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Monday, March 14, 2011
We started off with going to Jinja to do a little shopping and had birthday lunch at the Source Cafe (if you're ever in Uganda, their banana bread is the BEST...can't beat it). Going shopping (if you can call it that) in Jinja is always fun...you get to bargain with the people and experience alot of the culture here. My favorite part is picking out things for my friends and family..its always comforting to bring a little bit of Africa back to Brentwood. :)
Anyways, after we left the market we headed back to Katie's and hung out. AND we had 2 guests join us...JANE and her mommy! (Some of you may not know her story, but it was awesome to see her precious face again!)
Alot of times while we're with all of those kids though, it's easy to get caught up in playing with/occupying the little ones and forget that the older ones need some quality time too...so this morning, Mallory, Prossy (15), Margaret (12), Agnes (12), and I all got to hang out and talk...we had so much fun! The girls locked their door and we sat in their room, laughed, ate dum dums, and talked for a good while.
I've specifically loved talking to Prossy though. She is SO sweet and full of joy, you can't help but to love her...she and her sisters have been making magazine necklaces (like the ones 147 sells) and selling them to people locally.
Yesterday, Prossy walked up and gave me one that was all purple (and beautiful). Sweet girl had made it for me before we came, and coordinated it so that it would match our uniforms and school colors...she's so thoughtful and is the kind of girl that I could easily be best friends with.
After we spent some time at Katie's, we all piled in the van and headed to a pool at a hotel nearby to celebrate my birthday! And it was SO much fun. We swam, played soccer, ate chicken and chips, and some cake! (Thanks to Katie for baking it, it was delicious :))
Dad even taught Jane's mom how to swim (which was HILARIOUS)...
I could not have asked for a better birthday! I was able to spend it in my favorite place, with lots of people I love.
Here are some pics....
Mallory and Sumini
Dad and Janie's momma
Uncle Scott and Prossy
Dad and Sarah
Michael, Annabelle and Gray playing soccer with the girls...
I'd like to end with a few words from my Jesus Calling from today....it says:
"It is through spending time with me that you realize how wide and long and deep is my love for you...In a world characterized by working and taking, the admonition to rest and receive seems too easy...But, as you trust Me more and more, you are able to receive Me and My blessings abundantly. Be still, and know that I am God."
As I read this, I think about how easy it is to get caught up in the busyness of what's going on around me...especially living in a place like Brentwood where alot of times your respect/worth is based on how "successful" you are, and people are always trying to work their way to the top.
And I think that's a major reason as to why I LOVE being here. People are not judged on how nice their clothes are, or how many cars they own, or how big their house is. There's not a "ladder of success" that they over-consume themselves with. And they don't HAVE material possessions to get caught up in. They learn that the only way to live is to live with Christ daily.
I've seen this in the children especially...kids who walk around in torn up, dirty clothes or no clothes at all, and live in huts and run-down houses made of dried clay and dirt. Amazima worship day is one of my favorites because you can look and see hundreds of little faces singing how awesome Jesus is, and know that they really do mean what they are singing. They have learned to trust and love God, and understand that His love for them is unfathomable. And when I think about my life in Brentwood and compare it to the time I spend here, I can see that is so much easier to focus on Jesus when there are no material distractions.
SO, I'm holding myself accountable that when I go back to Brentwood, I won't fall into the routine of what's comfortable and get caught up in the busyness of life. and that I'll remember that God has a purpose for me here on earth, and nothing else matters as long as I fulfill what's in HIS plan. I will be still, and know that He's God.
More to come later...
Grace
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About Me
- suzanne
- I am a lover of Jesus. I have the most fabulous husband that anyone woman could ask for. The Lord has blessed us with 7 beautiful children. I started this blog so that friends and family could follow our trip to Uganda to visit Katie Davis. I have decided to keep blogging to help bring orphan awareness to the world around me.
9 comments:
What a HUGE testament to the grace and forgiveness and love of our God to see you all there with Janie's momma. Once again Katie speaks into my life, a complete stranger, from across the world!
Happy birthday Gracie...I love that you shared Jesus Calling...That is my life verse and it warms my heart that you all are experiencing His presence. I must say that as I read your post today, I longed to be with you all. Hugs to everyone...Tell my gang that I got their message and it made my day. Blessings, Katrina
Enjoyed your post. It is so wonderful and refreshing to see young souls following God's lead.
Watch out Suzanne! I think Grace is ready to take over the blog! Wonderful, refreshing words from a sweet young lady who you can surely see Jesus in her life.
God bless Katie for continuing to love Janie's mom the way she does. God bless you for sharing His love with all you have been with there. Love the life lessons you're learning there. No textbook could ever teach that. Love your parents for taking you there so you can learn those lessons. Again, thanks for taking the time to share. Keep it up!!! :)
How fun to see our dear friends Scott and Mallory ... please send them our love from Hong Kong!
Love & Blessings,
Kim
Hey Gracie...when your parents chose your name when you were born they could not have picked anything more appropriate...You are so gracious, precious and your heart is so full of goodness...I love you dearly and could not be more proud of you! You will forever hold a very special place in my heart...enjoy the rest of your time in Africa and love on some kiddos for me! xoxo, Amy
PS. when u get home u have to come spend a weekend with me in Bowling Green!
i have tried posting to this blog like 3 times and it keeps shutting me out ... GOOOOD DAY !!
I have loved it all sister and keep coming back to look at the pictures ... I miss Katie and the girls so much ... I am glad God is showing you so much and using you to love on others ...
love ya
you are a wise girl, Grace!
i loved having dinner with katie's precious girls and we bought several of their necklaces. so cute! =) prossy is a gem.
also...that is the hotel we stayed at. so fun to see your trip here!
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