Thursday, December 30, 2010

Raining Hope Chapter 11 Update 2

Raining Hope Incorporated
Chapter 11 – Update #2
December 2010

Wow! When I went to update the blog I was faced with a challenge...the page is all in arabic! I had to just blindly hit tabs according to where I thought the sign in was! Finally...success!

I have arrived safely in Dubai! The flight on Emirates was GREAT! Carol, Kiana and I left early for the airport yesterday because of rain and possible delays at the airport. There had been reports of delays because of the severe weather back east. God answered our prayers. We had NO traffic going to LAX from Ventura. For those of you that know Los Angeles, that in itself is amazing! When I walked into the airport, there was NO line at the Emirates counter! As I was walking up to the counter, the agent was already motioning that his desk was open!
When I travel by myself it is always a challenge with luggage. I was only allowed 2 free bags at 50 pounds each. I did have to carry a third piece of luggage that another ministry paid for. Excess pieces of luggage cost $175! The good thing with Emirates is you can go up to 70 pounds each and pay an extra $50 a piece. We packed the bags to the brim and expected our extra charges to amount to $275. But God answered our prayers! The agent only charged me the $175 for the third piece! Praise the Lord!
Since my flight does not leave for Uganda until Friday morning at 8:45 am, Emirates provides an overnight stay in one of their airport hotels. It is nice to have a place to lay down to sleep for a few hours rather than sitting up in the airplane! They also provide a nice dinner & breakfast buffet.
When I write again from Uganda it will be a New Year! In a book I am reading, “Lioness Arising” by Lisa Bevere, she had the following quote from the Bible.
“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the Lord their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king. God brought them out of Egypt; for them he is as strong as a wild ox. No curse can touch Jacob; no magic has any power against Israel. For now it will be said of Jacob, ‘What wonders God has done for Israel!’” Numbers 23:19-23 (NLT).
Lisa states how “these words contain so much about the faithfulness of God. His promises are sure and certain, and his blessings are irreversible.” As I travel to Uganda, my prayer is that I trust in God and His plans. I know my God is with me. He has rescued us out of Egypt. He will receive all the glory!
Happy New Year to all!
Kale,
Eydie!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Uganda trip - Chapter 11 - Update #1

Raining Hope Incorporated
Chapter 11 – Update #1
December 2010

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support this past year! It was nice to have friends and family come to celebrate my birthday yesterday (December 27th)! We had a very special time of prayer for my upcoming trip! Thanks to everyone who also sent greetings via Facebook! Your words of encouragement meant a great deal to me!

I will be leaving December 29th for Uganda! I will be traveling by myself to take care of ministry issues at the home. For those that are new to my updates, I title these emails as chapters. This is my 11th trip to Uganda so it is Chapter 11! You can go to our website, www.raininghope.org and check out my blog. It has past journal entries you can read to see how God has worked over the past 4 years!

We also have our 24 hour prayer chain. We took on the challenge of having a 24 Hour Prayer Team because of an emphasis stated in the International Mission Board’s book on Impacting Your World. "No church would send out a volunteer team without praying for its members. No believers would dare go to a foreign country and think they could make a difference without praying that God would use them and empower their witness with His Holy Spirit. But prayer is a way the entire church, not just those who go, can be involved in a mission partnership. The entire congregation should play a role in seeking God's will for overseas involvement. Church members should pray not only for those who go on mission teams - for health, safety and effectiveness - but also for the places the teams go and the people to whom they witness and minister. Continuing prayer for missionaries and local believers will expand the effectiveness of the team's ministry long after the team has returned home.”
If you would like to sign up for an hour of prayer, please contact Carol John at carol@caroljohn.com . If you have had a specific hour on the past trips, you can continue to pray during that hour.
Here are specific prayer request specifically for this trip:
Prayer Requests:
1) Travel – Pray for my flights:
Depart: Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Los Angeles International Airport – Time: 4:00 pm
Flight: Emirates EK 216
Arrive: Dubai International Airport
Time: 7:45 pm (Thursday, December 30, 2010) (Overnight stay)

Depart: Friday, December 31, 2010
Dubai International Airport – Time: 8:25 am
Flight: Emirates EK 723
Arrive: Entebbe Airport, Uganda
Time: 2:45 pm

2) New Schools
The children are starting school in a new district. Pray as I will be meeting with the new schools to make sure the transition goes smoothly.
3) New Manager
Solomon, our current manager of Raining Hope Children’s Home resigned due to the fact he has found another job. I will be working with him on this trip to find a replacement. Please pray that God would direct us to the chosen person. Pray for wisdom & discernment in all issues while I am there.
4) Pray for my family back here at home while I am traveling!
5) WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP
a. If you would like to help you can make an end of year tax-deductible donation of any size to help us pay off the amount loaned to us to clear all debts of the transition to the new home.
b. Contact our treasurer for Raining Hope Inc., Carol John at carol@caroljohn.com Her phone number is 805-377-7387. You can mail checks to her attention at 507 Fernwood Drive , Oxnard CA 93030 .
c. You can also go to our website at www.raininghope.org You can make credit card donations at that site
6) Consider sponsoring a child.
We have 38 students that we are taking care of through Raining Hope. Some of the older students are currently in boarding school. The majority of these students will be housed in the new home. You can sponsor a child for $30 a month that helps with school fees, food, housing & other necessities. Please contact us if you are interested in partnering together with us.
7) First Annual “Sit-A-Thon” – February 11-12, 2010
We’ve all heard of a “Walk-A-Thon” to raise funds. What about a 24 hour “Sit-A-Thon!” The weekend of February 11-12, 2010, Raining Hope will have its first annual event! More details are coming soon! You won’t want to miss it!

I will be in touch when I arrive safely in Uganda. As soon as I arrive, I will be going to a New Year’s Eve overnight service in Kakira! This is always a highlight to celebrate the New Year with my brothers & sisters in Uganda! Thanks for your continued support & prayers! We look forward to what God will do!

Kale!
Eydie

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Friday, December 10, 2010

Annual Tamale Fundraiser!



Raining Hope Annual Tamale Fundraiser!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
8823 Denver Street – Ventura, CA 93004
805-340-7612

Homemade pork tamales (THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE RESERVED TAMALES! WE ARE ALMOST SOLD OUT!)
$18 per dozen
Baked Goods
African Gifts
2011 Raining Hope Calendars (new!) $20 each

Stop by for a cup of cider, visit with friends, and make a donation to the children of
Raining Hope Children’s Home for Christmas!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Chapter 10 Update #7






Chapter 10 Update #7
October 23, 2010

Thanks to everyone who have been praying for me as I have been adjusting back to life here stateside. It has been good to be home with friends and family.

My trip back home was good…but my luggage did not arrive with me at LAX! For some reason, the bags never got transferred to the plane in London. They all arrived in one piece on the same day, just next flight! Thank goodness that British Airways delivered the bags to my house! The bags showed up via messenger late Saturday night.

I have been in constant contact with Solomon since coming home. All is going well with the transition. Pastor Paul said that they are all doing fine at the house. He said on the first day they went back to school, he stood outside as one by one they filed out of the house! What an amazing picture of grace!

The new landlord came and met with Solomon last weekend. His name is Hudson. He took Solomon around the neighborhood to introduce people to our ministry! Hudson seems very satisfied with our group occupying his home.

Solomon has been working to get everything in order to register Raining Hope in the new district. He has to meet with quite a few individuals and officials. Continue to pray for him that it will be a smooth transition.

I have been working on getting the sponsorship files updated. We have 38 students that we are taking care of through Raining Hope. Some of the older students are currently in boarding school. The majority of these students will be housed in the new home. We also have 3 full time staff, Solomon as manager, Annette as the main houseparent and Loy as our cook. Two of our older students, Charles & Peter are becoming Solomon’s right hand men.

Through a generous donation made towards food, the children have been eating well. Solomon is doing a great job managing the food supply. He just wrote to tell me that food prices were rising, so he bought extra that should last them for a longer period. I am watching the finances being managed well as Solomon is a great steward of God’s resources.


Calendar of Upcoming Events:

I am leaving tonight for the Fresno area. Pray for me as I will be speaking tomorrow, October 24, 2010 at 11 am. I will be at Annadale Baptist Church, 1511 14th Street, Sanger, CA 93657. The pastor is Ernie Sanchez, Sylvia Hernandez’s uncle. I am looking forward to sharing with the congregation about what God is doing in Uganda. They have a heart for missions. Pray that God would be glorified. If you are in the area, you are welcomed to join us.
I will then stay in the Fresno area as our California Southern Baptist Convention is Tuesday, October 26-27 in Clovis. I then plan to travel to the San Francisco Bay Area to visit my family for a couple of days.

I serve as a lead chaplain with the California Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief team. There will be Disaster Relief Training - November 11-13, 2010 (Thursday-Saturday) Registration on November 11th is from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm. Session begins at 6:30 pm. Concludes on Saturday at 12 noon.
This is an introduction to Disaster Relief, DR Witnessing, Chaplaincy, Cleanup, Damage Assessment & Mass Feeding. If you would like serve on the Disaster Relief team, you must go through the CSBC Disaster Relief training.

Place: Ventura Baptist Church – 4515 Ralston Street, Ventura CA 93003
For more information you can contact me or contact Cathy Glover at 559-229-9533 ext. 255.

We are also excited that Kiana is involved in the production of “Oklahoma” through the Performing Theatre for Young Artists.
Dates of the performances are
Saturday, November 13th: 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 14th : 4:00 pm Gala (specialty food & drink) & Reception / 5:00 pm showtime
Saturday, November 20th: 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 21st : 4:00 pm
General Admission: $15 adults/ $12 Children or Seniors
Tickets bought before November 4th will receive $1 off per ticket.

