tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37651341311482507092024-03-13T22:47:56.000-07:00Caring for the Least of These in UgandaOur journey as we serve God in Uganda.~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-69744836980550027242015-06-10T03:03:00.000-07:002015-06-10T03:03:48.753-07:00Top 10 Reasons you Know you are Raising a Missionary Kid in UgandaIn many ways it is such a blessing to raise children overseas. They gain a different perspective on life and gain unique experiences. We have been laughing about some of the things our kids see as normal.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>10.</b></span> You get to see African animals in wild. We occasionally see monkeys, bush rats and various exotic birds in our yard. You can also travel to a game park and see elephants, zebras, lions, leopards, antelope of different varieties, hippos, warthogs, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1124420494"></span><span id="goog_1124420495"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJx9uD_zjoU/VXMdukUMWzI/AAAAAAAABr8/NuCssRwrUDk/s1600/DSCF2294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJx9uD_zjoU/VXMdukUMWzI/AAAAAAAABr8/NuCssRwrUDk/s320/DSCF2294.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr8egldgjnU/VXMeIpNNpoI/AAAAAAAABsE/qOLZqvTVDX4/s1600/DSCF2358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr8egldgjnU/VXMeIpNNpoI/AAAAAAAABsE/qOLZqvTVDX4/s320/DSCF2358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">9.</span></b> Your kids talk in an Ugandan accent and say Ugandan phrases such as "slowly, slowly," "It is over," when the food runs out, and "It is paining me," referring to when something hurts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8.</b></span> One of their favorite breakfasts is the local porridge. It is ground maize and soy, not highly nutritious but at least it is non GMO ;).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">7.</span></b> They know how to ride a Matatu. Matatu's carry 15 passengers and are the closest thing to public transportation but they are very crowded and have no scheduled system.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. </b></span>When you go back to the US the kids are constantly asking if they can drink water from the sink, and are amazed that you can.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5.</b></span> When bra shopping in the local market your daughter knows it is abnormal for the bra seller to put a bra on over her clothes but you let her do it anyway. Janaya and I had a good laugh about this one! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.</b></span> Your kids play boda boda accident. Boda Boda's are motorcycle taxis.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MI82Ld_agSA/VXPTkCVAX2I/AAAAAAAABsY/l7Zk5qgDswI/s1600/DSCF2404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MI82Ld_agSA/VXPTkCVAX2I/AAAAAAAABsY/l7Zk5qgDswI/s320/DSCF2404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3.</b></span> Your kids play traffic police and even know how to try and ticket you for no reason.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.</b></span> They question every body of water. As we were siting at the doctors office watching Ugandan music videos one came on where people were dancing in a river. Eliana became quite concerned and asked, "Does't that water have diseases in it?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.</b></span> Your kids think worms live in your skin and in your belly, not the ground. One day while Cody and I were talking about worms (earthworms), Eliana asked if we were talking about the kind that grow in your skin or the kind that grow in your belly.~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-45416182373472085262015-03-03T22:19:00.000-08:002015-03-03T22:19:18.373-08:00The Gift of SufferingTrials, suffering, and pain seem to be a constant companion lately. Suffering is inevitable. All you have to do is wake up each morning and you will undeniably see/feel it. But some seasons of life seem to bring more suffering than others. What do we do with suffering?<br />
<br />
I remember when I first became a christian I was drawn to James 1:2-4. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing." I remember reading this scripture for the first time and being taken aback. We should embrace trials and find joy in them? This seemed contrary to my nature and the nature of man in general. However I have come back to this scripture time and time again, letting it renew my mind and transform my flesh. Despite memorizing this scripture, I recently realized that the pain I have suffered over the last several years has created a deeper fear. Fear of the next painful blow that life would bring. Scared of the next difficult trial that would happen. It was starring me in the face and I couldn't even see it. All the while God is trying to teach me how to embrace it to grow. Trials were creating more fear when they were suppose to be establishing steadfastness and joy. Then in the midst of my angst, God showed me John 15 in a new light, revealing the joy of suffering. The importance of abiding (accepting) in Jesus. The result that when we abide in the branch He will prune the branches that are not needed (thank goodness, who wants those nasty branches that wreak of self?), and then grow fruit for His glory (vs. 8), which will then bring joy. Pain is refining me into something greater. Something that can not be destroyed, that man can not take away. This is where joy resides, this is the gift of suffering. ~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-17430931444371339682014-09-20T05:14:00.000-07:002014-09-20T05:25:05.220-07:00Human DepravityI have seen human depravity in a different light this week. Actually it was dark, in the shadow. My emotions have been all over the board and I am still picking up the pieces of it all. Through different stories we found out that one of the girls that often comes to our school was being sexually trafficked by her mom. She is 11 and doesn't even reside with her mother but is rather homeless, and paid less than a dollar a night, beaten if she doesn't produce the money. A punch to my stomach and sleep was fleeting. Questions came...why?...why would a mother do that her child? Why do men find this okay? The flesh can make us do revolting, reviling things. Something has gone wrong with humanity, it is heinous, we are heinous. I will never look at a rainbow the same.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The morning I went to get E out of Kisenji the song Kings and Queens by Audio Adrenaline came on:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Little hands, shoeless feet, lonely eyes looking back at me</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Will we leave behind the innocent too brief</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">On their own, on the run when their lives have only begun</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">These could be our daughters and our sons</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">I know my God won’t let them be defeated</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Every child has a dream to belong and be loved</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Boys become kings, girls will be queens</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Wrapped in Your majesty </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">When we love, when we love the least of these</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Then they will be brave and free</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Shout your name in victory</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">When we love when we love the least of these</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">When we love the least of these</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #ccccdd;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It said so much of what I was feeling. It was everything I could do to not burst out in tears. Tears of anger, tears of joy, or sorrow, of so much. And then thankfulness poured over me. God lets me be a part of this. He leads me throughout the day. He helped me find an organization to rehabilitate her with counseling, education, love, discipleship, and more. I have a community of friends here that can help to provide supplies when I didn't have the strength or time to go shopping for her, and that would even go with me and help me sort through it all. For the body of Christ coming together. That she is safe. Suddenly my circumstances and problems seemed pocket sized. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Within the shadow I could see the light. It was tangible. It was at the foot of the cross. It is were I reconcile my own human depravity. It is where I find redemption. It is where I find forgiveness. May we take it to the darkness, and reveal the shadows with the light. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please pray for E. Pray that she wouldn't have a desire to run away. Pray that she would feel loved. Pray that we would have the compassion of Jesus, and that we would be able to minister to her mother. We assume there are more girls living like this so pray for us in this. Most of all pray that the Karamojong would be changed by the gospel, and that God would provide more laborers. </div>
~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-10047478994906755652014-09-10T04:22:00.000-07:002014-09-10T04:22:49.219-07:00Summer UpdateForgive me for the lack of updates. Do not have any great excuses other than writers block and summer break. I figure I could at least fill you in on what is happening in our lives at the moment.<br />
<br />
A lot has changed in the last couple months. Joshua turned 15 and is now living with some friends in the town we come from called New Castle in Colorado. He is going to school there (Freshmen) and playing soccer. This obviously is not ideal but when you live abroad that word "ideal" doesn't exist anymore. Cody is currently there with him getting him settled while reconnecting with some churches and sharing what God has been doing here in the last year (side note: a huge thanks to Church of Redstone, and New Hope Church for helping with travel costs). He has been gone 22 days and I have 15 more to go. It has been extremely hard to walk this journey of not having Joshua in our home and being a single parent for a time but God has been extremely gracious. We have established such a great community of friends that have become like family to us. Of course having Briana here has been a tremendous help, meaning I can leave the kids with her to have lunch with a friend, or attend prayer groups etc.<br />
