Wednesday 31 October 2012

Welcome Home


   Yesterday was my last day in Kampala. I was alone this time though, since my mom and Shunna had left the night before. I woke up and worked out a little and then had breakfast. By the time I had finished with all that, it was time to head back to Tororo. I got picked up from the hotel and we drove to an airfield. I got in a tiny plane and I flew back to Tororo.


   It was really cool to fly close enough to the ground to see all that was happening below me. I had fun on my 1 hour plane ride. Once I landed in Tororo I did not see Pastor Ruth anywhere. I thought that maybe she had forgotten about me for a moment. When I looked over my shoulder I saw a car coming. Dorris, Pastor Ruth’s assistant was coming to pick me up it looked like. I started to gather my bags so that I could toss them in the car. Just then I heard my name being called. I looked back and there stood my children!

   Bogere and Betty came running to me. I was so excited to see them I almost cried right there. Bogere jumped straight into my arms. It was so sweet to have this kind of welcoming. I looked at Dorris and smiled and said thank you to her for bringing them to come get me. Dorris explained to me how she wanted to surprise me by bringing my children to welcome me back home. I was so excited to see them. It was just what I wanted.


   Once we dropped them back off at Smile Africa, Pastor Ruth informed me that she would have to see me later tonight because she was at the police station. I thought,

“I’ve only been back for 2 minutes and already I’m back into action!”

   We drove to the police station so that I could see Pastor Ruth. The car stopped and I ran to her. Mama Ruth gave me the biggest longest hug ever. It was nice to be back. Although I had a great time with my mom, it was so great to be back in Tororo. I left Ruth to finish up the business at the police station and I went back to the hotel to unpack.

   When I reached the hotel, the entire staff was excited to have me back. I didn’t think that I was going to be missed by the hotel staff. It was pretty funny. A bunch of them stopped what they were doing and ran outside to where I was to give me a hug. I have never seen that before. The waitresses left the restaurant to come give me a hug. They were all screaming,

“Welcome home Paris! We missed you! It was so quiet without you!”

   I loved that so much! These people have truly become my family out here. I was happy to be home.

“Thank you Jesus for getting me to Tororo safely. Thank you for giving me a family out here. Thank you for showing me friendships that will never die. Thank you for looking after my children and keeping them safe. I pray for the rest of my time here. Help me to be a blessing to everyone I meet. I love you! Amen.”


Tuesday 30 October 2012

Good-bye Mommy

   Yesterday was a pretty relaxing day. I was enjoying my last day with my mom and Shunna. It has been so nice to have them here with me to see all the work that God has been doing. I loved sharing everything with them. It was also great to have a little time away. I was really missing my mom, so it was great timing that they came.
 
   We all decided to go to a restaurant to have some coffee and some lunch. It was really great. I really missed their company since I've been gone. We did nothing but laugh! We just laughed and laughed the whole time. It was just what we all needed.

    When we went back to the room we had to pack. I had to pack to go back to Tororo and my mom had to pack to go back home. That part was not fun at all. In such a short time, I got used to my mom being around. So now I am going to have to get used to her being gone again. We packed our stuff up together. Once everything was packed we all went down for dinner.

   This was an important dinner... This was my first time ever voting for president! It's hilarious to me that my first time to ever vote is in Uganda! I am so glad that I got to vote. It was cool.


   After dinner, it was time to leave. My mom and Shunna grabbed there bags and walked out of the hotel. I hugged them both and told them that I was going to miss them. I don't know which was harder...saying good-bye the first time or second time. I think maybe this time was the hardest. I watched their van drive away and I waved until I couldn't see them anymore. I have 1 and a half months left, which is not that long, but when I watched them leave, it felt like forever.

"Thank you Jesus for the days that I got to spend with my mom and Shunna. Please keep me strong so that I do not get sad about them leaving. I pray for peace in my mom's heart and in mine. Thank you for allowing me the chance to vote for president for the first time. Thank you for loving me and looking out for me! Please protect my mom and Shunna as they travel. I love you! Amen."



 

Monday 29 October 2012

Watoto Village

   Yesterday was a fun day! My mom, Shunna, and I went to one of the Watoto villages to see some of the children that we sponsor! It was so great to see all our kids growing up. The little boy I sponsor, Joe, I knew from when he was a small baby. I was there when they rescued him actually. It never ceases to amaze me how much these children grow and how happy and healthy they all look.

   2 of the children in the picture, I was there when they were rescued from desperate situations, as little babies. Now, they are big, happy, healthy, and learning about the love of Jesus. This is so amazing. After we got to visit all our children that we sponsor and spend time with them, then it was time to go. It is always hard to say good-bye, it always is. 

   After our Watoto visit, we went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. We were meeting friends for dinner that I haven't seen since I was 7 years old. They are from America and we just happened to be in Uganda, of all places, at the same time! So we decided to have dinner together while we are all here. It was great to see them again. I talked to them about all I was doing here and the daughter, Abi, decided she wants to come and serve at Smile Africa someday. That is so amazing! The more the merrier! 


"Thank you Jesus for the chance to visit with old friends. Thank you for the work that you are doing in all the children that we sponsor. Thank you for love. As I play with these children, I see your love all over them. Thank you for the chance to spend time with my mom and Shunna. Please continue to be with Bogere, Betty, and Caleb. Keep all my children safe. I love you! Amen."


Sunday 28 October 2012

The Sabbath

   We rested! It was wonderful to just rest with my mom and Shunna. I was really needing a day like this. Nothing really happened...which was perfect. I spent the day with my mom and we laughed...a lot and rested. Thank you Pastor Ruth for our lovely African dresses. They will forever remind us of the beautiful women in Tororo.


