Whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This has been a very long, exhausting, nerve-wrecking, exhilarating, and glorious day!

I do not know where to start...

I had a great time in Masaka and met wonderful people. They love the Lord and have the most beautiful servant's hearts. When I would thank them for their unending hospitality, inconveniences, and service, they would always respond...we are all called to serve...Jesus said whoever is the least among these will become the greatest. Jesus himself washed his disciples feet. He came to serve not to be served....Again I was humbled by their perspective on life and their willingness to serve continually and joyfully.

My driver met me at the hotel at 6:30 am today, and I was accompanied by Jacqui (Pastor Benjamin's wife, who is 9 months pregnant and not supposed to travel, but just had to meet me and spend time with me!), Pastor Sam (who works alongside Pastor Benjamin at Mountain of the Lord Church, and is working at teaching me Luganda), and Fredrick (my brother! if you haven't heard this story before I will have to tell you later!). It was quite the team! I felt surrounded by God's handpicked army as I entered the battlefield of Kampala.

We tried to no avail to find a certain official, but this person could never be found. We walked down hallways, into rooms, up stairs, down stairs, through security, talking to this person and that, made phone calls...it was so frustrating and we finally left. We met the Amani foster coordinator along with C & K at the courthouse. We sat and waited just hoping that our written ruling might be done today. Because we have such a tight schedule this week, I wanted to make the most of every minute, so we waited in hopes that the ruling just might come today and allow us to get started on the next process a half a day sooner. But I was totally prepared for spending the night in Kampala and starting again the next morning. Our lawyer found us around 11am and said that the registrar had not yet shown up. I was crushed. And frustrated. But having Sam with me was like having instant encouragement. He was quietly praying the entire day. He continually reminded me that our God is capable of accomplishing anything. Even in the past, if prayers have not been answered according to our wants, we cannot stop believing. We have to continue praying even when we don't understand. About an hour later, the registrar showed up! And he said that he would sign our papers in another 45 minutes! Praise the Lord. We finally received the papers and it was quite a moment of rejoicing. Then we left to go to another official's office. There is an enormous amount of details I could go into to explain my feelings of anger, frustration, nervousness, and outright fear. When I had to speak, my voice was shaky. My knees felt like they would buckle, my heart was pounding...all this and we are in a small crowded office where it was probably 100 degrees and C & K screamed almost the entire time. C & K had also missed their nap and none of us had had a bite to eat. I began to imagine angels surrounding us at the entrance of the room, on either side of his desk, by the window, on the couch with us, and even in the adjacent room. I knew God was softening his heart. It took four hours to obtain the letter, but God prevailed! It truly is a miracle.

So tomorrow I start the passport process. We are getting closer and closer as I got to cross two steps off our list today. Hallelujah!

Christopher and Katie are doing very well. Katie is looking great. She did not get carsick today! She smiled all morning (at least until we ended up in a certain office), she drank a ton of water today, and she was so happy. She is saying more and more words. I believe God is bringing health to her little body. Christopher is such a character and is very expressive. He is so much fun and loves to laugh. It is good to see them doing well. I know it is in response to your prayers. Thank you!

I know I am being vague on many things. I will have to elaborate at a different time. God is at work, He is revealing His glory, and He is giving us the victory! All praise and honor and glory are His!