Well, I finally made it home...barely. I was sick the day we were leaving and had to give me another shot so I could make it on the plane. It was a long, groggy flight home!
After I got home, I felt ok Wed night. I woke up Thursday (my birthday) and was actually getting ready to go to work when that "feeling" came back. This time it was worse than when I was in Africa.
So, I found myself at the Doctor's office later that afternoon! What a birthday present! But, I did get the answer to what had been wrong with me. It wasn't the food, or anything like that at all! It was my gallbladder! I was admitted to the hospital thursday night, and had surgery on Saturday. The surgery went well and the doctor told me that it was no wonder that I was sick. It was time for it to come out of me!
Can I tell you how good I feel now?! I hate being in hospitals, but it was definitely worth it to get to the bottom of this. What a relief to know that I wasn't infected with some weird bacteria!
All in all, I am feeling good now. I am just sorry that I got sick when I did. It put such a damper on my trip to Uganda. But I am so appreciative to have had the opportunity to go!
Thanks for all of your prayers! The Lord moved and protected us all. I am so glad I was able to get home and get this taken care of!
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
DAYS 8,9,10
Day 8 - This was the last day of the conf We had tremendous services today. I spoke for about 20 minutes to he kids from Eph. 2:19-22 (we are fellowcitizens in the kingdom of God). They Lord had laid this on my heart before I left the US..that these kids need to seek what HE has for them, and not what they think will make their lives different or better (like going to the US, money, etc.). If they will allow the Lord to cause them to grow and mature into what He has for them, they can change the very face of their nation, the continent and the World. However, it all must be done by keeping their eyes on Christ and Him crucified.
Following my service, Debbie began to share her personal testimony of Salvation and how the Lord reached down and pulled her out of darkness. And from her Salvation would come that of her household. It was so powerful! When giving the altar call, she asked for the kids to come down whose parents were not saved....close to 70% of the kids came down! We can't fathom how hard it can be for these children to live in homes where the parents are not saved. many of them live in homes where witchcraft is prevalent.
Thomas had a powerful service next. After he and Shelia sang several songs, Thomas began to exhort the kids to be careful to what and who they listen to. There seemed to be a strong theme throughout camp exhorting the kids to have their own walk the Lord. When Thomas gave his altar call, hundreds of kids came down to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was awesome!
Marty followed with a hard hitting message warning the kids to watch out who they listen to. Because of the influence of the west, many of the Christians over here will just listen to any and every preacher from America...thinking it is of the Lord. Marty spoke a powerful message to them pointing out that you have to listen to what these preachers are teaching and see if it is of the Lord...and don't just accept it because it is from America! Powerful!
Brother Kayanja ended the conference finishing his series on Nehemiah and rebuilding the walls. I was very impressed with the services I attended with Bro. Kayanja. He spoke the Word...and that's what these kids need.
Day 9 - I was out of commission....again. Today was the only day we had an opportunity to get out and see the area...and of course I felt bad. So, I slept all day. I love the people that I have met here, and the Ugandan's in general. however, me and their food do not get along so well!
Day 10 - This day was historical! The women's ministry headed up by Jessica Kayanja, Girl Power, hosted a day to show the heritage of the many, many tribes here in Africa. They had many of the people from each of the tribes here....but most importantly, they had all of the Kings and Chiefs present. If I remember what they said correctly, this was the first time they had ever been able to accomplish this! Remember, before Uganda had a government, this was the government and many of these tribes were at war with each other. It was quite regal.
As well, the President of Uganda attended the service and spoke. He has been the most instrumental force in changing the face of Uganda after Idi Amin. He was the one who allowed Christians to worship freely, has given women the opportunity to have positions of prominence in government, the community and in their homes. He seemed to be a very gracious and kind man.
Unfortunately, because the president was there, I was not able to take any pics of this day. I hate that! It was so colorful and beautiful! I am going to see if I can get some pics from the church!
Following my service, Debbie began to share her personal testimony of Salvation and how the Lord reached down and pulled her out of darkness. And from her Salvation would come that of her household. It was so powerful! When giving the altar call, she asked for the kids to come down whose parents were not saved....close to 70% of the kids came down! We can't fathom how hard it can be for these children to live in homes where the parents are not saved. many of them live in homes where witchcraft is prevalent.
