But God....

I honestly don't even know where to begin with this update, as the last few weeks have been sort of a blur and have held so many emotions. I want to update everyone as best as I can, so forgive me if it becomes jumbled and heavy somewhere along the way. 

Just 4 days after my last update the president of Uganda began a partial lockdown of the country, due to "rising COVID cases". This lockdown began on June 7th at 8am with school and church closures for 42 days, gathering restrictions of no more than 20 people, district border crossing restrictions, and curfew changes. The first week of this lockdown seemed fine. I was able to meet about 20 boys at the local Rugby field to have bible study and play games, a group of 10 of us walked to a village about 3 miles outside of the city looking for rooms to rent, we were able to give about 80 street kids take away bags of cooked rice and beans, and I had some new friends from the states stay with me for a few days, which was so good for my soul. Really it seemed like the only thing I couldn't do was to finish the Following Jesus class we had just started the week prior, because it was a church gathering, more than 20 people, and we had to cross police barricades to get to the location. Life still seemed to move in a fairly normal pace. On Sunday, June 13, I had a crazy high fever for 2 days with no other symptoms. I tested for Malaria, which was negative, Praise God! (I feel like it's inevitable that I'll get it at some point because of the amount of time I'm outside and on the lake) After 2 days of rest and Tylenol/Motrin around the clock, I was perfectly fine. I never did have any other symptoms, so who knows what it was. On Friday, June 18, the president of Uganda spoke again and increased all of the restrictions he had previously put into effect and restarted the 42 day time frame that he had initially given. On top of the things he had already shut down, he added that there be no public or private transport period (no cars, bodas, taxis, or anything but foot traffic), Bodas and taxis could only transport goods or medical patients, private vehicles could be used for essential workers or medical patients only. Things got eerily quiet around here. On Monday, June 21, Police and military began coming to Jinja to shut down shops that didn't sell food, and by Wednesday, June 23, police and military were in full force around town, beating or shooting at anyone who was even walking, not allowing anyone to come into the city, and shutting down shops and businesses that even went against what the president had listed in his lockdown restrictions. All along the president has said people can walk, just no other transport, but these police in Jinja decided otherwise and their manners of enforcing such rules were brutal. It went from nothing major to major abuse and corruption overnight. As of today, June 24, I've had 9 boys come to me with wounds from being beaten by the police, as they were trying to come to me for malaria testing or medicine, just since the beginning of this week. It's so very sad, and I know there are so many more suffering right now. Livelihoods have been drastically changed overnight, and this country still hasn't even recovered from the 8 month lockdown last year. Many people here literally work to put food on the table day by day. Now that schools are out again too, all of the kids are home and there's more mouths to feed. These beautiful people need your prayers. The lockdown will kill more people than any virus ever would. Without jobs, people can't buy food, people can't go to the hospital if they need to (it's pay first then get treatment, here), people can't cross from villages into the city where the resources are if they need to. The devastation and destruction are rampant right now, and it breaks my heart. I have 8 boys who are positive for Malaria right now, or have just finished treatment. I have 4 boys that I've been doing daily wound care on, and now 8 more who need it due to the beatings they sustained this week. God, please protect my boys and blind the eyes of those who are looking for them. 

.....BUT GOD.....

Now let me change the tone a little bit and tell you some amazing ways that God continues to work during this season of unrest......As emotionally draining as each day has been, God continues to blow me away with his goodness and grace each and every day. I think if there was ever a day that it was nothing but discouragement I’d really struggle. I used to always find the negative in a day (half empty kind of perspective). God has really taught me over the last 2 years to find the half full approach. Now I see why, more than ever. Without the vision to see that, I have no doubt I’d be struggling here right now. Thank you Lord for preparing my heart, mind, and soul for all of these years, for such a time as this!

-In the first week of the initial lockdown, I was able to go with 10 of my boys (all whom have been very consistent in coming to bible study and church, checking in with me routinely, and earning my trust, while proving to me they want to change and be off the street) to a small village outside of town. (It's still within walking distance, about 2.5-3 miles) and I've got my steps in going to do pop in visits!) With the support of 2 wonderful families, I was able to get 5 rooms for 6 months (2 boys/room), 10 mattresses and sheets, basins, jerry cans, toothbrush/paste, and soap for each room. I was also able to provide each room with their choice of Luganda or Mzungu (English) bible. I made a contract with these boys and the landlords that we will have sponsorship for the rooms for up to 1 year, 3 months at a time, unless I find out they're doing drugs, lying, stealing, or doing something they shouldn't be doing. I keep in close communication with each of the landlords, the boys still have to check in with me even though churches are closed, and if one of the boys messes up, that room will go to another boy. The joy on these boys faces was priceless and the humble thanksgiving was beautiful. They each tell me how good they're sleeping now, how rested they feel, and they tell me of ways they're learning more about the bible together since they are able to have one to read and discuss at home. Praise GOD!