<br />
Janaya (8th) and Samuel (6th) have started attending Acacia Classical International School. It is a new school and Janaya's class will be the first graduating class (That is why Joshua could not attend this school). They are quite fond of being around their peers. It has taken some time for me to adjust to the fact that I am not home schooling 3 of my children. Carter is in 4th grade this year and Malachi is in Kindergarten of which I am homeschooling both. Eliana is also enjoying doing a little school and her favorite thing to do is write letters. Azariah has done a good job of exploring and is on the brink of talking to express what he wants which will bring relief to us all, because he currently screams to express his desire or distress.<br />
<br />
Anyway that is what is happening on the home front.<br />
<br />
As far as ministry goes.....things are going well. Cody left John Lokwii in charge of the discipleship times twice a week while he is gone and they have been going great. Before Cody left he realized that 4 people have made a commitment to follow Christ since we came. Lokwii and Rosta are his main disciples who go into the 2 main slums where the Karamojong live and teach the Bible to them. Of course with this has come persecution and struggle but they are pressing on. Rosta has a desire to start a church on Sundays since there is no church for them in their language. We are excited to see where this goes.<br />
<br />
The school is going well too and we were thankful to have Erin Mulcare for some of the summer to help with teaching the kids and teaching the teachers. Briana has been the main teacher to lead the school and she departs in 2 weeks. She has been working with Lokwii and teaching him how to do it on his own. She has already started stepping back in some capacity to let him be on his own. His love for the kids and for his community will no doubt live on. As most of you probably know he is also living with us and after getting through some cultural difference we are living pretty harmoniously. We will be extremely sad to see Briana go as we have enjoyed watching her grow in God this year and also love on our kids as well as the street kids.<br />
<br />
The women that I have been discipling are doing as well as one could expect given their circumstances. One of the women lost her baby right after it was born bringing deep sorrow. There are 3 that have saved enough money to start their vocational training which will hopefully start up the beginning of October. I am pretty ecstatic about this. It is a pilot project and we are hoping that the women can begin working instead of begging on the streets. Another goal we are hoping this brings is that they will stop trafficking their children. Prayers here would be appreciated; wisdom especially.<br />
<br />
I feel there is more I want to tell you but I will leave it for the next blog. One of which is something we are going to start incorporating into the ministry. Stay tuned, as I promise not to go so long before writing.<br />
<br />
Pictures from the last couple months:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuXBUUQd9JY/VBAr9GoSE4I/AAAAAAAABOc/kZ54YjeTsBg/s1600/IMG_2969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuXBUUQd9JY/VBAr9GoSE4I/AAAAAAAABOc/kZ54YjeTsBg/s1600/IMG_2969.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cody, Rosta, Lokwii and Francis discussing Acts</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp6ZNb6Xr9A/VBAr6z7nDRI/AAAAAAAABOU/jZE5wxDbpuM/s1600/IMG_4473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp6ZNb6Xr9A/VBAr6z7nDRI/AAAAAAAABOU/jZE5wxDbpuM/s1600/IMG_4473.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Both of our cats had kittens within 2 weeks of each other. The kids have enjoyed having baby animals around. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPZEfHRL0NY/VBAr2Kb31-I/AAAAAAAABOM/WuURqvwT27w/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPZEfHRL0NY/VBAr2Kb31-I/AAAAAAAABOM/WuURqvwT27w/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunday, one of my favorite girls in Kisenji. She is so cute! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYzBRlpgmPo/VBAsQUPzNYI/AAAAAAAABOk/iQQBd0YcSpg/s1600/IMG_5003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYzBRlpgmPo/VBAsQUPzNYI/AAAAAAAABOk/iQQBd0YcSpg/s1600/IMG_5003.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our washing machine broke a couple days after Cody left so we were washing clothes by hand. We made it into a party. I put the kids in the tub and had them stomp around the clothes for the first washing cycle. Thanks to New Creation Church for donating a new washing machine! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31Eo_JjHZDA/VBAsS-TVUZI/AAAAAAAABOs/A9veddtE6H4/s1600/IMG_5024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31Eo_JjHZDA/VBAsS-TVUZI/AAAAAAAABOs/A9veddtE6H4/s1600/IMG_5024.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lokwii and the kids.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPpZeL0XH0I/VBAsV15fdZI/AAAAAAAABO0/ac3B5ExAbGg/s1600/IMG_9747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPpZeL0XH0I/VBAsV15fdZI/AAAAAAAABO0/ac3B5ExAbGg/s1600/IMG_9747.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Showing of the Jesus film in Kisenji. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjlJf1acQvA/VBAyK8jAECI/AAAAAAAABPE/GNWF7n5tmO8/s1600/IMG_0936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjlJf1acQvA/VBAyK8jAECI/AAAAAAAABPE/GNWF7n5tmO8/s1600/IMG_0936.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got a new puppy in hopes that it would distract Eliana from missing her dad. It has helped and we are excited to be able to have an indoor dog. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-54194669737542441192014-06-20T04:43:00.001-07:002014-06-20T04:43:29.806-07:00Opportunity to Purchase Art PortraitsI wanted to share an opportunity for you to have someone sketch a portrait of you, a friend, family member, etc, while helping a phenomenal artist in Kampala. His name is Kenny and he has become a good friend of ours. His talent for art is astonishing, and his portraits are incredibly life like.<br />
<br />
Prices are as follows for <span style="background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #404040; font-family: arial, verdana; font-size: 13px;">29.7 x 42.0cm, 11.69 x 16.53 inches</span>:<br />
Color portrait (one person in the picture) is $150 and $40 for each additional family member. Here is an example of a portrait he has done.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sipRNtpIowQ/U6LDlUAJ61I/AAAAAAAABK8/IqNTn9q0_O4/s1600/10389347_644838532267248_7826099116745210837_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sipRNtpIowQ/U6LDlUAJ61I/AAAAAAAABK8/IqNTn9q0_O4/s1600/10389347_644838532267248_7826099116745210837_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Black and White is $100 (for one person) and $30 for each additional person. Here is an example of a black and white portrait.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gd6CIK2r1JI/U6LDmwiB5BI/AAAAAAAABLE/IFXgxdDAnGU/s1600/10389614_644838688933899_3947883548084008075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gd6CIK2r1JI/U6LDmwiB5BI/AAAAAAAABLE/IFXgxdDAnGU/s1600/10389614_644838688933899_3947883548084008075_n.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Check out more of his work at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kennekart">https://www.facebook.com/kennekart</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you are interested please email me (michaela.fulk@gmail.com) a photo you want him to recreate, and I will arrange with you how to get money to him, and how we will get the portrait to you. Thanks and pass this on!!! </div>
~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-27227925500700685132014-06-10T01:13:00.000-07:002014-06-10T01:58:05.481-07:00Give them Eyes to SeeOne way we are trying to help the community is by creating jobs. We are not big on giving handouts. For some of you that may sound strange, to that I recommend reading "When Helping Hurts," by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. After being involved in the community for over 6 months we are seeing the detriment of organizations that just come in and throw things at them and leave. Well meaning people who are trying to patch a bullet hole with a bandaid. Spiritual poverty being the hole. These handouts without relationships leads to more chaos, and more dependance, and more problems for the gospel, for the Karamojong anyway. Difficult to understand if you haven't seen it first hand. We have seen the importance of building relationships and being involved in the community to really see what the needs are. I used to feel a bit more sorry for the women begging on the streets to earn a living. Thinking this was their only option. I was wrong, and perhaps a bit naive. Don't get me wrong their lives and situations are troublesome but not changed overnight. Talking to different people in the community has opened my eyes further to see that you have to change the person's character to make a change. How do you do that? You don't, God does. You just plant the seeds, and let Him water them. Strenuous for control freaks. So I pray, and pray some more. That God would transform one, two, three, and then the whole community. I know it seems far fetched. I am a dreamer, I'll keep believing.<br />
<br />
These stubborn women have really grown on me and I pray and hope they can rise out of the pit of addictions, that they can be examples of the community of someone who <b>used</b> to be on the street begging, women who <b>used</b> to traffic their children, who <b>used</b> to be spiritual impoverished.<br />
<br />
