Sunday, July 31, 2011

Powerful Images

I'm at a loss for words right now as far as how to summarize Joshua's time in Uganda. I think it's safe to say, however, that it was a life changing trip for him (and me too for that matter, even though I wasn't there- I truly feel changed and blessed by his experience!) At this point I think he's just processing through all the heart breaking images he saw, the sweet conversations that occurred, and the emotional burden on his heart to do more. I'm totally engrossed in all his stories and find myself unknowingly smiling as I hear him talk, excited for what God is doing in our life and so very proud to be his wife. He shares how he experienced God in unique and amazing ways with eyes full of tears. He'll be the first to say that he's a changed man from this trip. 

I've been going through Joshua's pictures and starring at every little detail. Soaking in the images that captivate such a stark difference of beauty and poverty, joy and hopelessness. I'm not sure what to make of it all yet, and I don't think Joshua knows either. I guess it's all just part of processing it all. Regardless, we're impacted in a profound way. 

I thought I would leave you with some of the powerful images that the team experienced first hand, so you too, could ask yourself what God might have you do? ... You can listen to our new favorite song too while you scroll through the photos...




































Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Journey Home

The journey home for my man is just about under way! It's almost 11pm here making it 7am there in Uganda and the team has probably already crawled out of bed and begun their day! This morning they will wrap up the Pastor's Conference that they've been teaching for the past 3 days, grab a sack lunch, throw their luggage in the van, and then begin their trek back to the airport in Kampala (about a 2 hour drive from Jinja)! It's at this point that I realize just how crazy long the travel is to Uganda- because although he is "technically" coming home today- he doesn't arrive in Dallas until 1:30pmish until Friday- and that's with gaining 8 hours coming home! C-R-A-Z-Y! Honestly, the whole time difference just confuses the heck out of me! All I know is... Friday afternoon is going to be a good day for Jude and I- daddy will be home! Wahoo! 

It's getting late and I'm exhausted, so while I have so much to share about how amazing the past several days for Joshua have been.... there is no way I can sum it up real quick and make it to bed before midnight! So... I'll leave you with more pictures that the team has been posted on facebook- and let the photo's speak for themselves! Truly, I am so excited to hash through all the details of the trip with Joshua when he gets home and is really able to process through all that he has experienced! No doubt, this has been a life changing trip for him! He's insistent that I go on the next trip, which is January! So we shall see!!! 


The PTCC team and the Bishop and his wife

Joshua teaching at the conference

More teaching- clearly his gift... and NOT mine! (o; 

Giving his testimony at a remote church this past Sunday

Sunday church

Precious child. The ladies visited Food for Children and this is one of the children that is there.

A common site


The ladies at Food for Children, an amazing ministry!

Quite possibly one of the cutest babies ever!

I wonder what he thinks of American kids consumed with what they're going to wear to school?!

Powerful image to me.


Saturday, July 23, 2011

Amazima (means "truth" in the Lugandan language)

I thought I would share some more pictures with you that were posted on the Uganda 2011 Facebook just a bit ago from the team's time in Jinja today working with a truly incredible ministry run by a young girl named Katie, Amazima! They were able to participate in Amazima's Community Outreach feeding program, packing lunches for over 300 kids! Joshua and I weren't able to keep our Skype connection today because I guess electricity has been on and off there all day (no surprise, this is a common thing in Uganda) and they're running on back up generators. However, for a couple of precious minutes we were able to connect and I was able to see a spark in Joshua's eye and a passion in his voice for what he had experienced today! Despite the awkward delay where our voices weren't matching up with our mouths moving and the fact that we kept interrupting each other because of it... one thing was clear... my hubby experienced our Heavenly Father in a unique way today!  I walked away from our conversation knowing one thing is for certain, Joshua's heart is being stirred for far greater things! Please pray for Katie and the work she is doing in the lives of so many precious Ugandan people, both young and old! Please pray for continued clarity and wisdom for Joshua and he processes through this trip and all that God is doing in and through him! Please pray that, while we know this trip is just another piece to the puzzle that God is putting together in our lives, ultimately, as a family we would seek God above all else and have the courage to live our lives in reckless abandonment for His names sake!  Thank you for your prayers, we truly are forever grateful! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves! Enjoy! 















Friday, July 22, 2011

Pictures Speak

Sometimes pictures speak louder then words.... The time at Kamiringisia, my husband was left speechless.

Lovin' on kids & praying for them
This particular boy asked that Joshua pray for knowledge so he does well in school. Sweet child. 

The faces of God's children

Lining up outside for the items our team brought for them

Where the kids hang out during the day


Please continue to pray for these children. I first heard of Kampiringisa in February at an adoption retreat, I would have never thought that 5 months later my husband would actually be there, seeing with his own eyes, what broke my heart through a documentary! Only God. If you think of it, please pray for Joshua and the rest of the team as they process through all that they are experiencing.

I've been blessed to Skype with my hubby every day and catch a glimpse of the amazing work God is doing in and through the entire team! Truly incredible!