Suzanne and I are in Amsterdam, having just finished the first 8 hour leg of the flight. I wrote yesterday from Entebbe for about an hour discussing all the deep, thought-filled things I wanted to remember about my time in Uganda, but alas, the draft did not save. I am trying to be big, like Suzanne, and just say, oh well, and not feel this teeny, tiny smidge of frustration. errrrrrr.
I am grateful to be going home and see my family and friends, and I am grateful for the time I had in Uganda. So many things to remember...all of the tight hugs and sweet kisses from Katie's girls (love you girls!), the way Patricia laughs with her nose all scrunched up, and Jane's commanding personality that makes you want to squeeze her in two! I have pictures in my mind that I hope I will carry with me. A procession of women walking down a dirt road vibrantly dressed in their long, flowing dresses, with huge parcels loaded on their heads, regal, heads held high. The huge storks that dominated the trees outside the Gately where we stayed, which overlooked the Nile. The children at Amani playing outside in the yard or lined up to eat their meal or receive their bath. The "thank you, please" from someone who'd just served you a meal or sold you a souvenier. The six year old girl who was adjusting her completely naked little baby brother in the sling she had wrapped around her back as she walked through town. The pregnant woman carrying a child on her back as another walked at her knee. Esther's sweet smile and soft voice, the view from our breakfast table. The Karamajong children running and screaming, "Auntie Katie!" as she pulls her van into their village, or those same children getting behind that van and pushing us out of the mud we were stuck in! The 70+ women draped in beads they had made for Suzanne to buy, so proud of themselves, so happy for their ability to provide income for their families. Gloria's eyes as she looked into mine as we drove her to the hospital. (The doctor released her from the hospital, because he believed that she had brain damage for untreated malaria...cerebral malaria, possibly...Katie is taking her on Monday to Kampala to have a CT scan done. Please keep her in your prayers.) These and countless, literally countless, other images fill my mind and I'm quite sure I'll be processing much of it in the days to come. I just don't want to forget.
But the images that bear strongest are the ones from the faces of my friends as they walked through the time of adopting Josie and Asher. The joy, the pain, the frustration, the laughter, and most of all, the "digging deep" to commit to whatever the process brings because of their love for the children, but mostly love for their Lord and willingness to obey His call. It has been a JOURNEY so far, and it is not finished! Please continue to pray for the Keck's and the Mayernick's as they trust that He who has called them is faithful to complete it, and as they go through the process of bringing these children home.
I can't wait to hug and squeeze all of you! "Each time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God."( Phil. 1:14 The Message) And today, I thank Him, too, for the incredible experience and privilege of loving others and being loved BY others in Uganda!
Much love and joy~!
Renee
Renee
Friday, October 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
My heart breaks
Yesterday, I had one of the most moving, heart-wrenching experiences I've had here, or really in my life. It is hard to know how to tell the story, because it is just hard to wrap my head around it. But I do know that my heart broke. Even now, tears spring to my eyes as I think of Gloria. She is 7 years old and she is Karamajong. We were there buying beads from the hard working women of the village. There were more women and more beads than we had expected! As we were about to leave, a woman came to Katie and asked her to please look at a sick child. The child was lying on a blanket with her auntie and was so obviously sick, but the crowd began to press in on us, so Suzanne, Mary Pat, Dana, Asher and I headed back to the van while Katie talked to the woman about the child. We were in the van waiting, and we looked up and there was Katie walking up the path with that child in her arms. Her legs and arms were splayed, then seizing, and Katie placed her in Mary Pat's arms and said "we are taking her to the hospital." Gloria, the precious girl, had seizures all the way to the hospital. Now, I use the term 'Hospital" loosely, because in our American standards, this would be a clinic. But the nurse and doctor took her straight in and attempted to discern what was wrong with her. They could not, so they referred us to another hospital, where she could be admitted for a confirmed diagnosis. At a loss for how to process what we were seeing, we prayed over the child, stroked her head and arms, and told her over and over, "it's ok, it's ok.." which of course, she did not understand. Her eyes...her eyes...they said it all. They said, "I"M SO AFRAID! I AM HURTING!! WHO ARE YOU? WHY AM I HERE! PLEASE HELP ME!!" As I looked into her eyes, I thought, OH LORD!! This could be MY child! I began to cry, it broke my heart. I watched helplessly as her body seized and listened while her cries got louder and louder. I have never felt so at a loss. When the doctor told us we should leave and go to another hospital, I picked her up off the table and carried her in my arms to the car where I held her and prayed she did not die. We arrived at the hospital, where we were taken back into a room immediately, but I was frankly shocked that THIS wss the hospital. We put her on another table and the doctor examined her, but did not know her history or what was wrong with her. Her auntie soon arrived to spend the night with her, and we left believing they would do tests to determine what was wrong. The doctor only said that he believed she was "in crisis" which meant she was likely dying. When things like this happen, there is nowhere to put it. What compartment of your brain would this fit in? How do you process that you just laid a sick and possibly dying girl on a cold table in a room shared by another patient at the foot of the same table? How do you process that they are treating her with medicines and they don't know what's wrong with her? Or the lack of communication, or the lack of information? How do you deal with that? Suzanne told me as I held her sick little body and I worried about my own health...she said.."Renee, Jesus touched the lepers" She was right, and I immediately let go of my fear and did what she said.."We just LOVE HER."
Today Katie went to the hospital to check on her. They still had not done the tests necessary to determine why she was so sick. I know that part of my heartache is due to a comparison between what is available to Americans with regards to healthcare and what is available to people in a third world country. I mean no disrespect. It is JUST DIFFERENT. As I write I still don't know how Gloria is, but would ask that you pray for her. Pray that they will figure out what is wrong and get her the proper treatment, and that she will live and thrive and have a life that will glorify God. That is all we want for our own children, isn't it?
p.s. One thing I forgot to mention in this post that I wanted to add is that this was not an abnormal day for Katie. This stuff happens to her a lot, but instead of having someone to hold the sick child or hold her baby, she would have done it alone. She enters in, fully engages, and gets the job done. God has given her a tenacity and strength to do what she does. Please continue to pray that He will supply all that Katie needs, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. Especially pray that as she pours herself out so fully, that He will provide refreshment and encouragement for her heart.
Today Katie went to the hospital to check on her. They still had not done the tests necessary to determine why she was so sick. I know that part of my heartache is due to a comparison between what is available to Americans with regards to healthcare and what is available to people in a third world country. I mean no disrespect. It is JUST DIFFERENT. As I write I still don't know how Gloria is, but would ask that you pray for her. Pray that they will figure out what is wrong and get her the proper treatment, and that she will live and thrive and have a life that will glorify God. That is all we want for our own children, isn't it?
p.s. One thing I forgot to mention in this post that I wanted to add is that this was not an abnormal day for Katie. This stuff happens to her a lot, but instead of having someone to hold the sick child or hold her baby, she would have done it alone. She enters in, fully engages, and gets the job done. God has given her a tenacity and strength to do what she does. Please continue to pray that He will supply all that Katie needs, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. Especially pray that as she pours herself out so fully, that He will provide refreshment and encouragement for her heart.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Lessons Learned
Yesterday we went to church at the Acacia Church. It is where Katie goes with her girls, and also many other missionaries we have met while we were here. It was a great service, and one in which I felt encouraged and reminded of what’s true by Pastor Terry. Our joy cannot be taken away, despite our circumstances because it comes from within. Another point he made that was equally challenging and convicting was how easy it is to let the distractions of this world keep us from putting Jesus in His rightful place of being first in our lives and walking with Him faithfully. After church, we went to lunch and then to Katie’s house for a low key time of hanging out with the girls, Mary Pat, Suzanne and Josie and Katie. It was good.
Today is Court Date for Dana and Suzanne. They will receive their verbal ruling which will make Josie Love and Asher legally theirs. Please pray for them as they go through this day. If we have learned anything, it’s that things can sometimes be unpredictable, but we are trusting God for His Spirit to fall over and through that place and that everything will go as expected! I saw Asher just before they left for Kampala where the court is. He was so excited! I started thinking about the joy that is coming for him and for the Keck family. After court today, he will never have to stay away from Dana again! He will be her son. Legally. Officially. Tonight, he will sleep at the Gately On the Nile with his mommy and not in a room with 13 other children.
And then there’s Josie Love. Josie, who has stolen our hearts and has responded so much to the love she feels from Suzanne. Though this process has been hard, the joy is coming, it is here. Today, Josie will become Mike and Suzanne’s 7th child, legally. It is a joy-filled day. I am so thankful to know these precious friends, to walk with them through this time. I can assure you it is much different than what I expected. Much harder, much more painful. But as Pastor Terry said yesterday, our joy comes from knowing that we are doing what Jesus has called us to do, and no circumstances can take that away. Seeing these children and others like them GO HOME to their forever families is joyful. I keep thinking about how Jesus came and found me, dirty and sick, full of ugly wormy sin, and He chose me anyway! He pulled me up out of my stinky, miry pit and placed me in His arms, took off my dirty rags I wore and put His righteous white robes around me and called me His child. He called me clean, forgiven and gave me His name. Nothing I did caused him to respond to me, there was nothing I could have done! He just loved me. And because of His great mercy and grace, He adopted me into His family and made me one of His own.
Asher, Josie, Judah, Joseph, Daisy, Bobby, Nicholas, Patrick, the Smalliing’s two, are real live pictures to me of Jesus’ love for us. They did nothing to deserve to be chosen. But God is good, He is loving and He is kind. He is sovereign and from the foundations of the world, He knew that one day these children would be here in Uganda, and that He would blow His Spirit through the hearts of these families and that they would come, pick these children up into their arms, and tell them they are loved. He knew that they would clean them up, put on their new clothes, and tell them they are now to be called Asher Keck, or Josie Love Mayernick. They would receive their new names and families! He knew that love would be unconditional, just like His love for us is unconditional.
I am grateful today for all I have learned here in Uganda. I am grateful for the reminders of His grace and mercy and love. I am grateful that despite my own propensity toward unfaithfulness toward Him, He is always faithful to me. I love you all…will see you soon! My battery is about to die,
So blessings to you all! Please keep praying!
In His loving grip,
Renee
Today is Court Date for Dana and Suzanne. They will receive their verbal ruling which will make Josie Love and Asher legally theirs. Please pray for them as they go through this day. If we have learned anything, it’s that things can sometimes be unpredictable, but we are trusting God for His Spirit to fall over and through that place and that everything will go as expected! I saw Asher just before they left for Kampala where the court is. He was so excited! I started thinking about the joy that is coming for him and for the Keck family. After court today, he will never have to stay away from Dana again! He will be her son. Legally. Officially. Tonight, he will sleep at the Gately On the Nile with his mommy and not in a room with 13 other children.
And then there’s Josie Love. Josie, who has stolen our hearts and has responded so much to the love she feels from Suzanne. Though this process has been hard, the joy is coming, it is here. Today, Josie will become Mike and Suzanne’s 7th child, legally. It is a joy-filled day. I am so thankful to know these precious friends, to walk with them through this time. I can assure you it is much different than what I expected. Much harder, much more painful. But as Pastor Terry said yesterday, our joy comes from knowing that we are doing what Jesus has called us to do, and no circumstances can take that away. Seeing these children and others like them GO HOME to their forever families is joyful. I keep thinking about how Jesus came and found me, dirty and sick, full of ugly wormy sin, and He chose me anyway! He pulled me up out of my stinky, miry pit and placed me in His arms, took off my dirty rags I wore and put His righteous white robes around me and called me His child. He called me clean, forgiven and gave me His name. Nothing I did caused him to respond to me, there was nothing I could have done! He just loved me. And because of His great mercy and grace, He adopted me into His family and made me one of His own.