We found someone in Uganda who is helping us train about 15 women/men in different skills so they can make a living for themselves. We <b>do</b> want to help but we want it to be sustainable, and helpful. It is a trial thing and it seems there are a lot of "ifs" but I feel we have to start somewhere and try. There is never an ideal situation here, so we are just taking it step by step. We are first going to teach them some business management skills, along with some basic education to prepare them for this endeavor. If you were wondering how to pray. This is a way to pray for the people we are involved with. Pray they can be able to save enough money to get started. They have it and for most of them it will be a choice of drinking for a day or forgoing alcohol and saving some money. Maybe not a struggle for all of them but for many. Pray for them. Pray that God would give them eyes to see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTwbVu1cq0Y/U5W2rukVGZI/AAAAAAAABKk/zRrmF1SNL7E/s1600/streetwomen+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WTwbVu1cq0Y/U5W2rukVGZI/AAAAAAAABKk/zRrmF1SNL7E/s1600/streetwomen+-+Version+2.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-14951969005880027362014-05-04T02:45:00.000-07:002014-05-04T02:45:13.176-07:00Watching Him WorkI come from a place where bigger is better. It doesn't even need to be said for one can just look around and know the US operates under such a system. Without even realizing it I operate under this system too. It is not always a problem but it can be, especially when it comes to ministry and when it becomes about my agenda instead of God's. Please don't misunderstand me. I am not saying that if a ministry is big it can not be effective. I am just seeing that in my own life I tend to revert to thinking, "What should be next, how do we grow?" Instead of just serving where God has me. Here is my new perspective.<br />
<br />
We (remember "we" means mostly Briana especially since I am with the mothers now) have been doing school in the slums. We don't have an official building. We gather in a shack. Pretty normal for them, abnormal for me. It is hard coming from the "Land of Opportunity" and working in the slums. Hard to be around poverty of every kind. It feels so suppressive. It becomes natural for me to look at what we don't have instead of what we do. I continue to dream and press on toward the big picture forgetting small details along the way. If we did live in a fairy tale, I would wave my magical wand; I would build a boarding school for these children. One where they get great education, and are taken from the toxic environment. I wanted to move forward in this direction.<br />
<br />
God has stopped me in my tracks. It didn't come with one defining moment but little whisperings along the way. One of these whisperings came last week when we were able to meet with a well respected Karamojong man to get his opinion on the issue of the Karamojong migrating to Kampala. One of the things he pointed out was that we don't want to have something that draws them here from their homes in Karamoja. That gives them a reason to put their kid on the street or move to Kampala. His suggestion is that if we wanted to do a school then maybe we could build one in Karamoja.<br />
<br />
Another whispering came last Friday when I saw the response of the children with Briana. They wait for her with gleams in their eyes. They love her, and she loves them. Will they learn Calculus? Not while we are there. Will they even learn fractions? Probably not, but they will learn how to read and write, they will learn how to wash their hands properly and best of all they will learn love. They will learn about their Heavenly Father that loves them and what He has done for their people through Bible stories. This is enough. This I am thankful for and hold tightly to. I forget the small things. To serve God there. Jesus said in Matthew 10:42, "<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: justify;">And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” It is freeing knowing that all we have to do is build relationships with the Karamojong. All we have to do is show up. All we have to do is small. God does the rest and turns it into something beautiful and better than we could imagine. For that I am thankful. Pretty sure I would screw it up anyway. Thanks God for knowing what you are doing! Now for the fun part of sitting back and watching Him work! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjmojqUTu-s/U2Us418dV5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/q4cI_00_308/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjmojqUTu-s/U2Us418dV5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/q4cI_00_308/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the school (12 ft. by 12 ft.) and students/teachers.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WL4ySm2Y114/U2Us44_aZXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/plEIukpiYK4/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WL4ySm2Y114/U2Us44_aZXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/plEIukpiYK4/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: justify;">This is John who is from the community and is now helping to teach the children. A huge answer to prayer! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytaWhpTCUrI/U2XPBkusjlI/AAAAAAAABBY/0xUjYGL6fTQ/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytaWhpTCUrI/U2XPBkusjlI/AAAAAAAABBY/0xUjYGL6fTQ/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: justify;"><span id="goog_838342842"></span><span id="goog_838342843"></span><br /></span>~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-89225679452046501022014-03-23T07:01:00.002-07:002014-03-23T07:01:40.343-07:00Beyond Their Feelings <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXjK2uGVT2w/Uy7jNUS0lnI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/uzPD6QRCP3k/s1600/briana's+phone+304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_297356="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXjK2uGVT2w/Uy7jNUS0lnI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/uzPD6QRCP3k/s1600/briana's+phone+304.JPG" height="239" tta="true" width="320" /></a></div>
Do you find it challenging to love the people who hate you? How about serving them?<br />
<br />
God has given me the opportunity to spend time with the mothers of our students at the school in Kisenji, where a large Karamojong community reside (if you have not heard about the school, read the previous post). I started meeting with them once a week and am seeking my way to building relationships with them. Trying to teach them the Bible, how to be a mom, wife, etc. Challenging to say the least. I feel worlds apart from them, and the color of our skin seems to be the smallest difference amidst us. In the midst of the separation God seems to be shining his glorious light. This certainly seemed to be the case last Friday. I have been storying different Bible stories and was having a hard time knowing what story to tell. After praying I felt compelled to just be real with them, to share my struggles and to share what God had been teaching me. After finding out how their week was, I began telling them the story of Luke 22:24-30. This is the story where the disciples and Jesus are celebrating the Passover with Jesus right before he is to be cruicified. The disciples are quarreling among themselves about who is the greatest. Jesus tells them that whoever wants to be great must serve, and think of himself as the lowest. After sharing the story I started walking them through some questions to faciliate discussion. They begin admiring how everyone in the story was together eating, and recognized that it was favorable to be together. Although I thought this was valuable for them to recognize I felt it is a value they already possess in their culture, I was nervous this was the only thing they might take away from the scripture. I prayed to myself and moved on, asking them more questions. One question I asked was, "How many see yourselves better than your children?" They were honest and said, "Daadong" meaning they all see themselves better than children. I share the story again and then it happened. "So is God telling us that we are not better than our co wife that we should love them and serve them?" (For sake of context you must know that many of the Karamojong are polygamists.) My heart starts to race, and my spirit is excited. This is going to be a challenging thing for them to grasp. It is a challenging idea for me to grasp and I can not fully put my self in their shoes. I have had to forgive people but this issue is a whole new realm for me. But I know someone that can relate, and who has. The woman begin talking among themselves and discussing, all the while my translator is doing his best to fill me in when he can, while also chiming in on the discussion. I listen while believing the spirit of God was moving and instructing, planting seeds. I only hope that God will continue to water the seeds and they will grow into luscious fruit. Then a wise, older woman in the group speaks up and says that Jesus commands us to love our enemies and challenges them to go beyond what our human nature tells us. I stood back in awe and I get excited that I serve a God who can relate. I serve a God who came down in the flesh. Who loved his enemies, who hangs in agony on the cross and says, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." I share my heart and Jesus sacrifice and challenge them to walk in His footsteps. Challenge them to call upon Jesus for help. Challenge them to go beyond their feelings. ~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-37014552595275041692014-02-01T09:22:00.000-08:002014-02-01T09:22:00.713-08:00God Make them Children of YouThis is a story of a life of a Karamojong child that lives in the slums of Kampala. Maybe you have heard it before. If you have, hear it again. Some stories are worth retelling, and rehearing.<br />
<br />
Her day consists of sitting or standing in the busiest part of a bustling metropolis. She pleads with people, holding out her hand with dark brown eyes to those who pass by. Your first thought is to fill the hand, but you know that she doesn't receive it and that it wouldn't help. In her case she is just a means to an addiction for her mother. At other times she stands at busy intersections and walks from each stagnant car. Car to car, hoping for something, anything. A bit of food is what drops into her hand. The feeling of helplessness resides in the deep part of your heart. Then you remember, Psalm 9:18 which states, "For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever." If only she could know; she will know. If only they all could know and accept. They can be released from the slavery. She fears the streets for multiple reasons. The dark nights there are frightening. Then the government authorities come and gather all the begging children off the streets in hopes to solve this horrendous problem. They do what they think is best and send them to a "rehabilitation center." A relative might come in hopes to retrieve children so the cycle can begin again. If not you stay until you are taken back to Karamoja just to return again to Kampala.<br />
