Taste Testing

So we taste tested the food we are purchasing for our Christmas party....let me tell you that this party will be awesome!! We are doing some pretty cool things....watch for more. :)

We said goodbye to our National Director only to delve right into the next big tasks. We had a "short" staff meeting...but ended up being an hour and a half. We accomplished A LOT. So much planning and teamwork. Wow.

We did some splitting up of tasks. Mary went to find items to purchase for the program; Simon went to deliver cement, doors and windows; and Pato and I ran our first Vacation Bible School program.

This week we are focusing on four aspects of the birth of Jesus:
1.) Waiting for the Savior
2.) He is COMING!
3.) HE IS HERE!
5.) How will He save?

Today we looked at waiting for a savior and wanting to be saved. We looked at Isaiah 9:2 and are memorizing:
"Those who walk in the dark will see the light; Those who live in a dark land will soon see a light."
I shared a bit of my testimony on how I was in the dark for 23 years before knowing Christ. Then I asked some questions which I almost started crying when I was getting answers:
Q: How many of you have a lot of anger inside you want to get rid of?
A: Lots of hands
Q: How many of you get distracted and lose sight of what is right?
A: Lots of hands
Q: What do you want to be saved from?
A: From the bad things I have done.
A: From being angry

The hands that went up and the answers I got I really didn't expect, to tell you the truth. I mean, why should these kids, who have been through so much even remotely want to respond to my questions? Why would they want to take me seriously and participate....but they did. However, I am seeing how much healing they want. I see how much they want something more in their lives than what is right in front of them now. They want...no, they hunger for hope to be fulfilled. I really love them will all my heart.

Then we played tag. They have never played tag before. And the 7 year olds to the 17 year olds played and had a blast. I started out as the "it" but just couldn't catch them! Had to enlist some big kid help...PG for Opio Patrick Filda!! It was fun...we would have played another game excpet it....wait for it.....wait for it....rained. Yup. Rained. AI VI! So we sang and did some beating. Let me tell you - I really, really, really wish I had my djembe here....but regardless it is awesome to beat with the kids - I have new rhythm patterns, people!! :)

After we dismissed the kids, Pato and I went into the village behind the school to find Akello Sharon's uncle...the one who was interested in knowing more about Christ and wants to become a believer....so we went. He wasn't home so we turned back. On our way back I noticed an older man scooting across the ground by his lonely hut. He had a broom in his hand and was surrounded by goats and their feces that he was trying to sweep away. We said hello and passed. But then I felt the Holy Spirit tug at me....
I asked Pato if we could turn around and talk to the man. So we did.

We talked to him for awhile. Pato swept for him so the man didn't have to do it while being in the mess (eventually, Pato reemed out the boys who live with him for not doing it for the old man). I was able to ask the man what was his problem that he couldn't stand. His left foot was badly swollen and inflicted. He has tried to get treatment but nothing really helps. He is very weak. He looked like his skin was just stretched over his bones. His wife came and we ended up talking to her, too. We had a nice conversation (well, Pato did, I listened for the most part). When we were about to leave I felt the Holy Spirit again tugging to touch and pray over the man's foot. I asked if it was ok if I prayed over his foot. His wife said sure but she didn't really know if it would be ok cuz she is catholic. But she did know there was one God. So I quickly told her that if she believes in Jesus as her personal savior and that he died for her and rose again for her to have eternal life, then there is no problem. She kinda got it, but not really sure. But....Pato and I prayed and touched his leg. I felt a twinge of something in his foot - it felt like it was trying to make itself alive once again. Oh, do I pray it heals so he may be able to glorify and praise Jesus!! When we were done I could just seen on the man's face that he felt compassion, love...Jesus. :)

Pato and I walked back after that and talked. Then we headed to the school's office since it was going to rain...and it did. I am happy to report that I can read some Acholi...I am getting there folks!!! Pato and Godfred helped me reading today...I have to say, if I can see it and read it I can learn so much better.

I am excited for the rest of the week at VBS. I am excited for the Saturday Christmas program. I am excited for this library to be done. I am excited for more homes to be finished.

I am just so excited. :)