Day 4 - Part 2 - A Glimmer of Hope

June 29, 2011

After leaving "M" we made our way to Royal Hope Academy in Kampala - a school started by a beautiful, young sister in Christ, Rebecca Sorensen ( http://myfathershouseintl.org/index_files/Page320.htm ).  What a contrast to the morning!!!  Our emotions went to the other end of the spectrum from our time at the prison as we were greeted by hundreds of well-fed, clean, happy, singing and dancing children.  It was BEAUTIFUL!!!

What a incredible time of worship!  God's glory was clearly revealed as we prayed...everyone aloud at the same time saying different things - but clearly ONE IN THE SPIRIT!!!  My heart was so full with love and awe of my Abba Father.  A wonderful blessing...

After worship, Rebecca arranged for those of us who are teachers to meet with the teachers of Royal Hope Academy.  Some of the same struggles and challenges as teachers in the U.S. but with less training and much fewer resources from which to draw... 

Our team had the special treat of going back to Rebecca's house (My Father's House) for dinner after our time at Royal Hope.  The Lord has led Rebecca to be "mom" to 16 children in her home, and they were so hospitable as all 22 of us filled their living room.  It was such a sweet time of fellowship - eating together, hearing Rebecca's beautiful testimony, painting little finger nails, and passing out flip flops to the whole gang ---all by candlelight since the electricity had gone out.  I loved it!  Thank you Lord for this wonderful blessing! 

By His grace and for His glory,

Stephanie

Day 4 - Part 1 - Broken

June 29, 2011

This was by far one of the most difficult, most emotionally-draining days of our journey.

It started with a visit to what is referred to as "M" - a rehabilitation center and prison where many children are sent.  Some are guilty of crimes, some are not...  (See www.sixtyfeet.org for more information.)  We knew that it was going to tough, but we weren't prepared for what was in store...

We shared cookies with the kids,

experienced a time of worship with them (and Moses from Sixty Feet) that was beautifully Spirit-led,

 and helped them decorate t-shirts. 

What we did not know before arriving at "M" was that 250 neglected children had been picked up off the streets of Kampala the night before we came and were brought to this very facility.  The possibility of diseases and sicknesses kept them from allowing us to see the children at first, but as they were "checked in" they came in one-by-one - some very young little ones included. 

Lost...scared...filthy...starving...sad...confused...half-naked...covered with sores...devastated

We played with all of the kids and loved on them for a few hours,

...but then it came time to leave.  As the team lined the inclined walkway to go, I watched the sad little guy in this picture make his way up through the group to find my friend, Doneva, who had been loving on him for the past few hours.  He did not want to let her go...a little bit of love speaks volumes, and he was desperate for more. 

It was an incredibly heartbreaking scene as I watched all of the youngest little ones follow us through the front building all the way to the bus trying to stay with us - craving love, safety, and security.  Telling them to stay back away from the bus was horrible.  I pictured my own children in the same situation, and it was almost too much to bear. 

Standing on the promises of God but asking so many "why" questions...

Stephanie

Day 3 - The Need to Be Loved Knows No Boundaries

June 28, 2011

Here is an excerpt from the one blog that I was able to post while in Africa.  It is referring to the 3rd day of our trip:

We went to a place (a remand home) in Kampala today where children who commit crimes, etc... are held while they await their sentencing.  There were over 150 kids - mostly boys and a few girls.  We spent time introducing ourselves, singing with them,

sharing the Gospel message, making salvation bracelets, and just hanging out.  

We were also able to share juice and a few cookies with each of them (food items that they don't normally get).  The kids loved getting their pictures taken, getting hugs, and just talking with us about our lives and theirs...God made us all with the desire to feel special and loved, and these beautiful children are no different.  

I'm sure they don't realize that they gave us more blessings than we gave to them today.

In my weakness...In His strength,

Stephanie

Days 1 & 2 - The Beginning to an Amazing Journey

June 26-27, 2011

After a 2 1/2 hour delayed flight in Dayton, Diana, Liz, and I made it in time to Washington D.C. to fly to Africa with our team.  We flew from Washington...

to Ethiopia...

to Uganda...

The 2-hour drive from the airport to Kampala was an experience that I will never forget.  I was not prepared for the level and enormity of poverty that I saw.  I was shocked and heartbroken.  I could only bring myself to take a few pictures, and I found it difficult to even speak as we moved along the long road. 

                         
Little did I know that this was only a small sampling of what my heart and eyes would see over the next few weeks. 

After a few hours of sorting all of the donations and craft items that we had brought...

