Dear family and friends,
I have to echo Molly's words by sharing my appreciation for all of you who have support us on this trip- it truly would not be possible without you. Thank you so much for your giving and prayers. You have allowed us to show so much love to the people here.
I am sad to leave but very eager to come home and share my experience with all of you. It has been so wonderful and God has done so much in a through me. I am looking forward to telling you all about the things that God is doing here and how we can be more involved. I have taken lots of wonderful pictures- I am sorry I am not able to get them on the website! You will get to enjoy them when we return.
Today we went to see the Source of the Nile River (starting at Lake Victoria). We also saw Bujigali Falls- there were a number of kyakers (sp?) braving the falls. Really cool to watch. The falls were beautiful. Don called it the Garden of Eden. I told him I think it's somewhere in Iraq, but he said it must be as beautiful. We also ate lunch at Gately Resort- a wonderful meal outside overlooking Lake Victoria. After lunch we visited Amani Baby Cottage- an orphanage for small children. The babies were so precious. Amani is directed by a woman named Denine from Texas- she has done a wonderful job. The facility is beautiful. We really enjoyed our brief visit there. We also did a little more shopping in Jinja- just a few more souveniers to bring back. The prices really are very good for everything- and you can barter!
It has been very quiet here at Canaan because most of the children left yesterday to visit family (uncles, aunts, grandparents). There are maybe only 15 children left- we have enjoyed spending some time with them. It was very hard to say goodbye to those who have left- tears and hugs.
Thank you for those of you who have been praying, leaving wonderful supportive messages and thinking about us. Knowing we have people who care about us means so much. I am looking forward to coming home. God has been good! Please pray for us as we travel for the next two days- it will be long and exhausting--certainly the least fun part of the trip. I love you!
PS...we were dumbfounded to hear about OSU. Curious to hear the excuses.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Mon- Molly, Meg, & Tim
Greetings to you all from the Richmond half of the team! Since many of you do not know us, here is a quick introduction: Tim is a senior at Liberty University studying Business and Psychology, Megan is a grad student at the University of Virginia studying Elementary Education and African Studies, and Molly (Beth's daughter) is a graduate of Christopher Newport University and studied Philosophy and Anthropology.
(from Molly)
I must start by expressing my appreciation and thankfulness to all of you who have supported this trip through prayers and financial help! We would not be here without you. Everywhere we go in Uganda people are constantly thanking us for coming, and we always have to tell them that we are only here because of the support of hundreds of other friends and family back in the US.
Even though this is my 5th trip to Africa, I have continued to learn and experience new and different things. One of my favorite days was this past Friday when I got to go into Jinja town with 3 other men from Canaan to conduct some business and buy some things. It was my first time leaving Canaan without another team member. First we went to a huge outdoor market to buy some fresh produce. I'm not sure if I will ever get used to being the only white person in sight and constantly stared and gawked at! It was fun learning out to pick out the freshest pineapples, pumpkins, beans, etc and then negotiate the price. (Less than 50 cents per pineapple!) After the market we visited a youth vocational school where one of the Canaan boys will soon be attending to learn masonry. Then we went to several other shops to buy ply wood, concrete, long metal beams, wheel barrows, and shovels. It amazes me how everywhere we went the prices were negotiable, even paying for parking!
A lady from Northwest gave my mom some money to buy clothes for the children- we used some of the money to order 100 pairs of sandals from Kampala that should arrive here soon after we leave. The kids were sooo excited to learn that they would be getting new shoes. After completing our business I treated the 3 guys to lunch at one of our favorite little places in town called The Source. The 4 of us ate a delicious meal for under $10! Our last stop of the day was buying 100 small cups of ice cream for the kids. Can you imagine only eating ice cream once or twice a year?
There are so many cool stories to share, but it's difficult to write them all. It is very exciting to see this new relationship form between Northwest Pres Church and Canaan Children's Home. I am very proud of my mom for all of her planning and hard work she put into leading this team and look forward to many more trips in the future!
