Team superlatives
After 11 days of together traveling tens of thousands of miles together, ministering in slums and villages, riding the Nile, seeing the lion and overall experiencing some of Gods greatest life giving moments, we have officially come up with our team superlatives
Most likely to hire a Nile scuba diving team --- John "send it again" Kendall
Most likely to smuggle an African baby home -- Betty Swinehart
Most likely to buy a condo at paraa lodge -- Devon smith
Most likely to receive a post card from the finish line at the Gulu marathon -- Troy Felten
Most likely to be the answer to the question "so who are we missing?" -- Bret McDonough
Most likely to make you smile with a random comment -- Ashley Rader
Most likely to throw dice at "send it again" Kendall during our dice games -- Julie Fox
Most likely to put someone on the spot for a testimony -- Rodney Suddith
Most likely to call you out for going to bed early -- YT
Most likely to look like a tourist -- mike Schott
Most likely to come home with a new family member --- CC Schott
Most likely to send cows to Texas -- Saaam
Thank you all for praying. We are now headed back on our 30 hour journey home. Excited to share with you all about our trip
The Team
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Meet the team
Meet the team
One thing we wanted to do was introduce each team member so you have A better understanding of each person and will shed some great insights to the things that make the blog
Here we are in age order
Rodney Suddith. President of SOI, married with 4 kids and 6 grandchildren. Former middle distance Olympic level runner who has a great passion for gods work in Gulu, and loves an ice cold Stoney
John "send it again" Kendall. Retired, married with 3 boys. He loves sports, any game that involves figuring out probability and odds, is sneaky funny. Does not love games that involve him being in the middle and is in need of a new I phone. He can also remove a cork from inside of a wine bottle without breaking the bottle
Dustin "YT" Swinehart. Married to Betty , father of 4, on the cusp of turning 40. Retired soccer player, tries to make a game competition out of any scenario and is a passionate lover of Fanta Orange
CC Schott. Recently married to mike. By far the most popular mzungu (white) woman in Uganda, can actually do the acholi celebratory cry of ayayayayayayaya and is a great neighboring partner in any card game
Mike Schott. Recently married to cc, mechanical engineer, is an actual pool shark in America, a quiet assassin in group games, grew up on the mission field in Papau New Guinnea
Betty Swinehart. Married to YT, mother of four, homeschools her three boys and a girl, most competitive person on the trip, loves holding and baby, human or animal, and incredibly infectious laugh. Makes everything funnier when she is laughing
Bret McDonough. Married, father of 2 girls, he's a very thick bearded,outdoor manly man, although highly finicky eatter, not quick to open up, not a big fan of group sharing time and loves playing Santa for Ugandan children as he throws candy from the bus
Troy Felten. Married, father of two, adopted Ugandan daughter, married to a Amish, hip-hop band violinist, Romanian Gypsy girl. Perfers to sleep alone as the mosquito net causes night terrors, with a huge heart to serve the people here
Julie Fox A sassy, full of life Operations manager with her MBA from Kentucky. Tennis player, amazingly great humor and laugh. Can sleep on any mode of transportation at any time of the day or night, speaks fluent sarcasm and has a vast repertoire of card tricks
Devon Smith. Graduate of the greatest university in the country, Miami of ohio. Very analytical, is up for any challenge to eats disgusting things for money, A serial dater, loves a man in camo, looking for a cowboy who wears a bow tie, and a pop culture queen
Ashley Rader. Recent graduate of App state, adventure seeker, great imagination, a great thinker of random questions, enjoys impersonating news anchors, likes to name every animal on the safari
That's our team, and we are proud of it
The team
One thing we wanted to do was introduce each team member so you have A better understanding of each person and will shed some great insights to the things that make the blog
Here we are in age order
Rodney Suddith. President of SOI, married with 4 kids and 6 grandchildren. Former middle distance Olympic level runner who has a great passion for gods work in Gulu, and loves an ice cold Stoney
John "send it again" Kendall. Retired, married with 3 boys. He loves sports, any game that involves figuring out probability and odds, is sneaky funny. Does not love games that involve him being in the middle and is in need of a new I phone. He can also remove a cork from inside of a wine bottle without breaking the bottle
Dustin "YT" Swinehart. Married to Betty , father of 4, on the cusp of turning 40. Retired soccer player, tries to make a game competition out of any scenario and is a passionate lover of Fanta Orange
CC Schott. Recently married to mike. By far the most popular mzungu (white) woman in Uganda, can actually do the acholi celebratory cry of ayayayayayayaya and is a great neighboring partner in any card game
Mike Schott. Recently married to cc, mechanical engineer, is an actual pool shark in America, a quiet assassin in group games, grew up on the mission field in Papau New Guinnea
Betty Swinehart. Married to YT, mother of four, homeschools her three boys and a girl, most competitive person on the trip, loves holding and baby, human or animal, and incredibly infectious laugh. Makes everything funnier when she is laughing
Bret McDonough. Married, father of 2 girls, he's a very thick bearded,outdoor manly man, although highly finicky eatter, not quick to open up, not a big fan of group sharing time and loves playing Santa for Ugandan children as he throws candy from the bus
Troy Felten. Married, father of two, adopted Ugandan daughter, married to a Amish, hip-hop band violinist, Romanian Gypsy girl. Perfers to sleep alone as the mosquito net causes night terrors, with a huge heart to serve the people here
Julie Fox A sassy, full of life Operations manager with her MBA from Kentucky. Tennis player, amazingly great humor and laugh. Can sleep on any mode of transportation at any time of the day or night, speaks fluent sarcasm and has a vast repertoire of card tricks
Devon Smith. Graduate of the greatest university in the country, Miami of ohio. Very analytical, is up for any challenge to eats disgusting things for money, A serial dater, loves a man in camo, looking for a cowboy who wears a bow tie, and a pop culture queen
Ashley Rader. Recent graduate of App state, adventure seeker, great imagination, a great thinker of random questions, enjoys impersonating news anchors, likes to name every animal on the safari
That's our team, and we are proud of it
The team
Friday, January 24, 2014
Nighttime Vistors
Our next journey took us to the Safari. I know many of you reading this have been to a safari, but for those who have not it is truly amazing experience. It is a glimpse of Gods creation in a completely new way. A humongous African sky, setting sunset, and some of Gods' most powerful and beautiful animals walking across the plains.
