Better by the DAY

Had a great day Saturday relaxing and sightseeing!

Sunday I went to a great Church service with amazing worship!  I taped the service so maybe we can try some African songs at Parkwood!  We also did devotions on Sunday night with just the girls (my roommates) it was incredible.  7 girls from all over North America, from all different kinds of churches coming together for an in depth look into 1st Corinthians.  I love these girls and I know God put us all together for a specific reason.

Today was the best day yet!  I started back in the girls cottage!  I love every last one of them.  They are all beautiful with fantastic personalities.  A family from America showed up today, they have their final court date tomorrow to adopt one of the girls from my room.  It's bittersweet.  I know she is going to a great family who love Jesus and will give her a great life, but it's hard to see her go.

I brought lots of the twins clothes with me so today I brought them to the cottage.  Mama Lucy started dressing the girls in the new clothes but the were a few who didn't get new things.  They were starting to cry when I dug for more, and with the donations of another volunteer every girl got new clothes.  Their smiles are priceless!

I also got to spend my lunch hour with Hope, I don't know how I will be able to leave her here.  She stole my heart!  Look at that face!!

Week 1

Just finished week 1...  I was fortunate enough to spend the 1st 3 days in the nursery.  Those babies are so amazing.  I seriously would bring every last one of them home with me if there was a way for me to do so without landing in jail.  :)  

So I did my Bible study on Thursday morning before work and had a good prayer time.  God reminded me that I won't always get my own way and that he will put me outside of my comfort zone to allow me to grow.  
AND THAT HE DID.....  
I got transferred into one of the boy cottages ages 1-5 who are all quite spirited.  By 10 am I was ready to head home.  Then I prayed and again Jesus reminded me that none of this is about me, and that ALL these kids need love and attention; also He will never give me anything I cannot handle.  I worked Thursday and Friday in this cottage and then.....

Jesus kept His promise

I will be spending the rest of my time here in the girls cottage.  Which I love.  It's where I worked the last time I was here.  They are age 1-5 including 2 year old twin girls who make me a little less homesick :)

I will try to post photos another time, they are all on my facebook if you want to look there!

A glimpse of Heaven!

So I had my 1st day back!  It was AMAZING!!!

I got to work in the nursery.... you all know how much I love BABIES!!!

There were a few new additions since I left, including the youngest who is only 1 week old.  He is so precious.

Unfortunately I won't be working in the nursery as I am needed for another age group, but I will be sure to stop in on my lunch hour daily!

I'll post a few pictures so you can see how great this is.

I definitely think that when we get to heaven this is what it is going to look like!

Tina



Noah

Mercy

Anne

Hope :)

Me and Hope... She totally wants to come home with me!

I love you all, thank you for all the prayers!  I'll keep you posted!

UGANDA BOUND for the 2nd time!!!!

Wow, things certainly have changed.  As most of you know I returned home from Uganda January 31st as I was very ill.  After several trips to the emergency room, no one had any idea what was wrong with me, and I had no intentions of ever going back to Africa.  Finally, my test results came back and I was given the proper medication and was well on my way to recovery.  I had spoken with my insurance company about the possibility of me returning to Africa and at the time I was told that they would fly me back if I wanted to.
I was then informed that because of my illness, even with the letter from my Dr stating I was fit to travel and had no more complications, that the insurance company was unwilling to send me back.  I was beyond disappointed.  Then my mother (the mom of all moms) called for me.  She has a way with words!  Finally on the 21st I got a phone call that they had made an exception for me, and would pay for my return trip!  THANK YOU JESUS!!!
Needless to say I am running around like crazy with less than 48 hrs before I leave, trying to pack and get everything I need in order.  Making phone calls, cancelling appointments, and making sure that the twins have everything they need for the next 3 weeks!   

Throughout this entire ordeal, I have prayed and asked God for His will to be done, but I have to say I was so stressed, so worried, so anxious... Then I remembered the following Scripture.

Philippians 4:6,7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME

ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

HE NEVER FAILS!!!

The first week

I am having trouble upload pictures so I'll just tell you what has been going on.  I have been sick in bed the last 2 days.  Some sort of a cold.  It's not easy to be sick so far away from home.  I have to say I am missing some of the comforts of home like cold drinks and air conditioning.  It has been over 30 here everyday.  The kids at the cottage are amazing.  Now that they have found out that I am a nurse, I have been using my skills.  Doing HIV testing, and little things like Tylenol and cough syrup.  I am enjoying this aspect of my work.  I went to the Children's hospital the other day, it was so sad.  The babies are 3 to a bed, they are so overflowing with kids and not enough space or staff.  It's heartbreaking.  I promise to update you more soon when I am feeling better!  On a bright note I have lost 6 kg in the week I have been here!!

BABIES!!!!!

 This is Caroline and Josephine.. 2 year old twins.. Imagine that. 

This is Alima she is one of the older girls in the cottage.  When she prayed at lunch my 1st day she said Fold our hands, close our eyes, thank you for the Mama's, thank you for the Aunties, thank you for the New Auntie.. That's me!! Thank you for the food Amen!

This is the wall in the girls cottage!!

This is one of the girls rooms

These are 1-2 year old boys eating their breakfast.  No complaints, so well behaved.  They sit in a circle, pray then eat!

The aftermath of lunch.  What a mess!

Playing outside !

 This is the interior of the boys room

This is the result of eating by yourself!! No harm done, they eat with their hands.. Easy clean up!!

The men are working on a playground for the children.  Waiting for all the funding :)

Colleen reading the boys a story before nap time.  They ALL sleep 1-3 no CRYING!!

Kristiana feeding Crystal

 So much laundry!!! SO MANY DIAPERS!!

The nursery.  Where I haven't had the chance to work.  Hope is SOOOO stinkin cute!!

All the boys having snack, pineapple and papaya

Finally here!!

I have to keep this short as the internet has been only staying on for a few minutes at a time.  My arrival was great.  I was up 30 + hours and then went to my 1st African church service!!! It was AMAZING!.  I felt like I was at my home church minus air conditioning lol.  There are 8 girls in the house where I am staying.  Everyone is so friendly.  I have a view of lake Victoria from my home.

I have to say it is incredibly hot.. WOW...

There are 6 of us in a room.  Here is a picture

Charlie (the director) and home owner drove me through town today and then surprised me with a visit to the baby cottage..  SO many Stinkin CUTE babies.  They call me auntie.. They all fought over sitting on my lap, and braiding my hair. Tomorrow I'll be sure not to wear shirts that can be yanked on and pulled down,, hehehe... and no more jewellery. 

I have no pictures from there yet as there were so many on my lap I had no chance!

I start work in the morning!

We work 9 - 6 ish..
I will be working in 3 different rooms over the next 3 days.  To find the best fit for me.  I think there is no bad room.. The kids are fantastic.  They cried when I left.  I promised to be back in the morning. 
I will update more as I can..
Love you
Thank you for all the prayers.

I thank God for this amazing opportunity...