(from Tim)
wow...I don't even know where to begin. When Molly first told me about this trip i was really excited and as the time to leave approached, I found myself very scared and anxious at the same time. When we first arrived I was a little apprehensive and shy but i quickly got over it. Immediately the kids here welcomed us with open arms and I felt right at home.
Throughout the last two weeks I have been running around all over the place with the kids! The boys here love to play soccer and the recruited me to play with them. I am definitely not a soccer player! The boys didn't seemed to mind at all (as well as laugh at me at my poor attempts to play)! Last Sunday and today I had the privilege of helping lead Sunday school. I found that even way over across the world kids are not much different then home. They are very eager to listen and hear the word of God and are excited about doing so.
This trip has really made me realize the importance of servanthood. There have been times that I have felt incapable and even sometimes unwilling to be a servant to the wonderful people of Canaan. But thank God he has moved in my heart and has shown me the wonders and joy and leaning on his strength and relaying on Him. There is definitely nothing better the doing the work of the Lord and I am looking forward to the opportunity of coming back and doing his work at again at Canaan! Until next and and God bless- Tim
(from Meg)
This is my fourth trip to Canaan Children's Home, and each trip is always such a blessing. I am always touched by the people I meet here and encouraged by their faith. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to travel here again with your team from Ohio, and I want to share one recent experience that has inspired me in my walk with the Lord. The past few days have been a trial for me as I've been sick with stomach pain and headaches. The first night I was sick, I was sitting in the oldest boys' dormitory when a boy named Daniel, who was and is very sick with malaria, asked me if I was sick. I said "Somehow" (meaning, "I'm a little sick"). He said "We must pray," climbed out of bed, and shaking, held my hands and prayed for the both of us -- that God, the great Physician, would heal us. His faith and confidence in God's provision truly inspired me. Please continue to pray for my and Daniel's health. And pray that we'll have a safe trip home. We have so many stories we can't wait to share.
(from Molly)
I must start by expressing my appreciation and thankfulness to all of you who have supported this trip through prayers and financial help! We would not be here without you. Everywhere we go in Uganda people are constantly thanking us for coming, and we always have to tell them that we are only here because of the support of hundreds of other friends and family back in the US.
Even though this is my 5th trip to Africa, I have continued to learn and experience new and different things. One of my favorite days was this past Friday when I got to go into Jinja town with 3 other men from Canaan to conduct some business and buy some things. It was my first time leaving Canaan without another team member. First we went to a huge outdoor market to buy some fresh produce. I'm not sure if I will ever get used to being the only white person in sight and constantly stared and gawked at! It was fun learning out to pick out the freshest pineapples, pumpkins, beans, etc and then negotiate the price. (Less than 50 cents per pineapple!) After the market we visited a youth vocational school where one of the Canaan boys will soon be attending to learn masonry. Then we went to several other shops to buy ply wood, concrete, long metal beams, wheel barrows, and shovels. It amazes me how everywhere we went the prices were negotiable, even paying for parking!
A lady from Northwest gave my mom some money to buy clothes for the children- we used some of the money to order 100 pairs of sandals from Kampala that should arrive here soon after we leave. The kids were sooo excited to learn that they would be getting new shoes. After completing our business I treated the 3 guys to lunch at one of our favorite little places in town called The Source. The 4 of us ate a delicious meal for under $10! Our last stop of the day was buying 100 small cups of ice cream for the kids. Can you imagine only eating ice cream once or twice a year?
There are so many cool stories to share, but it's difficult to write them all. It is very exciting to see this new relationship form between Northwest Pres Church and Canaan Children's Home. I am very proud of my mom for all of her planning and hard work she put into leading this team and look forward to many more trips in the future!
(from Tim)
wow...I don't even know where to begin. When Molly first told me about this trip i was really excited and as the time to leave approached, I found myself very scared and anxious at the same time. When we first arrived I was a little apprehensive and shy but i quickly got over it. Immediately the kids here welcomed us with open arms and I felt right at home.