Like every safari drive we had one goal. Find the lion. The King of the Jungle. As we set out in two safari jeeps we drove across the plains. Our driver lead us right to where we wanted. We found a Mother lion and four baby cubs. We watched as this mother paraded her cubs across the plains and then laid down right by our jeep. The Lioness was not shy about showing her teeth to us and growling to let us know we were close enough to her babies.
As the driver continued, we found giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes birds and the like. But we did not find elephants.
As we were sitting out in the evening moonlight at the lodge, we all noticed some noise in the trees just a few yards from us. We all jumped up unsure of what it was. We watched and shined flash lights in the bush trying to find out late night visitors. Is it a baboon? A hippo? Then it was revealed! A mother elephant and two babies coming for a midnight snack. We all stood in awe for the next 40 minutes as these elephants made their way right over the fence and started eating from the tree just 15 feet from the deck and lodge pool. It was an upfront and close elephant experience. Only once did we all jump when the elephant looked like she was going charge us. It proved to be an very unexpected blessing to our night.
After a night stay in the lodge we boarded our boat for our trip up the Nile. I mean we were riding ON the Nile; how cool is that! Along the way we saw hippos, elephants, crocodiles, bald eagles, and monkeys all up close as we cruised the coast line.
Our boat ride ended as we got off and began our hike to the top of Murchinson Falls. The 45 minute hike took us to the place where the entire Nile river goes through a 17 foot wide rock fall. It's amazing and breath-taking!
The team then boarded Rosa the bus and headed back to Kampala.
The resounding thought from the Safari is what a powerful picture it is of Gods creation.
It's has been such a blessing to be with the SOI and SOM staff. Rodney, Sam, and Wilfred have done a great job leading us in this adventure.
Notable moments from the Safari
1. Sadly, John, "send it again" Kendall, dropped his phone in the Nile. It is a real bummer but the story at the apple store about why he needs a new phone will certainly be a unique one. "So I lost my phone in the Nile....." His phone is still in DeNile
"I am in complete Da-Nile"
2. When Julie's guide said that they were going to look for the Big Male lion; Julie said "I am too!"
4. When talking about elephant dung, Julie kept mistakingly changing one letter in dung not understanding what it meant
As we arrived back at our hotel in Kampala there was a Uganda band playing country songs and Whitney Houston songs. Somehow it all makes sense
Thank you all so much for praying for us. Really has been a life changing and life giving trip for all of us
Like every safari drive we had one goal. Find the lion. The King of the Jungle. As we set out in two safari jeeps we drove across the plains. Our driver lead us right to where we wanted. We found a Mother lion and four baby cubs. We watched as this mother paraded her cubs across the plains and then laid down right by our jeep. The Lioness was not shy about showing her teeth to us and growling to let us know we were close enough to her babies.
As the driver continued, we found giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes birds and the like. But we did not find elephants.
As we were sitting out in the evening moonlight at the lodge, we all noticed some noise in the trees just a few yards from us. We all jumped up unsure of what it was. We watched and shined flash lights in the bush trying to find out late night visitors. Is it a baboon? A hippo? Then it was revealed! A mother elephant and two babies coming for a midnight snack. We all stood in awe for the next 40 minutes as these elephants made their way right over the fence and started eating from the tree just 15 feet from the deck and lodge pool. It was an upfront and close elephant experience. Only once did we all jump when the elephant looked like she was going charge us. It proved to be an very unexpected blessing to our night.
After a night stay in the lodge we boarded our boat for our trip up the Nile. I mean we were riding ON the Nile; how cool is that! Along the way we saw hippos, elephants, crocodiles, bald eagles, and monkeys all up close as we cruised the coast line.
Our boat ride ended as we got off and began our hike to the top of Murchinson Falls. The 45 minute hike took us to the place where the entire Nile river goes through a 17 foot wide rock fall. It's amazing and breath-taking!
The team then boarded Rosa the bus and headed back to Kampala.
The resounding thought from the Safari is what a powerful picture it is of Gods creation.
It's has been such a blessing to be with the SOI and SOM staff. Rodney, Sam, and Wilfred have done a great job leading us in this adventure.
Notable moments from the Safari
1. Sadly, John, "send it again" Kendall, dropped his phone in the Nile. It is a real bummer but the story at the apple store about why he needs a new phone will certainly be a unique one. "So I lost my phone in the Nile....." His phone is still in DeNile
"I am in complete Da-Nile"
2. When Julie's guide said that they were going to look for the Big Male lion; Julie said "I am too!"
4. When talking about elephant dung, Julie kept mistakingly changing one letter in dung not understanding what it meant
As we arrived back at our hotel in Kampala there was a Uganda band playing country songs and Whitney Houston songs. Somehow it all makes sense
Thank you all so much for praying for us. Really has been a life changing and life giving trip for all of us
Nighttime Guests
Our next journey took us to the Safari. I know many of you reading this have been to a safari, but for those who have not it is truly amazing experience. It is a glimpse of Gods creation in a completely new way. A humongous African sky, setting sunset, and some of Gods' most powerful and beautiful animals walking across the plains.
Like every safari drive we had one goal. Find the lion. The King of the Jungle. As we set out in two safari jeeps we drove across the plains. Our driver lead us right to where we wanted. We found a Mother lion and four baby cubs. We watched as this mother paraded her cubs across the plains and then laid down right by our jeep. The Lioness was not shy about showing her teeth to us and growling to let us know we were close enough to her babies.
As the driver continued, we found giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes birds and the like. But we did not find elephants.
