This is the video I made about my trip to Uganda! Enjoy!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
1st Week in Uganda: Kampala Ministry
Our first week in Uganda was spent in the capital city of Uganda. We went to church on the first Sunday...church that lasted 5 hours!! But it was awesome. The church then took us all to a restaurant for lunch and we had a "Ugandan" meal. It was pretty, thought I'm not quite sure what it all was. Then the next few days we did school ministry. We did our "True Love Waits" program in many schools. On a typical day we would go to two schools. We would do our program as a big assembly and then break off into smaller same gendered groups. Or we would start in smaller groups if the school was very large. One day we broke into smaller groups to start. Our team divided into about 3 groups in the school. My MIG had one group of about 200 students. We had no microphone and my voice was not the greatest because of all the dust I had been breathing in. But I was able to do the program with God's help. So we started the program and I was doing the introduction and explaining who we were and where we were from, and then all the sudden I turned around and about 100 more students were walking over to our group. So I started over and was speaking so loud trying to be able to have the students in the back be able to hear me. It was a great presentation and the students really responded to us. At the end of the program we gave the students the option to commit to purity by signing a purity card... and we had such a response from the students that we ran out of cards! Another school we went to was a Muslim school. It was amazing that we were even able to go there being a Christian missionary group. But the school has a good relationship with the MCChurch that we were working with that we were able to go there. We did an all school assembly and all sat in patio furniture. It was pretty funny...not your typical school auditorium. We did the program and ended up making our program much longer because we were waiting for Pastor Ssempa to arrive. He got delayed for some reason so we had to stall for over an hour. We did skits and just kept going. At points it seemed like none of the students were listening, but when the pastor finally arrived and talked about leadership and asked who in the school wanted to be leaders, nearly 30 students stood up and said that they wanted to be leaders of the school. Pastor Ssempa was going to return and give them leadership training. One of the things that amazed me about this was that the students who stood up were serious about their commitment. And some of them looked like they were the popular kids in the school. Then we were allowed to pray for them in their school. It was amazing!
A few days we didn't go to secondary schools and were unable to do our typical program. One of those days we went to a primary school and did a VBS program which was amazing. I submitted a testimony to the GE website after that school and my mom posted it on here while I was in Uganda. That school was very amazing. We were in a 3rd or 4th grade classroom and did a good VBS program. One of the other days we did not go to a secondary school we went to an orphanage on an island in the middle of Lake Victoria. That place was very special. We had to take boats to get there. It was about a 2o minute boat ride with some very unique looking life jackets. The place we went to was called African Renewal Ministries and it is a self sustaining island village. Basically, it is a Christian run program and the island has a school, farm, clinic, housing and a camp. The orphans live in houses with "brothers" and "sisters" and house "parents" like a real family and they are able to grow up in a home. It was a really awesome ministry. The ministry also allows the kids to go to a week of camp. And they bring other kids in from surrounding areas for a camp week. We were able to take a tour of the island and talk to some of the house mothers. And then we did a VBS program for the kids. My MIG worked with the younger kids and did a few Bible story skits and some coloring. I sat next to and colored with a little boy named Henry. He was adorable! I drew Jonah and the Whale and he told me that it was really Jonah and the Big Fish. I laughed. He was very smart. He was able 8 or 9 years old.
Ministry in Kampala was amazing. The places we went were typically about 1 -2 hours out of the city and driving back from those places in the evening proved to be interesting....I never would have guessed that there would be so much traffic in Uganda. It was unbelievable. One night it took us a very long time to get back to the hostel for dinner because of all the traffic. It was totally stopped traffic. During this week we were also taken to the market to buy skits. Many of the girls on my team didn't bring enough skits to wear everyday, so that meant a shopping trip. All the girls bought skits or dresses for about 7-8 U.S. dollars.
A few days we didn't go to secondary schools and were unable to do our typical program. One of those days we went to a primary school and did a VBS program which was amazing. I submitted a testimony to the GE website after that school and my mom posted it on here while I was in Uganda. That school was very amazing. We were in a 3rd or 4th grade classroom and did a good VBS program. One of the other days we did not go to a secondary school we went to an orphanage on an island in the middle of Lake Victoria. That place was very special. We had to take boats to get there. It was about a 2o minute boat ride with some very unique looking life jackets. The place we went to was called African Renewal Ministries and it is a self sustaining island village. Basically, it is a Christian run program and the island has a school, farm, clinic, housing and a camp. The orphans live in houses with "brothers" and "sisters" and house "parents" like a real family and they are able to grow up in a home. It was a really awesome ministry. The ministry also allows the kids to go to a week of camp. And they bring other kids in from surrounding areas for a camp week. We were able to take a tour of the island and talk to some of the house mothers. And then we did a VBS program for the kids. My MIG worked with the younger kids and did a few Bible story skits and some coloring. I sat next to and colored with a little boy named Henry. He was adorable! I drew Jonah and the Whale and he told me that it was really Jonah and the Big Fish. I laughed. He was very smart. He was able 8 or 9 years old.
Ministry in Kampala was amazing. The places we went were typically about 1 -2 hours out of the city and driving back from those places in the evening proved to be interesting....I never would have guessed that there would be so much traffic in Uganda. It was unbelievable. One night it took us a very long time to get back to the hostel for dinner because of all the traffic. It was totally stopped traffic. During this week we were also taken to the market to buy skits. Many of the girls on my team didn't bring enough skits to wear everyday, so that meant a shopping trip. All the girls bought skits or dresses for about 7-8 U.S. dollars.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Coming Soon to a Blog Near You...
I will be on vacation for the next week, so more posts will come when I return next week! Don't forget about the picture site.... http://www.dropshots.com/Uganda2009 I'll be continuing to update that when I post more stories.
What is an MA?
Global Expeditions uses a lot of abbreviations. So you all are probably wondering what all these letters are that I keep talking about. Like MA, TL, MAG, MIG, ect. An MA is a "Mission Advisor". GE leadership is kinda like a ladder. There are different levels of leadership. The highest level is the Project Director (PD). They over see the entire project and make sure everything is going well, and specifically they give the Team Leaders instruction on how to direct their teams. The next level down is the Team Leaders (TL). Each team has two TLs. One male and one female. They look out and guide the entire team. There are usually a few teams on each project. Our project had 3 teams. Then the next level is the Mission Advisors (MA). That was me. I was under the leadership of my Team Leaders, but I was in charge of a small group of girls called my MAG, a small ministry group called my MIG, and a small travel group called my TAG.
As the leader of my MAG, I was in charge of everything that had to do with the girls in my group. I was to look out for their physical, spiritual and emotional well being. When they got sick, I got up with them. When they had a question, I helped them find the answer, when they needed to cry, I was the shoulder to cry on, when they needed a friend, I was the friend. It was a great role. The training I had the few days before everyone else arrived was amazing in helping me
prepare for this. This was a huge responsibility I had, but it was awesome because I got to watch these girls grow throughout the trip. I believe that part of my ministry on this trip to Uganda was to these girls. It was not only to the Ugandans, but it was to the members of my MAG. There were 4 girls in my MAG. Lexi from Washington, Anna from Wyoming, Claudia from Panama, and Amie from Florida. (Picture on Left, from LtoR Me, Amie, Claudia, Lexi and Anna).
Another part of my role as an MA was to lead a MIG. All the roles were exciting to me, but this one was especially exciting to me. I got to lead the direction that our group went when we were on a ministry site. If we were in a class doing the whole purity program by ourselves, I had to get that started. That was exciting, but also a little scary. There were some points when I had no clue what to do, but God totally took over. And that was so exciting to see happen. It was awesome to see God work through me when I had no idea what to say. My MIG had 4 other members. We all clicked very well and it was so awesome to get to watch the people in my MIG minister. When we'd be in a class sharing the True Love Waits program each person had such a unique role in it that it was awesome to see it unfold each day. Each ministry site went different. No two sites were alike. And it was great to see my MIG
work together and share the Lord with people and watch people come to know the Lord because of the people in my group. As the leader of that group it was awesome to be able to see the progression of my group and how we all grew over the month we were in Uganda. The picture on the right is of my MIG. (LtoR) Lexi, Me, Mary, Anna and Tyler is sitting down.
The final role I had as an MA was to serve as a TAG leader. I lead a group of 4 other people when we traveled. I was in charge of not losing anyone in my group in the airport, during long lay overs, making sure no one lost their passports, helping everyone check their bags and get through security. I didn't spend too much time with my TAG, because we were only with them when we traveled internationally, but it was a great way to get to know people from the other teams. I had people in my group from both other teams.
One of them had even been the same trip last year as someone else I knew. It's a small world. I didn't even lose anyone and no one lost their passports! The picture on the left is of my TAG in Dubai airport. (LtoR) Jennifer, Grace, David, Lexi and Me.
Being an MA was a great opportunity for me. And I was so happy I was able to do that.
I know so many people were praying for me and I know that it was only God that equipped me for this role. God used me to minister in my various roles and it was such a blessing to be able to watch the people in my groups grow closer to God.
