Hello All,

We are having a great time with the Van Wingerdens.  They have shared with us that many of you think I don't blog enough, but now they are seeing first hand how hard it is to have time on the internet when it is good! But that being said, I will try to do better!

They arrived on Friday and we have been seeing and processing a lot of things. Kristy and Noelle have no clothes, because their luggage was taken by someone else. We are now getting it sent to Soroti by bus. We are praying that it arrives safely. They have both been troopers and have just been wearing Ashley and my clothes.
After we left the airport we gave them a long day in the car. We drove to Jinja and had lunch at a restaurant that we think is almost American and then we continued our travels for 5 hours. It was fun to watch the boys as they adored Case and we are so thankful that Case is an amazing kid and he is so amazing with the boys. They at some points were a bit loud, but we were all very excited.
Noelle and Ashley just chatted and caught up on life and Ashley(as always) gave us all a running commentary on all that they were seeing. It was fun to see Ashley so excited about her life here and it was so good for her to be able to share it with a great friend.
Kristy was loving on baby Kate and was blessed to have her fall asleep on her(we all love this).
Chris and Steve caught up and talked about all Chris was seeing and processing.

We arrived home is Soroti just as it was getting dark. We arrived to a wonderful meal provided by our teammates, Bobby and Rachel. It was so nice after a long drive to have a meal all ready. We ate and then we went to bed. We were all exhausted.

On Saturday, we opened the totes! I don't know how to describe how I felt. Even as I type this I am so overwhelmed and crying. I don't know how to thank you all enough! By the third box, I just started weeping. Overwhelmed with your generosity and overwhelmed with missing you all. The notes were amazing. I don't know how I will ever go back to America, I was so in shock at all the American stuff and someone else picked it out for me. I really wish I could describe how I felt, but just know that we are truly thankful.

Sipi Falls cafe was our destination for lunch. We had them eat Rice and Beans and try Abo(a green mixed with a peanut sauce). The kids were not so thrilled, but got their first experience of Ugandan food and what it feels like being stared at.
We then went to the main market to get some fruit and veggies. They loved the market. Noelle was a little sad about the chickens. She has a wonderful soft heart. The little kids wanted to greet them so we took some time greeting.
In the afternoon, the adults took a walk through Pamba to visit some friends. Chris and Kristy got to see some Ugandan homes and visit with our friends. We experienced some other things, but I will save that for another post.
On Sunday we went to worship at our church. I don't know what to say about this, but I think it was quite an experience for them.
We have a friend named Moses and he has taken in his little sister and she is so sick. She was in the village and was only eating greens once a day. We are so proud of him for doing what God would want him to do. Anyway, during the last part of church Esther(Moses sister) was sitting by Steve and she went completely out. She has been having these spells, they have been calling it fainting, but really she is out. So after church, Steve carried her to our home. She is a 14 year old girl, but it very tiny. We sat with their family while we waited for Esther to come to. After about 45 minutes she finally awoke, but was very lethargic and out of it. We gave her some juice and some food and prayed with them. Steve and Chris then took them home. We don't know what is going on with her, but please pray for this family. Moses wife is a young mother and now has responsibility for her baby and Moses two younger sisters, ages 6 and 14. It is alot for her and I just pray for strength for her and a heart of kindness.

We then ate lunch at around 2 pm and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. We ate dinner and then played a game of Settlers. It was so much fun. Case played with us and I just think he is such a great kid.
Oh in the afternoon we also attended the A & N playdough restaurant. We had delicious playdough food prepared by Ashley and Noelle. They have been playing non-stop and I just love it!!

Wow, that is where we are at now. We are having dinner tonight with our friends Robert and Joy and doing more visiting today.

Please pray that no one gets sick and that we continue to just enjoy our time together!

Church

We have been attending a church that is right across the road from our home. We have gotten to know quite a few people and it is getting so much easier for the kids to go. They are now starting to even clap and dance in church, which is how they worship here. I think it helps that Kate loves music and they love to help her clap.
For the last several months I have had a young boy named Oscar that always wants to sit by me. He started by just playing with my watch and then he started getting more comfortable and started to sit by me. He pulls the hair on my arms and points out my moles. He comes to church with his siblings. He has a younger sibling that falls asleep in church and Oscar puts the baby in my arms. He obviously cares for his siblings.
The other church members have asked us if these children have come with us. We tell them no and that we don't know where they come from, but they seem like they need love. This past week people asked again so I asked the children's director, Moses,  to find information about this family. He went right then and visited them. He found out that there are 4 or 5 children and there is also a baby. The mother has left and the father is caring for them. I am praying that we can encourage this father to go to church.  His children are always there and it will be good for him to be there with them.  Our mission here is to walk alongside the local church and this is one way we can do this. I pray that the church family can surround this family with love. I am glad to be a part of a church that cares for their neighbors.
A couple of weeks ago, Steve went with Pastor Francis to visit a man that had been visiting a witch doctor. They actually went with a whole car load of people. They witnessed to this man and encouraged him. They went all day and ate two pieces of bread and some tea. Once again, this church family surrounded and encouraged this man that has been so deceived. It is great to be a part of it and to help in any way we can.
It is great to finally be feeling at home here in church. Some weeks are still really hard, but every week gets better somehow!
Please keep praying that we can be a light to the people around us and spread the truth of God's word!