overwhelmed, God comes and meets us where we are. We don’t have to put on an act or change into our Sunday best to encounter Jesus. He finds us, just as we are. It says on one commentary I read “Here is the simple truth, that when we are uncertain what to do we should simply do our duty and God will guide.”

The disciples have, up until this point, been largely unsuccessful at catching any fish. When Jesus appears, he calls to them “throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some”. This isn't a suggestion or an idea, it’s a promise. Throw your net to the other side and you will find fish. Jesus continues to make promises to us today. Follow me and I will lead you through my plan. Find refuge in me and I will give you peace. Apologise for what you've done wrong and I will forgive you. Jesus always fulfills his word and it always works out for our good.

The disciples decide to obey what Jesus has told them. They catch so many fish they can barely haul the net back into the boat. When the disciples worked alone, relying only on human strength, they came back empty handed and discouraged. But when they listened to Jesus, they received abundantly, their nets full to bursting. Their work was fruitful beyond what they could imagine. This points to a very important lesson of being a follower of Jesus – without Him, we can do nothing. Earlier in chapter 15:5, Jesus tells the people “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”. We should seek God’s guidance in everything we do and carry out his work. The idea that without God, we can do nothing, might be taken a tad negatively. So if I try something alone, it will be rubbish? But remember Jesus’ promise in Matthew 19:26 “with God all things are possible.” If we work alongside God we will be able to do so much more and he will reveal things to us that we never would have discovered alone. With the promise of fruitful labour and endless possibility – why would we choose not to work with Him? Following God’s plan seems so much more exciting than remaining within our human limitations.

When the disciples reach the shore, there is already fish cooking on hot coals and bread for them to eat. Jesus has prepared breakfast for them, showing us the character of God. He is not just a big, powerful God who orders us around and shoots down lightning bolts. He is so much more, he is caring and servant-hearted (remember when he got down and washed his disciples’ feet?). He is also our provider, all we have has been given to us by God. If he cares for the birds that are worth no more than a penny, we can be sure that he cares for us abundantly. His provision is always enough. Another quote about the passage I like is “Jesus now appears to another partial gathering of the group, an appearance that reveals the same key characteristics as we manifested throughout the ministry, namely his lordship, his servant hood, his character as gracious giver of abundance and his love. He has met his disciples at a point of failure and revealed himself as the awesome Lord of creation who cares for them.” (Bible Gateway)

May Highlights

11th May

On the Sunday afternoon, the dance group at church held their annual concert. I am the newest member of the 'LT Warriors' and Anna and Kathryn also go. I was only in two dances and therefore took on the role as backstage runner! I basically ran around the whole church for about three hours, looking for dance groups and youth leaders and presenters and sound desk guys and the LT Warriors themselves! All good fun! The concert went really well and the guys are such talented dancers. We have made such great friendships within LT and are so grateful for the fellowship we can share with them.

20th May

We've come to love Tuesdays and Wednesdays as it means we go to school! Ruth Mother Care is such a lovely school and we've built up such a relationship with them. The children are truly are joy to teach. 

I spend both days in Nursery class and we're still working on phonics and blending sounds to make words. The children are very good at remembering all the actions which is encouraging!

This is Kembabazi and her younger brother Patric. Kembabazi is in Top Class and is very bright. She has surprisingly good English and always calls the other children up on speaking Luganda, "Teacher! This one is speaking vernacular!". Patric is in Baby Class and is only 2 and a half! Whenever I ask for a volunteer to come up and write on the blackboard, he always wanders over and tries to join in. When Patric first joined the school he was a bit wary of us and our white skin, but now he's settled he happily gives us cuddles and beaming smiles.

Before the children broke up for Easter Holidays, we gave out school cardigans and new shoes (I'm pretty sure I blogged about it). It's so nice seeing all of them coming to school in their new things and their feet can now stay dry when it rains!

Talking of rain... On our way home we usually walk for about 20 minutes before getting a boda boda. Anna and KJ got the accelerator-junkie boda driver and so sped off home, Jon following on a second boda. Susie and I were at the back, only about two minutes behind. We weren't far from home when it started to rain. Now Uganda does not do rain by halves, when it rains, it RAINS. The Heavens opened and we just got soaked! At one point I couldn't even open my eyes from the amount of water pouring down my face. We couldn't stop laughing!

