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Peanuts, with maize planted in between rows. Common here.

Looking very good!

Our cook/worker/co-chairman of the village. She never misses a photo op!

I have been under the weather the past few days, stomach flu (not fun!) and now Raelee has it. Doctor says bacterial infection so we are on medication that should make us well in two days! So Christian had to go by himself to visit two farmers, a husband and wife. He is growing and acre and a half – one acre is with us – of peanuts and his wife is growing one acre of beans. (pronounced beanies here! We have beanies and greenies and then there are the minerals which are they tiny dried out minnows they eat in soup. Eew.)

The rains have been good, there have been days in between the heavy rains so it seems most of the crops are doing good. As we drive down our road we see everything growing and looking very healthy. We are very, very thankful for this.

Please keep praying for the crops, but also so important are the prayers that we can teach the farmers to put back seed and money. It is very common for the people to spend all their money in the week or so that they harvest and then have to go three months without. This past week there have been many coming wanting us to pay school fees. It is hard to say no because it is children’s education, but, they have been making it all this time without us so I believe they will keep on making it. Christian is putting the word out that Mandate does not pay school fees, so maybe it will slow down those coming wanting money. When I say it is hard to say no, I sincerely mean heart tugging, compassion and hurt that we can’t help everybody so we have to make the choice that we can only help those who don’t have parents. We are only going to give to the widows. I want to start raising goats so that we can give the widows a goat. Christian and I have given most of our personal money away this month and yet it is not enough. Especially when we know there are many that are lying and cheating us.

We took one of our workers daughter to the clinic for a broken arm. Dr Nelson’s X-ray machine was down so he sent them to another hospital and said it should not be more than 20,000 shillings for the X-ray, don’t let them try and charge more. They charged 25,000 and Christian only had 21,000 and left because they wouldn’t take that. After going outside, he realized how his actions affect everyone around so he asked the father if he had the 4,000 needed. He did. The girl got the cast, and Dr Nelson said that was it until time to remove the cast. We get a call today from our neighbor asking about the cost of the girl’s treatment. Christian explained that we didn’t pay cash except for the X-rays, everything else went on the account we set up at Dr Nelson’s hospital, we pay at the first of the month with our money and money the workers have put in. Our neighbor says he gave 50,000 shillings the day the girl broke her arm because it was at his house and he felt bad. No mention of that when having to pay for the X-rays. Then yesterday the father came back to the neighbor and said he needed 60,000 more for more treatments. The neighbor gave it and then decided to call. So we have learned we will have to communicate so that we don’t all get taken. It is a hard thing to live with so much corruption, but that is the culture, has been for hundreds of years. When there is Godlessness, this is what you get. Americans that are putting God out of everything take note – you have no idea what it is to live where there is no one true God. Our prayers are that people are saved, come to know and follow Christ no matter the cost and see a change in their communities and then the country. I don’t mean to be negative, I am not discouraged – most days! Because I know that God put us here for a reason – we are stubborn and hard headed – and although we don’t understand the reasons or His plan right now, our Faith in Him keeps us going, encourages us and helps us to see the good around us. There are those that are saved, and trying to find the path and purpose that God has for them, and it is difficult in a place that the first Christians gave a very confusing and warped understanding of God. They taught about getting rich, all being healed if you have enough faith. Do you know what this does to peoples perspective of God when those things don’t happen? It makes it very difficult to disciple, but we start at the beginning and try to bring them up, in a place that is contrary to everything the Bible says.

Pray for us, the people and that God’s Holy Spirit break through the darkness that has been upon this country for decades. Pray for more lives to be saved, and pray for the children that come every Sunday to hear the stories about God and God’s people. We had about fifteen more this past Sunday, making around eighty-three. So amazing!

little boats

Beans for dolls heads

Raelee has been busy making little dolls with bananas that didn’t get a chance to grow! The rains and winds often blow the banana trees down. Luckily, each tree will have offshoots at the base called suckers. We have transplanted many suckers to get more banana trees. She uses beans for their heads and flower petals for their little hats. Quite the imagination and creativity!