I went to bed that night with images of ramshakled shelters, desperately tired faces, vulnerable children, and red dirt...lots of red dirt...swirling through my head.  My Heavenly Father had already started the process of peeling layers of blindness from my eyes - and it was painful. 

By His grace,

Stephanie

Home from Africa!!!

After 2 incredible weeks...we are safely home from Africa!  So many bittersweet emotions - thrilled to see and hug my wonderful husband and children but with a heart that is aching...trying to process all that I experienced...missing the precious people of Africa.

I was disappointed that I was only able to post once on my blog while I was there, but lack of time and Internet access were both issues.  As my African friends would say - that is just the way the Lord willed it!  His ways and timing are perfect!!!

After I get some much needed rest (and after my lost luggage finally arrives with my camera cord in it!!!), I am planning to create a post with pictures, etc... for every day that we were there.

My heart is so full - God made Himself known in so many ways over the last few weeks - He provided, protected, and opened my eyes and heart to His ways...I can't wait to share!

HELLO FROM AFRICA!

After a long 24 hours of travel...we made it - safe and sound!!!  Thank you, Lord!!!

Well, all I can say is that nothing could have prepared me for what I have experienced in the last few days.  It is a struggle to find the right words to describe or capture it all - I don't think it is possible.

The sights were overwhelming on the drive from the airport in Entebee to where we are staying in Kampala.  The level of poverty was really difficult to see - so many people who have SO little.  Such sad faces...so much need for the very basics of life... I wanted to take pictures to remember what I was seeing, but I ended up not taking very many because I was so taken back.  It seemed surreal.  It is one thing to hear about places like this - it is completely different to see it firsthand.  A portion of our team (not me) were escorted into town last night to exchange money.  The stories that they shared about what they saw were so hard to hear...

We went to a place in Kampala today where children who commit crimes, etc... are held while they await their sentencing.  There were over 150 kids - mostly boys and a few girls.  We spent time introducing ourselves, singing with them, sharing the Gospel message, making salvation bracelets, and just hanging out.  We were also able to share juice and a few cookies with each of them.  The kids loved getting their pictures taken, getting hugs, and just talking with us about our lives and theirs...God made us all with the desire to feel special and loved, and these beautiful children are no different.  I'm sure they don't realize that they gave us more blessings than we gave to them today.

Tomorrow we are headed to a facility where children (mostly boys) from places like we visited today go after they receive their sentences.  Pray that God's light will shine through the whole team and that they will experience the love of Christ.

My heart is aching terribly, but full at the same time.  Spending time with the children today was bittersweet.  Trusting that God is in control and His ways are better than mine...

I will try to post again soon. (The Internet is REALLY spotty and so we'll see!)  Thanks for your prayers!

(Check Facebook for pictures...hopefully - if I can get it to work!)

In His love and AMAZING grace,
Stephanie

Time To Go!!!

I can't believe how quickly this day has come!  At this time tomorrow, I will be flying over the Atlantic Ocean on a life-changing journey!

I wanted to share a brief (tentative :) ) overview of where I will be for the next two weeks:

• June 26 - 27 - Fly from Dayton, toWashington D.C., to Ethiopia, to Uganda
• June 28 - July 2 - Kampala & Jinja, Uganda - Minister to children - mainly boys - in three children's jails (SixtyFeet), My Father's House Orphanage, Pillars of Hope, Amani Baby Cottage, the Karamajong tribe, Amazima, and Return Ministries
• July 3 - Fly to Ethiopia and then to Nairobi, Kenya
• July 4 - 8 - Kenya - Minister to children at Hope Community Center Orphanage, Fiwagoh Orphanage (in Nakuru), and Grace of God Children's Home (in Eldoret)
• July 9 - 10 - Fly from Kenya, to Ethiopia, to Rome, to Washington D. C., to Dayton!

I should be able to post on my blog a few times while I am there...hopefully with pictures! 

What an incredible three months of preparation and anticipation this has been... 

From the first twinges of the Holy Spirit putting a burden on my heart for the children of Africa...
...to the clear opportunity that God put right in front of me to go this summer with my dear friend, Diana...
...to the way that He laid it on the hearts of my precious family and friends to provide the needed finances in a really big way...
...to the way that He sovereignly placed our missions team together...
...to the peace that He has given to me and to my family...

...this experience has drawn me closer to my Awesome Heavenly Father than I have ever been.  My understanding of His love has grown immensely, and I can't wait to show that love to the people of Africa!

In my weakness...in His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9),

Stephanie

I Need to Keep My Day Job!

