"A person's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps" Proverbs 16:9

 As usual, time flies, and another month (and another year) has come and gone. It's hard to believe it's 2022 now. I have officially had my first birthday and my first holiday season here in Uganda, and while it was very different, it was very good. It seems all of my updates are very long these days, but there's some good stories in here you'll surely want to hear.

Just after my last update, we had to take a young man, Hakim, for surgery. His story is in the last update, but after a crazy first 24 hours post op, I'm happy to say that now he is doing very well and has had a full recovery, Praise God! Since his surgery I have had 4 other boys come to me with a similar problem. Very strange, but after talking to the doctor, the life they live on the streets can contribute to the issue. They've just never got checked before because they can't afford to and didn't know where to go. 3 of the 4 were treated with medicine and are recovered, and 1 may be facing a similar procedure as Hakim in the next couple of weeks. We have a follow up appointment on Monday to find out the next steps. I am so thankful for the many people who contribute when we have immediate medical needs arise. While medicine and hospital stays are much cheaper here than in America, the cost adds up quickly when you're working with so many boys who don't have regular medical care, and we greatly appreciate the love and support. 

In the beginning of December I got to be a part of something that only God could orchestrate, much like my entire time here in Uganda. When my team was here in November we went to an area called Tongolo to do evangelism. While in Tongolo, one of the groups encountered a sweet little girl named Nakato and her Aunt who is raising her. Nakato was born a twin, who's mother passed away right after child birth. While the twin was meeting milestones on target, Nakato began showing signs of delay and her Auntie knew that something was not right. The thing about Uganda is, there's no free healthcare and when you're deep in a village, quality medical care is hard to come by, so you just do what you can do and do the best you can do with what you have. While we were taking a break for lunch, the group who had met her approached me about finding a wheelchair for Nakato to use. Once I went to meet her and her family, I knew we were working with something much more complex than just needing a chair. Before I came to Uganda I practiced Occupational Therapy, and spent a couple of years working with pediatrics. Everything that Nakato presented with pointed to Cerebral Palsy. Nakato needed therapy, she needed resources to help her continue to grow, she needed so much more than a chair, and at 7 years old had never had any of that. But she did have an Aunt who loved her and cared for her and did the best she could with what she had, and Nakato was a happy healthy girl with the best smile in the world! After leaving there I knew that God would need to intervene because I didn't know where to even begin looking for help for her, especially the kind of help that she really needed to thrive. On Thanksgiving day I got an email about a NGO meeting I needed to attend. I really didn't want to go, and knew it would be more of a waste of time than anything, but I went. After a few hours of nothingness, it came down to question and answer time. If someone had a question, they had to stand, give their name, their organization, and then their question. I was about 30 steps into dream land, bored out of my mind, when a lady stood up and said, "Hello, I am Juliette from Grace Cerebral Palsy and Special Needs." Let's just say I perked up real quick. I still don't know what the question was that she asked, or what else happened at that meeting, but as soon as it was over, I made a bee-line to her, got her number and told her briefly about Nakato. The following week I called her and we arranged to meet and go visit Nakato to see if her organization could help. During the meeting they were talking about having to stay within certain boundaries, and it just so happens that this organization and Nakato are within the same boundary. On the ride out to Tongolo, Juliette, her husband, and I had a great discussion about their organization and what could be done. Her husband is a Pastor, they used to have a daughter with CP, who passed away a few years ago, and Juliette was a special education administrator. She said God led them to start this organization because when they were trying to help their daughter they didn't know where to turn and they needed more resources, so they want to be the ones to help give direction and counseling so others don't have to suffer like they did. Praise be to God for allowing us to meet and them to begin working with Nakato. Just before Christmas I drove with them to deliver some supplies to Nakato and her family. The relief in the Aunt's eyes was beautiful. She has hope for once that she's not alone in this, all Glory to God! It's amazing how God just keeps putting connections and people in my path here to help where needed. Praise Him! (See below for the sweetest smile ever from Nakato!)

I celebrated my 37th birthday here as well. One of the traditions in Uganda is you get a bucket of water poured on you on your birthday, so I took the day off and had a massage and avoided a second shower for the day! Sweet Mary went around town looking for a cheesecake because I told her that was my favorite cake, and got me a juice for after my massage! The day after my birthday we had our first bible study of that week and she made me a cake and I got to celebrate with 30 of my boys singing happy birthday and sharing cake. Still managed to avoid the bucket of water, that's one tradition I don't want to be a part of! 

Christmas didn't feel much like Christmas this year, although apparently it was just as hot in Tennessee as it was here. Even when it's hot in the states, you drive around and see Christmas lights and Christmas trees, hear Christmas carols, etc, but here it was just any other day, any other month. Not that those things are what Christmas is all about, it's just the external picture of Christmas we grow so used to in America. I have to say, while I missed my friends and family and watching all of my little kiddos open presents, I had one of the best Christmas's I've ever had. On Christmas Eve, we had a huge Christmas party for the street kids. Not just the 100 in the program, but around 250 came and went through the day. We started at 9am and had music, games, competitions, and prizes. We had multiple boys share their testimonies, powerful to say the least! We had several boys preach the Word of God to their fellow brothers. And, most importantly we had 24 boys who said they wanted to begin their journey with Jesus. After the fun and games and lunch we were able to give clothes and shoes to all who were present. Thank you all for helping to make things like this possible for this ministry. I was absolutely exhausted after our long day, but my heart was full and I saw so many smiles and laughter that day in boys who often lose hope in change. 