Kiana is very excited and invites anyone to come & support her! You can email me back or contact me by cell phone to let me know if you would like to purchase tickets. The Raining Hope office is also in the same building, Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura 93003. We plan to host a reception in the Raining Hope office before each performance! Please RSVP to purchase tickets as soon as possible. The space is limited. Email eydie@raininghope.org

Upcoming Fundraisers:
Annual Tamale & Christmas Boutique – December
First Annual “Sit A Thon” – February
More information soon on these events. Get ready to order your tamales!

Prayer Requests:
1) We praise our God for answered prayer. All is going well with the move to the new home. Solomon was able to get the outdoor structure taken down from the old house. He will be moving the wood to the new house this weekend. This is what we use as an outdoor dining area. Pray as he needs to get the structure set up at the new house.

2) School.
a. All is working out well to finish the third term. Continue to pray for Pastor Paul & Margaret as they house our children so they can finish school.
b. We did pay the balance of school terms that we knew we owed. However, we were loaned that money at home so we could pay it off in one place back in the states rather than owe the multiple people here in Uganda . We still need assistance with these fees.
b. We discovered on the last day that we owe an additional amount of school fees that was unexpected. This is an additional amount of approximately $1,500.

3) WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP.
a. If you would like to help you can make a tax-deductible donation of any size to help us pay off the amount loaned to us to clear all debts.
b. Contact our treasurer for Raining Hope Inc., Carol John at carol@caroljohn.com as soon as possible.
c. You can also go to our website at www.raininghope.org You can make credit card donations at that site.

4) Continue to pray for the transition. They will not all be together at the new home until December and the end of the school term. Pray for Solomon and the staff as they prepare the house during this transition.

5) Pray as we shift the name from Living Hope Children’s Home to Raining Hope
Children’s Home! Solomon will be working on all the necessary paperwork and meetings. Solomon asks for prayer that every office he enters that he will find favor. Solomon is working on revising our constitution to reflect the new name.

Chapter 10 Update #6

Chapter 10 Update #6
October 8, 2010

It is Friday, October 8th and I have arrived safely in London . Overnight stays in London are challenging and expensive! After spending the past 10 days in Uganda , it is always difficult to pay close to $8 one way for the shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel! I also had a mocha & rustic bread with dipping oil for dinner…and I think just that cost close to $14! I took my leftover bread with me so I can have a snack later! Funny…in Uganda you don’t want to waste food when so many around you don’t have enough. In London , I don’t want to waste any because it is so expensive!

This is a different Holiday Inn than the one I stayed in with the ISP team in May. It’s actually smaller than my room in Uganda …yet it has a warming towel rack in the bathroom, an electric trouser press again the wall in the entry, and internet connection in the room! The hotel is also configured in a circular design. I literally walked the complete circle to get to the lifts (elevators) because I turned the wrong way from my room! It was like a scene from a movie…I thought I was never going to get off this floor!

We left Jinja at 5 am to arrive at the airport in time to catch my 9 am flight. Because Solomon knows his way around Kampala so well, we were able to dodge the morning traffic and make it in just over 2 hours. He is amazing! When we got to the airport, there was extra security being taken. We think it is because of the visiting dignitaries that are arriving for the Saturday celebration of Independence Day for Uganda . They also wouldn’t let any cars drive up to the departure area. Surprisingly enough, it was not too crowded once I made it inside the airport.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday all seem like a passing blur to me! So much was accomplished in a very short period.
Solomon went to the local council’s office on Tuesday to start the process of registering our ministry in the new district. I had to go into town to pick up some things from friends. One of the ladies who used to work at the Hotel Paradise now works at a computer training center. She had stopped by the hotel to visit with me on Monday. As I visited her at work, I was also able to meet her boss. After praying for their business, he had me sign their guest book. He was so excited because I was the first “muzungu” to sign his book! (White person).

There finally was a hint of coming rain. There were dark clouds and even thunder! I was sure that the rain was just around the corner! Yet…still just black clouds hovering…thunder booming. Where was the rain? I heard it was in California ! Yet that is where the funds were slowly coming in to support the work. As I looked up at the dark clouds I had a sense of how the Israelite children must have felt as God led them out of Egypt . He led them cloud by day and fire by night. He was leading the way out. I was full of peace knowing that He was leading us out and to trust in Him.

On Wednesday, Solomon & I had to travel to Kampala . Just driving through Kampala is always the adventure. At one point Solomon asked if I wanted to drive! My response was a very firm “no” followed with a laugh! I told him that I would have to graduate to that level. Traffic was so congested that when we delivered an envelope to someone in Kampala for Robert, that person just met us outside and we passed it to him out the window as we barely stopped. Now that is special delivery!

We went to meet the new landlord to negotiate the details of the rent face to face. We found a parking space in the midst of the craziness of the city. We actually had the meeting in the car! Hudson is one of two brothers that takes care of this property. We came to an agreement and was able to secure the larger home we had been looking at for 6 months at $400 a month! We will need to come up with the additional $2,400 to pay for the following 6 months. It is an answer to prayer that they accepted less than the full one year’s rent.

After the craziness of the city, we traveled to the outskirts of town where it was much more peaceful! We went to Sheila & Michael’s home, the friends of Denise Levette who we visited on the last trip. I had a few things to give them from their son, Aaron. We found just Sheila at home that afternoon. We stayed just for a short time, sharing with one another over freshly squeezed passion fruit juice and popcorn!

Thursday became the day of freedom & celebration! The money from the US arrived on Wednesday. I was able to go and pay off many of our outstanding bills and school fees. With all of the reconciliation that was begun on my trip in August, much had been uncovered and then put in order. We had a very clear picture of what was actually owed. Solomon is doing an excellent job at this end for us. Brandi & Kurt also facilitated this for us as they helped with setting up the budget. We want to start brand new!

The landlord of the current home paid us a last minute visit on Thursday. We had a very great meeting and left on good terms. He graciously gave us to the end of the weekend to vacate. We will be dismantling the outdoor dining area that we constructed as that timber belongs to us. He has given us until next weekend to complete that. He is going to remodel the home and use it again for his family. He said I am welcomed to come back and visit. This was only God who could orchestrate such an exit. We have also come to appreciate their caretaker in this past week. The miracle of reconciliation is a powerful tool that points people to the grace of a very loving God. During our time of prayer as we completed our meeting, it began to rain! It actually began to POUR! There was thunder and LOTS OF RAIN! There was so much rain that the landlord had to wait until it let up before they could leave. I went outside and watched the children running and laughing in the rain becoming drenched! I wish that you could have all been there to experience the love of God pouring blessings out on us. It was worth waiting through the week of dark clouds hovering over us. The outpouring of rain at the moment we prayed with the landlord was powerful. It became so strong that the sound of the rain almost drowned out Paul’s voice.

The rain let up enough for us to start loading up the trucks that we had rented. We had to make four trips to the new home in Bukaya. We brought some of the beds and whatever the children wanted to take to leave at the new home. They will take just their personal belongings to finish out the third term at the alternative site.
With each trip, we brought the children in small groups to their new home. It was an experience that “you had to be there” to see their expressions of joy when they saw the house for the first time. One group made it there with the first truck before I had arrived. When we pulled up to the house, the children came running out. I barely got out of the van when about 7 children came and all hugged me at the same time with such joy and smiles on their faces! They are so happy. They LOVE the new home. As each group of children came the reaction was the same. They love their new home. They send their greetings and their thanks to all of you back home who have made this possible by your generous giving. They have seen the hand of God in all of this. They have experienced the benefit of being “strong and courageous” even when it was difficult to hang on. They know that God has a plan and a future for them. Jeremiah 29:11 has become alive for them. Thank you all for that part that you continue to play in their lives as He uses you to accomplish His will.

We had not started moving back and forth until just before dusk. So by time the last truck came for the night with the last load of children it was already past 11 pm. Pastor Paul had remained with us through it all. I had asked him to bless the new house for us as we begin a new chapter in our lives as “Raining Hope Children’s Home. Even though the prayer was all in Luganda as we joined our hands in prayer…I understood it as a prayer of blessing not only over the structure of the home but for the ministry of Raining Hope in Uganda and stateside. It was a powerful moment and a precious way to close out this 10th trip of mine. When I arrived at the house that evening, I stood out on the upstairs balcony. As I looked out into the darkness of the night…in the distance…lightening with the sound of thunder.
We have left Egypt and are entering the Promised Land. It is good.

Here are our current prayer requests:
1) We praise our God for answered prayer. Even though there are still things that still need to be moved…God answered our prayers that we were able to get in the house before I left. I was glad to be with the children and dedicate the house before coming back to the states. Thank you.
2) Schoool. We did pay the balance of school terms that we knew we owed. However, we were loaned that money at home so we could pay it off in one place back in the states rather than owe the multiple people here in Uganda .
We discovered on the last day that we owe an additional amount of school fees that was unexpected. This is an additional amount of approximately $1,500.
3) WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP. Thanks to those who have already helped sacrificially in giving to assist the children.
a. If you would like to help you can make a tax-deductible donation of any size to help us pay off the amount loaned to us to clear all debts.
b. Contact our treasurer for Raining Hope Inc., Carol John at carol@caroljohn.com as soon as possible.
c. You can also go to our website at www.raininghope.org You can make credit card donations at that site.
4) Continue to pray for the transition. They will not all be together at the new home until December and the end of the school term. Pray for Solomon and the staff as they prepare the house during this transition.
5) Pray as we shift the name from Living Hope Children’s Home to Raining Hope Children’s Home! Solomon will be working on all the necessary paperwork and meetings.

