Yesterday morning when we arrived at breakfast, Sister
Rosemary invited us to travel to Atiak with her. Atiak is the location of the
second St. Monicas campus. The drive there was pleasant and relaxing. God has
totally been looking out for Mishana and I. Each and every day that we are
supposed to travel, He sends rain to make the trips cooler. We are very, very
thankful for His many blessings!
After arriving in Atiak, we were just in time for the
midmorning dancing! IT WAS AWESOME! I wish that I was semi talented in that
area … I will upload pictures of the dancing on Facebook later, so be sure to
check them out! The cutest part of the whole dancing episode was when Sister
Rosemary joined in with the girls. Her love for people and her love for life
are CONTAGIOUS! It brings a smile to my face just to think back on her dancing
out there. Oh, and she got Mishana to dance with her. It was pretty neat but that
white girl ain’t got no rhythm! But I was so proud of her for putting herself
out there!
On the way back from Atiak, Mishana and I were attempting to
make pop tab bracelets in the car … Not our best idea! We got very, very car
sick. And it ended up lasting for the rest of the day even after we got back on
solid ground. Let’s just say that we won’t be trying to make bracelets in the
car EVER AGAIN!
While here at St. Monicas, we are helping in the daycare
during the morning classes. Mishana is the “Top Class” which is the oldest
students (probably 5-6 years old) and I am in the “Middle Class” with (3-4 year
olds). People, there is a reason that I am a Secondary Mathematics Major … but
I am still learning a lot about classroom management and interacting with
students.
Today as I was sharpening my 50th pencil, I was
reminded of the book I am reading “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp. I am
only on chapter two but I was reminded of a section that discussed how we are
blinded and distracted from the everyday gifts from God because we are stuck in
our routines. Ann encourages the reader through her own experiences to sit
back, be aware, open our eyes to His gifts, and THANK HIM FOR THOSE! So as I was
sitting there sharpening my pencil, I did just that. I thanked Him for the
opportunity to get to sit in a classroom with 45+ children who were writing
down their numbers and letters. Thanked Him for the laughter, joy, and giggles
coming from those sweet little kids. Thanked Him for all the snotty, muddy hugs
that I have received. Yes, I am overwhelmed and exhausted by the end of the day
from all the jumping, pulling, grabbing, running, and yelling … BUT I really do
love these kids and am so very grateful for this experience.
It has been really neat to watch Mishana interact with the
young ladies and children here. I am pretty proud of her willingness to get up
early in the morning and cook breakfast with Rachel and Asunta every morning. I
can’t wait to see how Mishana will use these mornings to spread His love.
Speaking of Mishana, I have asked her to share on the blog some
of her thoughts and reflections on what God is doing in her heart. She says, “The
moment that I stepped off the plane and felt that hot Ugandan air was the
moment that fear stepped in. And I have found that every day all I can do is
trust Him and let Him guide me one day at a time. I am amazed at how different
the pace of life is over here. There is no planning, no agenda, no schedule …
it has been an adjustment! But my daily devotional has been discussing the
importance of drawing near to Him and resting in His love each and every day.
It is a challenge to let go of control and lean on His love, but I go to bed
every night with a smile on my face and thankful that He is holding me in the
palm of His hand.”
We are doing well! Thanks for all the prayers!
Here are our
current requests:
-
A volunteer team just arrived today, please pray
that they will be the hands and feet of Christ while here for the next 2 weeks.
-
Physical and emotional health of the Sisters on
campus. I am amazed at their dedication to their work!
- That Mishana and I will continue to be open to
His directions!
No comments:
Post a Comment