As we were sitting out in the evening moonlight at the lodge, we all noticed some noise in the trees just a few yards from us. We all jumped up unsure of what it was. We watched and shined flash lights in the bush trying to find out late night visitors. Is it a baboon? A hippo? Then it was revealed! A mother elephant and two babies coming for a midnight snack. We all stood in awe for the next 40 minutes as these elephants made their way right over the fence and started eating from the tree just 15 feet from the deck and lodge pool. It was an upfront and close elephant experience. Only once did we all jump when the elephant looked like she was going charge us. It proved to be an very unexpected blessing to our night.
After a night stay in the lodge we boarded our boat for our trip up the Nile. I mean we were riding ON the Nile; how cool is that! Along the way we saw hippos, elephants, crocodiles, bald eagles, and monkeys all up close as we cruised the coast line.
Our boat ride ended as we got off and began our hike to the top of Murchinson Falls. The 45 minute hike took us to the place where the entire Nile river goes through a 17 foot wide rock fall. It's amazing and breath-taking!
The team then boarded Rosa the bus and headed back to Kampala.
The resounding thought from the Safari is what a powerful picture it is of Gods creation.
It's has been such a blessing to be with the SOI and SOM staff. Rodney, Sam, and Wilfred have done a great job leading us in this adventure.
Notable moments from the Safari
1. Sadly, John, "send it again" Kendall, dropped his phone in the Nile. It is a real bummer but the story at the apple store about why he needs a new phone will certainly be a unique one. "So I lost my phone in the Nile....." His phone is still in DeNile
"I am in complete Da-Nile"
2. When Julie's guide said that they were going to look for the Big Male lion; Julie said "I am too!"
3. When talking about elephant dung, Julie kept mistakingly changing one letter in dung not understanding what it meant
As we arrived back at our hotel in Kampala there was a Uganda band playing country songs and Whitney Houston songs. Somehow it all makes sense
Thank you all so much for praying for us. Really has been a life changing and life giving trip for all of us
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Day 5...Define Mega?!
After a long successful night of signs (especially for "send it again John") and a little sleep, the day started with the traditional baked beans, meatballs, eggs and toast. Quickly followed by loading the bus and heading back out to Pugwini Village. We got to work weeding the garden and working on the roof for the "mega" kitchen.
Things we found out about Ugandan construction and each other:
* There are different formulas for concrete mixture depending on the round of mixing.... is it 4 wheel barrows of sand or rocks (small boulders)? The human cement mixers, Mike, Brett, Troy and YT, was in full effect!
* sawing with a hand saw on the hardest wood in Uganda is quite different than using a computer in a cubical!... Best quote by Julie as YT was watching her over her shoulder... "Don't micro manage me!!!"
*tamping and smoothing concrete on the veranda that will over look the soccer pitch... the girls felt like they were icing a cake with their trowels in hand!
* The Iron Tribe crew (Julie and Devon) showed their mad skills hoisting water on their heads and lifting buckets of cement up to Brett in the rafters. That Iron Tribe stuff is really paying off... thanks Mike Fox!
* The construction foreman, Julius', uniform consisted of a bright yellow ski bib... in 85 degree weather! What?!
After making a good start on the roof we handed the reigns back to our Ugandan friends and headed out so we could make it to the prison for visiting hours.
When we arrived at the prison we were split into guys and girls and went to respective prisons that were side by side. In the men's prison there are over 1000 men, some guilty, some not.
Troy and Brett headed straight for the infirmary. Brett got to hang out with former soldier who wasn't sick but just wanted to encourage those that were. He was considered the spiritual leader of the infirmary. Troy got to speak words of hope and life to a man with a kidney problem who was also suicidal, a conversation Troy won't soon forget.
YT, John and Mike had a chance to sit with 10 men, most of whom are spiritual leaders inside this prison. John had a wonderfully deep conversation with a man named David. David is from an incredibly accomplished family, and is extremely bright. A former University student, David made some bad choices that lead him to prison. Although it has been a heart breaking experience, he continues to grow in his faith in Christ and will not give up hope that God can use him in big ways.
YT was able to reconnect with a pastor named William who he visited last year, William is in his 22 year of prison, and is currently studying Systematic theology. he knows that God has him in prison and has redeemed his choices by allowing William to come to Christ in prison and grow into a spiritual leader
Then Bret and YT had a chance to play in the prison soccer game. 1000 fans, referee and two 30 minute halves of great competitive soccer and the most intimadating 12th in all of sports. Right in the middle of the field is a tree. A legit tree that blocks many a pass. Also on the field were three volleyball poles that players need to avoid . Bret showed his growth as a player as he held his own as a defender, except for the really hard wipe out that the crowd got a good laugh out of. Their team won 3-2 and ended with a devotional time with both prison teams.
The ladies got to meet 60 women, some guilty, some not. CC, Betty and Julie shared encouraging words after praying together and singing some energized praise songs. The girls took bars of soap for everyone and challenged them to think about Christ washing us white as snow as they use it in their baths. In the last hour of being together, the girls split up into smaller groups and some women came to share their stories and ask for prayer. Only 20% of the women that shared were actually guilty of a legitimate crime. It's a helpless feeling to hear them share of the injustice occurring in "the system" here. Two women prayed to receive Christ. Ashley, with Julie by her side, mustered the courage to lead Percy (19 yrs old) to repeat the salvation prayer after her! Betty and CC couldn't contain their excitement after praying with their friend Janette... loud AYAYAYAYAYs were exclaimed! What a wonderful experience and celebration!
Visiting hours were over at 4:00 and we headed to the farm to say goodbye to the staff (can't believe our time is over here) and for a pig delivery. Part of the SOM program is to empower families in need by providing livestock for them if they build a suitable pen for them and contribute what they can for the animal. The team took two different families pigs. The best snapshot is...Picture the home owner being Mufasa and the pig being Simba from the Lion King... They held their pig over their head with loud exclamations of joy and thanksgiving. It was a great site to see and be a part of!
We shared our last dinner at the Church Hill tonight as we prepare to pack and leave tomorrow for the Safari. It has been a special time here in Gulu and we are sad to leave our new friends.
Thanks for following the blog and for praying... we can feel each one!