I want to share one of the testimonies that was shared with all of us that day. It's not my story to tell, but I'm going to share it the best I can and just know all the glory goes to God in this beautiful redemptive story. Here's the story of Mutib Ashlaf, aka "Pastor". Let me start with the part I witnessed, and then I'll tell the detail that he shared on Christmas Eve. On August 3rd, I was getting ready to go for bible study at the boys house and I got a phone call that there was a very sick boy at the gate waiting on me. I rushed around and when I arrived at the house, I saw a boy laying on the ground. When I approached him I noticed a lot of blood, obvious deformities to his left arm and shoulder, and he was crying in pain. I asked what happened and he said the day before he had been beaten by mechanics, who used their tools to beat him. He said he was walking with another street kid and they got jumped by the mechanics because someone had stolen stuff from them, and they were beating whatever street kid they came into contact with. The other boy was beaten so badly he died on scene and the police took Ashlaf to one of the government hospitals here in town, but they refused to treat him because he couldn't pay. I gave him 2 options: 1. Let me clean him up, give him pain meds, stay for bible study and a filling lunch, then go to the hospital. 2. Go straight to the hospital. (Either way I was going to take him to the hospital, but if I can get the boys who come for medical care to hear the word of God, have a nice meal and then go, it's always the goal). Ashlaf chose option 1, mainly because he hadn't had food in 2 days, but it was that day, that the Lord began working in him. After bible study and food, we went to the hospital where we found out Ashlaf had a pelvic fracture, fractured hand, elbow, and dislocated shoulder. He had to have 6 stitches in the top of his head, and was covered in multiple abrasions on his back from the blows of metal tools. I sent Ashlaf "home" aka back to the street, that night with a full belly, pain medicine, and orders to come back to see me at the house on Thursday for wound care. (I also strategically make wound care days on bible study days. They come and get wound care, bible study and a meal. It may start with them just wanting the meal, but God works, always). One bible study led to another, led to another, and led to another, and before we knew it wound care was over, his stitches were out, and he was physically healed. I gave him the release and told him that he was welcome to keep coming to the program, but he was released from medical care. Ashlaf had been coming to bible study 2x/week for a month to get wound care, and in that moment he had the decision to walk away or keep coming, it was only a decision he could make. Ashlaf sat there for a moment and asked if he could keep coming to both studies. He said he had many questions and wanted to know more. From that moment on, I witnessed God work a miracle in the life of Ashlaf. He started walking different and talking different. He started asking amazing questions, leading worship, and volunteering to pray. I witnessed with my own eyes God wreck his life and I watched him surrender his new life to Christ. Praise God! .....Now let me tell you Ashlaf's side of the story.....On August 2, Ashlaf was walking down mechanic road (that's not what it's really called, but it's where all the mechanic shops are, so I call it that). He knew that the mechanics were mad at street kids because word had got out they would kill anyone they saw, since one of the street kids stole something of great value. That didn't stop him from walking down that road though, because in his mind he was rough and tough and no one could hurt him. (his words not mine) Ashlaf witnessed his friend get beaten to death and before he knew it he was being taken by police to the local government hospital. He arrived at the hospital on Aug 2 at 3pm, where he stayed until 6am on Aug 3, not being seen or treated at all. He said he laid in the bed bleeding and hurting all night and no one even came to talk to him. At 6am one of his friends came, they got together enough money to get a boda to the friend's house, and he left, "Knowing I was going to my friend's house to die". They got to the friends house, where he began hearing voices telling him "go see the Mzungu" (for those of you who are new here, Mzungu is the term for white person here). He said he just kept thinking he was dying because he didn't know a mzungu, especially one who would help him, and he was hearing a voice when no one was around. He said he kept falling asleep, but would wake up hearing the voice again "go see the mzungu at the yellow gate". He called to his friend who came inside and asked him who was talking and where he was supposed to go. The friend said he knew of a ministry with a yellow gate that he thought had a mzungu, but he didn't know if they would let him in. Again they asked for money for a boda, and the boda brought him to our boys house, with the yellow gate. He said when the boda got him there, they almost refused him, but saw how bad he was and let him in. They called me, and that's where I came in (the mzungu at the yellow gate). Here's where Ashlaf paused and gave a little back story to his life. Buckle up for this, it's about to get crazy. Ashlaf has been on the streets for 12 years. During his time on the streets he got the title "Rasta" and said he lived up to the name he was given. He said he did every drug possible, he killed people, he beat people, he lived a life of stealing, sleeping with anyone who would give him the chance, and didn't want anything to do with God or anyone who had anything to do with God. Ashlaf kneeled on the stage, with tears streaming down his face giving all praise glory and honor to God alone for the transformation in his life. He begged the boys to listen and know that no matter how bad they are, God is better. Ashlaf returned to his story where he talked about how no one has ever taken him to a real hospital before and he know's it was expensive. He talked about how the mzungu, now known as Auntie Tara, cared for him in a way that he didn't know existed. He talked about being forced to go to bible study, but then seeing Jesus first hand in his life. And as he knelt on that stage, crying,  in front of 200 street kids, Ashlaf praised and prayed that they would find Jesus too. He said that he knows now the voice he heard when he was almost unconscious was the voice of God, that there's no other way he would be where he is now. Ashlaf now has a room we've rented for him, he now owns a chapati business and is doing amazing business, and he teaches at our bible studies frequently because of what God has done in his life. I asked him one day why he chose the place he did for his chapati stand, it's in a not so great part of town, where a lot of the street kids and druggies hang out. His response, "Auntie, they need to hear about Jesus too. What better way to show them Jesus than with chapati and them seeing the transformation in my life". Amen sweet boy! Praise God for the testimonies he's giving here in Uganda with these boys. This ministry can be tough and trying. I'm always busy and get frustrated sometimes with the antics of some of the boys. But God...God is changing them. God is growing them. My job is to lead them to Jesus and teach them the Word of God. God does the rest. Ashlaf is a prime example of disciples making disciples, and that's what this is all about. Glory to God!

For New Years I got invited to go on my first safari trip with one of the sweet families I've grown to know, here in Uganda. They have lived here for 3 1/2 years, and are from the same town I came here from in Tennessee. It was such a sweet and special time being with them, surrounded by the beauty of God's creation. I saw some of the most amazing animals up close and personal, witnessed beautifully painted sunrises and sunsets, and came home to a 5 day quarantine because we were all sick and exposed to COVID. A little more time to rest and work from home and more natural immunity boosters for me, I can't complain. I'm fine, other than a little cough. Happy New Year 2022!