"Thank you Jesus for the Sabbath! Sometimes we can get so busy in life that we forget to rest and focus  a day just on you. Thank you for giving me a day to rest with my mom and Shunna. Thank you for your love and your grace that is never ending. I pray for my children in Tororo. Please keep them safe while I am away and please help them behave! I love you! Amen."

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28


Saturday 27 October 2012

Generation of Servants

   Yesterday we all went to Smile Africa to play with some of the babies again! It was so awesome to see my mom and Shunna playing with all the children that I have been taking care of. They got to see first hand all the work that I have been doing while I am here. Then it was lunch time. I wanted my mom to see how the lunch time routine went. So we went to the kitchen and grabbed plates of food to serve the children. First, my mom spilt beans all over her pants. Haha! It happens to everyone.

   We started handing the plates to the children. My mom really enjoyed serving all those kids. It was so much fun having her there with me to be a part of the work that I have been doing. 

   As mom went to grab more plates to serve, I followed her and did the same. When I looked behind me, Bogere was also following. It made me smile. I have learned to serve by the example that my mom and dad have set for me. They showed me what it looks like to have the heart of a servant. Now my little Bogere is serving his friends because he watches me do it. Having the heart of a servant is not something that you are born with, it's something that is taught or an example that is set, a choice. No matter the circumstance you are born in or the hurt you have gone through, you can have the heart of a servant. Look at Bogere. My boy was born in a slum, lost both his parents and watched as his mother was raped and beaten, but he is serving his friends. Why? Because I did not teach him that he is a victim and that he needs to try and survive this harsh world. I told him that he is an overcomer and is going to change this world. My parents taught me, so I teach him. Serving is something my family passes down through the generations. 

   After serving lunch to the children, my mom, Shunna, and I got on a small plane and went to Kampala! My mom decided that I could use a break, so I went with them to Kampala to have a few days to relax and recoup. I know that I am going to miss my boy, but it will be nice to have a little break. 

"Thank you Jesus for all that you do for me! Thank you for keeping me strong during every obstacle that has come my way. Thank you allowing my mom to come and relax with me for a few days. I pray that while I am away that you keep my children safe. I love you! Amen."








Friday 26 October 2012

GodChicks Tororo


   The GodChicks Conference Tororo was yesterday! It was such a fun time. When the morning started, the 3 of us were going over our notes and making sure that we had everything ready for our conference. We didn’t really know what to expect, but we knew that God was going to do something powerful in the lives of these women. When it came closer to the time that Pastor Ruth was supposed to come pick us up, we all went downstairs and waited in the lobby. As we were sitting their waiting to be picked up, the security guard came up to me and said,

“Um, excuse me, but your children are here.”
“What?!”

   I jumped up and ran outside toward the gate, and sure enough, Betty and Bogere were standing there. I was so confused at how they got there and why they were there. I hugged them and then asked how they got there. Betty said,

“We walked all the way from Smile Africa.”

   I was shocked. That is a long walk, and not safe for 2 children to be walking alone! Before I could tell them that is was not okay for them to walk to my hotel from Smile, Bogere said,

“We wanted to hear you speak.”

   What was I supposed to say to that? In the little English that he knows, he figured out that I was going to be speaking at the church, so he made sure that he got there. That is love. I have to later explain that he cannot do that anymore, but that was still very sweet.

   Finally it was time for the conference to start. The bishop’s wife and Pastor Ruth introduced my mom, Shunna and I to the women. They were all very excited to be hearing from all of us.


   We opened with a worship song that Shunna sang, and then my mom spoke. My mom gave her testimony of overcoming breast cancer. These women really loved hearing about how God healed my mother. It was a really encouraging and powerful message. The women loved my mom’s personality. Every face my mom would make or every funny comment, they whole congregation would start laughing. My mom is so good at this. I know that the women that attended GodChicks Tororo will never be the same.


    After my mom spoke I lead us in a praise and worship song. It was so much fun to sing praises to God with the women. Shunna and I had a good time together. We really had to wear a lot of hats during this conference. Between the 3 of us, we were the preachers, the praise and worship team, the sound and tech crew, the ushers, the MC, the conference coordinators and the photographers. We did it all. This will be a conference that I will never forget. It was so much fun and we for sure had a lot of laughs.


   Once I finished the song, then Shunna came up to speak. She did a great job! Shunna shared her testimony with the women. What Shunna went though, a lot of the women here go through as well. So it was a perfect message for them to hear. After she spoke, we sang again. Then it was my turn to speak. I also shared my testimony with the women. It was really fun. I kind of like this whole preaching thing! ;) Overall, I would say that the conference was a huge success.

   Sadly, the bull has left us. I had no idea that one bull could feed 500 people, but it did, and there was extra. I obviously could not eat a lot of the meat, and neither could my mom or Shunna. We looked at the meat and all we could see was the bull that lived at Smile Africa just the night before. We all had a piece of the meat so that we could be apart of the whole experience. We have truly taken GodChicks to a whole new level! I will never forget GodChicks Tororo.

Thursday 25 October 2012

Happy Birthday Bogere


   My walk to Smile Africa yesterday was a lot more fun than usual. Shunna and my mom accompanied me on my walk. It was so nice to walk with them and show them the town that has become my home. When we arrived at Smile we brought more toys and more clothes for the babies. It was so wonderful. The babies room is really coming together and I could not be happier about it.

   Bogere and Betty stayed close to us the whole time that we were at Smile. I decided that yesterday was going to be Bogere’s birthday. My sweet little boy doesn’t know how old he is or that he even has a birthday. I wanted him to grow up having a birthday, knowing that he is important and that his birth is something to be celebrated. So I decided to make his birthday yesterday. Bogere turned 7 years old.

