Ready, Get Set, Go!

I can't believe that after months of praying and planning we are actually leaving for Uganda this week!  Bags, are packed, malaria pills have commenced, children have been safely delivered into grandparents'/aunties loving arms, husband has kindly listened to the numerous "just in case" lists and soothed last minute jitters.

We celebrated Father's Day a little early, by the way if any of you local friends see my husband at church Sunday would you give him a giant bear hug from us?

One of my favorite bloggers shared this in one of her posts before leaving for Uganda:

"Fear COULD creep in if I allowed. I could be worried about leaving my children, my husband, and just WHAT if everything falls apart?!? I know that satan wants MORE than anything for me to be anxious. THEREFORE, I will not go there"
Such comforting, wise advice, thank you Suzanne!

One of my beloved fellow travel companions shared this with our Sunday School class, would you pray for us too?

PRAYER GUIDE:

• Protection ~ The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
• Safety and Travel Mercies (for flights to be smooth and on time…for luggage to not be lost…that we would find our way…) ~ For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11
• Health (specifically for the heat...we will be there during the dry season, odd smells that could turn our stomachs, that no disease or illness would come near us…) ~ I will bring health and healing…I will heal My people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. Jeremiah 33:6
• Rest ~ for jet lag. Uganda is 7 hours ahead of U.S. time and it is a long flight, 22 hours!! ~ The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
• Provision for our every need ~ GRACE ~ for all the details that He knows fully and we know in part ~ And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
• Strength ~ Servant’s Heart ~ If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11
• Unity of the team ~ There are 18 team members from all over the US.  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5
• Compassion ~ To see Jesus in the ones we serve ~ The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Matthew 25:40
• For others to see Jesus in us ~ the aroma of Christ ~ …you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life… Philippians 2:15-16
• God-ordained moments ~ time spent the way He wants ~ Be wise in the way you act…make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5
• That our trip would count for all eternity, and have eternal value ~ If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 1 Corinthians 3:12-13
• Transformed lives (our own while we are there and afterwards at home, church, ministry, work…as well as the lives God impacts through us while we are there…) ~ And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
• The people of Uganda (the lost, the hurting, the hungry.)~ …I am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory. Isaiah 66:18
• For God’s purpose to prevail (that His will would be accomplished) ~ I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:10b
• For our families at home (for parents who worry for their children, for spouses who care for children alone, for children who miss their parent, for grandparents caring for our kids…) ~ I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

I cannot wait to share about our trip, about the ways so many of you have blessed this trip with your prayers, financial support, encouragement, childcare, donations of medicines, shoes, toys, the list goes on and on.

And to Kate and Ladonya,

my local friends who bravely and enthusiastically agreed to come with me,  it is so clear to me now how God was knitting together our team and that it wasn't just a fluke, but the Holy Spirit, when I asked y'all on a whim, "Hey you want to come to Africa with me, to stay I don't know where and (at the time) do I don't know what?" All that y'all needed to know to say "yes" was that we'd be serving the orphans.  Y'all humble and amaze me with your faith.

I will try and share pictures and highlights while we are in Uganda.  Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Blessings,