Hello friends. :)

Well, we just got back tonight from our safari to Murchison Falls. I am EXHAUSTED, but it was so so worth it. I'll hopefully be able to upload some pictures soon.. I left just completely blown away by God's beauty and creativity. It really is amazing how intricate and amazing His creation is. How people can see the world and not see Him just blows me away!!

Anyway, there were 7 of us that went and it was really good. We had some great and challenging conversations.. We encouraged each other and pushed each other towards the cross. And what are relationships for, if not to sharpen each other to look more like Christ?

Something that I was really encouraged by this weekend is just knowing that I am where God wants me. During a conversation with a few of the girls, I was asked if last year I ever wondered WHY I was here for so long or missed home so badly. The answer, to both, was no. The only night that I questioned what in the world I was doing was the first night last year, when I was completely overwhelmed. And although there are/were definitely things that I miss about home (family, friends, Chick-Fil-A, nice paved roads and traffic laws, the lack of ants, etc....) nothing about that outweighs the love that I have for the people here and my joy and contentment that comes from serving here, knowing that this is exactly where I am called right now. I am so thankful that the other volunteer asked me that because I was so encouraged by it. :) God is good. I am not, but I am thankful for this answer from Him through my obedience.

Due to some new privacy policies at the orphanage, I am not allowed to post pictures of any of the kids that are here. I am so sad about this, but I will respect it. I will do my best to show Uganda through pictures of things other than these children (although the internet is pretty slow and I may wait until I get home), and will be happy to go through pictures with anyone interested when I get home. :)

Prayer requests:
*that I will die to myself daily and learn more of what it means to be less of me and more of Him
*that I will be better about reading Scripture
*that I will be humbled and broken by what is around me
*that I will joyfully serve the kids, the mamas, and the other volunteers

Love ya'll!! Thanks so much for your support!

Well, I arrived! Safe and sound and with all my luggage. Praise the Lord for that! Some of the other volunteers were missing their stuff for a few days, so I am definitely thankful for that!

Don't have a lot of time to write but wanted to send a quick one out.

Things are going great. A lot has changed around here and so it is taking adjusting, but God is moving and things are amazing. Holding the kids in my arms again just made me feel like I was home. I absolutely love it here. It was so fun to see the kids from last year and to meet the new ones. Same with the mamas. They were so excited to see me, it made my day. And I'd like to think that some of the older kiddos remembered me, but I'm not so sure. Haha.

A group of volunteers took a boat ride today to the source of the Nile. It was such a sketchy boat which made it hilarious and awesome. While we were stopped at the little island that marks where Lake Victoria ends and the river starts, one of the boatmen was literally scooping water out of the middle of the boat. TIA. (This is Africa.) Typical. It was really fun though.

I've only been here a couple of days but I already feel like God is teaching me so much. It's definitely going to be different than last year and I know God is going to stretch and teach me things and grow me in whole new ways.

Please pray for a barrier against illness, as I've only been here a couple of days and have already had some issues. Pray that I am able to love and serve with only strength that God can provide.

I love and miss everyone! :)