   My mom, Shunna, and I took Bogere and Betty back to the hotel with us. We bathed them and gave them new clothes. I thought that they should have a birthday outfit. They were so excited about their new clothes. We then ate dinner and sang “Happy Birthday” to Bogere. He could not stop smiling. The look on his face was priceless. I was looking at my little boy thinking about how just 2 months ago he was sick, abused, rejected, and neglected. Now, he is healthier than he has ever been, loved, accepted, and chosen. What a transformation in just 2 months. God is so good.

   We all had ice cream and watched Lion King together. It is Bogere’s favorite movie now. Every time the opening song comes on, he smiles. My mom, Shunna, Bogere, Betty and myself were all lying on my bed and watching this movie. It was such a special day, not just for Bogere, but also for me. Seeing Bogere and Betty loved by Shunna and my mom made my heart so happy. They see in Bogere what I see, hope and a future.


   Bogere also opened a few presents. We gave him a truck and some new clothes. When I pulled out the truck and handed it to him, his eyes got wide and his jaw fell open. It was so great to see him so happy. After we watched a movie together then it was time to go back to Smile. It was getting close to dinnertime for these kids, so I needed to get them back. I called a boda and we got ready to go back to Smile Africa.


   I had the best day ever with my family. Both my mom and Shunna have fallen in love with Bogere and Betty just like I have. I loved spending time with all of them together. I know that this will be a day that Bogere will never forget, nor will I. Happy 7th Birthday Bogere. I love you and I am so proud of you! 

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Mommy and Shunna Arrive


   Yesterday I woke up so excited! All I could think about was that my mom was landing soon! I got ready in the morning and then I ran all over the hotel to make sure that everything was just right for when my mom and Shunna arrived. I walked to Pastor Ruth’s house so that we could go pick them up from the airport. We got in the van and did a few things around town first. The anticipation was killing me!

“Can we please go get them now?!”

“Paris, they won’t land for another hour. Do you want us to just sit there and wait?”

10 minutes later… “ Ok how about now?”

   This went on for a while until we actually were driving in the direction of the airport. As soon as we got to the airport I jumped outside the vehicle and ran to the pathway where I knew that their plane would be landing. I heard the plane in the sky and I got very excited! Waiting patiently was not really an option at this point.


   Once the plane landed it took everything in me to not run to the plane…that was still moving. I waited and waited for it to come to a complete stop. It seemed like I was waiting an eternity! Finally the plane stopped. The pilot got out of the plane, then Shunna, then my mommy! I saw her and I ran! I could not get to her fast enough. I threw my arms around her and tears started flowing down my face…and hers too. I was so happy to finally be with my mom again. It has been 2 months since I have seen her, which is the longest I have ever been away from my mom, and so far away.


   Most of my mom’s luggage made it, so we carried it to the van. I was so excited to see my mom and Shunna, who is basically another mother of mine. It couldn’t get much better than that. Once the van was packed we went to the hotel so that they could change clothes and unpack a little.

   Once we were done with that, we went right to Smile Africa. I could not wait to introduce Bogere to my mom. I have talked a lot about him, so this was so special to me. When my mom saw Bogere she hugged him and he wrapped his arms around her. It was so special for me too see. Both people are my family and now they are both in the same place. It was perfect. Shunna was shocked at the improvement that Bogere has made. She has seen the before and after and she was so happy with the work that God has done in the little boys life.


   Sharing my new family and new home with my mom was the greatest feeling. You know when you are a little kid and you make something, like a painting or a drawing, and you just can’t wait to show your mom?

“ Mom, look at my drawing! Isn’t it cool?”

Well that’s how I felt.

“Mom look at the babies room! Look at my children! You see the new dresser?”

   I just wanted to show her everything! I was so happy. This was such a great day! A day that I had been waiting for! I am just looking forward to spending more time with my mom and Shunna!

“Jesus! Thank you so much for getting my mom and Shunna here safely. I am so happy and so at peace. Thank you for loving me enough to bring them both out here to just be with me. I thank you in advance for the lives that they will change while they are here as well! I love you! Amen.”



Tuesday 23 October 2012

Baby Ruth


   Yesterday was clinic day, which means that Bogere and the other children that are HIV positive go to the doctor to make sure that they are doing better and that they aren’t sick. So when I arrived at Smile Africa I knew that I wasn’t going to see Bogere. I decided that I was going to spend the day with Baby Ruth, one of the twins. Little Ruth is the only girl in the babies room, so she is the princess.

   I basically decided to take her with me everywhere I went. Baby Ruth was a premature baby, so she is 6 months old, but is very tiny. When I say her name, she laughs and when I talk to her she coos. It is the cutest thing ever. I just love this little girl. As I walked around Smile to check on a few things, I carried her with me. I absolutely loved spending time with this little girl.


   When it was naptime, I sang Ruth a song, a song that I have sung to her everyday since the day I arrived. When she hears the song, at first she looks at me and makes little coo sounds, as if she is trying to sing it with me, then she gets quiet and falls asleep. Once she was asleep I put her in her crib and went to see how Betty was doing. I bought Betty a new t-shirt the other day and she has yet to take it off. It’s cute how proud she is of her new shirt.

   I decided that I was going to walk back to my hotel from Smile a little early. I wanted to make sure that my mom and Shunna’s rooms were all ready. I bought a few more things for their room and I got the keys so that I could give it to them as soon as I saw them. I decided that I should rest a little so that I would be 100% when my mom arrived. I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t, I was too excited that my mom was coming in just one day. I stared at the ceiling, hoping that I would eventually fall asleep, and I did. Once I woke up I went to Pastor Ruth’s house for dinner. I think that she might be even more excited than I am to see my mom! HA! Ya right! Well I'm off to go pick up my mom from the airport! YAY!!