Throughout the last two weeks I have been running around all over the place with the kids! The boys here love to play soccer and the recruited me to play with them. I am definitely not a soccer player! The boys didn't seemed to mind at all (as well as laugh at me at my poor attempts to play)! Last Sunday and today I had the privilege of helping lead Sunday school. I found that even way over across the world kids are not much different then home. They are very eager to listen and hear the word of God and are excited about doing so.
This trip has really made me realize the importance of servanthood. There have been times that I have felt incapable and even sometimes unwilling to be a servant to the wonderful people of Canaan. But thank God he has moved in my heart and has shown me the wonders and joy and leaning on his strength and relaying on Him. There is definitely nothing better the doing the work of the Lord and I am looking forward to the opportunity of coming back and doing his work at again at Canaan! Until next and and God bless- Tim
(from Meg)
This is my fourth trip to Canaan Children's Home, and each trip is always such a blessing. I am always touched by the people I meet here and encouraged by their faith. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to travel here again with your team from Ohio, and I want to share one recent experience that has inspired me in my walk with the Lord. The past few days have been a trial for me as I've been sick with stomach pain and headaches. The first night I was sick, I was sitting in the oldest boys' dormitory when a boy named Daniel, who was and is very sick with malaria, asked me if I was sick. I said "Somehow" (meaning, "I'm a little sick"). He said "We must pray," climbed out of bed, and shaking, held my hands and prayed for the both of us -- that God, the great Physician, would heal us. His faith and confidence in God's provision truly inspired me. Please continue to pray for my and Daniel's health. And pray that we'll have a safe trip home. We have so many stories we can't wait to share.
Saturday-Laura
We had a really wonderful morning- the children performed a "Welcome Visitors" program for us- the choir sang 4 songs, and each dorm performed a song or skit. It was really very special. Pastor Isaac said some special things about the children and also about our team- he is such a good man. We then presented all of our gifts and letters to the Canaan children and the staff- the children loved all of the gifts- the glowing rings, the clothes, the Bibles, pencils, etc. We also bought sandals for the male staff and ice cream for all of the children. It was a really special treat! We were then chased inside by an approaching rain storm.
You can keep Megan in your prayers- she has not been feeling well (flu like symptoms). She has been resting a lot. Our nativity program is in one hour and the children are excited. We may not get a big crowd from the village, but we will see.
Last night I shared the book on Africa that Mom and Dad Pilgrim gave to me for Christmas with the children. They really enjoyed looking at the pictures of the birds and animals and talking about them. They love the most simple things! I have given them the names of all of my family members and friends and they have written you letters- I have a huge stack to bring back! You will enjoy reading them:)
I hope you are all well. I miss you very much and look forward to returning soon!
You can keep Megan in your prayers- she has not been feeling well (flu like symptoms). She has been resting a lot. Our nativity program is in one hour and the children are excited. We may not get a big crowd from the village, but we will see.
Last night I shared the book on Africa that Mom and Dad Pilgrim gave to me for Christmas with the children. They really enjoyed looking at the pictures of the birds and animals and talking about them. They love the most simple things! I have given them the names of all of my family members and friends and they have written you letters- I have a huge stack to bring back! You will enjoy reading them:)
I hope you are all well. I miss you very much and look forward to returning soon!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Friday - From Don
Another beautiful day here at Canaan. We finished our last day of Bible Club, and tomorrow the children of Canaan will put on a play for the village. They have practiced hard, and much effort has been put into the production from both the children and our team...especially Laura, Megan, Molly, and Tim. They are wonderful with the children. It will be hard to leave next week, and I am already sad when I think about it.
This trip has been especially wonderful as the children are on holiday and we get to see them every day....all day. They have really opened up...and I can not fully explain the blessings in such a short space.
Taylor and Marta...we miss you so much and can not wait to see your smiling faces at the airport. I love you so much Taylor!!!!
Dee and Pappa...and Scott....we love and miss you too!!!
Take care everyone...and thank you for your prayers.
