I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me

I've seen this video many times, but after going to Africa it has so much more of a meaning to me. And it's so true!!

Lyric Friday

Faith is Living
By: John Waller


I wish I could see just three steps in front of me
But the lamp unto my feet it only moves when I take a step
And believe Your word to me Lord, You have a history
That proves You’re worthy of my faith

It's the evidence of things I cannot see
And Faith it's the confidence that You are holding me
It's stepping out, it's breaking through
All my doubts and all I thought I knew
’Cause you've never lived until you’ve lived
(By faith)
You’ve never lived until you’ve lived
By faith

I want to be a man like Abraham
He went to a foreign land ‘cause You said go
He trusted You by faith
Of a tiny mustard see to mountains we can speak
Believe and move them by faith

You are who You say You are
And You will do what You have promised to
And I believe

You've never lived until you've lived by faith
You've never lived until you've trusted grace
You've never lived till you lay it all down
So come and live, faith is living


Lyrics from: http://74.208.104.189/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=12070




Behind the Song:
"This is my favorite song on the record. I have learned to live by faith and I’m still learning to live by faith. I love the way the song opens. ‘I wish I could see just three steps in front of me, but the lamp unto my feet only moves when I take a step.’ That’s me. I can’t see three steps in front of me. I don’t know what’s next. God doesn’t give me that much information. He gives me a lamp unto my feet. When I take a step, only then can I see the next step to take. I’ve learned this is the way I have to live. I think this song will really hit home with a lot of people." - John Waller 


http://74.208.104.189/lyrics/new/track.asp?track_id=12070

3 months ago.....

Exactly 3 months ago today our team was about to board our first flight on our way to Uganda.

 It seems like such a long time ago and the memories are fading more and more everyday. I want to remember every moment about our trip, and I wish that were possible. But, since it isn't I have to keep reminding myself of what I saw, heard and experienced through pictures, videos, and stories from other team members. I'd have to say I learned so much from this experience and I am so very thankful God allowed me to take part in His amazing work!! Now that I have been to Uganda I can say I have seen their hurt, pain, brokenness, poverty, sickness, hopelessness, and loneliness with my own eyes. 

Now it is more real to me and it has CHANGED me!! While we were there we also saw true thankfulness, joy, happiness, and love. The people of Uganda are so different than what we see in America. They understand that God is their provider and he takes care of them, and with that they TOTALLY rely on Him. When any form of hope comes in their life, (weather it be a new well for their village, much needed medication, or some food for their family) they are TRULY thankful, so much so that they may bow down while shaking your hand, and also verbally thank you (many, many, many times). The children of Uganda are so precious and they are constantly full of joy. They were so very thankful for the smallest things (for example: a lollypop). 

Since I have been back several families have gotten in touch with me saying they were matched with some of the sweet babies that we were able to hold, play with, and love on at one of the baby homes. This has been so amazing, I am so thankful these babies will be able to know what it is like to have a family with a mom and dad and even siblings! This has allowed me to see that there was a reason that I felt so attached to the babies at the home, I was able to give some information and pictures to the families about their children, who live on another continent, and who they have been waiting for for so very long. 

This was my first missions trip and first time oversees and I believe it was the best choice I've ever made. It was a HUGE step of faith to say "Yes" to at first, there was a great amount of fear and doubt, and people advising me not to go at all, (but also a ton of positive support) and I couldn't have done it without the courage that God gave me. I can not even tell you how much I miss Uganda and I hope I can return someday! 

Mission Photo Monday

Today I found out some wonderful news!! One of the babies from the baby home we visited in Uganda, who was an orphan, now has a family!! He just happens to be the baby that I spent the most time with and absolutely fell in love with!! I am so excited and I have been praying/hoping he would get a family soon, and today it finally happened. Hopefully his new family will be able to bring him to his new home soon and their adoption will go smoothly.

It has been amazing to watch so many of the precious babies that we met at Loving Hearts get matched with families, and to be able to get in touch with the family to give them any info and pictures of their child we might have. It was hard to leave these babies on our last day in Uganda, but knowing they have families and will not be without the love of a mother, father, and siblings really brings joy to me! I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be a part of the miracle of adoption first hand, in meeting His children in Uganda, then following their journeys' home to America.

* Read about our time in Uganda here, if you haven't already.

Need A Photographer?

If you live in the upstate of South Carolina (or know someone that does) and need a photographer for any reason I have a suggestion. If you click here it will take you to Ashton's photography blog. She is using the money to fund a missions trip (to either Africa or China) to care for orphans. She has a great heart for orphans and missions, and is an amazing photographer. This is a great way to get involved with caring for orphans if you aren't able to yourself for any reason. You will find the pricing details and more about Ashton on the blog.

Lyric Friday

There are 2 songs that have come out recently on the subject of adoption/orphan care. They are really great songs and the lyrics go really well with any family that is in the adoption process, has adopted, or is hoping to adopt in the future, or even if you just have a heart for orphans. They are both available on itunes and are only $1 to purchase.  Please check out the links and listen to the demos, then if you are at all interested buy them! I've got them in my collection already!

You Gave Me A Home by: Josh Bronleewe
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gave-me-a-home/id379261885?i=379261903
"This song was written for Katie Davis and 147 Million Orphans".

We Have Room by: Kirk Weimer
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-have-room/id384528025?i=384528042

Check out We Have Room on Facebook here.
And also their blog here.

Bringing Life to Uganda's People

First watch this video:

Then check out this website to see how you can help bring clean water to the people of Uganda! Also please share this link! This will save lives!  

 

http://www.daneandtaylor.com/D%26T__Music_for_Wells/The_8_Wells_Project.html