This is just an example of some of our children we are ministering to in the slums. Briana and I have started a school (mostly Briana, I am just helping establish, create activities and teach on Fridays). We get to hear some of their stories from them, from the leaders in the community and from their faces. Today when I asked our translator and community leader how many of the 18 children beg on the streets. "All of them but 2" was his reply. "It is how the parents can make money. It is not good, but how else can they make money?" He makes a good point, they are like refugees fleeing from the insecurity of their own fighting, and lack of resources. These choices have sure dug them a hole, that is not easy to get out of. So we go to offer something. You have to start somewhere and 2 1/2 hours for 3 days a week seems so insignificant but by the look on some of their faces it means everything. They get to hear about the God who loves them, and we have hopes of educating them. It gives them some regularity, and excuse to be off the streets. And so we start somewhere for it is better than nowhere. Our classroom is a glorified shack, glorified because it has a bench. But it is better than nothing (our new motto). I am quickly reminded there is no "drug free" zone, as a drunk woman crowds around our circle and wants to participate in our fun. There are a lot of quirks but through it all we are praying that God would change their story and reputation from children that beg on the street to children of God. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kXti9b6l5w/UuvJj-RiwcI/AAAAAAAAAyw/j2dyuPWtRhg/s1600/brianagirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kXti9b6l5w/UuvJj-RiwcI/AAAAAAAAAyw/j2dyuPWtRhg/s1600/brianagirl.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ7N75qJFyQ/UuvJnACq3UI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SrlzpdRiGx4/s1600/kisenjischool1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ7N75qJFyQ/UuvJnACq3UI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SrlzpdRiGx4/s1600/kisenjischool1.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bznV35IVlgo/UuvJnrLzM3I/AAAAAAAAAzA/IsA38fY0PLU/s1600/schoolkisenjimichaela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bznV35IVlgo/UuvJnrLzM3I/AAAAAAAAAzA/IsA38fY0PLU/s1600/schoolkisenjimichaela.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-63597991088458681102013-12-06T05:35:00.001-08:002013-12-06T05:35:25.747-08:00Third Thanksgiving in UgandaYesterday as we celebrated Thanksgiving in Uganda, my mind went back to our last Thanksgiving here 2 years ago. We had planned on having a luscious meal to mimic a "Little House on the Prairie" Thanksgiving but our plans were changed. Instead of eating duck and potatoes we were eating meat on a stick and field corn. It will be a Thanksgiving I will never forget. This was one of the times Malachi was feeling very sick and we had to rush down to Kampala to investigate his repetitive bloody noses and high fever. The day after Thanksgiving they told us it might be leukemia. Not words you want to hear as a mother, and as I recall this affair my heart fills with gratefulness that Malachi is perfectly healthy now. Gratefulness that God knows best and does things His way. Thankful that God is not just in the business of healing but also redemption. God taught me so much through that event and continues to use Malachi's life to challenge and instruct me. I am also very thankful that our 3rd Thanksgiving in Uganda was filled with blessings!! Here are some pictures!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5WZADHvMxo/UqHPvsF9UcI/AAAAAAAAAxY/qIr4SOtIHCc/s1600/DSC06998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5WZADHvMxo/UqHPvsF9UcI/AAAAAAAAAxY/qIr4SOtIHCc/s320/DSC06998.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua's favorite: Challah bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKRhcIZp6cY/UqHPwfmejLI/AAAAAAAAAxc/T3jMtrRfhs8/s1600/DSC07000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKRhcIZp6cY/UqHPwfmejLI/AAAAAAAAAxc/T3jMtrRfhs8/s320/DSC07000.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXckiBfTrPM/UqHPtRoZKMI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/YrhKHfEeSMs/s1600/DSC07003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXckiBfTrPM/UqHPtRoZKMI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/YrhKHfEeSMs/s320/DSC07003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l39tSEv9qpg/UqHP_71oChI/AAAAAAAAAxo/3h_0c89RydM/s1600/DSC07011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l39tSEv9qpg/UqHP_71oChI/AAAAAAAAAxo/3h_0c89RydM/s320/DSC07011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIiR3xvTL6E/UqHQEDzhI1I/AAAAAAAAAxw/ud4DbkurEuY/s1600/DSC07018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIiR3xvTL6E/UqHQEDzhI1I/AAAAAAAAAxw/ud4DbkurEuY/s320/DSC07018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HxbVbGgxeI/UqHQLKec63I/AAAAAAAAAyA/0ZDVJ091hQI/s1600/DSC07052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HxbVbGgxeI/UqHQLKec63I/AAAAAAAAAyA/0ZDVJ091hQI/s320/DSC07052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briana brought some glow sticks to play with, and she took some fun pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-15044315130177947462013-11-21T09:38:00.002-08:002013-11-21T09:38:38.193-08:00The Month in Pictures <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEf8GpdFzjM/UoY2ov8xk-I/AAAAAAAAAvY/EiLR_6r95Fk/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has been almost 2 months since we moved here and God has done so many great things. We are feeling rather settled, and Cody has begun his work in the slums within Kampala. He was happy to see there are men to spend his time teaching God's word and building relationships with. For the last 2 weeks he has been going to visit them nearly everyday. They have asked him if he would help coach them in soccer and of course he said, "yes." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEf8GpdFzjM/UoY2ov8xk-I/AAAAAAAAAvY/EiLR_6r95Fk/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEf8GpdFzjM/UoY2ov8xk-I/AAAAAAAAAvY/EiLR_6r95Fk/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEf8GpdFzjM/UoY2ov8xk-I/AAAAAAAAAvY/EiLR_6r95Fk/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYB0vtVwm7U/UoY2pwNEGoI/AAAAAAAAAvk/9YwLI_RzPGg/s1600/IMG_2175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYB0vtVwm7U/UoY2pwNEGoI/AAAAAAAAAvk/9YwLI_RzPGg/s400/IMG_2175.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEf8GpdFzjM/UoY2ov8xk-I/AAAAAAAAAvY/EiLR_6r95Fk/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEf8GpdFzjM/UoY2ov8xk-I/AAAAAAAAAvY/EiLR_6r95Fk/s640/IMG_2170.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPRZvh_B5aA/Uo5DSIDWqtI/AAAAAAAAAwY/pQQb1LGZJd8/s1600/IMG_2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPRZvh_B5aA/Uo5DSIDWqtI/AAAAAAAAAwY/pQQb1LGZJd8/s640/IMG_2017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnATSainbNw/Uo5DKXUab4I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/-G_WopXDzGE/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnATSainbNw/Uo5DKXUab4I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/-G_WopXDzGE/s640/IMG_2107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkIhqQeH7oY/Uo5DVU8arGI/AAAAAAAAAwg/XSWSpe51Lyc/s1600/IMG_3306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkIhqQeH7oY/Uo5DVU8arGI/AAAAAAAAAwg/XSWSpe51Lyc/s400/IMG_3306.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfbN9nr5kIA/UoY2sK4DGPI/AAAAAAAAAvs/j2KKUU37E3g/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfbN9nr5kIA/UoY2sK4DGPI/AAAAAAAAAvs/j2KKUU37E3g/s400/IMG_3395.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cL-PnGunq58/UoY2siYW3PI/AAAAAAAAAvw/-NZ5M_JlZm4/s1600/IMG_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cL-PnGunq58/UoY2siYW3PI/AAAAAAAAAvw/-NZ5M_JlZm4/s400/IMG_3397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd5SjzVyPks/UoY2t8IlljI/AAAAAAAAAv8/WdoVxq78fQs/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd5SjzVyPks/UoY2t8IlljI/AAAAAAAAAv8/WdoVxq78fQs/s400/IMG_3399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-16906125705739952172013-10-05T06:04:00.000-07:002013-10-05T06:04:02.465-07:00Life in the CitySince getting here we have been really busy with working on getting settled. We are quickly reminded how things don't generally happen very quickly. I can't easily drive to the local department store to get furnishings, curtains, etc. However we do now have our van and we are in our house. It is a huge blessing! We are busy now getting supplies for the house and making it a home. It has been a lot of work, but I have enjoyed nesting and making it homey even though it will take quite some time to put together. We even have 2 lab dogs! I was shocked to learn we could even get labs in Uganda. They happen to be my favorite dog, and I grew up having labs. <br />
<br />
The kids have been enjoying being outside a lot and the older boys have been playing a lot of soccer at the local "football pitch." Carter and Malachi have been catching a lot of lizards and geckos and know all the "good" spots to find them. We like the small town feel of our neighborhood. The kids feel comfortable walking down to the local produce stand and getting me fruit and vegetables for meals. We are excited to get to know our community better and we have hopes that we can go fishing on Lake Victoria in the future. (You can see the lake from our balcony!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmJLNYYbyLE/UlAJKi7N33I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ZUnTIEKcduY/s1600/IMG_1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmJLNYYbyLE/UlAJKi7N33I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ZUnTIEKcduY/s320/IMG_1840.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eliana makes a friend, but it more like she is bossing him around. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4KTvKvFAJY/UlAJdf9OnnI/AAAAAAAAAtY/M-9OJx1jCgI/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4KTvKvFAJY/UlAJdf9OnnI/AAAAAAAAAtY/M-9OJx1jCgI/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samuel and Joshua fish in little pond at the temporary house we stayed at. We enjoyed 3 tilapia for dinner from their labor. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sj8mESAgpis/UlAJfmEJEhI/AAAAAAAAAtg/i4UNpPQFgb4/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sj8mESAgpis/UlAJfmEJEhI/AAAAAAAAAtg/i4UNpPQFgb4/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going to the football pitch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkw6-J7Qxhk/UlAJm6Z_hjI/AAAAAAAAAto/dCdrBqelzFw/s1600/IMG_1842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkw6-J7Qxhk/UlAJm6Z_hjI/AAAAAAAAAto/dCdrBqelzFw/s320/IMG_1842.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Want to know how to keep an 8 month old cranky teething baby happy? Fresh pineapple!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnqvzdWwP0E/UlAJyAQGGJI/AAAAAAAAAt4/r9GnH0UcWOo/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnqvzdWwP0E/UlAJyAQGGJI/AAAAAAAAAt4/r9GnH0UcWOo/s320/IMG_1850.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swings in our yard! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4Q_zl12Kjs/UlAJpBLsclI/AAAAAAAAAtw/KRzl4b80yRE/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4Q_zl12Kjs/UlAJpBLsclI/AAAAAAAAAtw/KRzl4b80yRE/s320/IMG_1852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samuel reading with Sheera our yellow lab.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7kPwLfK8Q0/UlAJ6Ye8PpI/AAAAAAAAAuI/NcU5HrspNRI/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7kPwLfK8Q0/UlAJ6Ye8PpI/AAAAAAAAAuI/NcU5HrspNRI/s320/IMG_1853.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua plays fetch with Scout the black lab.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4zqEWCRWQI/UlAJ4Qd_56I/AAAAAAAAAuA/etGEG4hsFUE/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4zqEWCRWQI/UlAJ4Qd_56I/AAAAAAAAAuA/etGEG4hsFUE/s320/IMG_1864.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eliana and Janaya find flowers from our yard and put them in their hair. Look we have grass!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tB4aNIeqMfI/UlAKBd4IoPI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/RH_N_i22GXg/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tB4aNIeqMfI/UlAKBd4IoPI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/RH_N_i22GXg/s320/IMG_1866.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briana and Malachi hanging in the hammock. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thanks for all your prayers. We feel very blessed! More pictures to come! Don't forget to stay in touch.<br />