As the leader of my MAG, I was in charge of everything that had to do with the girls in my group. I was to look out for their physical, spiritual and emotional well being. When they got sick, I got up with them. When they had a question, I helped them find the answer, when they needed to cry, I was the shoulder to cry on, when they needed a friend, I was the friend. It was a great role. The training I had the few days before everyone else arrived was amazing in helping me
prepare for this. This was a huge responsibility I had, but it was awesome because I got to watch these girls grow throughout the trip. I believe that part of my ministry on this trip to Uganda was to these girls. It was not only to the Ugandans, but it was to the members of my MAG. There were 4 girls in my MAG. Lexi from Washington, Anna from Wyoming, Claudia from Panama, and Amie from Florida. (Picture on Left, from LtoR Me, Amie, Claudia, Lexi and Anna).Another part of my role as an MA was to lead a MIG. All the roles were exciting to me, but this one was especially exciting to me. I got to lead the direction that our group went when we were on a ministry site. If we were in a class doing the whole purity program by ourselves, I had to get that started. That was exciting, but also a little scary. There were some points when I had no clue what to do, but God totally took over. And that was so exciting to see happen. It was awesome to see God work through me when I had no idea what to say. My MIG had 4 other members. We all clicked very well and it was so awesome to get to watch the people in my MIG minister. When we'd be in a class sharing the True Love Waits program each person had such a unique role in it that it was awesome to see it unfold each day. Each ministry site went different. No two sites were alike. And it was great to see my MIG
work together and share the Lord with people and watch people come to know the Lord because of the people in my group. As the leader of that group it was awesome to be able to see the progression of my group and how we all grew over the month we were in Uganda. The picture on the right is of my MIG. (LtoR) Lexi, Me, Mary, Anna and Tyler is sitting down.The final role I had as an MA was to serve as a TAG leader. I lead a group of 4 other people when we traveled. I was in charge of not losing anyone in my group in the airport, during long lay overs, making sure no one lost their passports, helping everyone check their bags and get through security. I didn't spend too much time with my TAG, because we were only with them when we traveled internationally, but it was a great way to get to know people from the other teams. I had people in my group from both other teams.
One of them had even been the same trip last year as someone else I knew. It's a small world. I didn't even lose anyone and no one lost their passports! The picture on the left is of my TAG in Dubai airport. (LtoR) Jennifer, Grace, David, Lexi and Me.Being an MA was a great opportunity for me. And I was so happy I was able to do that.
I know so many people were praying for me and I know that it was only God that equipped me for this role. God used me to minister in my various roles and it was such a blessing to be able to watch the people in my groups grow closer to God.
Sunday June 14th - Tuesday June 16th : Training
On Sunday the rest of the project arrived in Texas. All the missionaries were finally there and it was great to have the whole project together. We were assigned to teams. I was on team Caritas. Led by Adrian and Kat. There were 23 of us missionaries and then the two leaders, making a grand total of 25. The team was mostly made up of girls. There were only 16 guys on the entire project, and only 6 on my team. We played some games to get to know each other and learn each others names. There were a lot of names to remember.
I was chosen to be an MA! I was so excited. Out of the 30 MA candidates, I was one of the 15 chosen to have a leadership role on this trip. The job came with a lot of responsibility, but it was awesome. I'll explain more about what it means to be an MA later.
Each day we had a few sessions of training with some practice / breakout time and some great speakers and great worship. It was a great time to really draw near to the Lord before we were sent out to Uganda.
A lot of our time in Texas was spent learning the abstinence program that we did in Uganda. It was called the "True Love Waits" program and I think I could probably do the entire program in my sleep now. We practiced it time after time after time. We were broken into smaller groups called MIGs... which stands for Ministry Group. I was the leader of the group because I was an MA. There were 4 other people in my group. 3 girls, and 1 guy. We got section 3 of the program to learn very well. We would be doing section 3 when we presented the whole program in Uganda, so our goal was to learn it very well. We went over the program so many times I can't even count.
Tuesday night, the final session was what GE (global expeditions) calls "Commissioning Night". And that is just such an awesome night. The final session has a lot of worship, an encouraging speaker (who was Ron Luce, the founder of Teen Mania) and then prayer as a project. They line all the flags up of countries that people were going to and then we followed the flags outside. We did a lot of praying for Uganda. It was the final step before we headed to Uganda.
I was chosen to be an MA! I was so excited. Out of the 30 MA candidates, I was one of the 15 chosen to have a leadership role on this trip. The job came with a lot of responsibility, but it was awesome. I'll explain more about what it means to be an MA later.
Each day we had a few sessions of training with some practice / breakout time and some great speakers and great worship. It was a great time to really draw near to the Lord before we were sent out to Uganda.
A lot of our time in Texas was spent learning the abstinence program that we did in Uganda. It was called the "True Love Waits" program and I think I could probably do the entire program in my sleep now. We practiced it time after time after time. We were broken into smaller groups called MIGs... which stands for Ministry Group. I was the leader of the group because I was an MA. There were 4 other people in my group. 3 girls, and 1 guy. We got section 3 of the program to learn very well. We would be doing section 3 when we presented the whole program in Uganda, so our goal was to learn it very well. We went over the program so many times I can't even count.
Tuesday night, the final session was what GE (global expeditions) calls "Commissioning Night". And that is just such an awesome night. The final session has a lot of worship, an encouraging speaker (who was Ron Luce, the founder of Teen Mania) and then prayer as a project. They line all the flags up of countries that people were going to and then we followed the flags outside. We did a lot of praying for Uganda. It was the final step before we headed to Uganda.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday July 12th - Saturday July 13th : MA Camp
Once I finally arrived at the Dallas Airport, I met up with the Global Expeditions staff and some other Missionary Advisor candidates. We hung out in the airport for a little while waiting for some other people to arrive. Then we drove 2 hours to Garden Valley, which is where the Teen Mania headquarters is. On the bus I met some people that were going to New York, Zambia, Jordan and UGANDA!! It was exciting to meet people that were on the same project as me. Once in Garden Valley we met the Project Directors, Candace and Adam and the 6 Team Leaders. We did some crazy fun games and got to know people a little bit. Finally we got to go to bed with strict instructions not to set any alarms or get up before 6am the next morning.
At 5:50am the next morning we were all awoken by a loud horn. We were all so confused because it was too early to be getting up. The night before they had explained what to do in the event of a tornado. So I thought maybe it was a tornado siren, but when I looked out the window it was clear skies. Finally someone burst through the door to the "hut" we were staying in and said it was a tornado drill and that we all had to go to the wash house. We spent the next 20min learning tornado protocol. And then our day began. I went through a lot of sessions filled with great information about being a leader. We learned about what our roles as MAs would look like and how to be the best MA possible. We also got to do a low ropes course with our Team Leaders. It was a lot of fun and a great time to get to know people on my project and our leaders a bit better.
MA camp was packed full of activities and sessions, and Texas was extremely hot, but the information and training was extremely necessary.
At 5:50am the next morning we were all awoken by a loud horn. We were all so confused because it was too early to be getting up. The night before they had explained what to do in the event of a tornado. So I thought maybe it was a tornado siren, but when I looked out the window it was clear skies. Finally someone burst through the door to the "hut" we were staying in and said it was a tornado drill and that we all had to go to the wash house. We spent the next 20min learning tornado protocol. And then our day began. I went through a lot of sessions filled with great information about being a leader. We learned about what our roles as MAs would look like and how to be the best MA possible. We also got to do a low ropes course with our Team Leaders. It was a lot of fun and a great time to get to know people on my project and our leaders a bit better.
MA camp was packed full of activities and sessions, and Texas was extremely hot, but the information and training was extremely necessary.
Friday July 12, 2009 : The Mission Trip Begins at the Airport Check-In Counter
I arrived at the airport with a decent amount of time to check in...there was a bit of a line at the check in counter and I requested they put my skymiles number on my ticket, but the lady told me to just do it at the gate. So I said ok and decided to just do it at the gate instead of insist she put it on then. I said my goodbyes and headed to the gate. When I went up to the counter to get my skymiles number put on there was a lady in front of me with an injured knee. When she walked away from the counter she did not look like she was pleased with the service that she received (or didn't receive). I went up to the counter and handed my number and ticket to the man and he said "You have an aisle seat!" and I said "Yes?". And then he asked if I wanted a window seat. Of course I said yes. But I was slightly confused as to why he was offering this to me. I thought perhaps they noticed that I was a frequent flier and were offering me an "upgrade" to the window seat. But that was not the case. Apparently the lady in front of me had a window seat but was in need of an aisle seat to be able to stretch her leg out. So I happily was able to switch with her and she was so grateful! She thanked me numerous times. Even as we were dealing with problematic plane doors and switching planes. I didn't even have to leave the county before my "mission trip" started. People everywhere need to be shown the love of Christ!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Pictures!!!
I have started putting pictures up on a Dropshots site I created for my trip! They are organized by day and have captions. It's a pretty easy site to work. So far I've added pictures from training in Texas and traveling to Uganda via Dubai. And I'll be adding stories on the blog about training and traveling. Enjoy!
Click here for the pictures! (or type this into the address line http://www.dropshots.com/uganda2009 )
Click here for the pictures! (or type this into the address line http://www.dropshots.com/uganda2009 )
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Favorite Part of the Trip?