Love,
Don...aka Pappa Don
This trip has been especially wonderful as the children are on holiday and we get to see them every day....all day. They have really opened up...and I can not fully explain the blessings in such a short space.
Taylor and Marta...we miss you so much and can not wait to see your smiling faces at the airport. I love you so much Taylor!!!!
Dee and Pappa...and Scott....we love and miss you too!!!
Take care everyone...and thank you for your prayers.
Love,
Don...aka Pappa Don
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Thursday message from Laura
Hi everyone! We hope you are all well. Today was another good day- the Bible club went well- 250 children again. The lesson about blind Bartimaeus went well and the children loved the bubbles and coloring sheet- we let them take home the crayons. You'd think we gave them gold! The joy of these children is really amazing. This afternoon the team made 300 gospel bracelets- it was going to be our craft for tomorrow but we thought it would be too difficult for the children. The craft will be coloring again instead- they love it so much! The children are so full of love- they love the family photos and want to hear about every person in my family. They have asked if they can write letters to Mike and my parents. I already have 2 letters from Mike- one from Cissy and one from a 13 year old boy named Isaac (he was named after the director of Canaan). Isaac has asked me to type the letter on the blogspot for you to read. You can just feel the love from these children by these words. We are their family. Mike and everyone reading, I hope you feel the sincerety of the letter:
Hi Uncle Mike,
I greet you in the name of our Lord, and am grateful to write this letter to you. My heart is longing to hear from you and see you. I asked Aunt Laura about you and she told me more and I was excited. Aunt Laura is doing us well and she is most loved by everyone and I love her as I love myself. She gives us love and whenever I felt her love I felt as if you are the one giving me love. How is everyone at home and everything at work, home, and in the States? Fine? Since Aunt Laura told me about you I take time praying for you and her too. I wish to hear about you. I love you and I know we will meet one day as God wishes. May the mighty God bless you.
Love, Isaac Mwesigwa
If his words don't make you feel good, I don't know what will. The words from Cissy are much the same. Mom and dad, you can look forward to letters from the children- they have seen the photos of you and wish for you to come to Uganda:)
We just finished working on the Nativity play- our first full run through. Tomorrow is our dress rehearsal and Saturday the performance at 3:30. We have invited the village children and their families to come. Hopefully they will! Did OSU win?? We are all wondering:)
Hi Uncle Mike,
I greet you in the name of our Lord, and am grateful to write this letter to you. My heart is longing to hear from you and see you. I asked Aunt Laura about you and she told me more and I was excited. Aunt Laura is doing us well and she is most loved by everyone and I love her as I love myself. She gives us love and whenever I felt her love I felt as if you are the one giving me love. How is everyone at home and everything at work, home, and in the States? Fine? Since Aunt Laura told me about you I take time praying for you and her too. I wish to hear about you. I love you and I know we will meet one day as God wishes. May the mighty God bless you.
Love, Isaac Mwesigwa
If his words don't make you feel good, I don't know what will. The words from Cissy are much the same. Mom and dad, you can look forward to letters from the children- they have seen the photos of you and wish for you to come to Uganda:)
We just finished working on the Nativity play- our first full run through. Tomorrow is our dress rehearsal and Saturday the performance at 3:30. We have invited the village children and their families to come. Hopefully they will! Did OSU win?? We are all wondering:)
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Good morning from Beth
It is Thursday morning about 8:15 here in Uganda. As I look out the door from the office where I sit I can see the Canaan children doing their various morning chores. When we got to the office, one middle-age boy was washing the sidewalk outside the dorm. Other children and Aunties were sweeping the lawn, getting branches and leaves swept away. The children spend their mornings doing chores before having their breakfast. It is so good to greet them each day. It has been pretty hot during the days but this morning we have a little breeze that feels good. We will go for our breakfast in just a few minutes. Mama Rebecca is such a wonderful cook. Many mornings she has made us delicious French toast. The children will begin to arrive for Bible club about 9:30. We will sing with them first. One morning I was the first of our team to arrive to greet children from Buziika. As there was no other song leader around, I decided to try being the song leader. I made up a song singing "Good morning to you" as I went around shaking each little hand. After singing many verses the same, I asked them to sing with me...silence...some smiles but silence. I kept singing and kept asking them to join me...silence. Before long Megan arrived and began singing a song that they knew. Immediately they began to sing and clap! Oh well, we all have different gifts that we bring to the team. I will stick with other areas that God has given me.