 23rd May

My favourite time of the week. Children's club at FBC! There were so many children this week that we took them outside for games and songs. The Hokey Kokey was so much fun and attracted a bit of an audience! I also got to show off my new luganda after I had learnt "I love you Jesus, deep down in my heart".

The story this week was of Barnabas, the blind man healed by Jesus. This month I am in charge of big class's story so I got some of them blindfolded and asked them to guess the object. They were much too good at it! Every week we learn a new memory verse and the children are a lot better at remembering them than me, even though they are learning it in their second language!

Girls with their colouring sheets

27th & 28th May

RMC. Tuesday started with phonics in Nursery Class. This lesson always finishes with the A-Z of animals pop-up book as the children adore it! We look up the letters we have been working on and see what animal is behind the window. You should hear how they squeal when the animal pops out! I always ask them to pick a few letters at the end and it's always interesting when they choose 'u' as the picture is a 'unicornfish'?!

After break, Susie led an art lesson! We did texture rubbing - where you put the paper over an interesting pattern, like a tree or bricks and use a crayon to imprint it on the paper. That wasn't a very good explanation but I'm hoping you know what I'm referring to. 

The children don't usually do activities like this but I think they really enjoyed it. They were super proud of their work anyway!

At lunchtime I sat down on a tree stump outside as the children were playing. Teacher Monica then told all the children to go and get their chairs as I was going to tell them a story! Ok! I went for Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which ended up being translated as the three birds... but they got the general idea.

It was a day of stories as I then told Nursery Class the story of Moses, complete with actions!

Today we are off to children's club. Please pray for the two clubs and the teams. I have been ill over the last couple of days so please pray for healing, I'm feeling much better today so praise God for that. 

Please continue to pray for the children we work with. A lot of them come from families living in poverty and only eat one or two meals a day. 

I will leave you with this photo of my wonderful Tina. This is what happens when you leave your sticker sheet out on the side at kids club!!

building, birthdays and blessings

This week we had another birthday! Anna turned 22 on Monday, and so we of course woke her up with the Taylor Swift song and danced round our bedroom. The work down at Blessed Word didn't need our help so we were able to spend the morning watching Frozen and The Notebook!

 In the afternoon, Susie accompanied me to the doctors once again. Turns out I have a bacterial infection in my nose which is affecting my eyes and underarms... fun! I'm all dosed up with meds now so please just pray for complete healing.
We went down to church to meet Anna and Kathryn who were at LT. We had a birthday cake - see below, and note Kathryn holding a full watering can behind her!

Then we went off to have a meal out, pizza! It was a really lovely time and we shared lots of laughs :) Happy Birthday Anna x

Over the next few days I had to return back to the doctors, but when I could I joined everyone down at Blessed Word. It's really coming along well, it's exciting to see the church building grow. 

On Friday, Kathryn, Anna and I went to FBC for children's club. I have missed them! We were singing with them and asked if any of them would like to lead a song. Two girls volunteered and stood in the centre of the circle and started singing...

'I have a maker
before my heart,
before even time began
My life was in his hands

and then all the children round them joined in for the chorus...

He knows my name
He knows my every thought,
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

I have a father,
he calls me his own
He'll never leave me,
no matter where I go.'

and oh my, I had to take a few deep breaths! Their voices were so beautiful and it was amazing to hear them singing those words. We have on average about 100 children at this club and we often struggle with remembering their names, but I felt like God saying "Yes, I know their names. Each and every one of them, I know them". It reminded me that every child needs love and a cuddle and reassurance and encouragement, and we shouldn't just look at them as a group but as lots of individuals. 

We continued on, Nic led the Hokey Kokey which turned into complete mayhem but was so much fun! The language barrier is sometimes an issue but when we're all singing the same song and doing funny actions, you can have a genuine laugh with the children around you. 

I led the Big Class with the story of the lost sheep which went well. Then we gave out their biscuits and they went off home. I have no idea how I will say goodbye to these children. 

As children club is going on, Smile also runs a women's club in the church where they make jewellery and crafts. We couldn't resist the opportunity to look through what they'd been making and I bought a few bracelets. They are very talented!

Please pray for healing as a few of us on the team are ill!

God Bless, Grace x 

Building, Brigade and the Beach

Sorry, I'm late again!

On Friday 11th, I was unfortunately not well enough to go to children's club so my wonderful team-mate Anna ran Blessed Word by herself!