One last thing that sends us over the top in knowing that it can only be God who orchestrated all of this…
We had asked you to pray for the solution as to how the children could finish the third term. The way schools work here in Uganda it would be very, very difficult if they could not have completed this term. The solution that we had first come to was the school where most of the children attend had offered to board all of our children until December. This is what we thought the solution would be and were praising God.
But God had another solution.
We had called Pastor Paul in to help us with a different school. Little did we know that God had more in store for us. Turns out, the director of the school that was going to board the children was asking for a pretty large amount of money to board the kids. It was going to be more than we were equipped to handle.
But we serve a God that says, “Nothing is impossible with God” and “He does not give us more than we can bear.”
The solution … Pastor Paul has graciously offered to house our children in his home until the end of the term. We will just pay for cost of food. It will be tight quarters but he will also use his garage to help facilitate this. Because God has already begun the reconciliation in August … we were able to come to this point of working together. Again… you had to have been there to experience this moment of coming back together. I am overwhelmed with how good our God is.
The power of reconciliation. Overwhelming.

I arrived in London and made my way through customs. I found my bus to the hotel. After checking in I received my keys to my room. On the key card were the words..
Holiday Inn – Now Relax.
I started at LAX with the words… Re: LAX as their slogan.
I end with this word from God…
RELAX
He is taking care of our children in the Promised Land.
We have left Egypt . No turning back, no turning back. No more wandering. We have entered into His promise and His blessings.

38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. 41 I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land.
Jeremiah 32:38-41

I will leave London soon to head back to the states. Please keep me in your prayers as I travel. I will be back in California about noon on Saturday.

Thank you for partnering together with Raining Hope!

Kale!
Eydie
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Chapter 10 Update #5

October 5, 2010

Sunday was a great day of worship! Solomon, Godfrey & I went to Revival Christian Church in the morning. I always have such a great time of praising God with my brothers & sisters in Christ at RCC. At one point the children’s Sunday School teacher passed a note along to call me out to visit their children. They were singing a simple praise song that I taught them the sign language to! We also signed our traditional “Follow You” to Michael Priebe that they love!
At the close of the service, one of the ladies came to me to talk with one of the visitors. This young lady was visiting from Ireland. She is there for 9 months working with a business. But the lady that approached me said, “Can you please talk to her and explain about having a relationship with Christ? I am not sure she is understanding me.” So we had a great conversation. I was able to share my testimony with her and encourage her about her lengthy stay in this beautiful land. She expressed that she already had accepted Jesus as her Savior! God is good!

Solomon, Godfrey & I went to the Sunset Hotel for our lunch. Solomon had me drive to and from the hotel, church and hotel. The two of them actually sat in the row behind of me. I think that Solomon is enjoying being chauffeured around!

Sunday afternoon we went to Cornerstone Church for a music conference. Annette had been the organizer for this event. It was a wonderful time of praise and worship! They had different singers from all over come to share. By time we stopped by the conference had already begun. Even though it was not interpreted into English, I enjoyed myself so much! I could understand basically what was going on throughout the service and enjoyed just being in the presence of God! It was great to be back in fellowship with our brothers & sisters in Christ at Cornerstone! The power of reconciliation is a very humbling experience. All things are possible with God.

Monday arrived to a great surprise in the staff devotions. I always enjoy the Monday fellowship because they go around the table and have everyone share. The topic is, “What did you learn in church yesterday?” It is good to hear others share. If you did not go to church, you simply must say, “I was not able to attend yesterday.” The response is, “Praise God. May He bless you,” Keeps everyone accountable! But when it came to Esther her response was, “I have a surprise. Please close your eyes.” I thought, “Wow. This is new!” Everyone was quietly clapping while our eyes were closed. Then she said, “ok you can open your eyes!” To my complete surprise, she was standing next to Apophia from the business center…with a pink lei around her neck! They said, “It is Apophia’s Golden Day!” They all then began chanting, “Golden Day! Golden Day!” I was shocked! It was a sweet moment to be a part of this! They then went around the room, and each person gave a word of encouragement to her. To see something we started with our CBU team, passed on to a group here in Uganda…wow! Someone told me later that the ways in Africa are not one of encouraging one another and lifting one another with good words. When they saw our groups having “Golden Days” they said they wanted to start doing the same. It is making a difference here with their workers. God is good.

Solomon & I took one of our girls, Margaret to the hospital today for stomach pains. We showed up to a very crowded waiting area with a very LONG LINE in front of us. As we tried to decide what to do, Solomon looked up at a sign that said something about Jinja Hospital working in cooperation with a local ministry. This other group is the one that Solomon had been with when he stayed at Global Seminary. His good friend is part of this group. He got on the phone and made a call. We were able to get right in. The doctor diagnosed that she may have an ulcer and prescribed medicine to take for a week. Even the medicine was just given to us. Our God is so good.

Solomon and I went back to the two houses that we are considering to rent. We finally met the woman who is renting the smaller house. After going inside the house, we have decided that it is much too small to meet our current needs. We went back to the bigger house but was not able to get back inside. Solomon has been negotiating with the landlord over the phone. It looks like he is willing to rent it to us and we have agreed to pay only 6 months in advance. This is far better than requiring the full year. As I was standing in front of the house, I thought how God takes care of every little detail. Something I have thought of was, “When we build our house…I would like to have a porch.” When I looked at the house I realized that not only do we have a front porch, but upstairs there are two balconies! We have not only 1 but 3 porches! God supplies our needs…with excess!

We bought more food for the children as well. The food we bought last month was just coming to the end. Solomon is doing a great job keeping the supplies stocked. We bought more rice, maize flour, onions and food for our supper. When we pulled up to the house Solomon said, “You know, when I left this morning, David & Emma opened the gate for me to leave. They said, ‘Uncle Solomon, when you come back can you please bring back rice….and…Aunty Eydie!’” Solomon said, “I have accomplished what they asked!”

The children are in school and don’t arrive home until 5 pm. We make the most of the time we have together as it is shorter than when I come during holiday periods. Last night during devotions, I gave out all the letters and the combined letter from those of you who sent in a note of encouragement. They were so excited to receive your love and encouragement! I was about to close our devotion time…and they said, “to the right…to the right…” Ha! It was later than normal and I was just going to close out the time. They reminded me that they wanted to do the “Cupid Shuffle!” So we actually went through it twice!

When it came time to venture back to the hotel, Peter was going to join us. But I ended up having 8 other children come in the van to escort me home! Sharon sat with me in the front seat, and 7 other boys were in the back. Solomon said, “we are going to America!” Henry laughed and said, “Sharon, remember the first time you went to the place Aunty Eydie stays? You said, “I have been to America!” So it was true! But as we drove up to the hotel, Sharon said, “This looks like a palace for a King.” Solomon said, “You never know. Maybe Aunty Eydie is a Queen!” ha!
Actually…just a child of the King.

What a privilege to serve Him in such a wonderful place. The children all piled out of the car to give me big hugs. The guards later commented, “Wow. You have many children who love you. That is so great.”
It is great. It is amazing. As our children say…Our God is good…all the time. All the time…God is good. And that’s His nature…wow!

Here are our current prayer requests:
1) Pray for the final negotiations of the two story house. Pray we get all finalized before I leave so we can move in.
2) School. The children are in their third term of this school year. We have a possible solution to finishing the third term. Pray as we are meeting with someone from one of the schools this afternoon.
3) WE NEED YOUR HELP. Thanks to those who have already helped sacrificially in giving to assist the children. In the midst of a struggling economy, we recognize the generosity of your gifts. Thank you for caring for the children. If you would like to help in this critical need of moving into a new home, you can make a tax-deductible donation of any size. Contact our treasurer for Raining Hope Inc., Carol John at carol@caroljohn.com as soon as possible. You can also go to our website at www.raininghope.org You can make credit card donations at that site.
4) Continue to pray for the transition. Pray especially for the children and for the staff. Pray for all of the relationship that are involved.

Kale!
eydie

Chapter 10 Update #3

October 3, 2010

The past two days have been filled with many activities. I went to the staff devotions on Friday morning and the message was on finishing well! That being the theme of our ISP trip in May with CBU…it was very encouraging to hear the message that Edward had for us that morning. When I saw him in the business center later he also told me that they have been carrying on with “Golden Day!” For those of you that are new to these updates, during the course of the trip, each person will have a “Golden Day.” That is the day they are chosen to be loved on & encouraged all day long. The hotel staff loved the way they saw us honor one another. They said they should also do the same for their staff. On my last trip I brought them some of the Hawaiian leis I give to signify who is having a Golden Day. Edward said that they have started having them once a week! They are loving it! The power of a word of encouragement!