Don and I are really enjoying the staff Bible study. We have a group of 7 or 8 most of the time. This the the 5 Aunties and 1 Uncle of the dorms, and Josephine (secretary in Margaret's absence) and Joshua, one of the farm attendants (some from previous Canaan teams may know him as Uncle Trouble!)
I have just been called to breakfast so will write again when I can. Thank you for your prayers--please continue.
Taylor, Scott, Mom and Dad, etc. you can see that we are doing very well. I love you all so very much, Mama Beth
Don and I are really enjoying the staff Bible study. We have a group of 7 or 8 most of the time. This the the 5 Aunties and 1 Uncle of the dorms, and Josephine (secretary in Margaret's absence) and Joshua, one of the farm attendants (some from previous Canaan teams may know him as Uncle Trouble!)
I have just been called to breakfast so will write again when I can. Thank you for your prayers--please continue.
Taylor, Scott, Mom and Dad, etc. you can see that we are doing very well. I love you all so very much, Mama Beth
Hello From Don
The blessings have been pouring out here at Canaan. The children are so incredibly beautiful and so much fun. It is so amazing to me that I get so much more back than is given. Each time I come to Uganda I learn more and more about God. We have so much to be thankful for.
Taylor....I miss you so much. I have been telling all the children about you. Some of them have your picture. They all want to meet you and have asked me to tell you HI!!!!! Mom loves and misses you too. I can not wait to see you!!!!
We have two more days of Bible Club. Yesterday we had approximately 250 children of various ages. Tim and I have taught them how to play dodge ball and freeze tag. It is getting a little more challenging as the size of the group gets larger, but what a blessing. I think we will see 300 today!!!!
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and your support. I wish you all could see the children and how appreciative they are. I can't wait to share the pictures. That is it for now...we will see you soon.
Pappa Don aka Uncle Don
Taylor....I miss you so much. I have been telling all the children about you. Some of them have your picture. They all want to meet you and have asked me to tell you HI!!!!! Mom loves and misses you too. I can not wait to see you!!!!
We have two more days of Bible Club. Yesterday we had approximately 250 children of various ages. Tim and I have taught them how to play dodge ball and freeze tag. It is getting a little more challenging as the size of the group gets larger, but what a blessing. I think we will see 300 today!!!!
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and your support. I wish you all could see the children and how appreciative they are. I can't wait to share the pictures. That is it for now...we will see you soon.
Pappa Don aka Uncle Don
Bible Clubs going well (wednesday message from Laura)
Olyatya! How are you? I hope you are all well. This week has been such a blessing for us all. We began the Bible clubs on Monday. Each day we have seen more children- we had 250 today! We sing and praise God from 9:30-10:00, have a lesson and Bible verse from 10-10:30 and we split the children into 2 groups- one plays a game in the field while the other does a craft, and then we switch. The children loved their paperbag puppets today! They were singing the songs and retelling the story of Lazarus with their puppets- so sweet! We have been ending with the whole group singing around 11:30. This afternoon we will go to visit Edith, who lives in the village. She is blind and weaves beautiful baskets- she even went to the Olympics in Australia to compete in basket weaving- and did very well! We will then take Isaac and Rebecca out to eat at a Chinese place called Ling Ling's- it is one of their favorite places. They have treated us so well all week. We have seen so much joy and God's provision all week. None of us have gotten sick or injured, which is a blessing. Last night we went into the village for the market. I purchased watches for all of the oldest girls (only 50 cents a piece!) and shoes for three girls who helped me make good deals with the vendors. Because I am a Muzungu (white person) the vendors try to rip us off! Everything is still inexpensive, though. The culture here is very interesting. Most of the time we are safe, but sometimes we meet people in the street that the children tell us to stay away from- "they are crazy, they drink much alcohol." Yesterday, a man accused Don, Tim, and Megan of killing Saddam because they are from America. You have to be careful, because some people believe white people are responsible for so many things. Pray for our safety.