-Also within the first week of lockdown I had some new friends come to stay with me, from the US. One of the pastors at my home church had friends here when the lockdown started and they needed to have a transition place to stay for a couple of days. Little did they know their presence was much needed for my tired soul, at that time. I'm so thankful for the new friends and prayer warriors I've met and I can't wait until they come back to visit. It was nice to have company and the boys were so happy to meet new friends. While they were here, we were able to cook rice and beans for about 80 street kids and pack take away bags for them, since we couldn't have gatherings at the church. It went fairly smooth, all things considered. Praise God for new friends and provision for my boys.

-We were still able to do bible study that first week, at the Rugby field. After a wonderful study and discussion in Psalms, we were able to share a meal, and have so much fun. Those next few hours were filled with so much laughter I cried, games, silliness, and sweet intentional time together. By the time we left the field and were walking home, 4 of the boys had gathered flowers from plants on the side of the road and put them in my hair telling me they loved me and they were thankful for time with me......my mama heart melted right then and there. Praise God for the love you've given them.

-At the end of the first week, while we could still walk freely, myself and 3 boys took a field trip to the small village where I got rooms for some of the boys. They were all so happy to show me how they had their rooms set up and some of them even wanted to introduce me to their neighbors. They were all so happy to tell everyone that the Mzungu was with them! Let's just say, not many Mzungus frequent some of these villages. When I got to one of the houses, the boys invited me inside to sit and rest, then they presented me with a pineapple that they had purchased for me. First, they have been intentional with finding out things about me, like that Ugandan pineapple is my favorite, and the fact that these boys went out of their way to find small jobs, to get enough money together for a pineapple, was so beautiful and humbling. I cried, happy tears of course, because God is so so good! He's working in these boys in mighty ways, and I'm truly blessed to be a part of their lives. They continue to demonstrated softening hearts, compassion, and love, all of which they said they've never experienced. It's not because I'm here with them, it's because God is here and they're seeing him in a whole new light now. Praise God for his grace and mercy.

-Earlier this week I got news that one of my boys was back from Kampala, where he had went for a temporary job opportunity, and was very sick. (Side note: Joel, the boy who helps me the most, had a dream 2 days prior that Moses was going to be coming back soon and would be very sick). Myself, Joel, and another boy, gathered some supplies and set off on a 3 mile journey to where Moses had stopped to stay. On the way there we ran into another of my boys who ended up walking with us. When we reached Moses we prayed for him and I was able to do some testing and give him medicine to treat his sickness. Thank you God for your provision and the medical wisdom you've given me. After we got him taken care of, the boy who's house he was staying at decided he wanted to have a meal for us to share. He went to the local market, bought my favorite Ugandan soda (again, they listen to what I like and don't like) and a loaf of bread. We sat on the ground in his room, all 5 of us, broke bread together, had bible study, spent time talking, and listened to worship music. We had sweet special time together. Thank you Lord for your children.

-The day after that sweet journey, is when things got really bad here. I knew quickly what God was asking me to do and as I reached out for prayers to many of my friends, God also stirred in them to help with blessing these boys. Today I was able to provide 48 boys with food bags which included 5kg Posho, 5kg beans, 5kg rice, as well as money for charcoal and ingredients to cook with. These food bags should sustain each boy for about 2 weeks so they don't have to be moving around searching for food. I will be packing at least 30 more bags to give out tomorrow, and more as God continues to provide. Thank you Jesus for your provisions and love for these sweet boys of mine.

.....Now for some fun facts.....

-Almost everywhere I go I have a street kid with me, or I run into one. Where there's 1, there's at least 5. Before I know it I have 1 to the front, 1 behind, and 1 on each side, with another one usually hanging back a little more. 

-When people see the little white girl in the middle of the street kids, they panic. They start telling the boys to get away from me, they ask me if I'm ok. And when I tell them these are my sons and I love them, they can't believe it. 

-I have my trusted 10 who watch my back. They won't let anyone charge me Mzungu prices if they're with me, they won't let anyone take advantage of me, and they sure won't let anyone get too close to me. If I say no to something they enforce that rule and they make sure the rules are followed by all of the boys.