I think one of the hardest questions I get asked is "what was your favorite part of the trip?". There is no easy answer to that question...because there are so many answers. Every part of the trip was unique and amazing (well, being sick was more of a unique experience than amazing), but every part was definitely memorable. Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing via this blog some of those moments. I think that one of the most exciting things about coming home from a trip like this is being able to share those stories with people. It's so exciting! As to not completely overwhelm you all with pictures and stories all at one time, I'll be uploading them in little pieces. A few days of my trip at a time.
On another hand, something that was definitely evident on this trip was how each of you was very much a part of each moment of my trip. Whether it was your financial support that actually made it possible for me to go to Uganda, or your prayers that carried me throughout my time there, each and every one of you had a very important role. As you will see through the stories I will share, your prayers were so important. I would encourage you to keep praying, (even though I'm home), for the team that is still in Uganda for the next month, and for the people of Uganda that we ministered to.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hello from Mary Kate!!
Hey Blog Readers!!
It's been a few days since the last post... but I just wanted to let you all know that I'm working on getting my pictures and stories organized and then I'll start adding them to the blog for you all to read and enjoy.
Thanks again to all of you for all of your support and prayers. This trip would not have been possible if it wasn't for each of you. And I am so thankful for all of you.
Love,
Mary Kate
Friday, July 10, 2009
After many hours of traveling
After many hours of traveling and many long flights...I have arrived back in New Jersey! :)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Hello everyone! I have arrived
Hello everyone! I have arrived back in the states after a super long flight and an awesome time in UGANDA. I have so many stories!
She's BAAACCCKKK!! (in Texas, not NJ, yet)
Just heard from Mary Kate, and she and her team have arrived in Houston. We didn't talk long because they were pulling into the gate. But, she seemed well, but very tired. Since there was a lay-over in Dubai, she slept in the airport a bit and then couldn't sleep on the plane. Now comes collecting their luggage, getting through customs and the 4 hour bus ride to Garden Valley. She said she'll never eat peanut butter and jelly AGAIN!
6685 Miles Down, 1479 to Go!!
Mary Kate is currently winging her way from Dubai to Houston. I have three "flight trackers" open to see where she is, and she's just come into the U.S.A from the north. It's about a 16 hour flight, so I'm sure she's seen all the "in-flight" entertainment 10 times over by now. I'm sure she will post a blog herself from her cell phone when she touches down. As you can imagine, we can't wait to hear from her and see her on Friday, when she flies home, arriving late afternoon. Please keep praying for the other two teams that are taking up where the "A Team" left off. As you have read, there is a lot of work to do for the Lord in Uganda. Thank you so much for your prayers on her behalf.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Free Tour of the INSIDE of a Medical Clinic (well, actually, I'm not sure if it's free or not)
While we were out enjoying fireworks, Tyler received a phone call from Mary Kate (Bill & I had "missed calls" so she phoned her brother), saying she and 4 other girls had been to the clinic in Gulu because they had gotten something they thought was food poisoning. The usual stuff that accompanies a tummy bug...(vomiting, diarrhea and such) hit them all pretty quickly. So, rather than take ANY chances, they were wisked off to the medical clinic there and given hydration and an antibiotic. Mary Kate was phoning after all that happened, and the girls were back to where they were staying (only to a different room...where ever that may be). She said she was feeling much, much better as soon as they got liquids in her and she got the meds. Mary Kate commented that "at least SHE didn't have to have an IV." What a way to make a Mom feel better!! Phones, being what they are these days, have their good points and bad points. Good points are that at least we got to talk to her, bad points...well, we got cut off AGAIN! Just as I was about to speak with the Project Director, Candace, it went dead. Thankfully she started OUT saying she was ok and feeling better, but I did want a few more details than that! So, after the fireworks at West Point, we got home to our trusty phone numbers (the Global Exp. Parent hotline available 24/7 while your child is out of the country) and phoned Texas. Within about 1/2 hour, Uganda phoned us back and I did speak to Mary Kate AND Candace and, heard that everything was good. All the girls were feeling well, and they had all eaten and were going to be on their way shortly, enjoying a safari before flying back on Tue. Between the time Mary Kate had first called us at West Point, and the time we spoke again, they had their night's sleep. Great for them, but late at night for us. We are very thankful for all your prayers for Mary Kate and for her team. Join us in praising a LIVING GOD, Who hears our prayers and has worked in Uganda many times over!! Please keep praying as they come back to the States...processing all that has taken place over the past month, and looking forward to where the Lord will use these kids in the future. I know Mary Kate will be in touch via this blog and with many of you personally, sharing the stories of her trip. God bless.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
A Great July 4th in Uganda
Today, Mary Kate's team had their last day of ministry in Gulu. The Project Leader, Candace, wrote an update, saying the team in Gulu was presented with the opportunity to love and work hard, and they did both. Candace wrote that they seemed unstoppable when it came to their passion for ministry and impacting as many lives as they could for the Lord. She thanked everyone their prayers that were definitely needed and felt. Their strength, of course, came from the Lord!!
Another update was written about one of the team's ride back from Gulu on the bus. It will touch your hearts as it did ours. " Jul 04 2009 07:06AM: When we came to Uganda we knew we were in for a reality check and that we would see how blessed we really were but it wasn't until we were driving home from Gulu that it really hit us. The week had already been extremely emotionally and spiritually draining as we spent our time serving in displacement camps, orphanages and the hospital. We witnessed poverty first hand but nothing could have prepared us for what would happen on the ride back to Kampala. We had stopped to buy some fruit from roadside vendors and the bus was quickly surrounded by people that were selling other goods. We were sitting in the back of the bus when a man approached our window but it didn't look like he had anything to sell. He motioned to a little boy standing next to him and tried to tell us something but we couldn't understand him. Another man came over and placed his hands on the boys shoulders. He said, "This is my son, please take him with you where you are going." We were confused, we were on our way to Kampala-why would this man want us to take his son there? He asked us if we were from the UK but we told him we were actually from America. He started pleading with us again, "Please, please take him there with you, I give you him." Our hearts were broken, we didn't know what to say. We couldn't imagine what these people had been through that would make this man want to give up his son so that he could have a better life. This man was demonstrating the ultimate, selfless sacrifice. Of course we couldn't take the boy with us but the image of that father's love will be engraved in our hearts forever. As the bus started to drive away the man asked for a Bible, that was something we were able to give him. We're SOOOO blessed in America and it's almost embarrassing that it took a man offering his own son in order for us to realize that." People need the Lord and there is SO much work to be done! Thank you for YOUR part in Mary Kate's trip...your prayers, encouragement and financial support!
It is late afternoon there (4:30 p.m.) as I write this post (9:30 here) and they will be all together again to share stories of what the Lord has done this past week. Tomorrow they will embark on a safari for their "free day" and some much needed emotional, spiritual and physical rest. They will stay overnight and travel back Monday, to Kampala, then depart for Dubai on Tuesday. With the time change, it's hard to figure out the schedule, but I believe they will land back in Houston on Wednesday to debrief....back to HOT, HOT, Texas. Mary Kate will fly home on Friday. :)
Another update was written about one of the team's ride back from Gulu on the bus. It will touch your hearts as it did ours. " Jul 04 2009 07:06AM: When we came to Uganda we knew we were in for a reality check and that we would see how blessed we really were but it wasn't until we were driving home from Gulu that it really hit us. The week had already been extremely emotionally and spiritually draining as we spent our time serving in displacement camps, orphanages and the hospital. We witnessed poverty first hand but nothing could have prepared us for what would happen on the ride back to Kampala. We had stopped to buy some fruit from roadside vendors and the bus was quickly surrounded by people that were selling other goods. We were sitting in the back of the bus when a man approached our window but it didn't look like he had anything to sell. He motioned to a little boy standing next to him and tried to tell us something but we couldn't understand him. Another man came over and placed his hands on the boys shoulders. He said, "This is my son, please take him with you where you are going." We were confused, we were on our way to Kampala-why would this man want us to take his son there? He asked us if we were from the UK but we told him we were actually from America. He started pleading with us again, "Please, please take him there with you, I give you him." Our hearts were broken, we didn't know what to say. We couldn't imagine what these people had been through that would make this man want to give up his son so that he could have a better life. This man was demonstrating the ultimate, selfless sacrifice. Of course we couldn't take the boy with us but the image of that father's love will be engraved in our hearts forever. As the bus started to drive away the man asked for a Bible, that was something we were able to give him. We're SOOOO blessed in America and it's almost embarrassing that it took a man offering his own son in order for us to realize that." People need the Lord and there is SO much work to be done! Thank you for YOUR part in Mary Kate's trip...your prayers, encouragement and financial support!
It is late afternoon there (4:30 p.m.) as I write this post (9:30 here) and they will be all together again to share stories of what the Lord has done this past week. Tomorrow they will embark on a safari for their "free day" and some much needed emotional, spiritual and physical rest. They will stay overnight and travel back Monday, to Kampala, then depart for Dubai on Tuesday. With the time change, it's hard to figure out the schedule, but I believe they will land back in Houston on Wednesday to debrief....back to HOT, HOT, Texas. Mary Kate will fly home on Friday. :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Internet Cafes...even in the "uttermost parts of the earth"
Hey, as you can see, Mary Kate found an Internet cafe (see her post below this one!!) and wrote a little something from Kampala. They had a free day to rest and do a little shopping and looking around the city before they are off again on assignment tomorrow.