On Sunday we taught Sunday school with the different groups- Don and I taught the youth (16-30) and it went very well. I did the lesson on good fruit vs. bad fruit. They all listened so well! Worshiping with the Jinja church was such a blessing- they really know how to praise God! Can we dance at our church too?? I have still been meeting with the oldest girls every night and teach a Bible study. Tonight I will bring nail polish and lotion and we will wash our feet and paint our nails! The smallest things bring them so much joy. Last night I told them about my wedding and we talked about husbands. So much laughing and fun!
I miss you all and look forward to returning- it is a bittersweet feeling. It really has been one of the best experiences of my life!!
On Sunday we taught Sunday school with the different groups- Don and I taught the youth (16-30) and it went very well. I did the lesson on good fruit vs. bad fruit. They all listened so well! Worshiping with the Jinja church was such a blessing- they really know how to praise God! Can we dance at our church too?? I have still been meeting with the oldest girls every night and teach a Bible study. Tonight I will bring nail polish and lotion and we will wash our feet and paint our nails! The smallest things bring them so much joy. Last night I told them about my wedding and we talked about husbands. So much laughing and fun!
I miss you all and look forward to returning- it is a bittersweet feeling. It really has been one of the best experiences of my life!!
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Visitors and Nativity Play (saturday message from Laura)
Today we had some visitors--white people-- that are from Atlanta. This couple- the Warner's- are taking over an orphanage in Kampala that requires new management. They just decided to do this a few months ago. The man is a pastor and the woman does consulting with artists in the US. They will spend 2 weeks each month here in Uganda supervising and providing for the orphanage. It was God's plan that they would meet Don, Beth, and Isaac today and get some good advice regarding financial decisions among other things. It is so amazing to meet people who are willing to give up "the good life" to see God's work done in other countries- especially here in Uganda where there is so much need. Please pray for them as they are just getting started.
Today we also made some real progress on the Nativity Play. Molly is working on costumes/props with a small group of children, Megan is with a group of children who will be singing Christmas songs between each scene of the play, and I will be directing the acting and scripture reading. I am very nervous about directing the show, but pray that it will all turn out well. The performance is next Saturday ( a week from today). We will have Bible clubs in the morning and practices in the afternoon. I'm sure I will be exhausted every day!
Last night I led a Bible study for our team, and hope to do it every night- I made the suggestion because I thought it would be good to have some team unity in the evening and pray together. We also did high's and low's of the day. Some highs for me: seeing the children sing, dance, and praise God every evening before dinner; watching them share the candy "sweets" that we bring for them- they will take even just the smallest piece for themself just to make sure everyone has some. And they hardly ever get candy! It was also a high to talk to Mike for 2 minutes yesterday- even though it was a $4 phone call. Thank you for your prayers. Much love to all of you!
Today we also made some real progress on the Nativity Play. Molly is working on costumes/props with a small group of children, Megan is with a group of children who will be singing Christmas songs between each scene of the play, and I will be directing the acting and scripture reading. I am very nervous about directing the show, but pray that it will all turn out well. The performance is next Saturday ( a week from today). We will have Bible clubs in the morning and practices in the afternoon. I'm sure I will be exhausted every day!
Last night I led a Bible study for our team, and hope to do it every night- I made the suggestion because I thought it would be good to have some team unity in the evening and pray together. We also did high's and low's of the day. Some highs for me: seeing the children sing, dance, and praise God every evening before dinner; watching them share the candy "sweets" that we bring for them- they will take even just the smallest piece for themself just to make sure everyone has some. And they hardly ever get candy! It was also a high to talk to Mike for 2 minutes yesterday- even though it was a $4 phone call. Thank you for your prayers. Much love to all of you!
