Worshiping our Lord in dance!

I am so thankful to be able to dance with my girls!  Praising the Lord with them is a blessing.  We came up with The dance to What a Beautiful Name then the girls did No Longer Slaves.  I am so proud of the gifts they are using for God.

I love God's Church

A couple weeks ago we were invited to come to another church in another village a few miles from our house.  There were actually three churches joined together that day to celebrate the roofing of the church.  It was a celebration!  I loved their music with all the local instruments!  It is so beautiful.  Thumb pianos are my favorite.  We were impressed that even with the kids choir the children played the instruments.  I just love the expressive joyful worship here.  The people walked to church in the rain and mud, they live in poverty, most were sitting on the dirt floor in the church...yet they praised the Lord!  I continue to learn circumstances shouldn't dictate my worship, joy and praise.  No one is looking at their watches or wondering what time it is.  The Spirit leads.

They made us feel like honored guests which can be hard to handle, but they truly want to welcome their guests.  We were touched by their appreciation and hospitality.  We were even showed with gifts as we left.  It is humbling.  They give generously out of their little.  I continue to be challenged by their true offerings which are a sacrifice.

It can be difficult to go to new places where people are not as use to us and our kids can be overwhelmed with stares and touches.  Our kids broke through that when they sang in Ateso and Josh introduced and prayed all in Ateso.  They loved it and felt we are one of them.  Our kids helped with hand washing and meal and after we ate played games with the kids.  Everyone was so impressed.

Josh preached and the pastors of the denomination who were also visiting saw that Josh has the gift of teaching.  They said their people need to know the truth he brought.  I am so excited to see what doors God is opening to disciple others.

I love God's church!

Our gifts!

Welcomed Guests

We were happy to have my Uncle Dave and Aunt Sue (actually my mom's Aunt and Uncle) come and be part of our lives and ministry in Obule!  Aunt Sue visited Uganda five years ago so we were glad to have her back and share Obule with her.  This is our day in Soroti where we went out for local food and to the market.

We visited Christ the Answer Primary School

Town market

A couple friends had our guests over for a meal

Dad and Dave got papyrus for me

Village market.  Sharpening our tools.

Aunt Sue loves to sew so we had fun looking at material.

We cause quite a crowd at market.

Worship

Walking back from church.

Uncle Dave is interested in woodworking so we brought him to meet the carpenter we use.
Dave was impressed with all he could do with his simple workshop and tools.

We visited Adiama a blind man who received an orange orchard about 8 years ago.

Adiama was so glad we visited and of course blessed us with oranges.

Our week together went too quick but we have to share with my sister too (in Uganda). 
On their way out we stopped by Sipi Falls.  It was beautiful as always.

Can you see all three falls?

One last bonus picture of a beautiful Obule sunset - God's artwork!

Thank you for coming Uncle Dave and Aunt Sue!  You came as learners.  You asked great questions, you were flexible, you engaged with people, you wanted to experience our real lives and the ministry, you tried new things...Your heart for the Lord and love for His kingdom was evident.  Thank you for being a part of the prison ministry, encouraging Josh in his teaching, and loving our family.  The kids loved that you visited their friends with them and played games with them.  Thank you for blessing us by your visit.  We love you.