On New Years Eve the president of Uganda spoke again, and while we were all dreading another lockdown to be put into place, he made the announcement that schools are opening back up January 10th, and 2 weeks later the curfew will be lifted and the country will resume normal activity! Praise God!!!! I have 4 boys who need to be back in primary school asap, and will be finding sponsors for them to begin again. We have about 15 boys ready to begin trade school, if they're older or never attended primary school as well. This year is going to be amazing and I can't wait to see how God continues to grow this ministry for his Glory! Most importantly we teach the boys about Jesus and then we rehab and reintegrate them back into functioning members of their community. God is moving. 

I'm so thankful for the prayers and support from around the world. This ministry wouldn't be possible without the faithful givers at my church and those who feel led to give and support us each month. I always pray to be wise in being a faithful steward of what the Lord gives us. We have 1 boy having surgery tomorrow, another one probably having surgery next week, and always have medical cases arising beyond the projected budget. I've had many ask, so at the bottom I will attach a link for giving tax deductible through my church, or directly to me (to be used immediately) as needs arise. Thank you all for your prayers and support! 

-Prayer requests

* Solomon having surgery tomorrow 1/7

*Hassan possibly having surgery next week

*Sponsorship for boys to return to school

*Wisdom as we grow in finding best suited land and guidance in progression

*Health for myself and my team as we minister to the boys and resume Following Jesus

                                     Ways to give:

Link to give through my church, tax deductible: bit.ly/ugandaecc

Zelle to my email: thens1213@gmail.com

Venmo: @Tara-Henson-1 (last 4 of phone number is 3565)

Paypal: @TaraHenson (last 4 of phone number is 3565)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving. As I sit in my living room in Uganda this morning, drinking my coffee, listening to the sounds of Bodas and cars driving by, roosters crowing, dogs fighting, children laughing, and the constant beat of a hammer at a nearby construction site, all I can do is wipe away the tears of thankfulness for the life that God has given me here. Thanksgiving was once just another day to eat a lot of amazing food, watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and take a nap, but this year, Thanksgiving takes on a whole new meaning. I am thankful, so very thankful, for all that God has brought me through and where he has brought me to, in this season. I am so thankful for my amazing Ugandan family who love me and care for me so well as I navigate a new life here. I am so thankful for the amazing friends and family I have here and back in the States who love me, pray for me, and support me in every way. I am so thankful for the boys God has brought me, the ones who love deep, protect me, watch out for me, and even annoy me. I am so thankful for my simple, yet chaotically busy, Ugandan life, and I can't imagine being anywhere else. 

It has been almost 2 months since I have updated, and I do apologize. Life has been very busy here, including a quick trip back to the states for me and a large team coming to do missions from my church, as soon as I returned to Uganda. I have a lot to catch you up on, so go grab a cup of your favorite warm drink (I hear it's freezing in Tennessee these days) and settle in for a wild Ugandan ride. 

Let's begin with this amazing news......We are now OFFICIALLY  certified and recognized by the NGO board and Jinja City Council as a CBO in Uganda, Experience Hope International!!! Praise God! This happened shortly after my last post in September and it will be such a huge asset as this ministry continues to grow. The government is very corrupt here, and to have an official recognition and certification helps ease the blow sometimes, especially when working with street kids. It was a process to obtain this status, but Thomas found an amazing lawyer for us to work with and she helped so much with the whole process. It's Uganda, so I had to pay some bribes along the way (something I despise, but have to do here more than I'd like), but all things considered, it didn't take as long or as much money as any of us expected. We celebrated with a special meal and cake with the boys at bible study and they were ecstatic! They know the importance of having the certification, as well. We praise God for allowing things to go so smoothly and I pray that this ministry continues to grow and flourish as it has the last 7 months.

The first week in October, we began seeing some lifting of lockdown restrictions, here in Uganda. Our churches have been closed since May, however on October 3, doors were opened again. This was a huge celebration for so many, because due to the lack of technology and infrastructure, many churches couldn't even meet online during this time. Just like the churches in America, numbers went down when doors reopened, however we went from having around 10-15 street kids present, to now 40 since church has been back in session! We praise God for that! I am in the process of finding a more suitable church for myself. I love the African churches, but for short term only. They're so loud and hard for me to understand that I feel more stressed going to service than I should. I have found 2 Ugandan churches with English services where I don't feel like I'm being screamed at (because of the microphone, not conviction), and feel more western style that I'm used to. 2 of my boys have went with me the last 2 weeks and really enjoy the change of pace as well. Along with churches reopening, gyms reopened and most businesses can go back to full capacity, yet you're still only supposed to have 3 people in a car, but no one follows that rule. We are still prayerful and hopeful for schools to reopen in January. Around the end of October, the president spoke saying that his goal was all schools to resume in January. Schools have been closed since March of 2020, so, as you can imagine, we have more kids on the streets, more families struggling to feed their children, and more teen pregnancies. Kids have been idle for too long, and it's effecting them in a very negative way. I have 4 kids who need to go back to boarding schools when they reopen because they are younger, and several more who are ready for vocational school. 

Early in October I took a little weekend respite trip to Mount Elgon, where I went hiking at Sipi Falls and around the villages of Kapchora. I even took a coffee tour, where I picked coffee beans and roasted, ground and made my own cup of coffee afterward. It was such a much needed respite trip for me, and spending time in nature is my favorite place to be. Uganda is so beautiful and even though I was so sore from hiking the mountains for about 32 miles in 2 days, ( I swear I never went downhill, only up) I thoroughly enjoyed my little get away. 

At this point in October, we were consistently seeing between 75-80 street kids show up to bible study a week, about 40 to church, and many more doing pop in visits for medical care or to see what the organization is about. I have not went looking for a single boy the entire time I've been here, but they know me and they find me and it is amazing seeing how God is changing them. I'm so thankful for the experiences and grace God has given me to share with these boys.

