Whats Up

The sun is beating down here today! One of the locals told me that it is the end of rainy season, but that seems like a really fast rainy season but really I have no idea. But it is so hot out! The last few weeks have been full of quality teaching that have been extremely challenging and full of growth in my life. We have had two speakers from the United States come to speak and I have come having a very changed perspective.
I have really been shown how I need to really live in generosity and hold things with an open hand. When I came here I really thought that I would leave not ever wanting to buy things or ever spend money on things that I really don’t need. However, after living among the people of Uganda, I was somewhat surprised at the way that they would spend their money buying things for their own enjoyment. They would buy new cloths if they could or go to town and buy as sodas on a hot day. I was really wrestling with this because I know I have so much stuff that I don’t need and could completely live without. So far, it could still change, I personally feel like I really need to adopt more of a generous lifestyle. Not one where I shun things that I enjoy. That I don’t need. But that I need to hold it all with a completely open hand. If somebody needs something to give it joyously, if something goes missing that it will not effect my joy. And if a squeeze my hand tightly closed anyway it will slip through my fingers anyway.
I have also really been learning the difference between compassion and pity. No one needs someone to feel sorry for them, but rather someone who will carry their miseries with them with the intention of brining comfort. I have also really learned that we cannot wait to feel the emotional love for a person in pain. Waiting for this will only cause us to do nothing, when there is injustice we are called to stand in that gap. However, when the Lord allows us to feel how His heart breaks for everyone of His children is one of the most beautiful gifts, when He allows us to feel His heart and love for His people.
I am preparing to leave with a group of 14 people next Monday, the 12th, to do six weeks of outreach along the boarder of Rwanda. We will be working in two locations, Kabale and Mbarara. I am not yet sure if we will have any internet during this time so I wanted to let you all know as much as I know now and ask for your prayer covering. I love the team of people that I am going with! There are so many different talents present, including two amazing musicians; I am so excited about all the dynamics of the team.
We have not yet received for the churches that we will be working with the schedule for what we will be doing so I don’t have many details. Kendra, on of the girls on the team, and myself have both really had a desire to work with the young women in the area. We are preparing a conference type teaching for this age group in which we really want to try and show them their value. We will be incorporating an HIV/AIDS teaching, and pulling a lot from Captivating and The Bride Wore White. But really we just want them to be able to see how unique and valuable and loved they are. In a culture that from birth seems to set them as disadvantaged. I’m excited to see what is going to happen because we just know we are suppose to prepare our best and then let God do His will.

As you feel led to pray in whatever way here some things that have been one my heart are
+ That the Lord would prepare the way in the hearts of every soul that we are going to meet!
+ That the Lord would be breaking our teams hearts for the people and preparing us to be able to see and give what they need through Christ in us.
+ That we would be able to quickly learn how they learn. (that we would not force any of the ways we think things should be done, but that we could creatively share with them through their own culture)
+ only one of the people on our team speaks the language of the places we are going. We are starting to learn some of the words, but that we would be able to quickly pick up some phrases and songs. Just a quick ear for the team when it comes to language. Also that our message would not at all be lost because of language.
+ For unity within our team. That we could carry each others burdens and joys! And then we can really work in one spirit. John 17:21 (which really wont be hard because I love them all!!!!)
+ That we can show the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in His fullness and Glory

Thank you all so much for walking this with me and the team! I am so excited for what all that is going to happen and I am so thankful to be doing it with you all.
I love you so much!!