-One of my boys will be president of this organization one day. He's continuing to prove to me over and over that he's ready to be something else. He has passed so many tests, he's been patient, and he continuously comes to me asking for scripture and to talk about what I've had him read. He's patient, he's kind, he's loving, and he's done with being on the street, where he's been since he was 6. I see God moving in mighty ways with Joel, and I can't wait to see how he continues to grow. Praise God for His work in these boys.

-The boys who know me so well now tell me they love me all the time. This is huge because it's something that many of them have voiced they didn't know even what love was until a couple of months ago. When they tell me they love me, even after I've said no to something, my mama heart melts. They trust me, that's huge! Praise you Jesus for allowing your love to shine through me to these boys so that they can now feel love on earth. 

*I took one of the boys, Joel, with me to Central Market last week, in the car. He was terrified at first because he didn't think a Mzungu could drive here in Uganda-let's just say it's an adventure. After about 5 minutes he was all good and ready to drive around seeing all the sights. We had such a good time just running errands and spending time together, getting to know one another! Thank you Lord for intentional quality time together.

-----Prayer Requests----

*Prayers for this country as the lockdown is currently through July 30th

*Prayers for my boys-their safety, health, continued growth in the word and trust in the Lord during this season

*Prayers for wisdom for me-who to help, when to help, how to help

*Prayers for safety and health for myself and my sweet Ugandan family; Thomas, Mary, and their 2 kids Stella and Reuben

*Prayers for us as we are trying to rent a place for the boys to come during the day to be off the street, to get rest, bathe, wash clothes, and just be at peace. 

God bless you my friends! We love you and we thank you for the many prayers!

Tara and the boys

Beautifully Busy

Time....There are moments that seem to last an eternity, and moments that seem to flee so quickly. Lately I feel like I've experienced the latter, here in Uganda. It has been about 3 weeks since I last updated, and so much has happened in that time. I'm sure there's many moments that I'll forget to add to the update, but God has definitely given me many special moments to experience and be a part of over this last 3 weeks. I have been in Uganda for 8 weeks now and I have experienced God's beautiful work in every single day. 

Since I last updated we finished our first full class of Following Jesus on Kembo Island. As I explained last time, there was so much to be taught and so much to be learned, but God moved in mighty ways. We had about 75 people each day who came and heard the word of God, learned about following Jesus, and learned how to disciple as Jesus commands us. About 45 of those attendees were Pastors and Ministers of the churches on the island, and many of them voiced over and over that this kind of teaching is not available on the islands. I'm so thankful for God choosing me to be his vessel to teach the simplicity of what our lives as Christ followers should look like. I witnessed and heard of many testimonies during our time on the island of how God was already changing the churches and communities in a short time. Since I've been back in Jinja, we have had pastors call to tell us of the mighty ways that God continues to move on Kembo Island. Praise God! Fun little tidbit I'm learning about African culture, when people appreciate the work you're doing, they send you home with live chickens, tons of fresh delicious fruits, beautiful homemade baskets, and so many beautiful memories. I'm in the process of getting a chicken coop built now, because my 3 island chickens aren't quite ready for eating yet! The people here love so beautifully and so well. I'm learning so much!

This week I started my next class of Following Jesus. We will be doing every other class on mainland in remote villages, so I'm currently working out of Tongolo, which is about 45 min from Jinja. Teaching pastors on the mainland vs on the islands are like 2 totally different worlds. The pastors on the islands have very limited knowledge and are just teaching what they have heard before or by storytelling. The pastors I'm currently working with seem to have a bit more knowledge, yet still are saying they're learning so much. We have been through 4 topics in 2 days, and there are about 50 attendees here, 40 being pastors or elders. I have had pastors on the island and even on mainland tell me that teaching something like this will be greatly beneficial because no one teaches discipleship and the basics. They've said more people come to plant churches and then leave, yet no one is teaching them how to teach. It's very humbling and eye opening and God continues to grow me and help me as he's working in these pastors. 

Last week I took a 3 day respite to the rainforest after finishing the first FJ class. Between teaching and staying on the islands and being with the street kids when I'm back in Jinja, I have been pouring out nonstop since I arrived, so I needed some peace and quiet in nature with the Lord to be refueled. (There's never peace nor quiet where I live). It was a beautiful rejuvenating time with God, where I so clearly heard from him and spent intentional quiet time with him. I came back refreshed and ready to take on the next couple of months. While I was there I went exploring in the rainforest 2 different days and also saw my first, and hopefully my LAST, Black Mamba....for those of you who don't know, definitely not a snake you want to encounter EVER! He was about 3 feet away from my guide and I, and Wilford, my guide, gave me strict instruction to not move or speak until it left or it would strike at us. I'm pretty sure he could feel my heartbeat through my toes vibrating into the ground though. But God protected us, he went on his way, and so did we! I loved watching the monkeys playing around and just hearing the sweet noises of God's creation. It was for sure a time of rest and rejuvenation as I had hoped for.