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-46081886977686435872013-09-11T14:35:00.001-07:002013-09-11T14:35:26.797-07:00The Latest and The Akiru Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFxunowotjI/UjDd6J_JabI/AAAAAAAAAss/UiGuRHD5_9o/s1600/IMG_5985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFxunowotjI/UjDd6J_JabI/AAAAAAAAAss/UiGuRHD5_9o/s320/IMG_5985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We are now on the week count down, and there happens to be a lot of packing going on. I envisioned writing a blog that would be moving (no pun intended), but my creative juices have been depleted with the move. We are however very excited to get back to our other home, Uganda. God has truly been amazing this past year and I am truly moved (literally....sorry my brain is single minded) by his goodness. Many of you probably received our newsletter, and if you didn't then it either went to your spam, we have an outdated email address, or we don't have your email address at all. You can sign up to receive them to the right (and down) of this post (titled "mailing list"). In case you missed it and wanted to know what my wonderful husband had to say here it is:<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">In less than 2 weeks, all nine of us Fulks will step onto an airplane
on our way back to Uganda. The 18th of September will mark the end of
our time here in the states. It has been very healing and refreshing for
us all however we are ready to return. Your prayers have been a
constant encouragement to us during our time here. As we struggle to fit
our lives into 18 pieces of luggage we are reminded that all these
things are nothing compared to our heavenly home and we look forward to
building up a kingdom in Uganda were moths and rust can not destroy
(Matt. 6:19-21). In many ways, things here in America are finished for
us. We are saying "bye for now" to friends and family, though "for now"
will be 3-4 years for many of you. That is unless you would come to
Uganda for your vacation or short-term mission trip while we are there.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Our financial support has been increasing, but we still need monthly
commitments to meet our budgeted needs in Uganda. We are also asking
that you would commit to praying for a specific individual of our family
and of course for the Karamojong. If you could support us in both or
either of these ways, please visit our website at </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
http://followingjesustouganda.com/PartneringWithUs.html</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
to fill out your information and make your commitment known to us.
Financial and prayer donations of any quantity really do aid us in our
work, so please don't think any kind of commitment is insignificant.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
It is exciting for us to be sharing in this ministry with you. We are
more aware this time than every before how much you are a part of our
lives. Please pray with us and for us as we travel for 2 days to get
there and settle in with the family. We will get communication with you
back up and running when we can and will write our next newsletter from
the great continent of Africa.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
God bless you all richly,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Cody</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I also wanted to get the word out about these great journals and the women behind them!!</b></span><br />
Our friends, the Williams, that are serving in Kacheri, among the Karamojong have an amazing project to help extremely vulnerable women. The women make homemade paper, and then journals. This project has provided 8 women incomes, and the best part is that Kristi has been discipling them with some great fruit. You should check out their website (It is pretty awesome! <a href="http://www.theakiruproject.com/">http://www.theakiruproject.com</a>) and then buy a journal on esty! I have seen these up close and personal and have even seen them in the making. (Even helped myself once) They are beautifully made and would make a wonderful present for any occasion. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theakiruproject.com/_images/_products/thumb_4229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bindings" border="0" height="212" src="http://www.theakiruproject.com/_images/_products/thumb_4229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-73850306729033332582013-09-03T15:44:00.004-07:002013-09-03T15:44:35.533-07:00Video of the Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have 2 weeks until we leave! Time is flying by. I have been trying to post this video for several weeks but haven't been able to because it was so large. Here it finally is, in its compact form. We made it for the recent fundraiser in hopes that people could get to know our kids more. The sound is low so you will have to crank it up, or use speakers to hear. Please continue to pray for us during these next few crucial weeks. Pray that we can be productive and accomplish the things needed. Pray for us to raise the rest of our monthly financial and prayer support. Pray that during this time we can have extra patience with the kids during this transitional period. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyqGRHqIADVqpDApjtXuS91ZemBx5L4QU0efu7mc7_gRD4fiFvW_5-o8Q5VhOCPoOsSnFnsOeblgdPgZLjMhA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-54146474538206044492013-07-28T16:37:00.003-07:002013-09-03T15:52:19.814-07:00Talmidim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuy8lr4SoWQ/UfGi-aqVfbI/AAAAAAAAArk/3R966sTZQ9M/s1600/IMG_1503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuy8lr4SoWQ/UfGi-aqVfbI/AAAAAAAAArk/3R966sTZQ9M/s400/IMG_1503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meet </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">my <span style="font-size: large;">Talmidim</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">The what? (You might be asking). Any guesses as to what talmidim means.......</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">No it's not a terrorist group, nor it is a group of really cute kids (even though that is true). So what is a Talmidim? Let me explain, or rather I will have an excerpt from http://followtherabbi.com/journey/israel/to-be-a-talmid1 explain:</span></h2>
<h1>
</h1>
<br />
Like other rabbis of his day, Jesus had disciples called talmidim, devout followers who were probably in their mid-teens.<br />
Gifted students approached a rabbi and asked, "May I follow you?" in
effect, saying, "Do I have what it takes to be like you?" The rabbi
either accepted the student as a talmid or sent him away to pursue a
trade. Jesus broke this pattern when he chose his own talmidim. As he
asked his disciples to follow him, they knew without a doubt that their
rabbi believed in them.<br />
A talmid followed the rabbi everywhere, often without knowing or asking
where he was going. He rarely left his rabbi's side for fear that he
would miss a teachable moment. And he watched the rabbi's every move,
noting how he acted and thought about a variety of situations.<br />
Talmidim trusted their rabbi completely. They worked passionately to
incorporate the rabbi's actions and words into their lives. The
disciples' deepest desire was to follow their rabbi so closely that they
would start to think and act like him.<br />
Jesus' twelve disciples ultimately succeeded in becoming like their
rabbi: Their missionary efforts changed the world, and most of them gave
their lives in the process.<br />
<br />
Basically it is the Hebrew way of saying disciple, but to know more about the culture and the lifestyle brings about more detail into what that looks like. I read about talmidim in a book I was reading this past year. The question they then posed was who is your Talmidim? For anyone who has kids the first obvious answer is our children. Deut 6:6-7 says, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way and when you lie down, and when you rise."<br />
<br />
After reading the definition of the talmidim and this scripture in Deuteronomy it seems like a bigger task than we make. Let's break it down:<br />
<br />
<b>Gifted students approached a rabbi and asked, "May I follow you?" in
effect, saying, "Do I have what it takes to be like you?" The rabbi
either accepted the student as a talmid or sent him away to pursue a
trade. Jesus broke this pattern when he chose his own talmidim. As he
asked his disciples to follow him, they knew without a doubt that their
rabbi believed in them."</b><br />
<br />
Do I believe in all my talmidim, or just the ones that seem more promising? Jesus knew that Judas would betray him and he continued to teach him, to love him. My prayer is that I will have that same kind of love, and devotion. That I would see the potential in each of my children. <br />
<br />
<b>A talmid followed the rabbi everywhere, often without knowing or asking
where he was going. He rarely left his rabbi's side for fear that he