Her team will go up to Gulu until Saturday to work in the children's camp. Some of you are familiar with the Watoto Children's Choir...they are from that area. There is a Watoto Children's Center, maybe they will visit there as well. (Back at the Chris Tomlin concert we went to in January, Mary Kate got excited about the Watoto children, and she said, "Mom, I think I should go to Uganda." Here is the website of Chris Tomlin singing with the choir...check it out, if you haven't heard it before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tung5rpfWA&feature=related)
Please pray that she gets over her cold or allergy problem. She said it is very dusty there. She phoned us for literally 30 seconds yesterday afternoon ( that's what she refers to in her post), but the connection was so poor and her time ran out soooo quickly (they may have been sharing calling cards) that we didn't really hear very much.
Their ministry in Kampala at the schools and orphanages went very well. There were always soooo many people gathering to hear the Gospel. What a privilege to be able to share the "True Love Waits" program and do VBS as well. The people there have been so horribly effected by the war in their country and need the hope of the Savior. Many have responded and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the local church that GE is working with, now has a lot of work to do. What an exciting thing to have happen. Imagine these children not knowing someone loves them and that they are worth saving. Thank you for your prayers for the teams, for their safety and health, and that God will continue to use them in a mighty way, that lives will be changed from darkness to light!
Her team will go up to Gulu until Saturday to work in the children's camp. Some of you are familiar with the Watoto Children's Choir...they are from that area. There is a Watoto Children's Center, maybe they will visit there as well. (Back at the Chris Tomlin concert we went to in January, Mary Kate got excited about the Watoto children, and she said, "Mom, I think I should go to Uganda." Here is the website of Chris Tomlin singing with the choir...check it out, if you haven't heard it before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tung5rpfWA&feature=related)
Please pray that she gets over her cold or allergy problem. She said it is very dusty there. She phoned us for literally 30 seconds yesterday afternoon ( that's what she refers to in her post), but the connection was so poor and her time ran out soooo quickly (they may have been sharing calling cards) that we didn't really hear very much.
Their ministry in Kampala at the schools and orphanages went very well. There were always soooo many people gathering to hear the Gospel. What a privilege to be able to share the "True Love Waits" program and do VBS as well. The people there have been so horribly effected by the war in their country and need the hope of the Savior. Many have responded and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the local church that GE is working with, now has a lot of work to do. What an exciting thing to have happen. Imagine these children not knowing someone loves them and that they are worth saving. Thank you for your prayers for the teams, for their safety and health, and that God will continue to use them in a mighty way, that lives will be changed from darkness to light!
It's ME!!
Hello everyone...
I'm in the internet cafe... for a few min. i'm trying to get a calling card to call my family back. sorry mom that i lost you last night. the min. ran out and i didn't have anymore. anyway.... Uganda is great. we were in kampala this past week doing purity programs in schools. so awesome. i have stories to tell about that when i get back. the stories of these kids are unbeliveable. the girls are so open and have such a need for the love of God. tomorrow we leave for Gulu. that will be crazy i'm sure. so diff from here. next sunday and monday is the safari. the church we are working with is incredible. we leave for the states on wed of next. i can't believe the time is almost up. love you all. and miss you.
(mom and dad... im trying to get some calling time. sorry. i love you super much. i'm doing well. just have a little cold. but no big deal. love you)
I'm in the internet cafe... for a few min. i'm trying to get a calling card to call my family back. sorry mom that i lost you last night. the min. ran out and i didn't have anymore. anyway.... Uganda is great. we were in kampala this past week doing purity programs in schools. so awesome. i have stories to tell about that when i get back. the stories of these kids are unbeliveable. the girls are so open and have such a need for the love of God. tomorrow we leave for Gulu. that will be crazy i'm sure. so diff from here. next sunday and monday is the safari. the church we are working with is incredible. we leave for the states on wed of next. i can't believe the time is almost up. love you all. and miss you.
(mom and dad... im trying to get some calling time. sorry. i love you super much. i'm doing well. just have a little cold. but no big deal. love you)
Friday, June 26, 2009
It doesn't get any better than this!!!
Another perfect day weather-wise in Kampala. And, another day of rejoicing in Heaven, according the the "Updates from the Field" on GE's website. The website was updated by Mary Kate, and unless there is another Mary Kate on the trip, it must be OUR missionary!!
She writes: "Tuesday morning (6-23-09) my team and I went to a school, Hope of Joy. We were prepared to do our purity program 'True Love Waits' but when we arrived, the children were quite young and we decided a VBS program would be more appropriate. We had about 1 minute to plan as we walked in the classroom. We decided to pray because we had no idea what we were going to do, and definitely needed God's help. My MIG (Ministry Group) and I got a third grade class to work with. The children were so adorable. They all stood and greeted us and we sang some songs and played some games with them. Then we told the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den and a girl in my MIG shared her testimony (the third grade version) :) Then I tied it all together and shared the gospel message. At the end, I asked if anyone had any questions or wanted to have Jesus in their life. Almost immediately one boy raised his hand and whispered to his teacher that he wanted Jesus. His face lit up with a huge smile. I asked if anyone else wanted that and lots of kids in the class came up and I led them in a prayer of salvation. Whether or not they all understood exactly what they were doing, we planted a seed in their lives. I know this little boy will never forget that day. I will never forget his smile for Jesus! God definitely gave us the words to speak, and I am SO thankful for HIM! Mary Kate
Exciting stuff, huh? I hope Mary Kate took a picture of this little boy...please remember to pray for him, and for the others who heard about Jesus!! So, now we know Mary Kate's team has been in the schools and orphanages this week. All the teams will be back together on Sunday for church together and sharing what the Lord has been doing. Then, they switch places, and it's her team that goes to Gulu, the children's camp about 200 miles north of Kampala. I'm going to try to have Mary Kate put this song on when she gets home, but for now, please remember these words and give a SHOUT TO THE LORD because God IS working!!
She writes: "Tuesday morning (6-23-09) my team and I went to a school, Hope of Joy. We were prepared to do our purity program 'True Love Waits' but when we arrived, the children were quite young and we decided a VBS program would be more appropriate. We had about 1 minute to plan as we walked in the classroom. We decided to pray because we had no idea what we were going to do, and definitely needed God's help. My MIG (Ministry Group) and I got a third grade class to work with. The children were so adorable. They all stood and greeted us and we sang some songs and played some games with them. Then we told the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den and a girl in my MIG shared her testimony (the third grade version) :) Then I tied it all together and shared the gospel message. At the end, I asked if anyone had any questions or wanted to have Jesus in their life. Almost immediately one boy raised his hand and whispered to his teacher that he wanted Jesus. His face lit up with a huge smile. I asked if anyone else wanted that and lots of kids in the class came up and I led them in a prayer of salvation. Whether or not they all understood exactly what they were doing, we planted a seed in their lives. I know this little boy will never forget that day. I will never forget his smile for Jesus! God definitely gave us the words to speak, and I am SO thankful for HIM! Mary Kate
Exciting stuff, huh? I hope Mary Kate took a picture of this little boy...please remember to pray for him, and for the others who heard about Jesus!! So, now we know Mary Kate's team has been in the schools and orphanages this week. All the teams will be back together on Sunday for church together and sharing what the Lord has been doing. Then, they switch places, and it's her team that goes to Gulu, the children's camp about 200 miles north of Kampala. I'm going to try to have Mary Kate put this song on when she gets home, but for now, please remember these words and give a SHOUT TO THE LORD because God IS working!!
"Little is MUCH, when God's in it,
and no one can fathom the plans He holds,
little is MUCH, when God's in it,
He changes the world with the seeds we sow."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Updates: Priceless!
Today, on the Global Expeditions site, which has been updated, I read some very exciting stuff. The weather is perfect there (in NJ, this is the first sunny day we've had...17 out of 21 days of rain!) and they are pumped up for ministry. The people have been welcoming to them, and teams are thankful for the prayer on their behalf.
In case you can't reach the GE website updates, here is what one of the team members wrote about: they were sitting outside the hostel, doing some drama practice, when local children started watching them. Before long there were many kids. Every child likes ice cream so GE treated, and someone ran for a translator. They decided to have an impromptu VBS with games, songs and a lesson...five kids came to know the Lord!! HOW COOL IS THAT!!
It definitely looks like one of the teams is in Gulu, which by the way, is about 200 miles north, working at the camp. Then the others are working in the schools and orphanages. Gulu is an area that, just since spring of 2007, has had peace after 21 years of war against the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and it's leader, Joseph Kony (bad guy!!) Unfortunately, Kony and the LRA has moved on into Congo, and is doing damage there. Gulu is growing again, in part, thanks to international help, with medicine, rehabilitation centers for the abducted children, and with food. There is a lot of work to be done there, so please pray for the time there.
In case you can't reach the GE website updates, here is what one of the team members wrote about: they were sitting outside the hostel, doing some drama practice, when local children started watching them. Before long there were many kids. Every child likes ice cream so GE treated, and someone ran for a translator. They decided to have an impromptu VBS with games, songs and a lesson...five kids came to know the Lord!! HOW COOL IS THAT!!