Well, it is quite obvious that I should not take up blogging for a living since I haven't managed to post since May 8!  I have had good intentions, but life gets so busy!  ANYWAY...

So much has happened since my last post...God is providing, orchestrating, and moving in ways that continue to amaze me! 

First...My wonderful heavenly Father has laid it on the hearts of so many people to give, and the cost of my trip has been covered!  The offerings have been so abundant that I have even been able to redirect some of the giving to help another team member who is struggling to reach the goal.  Praise God!  He is so good!

Also...I have been encouraged by our teams' weekly conference calls and am enjoying seeing how God put us all together intentionally.  What a blessing it has been to hear how He is drawing His children together and giving this group of women (yes...all women!  Girl power! :) ) from so many states a fire and passion for showing His love and sharing His gospel with the beautiful children of Africa. 

One more thing...Diana, Liz, and I promoted a "Flip Flops for Orphan Friends Day" on May 25 for the 5th and 6th graders at the school where we work/attend, and God led the students there to bring in 121 pairs of flip flops for us to take to Africa for the children!!!  Here are a few pictures from the day...

The students are not usually allowed to wear flip flops to school, but they were allowed on that day if they brought a pair to share!

5th Graders!

6th Graders!

Flyers went home with the kids to promote the day.

121 Pair of Shoes for 121 of God's Beautiful African Children!!!

I can't believe that we will leave in just 3 1/2 weeks!  So much to think about and do to prepare...please pray that our entire team stays focused on the Lord and His Word - spending sweet time with Him each day.  I also ask for your prayers as I prepare for all of the events that will be happening for my family while I am gone...a trip to Michigan, youth camp for Brody and Aubrey, Boy Scout camp for Kevin and Brayden, Brayden's birthday, etc... 

Amazed by His love and grace,

Steph

"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him for their sake died and was raised."  2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Long Time No Post...

Well...so much for following through on the statement that I made at the end of my last post!  I said that I would share in a day or two, and it has been almost two weeks!!!  How does that happen?

I can't begin to express the blessings that came from the trip that Aubrey and I took to Montana.  It was a time of awe, refreshment, healing, and building of new friendships with brothers and sisters in Christ that I had never met.  How could I ask for more?  During the trip I was able to finish a book, For Love's Sake, by Jessica J. Davis.



In the book, Jessica shares a story about the first time that she experienced God physically heal a blind man while she and another girl prayed for him in Africa.  As the girls prayed, "gunk" continued to fall off of the man's eyes as they changed from very blue to brown and as he gained full sight.  It is an amazing story of physical healing, but my favorite part was when she said, "I am still not sure what the greatest miracle was.  Was it the blind man's miracle or my own?  I didn't know it then, but I was learning to see as well and finding out just how blind I had once been." (p. 47)

I too feel as if God has been peeling away layers of unbelief, doubt, and fear from my eyes so that I can have a clearer view of who He really is and who I really am in Christ.  I am in awe over the OUTPOURING of love that He has shown to me, and He is putting a new fire and hunger in my heart to pursue Him relentlessly in response to His love.  He is so amazing!

The upcoming trip to Africa is becoming more and more of a reality for me as our team has had two conference calls, and Aubrey and I had the opportunity to participate in a sewing party at the Perkey's home where we made dresses and blankets for the little ones that we will visit at the end of June.  It was a blast!  Check out Diana's blog to see pictures from the party... http://www.5walkbyfaith.blogspot.com/

Please pray for unity and wisdom for our team as we prepare and as travel plans are made.  Please pray specifically for finances (as fuel prices have skyrocketed) and safety (as elections in Uganda may cause unrest). 

Thanks for walking this journey with me! 

In His love and AMAZING grace,

Steph

Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow!!!

I am sitting here in tears praising the Father above!  I am fairly certain that I am going to reach (actually God is going to reach through the obedience and generous love of others) the $2,000 goal that was due to Visiting Orphans today!!!  My heart is so full and overflowing right now!  I feel as if I can take a deep breath, know that He will cover the other $1,600 that I will need, and concentrate on praying for the upcoming trip.

To top this off, I received this news while sitting in the middle of one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been - the mountains of Montana.  Aubrey and I were given the wonderful blessing of coming out here for "business" - though it doesn't really seem like business at all!  I can't believe that He is allowing me to experience this breathtaking part of His creation now and then His beloved Africa in just a few short months.  It overwhelms me.  He is so good.

So, as I celebrate, I can shout from the mountaintops (FOR REAL!)...