Things we found out about Ugandan construction and each other:
* There are different formulas for concrete mixture depending on the round of mixing.... is it 4 wheel barrows of sand or rocks (small boulders)? The human cement mixers, Mike, Brett, Troy and YT, was in full effect!
* sawing with a hand saw on the hardest wood in Uganda is quite different than using a computer in a cubical!... Best quote by Julie as YT was watching her over her shoulder... "Don't micro manage me!!!"
*tamping and smoothing concrete on the veranda that will over look the soccer pitch... the girls felt like they were icing a cake with their trowels in hand!
* The Iron Tribe crew (Julie and Devon) showed their mad skills hoisting water on their heads and lifting buckets of cement up to Brett in the rafters. That Iron Tribe stuff is really paying off... thanks Mike Fox!
* The construction foreman, Julius', uniform consisted of a bright yellow ski bib... in 85 degree weather! What?!
After making a good start on the roof we handed the reigns back to our Ugandan friends and headed out so we could make it to the prison for visiting hours.
When we arrived at the prison we were split into guys and girls and went to respective prisons that were side by side. In the men's prison there are over 1000 men, some guilty, some not.
Troy and Brett headed straight for the infirmary. Brett got to hang out with former soldier who wasn't sick but just wanted to encourage those that were. He was considered the spiritual leader of the infirmary. Troy got to speak words of hope and life to a man with a kidney problem who was also suicidal, a conversation Troy won't soon forget.
YT, John and Mike had a chance to sit with 10 men, most of whom are spiritual leaders inside this prison. John had a wonderfully deep conversation with a man named David. David is from an incredibly accomplished family, and is extremely bright. A former University student, David made some bad choices that lead him to prison. Although it has been a heart breaking experience, he continues to grow in his faith in Christ and will not give up hope that God can use him in big ways.
YT was able to reconnect with a pastor named William who he visited last year, William is in his 22 year of prison, and is currently studying Systematic theology. he knows that God has him in prison and has redeemed his choices by allowing William to come to Christ in prison and grow into a spiritual leader
Then Bret and YT had a chance to play in the prison soccer game. 1000 fans, referee and two 30 minute halves of great competitive soccer and the most intimadating 12th in all of sports. Right in the middle of the field is a tree. A legit tree that blocks many a pass. Also on the field were three volleyball poles that players need to avoid . Bret showed his growth as a player as he held his own as a defender, except for the really hard wipe out that the crowd got a good laugh out of. Their team won 3-2 and ended with a devotional time with both prison teams.
The ladies got to meet 60 women, some guilty, some not. CC, Betty and Julie shared encouraging words after praying together and singing some energized praise songs. The girls took bars of soap for everyone and challenged them to think about Christ washing us white as snow as they use it in their baths. In the last hour of being together, the girls split up into smaller groups and some women came to share their stories and ask for prayer. Only 20% of the women that shared were actually guilty of a legitimate crime. It's a helpless feeling to hear them share of the injustice occurring in "the system" here. Two women prayed to receive Christ. Ashley, with Julie by her side, mustered the courage to lead Percy (19 yrs old) to repeat the salvation prayer after her! Betty and CC couldn't contain their excitement after praying with their friend Janette... loud AYAYAYAYAYs were exclaimed! What a wonderful experience and celebration!
Visiting hours were over at 4:00 and we headed to the farm to say goodbye to the staff (can't believe our time is over here) and for a pig delivery. Part of the SOM program is to empower families in need by providing livestock for them if they build a suitable pen for them and contribute what they can for the animal. The team took two different families pigs. The best snapshot is...Picture the home owner being Mufasa and the pig being Simba from the Lion King... They held their pig over their head with loud exclamations of joy and thanksgiving. It was a great site to see and be a part of!
We shared our last dinner at the Church Hill tonight as we prepare to pack and leave tomorrow for the Safari. It has been a special time here in Gulu and we are sad to leave our new friends.
Thanks for following the blog and for praying... we can feel each one!
Uganda Day 4 - Marathon and Pagwini
Today the pattern
continued of us being challenged by Uganda. Challenged spiritually,
emotionally, and physically. On the note of being challenged physically,
we awoke with excitement to participate in Gulu's first "marathon". Naturally
this terminology concerned us. But when we inquired further, we were told
it was a 5k. No problem. Then we were told it was a 7k. A
little more challenging, but doable. 4-5 long, steep Ugandan roads later,
we learned 7k was a slight underestimation on somebody's part. More on
that later. For those who chose not to run, they had the privilege of
helping deliver a pig to Grace's household. Little did they know, that
they would soon see Grace running off with the rest of the runners in the race!
The runners met near the town square in Gulu, and YT chose to pump
himself up by playing "Eye of the Tiger" to the whole bus.
Brett proceeded to jump off the bus doing fast high knees. This
gave a laugh to our fellow Ugandan runners. Many kids, men and women from
the Koro Farm / Sports Outreach ministry participated in the race.
Amazingly, most of the kids either ran in flip flops or with bare feet.
We were each given t-shirts and assigned numbers. Dennis, our
Ugandan boxing friend, had a self-fulfilling prophecy by wearing the number
one. The T-Shirts had "Freedom 424" written on it. This
ministry raises awareness for victims of sex trafficking and abuse by putting
on races like the one we ran today. The race was to end, appropriately,
at the Christine house in Koro farm, where a haven and recovery center is being
built for women who have been physically or sexually abused. The race
began with a word of prayer, a 30 second drizzle of rain, and then a countdown
to start.
Troy confidently hung with Brett, Dennis, and some of the kids early on....telling himself, "It's just mind over matter." A few miles and hills later, the matter became too strong for the mind. The hot sun baked, and the hills seemed to never end. Some of our friends got picked up and encouraged by those in the bus. Others chose to be a glutton for punishment. Note to self, don't run an 11k if you haven't worked out in months. Yes, that's what the race ended up being, an 11k to the farm. But in the midst of the physical suffering, there was a greater thing happening. The runners were encouraging each other to keep going, and prayers were being prayed over the streets that even 1 person would inquire the purpose of this race and hear about the good news of healing and restoration that is found through Christ. As the last stragglers arrived to the Christine house, the runners gathered to pray together. Brett, YT and CC all gave an encouraging word and/or verse. One of the verses appropriately referenced Hebrews 12:1-3.... this verse speaks to us being "surrounded by a great cloud of witness", which we were and "running the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus", which we did. It was a rewarding experience for everybody.