It definitely looks like one of the teams is in Gulu, which by the way, is about 200 miles north, working at the camp. Then the others are working in the schools and orphanages. Gulu is an area that, just since spring of 2007, has had peace after 21 years of war against the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and it's leader, Joseph Kony (bad guy!!) Unfortunately, Kony and the LRA has moved on into Congo, and is doing damage there. Gulu is growing again, in part, thanks to international help, with medicine, rehabilitation centers for the abducted children, and with food. There is a lot of work to be done there, so please pray for the time there.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Keep Praying!
Mary Kate left me with a schedule of what would probably be going on this next week, so I'll just tell you what it says. I really don't have any other information from "the field" yet, so until they update that, I can't update this, you understand. Trust me, I'm waiting and checking all the time for any information.
Today, one of the teams will head to Gulu to work in the children's camp. Gula is in northern Uganda so it may be quite a ride. This is where the refugee children live, who have been drastically effected (and possibly orphaned) by the of years of war in their country. The other two teams will go to schools throughout Kampala and present the "True Love Waits" abstinence program. If you recall from earlier posts, they were working on the material back in Texas and will be explaining the Gospel with that program. They are also supposed to go to some orphanages. The teams will do about 6-7 days of this, then switch, with one day in between so they can share what work has been done. I'm sure it will be exciting, but emotionally wearing at the same time. Understanding all the trauma the Ugandan people have been through, and listening to their stories will be difficult. Please pray for the teams as they share the love of the Savior with people who REALLY need HIM. Please pray that the teams will be clear in their messages and that God will open people's eyes to accept Jesus into their hearts. Pray also for the local church there, that they will be able to disciple and minister to all those who will need it. The Ugandan people need HOPE and that is exactly what God offers!
This is the song we sang in church yesterday, I thought of Mary Kate...
(Hillsong, Mighty To Save)
Everyone needs compassion, a love that's never failing, let mercy fall on me,
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior,
THE HOPE OF NATIONS!
(Chorus) Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save,
Forever, Author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave!
Today, one of the teams will head to Gulu to work in the children's camp. Gula is in northern Uganda so it may be quite a ride. This is where the refugee children live, who have been drastically effected (and possibly orphaned) by the of years of war in their country. The other two teams will go to schools throughout Kampala and present the "True Love Waits" abstinence program. If you recall from earlier posts, they were working on the material back in Texas and will be explaining the Gospel with that program. They are also supposed to go to some orphanages. The teams will do about 6-7 days of this, then switch, with one day in between so they can share what work has been done. I'm sure it will be exciting, but emotionally wearing at the same time. Understanding all the trauma the Ugandan people have been through, and listening to their stories will be difficult. Please pray for the teams as they share the love of the Savior with people who REALLY need HIM. Please pray that the teams will be clear in their messages and that God will open people's eyes to accept Jesus into their hearts. Pray also for the local church there, that they will be able to disciple and minister to all those who will need it. The Ugandan people need HOPE and that is exactly what God offers!
This is the song we sang in church yesterday, I thought of Mary Kate...
(Hillsong, Mighty To Save)
Everyone needs compassion, a love that's never failing, let mercy fall on me,
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior,
THE HOPE OF NATIONS!
(Chorus) Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save,
Forever, Author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave!
The Lord your God is with YOU, He is mighty to save! Zeph. 3:17
Saturday, June 20, 2009
A lesson in Longitude and Latitude
The weather in Kampala right now is a partly cloudy, 72 degrees, but it's the middle of the night there, so hopefully they are all sleeping soundly. Sunday wake-up, which will be in a few hours from now for them, will bring a meeting with Pastor Sempa and they will worship at a local church. It will probably be a great time! Not sure of much more of the schedule for the day, but in the evening, they will have church on their own with their Project Leaders, Candice and Adam. Mary Kate said she really enjoyed both of these people, and was looking forward to getting to know them better. They've been on lots of trips, all over the world.
Before Mary Kate left, she was busy looking on the Internet for a map of Kampala. I asked her about it, and she said she wanted to know where the equator went through. I think she thought there was an actual LINE through town, and that she wanted to be on the other side of it at some point to be able to say she crossed the equator. Tyler (Mr. Cartographer) tried over and over to explain that the equator is an angle of longitude and latitude and....blah, blah, blah. I could see Mary Kate's eyes glazing over. She just wanted the bottom line, me too at that point. Was she going to be ON THE EQUATOR OR NOT? I even looked it up on the Internet and had to have Tyler come and explain it to ME!! We must have been sleeping that day in school, but thankfully Tyler pays attention. Mary Kate, sweetheart, I hope you cross over, wherever you think is "there" IS! Have fun...and I know you just want to see if toilets flush the other direction!
Before Mary Kate left, she was busy looking on the Internet for a map of Kampala. I asked her about it, and she said she wanted to know where the equator went through. I think she thought there was an actual LINE through town, and that she wanted to be on the other side of it at some point to be able to say she crossed the equator. Tyler (Mr. Cartographer) tried over and over to explain that the equator is an angle of longitude and latitude and....blah, blah, blah. I could see Mary Kate's eyes glazing over. She just wanted the bottom line, me too at that point. Was she going to be ON THE EQUATOR OR NOT? I even looked it up on the Internet and had to have Tyler come and explain it to ME!! We must have been sleeping that day in school, but thankfully Tyler pays attention. Mary Kate, sweetheart, I hope you cross over, wherever you think is "there" IS! Have fun...and I know you just want to see if toilets flush the other direction!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Can You Hear Me NOW?
The team left Dubai about 9:00 a.m. this morning and arrived in Entebbe, Uganda at 2:36 p.m. local time, with about an hour layover in Bole, Ethiopia. They also gained one hour back, so they are now 7 hours ahead of us in New Jersey.
Mary Kate just phoned (they are required to call when they reach their country. It is 2:45 p.m. here) but we only had 3 minutes to talk. The connection was OK, and she is fine. Please pray everyone stays well, since the girl next to MK on the plane, was sick...could have been motion sickness...or not. She said the weather there was perfect, a cool 72 degrees and sunny. No more Texas heat! The place they are staying in is called Nana Hostel in Kampala. That will be their home base, and from there, they will go to the villages and schools. She said Nana Hostel was very nice, nothing like their accommodations in Panama, but then this is a city base and that was the jungle and islands. It was good to hear from her, and thank you for your prayers as they traveled. Now the work begins.
The "Update from the Field" posted on the GE website this morning says "Greetings Parents and prayer partners! The teams are currently in the airport in Dubai awaiting the boarding of the final flight to Uganda! The group is doing wonderful! Last night we had a layover in Dubai hotel. Everyone is healthy, cheerful and excited. Many blessings have happened in our travel process where team members have been able to share Christ with fellow travelers. We thank you for your prayers! When we allow the students to make phone calls as soon as we are able upon landing."
Mary Kate just phoned (they are required to call when they reach their country. It is 2:45 p.m. here) but we only had 3 minutes to talk. The connection was OK, and she is fine. Please pray everyone stays well, since the girl next to MK on the plane, was sick...could have been motion sickness...or not. She said the weather there was perfect, a cool 72 degrees and sunny. No more Texas heat! The place they are staying in is called Nana Hostel in Kampala. That will be their home base, and from there, they will go to the villages and schools. She said Nana Hostel was very nice, nothing like their accommodations in Panama, but then this is a city base and that was the jungle and islands. It was good to hear from her, and thank you for your prayers as they traveled. Now the work begins.
The "Update from the Field" posted on the GE website this morning says "Greetings Parents and prayer partners! The teams are currently in the airport in Dubai awaiting the boarding of the final flight to Uganda! The group is doing wonderful! Last night we had a layover in Dubai hotel. Everyone is healthy, cheerful and excited. Many blessings have happened in our travel process where team members have been able to share Christ with fellow travelers. We thank you for your prayers! When we allow the students to make phone calls as soon as we are able upon landing."
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Hello Houston...we've got a problem!! (part 2)
Since you can see a picture of the plane and read Mary Kate's description of it, you know they made it to Houston, but not without a little excitement. That "missionary bus" I wrote about on my last entry, was true to it's name. On the way down to Houston, the bus overheated (what a surprise, since everything does at 100 degrees!). They had to open all the emergency hatches, etc. and let the poor thing cool down. They pulled to the side of the road (they always leave super early to get soooo many people checked in) and after a little while, they were back on track. God truly was watching over this group since by the time they arrived at the airport, they were the last to check in. (they could have been told, "you are the last to check in, I'm sorry to tell you this but you have been eliminated!!")
At the airport, they were each allowed to check two bags...about 23 kilos each,(50 lbs) for no cost (how about THAT...American Airlines, Continental, United, etc.) Mary Kate also had a giant garbage bag filled with sleeping bags to check. They kind of re-pack stuff since they have to all carry part of the equipment that is going. Some have sound equipment, some have food, some have teaching supplies, etc. There was a huge "sound equipment box" that had to go, but was way over the limit...like at 70lbs. Mary Kate and some others ended up with microphones and wires in their carry-on since some of that stuff had to be re-packed, then the ticket agents were gracious, and let the box go through since they didn't have many OTHER over weight bags. Praise God!!
Here at home, we were trying to figure out the shortest route to Dubai from Texas. Tyler, of course (if you know him) threw out the "great circle" theory, which in short is: flying north and down is shortest. He even went to get a ball and string to demonstrate. We ended up looking it up on the Internet and he's right! Check this out: http://liftanddrag.blogspot.com/2009/02/great-circle-route.html
Well, I see from the flight track, that they have landed in Dubai, 6:29 p.m. (local time there...8 hours ahead of us.) Thank you again for your prayers for their safety.
