As we awoke and got ready for worship this morning, we couldn't help but think about the team in Soroti celebrating...the two turkeys they would be eating that we last saw running around the Teisengas yard ....Mandys pumpkin pies made from scratch...and the many reasons they have to celebrate and be Thankful. Today we give thanks for them and the many ways God is using them to reach the people of Uganda with HIS word and HIS love!
Day 3 in Soroti God answered prayers and allowed us to see HIM at work in the heart of a woman named Angelina. Angelina became blind at the age of 5 from chicken pox, but that didn't stop her; she has a HOPE that she is not afraid to share. We found her that day sitting on the ground in a small square room with 3 of her friends who are also blind. She began sharing her heart for the blind people of Soroti. Being blind in Soroti used to mean a life of begging on the streets. Angelina began reaching out to the blind in the community and mentoring them in how to live and survive being blind. While we visited with her, she read to us from the book of 1 Corinthians out of her braille Bible. I loved this woman, her spirit, her faith, her determination, and her love for others. She was such an encouragement to me and meeting her is definitely one of the things that stands out from our trip.
Josh Shaarda then drove us out to see the orange grove that the blind had planted all themselves with direction from Team Beyond. This grove now supports Charles and his family. Angelina encouraged Charles while we were there. She said to me on the drive back "their children need some new clothes...did you see them?" I thought, Yes...but how did she see them? She told me how the last time she visited, she brought Charles' wife some of her clothes because she needed something to wear.
We enjoyed lunch with the Shaardas. We really had a wonderful time with them and their kids. There is a picture above of Chloe and Lydia reading at their home and a pic of how you get to use your creative brain in Africa.....when you can't buy weights, you make them!
We spent our evening with the Tiesinga family...having dinner, touring their neighborhood, and since it was a power out night we got to talk together with candle light. It was great seeing them again and seeing how well their family is doing and adjusting to life in Uganda. They have been there about 8 weeks now and have children close in age to ours...so it has been very helpful talking with them!
It was this night that God gave us Daniel 6. Daniel and the Lions Den...a story we all know, right? Well, it came alive to us in a whole new way. We were both wrestling with God..knowing He'd led us to this place...but both of us battling so many fears. Daniel was surrounded by hungry lions and yet God provided safety for him. He reminded us through this verse that He is sovereighn over all in our lives..right down to the number of our days. The hard thing in Africa...is I don't feel in control of my safety, I have to trust HIM more. In the states, it is much easier to 'feel safe' because the doctor is a call or drive away, there are no cobra snakes, I'm not responsible for my childrens education, and the list goes on. But in reality, in the states, Cancer still happens, Auto accidents happen, Break ins....etc. Chris said to me, what was it that Daniel was doing when he was thrown into the den of lions? He was in PRAYER and he did it 3 times a day. We realized it doesn't matter where we are, but who we trust. Bad things happen everyday, everywhere, but do we trust HIM enough to know whatever comes our way....He is in control....even if someday we end up in a den surrounded by hungry lions? (or cobras)
Happy Thanksgiving!
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