Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Friday, April 4, 2008

I only have a few minutes before the internet cafe closes...so I will type as fast as my fingers will let me as I have so much to say!!
Today we went to Kayunga district. We got to see Tender Mercies Outreach office. (See www.tendermercies.org) Then we went to one of the schools where Tender Mercies is focusing a lot of their efforts. This school has 700 children...and we met all of them! First we inflated a huge football and I had the children form a big circle. I had Prichard translate for me as I made up a few games we could play with this extra, extra large ball. The kids were laughing and having so much fun. It was a great sight. We also blew so many bubbles. The kids were screaming with enthusiasm and chasing bubbles and the ball for over 2 hours! Then I went into each classroom and was introduced and handed out "sweeties" to each child. I also gave each classroom a special gift..a puzzle, a football, bouncy balls... They were so appreciative. We explained that these gifts came from people in America. The givers of these gifts wanted the children to know that they love them and that Jesus loves them. We told them not to thank us, but to thank God for these gifts. We were told by the HeadMaster that we made a huge difference today. He said every child will go home and tell their parents that they had special visitors who gave them presents. For a village that is dominated by witchcraft, we cannot underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit working through us in demonstrating love to these kids. We were exhausted at the end of the day, but had the most wonderful time.
Also, we began to realize how God had so perfectly orchestrated so many things to allow my mom, dad and I to experience this today. There are way too many details to explain now, but take my word, this day was planned, directed, and fulfilled by our Lord. He had a purpose in us being there!
Today I found out that, once again, our written ruling was not completed. We will have to wait until Monday and hopefully get things going on Tuesday. There are a lot of crucial decisions I am having to make and some very specific connections that have to happen (i.e. meeting the right person at the right time, all of whom need to be in a good mood on that particular day and more than willing to help us out. Pray, Pray, Pray!) We are wanting more than ever to be finished and ready to go home as scheduled! I believe it can happen.
One last thing...My parents and I are leaving for Masaka tomorrow. I am excited and plan on being there until Monday or Tuesday.
Our piki's are here! I will fill you in on more details as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued prayers. They are making a difference for eternity.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

I am on my knees in prayer, Jenny, as the countdown to departure has begun. Only God can make that happen. Never know though, His plans may keep you in Uganda for a bit longer since you are doing such amazing work for Him ... hope not, but it is not me that you are serving. ;)

Keep up the great work of loving on those babies and spreading the word of our Lord!!!

Blessing,
Rhona

aakoenig said...

Jenny,
Thanks for writing about your visit. How amazing to be so guided and confident in His guidance as you felt He led you. It sounded like an amazing things to bless those children with so much love and the message of Christ's love through the gifts.

We will remember you this weekend and coming monday as you wait for the written ruling. May He guide to the right people in the right moods at the right time and bring you home safely on the 12th.
Ariel

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
They shared your blog with us at MOPS a couple weeks ago, and since then I have gotten caught up on and have been keeping track of your journey. I am loving it! It is great to get to feel connected to it. Like everyone else, I keep checking to see the latest news. I pray for you and your family and am so proud of you. I saw Lacey yesterday at MOPS and she told me that you took the tag blankies with you for the kids. I hope they like them. I was hoping that maybe you took one with you so you could have it with you at the hotel while you are waiting to get to bring them home. It was exciting to hear they are in their cribs with them. I can't wait to meet them. I am happy that your parents are able to be there with you. How great for you to have their support and love there with you. I look forward to the day when I read your blog and you say you are on your way home with your little ones.

Jana

lana said...

"But as for me, I will always hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone." - from Psalm 71

Lord God, our hope is in you. We know that you can coordinate all the events that need to take place and bring Jenny, Erryn, and all four children home on the 11th. We ask that you would work on their behalf. Cause Your favor to be in the hearts of the officials and personnel that still have a part in them coming home. Coordinate meetings, paperwork, physicals, and health to all be favorable for their quick return. We love You and praise You for all that You've done already. Continue to strengthen and encourage Jenny and Erryn. Let Your presence be fully evident in them so that all those they encounter would know that You are God and there is none like You.

In our Savior, Jesus', name, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord and may God bless you and your children

Todd and Jenny said...

In Jaden's words:

I wish you were here.I'm so excited that you'r comming home in a few days!Oh been eating out alot thanks to daddy.We are wotching a little bit of moves.Mamaw has been cocking.we'v been eat dosert every meel!Mamaw beet me three times.At BB. wich stands for Bascitball.were having fun. we can't waet till you get here!thhat'sgoing too be fun.I can't waet till Christopher & Katie get here and I can see them with my rael eys.I miss you so so so so much!you rock!I love you so so so so much!For GOD so love the world that he gave his one and only Son that who ever belevs in him shal not perish but have aternle life in him that who ever belevs in him shal not perish but have a ternle life for GOD did not sendhis Son too condemned the world but to save the world throwgh him.

Love, Jaden!

Cloughamily said...

Jenny,

We are praying for you. We love to hear about all that God is doing in Uganda. And we are excited to hear about your trip to Masaka. What a blessing to be able to go with your parents! We can't wait to read your next update.

As a family, we continue to pray for Christopher, Katie, and all the logistics of getting them home. What a celebration that will be!!!

We LOVE you!!!

Blessings,
The Clough Crew