At the airport, they were each allowed to check two bags...about 23 kilos each,(50 lbs) for no cost (how about THAT...American Airlines, Continental, United, etc.) Mary Kate also had a giant garbage bag filled with sleeping bags to check. They kind of re-pack stuff since they have to all carry part of the equipment that is going. Some have sound equipment, some have food, some have teaching supplies, etc. There was a huge "sound equipment box" that had to go, but was way over the limit...like at 70lbs. Mary Kate and some others ended up with microphones and wires in their carry-on since some of that stuff had to be re-packed, then the ticket agents were gracious, and let the box go through since they didn't have many OTHER over weight bags. Praise God!!
Here at home, we were trying to figure out the shortest route to Dubai from Texas. Tyler, of course (if you know him) threw out the "great circle" theory, which in short is: flying north and down is shortest. He even went to get a ball and string to demonstrate. We ended up looking it up on the Internet and he's right! Check this out: http://liftanddrag.blogspot.com/2009/02/great-circle-route.html
Well, I see from the flight track, that they have landed in Dubai, 6:29 p.m. (local time there...8 hours ahead of us.) Thank you again for your prayers for their safety.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
This plane is amazing! Personal tv screens...toothbrush...roomy seats...blanket...wash clothe...etc, etc, etc... Gonna be a great trip! Thank you all so much for all your prayers. Last night i was thinking about this trip and how amazing its gonna be and how its gonna need lots of prayer. So thank you all so much! :) love you all. Its off to uganda now! I'll talk to you all in a few weeks! Til then...email often and check the blog!
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Hello Houston...
As you can see from the suitcase picture Mary Kate posted, they are packed up and on their way to Houston this afternoon. She phoned before, on the bus, and they expect to fly out tonight to Dubai (one of the stops on the way to Uganda).
Last night was an exciting time at their Commissioning Service. We, here at home, were able to watch the end of it "streaming LIVE" on our computer. (I think the service was like 2 hours long). We just caught the flag recessional which was very nice. Each flag of the country GE is headed for today was represented, and the kids followed "their flag" out, and had a great time of prayer for the country they will be going to. Mary Kate said it was really AWESOME!! and knows God is going to work in Uganda! Some of the teams were on their way to the airport or on buses right after the service. Mary Kate was at least able to get a good night sleep and leave this a.m. It's definitely a "missionary bus" trip to Houston, but at least it has air-conditioning. I don't think Texas is her favorite place, but it was an important stop and the training was so valuable.
Of course she is excited to get to Dubai since she's never been that far east. With the time change and the long flight, they will stay the rest of the night at a hotel in Dubai and fly out Friday a.m. to Kampala, Uganda.
Dubai is in United Arab Emirates and sits on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is home to some of the tallest freestanding buildings in the entire world. AND, they have a cool, I mean REALLY COOL, area called Palm Island and The World. If you click on http://www.theworld.ae/ or http://www.thepalm.ae/ you will see something you won't believe. The country has literally put man-made islands in the water in the shape of a palm tree and of the world map. These islands are privately owned communities (BIG, BIG $$) but what else is an oil-baron to do with his billions? (Sorry, just a little tourist note on Dubai) I hope Mary Kate can get a look at those places from the air, since they are unimaginable. I'm sure she will get her passport stamped there :)
She will be responsible for her girls in the hotel, and no one goes anywhere without a male to accompany them!! Each MIG (Ministry Group) has 4-5 kids and at least one of them is a guy, for safety, EVERYWHERE outside of Texas.
Friday a.m. they will take off for Uganda with a little stop in Ethiopia. Good thing she can sleep anywhere, anytime, because I'm not sure she will know what time it really is by then. They will be 7 hours ahead of us when she reaches Kampala, Uganda. They will hit the ground running, filling the first full day with ministry and work on getting to know the culture there. I'll write more about what she will be doing in Uganda after they get there.
Please continue to pray as they travel, and that God will use this team in a mighty way to change the world...THAT'S what it's ALL about!
Last night was an exciting time at their Commissioning Service. We, here at home, were able to watch the end of it "streaming LIVE" on our computer. (I think the service was like 2 hours long). We just caught the flag recessional which was very nice. Each flag of the country GE is headed for today was represented, and the kids followed "their flag" out, and had a great time of prayer for the country they will be going to. Mary Kate said it was really AWESOME!! and knows God is going to work in Uganda! Some of the teams were on their way to the airport or on buses right after the service. Mary Kate was at least able to get a good night sleep and leave this a.m. It's definitely a "missionary bus" trip to Houston, but at least it has air-conditioning. I don't think Texas is her favorite place, but it was an important stop and the training was so valuable.
Of course she is excited to get to Dubai since she's never been that far east. With the time change and the long flight, they will stay the rest of the night at a hotel in Dubai and fly out Friday a.m. to Kampala, Uganda.
Dubai is in United Arab Emirates and sits on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is home to some of the tallest freestanding buildings in the entire world. AND, they have a cool, I mean REALLY COOL, area called Palm Island and The World. If you click on http://www.theworld.ae/ or http://www.thepalm.ae/ you will see something you won't believe. The country has literally put man-made islands in the water in the shape of a palm tree and of the world map. These islands are privately owned communities (BIG, BIG $$) but what else is an oil-baron to do with his billions? (Sorry, just a little tourist note on Dubai) I hope Mary Kate can get a look at those places from the air, since they are unimaginable. I'm sure she will get her passport stamped there :)
She will be responsible for her girls in the hotel, and no one goes anywhere without a male to accompany them!! Each MIG (Ministry Group) has 4-5 kids and at least one of them is a guy, for safety, EVERYWHERE outside of Texas.
Friday a.m. they will take off for Uganda with a little stop in Ethiopia. Good thing she can sleep anywhere, anytime, because I'm not sure she will know what time it really is by then. They will be 7 hours ahead of us when she reaches Kampala, Uganda. They will hit the ground running, filling the first full day with ministry and work on getting to know the culture there. I'll write more about what she will be doing in Uganda after they get there.
Please continue to pray as they travel, and that God will use this team in a mighty way to change the world...THAT'S what it's ALL about!
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Hey everyone! I'm leaving for the airport in an hour and our flight is this evening. We finally will arrive in uganda on friday...keeping in mind the major layover and the time change! My team name is Caritas...it is the latin equivilant of the greek word agape love. So our whole goal as a team is to bring and show love. My leaders are amazing! I'm so excited to be part of this trip! I have heard the email system may be having some flukes but just keep trying. They do go through at somepoint...just it may be the next day.so just try again. I love getting emails. Yesterday was spent doing evangelism training. And last night we were commissoned in a great ceremony! We worshiped and prayed a lot for uganda! My mom will explain more about that. My family watched it online. Thanks to everyone who is praying for me! It means so much to me! Love you all! Now i'm off to change the world!
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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MA for MK!!
Yup, it's Mom here again...we heard from Mary Kate last night. She calls just before she has "lights out" and since she is in "go, go, go Central time" and we are in "I'm pooped and want to go to sleep Eastern time" it's late by the time she phones us. We LOVE to get to hear from her, especially since that won't be the case when she leaves for Uganda tomorrow.
If you read her posting, you know that she got the MA position that she wanted and applied for. (MA stands for Missionary Assistant. They are 18 years old or older, show good leadership qualities, etc). Mary Kate went to Texas earlier (last Friday, instead of Sunday) with many others who applied for MA positions, to train in leadership. The order of "command" is 2 Project Directors (who oversee the entire field project), Team Leaders, Missionary Assistants, then Missionaries. Mary Kate will have the privilege of having four girls in her group and will be responsible for mentoring, a specific ministry, as well as making sure everyone is accounted for from now on, traveling plus in Uganda. There are 3 teams of about 80-90 people going to Uganda...Mary Kate's team has about 25 on it.
Today (Tuesday) they will continue their evangelism training and polish up the "True Love Waits" program that will be presented in schools. With Texas being sooo hot, it's great that they have air-conditioned rooms for their sessions. Mary Kate will be glad to get to Uganda where, believe it or not, it's cooler.
Tonight is the Commissioning Service. Since everyone takes off to different parts of the world tomorrow, they have a service tonight presenting flags representing all the countries. It's a great time of worship and prayer for the teams. Then tomorrow, it's off to Uganda!!!
Please pray for Mary Kate's group: Anna, Amie, Lexi and Claudia. Pray that she will be a very good leader to them and have wisdom, be a Godly example, and that their entire team will work great together and be healthy and safe. And, of course for safety for all the teams traveling tomorrow. Mary Kate will arrive in Uganda on Friday (you know, the time change and Uganda being on the far side...it takes a while to get there). Thanks again for your prayers.
If you read her posting, you know that she got the MA position that she wanted and applied for. (MA stands for Missionary Assistant. They are 18 years old or older, show good leadership qualities, etc). Mary Kate went to Texas earlier (last Friday, instead of Sunday) with many others who applied for MA positions, to train in leadership. The order of "command" is 2 Project Directors (who oversee the entire field project), Team Leaders, Missionary Assistants, then Missionaries. Mary Kate will have the privilege of having four girls in her group and will be responsible for mentoring, a specific ministry, as well as making sure everyone is accounted for from now on, traveling plus in Uganda. There are 3 teams of about 80-90 people going to Uganda...Mary Kate's team has about 25 on it.