Asher, Josie, Judah, Joseph, Daisy, Bobby, Nicholas, Patrick, the Smalliing’s two, are real live pictures to me of Jesus’ love for us. They did nothing to deserve to be chosen. But God is good, He is loving and He is kind. He is sovereign and from the foundations of the world, He knew that one day these children would be here in Uganda, and that He would blow His Spirit through the hearts of these families and that they would come, pick these children up into their arms, and tell them they are loved. He knew that they would clean them up, put on their new clothes, and tell them they are now to be called Asher Keck, or Josie Love Mayernick. They would receive their new names and families! He knew that love would be unconditional, just like His love for us is unconditional.
I am grateful today for all I have learned here in Uganda. I am grateful for the reminders of His grace and mercy and love. I am grateful that despite my own propensity toward unfaithfulness toward Him, He is always faithful to me. I love you all…will see you soon! My battery is about to die,
So blessings to you all! Please keep praying!
In His loving grip,
Renee
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Winding down
It's hard to believe it is our third Saturday in Uganda! Today is the day all the Amazima sponsored children come to Katie's for praise and worship and lunch. One thing I have realized is that it is a LOT of work! Katie's commitment to feed, educate, provide medical care and love these children is certainly not an easy journey. It IS the road less traveled. I have heard her say that she can't understand why people at home are interested in what she does, because to her, she is getting up, getting the kids to school, feeding them breakfast, lunch and dinner, getting them to bed...in general, being a mom, However there are significant differences in what we consider to be the average mom's workload. First...there are 14, 3 of which are 3 and under, and they will soon be adding one more to the mix for a short time as Josie goes to stay until she is ready to come home with her family. In addition to those duties and responsibilities, she spends untold hours taking children that come to her with a "paining" tooth to the dentist, treating them for malaria, taking them to the doctor, preparing for hundreds to come every Saturday for lunch and Sunday dinner, not to mention arranging for over 1,200 Karamajong children to eat every day. She negotiates business deals to get the most our of every shilling, The Proverbs 31 woman comes to mind...and she is TWENTY. She has chosen the hard road, the road less traveled. And it is just not easy. Not one day is easy. But her heart is determined, intent on the fulfilling the purpose to which she is called...to serve the least of these. And at the end of the day, as she lays her exhausted head down to sleep, I pray that she will know the Savior is smiling and saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" Love you, Katie! Thank you for showing me what loving others well looks like in a beautiful way. May His Presence undergird and strengthen you to continue to walk this hard and beautiful journey.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
beads, beads and more beads
Yesterday we went back to the Karamajong village to buy beads that Suzanne and Gwen have ordered to be used for 147 million orphans. As we arrived, the children ran to the van with warm greetings and joy! As we walked down the path to wear the women were waiting, they began to cry out with joy that we were there! Each of them was draped in at strands and strands of beads that they had made and were thrilled to sell! THis is just not saying it well...these women had no income, no way to support their families consistently. One day, Katie went in to the village and taught three of the women to make the beads, and they in turn taught more. Over the course of a few months, the number has increased and yesterday, SEVENTY women showed up to sell these beads! The money they earned is about half of what an average Ugandan makes in a month! When Suzanne and Gwen sell them, a percentage goes back to Amazima's (Katie's) feeding program and just one strand will be enough to feed a child here for a week! I took about 200 pictures of the people, the village, the beads and when I get to a place where I can upload some, I will. It was an incredible expereience!
Our humble leader, "Uncle" Mike left yesterday, and we will miss him! I have witnessed the heart of Jesus in him this last two weeks so many times. One of the characteristics of Jesus that touches me most is His compassion. I think of the verse that Jesus looked out over the crowd and was moved with compassion for the people. Or when Lazurus died, and Jesus wept. Jesus, the man, felt human emotion, and His heart was moved with compassion. I have witnessed that same compassion in Mike during our time here. He has wept often, he has chosen to be humble and loving when he could've been wounded and demanding. This same compassion is the thread I see joining the hearts of these parents who choose this difficult journey of adoption. i am so grateful.
Our humble leader, "Uncle" Mike left yesterday, and we will miss him! I have witnessed the heart of Jesus in him this last two weeks so many times. One of the characteristics of Jesus that touches me most is His compassion. I think of the verse that Jesus looked out over the crowd and was moved with compassion for the people. Or when Lazurus died, and Jesus wept. Jesus, the man, felt human emotion, and His heart was moved with compassion. I have witnessed that same compassion in Mike during our time here. He has wept often, he has chosen to be humble and loving when he could've been wounded and demanding. This same compassion is the thread I see joining the hearts of these parents who choose this difficult journey of adoption. i am so grateful.
Bujagali Falls
Before I came to Uganda, I’m not sure I knew the Nile River was here. I think of the Nile, and I think Egypt, history, civilization’s beginnings. But it is here, and actually has its source here in Uganda! Tonight, we went to Bujagali Falls, a magnificent falls where the wide river bends around a small island. The current is fierce, the water is rushing, and it is beautiful. It was again, one of those moments where I was very aware of the dichotomous situation I was in…the beauty of the waterfall stands in stark contrast to the environment which led us to it. This is Africa. On one hand, it is gorgeous…God’s creation at its finest. On the other, it is a picture of what man has done to it. As we were driving out to the falls, I told Suzanne, that if I tried to describe what it was like, I wouldn’t be able to find the words. I will try to paint the picture, but trust me, I will not do it justice. The road is basically a rutted out, pot-holed, gully of a red dirt path. To drive on the road, it feels like it would if you were driving through an open field full of holes and rough terrain. My head felt like my brain had been slamming against my skull by the time we arrived! The skilled driver attempts to avoid the worst of the gullies and trenches made by the rain washing out the road, but it is impossible. Additionally, all along the way are small villages. The people are walking, the women carrying babies on their backs or loads of cargo on their heads or both. Mud homes line the road and there are small booths which look about the size of an old outhouse, but they are the stores selling anything from food to cell phone airtime. (That one really cracked me up.) There is so much need everywhere, which makes me appreciate people like Katie and the young woman I met here, Renee Bach, who have chosen to live a selfless life to serve these people. They take the children in, the sick and the homeless, and they show them love. They live here in this poverty-stricken, disease-ridden, beautiful, sad, joyful place, and they love it. It touches me so deeply.
On another note entirely, please continue to keep the Mayernick’s in your prayers as they care for Josie. She is amazing…love seeing them loving on her! Asher is doing SO WELL!! He LOVES his mommy and can’t wait to be home. Pray for them as the court date approaches that the wheel will turn in their favor and they will be able to go home!
So grateful for the Doyle’s getting their court date! Judah is precious…got lots of pictures today, Lindsey, if I can ever get online to upload them! It’s becoming a joke around here! Gwen—got lots of Daisy and Joseph too! Still praying your court date is soon!
Blessings and love!
Renee
Before I came to Uganda, I’m not sure I knew the Nile River was here. I think of the Nile, and I think Egypt, history, civilization’s beginnings. But it is here, and actually has its source here in Uganda! Tonight, we went to Bujagali Falls, a magnificent falls where the wide river bends around a small island. The current is fierce, the water is rushing, and it is beautiful. It was again, one of those moments where I was very aware of the dichotomous situation I was in…the beauty of the waterfall stands in stark contrast to the environment which led us to it. This is Africa. On one hand, it is gorgeous…God’s creation at its finest. On the other, it is a picture of what man has done to it. As we were driving out to the falls, I told Suzanne, that if I tried to describe what it was like, I wouldn’t be able to find the words. I will try to paint the picture, but trust me, I will not do it justice. The road is basically a rutted out, pot-holed, gully of a red dirt path. To drive on the road, it feels like it would if you were driving through an open field full of holes and rough terrain. My head felt like my brain had been slamming against my skull by the time we arrived! The skilled driver attempts to avoid the worst of the gullies and trenches made by the rain washing out the road, but it is impossible. Additionally, all along the way are small villages. The people are walking, the women carrying babies on their backs or loads of cargo on their heads or both. Mud homes line the road and there are small booths which look about the size of an old outhouse, but they are the stores selling anything from food to cell phone airtime. (That one really cracked me up.) There is so much need everywhere, which makes me appreciate people like Katie and the young woman I met here, Renee Bach, who have chosen to live a selfless life to serve these people. They take the children in, the sick and the homeless, and they show them love. They live here in this poverty-stricken, disease-ridden, beautiful, sad, joyful place, and they love it. It touches me so deeply.
On another note entirely, please continue to keep the Mayernick’s in your prayers as they care for Josie. She is amazing…love seeing them loving on her! Asher is doing SO WELL!! He LOVES his mommy and can’t wait to be home. Pray for them as the court date approaches that the wheel will turn in their favor and they will be able to go home!
So grateful for the Doyle’s getting their court date! Judah is precious…got lots of pictures today, Lindsey, if I can ever get online to upload them! It’s becoming a joke around here! Gwen—got lots of Daisy and Joseph too! Still praying your court date is soon!
Blessings and love!
Renee
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A New Day
I know I must've said 50 times yesterday...what a difference a few days can make! That's how it feels when I see Asher and Josie as they attach and engage with Dana, Mike and Suzanne! The transformation I see is amazing as hearts are knitted together and bonding between parent and chilod grows.
We spent the afternoon at Katie's. Mark Button brought the girls musical instruments; tambourines, shakers, as well as t shirts from Hawaii and beautiful scarves that the girls LOVED! They put on all their new items and took their bongo drum, tambourines and shakers and went out to the front porch where they sang and danced for us for at least an hour! It was fantastic. Agnes, is the music leader...her voice rings out loudly and beautifully as she calls the song and the other girls follow. Their movement is so graceful and natural...gorgeous! Jane,a 3 year old, was in charge of making sure the adults all participated. She gave us each an egg shaped shaker and told us in Luganda to SHAKE IT!! if we stopped for a SECOND, she would come over with her furrowed brow and shout, SHAKE IT!!. When we started back, she would nod and relax those tight muscles in her little brow and sit back down, with a look that said, 'Now that's more like it!" Hilarous. She is the bossiest little 3 year old I have ever seen! She had all of us doing exactly what she wanted us to! hahaha! It was so funny. Mark also brought "sweeties" (Jolly Rancher suckers) which we all ended up wearing before it was over. As the girls sang and danced, and Jane kept us engaged and participating, I turned to Katie and said, "This is one of the reasons I wanted to come. I wanted to experience this." Those girls of hers are AMAZING.
I am sitting out on the patio of the hotel restaurant this morning, and the air is cool, a breeze is blowing. It is refreshing and I really am beginning to feel like a new day is here. The hard days are not over, but there is a fresh breeze of hope blowing through our hearts. I look forward to seeing these kids back HOME with all of us and for all of you to meet them!
I posted pictures on facebook yesterday, so check them out! Going to try and get more up today. Much love and thanks for all the prayers for everyone here. Please continue to keep each of these sweet families (and mine!) in your prayers...that God will continue to direct their steps, pave the way, surround them with His presence and peace...There is such rest and peace knowing that the foundation is secure in His mighty and able Hands.
Love you all!
Renee
We spent the afternoon at Katie's. Mark Button brought the girls musical instruments; tambourines, shakers, as well as t shirts from Hawaii and beautiful scarves that the girls LOVED! They put on all their new items and took their bongo drum, tambourines and shakers and went out to the front porch where they sang and danced for us for at least an hour! It was fantastic. Agnes, is the music leader...her voice rings out loudly and beautifully as she calls the song and the other girls follow. Their movement is so graceful and natural...gorgeous! Jane,a 3 year old, was in charge of making sure the adults all participated. She gave us each an egg shaped shaker and told us in Luganda to SHAKE IT!! if we stopped for a SECOND, she would come over with her furrowed brow and shout, SHAKE IT!!. When we started back, she would nod and relax those tight muscles in her little brow and sit back down, with a look that said, 'Now that's more like it!" Hilarous. She is the bossiest little 3 year old I have ever seen! She had all of us doing exactly what she wanted us to! hahaha! It was so funny. Mark also brought "sweeties" (Jolly Rancher suckers) which we all ended up wearing before it was over. As the girls sang and danced, and Jane kept us engaged and participating, I turned to Katie and said, "This is one of the reasons I wanted to come. I wanted to experience this." Those girls of hers are AMAZING.