God is moving in mighty ways with my street kids. I have about 15 now who are very consistent in coming to learn, ask for jobs, and just hang out any time. Then I have about 10 more who are fairly consistent with church and bible study. God continues to bring more boys to me and it makes my heart so happy. Last week, after my time in the rainforest, I bought pizza for 10 of the boys who have been doing so amazing and have been with me since I got here. When I got back into Jinja I immediately went to the spot where some of them hang out, I gave them a list of the boys I wanted them to find, and told them to meet me at the church in 2 hours. When they arrived and I was telling them about how proud of them I was, how much I love them, and what we were meeting for, they were so full of joy, laughter, and dancing. It was so amazing to be there to witness the happiness and love that they felt, thanks to you who help make all of this possible! I spent all of Wed, Thurs, and Fri just hanging out with 10 of them, getting to know them more, answering questions, asking questions, and just being intentional with relationships with them. It really did all of our hearts good. I have no doubt in my mind that God has me right here, right now, for these boys! I love them so much! One of them asked to go with me for the Following Jesus teaching this week, and since he's been doing so well I allowed him to travel with us. He was so excited at the end of both days to tell me all he learned and how he wanted to tell others! Praise God! One of the visions I had during my respite was that one day some of the street kids will be helping to translate and even lead some of these teachings, and that, my friends, is beautiful to me! One of my sweet little friends came to me last Friday morning wounded and in much pain. He was asleep at night and the police found him, and beat him with a bicycle lock. He had many lashes on his back and arm, and was hurting so bad. They beat him and took his clothes I had just bought him the week prior, just because he's living on the street. It's so sad to me that this is a common occurrence, and even more affirmation of the reason I'm here.  I can't take all of them off the street, as much as I wish I could, but in the next month or 2 I have several who I'll be seeking sponsors for, for schooling (trade school), possibly housing, and job training. The ones who are trying so hard will definitely be the change for the rest of them. They're already coming with new friends because they see and feel the love of Jesus and it's radiating so brightly through them to others.  Last week I had one of the boys tell me "Auntie, I used to be a very mean person. I punched everyone who made me annoyed. Since you came here, and you love me so much, I don't want to punch anyone!" I give glory to God for that revelation in my friend Moses! God is working in mighty ways for sure! I do have so many stories, but actually seeing the change in these boys is beautiful. People at the church, people on the streets, people in this community see the change. God is working. 

I'm so blessed and excited to be on this journey. Are there hard days? Absolutely. Are there sad days? Absolutely. Are there days that Uganda is too much and I need to hide at my home in my hammock. Absolutely. But God is working, God is sustaining, God is moving....and it's always so beautifully busy here. I'm still trying to learn market business and how to not get stressed out every time I go, because the prices are elevated since I'm a Mzungu. I'm still trying to learn culture, language, and how to give grace with African time vs Mzungu time. But God is helping me with all of it. It feels like home here, in a way I didn't expect. Things take time, effort, and intentionality, but I'm learning and growing because of it. God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good. 

Prayer requests:

-Prayers for this country. The president will be speaking in the next day or so, as he's considering shutting down things in the country, and possibly the whole country again due to covid. Numbers in certain regions are rising again, however no one acts like it's around, where I am. It's a whole situation, as it is in America, but when the country shuts down here, it's total lockdown with military and police control, and these beautiful people have not even recovered from the big lockdown last year.

-Prayers for Thomas and Mary and their 2 kids, Reuben and Stella. Thomas and Mary help so much with this ministry and they're the most amazing Ugandan's I've ever met. They have all been getting sick a lot recently, so prayers for health and protection.

-Prayers for wisdom in next steps with the street kids and who/where to help and how.

-Prayers for protection and safety of my boys. Police corruption and abuse is horrible and they literally go to sleep at night hoping and praying tonight is not the night the police find them. 

-Prayers as we continue teaching Following Jesus, for pastors to continue to be open and receptive and excited to teach the basics to their churches. 

-Prayers for community and church connection for me here. I'm having a hard time at the church I've been going to (Ugandan churches are very loud and I feel like I'm just being screamed at all the time, as well as the translating overlapping while screaming, frequently makes it hard for me to understand anything.) I am pouring out non stop and need to find the balance of being poured into as well. (When the wifi is actually working I can watch my home church online, but it's been very inconsistent since I've been here)

May God bless you friends,

Tara