Today (Tuesday) they will continue their evangelism training and polish up the "True Love Waits" program that will be presented in schools. With Texas being sooo hot, it's great that they have air-conditioned rooms for their sessions. Mary Kate will be glad to get to Uganda where, believe it or not, it's cooler.
Tonight is the Commissioning Service. Since everyone takes off to different parts of the world tomorrow, they have a service tonight presenting flags representing all the countries. It's a great time of worship and prayer for the teams. Then tomorrow, it's off to Uganda!!!
Please pray for Mary Kate's group: Anna, Amie, Lexi and Claudia. Pray that she will be a very good leader to them and have wisdom, be a Godly example, and that their entire team will work great together and be healthy and safe. And, of course for safety for all the teams traveling tomorrow. Mary Kate will arrive in Uganda on Friday (you know, the time change and Uganda being on the far side...it takes a while to get there). Thanks again for your prayers.
Hello Blog Readers! I would like to announce that I am an MA on this trip. I found out today! I am very excited to be able to mentor four girls this summer. I'm sure my mom will write more about the girls and my job. Its gonna be great. Today we worked really hard training. We broke up into our teams. I have amazing team leaders! In uganda we will be doing a program called True Love Waits. We trained for many many hours today on how to present that. Basically the program is broken up into six sections. Each section shares something different. It is all very God centered. Its a great way to share about God in a practical manner. We were divided into groups and each had a section to work on and present. My group had section three... Which was called safe sex is no sex. We share some verses and stats and did a skit to explain it all. Its a good program to be able to work with. Tomorrow i
will try to update again with some info about my team! Until then... it is lights out so good night!
will try to update again with some info about my team! Until then... it is lights out so good night!
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Sunday, June 14, 2009
Tents and Tornado drills!
Well, I see Mary Kate has posted some pictures of her five star accommodations. Pretty exciting, huh? AND, how about that Tornado drill at 5:50 a.m.? She is definitely not used to THAT! New Jersey doesn't have many tornadoes...Level Orange for the terrorist threats, nor'easters, gridlock and the like, but not too many tornadoes. (Auntie Em, Auntie Em...) Well, I'm glad they know what to do just in case.
Mary Kate said that today the rest of the team comes in from all over the country. She also met a girl who knows one of Mary Kate's friends from Messiah, so it's a small world after all. (don't worry I won't sing it).
For those of you who have tried to e-mail her, we aren't getting through yet either. It's definitely on their end, but please keep trying. And, as always, thank you again for your prayers for her. They REALLY have such a busy schedule and I am praying that some how they can get rest before they leave for Uganda. The heat really takes a lot out of you, and it's HOT there. She said she'd probably never want to live in Texas.
Later...Cindy
Mary Kate said that today the rest of the team comes in from all over the country. She also met a girl who knows one of Mary Kate's friends from Messiah, so it's a small world after all. (don't worry I won't sing it).
For those of you who have tried to e-mail her, we aren't getting through yet either. It's definitely on their end, but please keep trying. And, as always, thank you again for your prayers for her. They REALLY have such a busy schedule and I am praying that some how they can get rest before they leave for Uganda. The heat really takes a lot out of you, and it's HOT there. She said she'd probably never want to live in Texas.
Later...Cindy
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Training in Texas!
Hello from extremly hot Garden Valley, Texas! We've been training all day today and had some sessions yesterday. Yesterday i met all the leaders on this trip... The project directors and the team leaders. Then we had an awesome worship time. Then today... We were woken up at 5:50am for a tornado drill... We had to learn what to do if a storm came up. Then we had breakfast and an hour long awesome quiet time. Then we had a bunch of really good sessions on what it looks like to be a leader. The teaching was excellent! There was just a lot of sessions and everyone was so exhausted. We were also able to do some team building on the low ropes course. That was a lot of fun and a great way to get to know people on my project! Tonight we wrapped up the leadership training and tomorrow the rest of the missionaries arrive!! It will be exciting to finally meet my teammates! Thanks for everyones
prayers and support! This is gonna be a great trip where God is gonna do some amazing things!
prayers and support! This is gonna be a great trip where God is gonna do some amazing things!
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Friday, June 12, 2009
Newark Airport - June 12th - leaving for Texas.
I will try to figure out how to get these pictures on right and all at the same time too!
Deep in the heart of Texas!
Thank you all for your prayers for Mary Kate. She arrived (I see she posted also! How'd she do that?) in Texas this afternoon.
We left for the airport about 6:45 a.m. and she got her luggage checked in quickly. We are grateful that no overage fee was charged since all that peanut butter and jelly really weighed her luggage down. She was a tiny bit over the 50 lb...ok, like 4-5 lbs. over limit but they didn't care. After getting on the plane, there was something wrong with the door. Trust me on this one, you want the door to CLOSE. Everyone had to get off, then get back on and get all their stuff. They thought it was best to switch to another plane, (great thinking!) and she was finally off for real. With a breakfast of Cornflakes and bananas, (can't imagine that was her favorite) she had a good flight. She phoned us around 3:30 to say she met up with the Global Expedition group and would be leaving for the 2 hour bus ride to their headquaters soon.
For the next few days, Mary Kate will be training for her mission trip in Garden Valley. Training will include preparation for ministry, team building exercises, and Scripture memory, etc. Knowing Mary Kate, she'll be doing her share of meeting new friends too, you can count on that!! The new friends will soon learn that Mary Kate has a great laugh, and can hiccup louder than anyone else they know!
We are so grateful to so many who have prayed for her and have given financially to help her be able to go on this trip. We are praying and trusting the Lord to use her and her team to touch many lives in Uganda. Until next time...Cindy
We left for the airport about 6:45 a.m. and she got her luggage checked in quickly. We are grateful that no overage fee was charged since all that peanut butter and jelly really weighed her luggage down. She was a tiny bit over the 50 lb...ok, like 4-5 lbs. over limit but they didn't care. After getting on the plane, there was something wrong with the door. Trust me on this one, you want the door to CLOSE. Everyone had to get off, then get back on and get all their stuff. They thought it was best to switch to another plane, (great thinking!) and she was finally off for real. With a breakfast of Cornflakes and bananas, (can't imagine that was her favorite) she had a good flight. She phoned us around 3:30 to say she met up with the Global Expedition group and would be leaving for the 2 hour bus ride to their headquaters soon.
For the next few days, Mary Kate will be training for her mission trip in Garden Valley. Training will include preparation for ministry, team building exercises, and Scripture memory, etc. Knowing Mary Kate, she'll be doing her share of meeting new friends too, you can count on that!! The new friends will soon learn that Mary Kate has a great laugh, and can hiccup louder than anyone else they know!
We are so grateful to so many who have prayed for her and have given financially to help her be able to go on this trip. We are praying and trusting the Lord to use her and her team to touch many lives in Uganda. Until next time...Cindy
I made it to Texas!
I made it to Texas! Now i'm headed to the Global Expeditions/Teen Mania headquarters which is 2 hours away from the airport.
Goodbye NJ!
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Getting ready to fly off to Texas
Hi, Mary Kate's Mom here...she is busy packing and weighing the suitcase, and getting ready to go. She taught me how to blog, so I can update this fun, new, technology while she is in Uganda. So I will try to keep up whenever I hear something. Please pray for her as she travels and spends the next couple of days in Texas...for safety, good health and great working as a team. Thanks.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Email Me!
While I'm gone in Uganda you can all email me! But it must be through the Global Expeditions website so that I will be able to get it while I'm gone. For more details on how exactly to do that... look on the lefthand side of this blog and read the section entitled "Email me in Uganda". I'd love to hear from all of you!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Updates While I'm in Uganda?
While I'm in Uganda I will probably not have access to the internet, so I will be having my mom update this blog while I'm gone with information she recieves from me or from Global Expeditions. I have learned how to update this blog from my cell phone with pictures and posts, however I'll only be able to do that while I'm in the U.S. but updates will definitely be coming when my mom finds stuff out. Then when I return I'll be posting all sorts of pictures, videos and stories from my trip! So keep checking back!!
>>>2 days to go<<<
Monday, June 8, 2009
Specific Trip Details
I got to meet some of my team and the leaders via phone on Saturday. There was a huge conference call with as many members of the Uganda team that could make and our project directors were able to give us some detailed information about the trip and the ministry! It was very exciting!
Here is some of the info they gave us:
--Our project has a total of 82 people... ages ranging from 16-21 ish... the leaders are of course a bit older.
--In Uganda we will be working with the MarkArea Community Church (I believe that is what it is called, it was a little hard to hear on the call). This is a huge and growing church in Kampala. If you have ever heard of the Passion Conferences with Loui Giglio and Chris Tomlin and some other well known people, this church has hosted the Passion World Conference for Uganda. It is a church very focused on outreach.
--A previous leader on Global Expeditions trips all over the world moved to South Africa to become a full time missionary. He works in close partnership with the church in Kampala and has been helping to coordinate our trip.