We then had a restful lunch at Eloyseus' house, and devoured the delicious food our gracious hosts provided for us. From there we departed to Pagwini village. On the bus ride, YT filled us in on a little personal background he has with this village. The story entails 3-4 years back he and a couple others visiting this remote village way, way out in the brush. They found this hut and spoke with a man named Santino. After sharing the gospel, YT asked if he would like to follow Jesus? The man told YT, "I want to think about it, come back and ask me in 3 days" After 3 days YT and his friends went back out there, and asked the same question. The man said "I have decided to follow Jesus, but not only me, I would like my whole family to know Jesus" YT got to pray for them and share what it meant to be born again. YT also asked if this man would be willing to take on a new name, the name Peter. He gladly took the name. Peter then told him there are other villagers who would like to come to know Christ, and it was a group of 40 additional people. Peter and his family were then introduced to Eloyseus and became church members at the Koro farm. They were discipled and mentored by Eloyseus and team and have since started discipling others at the Pagwini village.
Once we arrived to the village, some of our team looked on in amazement of how much it has grown in the past few years. It used to be 1 small hut and brush, and now it has a soccer field, a daycare, a pig pen and the beginnings of a megakitchen. We were greeted by Christine, who a year ago decided to move from the farm to this village. When she initially moved there, she was unsure. But she has grown to love it and responded with a "Great" when CC asked how she was doing. We were given a tour and then did 2 house visits. The first was to Peter and his household. Peter and his wife faithfully attend church at the Koro farm each Sunday, since his conversion. He shared how he would like prayer for strength to introduce others to Christ. Rodney shared a great word about a man Jesus healed from demon possession who went on to influence all of his village. We then visited an 80yr old woman and her household. She had many children and even more grandchildren. It was a very raw scene of the scarcity they have. To see the children covered in dirt, not fully clothed, and some of them visibly sick was hard to take in. This woman shared with us how she often gets sick and needs prayer for strength. YT was able to share about the blessing of having many kids.
We then went on to play a game of handball and soccer with the kids at the village. Handball was a really nice change of pace for those of us who don't play soccer. Team "Fanta", dressed in orange jerseys, took it to YT's team in handball, but we didn't have the some luck in soccer.
We ended the night by scarfing down an excellent dinner and hearing a word from Justin, who has grown over the years to be a strong leader at the farm. We also heard from Annette, who ministers through arts and crafts.
It was a very full day, for our bodies, souls and minds. But a great one that blessed us all.
Troy confidently hung with Brett, Dennis, and some of the kids early on....telling himself, "It's just mind over matter." A few miles and hills later, the matter became too strong for the mind. The hot sun baked, and the hills seemed to never end. Some of our friends got picked up and encouraged by those in the bus. Others chose to be a glutton for punishment. Note to self, don't run an 11k if you haven't worked out in months. Yes, that's what the race ended up being, an 11k to the farm. But in the midst of the physical suffering, there was a greater thing happening. The runners were encouraging each other to keep going, and prayers were being prayed over the streets that even 1 person would inquire the purpose of this race and hear about the good news of healing and restoration that is found through Christ. As the last stragglers arrived to the Christine house, the runners gathered to pray together. Brett, YT and CC all gave an encouraging word and/or verse. One of the verses appropriately referenced Hebrews 12:1-3.... this verse speaks to us being "surrounded by a great cloud of witness", which we were and "running the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus", which we did. It was a rewarding experience for everybody.
We then had a restful lunch at Eloyseus' house, and devoured the delicious food our gracious hosts provided for us. From there we departed to Pagwini village. On the bus ride, YT filled us in on a little personal background he has with this village. The story entails 3-4 years back he and a couple others visiting this remote village way, way out in the brush. They found this hut and spoke with a man named Santino. After sharing the gospel, YT asked if he would like to follow Jesus? The man told YT, "I want to think about it, come back and ask me in 3 days" After 3 days YT and his friends went back out there, and asked the same question. The man said "I have decided to follow Jesus, but not only me, I would like my whole family to know Jesus" YT got to pray for them and share what it meant to be born again. YT also asked if this man would be willing to take on a new name, the name Peter. He gladly took the name. Peter then told him there are other villagers who would like to come to know Christ, and it was a group of 40 additional people. Peter and his family were then introduced to Eloyseus and became church members at the Koro farm. They were discipled and mentored by Eloyseus and team and have since started discipling others at the Pagwini village.
Once we arrived to the village, some of our team looked on in amazement of how much it has grown in the past few years. It used to be 1 small hut and brush, and now it has a soccer field, a daycare, a pig pen and the beginnings of a megakitchen. We were greeted by Christine, who a year ago decided to move from the farm to this village. When she initially moved there, she was unsure. But she has grown to love it and responded with a "Great" when CC asked how she was doing. We were given a tour and then did 2 house visits. The first was to Peter and his household. Peter and his wife faithfully attend church at the Koro farm each Sunday, since his conversion. He shared how he would like prayer for strength to introduce others to Christ. Rodney shared a great word about a man Jesus healed from demon possession who went on to influence all of his village. We then visited an 80yr old woman and her household. She had many children and even more grandchildren. It was a very raw scene of the scarcity they have. To see the children covered in dirt, not fully clothed, and some of them visibly sick was hard to take in. This woman shared with us how she often gets sick and needs prayer for strength. YT was able to share about the blessing of having many kids.
We then went on to play a game of handball and soccer with the kids at the village. Handball was a really nice change of pace for those of us who don't play soccer. Team "Fanta", dressed in orange jerseys, took it to YT's team in handball, but we didn't have the some luck in soccer.