Visitors and Nativity Play
Today we had some visitors--white people-- that are from Atlanta. This couple- the Warner's- are taking over an orphanage in Kampala that requires new management. They just decided to do this a few months ago. The man is a pastor and the woman does consulting with artists in the US. They will spend 2 weeks each month here in Uganda supervising and providing for the orphanage. It was God's plan that they would meet Don, Beth, and Isaac today and get some good advice regarding financial decisions among other things. It is so amazing to meet people who are willing to give up "the good life" to see God's work done in other countries- especially here in Uganda where there is so much need. Please pray for them as they are just getting started.
Today we also made some real progress on the Nativity Play. Molly is working on costumes/props with a small group of children, Megan is with a group of children who will be singing Christmas songs between each scene of the play, and I will be directing the acting and scripture reading. I am very nervous about directing the show, but pray that it will all turn out well. The performance is next Saturday ( a week from today). We will have Bible clubs in the morning and practices in the afternoon. I'm sure I will be exhausted every day!
Last night I led a Bible study for our team, and hope to do it every night- I made the suggestion because I thought it would be good to have some team unity in the evening and pray together. We also did high's and low's of the day. Some highs for me: seeing the children sing, dance, and praise God every evening before dinner; watching them share the candy "sweets" that we bring for them- they will take even just the smallest piece for themself just to make sure everyone has some. And they hardly ever get candy! It was also a high to talk to Mike for 2 minutes yesterday- even though it was a $4 phone call. Thank you for your prayers. Much love to all of you!
Today we also made some real progress on the Nativity Play. Molly is working on costumes/props with a small group of children, Megan is with a group of children who will be singing Christmas songs between each scene of the play, and I will be directing the acting and scripture reading. I am very nervous about directing the show, but pray that it will all turn out well. The performance is next Saturday ( a week from today). We will have Bible clubs in the morning and practices in the afternoon. I'm sure I will be exhausted every day!
Last night I led a Bible study for our team, and hope to do it every night- I made the suggestion because I thought it would be good to have some team unity in the evening and pray together. We also did high's and low's of the day. Some highs for me: seeing the children sing, dance, and praise God every evening before dinner; watching them share the candy "sweets" that we bring for them- they will take even just the smallest piece for themself just to make sure everyone has some. And they hardly ever get candy! It was also a high to talk to Mike for 2 minutes yesterday- even though it was a $4 phone call. Thank you for your prayers. Much love to all of you!
Friday, January 5, 2007
Hello from Beth
Hello everyone!
I was going to wait until tomorrow to write but decided to take advantage of having both electricity and Internet since this is the first time we have had Internet and we have lost power every day. It is so wonderful to be back with our Canaan family!!! We were even greeted with some hugs when we arrived after midnight Tuesday. There were lots more hugs, of course, on Wednesday. I cannot adequately express the joy of seeing these beautiful faces that are so glad to see us--and the joy I have in seeing them once again. They are growing and changing lots. Some of the children have changed a lot and many we recognized right away. In past years our days have been more strictly scheduled with conferences, and the children have been in school until evening. It is wonderful to be here with them when they are on break from school. We watch them doing their chores in the morning and then spend lots of time with them throughout the day. Laura is a natural with the children. She is learning the names quickly and is obviously gifted as a teacher. Tim also fit right in with the children from the first day. Some of the boys ran up and grabbed his hands and off they went! He has been playing lots of soccer and has been working with them on the staff building and carpentry building: tossing bricks and hauling sand. The children remember Papa Don very well. I think they started laughing when they saw him before he even started doing funny things for them. He always makes them laugh, sometimes when he tries to pronounce Lugandan words and sometimes by tickling them or just making funny sounds. It is such a joy to hear all the laughter from these joyful children. The children were all running to see Molly and Megan--this is their fourth visit to Canaan. Most of the time they have lots of children sitting next to them or on their laps, often braiding and playing with their hair. They just want to be with us, no matter what we are doing.