“ It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵ Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”   1 Corinthians 4:4-5

Christian and I have been doing a study of 1 Corinthians and last night what we read about judging others really hit home for me. It has enabled me to change my perspective once again! Last week up to yesterday had me so very tired mentally, and frustrated with people. But while studying I realized that I am judging these people, holding them against a standard which they can never live up to. We are very blessed to have had education, family and experiences in life that they haven’t had. When the children come to my door and see the water heating on the stove, they are amazed because they have never seen anything like that. Same thing with our house and the painters. They don’t understand what we are trying to do because they live in mud huts, and if especially lucky they make bricks from the dirt and build tiny little buildings. They aren’t painted. They don’t realize that the paint on the floor is a problem to me because they live with dirt floors. I have felt that they just haven’t cared but in reality that is partly my pride, but it is because they haven’t ever experienced having something nice, especially a house that is “decorated”. You can’t judge and fault a person for something they honestly don’t know. Only God sees what is on the inside, and He is the one that passes sentence. The two guys that have done the most painting and mess haven’t asked for anything in return. Yesterday they hounded Christian to unlock the doors so they could get to work. One of the guys brings us milk from his cows everyday, and has invited us to his house for dinner tonight (yes, we are scared!). I think they just want to be with us, to do for us out of the goodness of their hearts. So, what is a little more mess when they have saved me a lot of time and a lot less body ache? It is in these times that I believe God is working on them and on me. We look for the big things to see God in, but He has been showing us that sometimes it is the little things, the annoying things that He is doing His work. The little boys that hang out at our house, and ask for food because they are hungry. The guys that hang out just wanting to sit and talk. I thank God for helping me to change my attitude and the filter through which I look at others’ around me. I pray that He reminds me of this everyday so that I don’t get stuck in aggravation and bitterness.

Who do you judge because they are different than you? How do YOU know what is inside them that makes them do what they do? Who can you do for today that might change your way of thinking about that person? These are the questions I have asked myself and with God’s help hope to change how I treat others.

Pray for us about supper tonight, it is only the second time we have been asked to someone’s house to eat. It will be awkward because he doesn’t speak any english and we aren’t sure about the time. First he said lunch but then changed it to supper. So we don’t know when to go because they don’t eat supper here until 8-9 pm. It will really be awkward if we get there at 6-7 and have to sit a couple hours! And the food – usually when a guest is asked over, the host gives the best that he has. If he only has one chicken, he will cook it for the guest and won’t eat until all the guests have eaten. The women don’t eat until everyone is finished. And the women don’t ever come in to be with the guests. I’ve been told that in some homes, the female guest(s) will be put in a room alone while the men entertain the men. The other time we were invited it was two men and Christian, Raelee and I. The women were outside cooking and I went out and sat down. They didn’t know what to think and I’m pretty sure I made a a big social boo-boo but I told them I needed to learn to cook “Ugandan” so I would like to watch them. Then they were thrilled. It’s definitely a different culture and we are always learning. I pray tonight that the food is good so we can eat it all. It’s hard to be treated like royalty when they have so little and I would never want to waste the little that they have given to us, because for them it is everything.

“in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude” Acts 24:3

**Note:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Apparently God wanted to put me to the test…I had just posted this, went over to our building to clean and Kimuli had come in and started rolling stain all over my floor. I had tested a couple tiles in our room and it worked well so we went and bought 15 cans of the same “mahogany” but it was not the same. So I stopped and was trying to decide what to do next. I had no idea he had come in the building until he came to me with a can of stain. When I went to look, it was a mess! But I straightened it up best I could and told him thank you but get out! No, I took him into the last room to paint white. I think we are done painting and now when I go to work in there I will lock all the doors! God, keep giving me Your Grace to get through this!

You see these mats everywhere, they are made from palm leaves that are sun dried and then dyed. Then they weave beautiful patterns into them. Mostly women but the plain mat I have was made by a man and it is plain by my request. They are used mainly to sit on so that you don’t have to sit on the ground, some are used to sleep on in huts. I am getting quite a collection of mats, people come to my door often wanting to sell me a mat. They sell for 10,000 shillings each, most of the time. That is $3 USD give or take a few cents. I did get taken when I first got here by a lady that was giving me a “deal” at 20,000 shillings! I buy them to use here on Sunday’s but I have given a couple away, gave one away at the hospital a couple of weeks ago. Patients family have to sit on the floor at the hospital so they bring mats if they have them. Mainly I try to support those who are trying to support themselves. For me $3 isn’t much but to them 10,000 shillings can go a long way. They put a lot of time into them, and I have seen some very intricate patterns. I wondered at all the powdered food coloring in the supermarkets, especially since cakes and cupcakes aren’t a big thing here, but found out that is what is used to color the leaves. I think maybe one day I will have to have someone teach me to weave mats!

Sunday School went great yesterday. The children even had answers about last weeks story and we could tell that some had thought about the story during the week, which is very encouraging. Derek helped me greatly, again! At the beginning of the week I give him a copy of the story we will be telling on Sunday and it is evident that he studies it. I tell the story with him interpreting but he also knows how to talk to the kids in a way they understand, and has a gift for asking the right questions. I was amazed at the participation of the children this week. I told Derek I had prayed for an interpreter to help me and God answered that prayer with so much more. Derek and another lady are going to a five-day teaching conference for Sunday School teachers and children’s ministry workers. I pray in the future, they will be able to tell the stories and lead Sunday School.