Thankfully by Saturday (12th) I was feeling much better and the five of us were invited round to our friend Lawrence's house. We know Lawrence through KBC and was one of the first people to make friends with us. It was a really nice time and we were able to fellowship (and learn some dance moves from) some of the other guys we know from church! See below for the mountainous plate of yummy food we had for lunch!

the other four

Lawrence

Me and Kathryn

On Monday 14th I spent the day helping Anna and Kathryn to choreograph a dance for LT Warriors - the dance group they are part of at church. It was an opportunity for me to resurrect some of my moves from GCSE Dance and various dance shows I've been in. It was great fun and I ended up going to LT with the girls in the evening and was signed up for the performance on Good Friday!

On Tuesday we woke up to very heavy rain, which we then had to walk to school in! On our way we came across a little girl walking by herself. She didn't have a coat and I felt bad walking next to her with my rainmac! So I introduced myself and she took shelter under the side of my coat. We walked together for a good 40 minutes, a long way for a little one to go by foot!

We all arrived at school, a little damp to say the least. We recapped on phonics and did some new words with the children. In nursery section, me and Susie told a story about a zoo (hence the lion impression underneath).

telling a story

learning some new words

Susie doing some one on one with Baby Class

Me with some of Middle Class

On Wednesday morning Susie and I went down to Ruth Mother Care again to pick the children up and bring them back to the Smile House. All the children were very excited to go to their mzungu teachers' house and they asked if they would be able to meet our sons and daughters!! We all piled into a taxi and spent the whole journey singing 'we are marching in the light of God' and 'i love you Jesus deep down in my heart'. When they arrived at the house we played some games with them before giving each of them a new pair of shoes, a hat, a jumper and some school things. It was so lovely to be able to bless the children and their teachers in this way; we all love going to RMC and have built up great relationships there. Wednesday was the children's last day before the Easter holidays so we won't be going there for a few weeks - we'll miss them!

New Shoes!

Trying a 10-11 aged jumper on 3 year old Patrick!

New hats

The wonderful Teacher Ruth and Teacher Monica

Helping the girls go through their school packs

RMC and Smile

 On Thursday 17th we became builders once again down at Blessed Word. We were carrying bricks, stones and sand to the building site and digging foundations. After lunch, things got a bit muddy!

Very muddy legs!

Digging

 On Good Friday we ran children's club at Blessed Word. We taught about the resurrection and had a little Easter egg hunt for the children too! As the building work was going on, we had less space than usual but that didn't put the kids off - we had 61 come along!  

The Hokey Kokey

Easter Egg Hunt

Afterwards we went to church for the Good Friday service. I was making an honorary LT Warriors appearance alongside Kathryn and Anna and we were dancing in the service. It went really well!

the girls ready for the dance

On Easter Sunday we went off to church. Two ladies who I know from Girls' Brigade, Ruth and Denise, were visiting Uganda and they came along to KBC. Afterwards they treated us to a lovely lunch and then we went to visit a GB company out here.

Out for lunch

We went to 1st Kampala GB Company who were so welcoming. They showed us how they make candles and were also making bracelets. We joined in their Bible study too. It was really lovely to visit a Girls' Brigade out here and I have been meaning to since we arrived! Thank you Ruth and Denise for taking me and Susie out for the afternoon, we really enjoyed ourselves!

Making bracelets

Captain Dorcus

1st Kampala GB

We had Easter Monday off as it was a public holiday. Susie, Anna, Shavan, Innocent, Patrick, Ivan and I drove down to Entebbe for a day at the beach! We swam in Lake Victoria and tried some Ugandan-style fish and chips - to which Anna exclaimed "my fish has a face!". It was a lovely day out, despite the sun burn! Oops! 

Over the last week we have spend lots of time at Blessed Word, building, building and more building! I'm going to come home with some impressive arm muscles!

the rain looking pretty

carrying stones on my back!

On Friday Anna was ill, so Kathryn stood in for her. It was my final week at Blessed Word and we played some new games with them. We told the story of Pentecost and gave out glow sticks which caused a ripple of giggles when the children saw them changing colour! It has been great to get to know the children at Blessed Word and I'm very much looking forward to returning to FBC - I've missed them!

What's the time Mr Wolf? Dinner time!

Trying to see their glow sticks glowing in the dark

Please pray for the health of the team at the moment!

We now have less than three months left in Uganda :( Thank you for all your love and support. Grace x