“ Thank you Jesus for another great day at Smile Africa. Thank you that Bogere is getting healthier and healthier. Thank you for giving me a special bond with each baby here. I am so blessed to have all these children love me like I love them. Thank you that my mom is almost here! I can hardly wait! I love you! Amen!”

Monday 22 October 2012

Beans

   I walked to Smile Africa in a hurry yesterday, but I'm not sure why. When I was only about a half mile away from Smile, my little friends from the slums came to meet me again. I looked up as my name was being screamed from behind a bunch of mud houses. Then they came running up to me. I hugged them all and held their hands as we walked to Smile together.


   Once I arrived at Smile I put my bag down in the babies room and then went around all of Smile to greet all of the teachers. As I was walking I heard little foot steps running up behind me. When I turned around to see who it was, Bogere jumped up into my arms. We laughed as I spun him around. Then Betty came running out of her room to give me a hug. It was really a great morning.

   Pastor Ruth finally got to Smile and I was so excited to show her the new babies room. Mama Ruth had not seen the room painted yet, so as soon as she arrived, I ran over to her and took her to the new room. She looked around and was so happy! Ruth thanked me and Bogere for all our hard work. Once I finished showing her everything, we had lunch and then we went to town. We had to shop for lunch items for the women's conference that my mom is doing. It was great being apart of the whole set up.

   We pulled into a market to buy beans. Mama Ruth was picking out the beans as well as other items that she wanted to purchase. I stayed in the van and watched what Ruth was doing. Then I heard 2 guys talking about me. They thought that because they were speaking Swahili that I would not understand them...Oh how wrong they are. Pastor Ruth told me they were talking about me, but I already knew. 1 of the boys came up to the window where I was sitting and I said, in Swahili,

"Sadly, I understand Swahili and I could hear what you were saying."

   That boy was so embarrassed! It was so funny. The people here assume that because I am white, that I don't speak the language, so it's fun to surprise them sometimes and catch them saying funny things. :)

   While we were out getting beans for the conference, our van was hit. The driver hit our van, which knocked off our head light, and he left. I was shocked. Mama Ruth paid for the groceries and then we went to go find the driver. Lucky enough we found him and he apologized and gave us his number. It was an eventful shopping trip to say the least.

"Thank you Jesus for this amazing day! Thank you for the chance to shop for the conference. Thank you for allowing me to learn Swahili and for giving me the patience to not stop learning. I pray for my mom and Shunna's safety and they travel this morning! Please Jesus, I pray that ALL of their bags make it! I am so excited! I love you! Amen."

   

Sunday 21 October 2012

Soda Sunday


   Yesterday was church day! I got up in the morning and Pastor Ruth came to pick me up for church. When we arrived, I saw a small boy behind a tree across the street. I looked because I recognized those shoes. I yelled,

“Bogere!”

   Bogere looked up and realized that it was me and he came running over. That right there just made my Sunday. Bogere jumped in my arms and I carried him into church. The services are long, but I was proud of him because he sat through most it. We left a little early and I took him, his cousin Betty and a few other kids to the store to get a soda. They were all so happy. It was great to spend all this time with them. All the other kids went back to Smile Africa, but Bogere and Betty stayed with me. I have been very busy lately with the new babies and the new babies room, so I haven’t gotten to spend a lot of quality time with Bogere. This was a great opportunity to spend time with him, as well as reward him for doing a great job painting the room.

   I took Bogere and Betty back to the hotel to have lunch. They were laughing and having a great time. When a few of the staff people at the hotel saw me with the kids they said,

“Oh Paris, you brought your kids today? It’s so great to see them again!”

   I just smiled. That’s all I could do. I just sat and watched these 2 beautiful children talking and giggling with each other. We have all really become a family here. This is really like my home. I am friends with all the hotel staff, ALL. I know where most of them live and what kind of families they have. I am speaking the language, I know all the short cuts to town, this has become my home, and these 2 children have become like my own.


   Once lunch was over I let them watch a little bit of Lion King before I had to take them back to Smile. They both begged me to let them ride on a boda, a motorcycle taxi. This was their day, so I agreed. I put Bogere on the front and Betty and I sat on the back. When we arrived at Smile, Betty hugged me and thanked me for the day and she ran to her room. Bogere, on the other hand, grabbed my hand and looked up at me and smiled. This boy was not going anywhere. I had to go back to the hotel so I bent down and I told him how much I loved him and that I would be back the next day. Bogere agreed and he hugged me and then waved as I rode off on a boda.

   I smiled the whole way back to my hotel. This was truly an amazing day. I was so grateful that I was able to spend so much time with Bogere and Betty. These kids can make me laugh so hard. Plus, when Bogere and I communicate it can be a very funny thing to watch. I understand more Swahili than I speak, and Bogere understands more English than he speaks. So he will say something in Swahili and I will respond in English, then he will understand what I say and respond in Swahili. We are both learning our new languages the best we can. I try to just speak Swahili and he tries to speak English a lot. So we are both getting better and better. Bogere is very smart and he is really learning this new language. I am so proud of him.

“Thank you Jesus for this new and wonderful day! Thank you for allowing me to spend time with Bogere and Betty. Thank you for keeping us safe on the boda. God, most importantly, I want to thank you for the work you have done in Bogere already. He has truly made a huge turn around. I could not be more proud. I pray that you will continue to work in his heart and his mind. Thank you Jesus for how much you love Bogere…and me! I love you! Amen.”



