Full

Last night I went to bed with a heavy heart.

I awoke not ready to pour myself out at all, so I was honest with God and told Him that I had nothing to give. Funny how when you're at the end of yourself, you find that God is the One who remains.

I got to go back to Kisima this morning and was sad to find that my friends Medina and Rehema were both on the mainland, so I played with between 40-50 children for hours instead! We played ring around the rosy, duck duck grey duck, and a new game they taught as well. We struggled through the language barrier, but laughter has no language! I was full.

We got hit with rain just as we were leaving, so we sat for a while and then braved the waves of Lake Victoria. I was wet, cold, and scared, but it was good. The boat rocked and I secretly sang "with Jesus in the boat you can smile at the storm". The sky was gorgeous and we made it back safely, with much laughter at my fear from Micah! Sometimes I need just good fellowship and laughter at the silly things. Even though I was terrified, I was full.

My friend Mary had her baby yesterday! I was there in the morning and she was in labor, so I sent her on a boda to Walukuba and got a phone call 4 hours later that she had a healthy baby girl. On arrival the mom handed me the baby's medical book and told me to write down the name, that I was to give. I named her Grace -- partly after my beautiful niece Grace Elizabeth, but also because of the beautiful grace of God seen in the Gospel given through Jesus. What a teachable moment! These women look at their children as punishment many times, so I want her to see this child as a gift. God's grace. She's beautiful, 6lbs, and 1 day old! We sat there for hours playing with the baby and then African big rain hit so 10 women, 4 children under the age of 1, and a 1.5 year old huddled in her tiny room with tin roofs. The rain drowned out any words that would have been spoken so we sat in silence enjoying God's gift of rain. What joy was in that room! I was full.






Tonight Jenny, DeAndra, and I have hung out in the kitchen baking and cooking and completely being girls, and I'm full. Literally, the food and dessert was delicious! But also in my heart. I'm still a single 20-something, silly as ever, and a kid at heart. I need nights like this! I'm so thankful for these two that make me feel like a normal person! I love being able to laugh! As Jenny was pouring cupcake batter she exclaimed, "Oh it's perfect! Let me just get the ant out of there..." Such is life in Africa!

God is good. I'm full tonight. Life is still hard and my heart is still somehow sad, but it's full. I think God allows us to be emptied so that He can fill us with Himself. For that, tonight, I'm thankful. I can face tomorrow, not knowing what it will bring, because I know that God is able to fill me with His joy. Joy is not dependent on circumstance. His joy and peace transcend all understanding. His joy is my strength. Don't you just love truths from the Bible?

Thank you for your prayers. I would appreciate prayer for my grandma again -- she was released to a nursing home but then admitted once again and is there now on a feeding tube. Pray that transitions would go well and that I would have a renewed sense of love and passion for these people. Pray that God would be glorified in all that is said, done, and thought.



Alapha!

Lydia brought dresses made out of pillow cases that a church sent with her. We brought them to Masese yesterday. Here is Lillian, due this month, in one of her new dresses. Love her!

 It is my translator Irene's birthday today -- she's 18! Words cannot describe how much I love this young woman! So solid; her faith inspires and encourages me!

Irene and her sweet girl Justine -- love their candid smiles here!

 Irene's aunt is also a beautiful woman.

 Meet Grace!
 I already love her!!

 Irene and Grace

Mama Mary with her new baby Grace!