A couple of weeks after my Mt Elgon trip, I had a trip planned to go back to the states. I have to admit I had every emotion possible leading up to the trip. I was nervous about being over stimulated, I was anxious about leaving my boys, I was fearful that I would no longer know what's going on and be the outcast just sitting and listening to everyones lives that had moved in a different direction than mine. I thought about cancelling the trip more than once, but I have some amazing friends who encouraged me and I knew no matter what, I needed to go home. This trip home was partly for 2022 planning, partly for talking to my church and sponsors about what's going on here, and partly for a respite I didn't even know I needed. 3 of my sweet friends planned an amazing girls trip to the beach while I was there. We had no plans other than to be together and enjoy the stillness for a few days, and it was fabulous! I cherish my sweet girls and I can't even explain how much that trip meant to me. It was so wonderful seeing friends, going to my home church, and just being with those I love and cherish for a few days. I even had my first Thanksgiving celebration of the year, while home, all inclusive of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade playing on YouTube. I couldn't have asked for a better night with my people. It was a whirlwind of 3 weeks, but I'm so thankful I ended up going back. While I was in the States Thomas and Mary held down the fort here. I loved getting videos of my boys and being able to video chat with them some. I missed them, and they sure missed me, but I'm so thankful for the ones here who sustain the ministry even without me present. 

While I was gone Uganda began having some terrorist attacks, which are still happening as early as last week, in Kampala. There have been some bombings happening, but they seem to be specifically targeted, and we have not seen any such threat here, in Jinja at this time. Some businesses have increased security checks with metal detectors or searching bags/cars, but for the most part it's business as usual around here.

When I got back to Jinja, I was all in playing catch up after being gone for 3 weeks, but also planning for a team of 17 who were coming only a week after I got back. I am so thankful for my amazing partners here who helped me get everything organized and took care of things while I was gone. I couldn't do this without their help. Planning for a group of 17 was intense, because we still have some gathering restrictions and a 7pm curfew we had to split into 2 separate teams and have 2 different programs for the entire week. While one team went to the island for 2 days for evangelism, the other team did mainland evangelism and boys bible study, then they swapped later in the week. I'm super thankful for the 2 amazing leaders that were here, they sure made things much easier. We praise God for all the souls that gave their lives to Christ last week and I love hearing from the pastors about the new members coming to church now! I got notifications Sunday after service that so many new people were filling the chairs of the church. God is moving, and I'm so thankful I get to see the fruit of the work that he's doing. While the team was here we spent a day with all of the street kids, not just the ones who come to our program, sharing the gospel, playing games, and serving a meal. We had around 250 boys show up for this day and it was so amazing having my group of boys help manage everyone and keep everyone in line. They are such a big help now and it went smoother than it's ever went before because of them. You see, being a street kid basically means you're part of a gang. They may fight like brothers and beat the snot out of each other, but they also protect those who help them and others respect that. At one point in the day, after serving food, we were serving seconds and extra sodas. This is where the chaos ensued, but my boys were up front pushing back and yelling at the others to not push onto me. It's so cool seeing how such a once angry, bitter boy, now is a protector in a non aggressive way.  Not only is the ministry with street kids teaching them how to reintegrate back into the community, it's also, above all, about discipleship. I was such a proud mama to be able to send 4 boys to the islands with the teams for evangelism and hear how amazing they were in helping the teams and in sharing the gospel. This is what the great commission is all about! Raising up others to go out and raise up others. I also had another one of my boys with me, personally, all week to help. Joel is my go to, right hand man. He helps me so much and is so humble and kind. I can't imagine this Ugandan life without him, and to know he only came back to Jinja the week I arrived here gives me chills. God knew I needed him and he needed to be here. Joel has been on the streets since he was 6, and today is his 18th birthday. Joel will be CEO of this organization one day, I have no doubt.

This week...this week has been nuts to say the least.  Now I'm going on week 3 of crazy and looking forward to this weekend when I'll lock myself in my house and not open the gate or answer the phone while I lay in my hammock and try to rest. After the team left I had to put my house back together and get everything back in a grind for me. Monday I had to make my first visit to immigration here in Jinja because when I returned from the states a couple of weeks ago they stamped my passport wrong. I'm so thankful I caught it now instead of when I tried to leave again, or I'd have some hefty fines to pay. I was in immigration for 3.5 hours, but it's all sorted out, until February at least. After I left I got a call that there were some sick boys at our boys house and another call saying one boy was hit by a boda and had a swollen leg. I ran by the boys house real quick and dealt with those boys then made a beeline for the one with the deformity. When I arrived his left leg was 3 times the size of his right one, and had obvious deformity, so we loaded up and I took him to the hospital where we stayed overnight while the swelling reduced so we could cast. Tuesday, since I was in the hospital, Thomas led bible study for me. After taking John back to his place when we were discharged, I had to go back to the boys house for more wound care and taking care of some other issues that we had put off while the team was here. On Wednesday we started our 3rd bible study at the boys house. This has been something God has laid on my heart for about a month because of the ministry growing so rapidly, but I knew I needed to wait until the team left. We had 30 boys show up to this new bible study and had such a great discussion. I went over the rules with everyone and took care of whatever medical issues they had. I'm praying that most come back next week, but I also know, with the strictness of my rules, some won't return. After bible study I had a new boy come to me who's been on the streets since he was 6, and he's 16 now. He was staying in a nearby village with his mom and one day she told the neighbor she was going to be gone a couple of days and asked the neighbor to care for him. Hakim's mom never returned and that day he became an orphan. The neighbor took care of him for a short time but reached the point that financially she couldn't care for him. All he was left with was surviving on the street, at 6 years old. Hakim came to me with a pretty serious medical issue, however we didn't know the extent of it until I took him to the hospital. After multiple scans and lab work we decided the best course of action is surgery. The surgeon will be back in town next week, and Hakim will be having surgery on Thursday. After surgery Hakim and I will need to stay at the boys house for a week for wound care, and medication management, since he doesn't have a room currently. I'm praying that Hakim sees God in this situation, much like many other boys have. I truly believe with all of my heart that God gave me all of the medical jobs and medical experience he did, through the years, for right now, and I praise God for that! 

Because of lockdown restrictions we have not been able to teach Following Jesus anymore since the first week in June, where we finished a class at military gunpoint. Last week, with the team, one of my translators, Pastor David, who was in that last class gave me some amazing news! He said after their class in Tongolo, that so many pastors were on fire for Following Jesus and they began making copies of the papers and meeting in small groups walking through the class. They've had many people attend over the last 5 months and I'm so thankful for their obedience in followthrough with teaching their community, as we discussed. We plan to resume Following Jesus in the next couple of weeks, and I'm excited about the leaders who will be primarily teaching. 