We ended the night by scarfing down an excellent dinner and hearing a word from Justin, who has grown over the years to be a strong leader at the farm. We also heard from Annette, who ministers through arts and crafts.
It was a very full day, for our bodies, souls and minds. But a great one that blessed us all.
some highlights:
* Dean telling Troy that he would "send him a postcard" after he passed him in the race.
* Dean telling Troy that he would "send him a postcard" after he passed him in the race.
*John's complaint about how he doesn't fare well with the games that put him in
the middle. (during signs)
*The reactions to the Duck Dynasty beard app on Millie and her friends during our bus ride
*All the "ay yai yai yai yai's", especially when CC introduced her husband.
*The reactions to the Duck Dynasty beard app on Millie and her friends during our bus ride
*All the "ay yai yai yai yai's", especially when CC introduced her husband.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Uganda Day 3: Expectations Exceeded
We arrived at Koro Farm for morning devotion with our SOM kids (here they call it Sports Outreach Ministries). Julie and Brett got us all fired up for the day with two great devotions. They shared about working for the Lord with all your heart and taught about the Lord's greatest commands to Love first Him, then our neighbors.
We split into two groups for our morning projects. Some took on the task of gathering dead corn stacks and distributing them as fertilizer. The other group did "construction'" which consisted of digging holes for the new kitchen and chopping down banana trees. Ugandans averaged 2 strikes with the machete, while Ashley averaged 8 strikes to sever the banana tree, there was a serious learning curve. The two teams joined forces to unload a truck filled with 600+ pavers, full blown assembly line necessary. Tea time with Millie was great, many of us managed to drink hot tea in 85 degree weather.
After lunch we went on two home visits to the huts of neighboring church members. Our team was incredibly encouraged by two different experiences; both families shared their stories of brokenness that is being combated and mended through childlike faith in the Lord. Praying with these families was a memory that we hope never fades.
Back at the farm the teens prepared a great dance for us followed by impromptu devotions from YT, Ashley, and Rodney. Afterwards, the men conducted a soccer clinic and the women shared a special moment with the ladies of the Beautiful Feet Ministries.
The final experience of the evening brought about many emotions. The team took the bumpy, mogul-esque, clay dirt bus ride to the Lajwatek village. Never before have we been greeted with such excitement, love, and impressive dance moves. The children of Lajwatek performed three dances that left us in awe. And as if that were not enough we heard the testimony of Esther. Esther was declared dead for three days, when the pastor at Koro Farm was asked to pray over her dead body in preparation for her burial. As he prayed he felt compelled to ask God to restore her life. And He did. This miracle has transformed the lives of the entire village and has since inspired a spiritual movement. The village is in great condition and thriving. God's presence here is intoxicating. After some time with the children, and a quick dance lesson we headed back for the night with a full heart.
Highlights: Jordan and YT showed off their Mazungu moves at the Lajwatek village; CC and Betty got a little too friendly with a pig; Devon, Ashley, Jordan and Julie demonstrated The Wobble, and only got laughed at a few times; Brett had village children following the bus looking for the Santa who tosses suckers out the back window; Troy and John were voted Mr. Popularity as many of the community members are drawn to them and their meaningful conversations.
We split into two groups for our morning projects. Some took on the task of gathering dead corn stacks and distributing them as fertilizer. The other group did "construction'" which consisted of digging holes for the new kitchen and chopping down banana trees. Ugandans averaged 2 strikes with the machete, while Ashley averaged 8 strikes to sever the banana tree, there was a serious learning curve. The two teams joined forces to unload a truck filled with 600+ pavers, full blown assembly line necessary. Tea time with Millie was great, many of us managed to drink hot tea in 85 degree weather.
After lunch we went on two home visits to the huts of neighboring church members. Our team was incredibly encouraged by two different experiences; both families shared their stories of brokenness that is being combated and mended through childlike faith in the Lord. Praying with these families was a memory that we hope never fades.
Back at the farm the teens prepared a great dance for us followed by impromptu devotions from YT, Ashley, and Rodney. Afterwards, the men conducted a soccer clinic and the women shared a special moment with the ladies of the Beautiful Feet Ministries.
The final experience of the evening brought about many emotions. The team took the bumpy, mogul-esque, clay dirt bus ride to the Lajwatek village. Never before have we been greeted with such excitement, love, and impressive dance moves. The children of Lajwatek performed three dances that left us in awe. And as if that were not enough we heard the testimony of Esther. Esther was declared dead for three days, when the pastor at Koro Farm was asked to pray over her dead body in preparation for her burial. As he prayed he felt compelled to ask God to restore her life. And He did. This miracle has transformed the lives of the entire village and has since inspired a spiritual movement. The village is in great condition and thriving. God's presence here is intoxicating. After some time with the children, and a quick dance lesson we headed back for the night with a full heart.
Highlights: Jordan and YT showed off their Mazungu moves at the Lajwatek village; CC and Betty got a little too friendly with a pig; Devon, Ashley, Jordan and Julie demonstrated The Wobble, and only got laughed at a few times; Brett had village children following the bus looking for the Santa who tosses suckers out the back window; Troy and John were voted Mr. Popularity as many of the community members are drawn to them and their meaningful conversations.
Day Two: Team Bonding; the long bumpy road to Gulu
Day two started with a seven hour drive to Gulu. This was quite the bonding time and uncovered the following interesting facts about our team:
*As we were walking across the Nile River our team learned that we are far more scared of Baboons than they are of us
*The married people like to put the single ladies in the hot seat. But the roles were never reversed. Likely because they have nothing exciting to share anyway.
*YT (aka THE Dustin Swinehart) explained the SCEMM meter in FULL detail. All you single ladies, if you're not sure what constitutes a real date, give him a call... PowerPoint included.
*Everyone was surprised that the preppy financial client relations gal, Devon, prefers the type of man that can be found on any episode of Duck Dynasty. You wear camo? Call Devon.
