Months have gone by. I don't know where time goes.
But my story didn't stop when I didn't write.
I never got around to writing about my time with the Karamojong. I never got to the punchline. The most important part of the story is still untold.
My trip to Uganda last April was never meant to just be a missions trip. It was the desire of my heart to be involved in missions. I initially contacted Visiting Orphans to ask them about partnering with a ministry in Uganda for the purpose of building a long-term relationship and hopefully fundraising and sending support.
When James, Visiting Orphans' Uganda coordinator, began to tell me about Pastor Andrew's heart for the Karamojong women and children something happened inside of me. All of my preparations for the trip and excitement grew in anticipation of meeting Pastor Andrew and the Karamojong. I loved the other ministries that we visited, but when I met Pastor Andrew and we visited Masese, I knew my heart was home. Pastor Andrew shared with me his desire to build a school in Masese and it seemed like such an attainable goal. Other projects needed by other ministries had me so overwhelmed, but Pastor Andrew had his school project broken down into phases and budgeted for each phase of the project. It seemed so doable. And a worthy project for sure.... These mothers can barely feed their children. They do not have money to pay school fees. Pastor Andrew said that even if they could afford to pay the fees, the children would go to school outside of Masese and they are bullied in these other schools because they are Karamojong. The Karamojong tribe are considered the lowest of low in Ugandan society.
When I got back to the states, the Lord confirmed to me in some very creative ways that I was to continue my relationship with Home Again Ministries. Pastor Andrew and I began to communicate through emails, and I was able to get to know him and his heart for ministry. I prayed continually that the Lord would show me what to do next... and then what to do next after that....and after that.
Pastor Andrew sent a box of beaded necklaces made by the Karamojong women. I began to look for any opportunity to tell people about my new friends in Uganda and their needs. I sold beads and Cakes for Kids, set up the Sending Love fund, opened a bank account and by July, I wired my first $2,000 to Pastor Andrew to help with building the school.
My fundraising continued into late summer and fall. Pastor Andrew sent more beads. Visiting Orphans referred several who had been to Uganda and met Pastor Andrew and wanted to make donations to Home Again. We began communicating by email and more donations were received. The bank account grew, another wire was sent... and,
On September 3, school started with sixty-three students and three teachers!
All the while I was working hard and raising money, there was a couple in Springfield, MO, who shared my passion for the Karamojong and were also raising money and sending it to Pastor Andrew. Praise the Lord! Pastor Andrew introduced me to Mitch and Shannon Hauschildt in September. What a blessing! God has worked mightily through Mitch and Shannon to raise money for the school construction and initial operating expenses.
Since that time, Mitch, Shannon and I have started working together in our efforts to support Home Again. My son, Andrew, is building a website for Home Again Ministries which will feature the sponsorship program. Christian Aid Mission will be handling the monthly donations from sponsors. Sponsorships are $30 a month to cover school expenses and two meals a day for a precious child. This is Rhodha Acham, one of our children waiting for a sponsor.
Once the school was built, it was determined that the next important expenditure would be to purchase the land. The total cost was $12,000. Mitch had donations for the initial $6,000 for the down payment. Then I received a $2,000 donation specified to go toward the land. And now I have just heard from Mitch that we have the remaining $4,000 for the final payment. Praise the Lord!
I have met so many wonderful people through this process, but I have to say it is especially facinating to meet someone online, through email and facebook, and find that God has placed the same desires in their hearts as in my own.
Visiting Orphans introduced me to my dear friend out in Fox Island, Washington....a shout out to Sally Lewis, a faithful friend and true sister. My young friend, Katrina Hooley, from Indiana, steadfast and obedient to the Lord. And Lexie Thomas, such an encouragement, off to Japan with her military husband. Louise Masterson, passionate for orphans out in Vermont. Needless to say I won't be meeting any of these wonderful women at Starbuck's for coffee. Oh, but I did get to meet Andrea Conway! In person! So amazing! Due to a mistake by Visiting Orphans, my beads from Pastor Andrew were sent to Andrea. Wonder of all wonders, she lives a short distance from my parents, and we met in person to correct the mistake! Several hours at Starbuck's talking about Africa...pure joy!
2012 was an exciting year to be sure. I started the year by saying "Yes" to God and ended it wanting even more of His presence in my life. Trusting Him even more.... Depending on Him even more.... Even more aware of His leading me....
I have always loved this verse:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.But even better to actually experience it day by day.
So what is in store for 2013? There have been some wonderful surprises from the Lord already. I can hardly wait to see what all He has in store.
To be continued......very soon!
In HIM,
Shelli