would miss a teachable moment. And he watched the rabbi's every move,
noting how he acted and thought about a variety of situations.</b><br />
<br />
Now this seems easier when you have toddlers. They follow you everywhere and you can hardly get a moment by yourself. Once they become teens it seems like this happens less and less. But regardless of the age of my children they are still watching<b>; </b>they see how we react to them, the world, to our spouse. Sometimes I am utterly shocked by what my kids say and do, and sometimes I realize I have said the same thing or had the same attitude towards them. Sometimes their repulsive behavior is from watching us.<br />
<br />
<b>Talmidim trusted their rabbi completely. They worked passionately to
incorporate the rabbi's actions and words into their lives. The
disciples' deepest desire was to follow their rabbi so closely that they
would start to think and act like him.</b><br />
<br />
Do I strive to be someone my kids want to follow? Is the way I live so
contagious that they can't help but follow? Am I following Jesus so
closely that all they have to do is look over my shoulder and see
Jesus? These questions challenge me to following Jesus more intently. To strive for this
lifestyle. It seems far away some days and close others, but I keep
stepping one step behind my savior. I seem to trip many times but the
important thing is getting back up and continuing. <b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Jesus' twelve disciples ultimately succeeded in becoming like their
rabbi: Their missionary efforts changed the world, and most of them gave
their lives in the process.</b><br />
I am not sure we will get to 12 children, but I do pray that I succeed in becoming like my rabbi, and that each of them would follow the Rabbi, and that in their own little world, or this great big world they would see change and give their lives in the process. My prayer is that when we return to Uganda I find others around me to be part of my Talmidim and that I would not <u><b>act</b></u> like someone who follows Christ but I would <u><b>be</b></u> someone who follows Christ and that this would be contagious and carry on to others. <b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
May God also give me the wisdom like Jesus to know when to rebuke and when to build up. May God contractually show me the teachable moments, and may my conduct always be worth following and when it is not, I pray your grace will abound, and fill the gaps. I pray that God would continue to teach me in His word, to grow me, and that my hunger for Him would grow insatiable each day. ~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-28041566312903461952013-07-19T10:44:00.001-07:002013-07-19T10:44:12.340-07:00Experiene Uganda Fundraiser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Most of you have probably already seen this but I wanted to post it on the blog for those of you who haven't. Send it along if you want. It is going to be a lot of fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQy4apDI5qU/Uel6avyZQzI/AAAAAAAAArY/APKvWJAg3nc/s1600/ExperienceUgandaNight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQy4apDI5qU/Uel6avyZQzI/AAAAAAAAArY/APKvWJAg3nc/s640/ExperienceUgandaNight.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-78567346171590098452013-07-12T12:03:00.000-07:002013-07-12T12:03:37.036-07:00The Year In One Word<br />If I had to describe the past year in one word it would be REFINE. The dictionary defines it as follows:<br />
<div class="scnt">
<span class="ssens"> 1 <strong>:</strong> to free (as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material </span></div>
<div class="sblk">
<div class="scnt">
2<span class="ssens"><strong> :</strong> to free from moral imperfection<strong></strong> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="sblk">
<div class="scnt">
3<span class="ssens"><strong> :</strong> to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing <span class="vi"></span> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="sblk">
<div class="scnt">
4<span class="ssens"><strong> :</strong> to reduce in vigor or intensity </span></div>
</div>
<div class="sblk">
<div class="scnt">
5<span class="ssens"><strong> :</strong> to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth </span></div>
<div class="scnt">
<span class="ssens"> </span></div>
<div class="scnt">
<span class="ssens">During our furlough God has been working in my heart doing some quality pruning. It has not always been an enjoyable situation for me and at times my soul feels in disorder as my flesh and spirit meet head to head for a dual. My flesh wants to always take the easy and quick way, while the spirit quietly emerges to take a higher road. My heart has felt pulled in two directions, until I yielded to my Master, Creator. All the while God was working under the surface, healing, mending, molding, renewing, refining. The beauty at the end is something worth marveling at, but the process seemed grueling, confusing, daunting. One day I looked back behind me to see what looks to be a battle ground with lots of questions without answers. Looking before me I can only see God's goodness. His love, mercy, patience. And I can relate to the butterfly who emerges from the cocoon into a new beginning, only I feel like the same butterfly who continually goes through metamorphosis. It's powerful, He's powerful. I am grateful. My flesh feels a little more free from the unwanted material. A little lighter and a lot closer to the one who was without sin. The process was not what I expected, as it never seems to be. But again I am grateful for His sovereign ways. Thankful that He is never finished with the change, never quits at cleansing the filth. I smile at what is ahead, for what He will keep doing in my heart. With my head held high and my identity rooted more firmly in my Maker I eagerly await the next chapter. </span></div>
</div>
~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-37298337264794532082013-06-22T06:38:00.001-07:002013-06-22T06:38:21.456-07:00The Last 2 Weeks (And we are going back to Uganda in Sept)Cody and I are pretty excited that we are now Field Coordinators with Missionary Ventures. God has really done great things with the timing of this all (thankful it happened so quickly). They are a great organization and we feel honored to be a part of their family. It was great being in Florida to meet the staff and to learn more about their organization and life as a missionary (some we already know, but it is always good to hear it again). We love that they focus on relationships with their missionaries, and this showed to be true during our 10 days there. The time there was very productive and Cody and I both left there feeling like this was a new beginning for us. It has in some ways been really hard to be in the States so long when your heart and calling is in Uganda, however God has done some amazing things in our heart over the past year, and we have both grown, emotionally and spiritually. We are grateful that God knows best and we feel like our time here is only going to make us stronger, and better equipped as missionaries. He has blessed us beyond measure and put us exactly where we need to be. After leaving Missionary Ventures we have a renewed passion for getting to Uganda to share the Good News to the displaced Karamajong. <br />
With that I am pleased to share with you that we will be going back in late September! Hooray! We are pretty excited about that. We now work hard at building our prayer and financial support team.<br />
<br />
Cody has been working hard on updating our website, so if you get a chance you should check it out. <a href="http://www.followingjesustouganda.com/">www.FollowingJesusToUganda.com</a>. We are also trying to organize things better, and so on the right you will find a place you can put your email address if you would like to receive our newsletters.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures:<br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nLWR25DwNM/UcWiXmZbVQI/AAAAAAAAAog/3TIB22C56wo/s1600/IMG_1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nLWR25DwNM/UcWiXmZbVQI/AAAAAAAAAog/3TIB22C56wo/s320/IMG_1317.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPuuJetz4AY/UcWj5Yhd35I/AAAAAAAAAo8/9bdLVwDs6q4/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPuuJetz4AY/UcWj5Yhd35I/AAAAAAAAAo8/9bdLVwDs6q4/s320/IMG_1352.jpg" width="240" /></a>We did have one day off when we were in
Florida, so we did the cheapest and the most relaxing things and
went to the beach. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKgmzOR1q28/UcWjc1uT9aI/AAAAAAAAAos/P5ImyzitDVk/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKgmzOR1q28/UcWjc1uT9aI/AAAAAAAAAos/P5ImyzitDVk/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While at training the Jesus Film presented us with a projector and screen to share the Jesus Film in Ngkarimojong (not to mention the over 1000 other languages we can get it in!) This is a huge blessing. It is the latest version making it very compact and easy to transport. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPqLkAglt1U/UcWjkCRCHbI/AAAAAAAAAo0/yxCl4wClMmU/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPqLkAglt1U/UcWjkCRCHbI/AAAAAAAAAo0/yxCl4wClMmU/s320/IMG_1361.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were not able to take all the kids, but we were able to Skype with them! Thankful for Skype! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgXBXEEI8C8/UcWkzBFfGrI/AAAAAAAAApE/N5OcIH-w5OI/s1600/joshuasteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgXBXEEI8C8/UcWkzBFfGrI/AAAAAAAAApE/N5OcIH-w5OI/s320/joshuasteam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile Joshua's Club team won Regionals in Boise so now they will be traveling to Florida in July for Nationals! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-69973603831920230842013-05-25T17:38:00.003-07:002013-05-25T17:38:56.415-07:00Florida, Soccer, and Malachi The beginning of June some of our family will be traveling to Florida for a 10 day orientation/training with a Mission Organization we have applied for. We are pretty excited about the whole endeavor. Excited to meet the faces we have been talking to about our mission in Uganada. Excited about the oversight they will offer us, and the family feel the organization offers. While we are there Joshua will be headed to Idaho for a Regional Championship with his Club Team. This is an incredible opportunity for him, he has worked really hard and we are proud of him. Here is a video of some highlights from last year, if you want to see him in action. His team was the state champions in their level, and in this video you will see some of Joshua's goals. He is number 13 and his team is Navy Blue, and they also have a Yellow jersey. Their team is in this video quite a bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y53xvrWQ1Ow&feature=share&list=PL4FG4d0re73kpJIRRUBhQYFiTVC0PqJ71<br />