Saturday 20 October 2012

Blue Paint

   When I was walking to Smile Africa yesterday morning I was totally into my music. I was zoned out. When I was about a half a mile away from Smile I heard my name called out from a slum where a lot of the kids live.

"Paris!" Well actually they pronounce my name, "Pedis!"

   So I looked up to see a handful of children running to me. They were coming from everywhere. These children were laughing and running as fast as they could to get to me. I loved that feeling. I love children and knowing that they are excited to see me, and they were waiting for me, just made my day. I smiled at them and bent down to hug them all as they approached me. That is the best greeting in the world.

   Once I arrived at Smile I had work to do. I moved all the babies out of the babies room. I took the mattresses and supplies out of the room and into a temporary room. It was painting day! The babies room was a mess. There were bugs everywhere and it was dusty and the paint was chipping, so I decided it was time for new look. I sanded away all the uneven spots on the wall, which took forever, got all the spider webs off (EWW), and got the paint ready to go. Just at that moment Bogere walked in.

"Bogere, do you want to help me paint?"

   He got a big smile on his face and he nodded his head. I took off his t-shirt to avoid any unavoidable paint splatters from getting on his clothes. Once the paint was all set up, I handed him a paint brush and sent him to work. Bogere happily started us off with the painting. This boy was smiling and so happy that he could help. I feel like it was good for him too. Now he can say that he had apart in making his home better. Bogere has something to be proud of, something he accomplished.


   We went to work to make this room special, not just for the babies, but for everyone that stays at Smile. It took about 4 hours to accomplish completely. Bogere stayed for the whole thing, he was not going to miss a thing. It was a lot of work painting the whole room...2 coats! At the end of all the painting we put the new cupboard in the room...one that I designed. I'm not sure why people trust me with such things. I can barely draw a stick figure, let alone a nice piece of furniture! Nevertheless, I drew it and they built it. I have to say I was  actually surprised, but it turned out very nice. Those carpenters must have a great imagination! Haha.

   The room was finally finished and it looked so good. I was so proud of Bogere for working so hard on making the room special... a room that was not even for himself. He really turned this blue paint in to something magical. My sweet boy has really come a long way! Michael, the worker at Smile, even told me how well behaved Bogere has been. This was music to my ears. We have come a long way, together.
Before
After


Friday 19 October 2012

My First Sermon

   When I woke up in the morning there were things that I needed to get accomplished before I had to be at International House of Prayer Tororo. Mama Ruth came to pick me up and we went to buy paint and paint brushes. I am going to be painting the babies room and making it a little more enjoyable for everyone that is in that room all day. I wanted to make it a little bit brighter because right now it is kind of dull. I got just the right color and all things that I needed. Pastor Ruth and I then drove to Smile Africa to drop off all the paint. I said hello to my friends and then we got back in the van.

   Ruth dropped me off at the hotel so that I could go over my notes for my sermon. I wanted to make sure that my message was going to flow and that everything made sense.

This was my first sermon!

   I was a little nervous, but also excited. After about an hour Pastor Ruth came back to pick me up. We drove to International House of Prayer Tororo where she dropped me off. I met with the pastors and I again sat down and went over my notes. Once people starting to enter the building my nerves started to fade. I was no longer nervous or scared, but excited and ready! 

   We had praise and worship and it was wonderful. I knew most of the songs which was nice. I looked around the room as about 30 young people were praising Jesus. It was great to see them so into it. They all had their hands in the air and totally focused on Jesus.

   The pastor then went up and prayed for everyone. They were leaving on a mission trip right after my message, so he was praying about the trip and then invited 3 young people to pray as well. These people were on fire with their prayers. All of their prayers were so full of passion, it was awesome.

 After all the prayers the pastor introduced me. Everyone clapped as I walked to the front. I thought that I was going to be totally nervous, that I was going to be shaking or something, but I wasn't. I was totally comfortable. I introduced myself, thanked the pastors for inviting me to speak, and I prayed. When I looked up at the people I felt totally comfortable, like I was at home, like I was meant to do this or something. I spoke the word that God had placed on my heart.


   IT WAS A SUCCESS!! Well at least that's what the people told me! They all came up to me afterward and told me that it was a great message. A girl came up to me crying, telling me that the words I spoke blessed her heart. I informed her that they weren't my words, but God's. To be honest, I was just happy that I made it through the sermon and I made sense! I made sense, I didn't pass out, I am calling it a success. :)

   Thank you mom, Nicole Reyes, and Alicia Vargas for giving me your advise and input! Thank you everyone else for your prayers and support during my time of panic. Haha. Thanks everyone for helping me accomplish my first sermon, and let me tell you, it wont be my last :)

"Jesus! Thank you for giving me the words to say! Thank you for your peace when I was nervous. Thank you for loving me and trusting me to speak into the lives of your children. I do not take that lightly and I am so honored! Thank you! I love you! Amen."

 

Thursday 18 October 2012

New Companions

   Yesterday I was feeling much better! I had finally finished the treatment for malaria, so my body is getting back to being strong. I was so happy that I was able to walk to Smile Africa again. I was too weak to walk that far while I was on the medicine, so I was so ready to be walking again. On my way to Smile I was listening to music and not really paying any attention to what was going on behind me. I heard little giggles and laughter and when I turned around there were 15 school children following me. It was so funny. They all just wanted to know where I was going, so they walked behind me for a little bit. As I was turning onto a different street I turned to them and waved and they all waved back and then laughed and ran back to school.