We are still looking for a good property to purchase, for the ministry, but I don't want to rush into anything. I've had a couple of really good potentials, but the Holy Spirit has clearly revealed to me they are not the right place. We are currently still renting the boys house, through March, but can extend if we need to, if we don't find property by then.  

God is doing amazing things here in Uganda, every day. He continues to raise up boys who are discipling others, he continues to open doors that seem impossible, and he continues to give me endurance to get through every day. I love my Ugandan home. I can't imagine being anywhere else. This is home. This is my comfortable uncomfortable. This is God's place for me. Praise Him!

Prayer requests:

-Clarity in finding the right land and not rushing into something just to purchase

-Finding intentional rest days and respite with God

-Wisdom as the boys ministry grows so rapidly

-Wisdom as we seek more Ugandans to partner with this ministry

-Health and wellness for my sweet brother and sister who give their all for me and the boys     

     

"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer"- Romans 12:12

As children we all had hopes and dreams for our own future. For some, those hopes and dreams from childhood come true, and then sometimes, as we get older, those hopes and dreams change. When I was a little girl I always wanted to be a doctor, a teacher, and a nurse, all at the same time of course. My rational was that the doctor made the money, the teacher loved kids and got to work with them every day, and the nurse got to give the shots- priorities, right? I also always dreamed of having a family of my own one day, and that dream has never faded. Never in a million years did I think I would be living in Uganda as a full time missionary, with a family full of boys, doctoring them, teaching them, and nursing them back to life. This life may look different than what I imagined as a little girl, but let me tell you, I wouldn't trade this life for anything. Some days here are nothing but joy and laughter and some days here are filled with frustration and tears, but every day God continues to bless me with this life and this family, here in Uganda.

There are many things that are getting easier, the longer I'm here. I'm learning the right prices for most things so I don't get "Mzungu priced", I'm getting more confident in driving (just think of the game Frogger on steroids and in real life), and I'm learning Luganda more and more each day (which is starting to scare the boys a little I think!) But there are still days that are frustrating and hard because of things like the concept of time, corruption, and bribery. Since my last update I've seen corruption at its finest with other organizations and politics in the city. But, every single time, God wins. Just like I say over and over, I have no doubt that I am right where I'm supposed to be, right when I'm supposed to be here, doing exactly what God wants done. God continues to remind me of that and show me that daily. 

Recently, Thomas and I have been taking boys back to their villages to visit family, as they want to go. Up until about a month ago, many of the boys said they never wanted to go back. Some have been gone from home for up to 12 years, and some have made it a point to visit maybe once a year. The joy that we see when we go visit is priceless. These boys are proud to show their families what God has been doing in their lives. They talk with purpose and hope that they've not had in years. The boys I've taken back to visit just radiate as they see their families and introduce them to me and Thomas. Their families talk about how they look different and they can see a change. And over and over we give God all of the glory, because it's him who is changing them from the inside out, not me, not Thomas. We usually go with sugar, soap, and posho or rice to give the families, and somehow I always end up coming home with a chicken, or 2. Needless to say, my chicken stock is growing and I get amazing fresh eggs every single day!

I wish I could say that all things have been unicorns and rainbows here lately, but if I did I would be lying to you. As I said earlier, some days here are nothing but joy and laughter and some days here are filled with frustration and tears. I've had some really hard days this month. Satan has been working overtime trying to steal, kill, and destroy, but God continues to provide, protect, and restore hope. Here are some of the rough patches we've been dealing with this month: 

1. I had to deal with the police and a shady organization every day for 2 weeks, fighting for one of my boys, Sema, who was unjustly arrested and put in jail. BUT GOD...God used that situation to show Sema His love, grace, and mercy in mighty ways, and allowed Sema to see Jesus in a whole new way through the actions and words God gave me. God used me to speak life back into Sema and give him a hope that he lost. A hope that seemed dim at first is now brighter than I've ever seen. Sema now calls me "Fighter Auntie" and prides himself in being my bodyguard...and he takes his job seriously! Sema has been so joyful and full of life since we settled everything 2 weeks ago. Sema saw God in his situation, and his life will never be the same. 

2. One of the boys who has been with me since May and has shown such a drastic life change since then, began acting very out of character a couple of weeks ago. He began being angry, stealing things, and showing out during bible study, then he attempted suicide by ingesting pesticide and fertilizer. After 24 hours in the hospital with him, we were released and he begged for forgiveness and apologized profusely. Less than a week later he began acting badly again and began stealing things from our boys house and other places. The day I found out what he was doing, he also admitted to selling drugs, which led to suspension. Part of the rules of my program include suspension if the boys break any rules. I operate a tight ship and they know I don't mess around. When we realized things were missing and had witnesses pointing at him, he got suspended for 2 weeks. After I told him he was suspended, the young man decided to take 10 Tylenol extra at one time, seeking attention. He left the house before anything could be done, and after 2 days he came to me saying he had severe stomach pain. (a side effect of taking too much tylenol is liver issues). This young man decided that day that hanging out with the boys he used to hang out with, and doing drugs was more important than the second chance at life he had been given. This week during bible study on Tuesday, 2 of the boys came to the gate looking for me. They informed me that this young man had sold everything in the house that was rented for him and his roommate and he was on the run. I will leave out some of the next few details of the story, but things got worse. You may be asking, what's the positive in this story, because it only keeps taking a downhill spiral....BUT GOD-you see during every moment of every day I have boys watching me. They watch how I interact, they watch my attitude, they watch my every move. God has given me so much grace and mercy in my life. I've screwed up more times than I can count on my fingers and toes combined. We're supposed to be like Jesus, right? So here's God in this story....God allowed me wisdom and discernment in every action and every move. God allowed me grace and mercy to give to this young man. God allowed me to speak truth with discipline and authority. God allowed me to be loving and harsh at the same time. God allowed all of this so the boys can see that even when they do mess up, He still loves them, and I sill love them. This young man is suspended for 3 months at this point because of his actions and decisions. But just like I told the other boys, I'll tell you too; I haven't given up hope on him. I've seen God work in his life and I know he will continue. When/if he ever comes back he will have to start from scratch just like he did the first time. He won't get the rewards or benefits he was getting until he proves to me that he has truly changed and wants to change. But, if/when he does come back, my arms will be open to welcome him because Jesus has done that to me over and over, and this young man deserves that too. So how is God present in this scenario....the boys see that no matter what, grace wins...GOD wins. 