I am asking for help, for any donations to help Derek finish high school. Because of his grades and high exam scores, the school has offered him a scholarship of sorts, his tuition will all be paid for the final two years, but he needs help with books, uniforms and rent for this year. He has missed about a month of school this term because of lack of money. He previously has had to work on holiday and after school to pay for his education but has had trouble finding work lately. He has come over everyday and volunteered to paint and never asked for anything in return. It was just in conversation yesterday that he told me he has been praying for God to show him what to do about school, or to help him get a job to pay for it. His counselor told him if he can get the money he could still start this term. He needs $20 for two uniforms, $30 for books and approximately $10/month for rent for ten months. He is paying rent to stay off campus 1) it is a lot cheaper to not board but he is now staying with his brother 30 minutes away 2) he can leave on the weekends and come to service on Sunday. That is only around $150/year for this boy to finish school. He is smart and very polite and loves Jesus very much. Also, he wants to take a computer science class and it would be helpful if he had a laptop. I am looking into that but I think it will be close to $300 to get him one. If there is anyone out there that would like to contribute to Derek’s education let me know and I will give you the info on where to send it. I promise 100% will go to him and I know that it will be well worth investing into this boy’s life. I am giving him enough to get back in to school since he has helped me so much this week. (He has made the smallest mess while painting AND he cleans it up!) I believe in him and that he will take this opportunity and use it to better himself and to help others. If you can’t contribute, please pray for Derek. I know God has great plans for him.

Smokey enjoyed the story – he patiently waited for snack time!

She is the nursery care worker!

The nickname a lot of the guys have for Raelee is Carella. She gets irate at times and it only makes them do it more. I let it go because she is always messing with somebody so it is only fair for them to mess back. She is learning the language so fast. People love it when she spouts off a phrase, they laugh. She definitely knows the phrase “come here, I will beat you” Kimuli and Sharifu tell her that all the time. She informed me today that mazungu’s don’t say that, and I agreed that is probably not something we would should say to just anyone here! But I did tell Kimuli and Sharifu that Raelee taught me new words today and then in their language said it – they got a kick out of that. Especially since I only know two words in lusoga and still get it wrong as to when to say each. I usually answer people with one or the other and a question mark at the end!

Today, I heard a baby cry and cry outside so I went to see what was the matter. The boy was probably 15-18 months old, pantless, walking around our property crying. Sharifu had took him to the guard-house and dumped him on Kimuli and Kimuli put him back outside. I went and picked him up even though he clearly let me know he didn’t want me to pick him up, and I said very loudly, “Hey, that’s enough of that” He immediately quit crying! I asked Sharifu who this kid belonged to and why he was here all alone. Well, the mama was at the well earlier getting water and Raelee was playing with the baby and told the mama to leave him here so she could play with him. Then Raelee’s attention went somewhere else and she just left the baby. He lives right on the other side of our fence and I know his mama could hear him crying because I hear him crying all the time from my house. Sharifu had already gone to the fence trying to get her, I don’t know if she didn’t hear him or just was enjoying her freedom! So I carried him home. I told Sharifu AGAIN that they all have to learn to tell Raelee no. Sunday, the lady with twins was begging to go home but Raelee wouldn’t let her have her baby back. I tried to explain to Raelee today that people don’t want to say no to her, she is a novelty here, a little mazungu child that runs around just like they do (except fully clothed) and that is a new thing to them. And they love for us to give attention to their children. But it has gotten out of hand when she is kidnapping other people’s children. It was one thing to bring stray animals home, but children? I must put my foot down!

Yesterday we had to run errands in town and while Christian was in the hardware store/shack a very little girl – probably around four – came running to the truck. I opened my door and asked her how she was today and she said “I am fine” and held her arms up for me to pick her up. Christian was gone for a good twenty minutes and that little girl just sat in my lap silently while I talked to her. At one point she laid her head down on me and I thought she went to sleep. Her mama was nearby and a guy I assumed was her father was watching and smiling. When Christian came back he asked if she was going with us! I carried her back up to the sidewalk and she ran to her (father?). It was very sweet, especially when there are so many of the children who are scared of our light skin.

In the beginning of our adventure here, when we turned off the highway to come home there would be so many kids that get so excited, waving and yelling to us either “mazungu” “byee”  or they would yell “Wes” (the person we replaced). It’s like we are celebrities. Now when we drive down the road, they wave and laugh and jump up and down yelling “Raelee”! Seems like everyone knows Raelee, the crazy and fun mazungu girl! She is thriving here, and loved by just about everyone that comes in contact with her. Love her or shake their heads at some of her antics! I believe wholeheartedly that she will  grow up to reach the hearts of many, many people whether here or wherever God puts her. She is an amazing kid that is following right in her amazing brothers’ footsteps. We didn’t do her a favor taking her in – we are the ones that received the greatest gift. She can definitely be challenging, and as many people here say “stubborn” but well worth it!