--While we are in Uganda we will be visiting many schools from Elementary to High School to share with them an abstinence program. This program was developed by another former Global Expeditions leader who moved to Africa. It is a very God centered and gospel centered program that presents ideas of purity and God's design through skits and interactive activities.
--Our base city will be Kampala, which is the capital of Uganda. We will be taking trips to villages and also to Gulu. Gulu is in northern Uganda and is where most orphans, ex-child soldiers and refugees live.
--In Kampala we will be staying in an area where we will have electricity and showers on a regular basis!! (That is very exciting news!)
--We will be learning some dramas...like the heart skit and the Ragman drama. These are dramas that are either set to music or mimed that communicate the gospel in an easy to understand way. We did some of them while in Panama. (Here is a link to the Ragman drama on Youtube if you are curious about it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojyVHYefBn0)
--Our free day sounds very exciting!! We will be going on a 2 day safari! This sounds like a very fun part of this trip!!
That's all the information that I have right now. I will be posting a link soon of how to email me while I'm in Uganda!!!
Here is some of the info they gave us:
--Our project has a total of 82 people... ages ranging from 16-21 ish... the leaders are of course a bit older.
--In Uganda we will be working with the MarkArea Community Church (I believe that is what it is called, it was a little hard to hear on the call). This is a huge and growing church in Kampala. If you have ever heard of the Passion Conferences with Loui Giglio and Chris Tomlin and some other well known people, this church has hosted the Passion World Conference for Uganda. It is a church very focused on outreach.
--A previous leader on Global Expeditions trips all over the world moved to South Africa to become a full time missionary. He works in close partnership with the church in Kampala and has been helping to coordinate our trip.
--While we are in Uganda we will be visiting many schools from Elementary to High School to share with them an abstinence program. This program was developed by another former Global Expeditions leader who moved to Africa. It is a very God centered and gospel centered program that presents ideas of purity and God's design through skits and interactive activities.
--Our base city will be Kampala, which is the capital of Uganda. We will be taking trips to villages and also to Gulu. Gulu is in northern Uganda and is where most orphans, ex-child soldiers and refugees live.
--In Kampala we will be staying in an area where we will have electricity and showers on a regular basis!! (That is very exciting news!)
--We will be learning some dramas...like the heart skit and the Ragman drama. These are dramas that are either set to music or mimed that communicate the gospel in an easy to understand way. We did some of them while in Panama. (Here is a link to the Ragman drama on Youtube if you are curious about it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojyVHYefBn0)
--Our free day sounds very exciting!! We will be going on a 2 day safari! This sounds like a very fun part of this trip!!
That's all the information that I have right now. I will be posting a link soon of how to email me while I'm in Uganda!!!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Paid in Full!!
Thanks to everyone who donated to my trip! It is now covered completely and I am 1 step closer to UGANDA!! It is a huge answer to prayer and God has provided every penny I needed!! :)
Friday, June 5, 2009
1 Week!!
1 week from right now I'll be in Texas training for my trip to UGANDA! I'm starting to get things together... I got a small sleepbag that will be easy to pack, some rope to hang my misquito net, bug spray (100% deet for the intense bugs), a really awesome journal so I can write all about my experience there, and there is still some more stuff to get, but it's starting to come together!
I've talked to one of my project directors a few times. Her name is Candace and she seems really nice. Tomorrow GE is holding a conference call for everyone going to Uganda on this trip and the leaders are gonna give us some details about the trip and introduce themselves... via phone... and answer some questions, so that should be very exciting!
I'll fill you all in on more of the details after I get them.
I'm all up-to-date on the shots I needed for this trip... so that's good, and I have malaria meds to take as well.
I can't wait!! Keep checking back for my updates as I continue to get ready and leave! Updates and pictures will be coming more regularly now!! :)
I've talked to one of my project directors a few times. Her name is Candace and she seems really nice. Tomorrow GE is holding a conference call for everyone going to Uganda on this trip and the leaders are gonna give us some details about the trip and introduce themselves... via phone... and answer some questions, so that should be very exciting!
I'll fill you all in on more of the details after I get them.
I'm all up-to-date on the shots I needed for this trip... so that's good, and I have malaria meds to take as well.
I can't wait!! Keep checking back for my updates as I continue to get ready and leave! Updates and pictures will be coming more regularly now!! :)
Friday, May 29, 2009
2 Weeks!!
In exactly two weeks from today, I will be leaving for Texas for training and then a few days later I'll be leaving for UGANDA!!!
Also I will be speaking at Calvary Church, this Sunday night at 6pm about my trip!!
Also I will be speaking at Calvary Church, this Sunday night at 6pm about my trip!!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Prayer Points
Prayer can do some amazing things, and prayer needs to be a huge part of my trip to Uganda in a few weeks. Some of you cannot provide financial support and most of you cannot go to Uganda with me, however, everyone can pray! Prayer is a vital part of this trip before I leave, while I'm there and also after I've come home. Here are some things to start praying for before I leave for Uganda:
1. The people of Uganda who I will be meeting and ministering to—That I will be able to touch their lives by showing God’s love to them. Also that their hearts will be opened to hearing the Word of God. And that my team will be of encouragement to the Pastors we will be working with.
2. The Pastors and the people in charge of the ministries in Uganda—That they will be strong and encouraged. Also as they make preparations for our arrival.
3. Uganda—Pray for the leaders of the country to make wise decisions and for the people to stay safe in times of conflict. Also for the peoples’ spiritual, emotional and physical well being.
4. My preparations—That the rest of my financial support will come in. Also that I will be prepared spiritually, emotionally and physically for the various things that I will experience while in Uganda.
5. My Team—As they continue to raise support and prepare. Also for the leaders of this trip.
Thanks to all you prayer warriors out there!! This trip would not be possible without you!
>>>23 days to go<<<
1. The people of Uganda who I will be meeting and ministering to—That I will be able to touch their lives by showing God’s love to them. Also that their hearts will be opened to hearing the Word of God. And that my team will be of encouragement to the Pastors we will be working with.
2. The Pastors and the people in charge of the ministries in Uganda—That they will be strong and encouraged. Also as they make preparations for our arrival.
3. Uganda—Pray for the leaders of the country to make wise decisions and for the people to stay safe in times of conflict. Also for the peoples’ spiritual, emotional and physical well being.
4. My preparations—That the rest of my financial support will come in. Also that I will be prepared spiritually, emotionally and physically for the various things that I will experience while in Uganda.
5. My Team—As they continue to raise support and prepare. Also for the leaders of this trip.
Thanks to all you prayer warriors out there!! This trip would not be possible without you!
>>>23 days to go<<<
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Lions and Zebras and Elephants?? Oh my!
Every Global Expeditions trip has a free day. The free days are days where we can have a fun time and do something exciting and unique in the country. In Panama we went shopping in native markets and in Panama City. It was a great day to just relax and have a good time. In Uganda we will be heading to Murchison Falls and staying overnight in an authentic African Safari reserve. It's going to be amazing!!!
Murchison falls is a huge waterfall on the Nile. The Nile forces its way through a tiny gap (7 meters) and down 43 meters into Lake Albert below. The falls are just 2 degrees above the equator!
While we are there we will be going on a Safari. I'm sure we'll see lots of amazing animals.
I'm very excited for this day and I'm sure it will be a once in a life time type of experience!! :)
While we are there we will be going on a Safari. I'm sure we'll see lots of amazing animals.
I'm very excited for this day and I'm sure it will be a once in a life time type of experience!! :)
Friday, May 8, 2009
34 Days!!
It's almost 1 month before I leave for UGANDA!! I'm getting very excited! While I don't know personally anyone who is going yet, one of the girls in my major has a friend going on the same trip! It's a small world! The funds are still coming in and I'm getting closer and closer to having my trip fully funded!! This is a huge answer to prayer! And thanks to all of you who have donated to me! It is very much appreciated and a huge source of encouragement. I still need around $600, but I know God will provide!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
50 day Countdown!
There are only 50 days til I leave for Texas for training and then a few days later leave for UGANDA!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Meet the Project Directors
Global Expeditions has posted on their website who the leaders of my trip will be. GE (Global Expeditions) has a few levels of leadership on their trips. The first and top level is called the Project Directors. There are usually 2-3 on each trip. They will over see everything that happens on the trip. Below them are the Team Leaders. Each team will have 2 Team Leaders, a male and a female. They will over see what happens on each individual team. The number of teams on each trip depend on the number of students who sign up for the trip. There could be anywhere from 2-4 teams. Then below the Team Leaders are the Missionary Advisors. They will over see a small group of 4-6 same gender students. They are college aged students. I applied to be a Missionary Advisor on this trip and will be going to Texas 2 days early for extra training. Each leader on a trip receives extra training and are all hand picked for each trip.
The Project Directors (PD's) for my trip have sent the missionaries a message through the GE website. The two PD's for my trip are:
Candace Blackstock and Adam Canales
Both of them have been on and lead many GE trips all over the world. I'm excited to be able to work with them this summer and meet the rest of the leadership and my team in 52 days!!
The Project Directors (PD's) for my trip have sent the missionaries a message through the GE website. The two PD's for my trip are:
Candace Blackstock and Adam Canales
Both of them have been on and lead many GE trips all over the world. I'm excited to be able to work with them this summer and meet the rest of the leadership and my team in 52 days!!
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