3. I continue to run into issues with another organization working with street kids. This is the same organization that was causing issues with arresting Sema unjustly that I dealt with for 2 weeks straight. One of the social workers at the organization continues to lie and try to throw me under the bus and stop what God is doing in this ministry, because the success is intimidating to him. BUT GOD- Here's the thing about being obedient to God and following your calling, no matter what the enemy tries to do to ruin it, God wins...Every. Single. Time! Today I met with a government official whom the man was trying to tell lies to about me. When I left that meeting we were on the same page ready to partner together for the street kids, and he offered to write me a letter of recommendation if I ever need it. Jesus, truth, and kindness go a long way. 

Yes, life here is sometimes chaotic and sometimes frustrating, but all the time it's perfect. I've learned a whole new meaning to having a perfect life, being here. It's not about how much money you have, what car you drive, what job you have, or how many friends you have. Living a perfect life is following God's plan for your life, making mistakes and learning from them, loving hard and loving well even to the least of these, and having a perfectly imperfect, messy, wonderful life lived for Christ. With Christ first, even the hard days have rainbows. 

I love my life here. I miss my friends and family, for sure. I miss certain conveniences and luxuries of American life, of course. But my crazy Ugandan life is my life, and I love it. My boys are my crazy wonderful family who love me deeply, drive me crazy, and watch out for me daily. My sweet brother and sister, Thomas and Mary, have welcomed me into their lives with open arms and love me so well (and their baby boy basically think's I'm his mama-Sorry Mary!). My life is busy every day. My life is crazy most days. My life is unexpected and everything is always a process. But, my life is God's plan and God's will, and I have no doubt it's the life he has for me for a very long time. I love this crazy, beautiful, messy, dusty, Ugandan life. 

Prayer requests:

* Prayers for wisdom and discernment, continuously, in working with these boys and growing this ministry.

*Prayers as we are trying to obtain an organization in Uganda to help continue to grow and further the kingdom work here.

*Prayers for my boys. For the ones who are seeing Jesus for the first time, to have confidence and hope restored. For the ones who are growing to have strength to avoid temptation and continue growing. For the ones who continue to choose evil over good, to see Jesus and have open hearts to surrender and change.

*Prayers for endurance and respite for me. For a day off to truly be a day off and to find community that I can be a part of regularly here for being filled up.

Thank you for the many many prayers that are being prayed for myself and for this ministry. God is working in mighty ways, friends, and he is going to continue to move mountains here in Uganda, I have no doubt. God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!

God bless you my friends!

Death is defeated...the King is ALIVE

These last few weeks, here in Uganda, have been pretty eventful so I will try to summarize as best as I can. We are still in the most recent lockdown and still have about 40 days left. Things seem to be moving at a much more normal pace this time though, including the crazy traffic and too many taxis. There are still some rules being enforced around town or at district crossings, but I think even the police are over trying to enforce everything that has been restricted for so long. The lockdown has actually brought more boys to the streets and more boys to me, so I am busier than ever trying to keep up with them and the need. Since the last update, another one of my boys, Meddi, had a minor surgery but I removed his stitches yesterday and he's recovering well, praise God! I've become really good friends with one of the doctors at the clinic I take the boys to, so it's typically a smooth process when I do have to go. We always agree on course of treatment and he lets me maintain followup and post-op care. Ugandan medical services are much different than in America, and I'm so thankful for the knowledge God gave me, for such a time as this. 

     The boys are doing amazing in bible study. They are growing more and more each week, and asking so many questions. We always have wonderful discussions, and even when we go down rabbit holes, they always lead back to Jesus. This past week I had a team here from my home church and we had 15 more boys give their lives to Christ and we were able to baptize 25 in Lake Victoria! Praise GOD!!! There are 9 more who want to be baptized, but they were unable to make it to the lake in time this week, so we will baptize those 9 next week. God is moving in mighty ways in these boys and being a witness to it all is so humbling and beautiful. I thank God every day for all he is doing here, and I remind the boys each week that this is ALL from God, not from me. I am just a vessel trying to be obedient. I have no doubt why I'm here and what God is using me for and I can't wait to see the continued growth and change in the boys and in the community. Many of the boys chose to share testimonies with my team this week, and they brought me to tears. I see the change daily, but hearing the extent of the change is so powerful. Hearing them share about how they were on drugs or dirty and unloved but now they are clean, both spiritually and physically just shows the mighty power of God. Many of them testified about coming to me for medical issues because they heard about me helping and how they ended up staying for bible study and allowing God to change their lives, then giving all the glory to Him alone. I'm up to about 60 boys in bible study now, and even just 3 months ago there were only 10. God is moving, friends. He is moving in MIGHTY ways here! I love these boys with my whole heart. I can't even explain how much they mean to me. Do they annoy me sometimes, absolutely. Do they disturb me and perturb me sometimes, absolutely. But friends, if you could only see the mighty hand of God in them, you'd see why none of that even matters. I've got so many letters from boys just giving thanks and telling me how this organization is different. Many of the boys have expressed how they didn't trust at first and now they see the fruit of what I promised. As of now, there are 30 boys who have rooms and are not staying on the street at night. Praise GOD!!!! I have also been taking some of the boys to see their families if they want to go. Some haven't seen their family in months, and some it's been years. So far the parents have said the boys can't stay and they have to leave with me, but God is still moving in them and their parents. God is blowing my mind every day and I'm so very thankful that I get to be here to be in the lives of these boys. And, I'm so thankful that he's given me the life I've had, for such a time as this. 