I am sitting out on the patio of the hotel restaurant this morning, and the air is cool, a breeze is blowing. It is refreshing and I really am beginning to feel like a new day is here. The hard days are not over, but there is a fresh breeze of hope blowing through our hearts. I look forward to seeing these kids back HOME with all of us and for all of you to meet them!
I posted pictures on facebook yesterday, so check them out! Going to try and get more up today. Much love and thanks for all the prayers for everyone here. Please continue to keep each of these sweet families (and mine!) in your prayers...that God will continue to direct their steps, pave the way, surround them with His presence and peace...There is such rest and peace knowing that the foundation is secure in His mighty and able Hands.
Love you all!
Renee
Friday, September 18, 2009
Today is Friday, which marks one week in Uganda. In some ways, it seems like it's gone fast, but in other ways it feels like we've been here forever, because of all that has happened since we've been here! But what I have witnessed has been such a blessing. I have witnessed true humility and faith in my friends as they walk in complete trust in their Father. I have witnessed LOVE. Love for children, love for the Savior, love that chooses pain that comes with stepping outside the comfort zone, love that would choose hardship for the joy that will come, love that is unconditional. I have witnessed the amazing grace of God at work in our lives to do His will and accomplish His purpose. My time with Mike, Suzanne, Dana, Katie, Asher, Josie, and all 14 of Katie's girls has blessed me, deepened my faith and made me see the love of Jesus clearly. I am so grateful!
Today we are at Flavours, a coffee shop in Jinja, and I pray the internet doesn't go down before I send this. We have had breakfast and lunch here, Without leaving in between. I think that means we are on African time. We have visited with each other and met new friends. I saw Josie for a few minutes today, and she looked adorable in her pink dress! Asher has had a great day, hanging out with Mommy and me in Jinja. He sat and colored for at least 2 hours, which is amazing.
Ok, so the power in all of Jinja went out before I could post today’s blog or get on facebook, so I will try again tomorrow to load pictures! I am at Amani right now, looking out over the yard where all the children are playing. I will sign off today with a grateful heart, and pray that I can post this tomorrow when the power and the internet come back up! Love and blessings from Uganda!
Today we are at Flavours, a coffee shop in Jinja, and I pray the internet doesn't go down before I send this. We have had breakfast and lunch here, Without leaving in between. I think that means we are on African time. We have visited with each other and met new friends. I saw Josie for a few minutes today, and she looked adorable in her pink dress! Asher has had a great day, hanging out with Mommy and me in Jinja. He sat and colored for at least 2 hours, which is amazing.
Ok, so the power in all of Jinja went out before I could post today’s blog or get on facebook, so I will try again tomorrow to load pictures! I am at Amani right now, looking out over the yard where all the children are playing. I will sign off today with a grateful heart, and pray that I can post this tomorrow when the power and the internet come back up! Love and blessings from Uganda!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
and by the way
And just so you know, I have tried multiple times to blog, and have not had the internet! It is difficult to blog with no internet! It has been killing me to be so disconnected, but I think things are going to be looking up here soon, so keep checking, and I will keep you posted! I just didn't understand how grateful to be for easy access to the internet! Thank You, Lord, for this time today! "-) So today, you get a bunch all at once!
Finally an update
I am not sure if this is posting twice...it has been quite frustrating to figure out, but I have been writing my thoughts on Word, and then today was able to copy and paste them into blog. It starts therefore, on Monday and moves forward to read on for more recent posts. I miss and love you, my sweet family and friends! Things are eventful here, and we are praying and asking that you all pray as well, for many decisions that are being made here. It has been a hard few days, my heart is heavy for Mike and Suzanne. I am in town (Jinja) right now at the Flavours Cafe with Dana and Asher, who blesses me beyond words. Yesterday as we rode back to Jinga, he talked on the phone with his Daddy, brothers and sister. I hope he never loses this sweet accent! :-) Thanks for the love I feel from each of you as you write! I am having an impossible time getting facebook to load, so I can't load pictures yet, but don't worry I have a few thousand already! :-) I almost can't make myself stop documenting!! haha...love and kisses from jimja, uganda! And by the way, that is still surreal to me. Good luck in the game tonight, Andrew! Go Lions! Oh...and WELCOME to the USA, Eilidh!! I hope things are going well there so far!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
On our Way!
September 10, 2000
I am on the plane somewhere between USA and Amersterdam, This leg is 8 hour flight, then a 4 hour layover, then the last 8 hours to Entebble, Uganda! It is actually happening…I am really on my way to Africa. SURREAL. I had hoped to make several phone calls in Atlanta, but when we landed, we had just enough time to eat lunch, then board, so for those I told I would call, I’m sorry. I love each of you and am missing you everyone! Just a little sidenote---it is SHOCKING the amount of difference in first class roominess and the black of the plane. I mean seriously. The plane seemed like an inverted triangle with the widest side being at the front of the plane, then narrowing to the point right where our row is. Not complaining, just observing. The seat in front of me has a metal box that takes up one half of the leg space. So I keep switching which leg I can stretch. BUT, I have the most awesome vibrating neck pillow that is easing my pain. Thanks, Melanie! Tina, I should’ve brought yours too to put around my waist. Haha..
Just wanted to let you all know we are safe and on our way. Much love and thanks to all of you for praying. Will post more later!
To all my babies at home, I love you. I will miss you every day and will be praying for you every day. Thanks, Al, for holding down the fort and allowing me the opportunity to go and see the beautiful children of Uganda and experience all that God has in store. You are a good one!
Love and hugs,
Renee
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I am putting this in Microsoft Word, because I don’t have internet. The above post was intended to be copied and pasted to the blog, but I have not yet been able to use this computer to get online. I will continue to write this way, and hopefully be able to put it up on blog later.
First, let me say that today is one of the most remarkable, emotional, overwhelming days of my life. And as a result, I’m not sure I’ll be able to put word to it!! It started SO long ago! It is now 9:40 pm Uganda time, and I woke up this morning at 4:30 to leave Entebbe at 5 AM for Jinja. The ride took about 2 ½ hours. It was dark when we first started out, and the first thing I noticed were how many people were out walking...not the way we “walk” or jog early in the morning…they were walking to work. As the sun began to rise, there were more and more. Children, women carrying huge containers on their heads getting water…men carrying hoes and shovels to work digging a long ditch for a pipeline. The next thing was the lush green of the landscape, backed by the beautiful orange sunrise and African sky. We saw banana trees, mango trees, fields of sugar cane (lots of sugar cane!), tropical palms, pines. We also saw a burned up truck and many fire spots along the road, a result of the rioting the day before. But nothing we saw compared to what we were about to see as we pulled in to Amani Baby Cottage and met for the first time, Asher Keck and Josie Love Mayernick .
What a joy, what a privilege, what a completely transforming experience it was to see as Dana took Asher in her arms for the first time and told him...I have flown a long way to get you Asher, I’m your mommy! Although he was overwhelmed by the attention at first, he leaned over in the first few minutes of being in Dana’s arms and told her, “I’m ready to go home with you.” The emotion is hard to describe. The beautiful and amazing thing is that he and Dana bonded immediately! He has looked at the book Dana made for him that has pictures of their family so many times. In fact the director of the orphanage told us that Asher takes everyone into the office to show them his book! He didn’t want to leave her. It was precious. I don’t think I’ve processed it yet to be honest…this child will be getting on a plane, one of SO MANY, and he will live a completely different life from NOW ON. As I looked at all their precious faces, and snapped a few hundred pictures (!) I felt so overwhelmed. Within five minutes of being there, they were lifting their arms to be held and loved. They call women, Auntie, and were so eager to receive our attention! They are well cared for at Amani…the place is clean and beautiful. But…they need and deserve a home, a mommy and daddy. Dana and Danny, God bless you. May God continue to provide all you need to love and raise Asher in the admonition of the Lord! He is PRECIOUS!! I told Dana that it was obvious in the first few minutes that he is a natural leader. I look forward to seeing him grow and become a leader at CPA! What a blessing.
Josie Love is amazing. Suzanne and Mike walked into the toddler nursery right at breakfast time. Her first priority was to EAT! We watched as those babies gathered around a long time and sat down to a cup of thin porridge that they turned up and drank and hardly spilled a drop! Once Josie was done, she went to Suzanne, put her head on her shoulder and pretty much stayed there the rest of the day!! She wanted No ONE else! (Well, until we saw Katie a little later) She hasn’t shown Mike the love yet, but she will! Again, the emotion was staggering. To try and put it into words, knowing that this precious baby is GOING HOME with the Mayernicks, it’s almost impossible!
After we spent time playing with Asher, Josie and all their friends, we got picked up by Katie Davis to go to her house for the Saturday praise and worship/lunch with several hundred chidren!
OKAY>>>>PAUSE!! Have I said that it has been SURREAL that I am IN AFRICA?? Well, this moment is evidence that I am truly here….while I am writing at this very moment, I catch a blur out of the corner of my eye, and right to my left is a gecko!! I am in a room with a screen window and I can hear what sounds like an animal right outside my door. I am surrounded by a mosquito net around my cot, and I am trying not to freak out. I do believe I am NOT in Kansas anymore!!! OR Brentwood! Haha! Gracious…
OKAY, back to story. I was totally NOT prepared for what I saw upon arrival. Waiting outside her gate, waiting INSIDE her gate, waiting everywhere were hundreds of children! They were all ages and all so anxious to see us! Most excited were Katie’s girls, who began yelling “UNCLE MIKE!!”” as soon as we pulled in. Mike made a huge impact and impression of these precious girls their last visit, and they on him! It was a glad reunion! Soon, lunch began. These children who were hungry and have nothing were lined up, from youngest to oldest, all with no instruction. They were polite and patient, they curtsied and said “Thank you!” as they received their generous portion of rice, beans and chicken. They played and ate and hung out and LOVED getting their picture made! They were funny and playful and gorgeous. They wore CPA shirts, Snow White costumes, their Sunday best. With each pair of eyes that met mine, my heart melted. They were SO grateful, so willing to help. Katie’s girls are so well-mannered, hard workers. They help make the meal, clean up after, and never complained.
I am trying to tell everything. There is no way. Last detailed story. At the end of the time each week, Katie gives out bags of food to each child filled with rice and beans to be taken home for their families. Again, the children line up VERY orderly and wait as the bags are handed out. Again, they curtsey and say “thank you, Auntie” . Today, I had the honor of passing those bags to each of those beautiful children. As I looked into each of their eyes, and their smile met mine, I truly felt the love of God wash over me. I knew why it pleased our Savior to take care of the least of these, in a fresh way. After they receive their bag, it is time for them to go home, so they begin to file out of Katie’s gate, with their green bags on top of their heads. I followed them out and watched the procession of children, a train of green bags atop heads walking down the red dirt road away from Katie’s house, and knew deep in my heart that this was the gospel. Love because you have been loved. Katie said to me as she passed a huge helping of rice and beans and chicken to a child…”I wish I could give them more.” Katie, you are. You are showing them the love of Jesus by what you are doing. You are giving them hope that THEY MATTER. You are giving them food, for their bodies and for their souls. And today…you did that for me, too. What I witnessed today…was so powerful, both at Amani and at Katie’s. I am running on about 7 hours sleep over the last 2 days, and I know that I am not coming close to articulating all that happened today. I am definitely still processing it!
Oh, I got to meet Derrick today, Andrew! He is quiet and SO cute! He seemed happy to meet me! I told him about you and that you were his sponsor. Andrew, if you were here with me today, you would know that your decision to sponsor a child was a VERY GOOD decision. Derrick is receiving so much as a result of your help. He is going to school, having good food to eat, and clothes to wear. He is a beautiful child in the kingdom of God. And so are you.