<br />
Our road to investigating Malachi's health have finally come to an end. He has gone through EEG testing and things are looking really good. Much better than last time, and there is nothing further we have to do, or can do. This was great news for us. Give God the glory!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-43342467620031231142013-05-03T16:10:00.000-07:002013-05-03T16:10:39.264-07:00To Be Great We Must ServeIt was turning out to be one of “those” mornings. If you people have little people you know what “those” is referring to. Where nothing seems to be working itself into place and all seems topsy turvy. The one where the toddler is being a toddler, the baby is being a baby, human excrement is in places it shouldn’t be, crying, whining, the defiant one is working his manipulating magic, and the choir of “MOM I need you, MOM can you help me?” is in forte. The craze makes my head spin and I realize it is not because I haven’t had anything to eat, but because my brain is taking in waaaay too much information, while trying to meet the demand. The stress part of my brain is swelling. (yeah there is a stress part of your brain! Okay not really but it sounds good). Those of you who have little people are smiling right now and those who don’t are wondering where this is going, stick with me. Luckily I don’t have one of these moments very often but like the sun coming up each morning it happens, and is bound to happen with a toddler in the house. So by the time 10:00 tea time comes around (where we sit at the table for our readings) I am feeling frazzled. And now I have 7 little people looking at me, wondering what the lessons for the day will hold. I have enough sense to know that the first thing we should start with in our lessons is the Bible. A tradition that was started from experience, knowing that we all needed God’s word to instruct us and glean some light into our shadowy hearts, and today I needed it more than ever. I was able to get up early in the morning to have my time with God, but with the swelling in my brain, I had forgotten. (Those forgetful Israelites don’t sound so foolish now a days). This time of opening the word is more for the kids to learn and experience God, but of course God always has something to say to everyone, I just happen to be the one who is suppose to facilitate and help initiate inspiration. We happen to be in the gospels, and were reading in Mark chapter 9 verse 33 through 37. The disciples are with Jesus in a house, without a crowd, and Jesus asks them what they were discussing on the way. The disciples kept silent because, on the way they were arguing with one another about who was the greatest. So Jesus sits down and calls them. And he says to them, “If anyone would be first he must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he takes a child and picks him up and says, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives not me but him who sent me.” <br /><br />We begin to discuss. We all kind of laugh at the disciples that they were arguing like children, and then we laugh that we can all fall into the trap. With my kids it is rather obvious in their competitiveness to outdo one another but as adults we find many more socially acceptable ways to camouflage our pride and wanting to be the best. I speak, or rather write from experience. We then start to discuss the part where Jesus says that to be great we must serve. This is a mantra at my house because as parents we are constantly reminding our children that serving others is where we become great. But as we are talking about it this time I cringe a little. Not because I don’t like what Jesus has to say, but because I feel my heart has been selfish. Because there is not a lot of recognition and appreciation in wiping butts (sorry this should be rated PG), or making kids do their math. Not now anyway. <br /><br />Jesus then picks up the child and tells them that if they want to be great they must receive a child in Jesus’ name. One of my children asks, “Mom why did he say a child?” My mind freezes, there are no words. In the awkward silence my children start conversing with one another about this and I can’t really hear anything they are saying. I sense God beckoning me to continue to love and serve when there is nothing in it for me, a continuing repetitive lesson. Children, especially toddlers and babies, give nothing back (except their cuteness, which looses its’ hold when the brain is swollen from stress, or when they give their brother a bloody nose). I sometimes get these notions in my head that my children will show me great appreciation for meeting their basic needs. I am not asking much ;), just once in awhile it would be nice to hear, “Thanks mom for making us learn.” “Mom I am so grateful that you work hard to cook us nutritious meals, that will help us grow strong.” Okay so no kids say this, and if they do, then be thankful. So what happens when they don’t? Then what? Then we keep on serving, like Jesus tells us to, not only here but many places in the Bible. I see God continue to strip the ugly garments of selfishness off of me and it is freeing, light weight. I then snap out of my trance and ask the children, “What does Azariah have to offer us?” “Nothing,” they reply. “Exactly, and he requires a lot from us, but we love him anyway. He is a gift from God. He can not feed himself, he can not dress himself, he can’t do much of anything except be cute.”<br /><br />Many days I feel I have a long way to go and I remember that I am His workmanship, even if He had to start with me, the finger painting picture. I am thankful. I am humbled. I am reminded that when God looks at my artwork he doesn’t see the finger painting, or the scribbles, but He sees the Masterpiece of Jesus in its’ place. The Jesus who showed how to be a servant to those with whom he would get no recognition. And I can press on to serve while being embraced in His love.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PhaWjA1_RY/UYQ_Ig_UztI/AAAAAAAAAnI/9SUAI2aQXP0/s1600/IMG_1184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PhaWjA1_RY/UYQ_Ig_UztI/AAAAAAAAAnI/9SUAI2aQXP0/s320/IMG_1184.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsXugB0tTuI/UYRCEstNq0I/AAAAAAAAAng/ADMAZOcC9fY/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsXugB0tTuI/UYRCEstNq0I/AAAAAAAAAng/ADMAZOcC9fY/s320/IMG_1060.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSUDCLTJmPo/UYRAMOUl9mI/AAAAAAAAAnU/Sab6NjPMXmM/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSUDCLTJmPo/UYRAMOUl9mI/AAAAAAAAAnU/Sab6NjPMXmM/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-3868827825829729122013-04-20T14:51:00.002-07:002013-04-20T14:51:50.041-07:00If You Are Wondering....For those of you who are wondering when we are going back to Uganda, here is the best answer I can give.....I don’t know. Amusing, huh? I wish I had a date for you, for myself and my family as we were all planning and hoping to be in Uganda by now, but we are not. Why aren’t we back in Uganda? We were planning on working toward getting back to Uganda after Azariah was born and our sending organization decided that they didn’t have the means as an organization to help and support us with our decision to move closer to the capital. It was honestly hard to take at first because we were at this point looking at travel dates in May. But after praying through it, and time, we began to see it as a blessing. We want to have the right kind of coaching and missionary support while we are in Uganda because we see ourselves on the mission field a long time so we want to do it right. The unfortunate part is that changing mission organizations is anything but quick. We are right in the middle of changing organizations so we don’t have a specific time as when we will be able to leave. So if this blog post seems clearly unclear, then welcome to my world. Here we find ourselves walking by faith, one step at a time asking God to meet our steps and proceed forward in His will. An uncomfortably comfortable place to be. <br /><br />In the meanwhile we try to live where we are and be Jesus where we are. For me that seems to happen within our living quarters as I constantly struggle to teach, instruct, discipline, love and be an example of Jesus to my kids and husband. <br /><br />We are however starting to work on building up our prayer and financial support (as this can take several months), so if you would like to partner with us please let us know via email, or you can go to our website and fill out a form. <br /><br />Stay tuned for more to come.~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-40895813359166352232013-02-10T10:44:00.001-08:002013-02-10T10:44:36.961-08:00He's here!It is hard to believe that 2 weeks have already gone by since "Zee" was born. He was born on January 11, and weighed 8lbs. 4oz, and was 21 inches long. We had a home birth with a midwife and the delivery went as wonderful as labor can go. We are very grateful for all your prayers! We are now adjusting to life with 7 kids, and sleep deprivation. We are very thankful for all of our family and friends that have made us meals, and have been very helpful and supportive. We now have goals of getting back to Uganda as soon as possible (in God's time). Details soon to come!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9PWq-RONqk/UQRlWUGOHGI/AAAAAAAAAlo/jgPJN8xCCmo/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9PWq-RONqk/UQRlWUGOHGI/AAAAAAAAAlo/jgPJN8xCCmo/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mbBhPopLaE/UQRlcH6KVtI/AAAAAAAAAl4/WLu1GuxN-sw/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mbBhPopLaE/UQRlcH6KVtI/AAAAAAAAAl4/WLu1GuxN-sw/s320/IMG_0781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3dXRmt3rjE/UQRlsQmgOtI/AAAAAAAAAmI/eqZ_yDeVbZ4/s1600/IMG_0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3dXRmt3rjE/UQRlsQmgOtI/AAAAAAAAAmI/eqZ_yDeVbZ4/s320/IMG_0793.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySMej0sQZLA/UQRl1BEWWrI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/h4zCUgtl4Sg/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySMej0sQZLA/UQRl1BEWWrI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/h4zCUgtl4Sg/s320/IMG_0807.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUsT7WLjaW8/UQRl5smj3gI/AAAAAAAAAmY/gJK94IlF8Z0/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUsT7WLjaW8/UQRl5smj3gI/AAAAAAAAAmY/gJK94IlF8Z0/s320/IMG_0811.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OL8udsfqxrI/URfqBLjtcNI/AAAAAAAAAmw/ZGOjd1B5Bwk/s1600/Image-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OL8udsfqxrI/URfqBLjtcNI/AAAAAAAAAmw/ZGOjd1B5Bwk/s320/Image-003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-33565538990614000322012-10-15T16:28:00.000-07:002012-10-15T16:28:01.358-07:00Chapstick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0RYB3r-24c/UHyXtReNfyI/AAAAAAAAAlA/_I3aA0KvL0c/s1600/665461_4592804695323_2080107871_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0RYB3r-24c/UHyXtReNfyI/AAAAAAAAAlA/_I3aA0KvL0c/s320/665461_4592804695323_2080107871_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