   As I was walking on the long road that leads to the gate of Smile Africa, I had new company. Just as I was turning on the street, a shepherd had directed his cattle the same way that I was going. So I literally walked to work with a bunch of cows. I couldn't help but smile as I looked to my right and to my left and I was surrounded by cows. Obviously, I walk to work with cows in Los Angeles all the time! So this was nothing new. ;)


   I am used to walking to Smile either with Julian, who is now home, or alone. So I was really loving my new companions. 

   Once I arrived at Smile I went into the babies room to check on Baby Moses. The nurse was just about to bathe him, so I helped. I dressed him and then fed him, then he was one happy baby. I was talking to Moses when Caleb heard my voice from outside, he came running to the babies room. I saw him and he smiled at me and came over to give me hug. I love my morning hugs from Caleb. After that I spent a little time with Baby Joshua. That boy is getting so big! I cuddled with him and fed him and put him to sleep.

   Right as I was about to leave, Bogere came running in the babies room. Bogere was dirty and he needed to change his clothes, but I didn't care. I saw my boy and I immediately dropped to my knees and picked him the second he threw his arms around me. I want him to know that I love him just the way he is. It was important to me that he knew that he doesn't have to change anything in order for me to love him, clean or dirty I just love him. Bogere can always come to me, just how he is. This is how our Father in Heaven loves us. We don't need to clean up our act in order to come to Jesus. He loves us right where we are, right in the middle of our mess. When we are hurting and life is hard and we keep making wrong choices, we can always run to Jesus. Jesus will see us running and immediately drop to His knees and pick us up.

   Bogere had the best manners that I had ever heard come out of his mouth. I handed him a banana and he said "Thank you" all by himself! I didn't have to tell him to, he just did it on his own. I was so proud of him. I made a huge deal about it so that he would know how proud I was of him! Then Bogere saw Baby Moses and he held the baby for the first time. It was so sweet to see Bogere caring for the babies. It made me so happy and so proud.


   After lunch I went back to the hotel to prepare my message some more. I practiced and practiced...to the wall, then to the toilet, then to the bed. I was trying to have a new audience each time. Haha :)

   Well my message is today, I think that I am ready and I believe that God is going to do great things! I will be speaking at 3am on Friday morning Los Angeles time, 1pm Tororo time, so if anyone is awake, feel free to send a quick prayer my way!

"Jesus thank you for all the work that You are doing in the life of Bogere. I can see such a change in him and I am so in awe of all that you are doing. I praise you for all your love and your mercy. I pray God that you will be with me as I speak today. I pray that the words that come out of my mouth will not be my words, but your words. I love you! Amen."

 

Wednesday 17 October 2012

The Preparation

   I arrived at Smile very early yesterday morning. Pastor Ruth had informed me that there was some tension and arguing between a few of the workers in the babies department, my department...naturally. So I had to arrive an hour earlier than usual so that we could have a meeting. In no other department was there an issue between workers, so this really needed to stop. It basically came down to a pride issue. Certain people thought they were better or more qualified than others and this caused issues between a few of the girls working in the babies room. Once we had our meeting and talked it out, everything was resolved...or at least I think it was! I thanked everyone for their hard work and then Pastor Ruth drove me back to my hotel.

   Just 2 nights ago I was having dinner with a family that is from New York that moved to Tororo, Uganda as missionaries. They run The International House of Prayer in Tororo as well as an organization called Youth Ablaze. It was great getting to know them and to play with their children. They started asking me questions about my work at Smile Africa and what I like to do. The conversation then moved on to my church back home. We were talking a lot and one thing led to another then they said,

"Hey, would you like to speak at our church service this Friday? It's at the International House of Prayer. Would you mind speaking to our students?"

   I am not even entirely sure on what I said that made them think that I was great preacher, or at all prepared for something like this. Nor am I sure why I said,

"Of course! I would love to!"

   Once I got back to the hotel I started panicking. What did I get myself into?! I have spoken before, but not like this. I was nervous the last time and it all went smoothly, but this was different. Before I had spoken like 10 minutes during the service, but this time...I am going to be the whole message. Like praise and worship, then announcements, then ME! My heart started pounding, I had a shortage of breath, the walls were closing in on me...okay okay, so that might be a tad dramatic.

  I did what every person does when they panic...I called my mom. First of all, my mom laughed at my sheer terror, then she gave me good motherly words of wisdom...

"Oh Bunny, you'll do fine!"

"Yes mom, I'll do fine...before or after I pass out?"

   The whole day yesterday I prepared my message. I did not realize how hard it is to actually write a message...well at least a first message! All of a sudden I had a lot more respect for my dad! This is the first message that I have ever written...so we will see how it goes! I was glued to my computer for 4 hours, searching, reading, and praying that God would give me the words to say.

   After all my preparation, I am getting excited to share what God has placed on my heart. This is going to be fun! So many people had told me before I left that my trip was going to be a game changer for me, I didn't know what that meant, but now I am starting to understand. Everything that I have gone through and all the new adventures that God is taking me on is really forming me and changing me into a brand new person. I am excited to see what else God has in store for me.

"Oh Lord help me! Please God, calm my heart and give me peace! I pray God that the words that I speak will come from you. Thank you for this opportunity to share what's on my heart about serving. I had no idea that You had all this prepared for me when I left for Tororo. Thank you for trusting me with speaking into the lives of your children. I love you! Amen."

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Bull Shopping

   When I woke up yesterday morning I was able to Skype my mom! It was so great to see her face and talk to her about her about her trip to Tororo coming up. I am so excited that she is coming! We have been planning things that we are going to do while she is here. During our conversation I was coughing really bad. Every other sentence I was coughing, so my mom, still being my mom on the other side of the world, said,

"Paris Noelle! You need to rest today! You do not sound good at all."