My heart is full, in fact, it is overflowing. I rejoice with the Keck’s and the Mayernick’s for their beautiful additions to their families today. Asher and Josie Love…you are precious, and you are LOVED! I miss my sweet family and love them very much. Wish you were all here with me to experience this!
Until next time…I am thankful that “Jesus Loves the Little Children…all the children of the world! Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight! Jesus loves the little children of the world!”
Monday, September 14, 2009
I am still unable to get to a computer for any length of time to be able to blog. The place we are staying does not have internet, and the time I have been at Amani or at Katie’s, I have been limited by time, and unable to write. I will try and cover the last couple of days before the time gets away from me! First, I haven’t felt this much of a disconnect from my “world” since the day that it was “long distance” to call home. It is frustrating, but I am fine. I love being here, I miss you, my sweet family.
I have had an extraordinary couple of days. It’s almost more than I can write about, it’s too hard to explain! But I will try and do my best. Yesterday, we went to church. It was wonderful…in the yard of the pastor’s house, who gave a very timely and encouraging message. I spent the rest of the day with Katie and her girls, the Mayernicks and Mary Pat. We had a good day, hanging out at Katie’s, taking a walk and enjoying the fellowship. Asher came “home” tonight with Dana and me and we got to see JOY as he took his shower and put on his fresh new pair of PJ’s, read his new books and slept in a bed with his mommy for the first time. It was a precious sight. Asher could NOT be happier to be a Keck!! He is adorable. He knows each of his family members, including the dog! In Uganda, they say that someone looks “smart” if they look nice in their clothes that day or look particularly handsome. All day long, Dana was telling Asher how “smart” he was because he IS, not knowing that he was likely thinking she liked his outfit all day! Haha! She was finally able to explain to him that in America “smart” means “clever”! He likes being smart now! He is very orderly and neat and LOVES to color and read and investigate. He is truly a joy, and I can’t wait for him to be HOME where he can experience the love he is already feeling from Dana through all the family members! He can’t wait either!
Today (Monday) was Court Day for Dana and for Mayernick’s. Adoption proceedings are moving in the right direction, but it is still confusing as to how long it will all take. Please pray for both families as they walk through these next steps.
In addition, today was remarkable for me in a personal way! We got up early (about 5:45) and I went to Katie’s while Dana and Mayernick’s went to Kampala to court. I got to spend the morning with Patricia, Grace and Jane, Katie’s 3 youngest, and with Katie and Mary Pat. I can’t tell you how much fun I had laughing and playing with those girls. They made me laugh so much. Jane is a HOOT. I only wish I could speak the native language, because I feel sure I missed about half of what was going on. Around 2, all the other girls came home from school and were THRILLED, shrieking with joy, when they discovered the new panties we had brought from home for them. Truly, my kids have never been that excited about anything we’ve given them, and that is not a judgment against them, it’s just true! They are grateful, but these girls were jumping up and down, shrieking, as if we’d just given them a million dollars or a brand new car! It was amazing.
The paradoxical highlight of the day was going to visit Patricia’s(the baby that Katie has been caring for) mother. She is part of the Karamajong people that Amazima has started a feeding program for. I won’t go into all the details of that, but I will say, that I do believe I have seen the poorest of the poor today. It was and is surreal to me that people live in the conditions these people do. It had just rained previous to our coming, so the red dirt was a practical mudslide. We trekked up a hill which was total mud, and by the time we reached the home where Patricia’s mom lived, our shoes were so thick with mud we were hardly able to lift them to walk, as they were sticking to the ground. Children were EVERYWHERE. They greeted us as we arrived in the village with great excitement! They knew Katie’s van, and crushed us almost immediately when we exited the van. Christine, who lives with Katie, and who speaks ELEVEN languages was able to communicate with them, which was SO helpful! Anyway, the poverty of the people stood in stark contrast to the beauty of the outlying area. It’s truly hard to describe the condition, the poverty, the hopelessness I felt for these people, but at the same time, I looked past the dirt that was caked on them and torn and ratty clothes, or the naked children, and I saw faces that were beautiful and smiling and joyful! The older children packed the younger children on their backs (older being 5-6 yrs old), and when our van got STUCK IN THE MUD, these children rushed to help push us out! I’m talking the wheels were throwing mud on them you would not believe, and they just kept on pushing! Thank You, Jesus!! I was touched by their willingness to help, and grateful to God for our safe exit.
Tonight I went to a restaurant with Asher and Dana. I got to see Asher have his first French fries, and glass of milk, and his first ever restaurant experience! He also had his first pizza today in Kampala! Today was a day of many first for sweet Asher! AND my meal was DELICIOUS! Thank You again, Jesus!!
I realized today that life at home was likely about the same. I love my life, and I am grateful for it. But, my life has been flipped upside down as a result of what I’ve seen these last few days. I pray that I will not forget…
With all my love,
Renee/Mom
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It is amazing how much can happen in a relatively short period of time. Monday seems like 2 weeks ago! We are walking through some difficult and painful waters. On Monday, after the court date, the Mayernick’s and Dana took their children to the doctor for the routine physical and were stunned to find out that Josie is HIV positive. They are in the process of making the best plan to care for Josie, and need all of our prayers for discernment, wisdom, insight, clarity, direction, peace and comfort. Today, we went to Kampala and had the TB tests that were done for Asher and Josie checked. The good news is that they met a wonderful, kind doctor who is helping them line up all the needed tests for Josie to determine the exact diagnosis and the proper treatment. Asher is doing well! He is so precious, so SMART! I’m sorta jealous Dana gets to keep him! The other great news is that after 3 doses of medicine for Josie, she transformed today! On the ride back to Jinga, she “came alive!” Since we arrived, she has been fairly lifeless, lethargic and just so did not feel well! But today, she perked up and pulled a pen and Suzanne’s checkbook out of her purse and started to color! Then, she found chapstick and very correctly applied it to her lips, and then she broke out in the biggest smile!! What great medicine for our hearts! I took picture upon picture of her big smile, while she looked at herself in a mirror, or pretended to talk on the phone. It was AMAZING. It was a gift!
We had dinner at Katie’s, who was gracious and cooked a delicious meal for us. The girls danced to the bongo that Agnes was playing and sang beautiful praise songs! Loved it! Thank you, Katie, for allowing us the joy of knowing and loving on those precious girls!
My tummy is full, my body is tired, my heart is heavy and full. We have reminded each other all day that none of this has caught God by surprise. We don’t understand all the why’s, but we do know that He is faithful and He will direct Mike and Suzanne’s steps. Please continue to pray for them and for Dana and Danny as they wait patiently on the Lord’s perfect timing for these precious children.
By the way, Drew and Tara, I held Patrick and Nicholas for about an hour last night. They are PRECIOUS. Gwen, I have played with Joseph and Daisy, and I will get more pictures tomorrow. You are in for some fun with those two! Michelle—thinking of you and praying for which ones are yours! There are too many angels to count!
Now, go enjoy you some American internet and tap water. Love you!!
On our Way!
September 10, 2000
I am on the plane somewhere between USA and Amersterdam, This leg is 8 hour flight, then a 4 hour layover, then the last 8 hours to Entebble, Uganda! It is actually happening…I am really on my way to Africa. SURREAL. I had hoped to make several phone calls in Atlanta, but when we landed, we had just enough time to eat lunch, then board, so for those I told I would call, I’m sorry. I love each of you and am missing you everyone! Just a little sidenote---it is SHOCKING the amount of difference in first class roominess and the black of the plane. I mean seriously. The plane seemed like an inverted triangle with the widest side being at the front of the plane, then narrowing to the point right where our row is. Not complaining, just observing. The seat in front of me has a metal box that takes up one half of the leg space. So I keep switching which leg I can stretch. BUT, I have the most awesome vibrating neck pillow that is easing my pain. Thanks, Melanie! Tina, I should’ve brought yours too to put around my waist. Haha..
Just wanted to let you all know we are safe and on our way. Much love and thanks to all of you for praying. Will post more later!
To all my babies at home, I love you. I will miss you every day and will be praying for you every day. Thanks, Al, for holding down the fort and allowing me the opportunity to go and see the beautiful children of Uganda and experience all that God has in store. You are a good one!
Love and hugs,
Renee
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I am putting this in Microsoft Word, because I don’t have internet. The above post was intended to be copied and pasted to the blog, but I have not yet been able to use this computer to get online. I will continue to write this way, and hopefully be able to put it up on blog later.
First, let me say that today is one of the most remarkable, emotional, overwhelming days of my life. And as a result, I’m not sure I’ll be able to put word to it!! It started SO long ago! It is now 9:40 pm Uganda time, and I woke up this morning at 4:30 to leave Entebbe at 5 AM for Jinja. The ride took about 2 ½ hours. It was dark when we first started out, and the first thing I noticed were how many people were out walking...not the way we “walk” or jog early in the morning…they were walking to work. As the sun began to rise, there were more and more. Children, women carrying huge containers on their heads getting water…men carrying hoes and shovels to work digging a long ditch for a pipeline. The next thing was the lush green of the landscape, backed by the beautiful orange sunrise and African sky. We saw banana trees, mango trees, fields of sugar cane (lots of sugar cane!), tropical palms, pines. We also saw a burned up truck and many fire spots along the road, a result of the rioting the day before. But nothing we saw compared to what we were about to see as we pulled in to Amani Baby Cottage and met for the first time, Asher Keck and Josie Love Mayernick .
What a joy, what a privilege, what a completely transforming experience it was to see as Dana took Asher in her arms for the first time and told him...I have flown a long way to get you Asher, I’m your mommy! Although he was overwhelmed by the attention at first, he leaned over in the first few minutes of being in Dana’s arms and told her, “I’m ready to go home with you.” The emotion is hard to describe. The beautiful and amazing thing is that he and Dana bonded immediately! He has looked at the book Dana made for him that has pictures of their family so many times. In fact the director of the orphanage told us that Asher takes everyone into the office to show them his book! He didn’t want to leave her. It was precious. I don’t think I’ve processed it yet to be honest…this child will be getting on a plane, one of SO MANY, and he will live a completely different life from NOW ON. As I looked at all their precious faces, and snapped a few hundred pictures (!) I felt so overwhelmed. Within five minutes of being there, they were lifting their arms to be held and loved. They call women, Auntie, and were so eager to receive our attention! They are well cared for at Amani…the place is clean and beautiful. But…they need and deserve a home, a mommy and daddy. Dana and Danny, God bless you. May God continue to provide all you need to love and raise Asher in the admonition of the Lord! He is PRECIOUS!! I told Dana that it was obvious in the first few minutes that he is a natural leader. I look forward to seeing him grow and become a leader at CPA! What a blessing.
Josie Love is amazing. Suzanne and Mike walked into the toddler nursery right at breakfast time. Her first priority was to EAT! We watched as those babies gathered around a long time and sat down to a cup of thin porridge that they turned up and drank and hardly spilled a drop! Once Josie was done, she went to Suzanne, put her head on her shoulder and pretty much stayed there the rest of the day!! She wanted No ONE else! (Well, until we saw Katie a little later) She hasn’t shown Mike the love yet, but she will! Again, the emotion was staggering. To try and put it into words, knowing that this precious baby is GOING HOME with the Mayernicks, it’s almost impossible!
After we spent time playing with Asher, Josie and all their friends, we got picked up by Katie Davis to go to her house for the Saturday praise and worship/lunch with several hundred chidren!