I spent Friday meeting with various individuals regarding our upcoming move. The
devotion time in the evening was spent talking with the kids about the move. They are so excited!! If all goes through with the house that we have found, it is in another district. They actually are excited about moving to a new area. The only questions they had were what to do about finishing the last term. But the children are seeing God’s hand at work. They are full of hope and excitement! They are ready to move, even with just these few days of notice. They are ready to do whatever is needed. We have amazing children! Thanks to all of you for your prayers. The end of the devotion time the children asked how everyone was doing…one by one! They would say, “How is…” If any of you reading this have come to Uganda…you can be sure that your name probably came up in our conversation. Even those of you who have not been here but who I have talked about…they asked!
We also went to see Pastor Paul in the evening on the way back to the hotel. I had surprised Paul as well as he didn’t know that I was in town. We had the greatest time of sharing with one another. We talked for hours! We spent a long time just catching up with our lives! Just like what the children did at the home, we went down one by one how everyone back in California is doing. Paul sends his love to all of you!
Annette was also with us escorting me back to the hotel. She was all dressed up this time looking very “smart.” That is the word used meaning you are dressed nice. It turns out that she had never been to the hotel! Solomon, Annette & I had our dinner there in the restaurant which was a treat for her. The funniest story of the night was about her daughter Sharon. Both Sharon and her brother, Henry had accompanied me back to the hotel from time to time. One time Sharon went back after her first visit to the hotel and told them, “I have been to America!” We laughed so much about that! She really believes that the hotel was America. I began to ponder on that and had a sobering thought. If she thought my simple little room at the hotel was where I was from…what would she think if she visited us in real America? What would they think of our big houses and all of our “stuff?” I also wondered how they could think I only live about 15 minutes away from the home…and only come to visit 4 times a year?
Saturday was another new day for me. I tried to spend some time on the computer to do some work as we are trying to make the decisions about the move. The good thing about the Business Center is when the power is about to go down, a warning bell will go off. It gives me just enough time to close out what I am working on. If only we could live our lives like that. When danger is approaching, we should heed that quickly to the warning signs. Sometimes it would be nice if the warning signs were that clear!
Solomon had to go to Kampala today to take care of some study. So he decided to leave me the car! Now, in all the times that I have been here, I have not ever driven. Solomon decided that it was time. He said not to worry. They have made me a resident here…and said it was time to take the step of driving. Robert Otile was also in on that conversation and was surprised to find out that I had not driven as of yet! So with their encouragement … they sent me off with these words, “Just remember to stay to the left and watch out for the boda boda’s!” Ha!
I only ventured from the hotel to town. I parked the car and left it in one spot…in front of Rita’s shop! I walked all around town visiting all of my friends in their shops. I ventured back to the hotel and was so excited about my first day of driving! When I drove in the complex, two of the guards were so surprised to see me in the drivers seat! For some reason, driving has turned out to be the seal on my becoming a true Ugandan!
This trip has been a follow up to the reconciliation that began in August. I have been hearing what God has been doing in the lives of individuals who have made significant steps in making things right with individuals. God is raining down His blessings in response to obedience!
We continue to trust God in what to do next. The current landlord is sending someone today to collect the money for the rent. We just have to pay the electricity & water bill and we will be free to leave the property. Praise the Lord!
Here are our current prayer requests:
1) We are still praying about the 2 story house. We are in negotiations about how many months we have to pay in advance. They seem to want us in the house. Pray they will accept a lower amount than 1 year in advance.
2) The second house we are considering is quite a bit smaller. With only 3 bedrooms and the outside quarters it wouldn’t work to house all of the children. But if the other house falls through, we have this as an option.
3) School. The children are in their third term of this school year. Continue to pray about this item. We are trying to determine how they can finish the term where they are at.
4) WE NEED YOUR HELP. Thanks to those who have already helped sacrificially in giving to assist the children. In the midst of a struggling economy, we recognize the generosity of your gifts. Thank you for caring for the children.
a. If you would like to help in this critical need of moving into a new home, you can make a tax-deductible donation of any size.
b. Contact our treasurer for Raining Hope Inc., Carol John at carol@caroljohn.com as soon as possible. You can also go to our website at www.raininghope.org You can make credit card donations at that site.
5) Continue to pray for the transition. Pray especially for the children and for the staff. Pray for all of the relationship that are involved.

Kale!
eydie

Friday, October 1, 2010

Raining Hope Trip - Sept 27-Oct 9, 2010

Chapter 10 Update #2
Urgent Prayer Requests
September 30, 2010

I have arrived safely in Uganda! I actually had to come to Africa to get away from the heat wave we were having in California! The day I left we checked the outside temperature going through the valley in Southern California…it read 110 degrees! Who would have thought it was hotter in Los Angeles than Africa! Ha!
I was greeted at the airport by Solomon our manager of the home. Picking me up from a 7:45 am arrival means he must leave at 4:30 am from the home! We made it back to the hotel in Jinja by noon. After eating lunch, we decided I would go to the home the next day. That ended up being a very wise choice! I went to the room to unpack…but made it as far as the bed. I decided, “I am going to lay down for just a minute!” I was completely out! The next thing I knew, I woke up and it was dark outside! I slept a little bit longer then woke up thinking it was morning. To my surprise it was only 10:15 pm!
But I have quickly recovered and have fallen into my normal routines of life here in Uganda! It is so encouraging to be greeted by family here at Hotel Paradise! Only a couple of people knew I was coming back so soon. Most thought I was coming back in January! When Edward found me here this morning, he said, “Wow! You know this is now home for you. It is natural for you to even show up like this and we say, of course you are here! You are home!”
Breakfast in the restaurant I was greeted in Luganda by the staff. Webale kukomawo (welcome back from where you have been) is the translation. I learned something new today. Between Luganda & Lusoga dialects, which are both used here… it is actually “kale” that is the spelling for “bye” in Luganda. As I always sign my correspondences “kare” even though it sounds similar it is spelled different. Solomon was also proud that I have learned how to count from 1-5! Even though English is the common language used here…it is good for me to learn more of the local language!
Staff devotions as always is a great way to begin the day! Douglas led this morning from a passage in Matthew 4:17. The theme was about repentance and turning to God. As our ministry has been focused on reconciliation, this message today continued to encourage us to always “…walk with integrity. Blessed are their children who follow Him.” (Proverbs 20:7)
Today Solomon, Charles and I went to look for houses to rent. Charles has taken us to the area that he grew up at. He is well respected in that area and knows many people. We have found two houses that are possibilities for us. These are also our current prayer requests:
1) The house that we are considering is a large two-story house. It has enough bedrooms to accommodate our children & staff.
a. Their original offer was $500 a month. They have accepted a counter offer of $400 a month which is what we have been paying at our current property.
b. We still have not determined what they require as a deposit. Many places require payment for the full year in advance. Pray for this part of the decision that they will accept a lower amount.
2) The second house we are considering is quite a bit smaller. The compound grounds are great but the house only has 3 bedrooms and outdoor quarters with a few more small bedrooms.
a. They are asking $300 a month. However the landlord is wanting a full year paid in advance.
b. This would be a savings compared to the other house. But it is questionable whether we can fit all of the children in this home.
3) School. The children are in their third term of this school year.
a. The home we are considering is not in the same area where we currently live. That will mean the children relocating to another school. This will be fine for the new term in January. The decision is what to do about the remainder of this year.
b. We are exploring the options involved in moving the children at this stage of the school year.
4) Informing Parents & Guardians. We will be informing all of the parents & guardians of the options they have concerning the move.
a. Pray for Solomon, Charles and I as tomorrow (Friday) we will be trying to contact all of the parents. This is a challenge as this involves going to all the various homes. Not everyone here has a phone. We will possibly have one large meeting with the parents this weekend. Pray for wisdom, discernment & understanding as they receive this information.
5) The third option that we have if we do not receive enough funds to move into a new house will be to send all the children back to their parents & guardians. This will be temporary until we have the move-in funds. We have to be out of the current location before I leave to come back to California.
6) WE NEED YOUR HELP. Thanks to those who have already helped sacrificially in giving to assist the children. In the midst of a struggling economy, we recognize the generosity of your gifts. Thank you for caring for the children.
a. If you would like to help in this critical need of moving into a new home, you can make a tax-deductible donation of any size.
b. Contact our treasurer for Raining Hope Inc., Carol John at carol@caroljohn.com as soon as possible. Her phone number is 805-377-7387. You can mail checks to her attention at 507 Fernwood Drive, Oxnard CA 93030. She is going to wire whatever funds come in by Monday morning. It takes a few days to arrive here.
c. You can also go to our website at www.raininghope.org You can make credit card donations at that site.

7) We had meetings with all of the staff today about the move. Pray for us tomorrow as we will be talking to the children as a group about the move.

I did spend time with the children today at the home. Because we did not tell them I was coming…it was a HUGE surprise for them to come home from school and find me there! Sharon was so surprised that she just could not stop giggling! Many of the children who had gone home for holiday in August were all back at the home. I have already seen many of our children that we missed in August.
And of course…I couldn’t leave tonight without our now traditional “cupid shuffle” dance!
The children are happy & full of hope. The reports since Solomon has taken over the managing of the home have been so encouraging. They children are more on a daily schedule. Funds are being managed extremely well. The kids are being fed well. God is using both Solomon & Charles in tremendous ways to bring stability and hope to the children of Raining Hope!
We are packing and leaving Egypt. No turning back, no turning back. Our breakthrough has come. The blessings are pouring out! Thank you for being a part of what God is doing.
38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. 41 I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land.
Jeremiah 32:38-41
Please feel free to contact Carol John while I am traveling if you have any questions or would like to help. You can also reach me by email.

Thank you for partnering together with Raining Hope!