Thomas had a powerful service next. After he and Shelia sang several songs, Thomas began to exhort the kids to be careful to what and who they listen to. There seemed to be a strong theme throughout camp exhorting the kids to have their own walk the Lord. When Thomas gave his altar call, hundreds of kids came down to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was awesome!
Marty followed with a hard hitting message warning the kids to watch out who they listen to. Because of the influence of the west, many of the Christians over here will just listen to any and every preacher from America...thinking it is of the Lord. Marty spoke a powerful message to them pointing out that you have to listen to what these preachers are teaching and see if it is of the Lord...and don't just accept it because it is from America! Powerful!
Brother Kayanja ended the conference finishing his series on Nehemiah and rebuilding the walls. I was very impressed with the services I attended with Bro. Kayanja. He spoke the Word...and that's what these kids need.
Day 9 - I was out of commission....again. Today was the only day we had an opportunity to get out and see the area...and of course I felt bad. So, I slept all day. I love the people that I have met here, and the Ugandan's in general. however, me and their food do not get along so well!
Day 10 - This day was historical! The women's ministry headed up by Jessica Kayanja, Girl Power, hosted a day to show the heritage of the many, many tribes here in Africa. They had many of the people from each of the tribes here....but most importantly, they had all of the Kings and Chiefs present. If I remember what they said correctly, this was the first time they had ever been able to accomplish this! Remember, before Uganda had a government, this was the government and many of these tribes were at war with each other. It was quite regal.
As well, the President of Uganda attended the service and spoke. He has been the most instrumental force in changing the face of Uganda after Idi Amin. He was the one who allowed Christians to worship freely, has given women the opportunity to have positions of prominence in government, the community and in their homes. He seemed to be a very gracious and kind man.
Unfortunately, because the president was there, I was not able to take any pics of this day. I hate that! It was so colorful and beautiful! I am going to see if I can get some pics from the church!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Uganda Day 6
On this particular day, the enemy really came against the service. It was hard from the moment we stepped into the sanctuary. The sound equipment didn't work, the power went off and on and everyone could feel the battle.
Before our service, a group from Rwanda came and a gave a presentation (see pic). It was really something special to see.
Debbie had the main speaking time and the Lord laid a tremendous word on her hearts for the kids. It was to impress upon them just how great our God is...how much He has done and what He is able to keep doing.
In spite of the hindrances, the Lord is faithful! As Debbie concluded her service, Thomas began to lead us in "Oh The Blood of Jesus" and the Lord began to move. It was beautiful.
We stayed this day to hear Pastor Robert Kayanja (host of the meeting speak). Before he spoke, a choir began to sing and it was glorious praise and worship music! The Presence of the Lord swept through the Sanctuary. There was such humbling worship portion that you became incredibly reverent to the Spirit of the Lord.
I had never hear Pastor Kayanja speak, so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was not disappointed. He spoke a message on rebuilding the walls (Nehemiah)...but then he began to teach on Ephraim and Mannaseh. It was one of the greatest sermons on Grace of God I have ever heard. He spoke to the kids needs...where they are. He kept their focus on Christ...that they needed a relationship with him. I was truly blessed by this Message.
Day 7 - Well, let's just say round two hit. Not as bad as the first time, but I did find myself under the weather again. However, I heard from the Chacon's that Bro. Marty had a tremendous service and didn't pull any punches! Keep your eyes on Christ...not on preachers!
I am feeling better today (Day 8) and will be speaking a little later this afternoon. Be praying for me!
Before our service, a group from Rwanda came and a gave a presentation (see pic). It was really something special to see.
Debbie had the main speaking time and the Lord laid a tremendous word on her hearts for the kids. It was to impress upon them just how great our God is...how much He has done and what He is able to keep doing.
In spite of the hindrances, the Lord is faithful! As Debbie concluded her service, Thomas began to lead us in "Oh The Blood of Jesus" and the Lord began to move. It was beautiful.
We stayed this day to hear Pastor Robert Kayanja (host of the meeting speak). Before he spoke, a choir began to sing and it was glorious praise and worship music! The Presence of the Lord swept through the Sanctuary. There was such humbling worship portion that you became incredibly reverent to the Spirit of the Lord.