OKAY>>>>PAUSE!! Have I said that it has been SURREAL that I am IN AFRICA?? Well, this moment is evidence that I am truly here….while I am writing at this very moment, I catch a blur out of the corner of my eye, and right to my left is a gecko!! I am in a room with a screen window and I can hear what sounds like an animal right outside my door. I am surrounded by a mosquito net around my cot, and I am trying not to freak out. I do believe I am NOT in Kansas anymore!!! OR Brentwood! Haha! Gracious…
OKAY, back to story. I was totally NOT prepared for what I saw upon arrival. Waiting outside her gate, waiting INSIDE her gate, waiting everywhere were hundreds of children! They were all ages and all so anxious to see us! Most excited were Katie’s girls, who began yelling “UNCLE MIKE!!”” as soon as we pulled in. Mike made a huge impact and impression of these precious girls their last visit, and they on him! It was a glad reunion! Soon, lunch began. These children who were hungry and have nothing were lined up, from youngest to oldest, all with no instruction. They were polite and patient, they curtsied and said “Thank you!” as they received their generous portion of rice, beans and chicken. They played and ate and hung out and LOVED getting their picture made! They were funny and playful and gorgeous. They wore CPA shirts, Snow White costumes, their Sunday best. With each pair of eyes that met mine, my heart melted. They were SO grateful, so willing to help. Katie’s girls are so well-mannered, hard workers. They help make the meal, clean up after, and never complained.
I am trying to tell everything. There is no way. Last detailed story. At the end of the time each week, Katie gives out bags of food to each child filled with rice and beans to be taken home for their families. Again, the children line up VERY orderly and wait as the bags are handed out. Again, they curtsey and say “thank you, Auntie” . Today, I had the honor of passing those bags to each of those beautiful children. As I looked into each of their eyes, and their smile met mine, I truly felt the love of God wash over me. I knew why it pleased our Savior to take care of the least of these, in a fresh way. After they receive their bag, it is time for them to go home, so they begin to file out of Katie’s gate, with their green bags on top of their heads. I followed them out and watched the procession of children, a train of green bags atop heads walking down the red dirt road away from Katie’s house, and knew deep in my heart that this was the gospel. Love because you have been loved. Katie said to me as she passed a huge helping of rice and beans and chicken to a child…”I wish I could give them more.” Katie, you are. You are showing them the love of Jesus by what you are doing. You are giving them hope that THEY MATTER. You are giving them food, for their bodies and for their souls. And today…you did that for me, too. What I witnessed today…was so powerful, both at Amani and at Katie’s. I am running on about 7 hours sleep over the last 2 days, and I know that I am not coming close to articulating all that happened today. I am definitely still processing it!
Oh, I got to meet Derrick today, Andrew! He is quiet and SO cute! He seemed happy to meet me! I told him about you and that you were his sponsor. Andrew, if you were here with me today, you would know that your decision to sponsor a child was a VERY GOOD decision. Derrick is receiving so much as a result of your help. He is going to school, having good food to eat, and clothes to wear. He is a beautiful child in the kingdom of God. And so are you.
My heart is full, in fact, it is overflowing. I rejoice with the Keck’s and the Mayernick’s for their beautiful additions to their families today. Asher and Josie Love…you are precious, and you are LOVED! I miss my sweet family and love them very much. Wish you were all here with me to experience this!
Until next time…I am thankful that “Jesus Loves the Little Children…all the children of the world! Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight! Jesus loves the little children of the world!”
Monday, September 14, 2009
I am still unable to get to a computer for any length of time to be able to blog. The place we are staying does not have internet, and the time I have been at Amani or at Katie’s, I have been limited by time, and unable to write. I will try and cover the last couple of days before the time gets away from me! First, I haven’t felt this much of a disconnect from my “world” since the day that it was “long distance” to call home. It is frustrating, but I am fine. I love being here, I miss you, my sweet family.
I have had an extraordinary couple of days. It’s almost more than I can write about, it’s too hard to explain! But I will try and do my best. Yesterday, we went to church. It was wonderful…in the yard of the pastor’s house, who gave a very timely and encouraging message. I spent the rest of the day with Katie and her girls, the Mayernicks and Mary Pat. We had a good day, hanging out at Katie’s, taking a walk and enjoying the fellowship. Asher came “home” tonight with Dana and me and we got to see JOY as he took his shower and put on his fresh new pair of PJ’s, read his new books and slept in a bed with his mommy for the first time. It was a precious sight. Asher could NOT be happier to be a Keck!! He is adorable. He knows each of his family members, including the dog! In Uganda, they say that someone looks “smart” if they look nice in their clothes that day or look particularly handsome. All day long, Dana was telling Asher how “smart” he was because he IS, not knowing that he was likely thinking she liked his outfit all day! Haha! She was finally able to explain to him that in America “smart” means “clever”! He likes being smart now! He is very orderly and neat and LOVES to color and read and investigate. He is truly a joy, and I can’t wait for him to be HOME where he can experience the love he is already feeling from Dana through all the family members! He can’t wait either!
Today (Monday) was Court Day for Dana and for Mayernick’s. Adoption proceedings are moving in the right direction, but it is still confusing as to how long it will all take. Please pray for both families as they walk through these next steps.
In addition, today was remarkable for me in a personal way! We got up early (about 5:45) and I went to Katie’s while Dana and Mayernick’s went to Kampala to court. I got to spend the morning with Patricia, Grace and Jane, Katie’s 3 youngest, and with Katie and Mary Pat. I can’t tell you how much fun I had laughing and playing with those girls. They made me laugh so much. Jane is a HOOT. I only wish I could speak the native language, because I feel sure I missed about half of what was going on. Around 2, all the other girls came home from school and were THRILLED, shrieking with joy, when they discovered the new panties we had brought from home for them. Truly, my kids have never been that excited about anything we’ve given them, and that is not a judgment against them, it’s just true! They are grateful, but these girls were jumping up and down, shrieking, as if we’d just given them a million dollars or a brand new car! It was amazing.
The paradoxical highlight of the day was going to visit Patricia’s(the baby that Katie has been caring for) mother. She is part of the Karamajong people that Amazima has started a feeding program for. I won’t go into all the details of that, but I will say, that I do believe I have seen the poorest of the poor today. It was and is surreal to me that people live in the conditions these people do. It had just rained previous to our coming, so the red dirt was a practical mudslide. We trekked up a hill which was total mud, and by the time we reached the home where Patricia’s mom lived, our shoes were so thick with mud we were hardly able to lift them to walk, as they were sticking to the ground. Children were EVERYWHERE. They greeted us as we arrived in the village with great excitement! They knew Katie’s van, and crushed us almost immediately when we exited the van. Christine, who lives with Katie, and who speaks ELEVEN languages was able to communicate with them, which was SO helpful! Anyway, the poverty of the people stood in stark contrast to the beauty of the outlying area. It’s truly hard to describe the condition, the poverty, the hopelessness I felt for these people, but at the same time, I looked past the dirt that was caked on them and torn and ratty clothes, or the naked children, and I saw faces that were beautiful and smiling and joyful! The older children packed the younger children on their backs (older being 5-6 yrs old), and when our van got STUCK IN THE MUD, these children rushed to help push us out! I’m talking the wheels were throwing mud on them you would not believe, and they just kept on pushing! Thank You, Jesus!! I was touched by their willingness to help, and grateful to God for our safe exit.
Tonight I went to a restaurant with Asher and Dana. I got to see Asher have his first French fries, and glass of milk, and his first ever restaurant experience! He also had his first pizza today in Kampala! Today was a day of many first for sweet Asher! AND my meal was DELICIOUS! Thank You again, Jesus!!
I realized today that life at home was likely about the same. I love my life, and I am grateful for it. But, my life has been flipped upside down as a result of what I’ve seen these last few days. I pray that I will not forget…
With all my love,
Renee/Mom
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It is amazing how much can happen in a relatively short period of time. Monday seems like 2 weeks ago! We are walking through some difficult and painful waters. On Monday, after the court date, the Mayernick’s and Dana took their children to the doctor for the routine physical and were stunned to find out that Josie is HIV positive. Today we found out she is also positive for tuberculosis. It has been heartbreaking to get the news, and so much to process. Suzanne and Mike are amazing and handling this with so much poise and grace and trust in God. This precious baby girl is so sick, and she will not be going home with them for now, because you are not allowed into the US for at least six months after testing positive for TB. They are in the process of making the best plan to care for Josie, and need all of our prayers for discernment, wisdom, insight, clarity, direction, peace and comfort. Today, we went to Kampala and had the TB tests that were done for Asher and Josie checked. The good news is that they met a wonderful, kind doctor who is helping them line up all the needed tests for Josie to determine the exact diagnosis and the proper treatment. The other good news is that Asher was negative for TB!! He will be coming home, and we are so thrilled. He is so precious, so SMART! I’m sorta jealous Dana gets to keep him! The other great news is that after 3 doses of medicine for Josie, she transformed today! On the ride back to Jinga, she “came alive!” Since we arrived, she has been fairly lifeless, lethargic and just so did not feel well! But today, she perked up and pulled a pen and Suzanne’s checkbook out of her purse and started to color! Then, she found chapstick and very correctly applied it to her lips, and then she broke out in the biggest smile!! What great medicine for our hearts! I took picture upon picture of her big smile, while she looked at herself in a mirror, or pretended to talk on the phone. It was AMAZING. It was a gift!
We had dinner at Katie’s, who was gracious and cooked a delicious meal for us. The girls danced to the bongo that Agnes was playing and sang beautiful praise songs! Loved it! Thank you, Katie, for allowing us the joy of knowing and loving on those precious girls!
My tummy is full, my body is tired, my heart is heavy and full. We have reminded each other all day that none of this has caught God by surprise. We don’t understand all the why’s, but we do know that He is faithful and He will direct Mike and Suzanne’s steps. Please continue to pray for them and for Dana and Danny as they wait patiently on the Lord’s perfect timing for these precious children.
By the way, Drew and Tara, I held Patrick and Nicholas for about an hour last night. They are PRECIOUS. Gwen, I have played with Joseph and Daisy, and I will get more pictures tomorrow. You are in for some fun with those two! Michelle—thinking of you and praying for which ones are yours! There are too many angels to count!
Now, go enjoy you some American internet and tap water. Love you!!
September 10, 2000
I am on the plane somewhere between USA and Amersterdam, This leg is 8 hour flight, then a 4 hour layover, then the last 8 hours to Entebble, Uganda! It is actually happening…I am really on my way to Africa. SURREAL. I had hoped to make several phone calls in Atlanta, but when we landed, we had just enough time to eat lunch, then board, so for those I told I would call, I’m sorry. I love each of you and am missing you everyone! Just a little sidenote---it is SHOCKING the amount of difference in first class roominess and the black of the plane. I mean seriously. The plane seemed like an inverted triangle with the widest side being at the front of the plane, then narrowing to the point right where our row is. Not complaining, just observing. The seat in front of me has a metal box that takes up one half of the leg space. So I keep switching which leg I can stretch. BUT, I have the most awesome vibrating neck pillow that is easing my pain. Thanks, Melanie! Tina, I should’ve brought yours too to put around my waist. Haha..
Just wanted to let you all know we are safe and on our way. Much love and thanks to all of you for praying. Will post more later!
To all my babies at home, I love you. I will miss you every day and will be praying for you every day. Thanks, Al, for holding down the fort and allowing me the opportunity to go and see the beautiful children of Uganda and experience all that God has in store. You are a good one!
Love and hugs,
Renee
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I am putting this in Microsoft Word, because I don’t have internet. The above post was intended to be copied and pasted to the blog, but I have not yet been able to use this computer to get online. I will continue to write this way, and hopefully be able to put it up on blog later.
First, let me say that today is one of the most remarkable, emotional, overwhelming days of my life. And as a result, I’m not sure I’ll be able to put word to it!! It started SO long ago! It is now 9:40 pm Uganda time, and I woke up this morning at 4:30 to leave Entebbe at 5 AM for Jinja. The ride took about 2 ½ hours. It was dark when we first started out, and the first thing I noticed were how many people were out walking...not the way we “walk” or jog early in the morning…they were walking to work. As the sun began to rise, there were more and more. Children, women carrying huge containers on their heads getting water…men carrying hoes and shovels to work digging a long ditch for a pipeline. The next thing was the lush green of the landscape, backed by the beautiful orange sunrise and African sky. We saw banana trees, mango trees, fields of sugar cane (lots of sugar cane!), tropical palms, pines. We also saw a burned up truck and many fire spots along the road, a result of the rioting the day before. But nothing we saw compared to what we were about to see as we pulled in to Amani Baby Cottage and met for the first time, Asher Keck and Josie Love Mayernick .