Blessings & peace to you!
Eydie
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Uganda Trip - September 27-October 9, 2010

Chapter 10 Update #1
September 25, 2010

Yes, Chapter 10 means…trip #10! I will be leaving on Monday, September 27, 2010 to return to Uganda. I will be traveling by myself this time. It works well for the projects that need to be taken care of this time.
1) We will be moving out of the current property to a new home. Here are the answers to the questions that are most asked…
a. Question: Did you receive the full $5,000 needed to move? Answer: Not quite. We are still in need of approximately $2,500 to clear our balance.
b. Question: Where are you moving to? Answer: We have been looking into various homes for let (rent). There are various options. Solomon is waiting until I arrive to make the final decision.
c. Question: How much do you need to get into a new place? Answer: Not sure. It will depend on the new landlords. We are looking for a place to rent between $300-$400 a month. If we had $1,000 that should suffix for the move in cost.
d. Question: How many children do you care for in the home? Answer: We currently have 40 children and youth. Some are away at boarding school. We have 3 staff members and their families that we will also move with us to the new facility.
2) It became necessary for me to travel to Uganda to help facilitate this move. This trip had less time in between than most of my trips. I want to thank my family and friends for understanding and supporting me as I go. My husband, Michael, daughter’s Kiana & Heather, and friends (especially Carol & Sylvia) do a tremendous job going into “Africa mode” as they call it. Thank you all for supporting me in this way. Love you all!
a. Question: Did you get the necessary funds to travel? Answer: Not yet. With the cost of the airline ticket, accommodations, & in country transportation, we are in need of approximately $2,000-$2,500.
3) Question: Is it too late to send money to help? Answer: No. We do need your help. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation or any size you have a few options:
Contact our treasurer for Raining Hope Inc., Carol John at carol@caroljohn.com . Her phone number is 805-377-7387. You can mail checks to her attention at 507 Fernwood Drive, Oxnard CA 93030.
You can also go to our website at www.raininghope.org You can make credit card donations at that site.
If you have already sent in money…THANK YOU! We trust God to do what only He can do. ( Matthew 14:17-21)
4) Question: Are there any other needs? Answer: Yes. I want to highlight 2 items:
a) Used laptop. If anyone has a lap top they are no longer using, it would help our home tremendously to have one that Solomon could use to keep our records.
b) Van transportation. We are still praying for the funds to come available for the van we use while in country. It is in great shape. We could use the van to transport the children to and from church. There are times they can not attend church because we cannot afford to rent a van. Cost is currently $5,000.

We have claimed The Promised Land. We are packing and leaving Egypt. No turning back, no turning back. Our breakthrough has come. The blessings are pouring out! Thank you for being a part of what God is doing.

38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. 41 I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land.
Jeremiah 32:38-41
Please feel free to contact Carol John while I am traveling if you have any questions or would like to help. You can also reach me by email.

Thank you for partnering together with Raining Hope!

Blessings & peace to you!
Eydie
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Raining Hope Uganda Trip - Aug 8-23 2010 #8

Update #8
It is Saturday, August 28th, and I have spent this first week back unpacking, resting & processing all that God has done & continues to do. I wanted to fill in the missing few days I was not able to get to a computer to update you. I read over the updates to see what blanks to fill in. Wow. Reading it all at once is just overwhelming. It is difficult to describe how we were feeling each day. We were awestruck at how He orchestrated each day. Seeing on paper how much God accomplished in 2 short weeks continues to amaze me.

I had updated you on various aspects of the last week of our trip. In the midst of the ministry, it is important to provide the team moments of rest. These are our “Sabbath Days” of rest & recharging. These are all local attractions that don’t cost us a lot of extra money.

The Source of the Nile is where the Nile River begins. Everyone always enjoys our stop here. Here is an excerpt from the devotion we use about the Source of the Nile…(Rev. 22:1-5) “The Nile River begins here and twists and turns around 4,000 miles before it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Every day, from the beginning of recorded history until now, communities of people from Uganda to Egypt have come down to these waters to take part in the life that it gives…we are all here because at some point we became discontent in merely drinking from the waters of life and we decided to seek the Source….we are seeking to encourage you, wherever you are to open your eyes to the wonder of God. Seek the Source of Life in all that you do, whether in America or Uganda, city or village. May God open our eyes to Christ all around us.” Kelly & Solomon were standing at the edge of the Nile and caught a glimpse of a family of otters! That surprised me too!

I always explain to team members that the area of Uganda we are in is very green & lush pasture. It is unlike what most people think of as more like the Rift Valley, dry and barren. Consequently that also means we are not around animals such as lions & giraffes. The most that we may see is an occasional monkey or two. Well, God gave us more than we expected! When we were leaving the park we were greeted by a huge family of monkeys on the side of the road! The most I have ever seen at the park is one or two. Denise & Kelly loved it! Funny story and answer to prayer… that morning, Denise had woken up in the middle of the night. She said she was praying for me about the upcoming meeting I had that day. She had written me a note and left it at the door. Each morning I was leaving notes under the door for the team…so she knew I would be coming by. When she laid back down, she looked out the window at a palm tree. She prayed that it would be nice to see some monkeys even swinging on the tree. She got back up and noticed that I had come by and slipped something under the door. But this morning was Kelly’s Golden Day…and I had slipped a bunch of paper “monkeys” under the door! She busted up laughing…God answered her prayers! Little did she know that God had a huge family of real monkeys waiting at the Source of the Nile!

We also took a boat ride to Samuka Island. It starts on the Nile River and travels across Lake Victoria to this little island. It is a very relaxing ride. Part of the trip includes going past Jinja Sailing Club and the Fishing Village. This is one of my favorite devotions we share because it is very challenging as followers of Christ. It comes from Mark 1:16-18; 10:17-23. It gives a stark difference between the beautiful hotel/sailing club (under renovation) on one side … and a common fishing village on the other. “In light of Mark 1 and 10, which group of people here would most likely drop everything to follow Christ, should he show up on the scene right now and offer an invitation? Standing between these two worlds, which ones would be the most likely disciples of Jesus? Many of the Christians here in Uganda have left everything to follow Christ. They have been extradited from a Muslim family to become a Christian. They have been misunderstood by their communities because they have refused to see the witch doctor or take his advice. They dropped their nets to ride a bicycle to a village once or twice a week to preach. It makes us question every day who the real disciples are. They are examples to us of freedom. It makes us re-imagine what we terms as “sacrifice for the sake of the gospel” into “an opportunity of freedom. The invitation is always open.” Really makes you think.

The third place I take the team is Bujagali Falls. This is a beautiful part of the Nile River that has rapids more than “waterfalls.” The blessing was we arrived right when two tour groups of white water rafters were going through the rapids. We had free entertainment! Most of the time I pay the locals to watch a man go down the rapids holding onto a jerry can! But this time we watched boat after boat of rafters brave the rapids! Only a few spilled out into the raging water!

These moments of rest in the midst of a day are refreshing. At each one we marvel at God’s creation. There always seem to be teaching moments if you listen carefully. Even at Bujagali Falls, we quietly looked at the calmness of the waters just before the rafters plunge into the rapids! But they all came out on the calm end of the river and continued to float down until they reached the next set of rapids. Isn’t life similar to this picture? Life will have moments of turmoil and trouble. Yet with God, we will endure.

After the meeting with the landlord’s daughter on Thursday, we went to Cornerstone Church with Pastor Paul. The church was having a women’s conference. I had been invited to come and share a word of greetings. Because of the meeting I had with Paul at the beginning of the week, I was able to go together with him, Margaret & Shifora. It was a celebrative & healing time! We worshipped & praised together with the women. Paul introduced me and welcomed me home. I signed the song “I Found Love” that seems to be the running theme of the week!

On Friday, we went back to Pastor Gerald & Ruth’s home to help him string the guitar. It being a 12 string guitar, it became a challenge for Kelly & Pastor Gerald to re-string. But it gave us more time to spend with Ruth and the kids. I was able to see more of the YWAM campus than I ever have before. Ruth even prepared a meal for us. They were excited that we were able to stay and share a meal in their home!

On the way back to the home, Solomon asked if we could stop at the Global Seminary campus where he used to live. He wanted us to meet his other family there! We were greeted with huge hugs and welcomed smiles! Solomon also wanted us to see their business they have of raising chickens both for eggs and for fryers. It was amazing! Once we get our farm in working order, this is another avenue of income for the home to help them become more self-sustainable.

We made one more stop on Saturday to the orphanage that Solomon’s friends run. These are young men that Solomon grew up with in another orphanage. It was really a surreal moment to see all 4 of these men standing together. The director, Moses said that they were given a chance in life. They now just want to do the same and give children the same chance for a better life. They are ministering to street children, all boys. Moses is a tremendous artist…one of the best I have seen in Uganda. They are teaching the children art so they can have a trade to help sustain them as they get older.

This trip has been about reconciliation.
This trip has been about our being more self-sustainable.
This trip has been about hope.

We had our soda party on Saturday. Some had said they had not had a soda since Christmas. We bought small muffin/cakes for each one. Some couldn’t remember when they last had one of those. They were elated when we told them we bought meat for their supper!

Each night we had praise & worship, prayer & devotions. We started signing to one another “I Love You.”
We shouted at the top of our lungs “Strong & Courageous!”
We signed our memory verse, Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” The children believe this. They have a renewed hope.

The funny thing is each night as we closed, we danced to the song “Cupid Shuffle.” They loved it! Move over makarena…the cupid shuffle has taken our kids by storm! It is just good to see everyone get up and dance and be so filled with joy!!

We met another woman and her husband at the Paradise Hotel. Their names are Athol & Rosie. They are a couple from Australia that also ministers to those in Africa. As they were leaving, Rosie stopped to pray with the three of us ladies. We exchanged contact information. As she looked over my brochure, she became overwhelmed as we prayed. She shared that she saw our ministry expanding. She saw an expanding of our tent peg. She encouraged me to not get discouraged because He has plans for us.

That has been confirmed over and over on this trip. It has been a highly encouraging and powerful trip.

I believe it is because we have been obedient…
Reconciliation is a powerful tool.

I am sending a separate email concerning the home and what God is doing in regards to the future. It is big! Please be in prayer for us that God would provide.