I had never hear Pastor Kayanja speak, so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was not disappointed. He spoke a message on rebuilding the walls (Nehemiah)...but then he began to teach on Ephraim and Mannaseh. It was one of the greatest sermons on Grace of God I have ever heard. He spoke to the kids needs...where they are. He kept their focus on Christ...that they needed a relationship with him. I was truly blessed by this Message.
Day 7 - Well, let's just say round two hit. Not as bad as the first time, but I did find myself under the weather again. However, I heard from the Chacon's that Bro. Marty had a tremendous service and didn't pull any punches! Keep your eyes on Christ...not on preachers!
I am feeling better today (Day 8) and will be speaking a little later this afternoon. Be praying for me!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Day 5 - Attending My First Service
Today was the first day I had the opportunity to attend service...and what an experience!
This week's event is a youth conference called the RIOT (Righteous Invasion of Truth) conference. The theme is "Bringing Back the Cross and Nothing Less". There are a few thousand kids who come from all over to attend these services...many of whom have no parents and are orphans.
The services basically start at 8:00 AM continue all day long. Brother Marty has been given a block of time each day to fill with singing, preaching, etc. Today we had the afternoon time slot.
When we walked into the sanctuary, there was already a sweet Spirit in the place. The Church has excellent musicians and singers and they were already rejoicing when we entered.
Roy testifed about his Native American heritage - and how it takes you out of the life of culture and into Life in the Cross. This is definitely something these kids need to hear...there were over 50 tribes represented in this one service.
In keeping with the same theme, Debbie began to share with the kids the need to find what their call in life is...and not to think the answer is found in the West, or in eductation or so many of the things they think will make their lives better than here. She shared a wonderful testimony of the missionary to China - Gladys Aylward
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/73.html. The kids seemed truly moved with this story of how the Lord uses us as we are to make a difference.
Thomas and Shelia Sloan, along with their children Mariah and Simeon lead the congreation in multiple songs, finishing with "Shout To The Lord." As they began to lead the congreagation in this song, the Spirit of the Lord moved mightily and it opened the paved the way for Marty to begin speaking. It was truly amazing how the Spirit just poured into the sanctuary with all of us singing and praising God.
As Marty began, he sang the song "Holy Ground' and all of these children seemed to know the song. The speaking from Luke 10:18-20, telling the kids the most imortant thing they can know, their "names are written in heaven." Without that, we have nothing to live for! Even Satan himself was once a resident of heaven, but he turned against the Lord. We have to ever keep our faith in Christ and His finished work to keep our names written in heaven!
It was a great day! It was also the first day I really was able to see the city. You can see some of the pics I posted today and see what conditions these people live in. We are very spoiled people in the USA.
As a side note...we ordered Domino's pizza tonight. Not the same!
This week's event is a youth conference called the RIOT (Righteous Invasion of Truth) conference. The theme is "Bringing Back the Cross and Nothing Less". There are a few thousand kids who come from all over to attend these services...many of whom have no parents and are orphans.
The services basically start at 8:00 AM continue all day long. Brother Marty has been given a block of time each day to fill with singing, preaching, etc. Today we had the afternoon time slot.
When we walked into the sanctuary, there was already a sweet Spirit in the place. The Church has excellent musicians and singers and they were already rejoicing when we entered.
Roy testifed about his Native American heritage - and how it takes you out of the life of culture and into Life in the Cross. This is definitely something these kids need to hear...there were over 50 tribes represented in this one service.
In keeping with the same theme, Debbie began to share with the kids the need to find what their call in life is...and not to think the answer is found in the West, or in eductation or so many of the things they think will make their lives better than here. She shared a wonderful testimony of the missionary to China - Gladys Aylward
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/73.html. The kids seemed truly moved with this story of how the Lord uses us as we are to make a difference.
Thomas and Shelia Sloan, along with their children Mariah and Simeon lead the congreation in multiple songs, finishing with "Shout To The Lord." As they began to lead the congreagation in this song, the Spirit of the Lord moved mightily and it opened the paved the way for Marty to begin speaking. It was truly amazing how the Spirit just poured into the sanctuary with all of us singing and praising God.