What a joy, what a privilege, what a completely transforming experience it was to see as Dana took Asher in her arms for the first time and told him...I have flown a long way to get you Asher, I’m your mommy! Although he was overwhelmed by the attention at first, he leaned over in the first few minutes of being in Dana’s arms and told her, “I’m ready to go home with you.” The emotion is hard to describe. The beautiful and amazing thing is that he and Dana bonded immediately! He has looked at the book Dana made for him that has pictures of their family so many times. In fact the director of the orphanage told us that Asher takes everyone into the office to show them his book! He didn’t want to leave her. It was precious. I don’t think I’ve processed it yet to be honest…this child will be getting on a plane, one of SO MANY, and he will live a completely different life from NOW ON. As I looked at all their precious faces, and snapped a few hundred pictures (!) I felt so overwhelmed. Within five minutes of being there, they were lifting their arms to be held and loved. They call women, Auntie, and were so eager to receive our attention! They are well cared for at Amani…the place is clean and beautiful. But…they need and deserve a home, a mommy and daddy. Dana and Danny, God bless you. May God continue to provide all you need to love and raise Asher in the admonition of the Lord! He is PRECIOUS!! I told Dana that it was obvious in the first few minutes that he is a natural leader. I look forward to seeing him grow and become a leader at CPA! What a blessing.
Josie Love is amazing. Suzanne and Mike walked into the toddler nursery right at breakfast time. Her first priority was to EAT! We watched as those babies gathered around a long time and sat down to a cup of thin porridge that they turned up and drank and hardly spilled a drop! Once Josie was done, she went to Suzanne, put her head on her shoulder and pretty much stayed there the rest of the day!! She wanted No ONE else! (Well, until we saw Katie a little later) She hasn’t shown Mike the love yet, but she will! Again, the emotion was staggering. To try and put it into words, knowing that this precious baby is GOING HOME with the Mayernicks, it’s almost impossible!
After we spent time playing with Asher, Josie and all their friends, we got picked up by Katie Davis to go to her house for the Saturday praise and worship/lunch with several hundred chidren!
OKAY>>>>PAUSE!! Have I said that it has been SURREAL that I am IN AFRICA?? Well, this moment is evidence that I am truly here….while I am writing at this very moment, I catch a blur out of the corner of my eye, and right to my left is a gecko!! I am in a room with a screen window and I can hear what sounds like an animal right outside my door. I am surrounded by a mosquito net around my cot, and I am trying not to freak out. I do believe I am NOT in Kansas anymore!!! OR Brentwood! Haha! Gracious…
OKAY, back to story. I was totally NOT prepared for what I saw upon arrival. Waiting outside her gate, waiting INSIDE her gate, waiting everywhere were hundreds of children! They were all ages and all so anxious to see us! Most excited were Katie’s girls, who began yelling “UNCLE MIKE!!”” as soon as we pulled in. Mike made a huge impact and impression of these precious girls their last visit, and they on him! It was a glad reunion! Soon, lunch began. These children who were hungry and have nothing were lined up, from youngest to oldest, all with no instruction. They were polite and patient, they curtsied and said “Thank you!” as they received their generous portion of rice, beans and chicken. They played and ate and hung out and LOVED getting their picture made! They were funny and playful and gorgeous. They wore CPA shirts, Snow White costumes, their Sunday best. With each pair of eyes that met mine, my heart melted. They were SO grateful, so willing to help. Katie’s girls are so well-mannered, hard workers. They help make the meal, clean up after, and never complained.
I am trying to tell everything. There is no way. Last detailed story. At the end of the time each week, Katie gives out bags of food to each child filled with rice and beans to be taken home for their families. Again, the children line up VERY orderly and wait as the bags are handed out. Again, they curtsey and say “thank you, Auntie” . Today, I had the honor of passing those bags to each of those beautiful children. As I looked into each of their eyes, and their smile met mine, I truly felt the love of God wash over me. I knew why it pleased our Savior to take care of the least of these, in a fresh way. After they receive their bag, it is time for them to go home, so they begin to file out of Katie’s gate, with their green bags on top of their heads. I followed them out and watched the procession of children, a train of green bags atop heads walking down the red dirt road away from Katie’s house, and knew deep in my heart that this was the gospel. Love because you have been loved. Katie said to me as she passed a huge helping of rice and beans and chicken to a child…”I wish I could give them more.” Katie, you are. You are showing them the love of Jesus by what you are doing. You are giving them hope that THEY MATTER. You are giving them food, for their bodies and for their souls. And today…you did that for me, too. What I witnessed today…was so powerful, both at Amani and at Katie’s. I am running on about 7 hours sleep over the last 2 days, and I know that I am not coming close to articulating all that happened today. I am definitely still processing it!
Oh, I got to meet Derrick today, Andrew! He is quiet and SO cute! He seemed happy to meet me! I told him about you and that you were his sponsor. Andrew, if you were here with me today, you would know that your decision to sponsor a child was a VERY GOOD decision. Derrick is receiving so much as a result of your help. He is going to school, having good food to eat, and clothes to wear. He is a beautiful child in the kingdom of God. And so are you.
My heart is full, in fact, it is overflowing. I rejoice with the Keck’s and the Mayernick’s for their beautiful additions to their families today. Asher and Josie Love…you are precious, and you are LOVED! I miss my sweet family and love them very much. Wish you were all here with me to experience this!
Until next time…I am thankful that “Jesus Loves the Little Children…all the children of the world! Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight! Jesus loves the little children of the world!”
Monday, September 14, 2009
I am still unable to get to a computer for any length of time to be able to blog. The place we are staying does not have internet, and the time I have been at Amani or at Katie’s, I have been limited by time, and unable to write. I will try and cover the last couple of days before the time gets away from me! First, I haven’t felt this much of a disconnect from my “world” since the day that it was “long distance” to call home. It is frustrating, but I am fine. I love being here, I miss you, my sweet family.
I have had an extraordinary couple of days. It’s almost more than I can write about, it’s too hard to explain! But I will try and do my best. Yesterday, we went to church. It was wonderful…in the yard of the pastor’s house, who gave a very timely and encouraging message. I spent the rest of the day with Katie and her girls, the Mayernicks and Mary Pat. We had a good day, hanging out at Katie’s, taking a walk and enjoying the fellowship. Asher came “home” tonight with Dana and me and we got to see JOY as he took his shower and put on his fresh new pair of PJ’s, read his new books and slept in a bed with his mommy for the first time. It was a precious sight. Asher could NOT be happier to be a Keck!! He is adorable. He knows each of his family members, including the dog! In Uganda, they say that someone looks “smart” if they look nice in their clothes that day or look particularly handsome. All day long, Dana was telling Asher how “smart” he was because he IS, not knowing that he was likely thinking she liked his outfit all day! Haha! She was finally able to explain to him that in America “smart” means “clever”! He likes being smart now! He is very orderly and neat and LOVES to color and read and investigate. He is truly a joy, and I can’t wait for him to be HOME where he can experience the love he is already feeling from Dana through all the family members! He can’t wait either!
Today (Monday) was Court Day for Dana and for Mayernick’s. Adoption proceedings are moving in the right direction, but it is still confusing as to how long it will all take. Please pray for both families as they walk through these next steps.
In addition, today was remarkable for me in a personal way! We got up early (about 5:45) and I went to Katie’s while Dana and Mayernick’s went to Kampala to court. I got to spend the morning with Patricia, Grace and Jane, Katie’s 3 youngest, and with Katie and Mary Pat. I can’t tell you how much fun I had laughing and playing with those girls. They made me laugh so much. Jane is a HOOT. I only wish I could speak the native language, because I feel sure I missed about half of what was going on. Around 2, all the other girls came home from school and were THRILLED, shrieking with joy, when they discovered the new panties we had brought from home for them. Truly, my kids have never been that excited about anything we’ve given them, and that is not a judgment against them, it’s just true! They are grateful, but these girls were jumping up and down, shrieking, as if we’d just given them a million dollars or a brand new car! It was amazing.
The paradoxical highlight of the day was going to visit Patricia’s(the baby that Katie has been caring for) mother. She is part of the Karamajong people that Amazima has started a feeding program for. I won’t go into all the details of that, but I will say, that I do believe I have seen the poorest of the poor today. It was and is surreal to me that people live in the conditions these people do. It had just rained previous to our coming, so the red dirt was a practical mudslide. We trekked up a hill which was total mud, and by the time we reached the home where Patricia’s mom lived, our shoes were so thick with mud we were hardly able to lift them to walk, as they were sticking to the ground. Children were EVERYWHERE. They greeted us as we arrived in the village with great excitement! They knew Katie’s van, and crushed us almost immediately when we exited the van. Christine, who lives with Katie, and who speaks ELEVEN languages was able to communicate with them, which was SO helpful! Anyway, the poverty of the people stood in stark contrast to the beauty of the outlying area. It’s truly hard to describe the condition, the poverty, the hopelessness I felt for these people, but at the same time, I looked past the dirt that was caked on them and torn and ratty clothes, or the naked children, and I saw faces that were beautiful and smiling and joyful! The older children packed the younger children on their backs (older being 5-6 yrs old), and when our van got STUCK IN THE MUD, these children rushed to help push us out! I’m talking the wheels were throwing mud on them you would not believe, and they just kept on pushing! Thank You, Jesus!! I was touched by their willingness to help, and grateful to God for our safe exit.
Tonight I went to a restaurant with Asher and Dana. I got to see Asher have his first French fries, and glass of milk, and his first ever restaurant experience! He also had his first pizza today in Kampala! Today was a day of many first for sweet Asher! AND my meal was DELICIOUS! Thank You again, Jesus!!
I realized today that life at home was likely about the same. I love my life, and I am grateful for it. But, my life has been flipped upside down as a result of what I’ve seen these last few days. I pray that I will not forget…
With all my love,
Renee/Mom
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It is amazing how much can happen in a relatively short period of time. Monday seems like 2 weeks ago! We are walking through some difficult and painful waters. On Monday, after the court date, the Mayernick’s and Dana took their children to the doctor for the routine physical and were stunned to find out that Josie is HIV positive. They are in the process of making the best plan to care for Josie, and need all of our prayers for discernment, wisdom, insight, clarity, direction, peace and comfort. Today, we went to Kampala and had the TB tests that were done for Asher and Josie checked. The good news is that they met a wonderful, kind doctor who is helping them line up all the needed tests for Josie to determine the exact diagnosis and the proper treatment. Asher is doing well! He is so precious, so SMART! I’m sorta jealous Dana gets to keep him! The other great news is that after 3 doses of medicine for Josie, she transformed today! On the ride back to Jinga, she “came alive!” Since we arrived, she has been fairly lifeless, lethargic and just so did not feel well! But today, she perked up and pulled a pen and Suzanne’s checkbook out of her purse and started to color! Then, she found chapstick and very correctly applied it to her lips, and then she broke out in the biggest smile!! What great medicine for our hearts! I took picture upon picture of her big smile, while she looked at herself in a mirror, or pretended to talk on the phone. It was AMAZING. It was a gift!
We had dinner at Katie’s, who was gracious and cooked a delicious meal for us. The girls danced to the bongo that Agnes was playing and sang beautiful praise songs! Loved it! Thank you, Katie, for allowing us the joy of knowing and loving on those precious girls!
My tummy is full, my body is tired, my heart is heavy and full. We have reminded each other all day that none of this has caught God by surprise. We don’t understand all the why’s, but we do know that He is faithful and He will direct Mike and Suzanne’s steps. Please continue to pray for them and for Dana and Danny as they wait patiently on the Lord’s perfect timing for these precious children.