We have had several rain showers. We were able to see how the water is channeled down to the water tanks and yesterday we saw a beautiful double rainbow! God was so wonderful to give us such a beautiful reminder of His promises. With no power last night, the stars were an incredible sight!
I could go on and on but will stop for now. Taylor, thank you for your messages. We love and miss you, too! Would you email Scott and give him the blogspot in case he wants to check it out? Scott, in case you read this, Barbara and Betty have asked about you and Taylor. Dad, I gave Isaac your Arcay calendar and he was thrilled with it. He asked about you and Mom. Thanks to all of you who have written notes to us. As you can tell, we are doing very well. Love to all of you, Beth
I was going to wait until tomorrow to write but decided to take advantage of having both electricity and Internet since this is the first time we have had Internet and we have lost power every day. It is so wonderful to be back with our Canaan family!!! We were even greeted with some hugs when we arrived after midnight Tuesday. There were lots more hugs, of course, on Wednesday. I cannot adequately express the joy of seeing these beautiful faces that are so glad to see us--and the joy I have in seeing them once again. They are growing and changing lots. Some of the children have changed a lot and many we recognized right away. In past years our days have been more strictly scheduled with conferences, and the children have been in school until evening. It is wonderful to be here with them when they are on break from school. We watch them doing their chores in the morning and then spend lots of time with them throughout the day. Laura is a natural with the children. She is learning the names quickly and is obviously gifted as a teacher. Tim also fit right in with the children from the first day. Some of the boys ran up and grabbed his hands and off they went! He has been playing lots of soccer and has been working with them on the staff building and carpentry building: tossing bricks and hauling sand. The children remember Papa Don very well. I think they started laughing when they saw him before he even started doing funny things for them. He always makes them laugh, sometimes when he tries to pronounce Lugandan words and sometimes by tickling them or just making funny sounds. It is such a joy to hear all the laughter from these joyful children. The children were all running to see Molly and Megan--this is their fourth visit to Canaan. Most of the time they have lots of children sitting next to them or on their laps, often braiding and playing with their hair. They just want to be with us, no matter what we are doing.
We have had several rain showers. We were able to see how the water is channeled down to the water tanks and yesterday we saw a beautiful double rainbow! God was so wonderful to give us such a beautiful reminder of His promises. With no power last night, the stars were an incredible sight!
I could go on and on but will stop for now. Taylor, thank you for your messages. We love and miss you, too! Would you email Scott and give him the blogspot in case he wants to check it out? Scott, in case you read this, Barbara and Betty have asked about you and Taylor. Dad, I gave Isaac your Arcay calendar and he was thrilled with it. He asked about you and Mom. Thanks to all of you who have written notes to us. As you can tell, we are doing very well. Love to all of you, Beth
We are here! (a message from Laura)
We have made it safely to Uganda! Our flights were very long and tiring, but no problems at all. We were so thankful to arrive safely. The past 3 days have been busy and fun. We were going to try to get on the Internet and post messages but the Internet was down- we're sorry if you were trying to hear from us! But now we should be able to leave a lot of messages. The children here are wonderful- so full of joy, smiles, and hugs. It really makes you feel like you are special. 'Muzungo (white person), how are you" is something we hear all day- they are so sweet! They love to play with our hair and skin, sit on our lap, and talk to us. They ask so many questions! I have been feeling well and sleeping very well- and the food is very good! Mama Rebecca cooks so well, and treats us very specially. Too bad I will probably not lose much weight! haha! I am really looking forward to teaching the children next week. I enjoy just meeting them and talking right now, but I really want to teach the things I have prepared. Earlier today I did a Bible study with the older girls (13 and older). It was on James 3 and it went so well! I hope to meet with them every day. There is so much love here, and I can see the joy of God so clearly. It has been a blessing. I miss you, Mike very much and I love you. I look forward to seeing you and my small group girls, and everyone else in a week and a half. The time is going very quickly (just as everyone said it would). Thank you for your prayers. God has done more than I have expected already! I will try to write more later!
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