Today is Saturday, August 28, 2010. I will be going to Ojai to attend the 2nd Annual Micah’s March. This is a walk and dinner/concert to support the family of Micah Marshall (son of Devo Marshall – my co-laborer with the children in Uganda) They are raising funds for his medical needs as well as raising awareness of SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). Please be in prayer for this fundraiser and for Micah who is now 2 years old!

Thank you all for your support & prayers. “He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 We experienced Him. He came to us. He poured Himself out. We are moving onto the Promised Land!

Kare!
eydie

Raining Hope Uganda Trip August 8-23,2010

Update #7
We are already on our way home! We currently are in London on our overnight stopover. I will attempt to go backwards to update you on our comings & goings.

We left Jinja at 4:45 am to make the drive to Entebee Airport. Needing to arrive 2 hours before our 9:30 am flight facilitated an early morning drive! Denise & Kelly experienced seeing their first bats on this trip as we waited for Solomon to arrive! Early in the morning they are migrating back to one end of the Nile River. This early they seem to enjoy hanging around the hotel! Hotel Paradise staff were gracious in being awake and helping us as we journeyed out.

Most of our drive was in the dark. Another first for me was seeing a group of men journeying together with a camel! Yes…camel! It was pretty cool. Solomon said they make long journeys all the way from Nairobi. As the sun began to come up…the towns slowly were coming to life. We began to see people emerging from their houses. We also saw a group of the cutest little pigs…and yes…there were “3 little pigs!”

Saying goodbye to Solomon at the airport was very difficult for me. Solomon was truly a God-send on this trip. He is now managing our home and doing an amazing job. It was very comforting leaving Uganda knowing that the children are in such good hands. This trip we began a reorganizing process that we know God is honoring. The children are very encouraged for the first time in a very long time. I know that is very vague to understand fully…but I will explain it more once I get home.

It is a brand new day for our children & our home.

The last update which would have been #6 was a short message to ask you to pray for me as I had a meeting with the landlord. I gave an update with the request of assistance to enable us to move from the current home. We are still praying that God will provide the necessary funds to move within the next few weeks. We already have another house that looks like it is available for us to rent.

God is moving us forward. They are excited. Their memory verse for the past 12 days has been Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you not to harm you. Plans for a hope & a future.” They are claiming this verse and living it out. I taught them the sign language to the verse and they memorized it the first time around. I had one of our children, Henry lead the group each evening in reciting the verse.

They have hope.

The theme of this trip has been reconciliation. It simple was about relationships. God is moving us forward. He rained down blessings on this trip and could only be explained by Him. Each time that He poured out a blessing…it was right after I had stepped out in obedience to make relationships right. We have had challenges these past 3 years. But it has been amazing to watch the power of God’s Word come alive. We simply followed and obeyed what His Word told us to do.

I discovered a new but old song. It was on a Rachel Lampa CD that I have not listed to for years. It is entitled “Brand New Life.” Here are the words…

I remember when I fell to my knees , Saying please come to me I really need you now.
I felt your mercy bringing joy to my soul., Now I know letting go led me here somehow

So this is how it feels when you’re around me
So this is how it feels when love surrounds me
Sun is shining and the grass is green the birds are singing in harmony.
Wake up knowing that you’re here with me , Thank you for my brand new life
My days are colored by lasting hope , It’s like I’m looking through a kaleidoscope.
I see heaven everywhere I go , Thank you for my brand new life

I never realized what it meant to be free , Now I see all of me is what you want from me
I believe that you’ve erased any doubt
Knowing now can’t live without all you’ve given me
So this is how it feels to be forgiven. So this is how it feels to be really living

I never seen a miracle before . Now I see them everyday for sure
It’s almost like you’ve opened up a door to a brand new life.

This song became a theme song for me personally as I have watched God unfold His plans for us piece by piece each day that we have been in Uganda. Proverbs 20:24 “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” We learned lessons in walking by faith not by sight. We woke up in the morning praying for God to direct our steps. By the end of each day, we were thanking God for things that happened that day that in our wildest dreams we could not have even imagined or planned out. His ways are way better than our ways.

We have seen miracles. We have experienced healing. We have loved deeply. We have been loved deeply.

Yesterday when we checked into Entebbe Airport we had 8 checked pieces of luggage as we went through security. From the short distance from security to the check in counter…one bag seemed to be missing. The agent had printed out 8 tags…but we seemed to be short one bag. It seemed to be a mystery how one bag could disappear. But after some inquiry, someone went all the way to the back to check our luggage and did discover the agent had not tagged one of our bags. Praise the Lord! If we would not have investigated further…the bag would not only have made it to Los Angeles, but it would have remained lost as it had no final destination tags. They apologized…but we praised God it was found.

Hmmm…sounds familiar…what was lost was found. I am glad that in our lives that we have a final destination…that is eternal life with Jesus!

I know that you have a missing gap of a few days that I will catch you up on when I get home. I have a short window before leaving for the airport to send out this update. I wanted to at least get word to you that we have made it half way home and will be back in California soon!

Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for us as this re-entry process is always challenging. Pray especially for Denise & Kelly as this is their first experience with the reverse culture shock process. They have loved deeply & are forever changed. We have been a three fold cord that God has blessed!

We love you all!

Oh…and last night as we sat and shared a meal…we looked out the window and it began to rain.

Kare,
eydie

Raining Hope Uganda Trip August 8-23,2010

Update #6
PRAYER NEED & REQUEST:
My meeting with the landlord went better than we could have asked or thought. I watched God do amazing things right in front of my eyes! There is a long story behind this that i will email tomorrow.

The short version is that we have been leasing this property that the children's home is on. We have been having troubles for a long time with the owner. They have been very patient with us as we have been behind on our rent. We are slowly making that up. The amount owed for rent is close to $1500. But they have added on additional costs that they are counting as wear and tear on the property. We can not leave the premises without taking care of the cost. That is approximately $3,500 plus replacing the pit latrine.

I wish you could have been here to experience the miracle that took place in our meeting. the landlord's daughter came to meet with me instead of the father. Praise the Lord! Solomon, myself and the daughter all met and had a very good meeting. In good faith we have agreed to pay her $5,000 and move as soon as possible.

We have so many things happening here that God is providing. He already has led us to a place to rent that will be much cheaper than what we currently pay. We would like to move by the end of this month.

The reason for this email is for prayer. God answered your prayers for the outcome of the meeting.

Second is in order for us to leave the house...I am in need of $5,000 to do so. We would like to borrow the money and pay it back quickly. It is hard to describe in an email how much we need to get out from under the landlord's hand. We would appreciate any help than anyone can give to us.

If you can help with a loan, please either contact Carol John or Devo Marshall or email me back. We are sorry to give such a last minute request. I would especially appreciate your prayers.

We have the promised land ahead of us. We are trying to leave Egypt.

Blessings & peace to you!
eydie

Raining Hope Uganda Trip August 8-23,2010

Update #5
We have been moving all around and God is so good!

Yesterday I was in the midst of sending the update that Denise had written when the power went down in the business center. I was unable to send her update to a few of you is why you are receiving two updates at once! Our time on the computer has been limited mainly because we are out from morning until evening. By time we return to the hotel I don’t have access to the computer. That’s the way it should be though…because we are accomplishing & experiencing so much!

So much has happened since Saturday! We have been caught up in a whirlwind of excitement and emotions. Let me try to paint a picture for you that will unfold before your eyes. I know this is long…so thank you for taking the time to join us!

We journeyed towards Kampala on Saturday. One of our young men in our home, Charles Mukasa has graciously offered up a piece of land that Raining Hope will use as a farm. It is on the outskirts of the main town of Kampala. He inherited the land some time ago and wanted to donated it for our use. At the time we were not able to pursue it. But God’s timing is always perfect. We wanted to utilize it as a farm to grow food for the children at the home. As we made the long drive of over an hour, it began to RAIN. As we got closer to the land, the rain not only got heavier, but the drops were the size of golf balls! I have not experienced rain of that size before. I shared with the team that God must be getting ready to really pour out His blessings! When we arrived at the land, I was speechless. I was expecting a lot that was empty, ready for us to plant on. God had in store for us a picture of “exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or think.” It is 10 acres of land with very rich and fertile soil. It already is lush and growing. We walked through a matoke (banana plantation), papaya trees, vegetables, casava and so much more. The land actually needs some clearing so we can plant various crops. We even stumbled across a pig wallowing in mud amidst the banana trees! I think the pig will become our mascot as he was really cute! Denise gave him the name “Humphrey” because of the snorting sounds he was making! Considering that Humphrey will probably become a source of food…I think naming him is not a good idea! I already am becoming very fond of our little mascot!

While in the banana plantation, Charles handed me a machete and said, “Aunty Eydie, you cut down the bananas! So we have video and photos of me cutting down my first banana tree! Quite the sight it was! Ha!

We had the bonus as we walked around that the land also has a quarry. The stones that it provides can also be used as we build. We ran across a man who was breaking the stones with a mallot. Denise first wanted to take a photo hitting the small rocks. Charles then said, Aunty Eydie, your turn! In one swing of the hammer, I broke the rock! Denise said, “I got it all soft and ready for you to break!”

At one point I was so overcome with God’s goodness in His provisions. I turned to thank Charles for his sharing His land. I began to weep and he just gave me a huge hug and said, “It’s ok Aunty Eydie, it’s all going to be alright!” Charles shared ideas of what we can plant. He said, we will then have no more food problems. We can also sell food that will help bring income into the home.

Charles also has hired a man to tend the land since he is away. This man’s name is also Charles and has his family living there. At one point we met a sweet young woman, Evelyn that when she shook Kelly’s hand said, “good to meet you…are you saved?” Wow! How many times when we meet people are we that bold for Christ? That opened up a door for a blessed conversation about our Savior!