By the way, Drew and Tara, I held Patrick and Nicholas for about an hour last night. They are PRECIOUS. Gwen, I have played with Joseph and Daisy, and I will get more pictures tomorrow. You are in for some fun with those two! Michelle—thinking of you and praying for which ones are yours! There are too many angels to count!
Now, go enjoy you some American internet and tap water. Love you!!
On our Way!
September 10, 2000
I am on the plane somewhere between USA and Amersterdam, This leg is 8 hour flight, then a 4 hour layover, then the last 8 hours to Entebble, Uganda! It is actually happening…I am really on my way to Africa. SURREAL. I had hoped to make several phone calls in Atlanta, but when we landed, we had just enough time to eat lunch, then board, so for those I told I would call, I’m sorry. I love each of you and am missing you everyone! Just a little sidenote---it is SHOCKING the amount of difference in first class roominess and the black of the plane. I mean seriously. The plane seemed like an inverted triangle with the widest side being at the front of the plane, then narrowing to the point right where our row is. Not complaining, just observing. The seat in front of me has a metal box that takes up one half of the leg space. So I keep switching which leg I can stretch. BUT, I have the most awesome vibrating neck pillow that is easing my pain. Thanks, Melanie! Tina, I should’ve brought yours too to put around my waist. Haha..
Just wanted to let you all know we are safe and on our way. Much love and thanks to all of you for praying. Will post more later!
To all my babies at home, I love you. I will miss you every day and will be praying for you every day. Thanks, Al, for holding down the fort and allowing me the opportunity to go and see the beautiful children of Uganda and experience all that God has in store. You are a good one!
Love and hugs,
Renee
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I am putting this in Microsoft Word, because I don’t have internet. The above post was intended to be copied and pasted to the blog, but I have not yet been able to use this computer to get online. I will continue to write this way, and hopefully be able to put it up on blog later.
First, let me say that today is one of the most remarkable, emotional, overwhelming days of my life. And as a result, I’m not sure I’ll be able to put word to it!! It started SO long ago! It is now 9:40 pm Uganda time, and I woke up this morning at 4:30 to leave Entebbe at 5 AM for Jinja. The ride took about 2 ½ hours. It was dark when we first started out, and the first thing I noticed were how many people were out walking...not the way we “walk” or jog early in the morning…they were walking to work. As the sun began to rise, there were more and more. Children, women carrying huge containers on their heads getting water…men carrying hoes and shovels to work digging a long ditch for a pipeline. The next thing was the lush green of the landscape, backed by the beautiful orange sunrise and African sky. We saw banana trees, mango trees, fields of sugar cane (lots of sugar cane!), tropical palms, pines. We also saw a burned up truck and many fire spots along the road, a result of the rioting the day before. But nothing we saw compared to what we were about to see as we pulled in to Amani Baby Cottage and met for the first time, Asher Keck and Josie Love Mayernick .
What a joy, what a privilege, what a completely transforming experience it was to see as Dana took Asher in her arms for the first time and told him...I have flown a long way to get you Asher, I’m your mommy! Although he was overwhelmed by the attention at first, he leaned over in the first few minutes of being in Dana’s arms and told her, “I’m ready to go home with you.” The emotion is hard to describe. The beautiful and amazing thing is that he and Dana bonded immediately! He has looked at the book Dana made for him that has pictures of their family so many times. In fact the director of the orphanage told us that Asher takes everyone into the office to show them his book! He didn’t want to leave her. It was precious. I don’t think I’ve processed it yet to be honest…this child will be getting on a plane, one of SO MANY, and he will live a completely different life from NOW ON. As I looked at all their precious faces, and snapped a few hundred pictures (!) I felt so overwhelmed. Within five minutes of being there, they were lifting their arms to be held and loved. They call women, Auntie, and were so eager to receive our attention! They are well cared for at Amani…the place is clean and beautiful. But…they need and deserve a home, a mommy and daddy. Dana and Danny, God bless you. May God continue to provide all you need to love and raise Asher in the admonition of the Lord! He is PRECIOUS!! I told Dana that it was obvious in the first few minutes that he is a natural leader. I look forward to seeing him grow and become a leader at CPA! What a blessing.
Josie Love is amazing. Suzanne and Mike walked into the toddler nursery right at breakfast time. Her first priority was to EAT! We watched as those babies gathered around a long time and sat down to a cup of thin porridge that they turned up and drank and hardly spilled a drop! Once Josie was done, she went to Suzanne, put her head on her shoulder and pretty much stayed there the rest of the day!! She wanted No ONE else! (Well, until we saw Katie a little later) She hasn’t shown Mike the love yet, but she will! Again, the emotion was staggering. To try and put it into words, knowing that this precious baby is GOING HOME with the Mayernicks, it’s almost impossible!
After we spent time playing with Asher, Josie and all their friends, we got picked up by Katie Davis to go to her house for the Saturday praise and worship/lunch with several hundred chidren!
OKAY>>>>PAUSE!! Have I said that it has been SURREAL that I am IN AFRICA?? Well, this moment is evidence that I am truly here….while I am writing at this very moment, I catch a blur out of the corner of my eye, and right to my left is a gecko!! I am in a room with a screen window and I can hear what sounds like an animal right outside my door. I am surrounded by a mosquito net around my cot, and I am trying not to freak out. I do believe I am NOT in Kansas anymore!!! OR Brentwood! Haha! Gracious…
OKAY, back to story. I was totally NOT prepared for what I saw upon arrival. Waiting outside her gate, waiting INSIDE her gate, waiting everywhere were hundreds of children! They were all ages and all so anxious to see us! Most excited were Katie’s girls, who began yelling “UNCLE MIKE!!”” as soon as we pulled in. Mike made a huge impact and impression of these precious girls their last visit, and they on him! It was a glad reunion! Soon, lunch began. These children who were hungry and have nothing were lined up, from youngest to oldest, all with no instruction. They were polite and patient, they curtsied and said “Thank you!” as they received their generous portion of rice, beans and chicken. They played and ate and hung out and LOVED getting their picture made! They were funny and playful and gorgeous. They wore CPA shirts, Snow White costumes, their Sunday best. With each pair of eyes that met mine, my heart melted. They were SO grateful, so willing to help. Katie’s girls are so well-mannered, hard workers. They help make the meal, clean up after, and never complained.
I am trying to tell everything. There is no way. Last detailed story. At the end of the time each week, Katie gives out bags of food to each child filled with rice and beans to be taken home for their families. Again, the children line up VERY orderly and wait as the bags are handed out. Again, they curtsey and say “thank you, Auntie” . Today, I had the honor of passing those bags to each of those beautiful children. As I looked into each of their eyes, and their smile met mine, I truly felt the love of God wash over me. I knew why it pleased our Savior to take care of the least of these, in a fresh way. After they receive their bag, it is time for them to go home, so they begin to file out of Katie’s gate, with their green bags on top of their heads. I followed them out and watched the procession of children, a train of green bags atop heads walking down the red dirt road away from Katie’s house, and knew deep in my heart that this was the gospel. Love because you have been loved. Katie said to me as she passed a huge helping of rice and beans and chicken to a child…”I wish I could give them more.” Katie, you are. You are showing them the love of Jesus by what you are doing. You are giving them hope that THEY MATTER. You are giving them food, for their bodies and for their souls. And today…you did that for me, too. What I witnessed today…was so powerful, both at Amani and at Katie’s. I am running on about 7 hours sleep over the last 2 days, and I know that I am not coming close to articulating all that happened today. I am definitely still processing it!
Oh, I got to meet Derrick today, Andrew! He is quiet and SO cute! He seemed happy to meet me! I told him about you and that you were his sponsor. Andrew, if you were here with me today, you would know that your decision to sponsor a child was a VERY GOOD decision. Derrick is receiving so much as a result of your help. He is going to school, having good food to eat, and clothes to wear. He is a beautiful child in the kingdom of God. And so are you.
My heart is full, in fact, it is overflowing. I rejoice with the Keck’s and the Mayernick’s for their beautiful additions to their families today. Asher and Josie Love…you are precious, and you are LOVED! I miss my sweet family and love them very much. Wish you were all here with me to experience this!
Until next time…I am thankful that “Jesus Loves the Little Children…all the children of the world! Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight! Jesus loves the little children of the world!”
Monday, September 14, 2009
I am still unable to get to a computer for any length of time to be able to blog. The place we are staying does not have internet, and the time I have been at Amani or at Katie’s, I have been limited by time, and unable to write. I will try and cover the last couple of days before the time gets away from me! First, I haven’t felt this much of a disconnect from my “world” since the day that it was “long distance” to call home. It is frustrating, but I am fine. I love being here, I miss you, my sweet family.
I have had an extraordinary couple of days. It’s almost more than I can write about, it’s too hard to explain! But I will try and do my best. Yesterday, we went to church. It was wonderful…in the yard of the pastor’s house, who gave a very timely and encouraging message. I spent the rest of the day with Katie and her girls, the Mayernicks and Mary Pat. We had a good day, hanging out at Katie’s, taking a walk and enjoying the fellowship. Asher came “home” tonight with Dana and me and we got to see JOY as he took his shower and put on his fresh new pair of PJ’s, read his new books and slept in a bed with his mommy for the first time. It was a precious sight. Asher could NOT be happier to be a Keck!! He is adorable. He knows each of his family members, including the dog! In Uganda, they say that someone looks “smart” if they look nice in their clothes that day or look particularly handsome. All day long, Dana was telling Asher how “smart” he was because he IS, not knowing that he was likely thinking she liked his outfit all day! Haha! She was finally able to explain to him that in America “smart” means “clever”! He likes being smart now! He is very orderly and neat and LOVES to color and read and investigate. He is truly a joy, and I can’t wait for him to be HOME where he can experience the love he is already feeling from Dana through all the family members! He can’t wait either!
Today (Monday) was Court Day for Dana and for Mayernick’s. Adoption proceedings are moving in the right direction, but it is still confusing as to how long it will all take. Please pray for both families as they walk through these next steps.
In addition, today was remarkable for me in a personal way! We got up early (about 5:45) and I went to Katie’s while Dana and Mayernick’s went to Kampala to court. I got to spend the morning with Patricia, Grace and Jane, Katie’s 3 youngest, and with Katie and Mary Pat. I can’t tell you how much fun I had laughing and playing with those girls. They made me laugh so much. Jane is a HOOT. I only wish I could speak the native language, because I feel sure I missed about half of what was going on. Around 2, all the other girls came home from school and were THRILLED, shrieking with joy, when they discovered the new panties we had brought from home for them. Truly, my kids have never been that excited about anything we’ve given them, and that is not a judgment against them, it’s just true! They are grateful, but these girls were jumping up and down, shrieking, as if we’d just given them a million dollars or a brand new car! It was amazing.
The paradoxical highlight of the day was going to visit Patricia’s(the baby that Katie has been caring for) mother. She is part of the Karamajong people that Amazima has started a feeding program for. I won’t go into all the details of that, but I will say, that I do believe I have seen the poorest of the poor today. It was and is surreal to me that people live in the conditions these people do. It had just rained previous to our coming, so the red dirt was a practical mudslide. We trekked up a hill which was total mud, and by the time we reached the home where Patricia’s mom lived, our shoes were so thick with mud we were hardly able to lift them to walk, as they were sticking to the ground. Children were EVERYWHERE. They greeted us as we arrived in the village with great excitement! They knew Katie’s van, and crushed us almost immediately when we exited the van. Christine, who lives with Katie, and who speaks ELEVEN languages was able to communicate with them, which was SO helpful! Anyway, the poverty of the people stood in stark contrast to the beauty of the outlying area. It’s truly hard to describe the condition, the poverty, the hopelessness I felt for these people, but at the same time, I looked past the dirt that was caked on them and torn and ratty clothes, or the naked children, and I saw faces that were beautiful and smiling and joyful! The older children packed the younger children on their backs (older being 5-6 yrs old), and when our van got STUCK IN THE MUD, these children rushed to help push us out! I’m talking the wheels were throwing mud on them you would not believe, and they just kept on pushing! Thank You, Jesus!! I was touched by their willingness to help, and grateful to God for our safe exit.