   So I did what she said and I rested...for an hour. Then I had to do something very important. When my mom comes to Tororo, we are having a GodChicks conference here. I am so excited that these women are going to hear how much their Father in Heaven loves. They are going to hear how valuable they really are, most of them will be hearing that for the first time. I am so excited for God to move.

   There are going to be 2 sessions and a lunch break in between them. Pastor Ruth and I went shopping for the lunch items for the conference. The major purchase is a bull...yes I said it, we are buying a bull for the GodChicks conference. All day yesterday I went bull shopping. I have to say that this is a first for me. I have never had to look a cow in the face that I am going to eat one day.

   We have really taken GodChicks to WHOLE NEW LEVEL!

   As Pastor Ruth went looking around and talked to people about the prices of their cows I really tried to not burst into laughter. I am negotiating the price of a bull...for our lunch...this was so weird, but so funny! We met a man who had a few head of cattle, so we looked among them to see which would feed the most people.

   We looked and looked to find our Godchicks bull...haha...our Godchicks bull! Sorry, it just doesn't get old. Anyway, we were looking for the right bull and at the price. Finally, after we looked for a while, we found our bull. Can I just tell you it was the weirdest feeling on the planet to look at your lunch before it's cooked. This bull was standing in the grass, grazing and then it looked at me. Get this picture with me. I'm standing in the grass staring a bull in the eyes, then it moos at me. The thought comes into my head, 

"You are going to be lunch for 400 women in about a week."

   This could make a person go vegetarian for life! Seriously! We purchased our bull and then we went back to the hotel. The whole car ride I was thinking about our new GodChicks bull. I don't think that I am going to be able to eat ANY meat at the conference. I can't meet my food before I eat it...that's so not right! haha!

"Thank you God for an amazing day! I had so much fun picking a bull out today! Thank you Jesus for giving me the strength to come on this amazing adventure! I love you! Amen."

Monday 15 October 2012

Bathing Frenzy


   I woke up yesterday morning with excitement to get to Smile Africa. I was not there on Sunday so I really missed my babies. Being away from them for too long is hard. Pastor Ruth insisted on driving me since I still have malaria and I have not 100% recovered yet. As soon as we arrived I went straight into the babies room. I could not wait to see my new baby, Moses. I was wondering how he was doing and how the teachers were doing with our new baby. I was so excited to be back that I insisted on doing everything as soon as I got there.

   I began by bathing, put lotion on, and dressing all 5 of our babies. It was a bathing frenzy! I began with Baby Ruth and then her twin brother Eric. As soon as they were clean and dressed I put them on the bed to play for a minute while I bathed Baby Moses. This took a little more time and care. I had to make sure that I cleaned the area around the umbilical cord and make sure that he was healthy. Once I finished with Moses, I cleaned Joshua and then Caleb. All my babies were clean, and hungry! I began making bottles and making sure that they were just the right temperature. Caleb is big enough to feed himself out of a sippy cup, so while he was eating, I fed the twins at the same time. I have gotten really good at multi tasking. By end of it all, all the babies were clean and fed and they all fell asleep. As soon as everyone fell asleep, Bogere came in the babies room. I picked him and hugged him and asked how he was doing. My sweet boy put his head on my shoulder and held on to me tight. I guessed he really missed me the one day I was gone.

   I took Bogere outside with me to check on the other children. At the well there was a group of children playing with the water and bathing each other. It looked like they were having a great time. They were splashing water on each other and laughing. I love to see these children laughing and having a good time. 

   It looked like the older siblings needed some help, so I began to help them bathe their little siblings. I took 2 babies, Baby Joyce and Baby Shunna to get cleaned up. They laughed and laughed as I splashed water on them.


   It was finally lunchtime. The bell rang and all the children went to their spots and waited to be served their lunch. I made sure that all the babies had eaten and were asleep. Then one of the teachers came to watch them so that I could go eat lunch. Once I finished lunch, I got very tired and weak all of a sudden. Then I remembered that I still had malaria and I probably shouldn’t be running around like that while I am still recovering because it can make you weak. I went back in the babies room and held Baby Moses and we both fell asleep. 

   At about 3pm I was driven back to the hotel so that I could rest before going over to Pastor Ruth’s house for dinner. Pastor Ruth told me that I need to not try to do everything and that I needed to take it a little slower so that my body can heal. It is really hard for me to not give something all my energy, but for my body’s sake, I’m going to have to try!

“Thank you Jesus for a new day! Thank you for protecting Baby Moses and bringing him to us safely. Thank you for constantly providing for these children. I pray God that will continue to heal my body. Thank you for your love! Thank you for all these beautiful children and their laughter. We all love you. Amen.”

Sunday 14 October 2012

Prison


   My morning started very early...like 4 am early! I woke up to watch GodChicks Night of Pink online. It was so amazing to be able to watch all that God was doing. I was happy that I could be apart of it. That was a great way to start my morning. Once "Night of Pink" was over, I went back to sleep for a few hours. I was so tired.  Once I woke up, I got ready quickly because Pastor was coming to pick me up, she was taking me to prison. Yes, I know that sentence is weird, but it’s true! Mama Ruth picked me up and we drove to the Tororo Prison.

   On the way to the prison, Pastor Ruth informed me that I was not allowed to take any pictures of the prison. If they saw me with a camera, they would take it. So sadly, I have no pictures to show you of my adventure at the prison.

   Our first stop was the male ward. We sat down as lots of men wearing bright yellow shirts and shorts with black stripes started entering the gate. I watched as these men walked in the gate, most of them seemed so young! It was heart breaking to see someone so young be in prison. Pastor Ruth pointed out a few boys that once went to Smile Africa. They were in prison for raping a young girl.  It was hard to see Smile Africa children in prison, but they have truly become repentant for what they have done.