    With the team this week, we went to one of the islands and did evangelism and spent the night. One of the proudest moments I had during that trip was being able to do evangelism alongside one of my boys, Joel. Joel has been with me from the moment I got here. God quickly changed everything about his life and he is now one of the 2 who I trust the most to help me. Joel stays at the boys house to keep it up and maintain crowd control, as well as will do anything I ask of him without complaint. Every night Joel asks me for scripture to read, and the next day we discuss and talk about what he learned or if he has questions. For a few weeks I had been asking if he wanted to go with me to do evangelism, but he told me he was fearing the lake. The day before we left, Joel came up to me and said, "Auntie, I am ready. I want to go with you and share the Gospel, because the Gospel changed my whole life." Yep, I cried. I am so proud of the young man he's becoming, because of Jesus. We had some difficult moments while on the island, but Joel helped and trusted that no matter what, God was in control. To see this young man, who was still doing drugs when I met him, change into the young man he is today, in just 4 months, is so beautiful. Praise God for the continued sweet reminders of what he's doing here in these boys. On the island we encountered much confusion, and demonic darkness. There was a person claiming to be messiah, with false teaching and even spreading over the loudspeaker that the bibles we were giving out were not truth. A couple of us had a long discussion with a witch doctor, in his hut, with a chicken head on a spear in the center of the room and one hanging from the ceiling. We had a good discussion, and he allowed us to speak, but he wouldn't even let us pray with him when we left. We are just praying that a seed was planted that day with him. Pastor Josh had an amazing encounter with a young man who was in bondage due to alcohol and demonic forces. The young man came to him later in the evening and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and to be prayed for. That young man was released from bondage that night, and the enemy was stomped once again. God is moving, friends. Lives are changing, chains are breaking, and people are being set free, in the name of Jesus! Praise God!

     Our Following Jesus class is still on hold due to gathering restrictions, however when my team came this week, they were able to bring me our newly translated Following Jesus books, and they're amazing. My sweet brother Thomas worked so hard to translate these for us, and I can't wait to use them. We also were able to have a small pastors conference while Pastor Josh was here. He lead a 2 day conference in a town about 45 minutes away, and had such amazing feedback and response from the teaching. The pastors here are hungry for truth and need truth to teach their church well. A fire was ignited in them, and they are ready for more teaching.

     Another first for me, here in Uganda, happened this week too. One of the boys got arrested, unjustly, and Mary, Mike, and I spent basically 2 days fighting for him. I won't go into details about the issue, but an old street kid project he was in got him arrested and lied about a lot. There's a lot of corruption here, and we had to deal with that on another level this week. Long story short, Semagambo was released yesterday, without bond (if you know anything about corruption in the police here, that is 100% God)! Today Sema came to my door and wanted to talk. He just kept saying thank you to me and to God. He was saying how no one has ever fought for him before and he could never tell us how much it means that we were on his side. He was so humbled that we took time out to care for him and I firmly believe he will never forget what God has done this week with him. Poor kid had to go to the hospital last week for severe belly pain, he got hit by a car Wednesday and had 2 pretty deep lacerations, and was arrested Thursday morning at 5am. But, today he saw and acknowledged God in it all. Praise God for his goodness and grace! He is working, and it's undeniable the power of Christ right here in Jinja!

      There is also some big news coming! This week, since my team was all staff from ECC, my home church,  we were able to meet with a lawyer to discuss what we needed to register as a CBO. If we are able to get registered and obtain this title, we will have much more ground to stand on when things happen, like they did with Sema. It will also allow us to move forward with the vision God has given me for this ministry. Since before I came to live here, God has given me a vision specifically for the street kids. How one day we will have land and a house for myself and the teams that come to Uganda, as well as housing for some of the boys as they rehab and reintegrate into society. We will have farm land to grow and sell crops, we will have animals for raising, selling, and eating, and we will have skill programs so the boys who have gone to school can train others in certain trade skills such as mechanics, barbering, and even crafts and cooking. It's a vision I have over and over and I know that it comes from God. Once we obtain this registration we will be able to move closer to that step and begin the next journey in this ministry. God revealed to me early on I would be here at least 2 years. Since I have been here, God has clearly revealed to me it will be longer than even the 3 year visa I have. God is moving and this is my earthly home to teach others about him and give them hope that they have never had. I can not wait to see how this ministry continues to grow and blossom in the name of Jesus Christ! 

Prayer Requests:

-Prayers for wisdom as we register for the CBO with what we need and how we need to word and organize things

-Prayers that the boys continue to see God in their lives and speak their testimonies to others who are still on the streets. 

-Prayers for continued wisdom and discernment with the boys and how best to help them and disciple them

-Prayers for God's voice to be the loudest and boldest in this ministry

     

God is moving and I'm so blessed to be here in his plans. Praise God!

God bless you my friends.

Breaking Chains and Moving Mountains

As I sit here typing this update, Uganda has once again extended lockdown for another 60 days. Even though the number of Covid cases have drastically decreased, and are almost now none, the president is following suit of last year, and maintaining lockdown as long as he can. There are a few positive changes from the last lockdown, though, including the following; 

-You can now drive private vehicles with no more than 3 people in a car and can cross district borders.        

-Bodas (motorcycles) can have 1 passenger now as long as the driver and passenger are masked. 

-Public transportation on taxi or bus can operate at 50% capacity following SOP guidelines. 

-Some shops can now reopen with SOP restrictions. 

Then the continued negatives: Churches, schools, gyms, and select other market stores are still closed for another 60 days, and you can not gather in groups of more than 20. 

None of the reasoning behind it makes sense, and the restrictions are killing more people in this country than the virus itself, because they can't afford food or medical care if they can't work. Only God can protect them, and we praise Him for His mighty hand on this country during this season.

As locked down as we have been around here, I feel like I'm still going non-stop with the street kids. The second I walk out of my house I have a swarm of boys around me. The need is huge, but the change in many of them is greater. We've been able to give 2 rounds of food bags to 75 boys during the first lockdown, provide some with extra toiletry items, and give them a safe place to rest during the day. I see God every day moving in mighty ways and I'm so blessed to be witnessing it all happen first hand. I see gentleness and love abounding. I see grace and mercy restoring lives. And I see God changing them slowly in some ways and quickly in others. It's beautiful watching a new testimony unfold in their lives.