Tonight I went to a restaurant with Asher and Dana. I got to see Asher have his first French fries, and glass of milk, and his first ever restaurant experience! He also had his first pizza today in Kampala! Today was a day of many first for sweet Asher! AND my meal was DELICIOUS! Thank You again, Jesus!!
I realized today that life at home was likely about the same. I love my life, and I am grateful for it. But, my life has been flipped upside down as a result of what I’ve seen these last few days. I pray that I will not forget…
With all my love,
Renee/Mom
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It is amazing how much can happen in a relatively short period of time. Monday seems like 2 weeks ago! We are walking through some difficult and painful waters. On Monday, after the court date, the Mayernick’s and Dana took their children to the doctor for the routine physical and were stunned to find out that Josie is HIV positive. Today we found out she is also positive for tuberculosis. It has been heartbreaking to get the news, and so much to process. Suzanne and Mike are amazing and handling this with so much poise and grace and trust in God. This precious baby girl is so sick, and she will not be going home with them for now, because you are not allowed into the US for at least six months after testing positive for TB. They are in the process of making the best plan to care for Josie, and need all of our prayers for discernment, wisdom, insight, clarity, direction, peace and comfort. Today, we went to Kampala and had the TB tests that were done for Asher and Josie checked. The good news is that they met a wonderful, kind doctor who is helping them line up all the needed tests for Josie to determine the exact diagnosis and the proper treatment. The other good news is that Asher was negative for TB!! He will be coming home, and we are so thrilled. He is so precious, so SMART! I’m sorta jealous Dana gets to keep him! The other great news is that after 3 doses of medicine for Josie, she transformed today! On the ride back to Jinga, she “came alive!” Since we arrived, she has been fairly lifeless, lethargic and just so did not feel well! But today, she perked up and pulled a pen and Suzanne’s checkbook out of her purse and started to color! Then, she found chapstick and very correctly applied it to her lips, and then she broke out in the biggest smile!! What great medicine for our hearts! I took picture upon picture of her big smile, while she looked at herself in a mirror, or pretended to talk on the phone. It was AMAZING. It was a gift!
We had dinner at Katie’s, who was gracious and cooked a delicious meal for us. The girls danced to the bongo that Agnes was playing and sang beautiful praise songs! Loved it! Thank you, Katie, for allowing us the joy of knowing and loving on those precious girls!
My tummy is full, my body is tired, my heart is heavy and full. We have reminded each other all day that none of this has caught God by surprise. We don’t understand all the why’s, but we do know that He is faithful and He will direct Mike and Suzanne’s steps. Please continue to pray for them and for Dana and Danny as they wait patiently on the Lord’s perfect timing for these precious children.
By the way, Drew and Tara, I held Patrick and Nicholas for about an hour last night. They are PRECIOUS. Gwen, I have played with Joseph and Daisy, and I will get more pictures tomorrow. You are in for some fun with those two! Michelle—thinking of you and praying for which ones are yours! There are too many angels to count!
Now, go enjoy you some American internet and tap water. Love you!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Safe in Entebbe
Hi again everyone!
We are safe and sound in Entebbe. Because of the rioting that occured in Kampala yesterday, they changed our plan to stay in Entebbe tonight instead of going into Jinja tonight. We are planning to leave here at 5:30 a.m. and head for the last leg of the trip! Al and kids...I can't get my email to open or facebook. Seriously wish I had arranged for an international phone before I left. So hope you're checking my blog! Flight was long, but good. It really wasn't bad!
Pray for our safety and flexibility, as our plans have changed multiple times. We checked into our hotel here and were greeted by two geckos and a tree frog and a roach in our shower. Yay!! :-)
Much love to you all!! Will write more tomorrow...I hope!!
love,
Renee
We are safe and sound in Entebbe. Because of the rioting that occured in Kampala yesterday, they changed our plan to stay in Entebbe tonight instead of going into Jinja tonight. We are planning to leave here at 5:30 a.m. and head for the last leg of the trip! Al and kids...I can't get my email to open or facebook. Seriously wish I had arranged for an international phone before I left. So hope you're checking my blog! Flight was long, but good. It really wasn't bad!
Pray for our safety and flexibility, as our plans have changed multiple times. We checked into our hotel here and were greeted by two geckos and a tree frog and a roach in our shower. Yay!! :-)
Much love to you all!! Will write more tomorrow...I hope!!
love,
Renee
Thursday, September 10, 2009
On Our Way!
We are at the Amsterdam airport for four hours, so we found a spot where we could get to the internet. Unfortunately, my cute little notebook computer that my sweet husband got me keeps freezing up, while Suzanne and Dana are over here blasting away on theirs. errr..Then I finally got it working, and my blog opens up in DUTCH. Looks like I have a few minutes left of the 30 I paid for to write and let everyone know that we are safe and on the way! The first 8 hour flight actually went very fast! I can't believe it's 1:44 AM our time at home in TN, b/c it's morning here, and we are all confused a bit.
Ok now the bad news. We just got word that there is rioting in Kampala and it has been suggested to us by a volunteer at Amani Orphanage that we stay in Entebbe tonight. I have no idea what this means, but I know it sounds scary, so I'm asking you all to pray. Pray for protection and resolution. Pray that the enemy will not deter these famlies from seeing their babies asap! I so appreciate your prayers, I'm sure we will be safe, we are in His hands.
I will keep you posted. I love you all my family, my friends.
Love, '
Renee (and Mom!)
Ok now the bad news. We just got word that there is rioting in Kampala and it has been suggested to us by a volunteer at Amani Orphanage that we stay in Entebbe tonight. I have no idea what this means, but I know it sounds scary, so I'm asking you all to pray. Pray for protection and resolution. Pray that the enemy will not deter these famlies from seeing their babies asap! I so appreciate your prayers, I'm sure we will be safe, we are in His hands.
I will keep you posted. I love you all my family, my friends.
Love, '
Renee (and Mom!)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Going to Uganda??
When I was a young Christian, I was so afraid that if I truly "sold out" to Jesus, He would send me to Africa! Seriously, I thought, that is just not where I wanted to be! Fortunately for the people of Africa, millions of others didn't feel that way, and as a result of many of their journeys, the stories I've heard from them about how powerfully God is moving there, the great need for love and care that is there, I am now so eager, so thankful to be traveling to Uganda in 5 days! Among the many that have impacted me greatly are my own daughter, Amy, who spent the last 3 summers in Africa, first in Kenya, then in Capetown, South Africa. Her heart for the people there is so tender, and my heart started to change. Another person that has rocked my world, so to speak, is Katie Davis. I am grateful to God for His allowing our life paths to cross. Thirdly, the wonderful families that I know that are adopting children from various parts of Africa and China have opened my eyes to the beauty of God's plan to care for His children, and serve as a huge parallel to His adoption of each of us, His children. So many others...Tina Myers, who spent a summer in Kenya as a college student with Campus Crusade and wanted to raise her children in huts in Africa, Larry Warren, Barbara and Ellie Ambrose, Amy Summers, our Compassion child in Tanzania, Zaina. My heart has changed, and I look forward to seeing what God has in store. I do not take it for granted. In fact, my heart is RACING as I write this!
I have had several people ask me if I was going to blog while I'm in Uganda, and I hadn't planned to, but as I thought about it, I decided it would serve as a tool for me to remember what the days in Uganda looked like, as well as keep my family and friends feeling a part of what I am doing there. So, here we go! First, let me say how grateful and honored I feel to be taking part in this trip! I will be traveling with the Mayernick family and the Keck family as they go to adopt Josie Love and Asher from Uganda. The thrill of seeing those little cherubs placed in these loving families is beyond my ability to express! I am so thankful for the call God has placed on their hearts to take one of "the least of these" and make them their own. The Oatsvall's and the Doyle's will also be adopting from the same orphanage, and we are praying that our time overlaps with theirs as they come to take Joseph, Daisy and Judah home!
Additionally, I will be visiting Katie Davis (kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com) whose blog I started following about a year ago. This young woman has turned my heart inside out with her burning passion to serve Jesus in Uganda. Her story is in her blog, and it is simply a MUST READ. I would never do justice in re-telling it, but she is a 20 year old Brentwood, TN native, who felt the call to Uganda as a young girl. She went to Uganda the first time with her mother before she finished high school. Her work there led her to a pastor that asked her to come back and teach kindergarten after she graduated high school. She went, thinking she'd have 12 children in her class. The first day 132 children showed up, ages 3-14 or so! When she asked why so many and so many different ages, the pastor explained it was because it was free! There is no free education in Uganda. Katie learned that it would cost about $300 a year per child to send them to school, pay for 2 meals a day, get medical care and clothes for school. The number sent her reeling, and she called her mother and said, "we have to do something about this!" SHE DID. By the end of the year, she had raised enough money to send 150 kids to school! Out of this, Amazima Ministries was formed, and now Amazima sends about 500 kids to school! Additionally, this passionate, young, crazy woman (ha!) has adopted 13 daughters of her own, children who had no one to care for them. She is raising girls, ages 2-14there in Uganda. This past year she felt the Lord calling her to help the poorest of the poor in the area where she lives...the Karamajong people. The result of that is she has started a feeding program that feeds about 1,200 children A DAY. I am so humbled and grateful to go and witness with my own eyes what this even looks like! You really do have to go and read her blog for a MUCH BETTER description of what she does, and most importantly, a picture of her heart. It will change you...be forewarned! ;-)
I covet and appreciate your prayers as we go!
In his grip!
Renee
I have had several people ask me if I was going to blog while I'm in Uganda, and I hadn't planned to, but as I thought about it, I decided it would serve as a tool for me to remember what the days in Uganda looked like, as well as keep my family and friends feeling a part of what I am doing there. So, here we go! First, let me say how grateful and honored I feel to be taking part in this trip! I will be traveling with the Mayernick family and the Keck family as they go to adopt Josie Love and Asher from Uganda. The thrill of seeing those little cherubs placed in these loving families is beyond my ability to express! I am so thankful for the call God has placed on their hearts to take one of "the least of these" and make them their own. The Oatsvall's and the Doyle's will also be adopting from the same orphanage, and we are praying that our time overlaps with theirs as they come to take Joseph, Daisy and Judah home!
Additionally, I will be visiting Katie Davis (kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com) whose blog I started following about a year ago. This young woman has turned my heart inside out with her burning passion to serve Jesus in Uganda. Her story is in her blog, and it is simply a MUST READ. I would never do justice in re-telling it, but she is a 20 year old Brentwood, TN native, who felt the call to Uganda as a young girl. She went to Uganda the first time with her mother before she finished high school. Her work there led her to a pastor that asked her to come back and teach kindergarten after she graduated high school. She went, thinking she'd have 12 children in her class. The first day 132 children showed up, ages 3-14 or so! When she asked why so many and so many different ages, the pastor explained it was because it was free! There is no free education in Uganda. Katie learned that it would cost about $300 a year per child to send them to school, pay for 2 meals a day, get medical care and clothes for school. The number sent her reeling, and she called her mother and said, "we have to do something about this!" SHE DID. By the end of the year, she had raised enough money to send 150 kids to school! Out of this, Amazima Ministries was formed, and now Amazima sends about 500 kids to school! Additionally, this passionate, young, crazy woman (ha!) has adopted 13 daughters of her own, children who had no one to care for them. She is raising girls, ages 2-14there in Uganda. This past year she felt the Lord calling her to help the poorest of the poor in the area where she lives...the Karamajong people. The result of that is she has started a feeding program that feeds about 1,200 children A DAY. I am so humbled and grateful to go and witness with my own eyes what this even looks like! You really do have to go and read her blog for a MUCH BETTER description of what she does, and most importantly, a picture of her heart. It will change you...be forewarned! ;-)
I covet and appreciate your prayers as we go!
In his grip!
Renee
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