"I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.  The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.  The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."  Psalm 121, ESV

Thanks so much to all who have prayed for me and/or given financially over the last few weeks.  As I shared with a friend earlier today, it is neat to think that the prayers and giving that you have offered may very well touch the little brothers and sisters that you will spend eternity with in Heaven.  You will know them by name!!!  How beautiful is His plan...

I will post later today or tomorrow about the book that I am reading.  It was written by a girl who has spent much of her life ministering in Africa...so much to share!

In my weakness...In His strength,
Steph

Moving Along...

Well, it is for real! I received an e-mail from Visiting Orphans today that said they received my application and that things are moving along. The butterflies in my stomach haven't stopped since I read it! :) They gave me info about Uganda and Kenya and what I should expect on my trip. I can't wait to read through all of it in detail!

The e-mail also indicated that I need to have a payment (or donations) of $2,000 by April 26 - one week from today! I know that my God is capable of providing, but please pray that I will continue to have faith and peace in this area.

Below is a story that I came across in my devotions this morning. Perfect timing, Lord...as always! I thought that I would share it. Enjoy!

The Road Of Life
At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong; so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was there sort of like a picture of a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.

Later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was like a bike ride, on a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't recall when he suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, it was rather boring, and predictable . . . It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew the exciting paths to take, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds -- it was all I could do to just hang on! At times it seemed like madness. He said: "Pedal!"

And by faith I did, although I worried and was anxious. "Where are you taking me?" He laughed, but no answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. When I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.

I didn't trust him at first to be in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it -- but He knows bike secrets. He knows how to make it bend and take sharp corners, how to jump clear high rocks, and how to shorten scary passages.

Now I'm learning to just be quiet and pedal. We go to the strangest places together. I'm beginning to enjoy the view, the challenge of the ride, as well as the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion -- Jesus Christ.

When it seems I just can't take anymore, I keep my eyes and faith on Him. He looks at me, with a big smile, and says: ". . . Keep on pedaling."

Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am Your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious hand."

Trusting Him and hanging on tightly,

Stephanie

First Steps

I woke up this morning and realized that today is the day. Today is when I will choose to fix my eyes on Jesus, step out of the boat, and walk on the water. You see, the Lord has been planting seeds in my heart for the millions of orphans in Africa for quite some time. My heart has been broken and overwhelmed by stories of children who are hungry, sick, and in need of simple life-giving hugs. They need the love of Jesus and the message of His Good News brought to them, and my heart is crying out to do just that! When I consider what my AMAZING Jesus poured out for me when I was lost and broken, His call to "look after orphans...in their distress" (James 1:27) seems like such a small offering for me to give - but one that He is clearly calling me to lay at His feet.


The tug at my heart has grown stronger over the last few months, but never did I think that He would ask me to go so soon. In the midst of transition and illness, I have been given the unexpected opportunity to go to Uganda and Kenya from June 26 to July 9, 2011 with my beautiful sister in Christ, Diana Perkey. She is co-leading the trip through an organization called Visiting Orphans. You can learn more about the ministry and this specific trip at http://www.visitingorphans.org/
Here is a video of Diana's first trip to Africa in March 2011:


Pure Religion: Uganda 2011 with Visiting Orphans from Jennifer Hanson on Vimeo.
Many questions have gone through my mind as Kevin and I have considered this. What will it be like for me to be away from my precious family for two weeks - especially during a time when Brody will be going to youth camp for the very first time? Will I be able to raise enough money to go in such a short amount of time? Will my health cause problems? Will my passport be ready in time? How will this affect our lives when I return? It would be easy for me to back down and say, "Not right now...maybe later," but I can't. Every part of me knows that I must step forward in blind obedience and say, "Yes, Lord! I will go. I will offer you you my five loaves and two fish to do with as you please."

As I move forward, I ask for your prayers. Please pray that I will stay healthy along with the other members of the team. Pray that hearts will be prepared to receive the love of Christ and that my heart will be prepared for what God has in store for me before, during, and after the trip. Please pray for my family. They completely see God's hand in this, but it will be difficult for me to be away for two weeks.

Also, as you can imagine, this will be a challenge for us financially. If you would like to contribute to the trip in any way, you can donate a tax-deductible gift on-line by following the steps on the top right-hand side of my blog.

If you would like to contribute but would rather not do so on-line, you can send a check (tax-deductible) to Visiting Orphans, P.O. Box 668, Nolensville, TN 37135. Please write my name and the trip date/location in the memo line.

I can't believe I'm doing this. Here we go, Lord! I'm all yours!!!

By His grace,

Stephanie