As Marty began, he sang the song "Holy Ground' and all of these children seemed to know the song. The speaking from Luke 10:18-20, telling the kids the most imortant thing they can know, their "names are written in heaven." Without that, we have nothing to live for! Even Satan himself was once a resident of heaven, but he turned against the Lord. We have to ever keep our faith in Christ and His finished work to keep our names written in heaven!
It was a great day! It was also the first day I really was able to see the city. You can see some of the pics I posted today and see what conditions these people live in. We are very spoiled people in the USA.
As a side note...we ordered Domino's pizza tonight. Not the same!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Uganda - Days 2,3,4 - A Total Blur
Day 2 - So, I haven't been able to write much about our trip to Uganda these last couple of days. The first full day we were here, we slept most of the time trying to catch up from the previous day. Very non -eventful, except I had begun to feel a little unwell.
Day 3-4 - I HAVE NEVER FELT SO BAD IN ALL OF MY LIFE!!!!!!! Words cannot describe how ill i found myself. I wasn't able to eat or drink anything for about 48 hours. Needless to say, I was in bad shape. However, there was hope! A doctor from the church we are working with agreed to see me. I was not ready for the location where went.
We ended up at the SAS Clinic in downtown Kampala...this is basically a 24 hour emergency care center. I knew we were going to see a Doctor, I had no idea that it would be in this kind of condition. The people working there did their best to keep the place as clean as possible, but there is only so much that can be done.
While I had become a little worried about the clinic itself, once Dr. Kamoga came in my outlook was much different. He and his nurse Kawii were awesome. After receiving numerous prics and pokes, and an IV drip i was feeling much better! Come to find out, I had some sort of bacteria infection. So within an hour or so, I was already on the road to recovery! Thank You Thank You Dr. Kamoga- you were awesome!
That's all for now. I'll post on day 5 later....the day of the living!
Day 3-4 - I HAVE NEVER FELT SO BAD IN ALL OF MY LIFE!!!!!!! Words cannot describe how ill i found myself. I wasn't able to eat or drink anything for about 48 hours. Needless to say, I was in bad shape. However, there was hope! A doctor from the church we are working with agreed to see me. I was not ready for the location where went.
We ended up at the SAS Clinic in downtown Kampala...this is basically a 24 hour emergency care center. I knew we were going to see a Doctor, I had no idea that it would be in this kind of condition. The people working there did their best to keep the place as clean as possible, but there is only so much that can be done.
While I had become a little worried about the clinic itself, once Dr. Kamoga came in my outlook was much different. He and his nurse Kawii were awesome. After receiving numerous prics and pokes, and an IV drip i was feeling much better! Come to find out, I had some sort of bacteria infection. So within an hour or so, I was already on the road to recovery! Thank You Thank You Dr. Kamoga- you were awesome!
That's all for now. I'll post on day 5 later....the day of the living!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Uganda Day(Night) One - Dec 5, 2008
After a long day of travel (18 hours), we arrived at the airport to find about 100 young people to greet us. There is no way to describe how friendly and kind everyone was! All with such gentle, warm spirits made a long day's journey worth it!
We arrived at 9:00 PM, so I wasn't able to see much of the city on the way to the hotel. However, we did land at the airport in Entebbe - check out the movie "Raid on Entebbe" for more info on that! On the way to the hotel, it was amazing to see how many people were out at night -- thousands of people. All just wandering from nightlife to night life.
I'll put more today after we get out! One neat thing happened...while at the airport, some other American's were driving away and yelled out the window "LSU!" when they saw my hat. Always a Tiger fan somewhere!
We arrived at 9:00 PM, so I wasn't able to see much of the city on the way to the hotel. However, we did land at the airport in Entebbe - check out the movie "Raid on Entebbe" for more info on that! On the way to the hotel, it was amazing to see how many people were out at night -- thousands of people. All just wandering from nightlife to night life.
I'll put more today after we get out! One neat thing happened...while at the airport, some other American's were driving away and yelled out the window "LSU!" when they saw my hat. Always a Tiger fan somewhere!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Uganda Trip
Hey everyone, I've decided to start a blog to let everybody know about my trip to Uganda. We are leaving on Thursday, so my first post should be on Friday (hopefully). I'll try to include pics from the services and outreaches.
I am really excited and pray the Lord uses everyone mightily!
I am really excited and pray the Lord uses everyone mightily!
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