As we drove away with bananas and cassava, I was overwhelmed at what God had just done. We now have to plan out what the next step is in clearing parts of the land to plant new crops. Because of the distance from the home we also have to decide about transporting the goods. This is one of the items you can pray with us about.

After leaving there we traveled back towards the city of Kampala. Denise has friends here, Sheila & Michael. Sheila is a Californian who met a Ugandan man, married, and moved to Uganda. She moved to Uganda over 20 years ago. I had met Sheila once when she was on a visit to the US. When we stepped out of the van, Sheila was waiting with open arms. Her response to Denise was, I can not believe that you are actually here in my home! They have talked about this…and now it has become a reality!

They had a meal waiting for us! She said, “Can’t have people here from California and not have hamburgers!” We also had a bounty of fruit & avocado. We had a great time of fellowship. They are in the process of renovating the home to house visiting pastors and missionaries. We pray that God would bless them as they have dedicated this home for His use. Their son actually has come to California to attend college. I had offered to contact the son when we return to bring some Ugandan encouragement! I have been given a hug and a kiss of the forehead to carry back to give to him!

The hardest part of the day was the drive back to Jinja! Because it was late in the afternoon, we hit the jam of traffic. Kelly & Denise got a huge dose of why I do not like to travel through Kampala! It took us very long to arrive back to Jinja. Solomon did a great job getting us back home! We actually passed by the place where the bombing had occurred just a few weeks ago during the World Cup Finals. You would never have known that anything had happened there. Solomon had to point out that was there it had occurred. Life has returned back to normal here.

Sunday, we went to church at Revival Christian Church in Jinja town. I arranged to go on boda boda’s to the church as it is not far from the hotel. Denise & Kelly loved their first ride. For those you who don’t know…a boda boda is the public transport of a motor bike. We sit side saddle on the back seat. It is always a part of our experience in town!

The service was amazing. This time, the power was out so there were no instruments or microphones. I have come to love services more when we don’t have the use of technology! All there was was the instruments of hands clapping and voices lifted up to God. There is always perfect harmony of voices being lifted up to God. It was beautiful! As Andrew began to share the message, it was from Proverb 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, leaning not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” I received a small note from a young girl. The message on the front said, “immediate reaction.” On the inside was a request for me to come say hi to the Sunday School children.” So I quietly slipped out and headed towards the area where about 30-40 children were waiting. I greeted them and then we sang together and signed the song “Follow You,” sung by Michael Priebe. This is always one of their favorite songs! It is always so special to see their little hands signing “follow YOU!” I then slipped quietly back into my seat in church and settled in to hear a great message based on the verses in Proverbs!

By time church was over, Solomon had joined us and was ready to take us back to the hotel for lunch. Our friend, Godfrey had also come from Mukono to visit for the day. We all went over to the Sunset Hotel for lunch, where I have discovered the best Chinese food I have ever had! It was a delicious lunch as always!

The rest of the afternoon we spent at the home. We were able to give out the clothes we had carried to Uganda. The skirts that Kendra & her grandmother made for all the children were a big hit! We also gave them the sandals that we purchased in the market. They had gone without sandals for longer than they should have. As we purchased the plastic sandals, I commented to Solomon that they should not go that long again without them. I discovered they only cost approximately $1 each. You should have seen how happy they were with the simple gift of a sandal.

As we arrived back at the hotel for the evening, we were greeting by Pastor Joshua. Before I went to meet with Denise & Kelly, he pulled me aside and said, “In church this morning the Holy Spirit showed me that I should give you these verses…Isaiah 41:1-4.”
As I went to the room, I read the verses to the two women. We stood amazed as I was preparing for a meeting the next day…and these verses were just the encouragement I needed.

We have had various issues with individuals that needed “immediate reaction.” God has been leading me in the importance of reconciliation, no matter the cost. God has honored our obedience and relationships have been restored and strengthened! What is happening on this end can only be explained by God.

I had time with Pastor Paul on Monday. As I walked up to his home, he was carrying his now 7 month old daughter. She is precious. I will post a photo later as she is a picture of cuteness! Our time together can only be explained by our God.

Our time on Monday also included a visit to Pastor Gerald & Ruth. Their two boys, Ezekiel & Elijah are growing so fast! It was a special moment when we gave Pastor Gerald the guitar that Carol John had donated. He is so thankful for the gift. I had already given him the note that Carol had written to him. He realized because she had been given this guitar as a gift from her parents so many years ago, it must have been difficult to release. But he also counted it an extreme honor to receive such a precious gift. Ruth has also given me more beautiful necklaces…some different than what I had brought home before. You will all love them!

Kelly & Denise spent the afternoon at the home working with the children. They made more paintings with the children, played and even helped them with their homework. Solomon & I went back to the market to buy supplies. While I was back at home at Dove Ministries, Roxette Rogers handed me an envelope. She said her son, Elijah had given it to her to give to me. It contained $25 to use to buy medicine for the children. Elijah first heard me speak 3 years ago and was touched by how little it costs to save the life of a child. He saves his money and then from time to time has given it to me to carry back to help the children. Because of his generosity…we were able to buy much needed medicine for the children. All of the medicine that we had was expired and no longer good. In that were the tablets to combat malaria. God is good.

God is providing and He is answering prayers. We start each day giving it over to God. We are learning to talk less, listen to Him and go where He tells us. It is more exciting that way! Each day that we have done this, we come to the end of the day and are amazing at what He has done. We could not even plan out the kind of days that He has given to us. Denise put it well. The other night she said, “Let’s hurry up and go to sleep so we can wake up and see what He does tomorrow!” Amen!

It is still raining…the weather is cool…and God is showing Himself all around us.

I have more to share in the next update that will continue to unfold this picture of His provisions and His care for us.

Be in prayer for us as we are already on our downward slope of preparing to come home. God still has so much to teach us in a short time. Pray especially for wisdom & discernment for me as I continue to meet with those God directs.

We love you all!

We are continuing to pray for a downpour of His rain.

Kare,
eydie

Raining Hope Uganda Trip August 8-23,2010

Update from Denise Levette – August 16, 2010

Well, it’s been a week since we arrived in Uganda with Eydie. I must tell you, I am awestruck by the presence of Eydie in this town of Jinja. She is loved by everyone she knows. They treat her with absolute royalty and affection. I count it an honor just to be with her in this place. She is discerning and confident in what she does. What she does is amazing when it comes to the reason she is here which is to serve and provide for the kids that God put into her care. My heart is changed and being changed each day in knowing and seeing the Lord go before us and prepare the way to each day’s specific assignment. At the end of each day all we know to say in our heart and mind is “see what the Lord has done!” He is so good.

Being here in this place, its surroundings, & experience first hand the hospitality of the people I feel at home. Somehow I get an inking in my spirit that it won’t be the last time I am here. See you real soon.

In His Care,
Denise

Raining Hope Uganda Trip August 8-23, 2010

Update #3
The past two days have been filled with blessings from God!

It was good to have morning devotions with the staff of Hotel Paradise! That is always one of my favorite experiences. It is so good to start our day with worship, praise, prayer and hearing from God’s Word. It is even better when we can do that with our brothers & sisters in Christ!

We finally made it to the bank yesterday to exchange money. When I was here in May, Uganda had just started releasing their new currency. The old currency is slowing fading out. The bills are very beautiful and colorful, much like that of places in some of our asian continents.

I took Denise & Kelly to town to do some of their first shopping. First stop was my friend, Rita’s shop. For those of you who purchased some of the paintings on cloth from Rita, she was very thankful for your support! Her little daughter, Mary had been waiting for me to arrive. At first Mary was very shy and kept giving me a curious eye! She kept slowly inching towards me. Then a little girl next door came in and began playing the drums with me. That is all it took! Suddenly, Mary latched onto my legs and buried her head next to me. Her mother began speaking in Luganda to her and quickly scooted the girl back to her family. Rita said, “Mary doesn’t want anyone else touching you! She said she is your friend!” After that she latched onto me throughout the shop and didn’t let go! We then traveled to the familiar spot of the Source Café. Good to see old friends and sit to eat lunch a grab a cup of coffee. Brandi, I missed having you here for that cup of latte!

In the afternoon, we went to Living Hope Children’s Home to have time with our children. I met with one of our directors of the school some of children attend. They have been very patient with us as we have been behind on school fees. This term finishes up this week. Be in prayer with us as we need to catch up on these fees before the new term begins in a couple of weeks.

When we arrived at the home we were unloading the suitcases of supplies that we have for the home. As I looked up, coming down the road was our friend, Janet from Cornerstone Church. She is the one that I was delivering the suitcase of supplies from the other ministry back at home. It was a nice reunion and great timing! She was so thankful for the supplies and the love behind it.

We also had our first devotion time with the children that night. All I have to say is, “We are going to be … “ and they all shout “Strong & Courageous!” It is amazing how that theme verse from my ISP trip in May of 2009 has become the theme of Living Hope!

On Friday morning I was greeted by Douglas, one of the staff here at the hotel. I loved his greeting… “Thank you for waking up!” I agreed that I was happy to have woken up too! We need to all be thankful that God has given us life today!