In all of my spare time, I managed to come up with the idea of making my own chapstick with the intent of selling it to help raise money for our travels back to Uganda. <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The name of it is "Uganda love yo lips"
which is slang for "your going to love your lips." (And malachi's cute
picture is on it). </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sm23VeYJ-1c/UHyYER9sRqI/AAAAAAAAAlI/5MczzW9JPJA/s1600/IMG_4698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sm23VeYJ-1c/UHyYER9sRqI/AAAAAAAAAlI/5MczzW9JPJA/s1600/IMG_4698.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I am selling them for $3 a piece. (They would make
great stocking stuffers and gifts). If you would like to purchase 1 or more
let me know. I can ship them, but I am not sure what shipping will cost
but I can work that out on an individual basis. The ingredients are
great! Avocado oil, coconut oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, castor oil and
vanilla. Please email me at michaela.fulk@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing some. </span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /></span></span>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I would be willing to sell custom bulk orders of 100 or more. If you are interested I will let you choose a flavor and cap color of your own. Flavors I could do: Almond Biscotti, Asian Pear, Brown Sugar, Bubble Gum, Butter Pecan, Butterscotch, Buttery Toffee, Cappuccino, Cherry Berry, Cinnamon, Coconut Milk, Cotton Candy, Creme de Menthe, Danish Vanilla Custard, Dill Pickle, Fizzy Pop, French Toast, Gingerbread house, Gingersnap, Green Apple, Hazelnut Latte, Iced Pineapple and Tangerine, Lavender Vanilla, Lemon Cheesecake, Malted Milk ball, Mango Lassi, Mango Peach Fusion, Marshmallow, Mint truffle, Nutmeg and Carmel swirl, Ooey Gooey Carmel, Orange Sherbet, Peanut Butter, Pink Frosting, Pink Lemonade, Pistachio, Popcorn, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake, Sangria, Snow Cone, Sugared Strawberries, Watermelon, White Chocolate, Wild Red Cherry Pie, and Zucchini Bread. Again email me if you are interested. </span></span>~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-32671749299826632652012-09-24T20:09:00.000-07:002012-09-24T20:09:10.495-07:00A New Update<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDdyYx7QqAo/UGEW6uWnWsI/AAAAAAAAAjo/uVPK_0WRQUc/s1600/IMG_0553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Fall is undeniably in the air. School, soccer, changing leaves (my favorite part), chilly nights, and the birds are flying south. How I wish I could fly with them. But that is for another blog that I will probably never get to. <br /><br />We have been working hard to accomplish our 4 main goals while we are here. The one we have spent most of our time engaging in is the “getting healthy goal.” Of course we needed to catch up with dentist appointments, well checks, etc. And when you have 6 kids (a couple which have more medical needs), and are pregnant, it quickly becomes a sizable goal. Luckily we are at the end of the tunnel as the saying goes. However I will continue seeing my midwife, BTW we are having a boy. It took me a couple days to except it, as I was hoping for a girl, but hey it just goes to show that once again God is in control and I AM NOT! Can you believe I am already over 6 months pregnant? Already feeling quite large and wondering how big this baby is going to be!<br /><br />As far as my health goes, I am mostly feeling better. The doctors suspect I have Celiac Disease so I am on a crazy diet. No gluten, grains, dairy, and limited meat. I also seem to have a nut sensitivity now. Basically I can eat beans and brown rice....lol...not really. I have been feeling better eating this way however I have this infection that keeps coming back. You could pray for healing in that manner. I am extremely tired all the time too. Not something I am used to in the 2nd trimester. <br /><br />The kids are all doing well and we are enjoying this year of school; I am really enjoying it too. They are all reading avidly (with the exception of Malachi and Eliana who enjoy playing “babies” while we do school), and we are all very appreciative of the access of countless books via the local library. Soccer is in full force for Samuel and Joshua. More so for Joshua who is playing on 2 teams. One being a Club Team in Denver. It has been very enjoyable to watch him him continue to excel as a forward. They won a tournament back in August and just recently won the State Tournament. <br /><br />Speaking of soccer....I had one of those stellar mom moments when the local community bells where playing their hourly song (church hymns). As we were bird watching, on our nature walk “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah” bellows beautifully on the bells (that was a lot of b’s), and all my kids started singing Manchester United’s song, “Glory, Glory, Man United.” Not sure many of you will even get this story, so it is probably not even funny to you. Maybe if you are a Williams then you will get it ;).<br /><br /><br />Hmmm....what else have we been doing? <br /><br />I recently was able to attend a women’s retreat for the weekend and although the speaker was good, the thing that had the greatest impact on me was just spending time in quite meditation before God and in His word. He revealed some things to me that were really freeing and healing to my soul. <br /><br />God has also been teaching me a lot about being obedient in the little things lately. Before we left Uganda I felt like He was ushering me to no to everything but ministering to my kids and my husband. Hard thing for me to swallow. It seems easy to be obedient to the things that bear immediate fruit but the mundane every day “chores” can be daunting, especially without results. Welcome to parenting, and life. <br />
<br />
Here are some pictures for your enjoyment:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wbGS4yBNtks/UGEff8FuM_I/AAAAAAAAAks/zeZFB5PIbvs/s1600/IMG_0480.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wbGS4yBNtks/UGEff8FuM_I/AAAAAAAAAks/zeZFB5PIbvs/s320/IMG_0480.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter, always our animal lover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDdyYx7QqAo/UGEW6uWnWsI/AAAAAAAAAjo/uVPK_0WRQUc/s1600/IMG_0553.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDdyYx7QqAo/UGEW6uWnWsI/AAAAAAAAAjo/uVPK_0WRQUc/s320/IMG_0553.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eliana all ready for winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFPWwwhKDas/UGEaiB_8-jI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vgqGU4NyRHc/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFPWwwhKDas/UGEaiB_8-jI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vgqGU4NyRHc/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janaya (so grown up)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGrNZhiC2iM/UGEXiM5xz0I/AAAAAAAAAj4/mJcC7dJth3o/s1600/IMG_0343.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGrNZhiC2iM/UGEXiM5xz0I/AAAAAAAAAj4/mJcC7dJth3o/s320/IMG_0343.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malachi's beautiful smile </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eaYUrgRiU3E/UGEXPejwTqI/AAAAAAAAAjw/Xoi1LKzomU0/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eaYUrgRiU3E/UGEXPejwTqI/AAAAAAAAAjw/Xoi1LKzomU0/s320/IMG_0464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samuel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLBM4B-nQgI/UGESBk2N6XI/AAAAAAAAAjM/TC2vuMOVCe8/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLBM4B-nQgI/UGESBk2N6XI/AAAAAAAAAjM/TC2vuMOVCe8/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua's Club team after they won State.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfRhjwc9WeA/UGESZXur66I/AAAAAAAAAjU/atjxEvcrMcI/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfRhjwc9WeA/UGESZXur66I/AAAAAAAAAjU/atjxEvcrMcI/s320/IMG_0560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew after a LONG hike up Hanging Lake. 10 years ago I remember it being easy. Ha! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765134131148250709.post-83047392330628981832012-07-16T10:18:00.000-07:002012-07-16T10:18:30.602-07:00The Long Overdue NewsI apologize for the lack of updates. Part of me has not really wanted to be on the internet much, and it works nice because we don't have internet at our house. However I do realize many of you have been praying for us and just want to know what is going on in our lives.<br />
<br />
<b>The Biggest News </b><br />
Many of you already know this but about 9 weeks ago we found out that we are expecting our 7th child (The baby is due the end of December beginning of January). It was a surprise but we are very excited and blessed. This came shortly after our debriefing, where the staff advised us to stay longer than 6 months. After praying about it for some time and getting more counsel it was apparent that getting everything done in 6 months was not reasonable. And once we found out we were pregnant that was the icing on the cake. With that we have a goal to get back to Uganda in March. <br />
<br />
<b>What have we been up to?</b><br />
The whole month of June we were traveling to see family, and friends. We also visited a couple churches. It was challenging to be constantly on the go but also encouraging in many ways. Other than that we are enjoying our summer off from school (me more than anyone). Cody has been busy with helping with different ministries in our area and is going to be helping with developing some simple church planting in our area. <br />
<br />
I will be honest and say being here has been more of a struggle than I thought it would be but God has been teaching me so much, and growing me in more ways than I could ever imagine. I am hoping to put my thoughts together soon and share with you a theme God has been working in my life.~walkbyfaith~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17879368582555092224noreply@blogger.com0