Power

There is total power in Christ. In His name. In His Word. In His presence. In His Spirit.

And I bet you thought I was gonna talk about electricity power.

Counseling has been going really well. Still hard things to work on but people are smiling, healing, growing and desiring to be alive. I also feel like I have two more sisters and a brother - not just in Christ, but actual sibling love. Their names are Monica, Jennifer and Godfred. Goodness, do I love them!!! (Don't worry Bobby, you are still the best and no one could EVER top you or take your place - you are the BESTEST brother)

Today, while working with Godfred, I just kept on thinking how grateful I am to God that He heals. That memories no longer hold down His children. I thought of the things that once made me sink but now are no longer part of my destiny. I see that for Godfred. I actually saw him annointed by God, in white, reaching out to people, loving people, being a leader, being a light...Godfred is a man who walked in darkness but is seeing a great Light. Oh man, it excites me!!!!!

Still the first week of school, still being super tough on the kids. Three of our little ones, Oyella, Laker and Piloya, decided skipping class today was the right thing to do. They were told by ECM staff to get in and then by another teacher. Well, when it was time for the meal program at the church down the road from school, Ashley told me of this situation. Now, as sponsored children they are guaranteed at least one good meal a week. We are trying to fit in 5 days a week - so four are not mandatory per ECM. With the news of our little skippers, I made it a point to share with the whole group that if they don't go to school they don't get a meal. Sent the three of them home. They thought we were kidding and didn't leave - but they did. Made a point. If you want to eat, you must go to school. Told the parents and they were VERY upset with their children for skipping school and missing a meal and actually caned (spanked) them. Felt bad they didn't get a good meal, but then I want them to know that if they don't work hard at school they won't be able to provide food for themselves. Hard, yes...but needed. I don't play with children.

Parents need to know these things too. I am seeing a GREAT need for parent education and guidance on how to raise children. Also, a big need for marriage counseling/support.....

On a super cool note, little Okema is totally digging learning!! In just two days he has mastered in writing and recognizing A, B, and C. And this kid NEVER saw the alphabet before or even held a pencil!! How cool is that? Super neat thing is that his behavior has drastically improved. He just needed something good to do. Or maybe eat some good food everyday. Or get hugs. Or just be loved....and he is.

Things are done sooooooo differently here. Like for instance, if a drunk man cuts in front of your vehicle, it is totally acceptable to pull over, yell at him and then slap him twice. Why? "Because that is the only way people learn here" Yup, that is what was told to me. Or how about this: you tell someone, no you guarantee someone, that something will be done at a certain time...but then it isn't. I actually sat in the car laughing and crying at the same time just saying over and over "I just don't understand!" Seriously, laughing and crying, and hands on my head. I just don't get it!

As I tell Ashley, "Welcome to Uganda!"