I was able to rent a compound with a house at the beginning of July for the street kids day programs. This is a place where we are able to meet and have bible study, as well as a place for the boys to come wash clothes, bathe, and just rest during the day. I have 2 boys living there full time who are maintaining the grounds, being my security, and taking care of things when I'm not there. These 2 have been put through many tests to earn this privilege and they are taking such pride in the new responsibilities they have. They are both so humble and thankful for everything and continue to do anything and everything I ask of them. They have been such huge assets to this program and I'm so very thankful for them. Due to government restrictions and lack of CBO/NGO status I can not house more boys there, but Lord willing, one day we will have a home that can be that place of respite away from the streets for them. God is changing this community and He's providing more than I could ever imagine.

Since we got the house our bible study groups have grown drastically. Due to lockdown restrictions on gatherings, I have 2 days of bible study now, with 20-25 boys each day, and I will be soon adding a 3rd day. Until about a month ago I had 10 boys who consistently came to bible study. God is moving and other boys are seeing the change of Jesus in the core 10, and they want to know more. I have seen such a growth and change in these boys in just a short time and I can't wait to see how God continues to use them and grow them. Yes, there have been issues, and setbacks with a few of them, but at the end of the day they're still street kids who have not ever had guidance, rules, and love. God is working in them, and even when there's an incident, God convicts them and they are able to see His abounding love in the middle of the consequences. These boys are not only learning responsibility and respect, most importantly they are learning about God and they are allowing Him to change them. Praise God!

A few weeks ago I had my first Ugandan hospital experience. As we were getting ready for bible study one day, a boda came to the gate with one of my boys and he collapsed off the boda onto the driveway. He was complaining of severe stomach pain and was very clammy. After after doing some quick assessments on him it was clear he had appendicitis. I loaded him in the car and we went to one of the local hospitals where we stayed for 3 days and 4 nights. They did surgery the 2nd day and oh what an experience we had. I'm so thankful for the medical knowledge that God has given me and how He's allowed me so many amazing medical experiences through the years, for such a time as this. Moses is now back to his usual self and doing wonderful. Praise God!

Last week I had some sweet visitors here as a team and we had such a special time together here in Uganda. From our own worship nights, to morning devotionals, missions and bible studies with the street kids, and respite care for me, my cup overflowed with an abundance of love and joy. We were able to spend some sweet time with the boys, enjoy some amazing Rolex's (not a watch, delicious Ugandan food!) have 2 great bible studies with the boys, and give them a couple of extra little treats. I'm so thankful for the amazing family in Christ that God has given me. I'm so thankful for the support emotionally, spiritually, and financially that he continues to give me every day. God is so so good and every single day He reminds me of the path he has me on, being guided by him alone. I have no doubt I'm right where I'm supposed to be, at the time he wants me here. I'm constantly blown away that I get to be a part of this journey. God is so good!

This lockdown has been hard in some ways, and amazing in others. Since I can't teach Following Jesus right now due to gathering restrictions, I've been able to spend all of my time as intentional time with the street kids. I've been able to meet with them 1:1, hear their stories and get to know them more. They've let me in a part of their lives that's vulnerable and distant, but they're trusting me and opening up more and more. I thank God so much for this sweet time with them. I love hearing their stories and learning why and how they came to the street and how they want to change and be different. Some have families still, who were once abusive and broken, but they want to go and visit them to show them their change in Christ. Some lost both parents or grandparents and have no one to go home to. Today as I sat just talking and hanging out with 6 boys, they began opening up about other past street kid organizations here in Jinja. Each of them had been a part of 1 or more of the ones they were talking about and it broke my heart hearing the stories of how it became more about money than actually helping. Thomas, my right hand man here in Uganda, and I just listened to the years of built up pain and anger towards the people who said they were there to help, however didn't follow through with what they said. It made these boys hesitate and be resistant to new faces and new organizations. A good ways into the conversation, one of the boys who's been with me since the beginning, asked Thomas to translate for me. He said that with the other organizations he had been with the boys couldn't even talk to the person in charge, it wasn't allowed. He talked about how none of this gathering would be happening and he would never know the person behind the desk. Then he spoke about how grateful he was for truly being accepted and loved. How this time it's different. We reminded him that none of this is me and none of this is Thomas. This is only by the grace of God, who knew even before we were born the plans that He had for our lives. I'm so grateful and thankful to be a part of these boys lives. If you would have told me even 4 years ago I'd be living in Uganda surrounded by street kids I would have thought you were crazy. But now, here I am, living my best Ugandan life, learning the culture, the language, and the ways of the land, surrounded by some of the most amazing, loving boys, who just needed to feel the presence of Jesus in their lives. Thank you Lord for all that you've done to bring me here. The years of ups and downs, the years of seemingly random experiences and tasks, all of which led me to this point. 

I feel like so much happens every day, yet so much of it I can't even put into words. All I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, is that God is moving. God is moving mountains in these boys hearts and minds every day. I see patience and peace. I see laughter and joy. I see kindness and gentleness. I see Jesus changing hearts in mighty ways. I see boys reading the bible in their free time. I see boys discussing what they've read, asking questions at bible study, and asking for scripture to read at night. I see Jesus here in Uganda more and more every day. I see change. I see hope. I see healing and restoration. Every day I witness God's goodness and grace abounding in these boys. God you are so so good. I praise you for all that you have done and all that is to come. 

This week I will be looking for 2 more rooms for the next 4 boys who are on the list to earn them. Along with the rooms I get mattresses, sheets, washing basins, soap, a charcoal stove, saucepans, and mosquito nets, as well as some basic hygiene items. I currently have a 3 month rule with consistency and the ones who truly want to change, wait patiently (for the most part). God is moving friends. This will make 18 boys who are now not living on the streets. Praise God!

......Prayer Requests..... 

-Continued wisdom and discernment in this program with the street kids and in this lockdown as I navigate things

-Continued prayers for Uganda as a whole as we enter this next 60 days of lockdown

-Prayers for Thomas and Mary, who help me so very much. Health, safety, and protection

-Prayers for continued heart change in both the boys and in the communities around us.

-Prayers for prepared hearts and minds of the team who will be joining me in 2 weeks, as a few of them will be entering Uganda for the first time

God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!

God Bless you my friends,

Tara

 

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