*Troy is married to a Romanian Gypsy world traveling hip hop violinist
*Ashley realized in hindsight that she is attracted to men with big noses
*During our celebrity lookalike game we found out that YT knowingly deceived a poor young boy by signing an autograph posing as the mean guy from The Karate Kid.
We arrived at Koro Farm safe and sound and were warmly welcomed by the staff. Koro Farm is a beautiful serene place filled with the presence of God. You can see it on their faces and the work that is being completed there serves a very specific purpose of restoring hope and raising up future disciples. All in the name of Jesus.
During our tour of the farm Brett egged on Ashley to pick up a pig. Correct, Ashley scooped up a piglet who not so surprisingly squealed like a pig and alerted mama pig of the apparent pig-napping. Mama pig became hostile, Ashley dropped the piglet, ran away, and the tour continued.
The evening ended with an intense soccer match of Team Mazungu (white people) verse fresh young 12-13 year old Ugandans. According to statistics Team Mazungu was not favored to win. But when underestimated we only fight harder. We won 3-2! And no, YT did not score. With a killer left foot goal by John; an intense one on one goal from Brett; and an after match penalty shot by Julie we showed them how Americans do it. Granted it was not pretty and the kids are still contesting the score back and forth with Julie... we still consider it a 'W'. We have been challenged to a rematch. Results to follow.
*As we were walking across the Nile River our team learned that we are far more scared of Baboons than they are of us
*The married people like to put the single ladies in the hot seat. But the roles were never reversed. Likely because they have nothing exciting to share anyway.
*YT (aka THE Dustin Swinehart) explained the SCEMM meter in FULL detail. All you single ladies, if you're not sure what constitutes a real date, give him a call... PowerPoint included.
*Everyone was surprised that the preppy financial client relations gal, Devon, prefers the type of man that can be found on any episode of Duck Dynasty. You wear camo? Call Devon.
*Troy is married to a Romanian Gypsy world traveling hip hop violinist
*Ashley realized in hindsight that she is attracted to men with big noses
*During our celebrity lookalike game we found out that YT knowingly deceived a poor young boy by signing an autograph posing as the mean guy from The Karate Kid.
We arrived at Koro Farm safe and sound and were warmly welcomed by the staff. Koro Farm is a beautiful serene place filled with the presence of God. You can see it on their faces and the work that is being completed there serves a very specific purpose of restoring hope and raising up future disciples. All in the name of Jesus.
During our tour of the farm Brett egged on Ashley to pick up a pig. Correct, Ashley scooped up a piglet who not so surprisingly squealed like a pig and alerted mama pig of the apparent pig-napping. Mama pig became hostile, Ashley dropped the piglet, ran away, and the tour continued.
The evening ended with an intense soccer match of Team Mazungu (white people) verse fresh young 12-13 year old Ugandans. According to statistics Team Mazungu was not favored to win. But when underestimated we only fight harder. We won 3-2! And no, YT did not score. With a killer left foot goal by John; an intense one on one goal from Brett; and an after match penalty shot by Julie we showed them how Americans do it. Granted it was not pretty and the kids are still contesting the score back and forth with Julie... we still consider it a 'W'. We have been challenged to a rematch. Results to follow.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
The Journey to Africa - January 19, 2014
The Journey to Africa - Dustin Swinehart January 19, 2014
Like most of these trips they start with a combination of
excitement and fear about the unknowns in front of us. The team gathered in
Charlotte and joined together to head towards this adventure. It takes 28-30 hours to eventually get
here. The trip is filled with plenty of
airplane food, movies and Ambien. When
we arrived in Amsterdam we had a make a critical decision. Do we take the train into downtown during our
layover to get breakfast at a local bakery?! With a 3 hour layover, the answer was yes! We quickly made our way to the train station,
got tickets and arrived in Downtown Amsterdam at 7 am. Walking through the streets in the morning
was really amazing, as was the chocolate covered waffles. We dashed back to the train and made it to
the gate with time to spare and great added experience for the team. We did pick up a new teammate in Amsterdam
named Jordan who is a great addition to our group.
The arrival in Africa is always amazing. You walk off the plane and you can just tell
you are in Africa. Thankfully all
baggage made it and before we knew it, we were outside the airport being
greeted by the SOM staff. Big smiles and
welcoming hugs always make a weary traveler feel like they have arrived in a
special place!
After a good night sleep under a mosquito net, we awoke to a
pleasantly cool morning where the team was able to sit outside and enjoy our
first Ugandan meal together.
Today was our first day to head into the slums with the
staff. Natetee was the first stop. The initial drive into the slums hits you
with the reality of the living conditions that these families deal with every
day. Dirty and bumpy roads, a stream and
gray sewage water running in front of your house, a 10 by 10 house where 4-6
people live in and activity everywhere you can see. It is truly impossible to digest the sights,
sounds, and smells of the slums.
We walked the streets and ended at the SOM house where
Willis, the Natetee project director, shared with us all that God is doing there. Feeding programs for up to 300, 50 kids in a
school program, a soccer club started called Life Eternal FC, MDD classes
(Music, Dance and Drama) and discipleship and mentoring. It was awesome. We heard a few testimonies of how peoples’
lives and families are being impacted.
Then we talked to the soccer field.
We had to climb over a 15-20ft. pile of trash to enter the field where
two teams we having a match. A field of
half grass and half dirt and goal posts made of tree branches. As these older teams played our group was
able to share with the younger teams and pray for them.
From here we headed to Chibuli slum. This slum is predominately Muslim, but SOM
has a great work going on. We heard from
the program leaders about what the ministry is seeing happen and testimonies
from children. Then we had a Q and A
time with the 40 children that were with us.
This is a weekly time that the staff lead. They talked about what wisdom is, favorite
Bible verses and had a question about what snakes eat =) It was a very fun and encouraging time to
hear about how God is transforming this community.
After lunch, we stopped in on the Uganda Chess Olympiad
trials being held at our hotel. 22
street children from the SOM chess academy were participating. We were able to watch and meet Phiona the
chess champion of Africa who was a street kid Chess academy player.