   Once all the men were sitting down, a pastor said a few words, then he introduced Pastor Ruth, who also said a few words. Ruth spoke beautifully, once she was done she introduced me to the inmates. Then it was my turn to say something. I didn’t have a lot to say, but I told them what I thought was important and what I thought that God wanted them to hear. I told them how important they were and how their Father in Heaven has not forgotten them. I told them that it didn’t matter what they had done, God forgave them and loves them so much. I told them that I believed in them and that I was praying that they would come out of prison changed men, that they would make a difference in their villages and in their families. From the response that I got from them, I believe that it went well. I was glad that I was able to share with these men. We had an alter call at the end our speaking. A lot of these prisoners gave their lives to Christ! It was so amazing! Praise Jesus!

   Once we finished with the men we moved on to the women’s ward. There were fewer women than there were men in the prison. We sat down in a small room and we each shared something that God had put on our hearts. I told the girls how beautiful they were, how loved they were, how valuable they were, and how much their Father believed in them. We had an alter call for the women as well. The majority of the women accepted Jesus for the first time! It was so great. We prayed for them and we laid hands on them. I really enjoyed getting so close and personal to the inmates like this. I wanted them to feel that they were not forgotten about.

   It was an overall amazing day! I felt so honored that I was able to share the love of God with the inmates. It is important to me that people know that God loves them and has not forgotten them, even in their most desperate state, God hears them. I really enjoyed praying for some of these people, and I know that I will be back again soon to check on them.

“Thank you Jesus for allowing me to go into a dark place like prison to share Your love. Thank you for your strength to get up and speak even when it might not be comfortable. Thank you Jesus for giving me the words to say. Please be with your children, the new believers in You. Keep their hearts and minds safe as they sleep tonight. Thank you Jesus for your mercy that never runs dry. I love you. Amen”

Rescuing Moses


   I did not walk to Smile Africa yesterday like I always do. I walked to Mama Ruth’s house to visit her first to see how she was doing and to see if she needed anything. One thing led to another and I remained with her for about an hour. Mama Ruth and I drove to pick up a teenager and her new baby so that we could take them to Ruth’s house to get some proper love and attention. It was really great to see how instantly this young girl’s face changed. When I first met her she seemed a little sad, but when we brought her to Ruth’s house, she was happy and laughing. What a major difference a little love can do. We then drove to Smile Africa to check on things there and so I could see my babies! I missed them so much.

   As soon as we arrived to Smile I saw my sweet Caleb and he came running up to me…naked.

“Caleb! Where are your clothes? Where is your diaper silly baby?”

   Caleb just laughed and point to a bench in the babies room. Sure enough, there were the clothes and his diaper, just sitting in a pile. The teachers informed that, as of yesterday, his new favorite thing to do was to take off all his clothes and run around. My thought,

“Of course it is! On the one day I’m gone!”

   Bogere came running in shortly after. It was so great to see him. I love him so much and no matter what he does, he always puts a smile on my face. I picked him up and held him and told him just how important he was and how much I love him. Bogere just smiled and put his head on my shoulder. Once I was done in the babies room, Bogere took me outside to show me his new talent. My sweet boy can play the bongo! Bogere was so proud of his playing and it was so cute to watch him!


   I then left with Pastor Ruth to go back to her house to check on the teen and her baby. Everything was perfectly fine and everyone was happy. Then Pastor Ruth got a phone call,

“ What? Oh no, sorry. Okay, we are coming. Is it a boy or a girl? A boy. Wonderful, we are coming now.”

   In case you can’t tell by that phone call, Pastor Ruth was called to pick up a baby boy. This baby’s mother had died in childbirth and the father was in the hospital in a coma. We agreed to take this baby until the father wakes up. Then we would find out if the father is capable of taking care of this baby, and if so, then the baby would go with the father, if not, the baby would remain at Smile Africa.

   Mama Ruth named this baby Moses.

   We went to the police to pick him up and take him to Smile. Moses was so handsome…and so white! The police woman handed Moses to me and looked at us both and said,

“ Oh my! This baby resembles you! Are you sure he isn’t yours?”


   She laughed and thanked us for coming to pick him up, then we drove to Smile Africa. As soon as we arrived the nurse and a few teachers came to see this precious baby. All of them said how white this baby was!

“ Paris! You didn’t tell us you had a baby! Congratulations!”

   Everyone was laughing at the site of this white, Ugandan baby…and me. I bathed him and put a diaper and fresh clothes on him. I instantly fell in love with him, plus the fact that everyone was calling him my baby made it even worse. I believed it! While I am here, he is mine. I was so happy that we got to save this sweet baby boy. I thanked God for his love and mercy and rescuing Baby Moses. I have been so blessed to be able to witness God rescuing His children through Pastor Ruth and myself. This is what I have always wanted to do, this is what I was born to do, and I am doing it! There is really no greater feeling than knowing that you are walking in the plan that God intended for you.


     So, at the end of the day I was doing a count of all the children that are mine…it was a long list. Here it goes; Betty, Bogere, my “twins” Caleb and Philip, Baby Joshua, and now Baby Moses. In case you lost count…that’s 6 children…people I am a mother to 6 children and I am 21 years old…PRAISE JESUS! I know that there will come a time when I must go home and I will be sad to leave all these children. But I believe that God knew that these children would need a mother for the time I am here, so while I am here, I am more than happy to be a foster mother to these children. This is really a big adventure and I am loving every step of the way…it comes with its challenges, but at the end of the day I am a proud mother of 6. :)