We had a great devotion time led by Edward of the hotel. It was the reminder from Romans 1:14-15 of our responsibility to go into the world and share His love. I shared with the group about a prayer request that has come from California Baptist University. A traffic crash that occurred on August 9th killed one of the CBU cheerleading coaches.
A van carrying the cross-country team of California Baptist University to training in Bishop was struck by an out of control SUV. The CBU cheerleading coach who was driving the van was killed instantly. There were 12 students in the van she was driving.
If you go to the following website you will be able to get the details on how to pray for the students & families involved in this tragic event. Please keep California Baptist University in your prayers. http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_crash12.2cf9cdc.html
Yesterday was an exciting day of watching God provide. We moved around Jinja town and the local market purchasing items for the home. Through the generosity of gifts from those of you at home, we were able to buy much needed mattresses for some of the beds. We had not replaced any of the mattresses since we started the home close to three years ago. These are very simple foam mattresses…and some were falling apart. We also purchased sandals for all of the children as some have been walking barefoot for lack of shoes. We are searching for new mosquito nets in the next few days as well as other supplies. Solomon made a funny comment as we moved around. He said, “Eydie, you know more people in town than I do!” Ha! Guess I really have become a Ugandan!
We also have had a generous gift given to purchase more food. Our supply has been very low. There have been days when they have gone without food. When there is food it is limited to poshe and beans. A kind gift was given so we could give the children more variety and nutrition. We will be purchasing that food as well.

That evening during devotions, I shared from Psalm 9 “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name O Most High.” We spent time just thanking God and praising Him. It is amazing that when I asked what the children are praising God for… almost all of the answers had to do with their relationship with God, that they have a Savior who loves them, that they are alive in Christ! The answers did not focus on material things, even though we were able to purchase items for the home yesterday. It was a moment that touched my heart because of their love for the Lord.

Last night as we came back to the hotel, I was pleasantly surprised to see Edward. The amazing thing was he had his 2 year old son with him! The last time I had seen his son is when the ISP team of 2009 went to visit Edward and his family at their home. Their son was only a few days old when we met him! Now he is walking around! What a tender moment!

I was also surprised to have Pastor Gerald stop by the home last night! He just came by to say hello. His wife, Ruth is the one who made the necklaces I brought back on my last trip. He shared what God is doing in their lives and what ways they are moving towards the future. One of the comments that he made was a great ending to my day. He said that they have been teaching their young twins to pray. As Ezekiel went to pray one night (2 years old) all he said was, “God, please bless Aunty Eydie.” Out of the mouth of a child.

It rained again last night! He is showing down His blessings. We are starting Saturday with great anticipation to what He will do today!

We are continuing to pray for a downpour of His rain.

Kare,
eydie

Raining Hope Uganda Trip August 8-23, 2010

Raining Hope Uganda Trip
August 8-23, 2010

Update #2
Now that we are getting settled in… I am able to give you an update on the past couple of days! We have had many people praying for us as we prepared to travel. God answered your prayers! We had hardly any traffic on the Los Angeles freeways to get to LAX. That in itself is always a sort of miracle!

Arriving at LAX at the International Terminal it was busy as always. We entered into the terminal near the Emirates area. It was busy and crowded. Yet as we moved to the British Airways terminal…we turned the corner to find no lines! Just like in the story of the parting of the Red Sea was our check in experience. After checking in we looked behind us and there were suddenly a large group of people! God is good.

Another answer to prayer was God leading us to the exact check in agent. We were allowed 1 extra bag each because we were traveling as a humanitarian group. That allowed us a total of 9 bags. However I had an extra bag that needed to get to one of the church ministries in Kakira. The women’s group had agreed to pay the $140 extra bag fee. We were praying that the fee would be waived…and it was!!! One of our pieces of luggage was a guitar that had been donated to one of our associate pastors. When I mentioned to the ticket agent that we had the guitar, she said to carry that on and have the flight attendants store it. Wow! That was a huge answer to prayer!

Our flights and our 9 hour layover in London all went extremely well. For those of you who may be “So You Think You Can Dance” fans…we saw Nigel Lithgow, executive producer on our flight. When I text Kiana to tell her that I saw him standing in line, she said, “Tell him hi & that we danced on National Dance Day on July 31st! So being a good mom…I did! He was very nice and liked the recognition of the participation on the 31st!

Another blessing came when we boarded the flight from London to Entebbe. I was sitting in the bulk head row in the aisle seat. Next to me was a mother with a young child. Just as we were getting to know each other, the flight attendant came to me and said, “If you don’t mind, I want to move you to the row ahead of you to give this mom and her child more room.” I said that was fine…only to find out the row ahead was Business Class! Wow! God is good!

Touching down on Ugandan soil is always so heartwarming to me. I feel the warmth of being back in my “home in Africa.” Denise & Kelly were excited to finally be here after months of preparation. All of our bags arrived safely and intact! As we walked out to the crowd … Solomon was there waiting with open arms, a huge smile and a welcoming hug!

Our 2 ½ hour drive to Jinja went very well. It is always fun for me to watch the wide eyes of those who are experiencing Uganda for the first time! Of course the driving on the roads of Uganda are always one of the exciting adventures for first time visitors! We made our traditional stop for chicken on a stick & roasted bananas! As always they seem to love the new food!
Arriving at Hotel Paradise on the Nile was an introduction to the hospitality of the people of Uganda. The people of the hotel have truly become family to me. It was a huge reunion with everyone that greeted us. Many didn’t know that I was returning so the look of surprise on their faces was worth a thousand words! Denise & Kelly immediately felt the warmth & love of the people.

We were faced with a brand new procedure for the hotel…a security check of the bags. Since the bombing in Kampala surrounding the world cup a few weeks ago, they have instituted a new “security screening” of all your luggage. With our 10 bags plus carry ons it took a while for them to open up each bag and inspect the contents. But it was good to know that they were going through such procedures to secure our safety! For those of you who have been asking about the safety since the incident, you would be pleased to know they have said that they have not been affected much by it in the Jinja area. The security check is just a precaution … but all is well here in Jinja!

Tuesday was spent more in letting Kelly & Denise rest and get accustomed to a new culture and time zone! I had time to do some catching up with Solomon and discussing the possible plans for the next 12 days. What is exciting about this trip is the unknown of what God has in store! There are some specifics in what we want to accomplish … but daily we are going to trust God to show us what to do and we will follow!

Wednesday was a good example of how His plans are always better than our plans! There are no staff devotions on Wednesdays, so we were able to sleep in a little bit. After breakfast, Solomon came to pick us up. First stop…the bank to exchange money. However, once there we discovered the banks were closed for a national holiday. A former president of Uganda had passed away and burial was yesterday. In observance of this, the banks were all closed. When I left Uganda in May, for the first time I came home with excess shillings. I finally learned to travel home with some shillings so that when I arrive back I immediately have money to use (especially for chicken on a stick!). So God prepared the way in May … because the banks being closed would have posed a problem with the money I needed for our meals etc. Praise the Lord!

We then went and visited the children at the home. I am always filled to overflow when I first see our children! Some had just come from going to get water. Henry saw me and began to run with a jerry can filled with water. Let me tell you…I had Kelly & Denise each hold the can filled to the brim with water so they would know just how heavy a load the kids are carrying. We normally don’t have to go to get water this way, but with the financial crisis we have been under, the water at the home had been recently turned off. That is being alleviated today as we will be able to pay part of that bill. Solomon commented that this period has been good though for the home as they have come to appreciate the blessing of having running water at the home and not take that for granted.

One of the most heartwarming moments when I introduced Denise to Tabitha, the child that she and her husband sponsor. As soon as I told Tabitha that “this is Denise the person you…” I was going to say sponsor. Denise said “mummy” as that is what Tabitha called Denise in a letter that she had written to her. As soon as she heard the word, “mummy” she leaped towards Denise and gave her a huge hug along with a hug smile! What a moment.

When I asked Solomon what the weather has been like, he said, “very hot.” When I asked about the rain…he said “no it has not rained in over 2 weeks.” All of you who know the story of past trips and how “Raining Hope” got it’s name…know how important rain is! We base our ministry on Zechariah 10:1 “Ask the Lord for rain in the spring, for he makes the storm clouds. And he will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture.” So we prayed for rain.

Guess what?? Yes…we had rain yesterday and the weather was cool! While we were at the home it began to lightly sprinkle. When the first drops came we were praising God. He has always made his presence known to us in rain. Soon after leaving the home we went to the market to buy water. By time we walked out of the market…it was POURING DOWN RAIN! We moved down main street in the car to head to the Source Café for lunch. As we stopped by Rita’s shop she came running out with a big smile and huge hug! We have been overwhelmed with His love.

The rest of the afternoon was a lesson in just going where He leads. Solomon took us to meet some of his old friends that he has grown up with in another orphanage. They are now running a home for street kids. Visiting this new home was very encouraging for me. I spent some time getting to know one of their workers from the UK. She gave us a tour and explained how they are working with kids that formally were street children. What an unexpected blessing to land there in that home.

We also picked up Charles Mukasa who is one of our adults in our ministry. He has been a part of our ministry from the beginning as one of our sponsored children. He now is attending a local University and helping us with the work in the home. You can be praying for us as on Saturday we are going to look at a piece of property that now belongs to Charles. It was given to him when his father had passed away. He wants to use it for Raining Hope as land that we can plant food. This would be an exciting venture for us as it would help us in providing more food for the children.

This trip is centered around new things that the Lord is leading us in. In upcoming updates you will have more specifics in how to pray for us. By the end of the day yesterday, we were in awe of what opportunities have presented themselves. Since coming to Uganda 3 years ago, I have been in a process of learning to trust God, asking Him to show us what to do, and then following where He leads. Yesterday we went where Solomon had arranged…and we were speechless with how our day ended up!

In the four short days since leaving California to coming to Uganda, God has already shown Himself in ways that are beyond anything that we could have imagined. Pray for us as lives are being changed for Him.

I woke up in the middle of the night to a downpour of rain! This verse is what I found, “He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3.

We are praying for a downpour of His rain on this trip!
Kare,
eydie