Then we were off to Katwe slum where we visited the SOM
chess academy. It was really cool seeing
20 kids playing and practicing the game of chess in an environment that teaches
them about Christ. Our team took on the
kids in a few games of chess. I won’t
share all the result with you guys.
In Katwe we were able to do a home visit and sit with a
local pastor. All that before dinner.
At dinner we were able to hear the testimony of SOM staff
member and Good News soccer team coach Moses.
Moses is a man that walks very closely to the feet of Jesus. In 2002 he moved into the slums as a young
man to take in street kids and care for them and mentor them towards a new life
in Christ. His humility is so evident
and his impact is even ore evident. God
has used this man in powerful ways in this country and we’re blessed to spend
some time with him.
So that is it. We are
here safe, we have one day under our belts, and God certainly is breaking our
hearts and blessing us through the interaction and time in the ministry
projects with the staff. Thank you for
praying for us.
A few other highlights
1. So far in the food
category, no one has had a more complexities than Bret. It started with Sushi in the charlotte
airport, pasties in down town Amsterdam, then a purchase of smoke salmon to
bring on the plane ride to Entebbe and topped off with a few hand-fulls of sour
patch kids. Is that Paleo?
2. Ashley’s very bold
and loud pronunciation of a city near Amsterdam.
3. Julie and Betty’s
laugh are an incredible combination
4. Rodney asking a
mother who was breastfeeding one infant baby and holding another infant in her
arms, “Are both these your babies?” “No”
she answered, “Which one is yours?” then realizing it was plainly obvious which
one was hers.
5. Hip Hop beat box
and rap session with local Rasta man in Katwe.
The Journey to Africa
Like most of these trips they start with a combination of
excitement and fear about the unknowns in front of us. The team gathered in
Charlotte and joined together to head towards this adventure. It takes 28-30 hours to eventually get
here. The trip is filled with plenty of
airplane food, movies and Ambien. When
we arrived in Amsterdam we had a make a critical decision. Do we take the train into downtown during our
layover to get breakfast at a local bakery?! With a 3 hour layover, the answer was yes! We quickly made our way to the train station,
got tickets and arrived in Downtown Amsterdam at 7 am. Walking through the streets in the morning
was really amazing, as was the chocolate covered waffles. We dashed back to the train and made it to
the gate with time to spare and great added experience for the team. We did pick up a new teammate in Amsterdam
named Jordan who is a great addition to our group.
The arrival in Africa is always amazing. You walk off the plane and you can just tell
you are in Africa. Thankfully all
baggage made it and before we knew it, we were outside the airport being
greeted by the SOM staff. Big smiles and
welcoming hugs always make a weary traveler feel like they have arrived in a
special place!
After a good night sleep under a mosquito net, we awoke to a
pleasantly cool morning where the team was able to sit outside and enjoy our
first Ugandan meal together.
Today was our first day to head into the slums with the
staff. Natetee was the first stop. The initial drive into the slums hits you
with the reality of the living conditions that these families deal with every
day. Dirty and bumpy roads, a stream and
gray sewage water running in front of your house, a 10 by 10 house where 4-6
people live in and activity everywhere you can see. It is truly impossible to digest the sights,
sounds, and smells of the slums.
We walked the streets and ended at the SOM house where
Willis, the Nateete project director, shared with us all that God is doing there. Feeding programs for up to 300, 50 kids in a
school program, a soccer club started called Life Eternal FC, MDD classes
(Music, Dance and Drama) and discipleship and mentoring. It was awesome. We heard a few testimonies of how peoples’
lives and families are being impacted.
Then we talked to the soccer field.
We had to climb over a 15-20ft. pile of trash to enter the field where
two teams we having a match. A field of
half grass and half dirt and goal posts made of tree branches. As these older teams played our group was
able to share with the younger teams and pray for them.
From here we headed to Kibuli slum. This slum is predominately Muslim, but SOM
has a great work going on. We heard from
the program leaders about what the ministry is seeing happen and testimonies
from children. Then we had a Q and A
time with the 40 children that were with us.
This is a weekly time that the staff lead. They talked about what wisdom is, favorite
Bible verses and had a question about what snakes eat =) It was a very fun and encouraging time to
hear about how God is transforming this community.
After lunch, we stopped in on the Uganda Chess Olympiad
trials being held at our hotel. 22
street children from the SOM chess academy were participating. We were able to watch and meet Phiona the
chess champion of Africa who was a street kid Chess academy player.
Then we were off to Katwe slum where we visited the SOM
chess academy. It was really cool seeing
20 kids playing and practicing the game of chess in an environment that teaches
them about Christ. Our team took on the
kids in a few games of chess. I won’t
share all the result with you guys.
In Katwe we were able to do a home visit and sit with a
local pastor. All that before dinner.
At dinner we were able to hear the testimony of SOM staff
member and Good News soccer team coach Moses.
Moses is a man that walks very closely to the feet of Jesus. In 2002 he moved into the slums as a young
man to take in street kids and care for them and mentor them towards a new life
in Christ. His humility is so evident
and his impact is even ore evident. God
has used this man in powerful ways in this country and we’re blessed to spend
some time with him.
So that is it. We are
here safe, we have one day under our belts, and God certainly is breaking our
hearts and blessing us through the interaction and time in the ministry
projects with the staff. Thank you for
praying for us.
A few other highlights
1. So far in the food
category, no one has had a more complexities than Bret. It started with Sushi in the charlotte
airport, pasties in down town Amsterdam, then a purchase of smoke salmon to
bring on the plane ride to Entebbe and topped off with a few hand-fulls of sour
patch kids. Is that Paleo?
2. Ashley’s very bold
and loud pronunciation of a city near Amsterdam.
3. Julie and Betty’s
laugh are an incredible combination
4. Rodney asking a
mother who was breastfeeding one infant baby and holding another infant in her
arms, “Are both these your babies?” “No”
she answered, “Which one is yours?” then realizing it was plainly obvious which
one was hers.
5. Hip Hop beat box
and rap session with local Rasta man in Katwe.
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