A note about being pantless or even naked. I just went to check on my painters and there was a totally naked baby standing at the door squalling. His mama was nearby getting water and thankfully Raelee had other kids occupying her. Most babies do not wear diapers or pants. I have found that this is because 1) they can’t afford disposable diapers or even cloth diapers and 2) this saves on laundry and the water it takes to haul to do the laundry. Easy to potty train I guess, since they don’t have toilets anyway. Easter Sunday while we were in the church building I watched a little girl go right out the door by a tree and she looked left and right and then pulled her dress up and did her business. There was nobody to see her on the left or on the right, but everyone inside behind her could see her! Even older kids do not wear underpants. Let’s just talk about underpants for a second. Either you buy secondhand underwear, don’t wear any or spend outrageous prices to get new ones in Kampala! Now, I will wear previously owned dresses and skirts but I have to draw the line on secondhand undergarments! Ah, life here is so very interesting!

Today we had close to sixty children come to hear the Bible story. I used the flannel board that was graciously given by an anonymous donor. To him I say thank you so much for your gift. It makes it so easy to tell the stories and the colors and details keep their attention. Even when Christian stood in front of them with the camera taking pictures, they didn’t even look up at him. That is amazing in itself because whenever any of them see a camera that’s it for anything else. They all want to get their pictures taken! The story today was of Adam and Eve walking with God, about how beautiful the garden was and all the animals that Adam got to name. I learned something today – I told you we learn something new just about everyday! When most of us think of Africa, we automatically think of the animals: lions, tigers, giraffes, and I even hoped when I learned we were coming here that we just might have zebras walking around our property! But in actuality most of those animals are kept in preserves to protect them and also, here anyway, it is a way for the country to bring in revenue. Safari’s are very expensive here, running anywhere from $500 to $1000 per person. But I learned that because they aren’t common, when I showed the children a lion they didn’t know what it was. Crazy huh! But they aren’t educated, they aren’t exposed to TV or the world. I think that made the story even more interesting to them. Derek, my interpreter is so loving being able to be a part of teaching the children and I don’t think I have to worry anymore about having someone to help! He has come by the house everyday since Easter and he asked me today if he can come by this week just to talk about the Bible. He is the one that has been playing the Bible in their language for whoever will listen! Even Sharifu told me he enjoyed the story very much and he was a great help in serving the kids. He also was a great help with the board, it rained this morning and the wind kicked up and kept blowing the story pieces off. So he held onto parts of it for me.

Raelee was the best helper today. She helped prepare beforehand and she got the kids in line for the snacks we had prepared for them. There is a bread here, it looks like a hushpuppy on steroids but it is sweet, and deep fried. And very inexpensive! Mandaze are what they are called and we had forgotten to call her until last night but she still had them here, 100 of them by 9 am. We paid about $7 for all. She has come before when we had workers, she walks around the village to sell them everyday. Obviously at that price she doesn’t make a whole lot of money and she is a pretty elderly lady. I asked her if I pay her would she bring some everyday and 100 on Sunday, and she was overjoyed at that arrangement. I told her that there was only one problem with that that I could see and it is once word goes out I may start needing twice that on Sunday! She was very okay with that thought, and I don’t mind paying for it if it brings more kids in. They may come for the “doughnut” but they will hear about our God and God says:

“so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:11

It is seeds planted and it is not up to me whether the seed takes root and grows, God will take care of that. He just asks of all of us to plow and plant and if it is His Will we will also  reap the harvest. After the story, Ms Betty asked me how we know God more. I explained salvation again (I think I will need to do this every week) and most of the kids came forward. Partly because Ms Betty prompted, pulled and pushed them to! And that doesn’t matter, I still had tears in my eyes when I prayed with them and they repeated the words because I know that if only one really begins to seek Him then this is all worth it. We may not be able to affect many adults, but my prayer is we can with the little ones and their lives will be honored and blessed by God. I was also asked “what if I am an orphan and have no mother or no father?” That one really got to me, but I told them they can have a heavenly Father that loves them and wants His very best for them. I told them I am not saying it will be easy, but it will be worth it. They all said they loved the story and asked if I will tell them more next week. There were so many people that were coming to the well that also stopped to listen, and many hung out after. I think it was 2:00 before I got lunch for us made, but it was good, very good!

I had the best assistants!

There was no talking or messing around – they were so intent on the story and the pictures

Ms Betty. I would not want to be on her bad side! She herds these children so well!

Raelee sang Jesus Loves Me all by herself, Christian had already taken my camera inside so I missed that. I told her she would have to do it again next week. But she taught the children to sing part of it and they sang it with her!