Chapter 26 - Update #1 - July 27, 2023

Chapter 26 - Update #1 - July 27, 2023 

The last month has just flown by!  I recently traveled to Boston for the Lions Clubs International Convention.   My first convention was 36 years ago! COVID and a virtual convention made it 34 conventions!  International President Brian Sheehan presented me with his International President's Medal.  He originally presented it to me at my Ventura Downtown Lions Club meeting in January as we celebrated our club's 100 year anniversary.  He officially gave it to me at this year's International Convention for my years of service. What an amazing and humbling experience. Thanks to all the Lions over the past 36 years who have influenced and supported me.   I am grateful for my Lion's International Family.  

The last few weeks we have been focused on the challenges that arose from the new compliance issues that came out of nowhere for the whole city of Jinja.   The June 2023 newsletter was a call to pray about what we needed to do to stay in compliance and stay opened.  The July Special Edition newsletter expanded the list of requirements.  GOD IS ANSWERING PRAYER!  Thank you to every person who has donated above and beyond your regular giving to help us stay opened!  We have been working on the list according to priority.  We have started painting the house!  Locks for the doors are being purchased and installed.  So much is happening quickly.  All of this is due to your prayers and your support.  We still have a long way to go.  Continue to pray for the necessary funds that are still needed not only for compliance but for this current trip.   As soon as we have the first inspection, I will report back on the progress we have made! 

For those of you who are new to my updates,  I want to get you ready for your part in this journey!  My first trip to Uganda was a mission’s trip at the end of 2006.   This is my 26th trip to Uganda!   The chapter coincides with the number of the trip.  Each trip is a chapter of the larger story of my call to Africa.

I write as a storyteller.  You are on this journey with me.  I may be the one physically going, but your hearts are what I share with the people of Uganda.  I want you to feel what I feel and see what I see.  The only way to do that is with the words I write.  I invite you into my story.  I will be sitting in seat 19H on my way to Doha.  From Doha to Entebbe I will be in seat 23K.  I will imagine you sitting with me to soak in all that God is doing!

Updates are long as a story would be.  I have tried to shorten them by doing bullet points but then it would be nothing more than a table of contents.  I have tried highlighting key thoughts so like a speed reader, you could pick up on just the main points.  But then the experiences were getting lost in the translation. (I still highlight but more to emphasize key points).  I even tried writing shorter updates because a few said they were too long.  It was similar to having a bad connection on the phone, only hearing every other word with the familiar,  “Can you hear me now?”  This approach did not allow the heartbeat of the mission to be communicated clearly.

So I have gone back to doing what I know He has required of me.  You know ahead of time that you are going to be reading a chapter in a story.   Grab a cup of coffee or tea and find a nice, comfy chair to settle into.  I know some run off a copy to read it instead of on the computer.  Read prayerfully.  Prepare to journey with me into a story of God’s love for His people in a place called Raining Hope in a town called Jinja in Uganda on the continent of Africa.

Because so much happens in one day, at times I will divide it into two emails.   Words will come spilling out on the page.  I want you to be right there with me as you read!  Feel free to take breaks to absorb the excitement!   I will be posting the same updates on our blog but will add photos.  You can find us at www.raininghopeuganda.blogspot.com .  Once in Uganda, I will try to send updates every few days depending on the reliability of the internet connection.  We have a very full schedule and I try to write at the end of each day.  Sometimes I come back to the hotel and literally fall into bed!  But, I will do my best to update you! 

All past newsletters are found on our website www.raininghope.org under the “Newsletter” tab.  Chapter 26 updates will be found on the “Travel Blog” tab.  The front page has six precious videos of the five who we are sending off, plus one from Godfrey.  Your hearts will be blessed when you hear from those who you have supported all these years. 

 

So get ready for a grand adventure!  Chapter 26 officially has begun!

Blessed Beyond Measure! 

Mama Eydie Kisakye            

P.S.  Here is my flight information for the journey.  I appreciate you joining me in prayer especially as I travel.  There will be more information regarding the three main events.  Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare.  Also pray for me as I will speaking at each event.  I also share each Sunday morning at Raining Hope Ministries as well as each evening at our family devotional time. 

DEPART

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Qatar Airlines Flight 740

Depart LAX - 4:35 pm 

Arrive Doha - 6:30 pm (July 26, 2023)  

15 hours & 55 minutes 

Overnight in Doha 

Qatar Airlines Flight 1383

Depart Doha - 8:35 am (July 27, 2023) 

Arrive Entebbe - 2:15 pm (July 27, 2023) 

5 hours & 40 minutes 

Drive to Jinja from Entebbe will be about 3 hours.  Godfrey picks me up! 

RETURN

Monday, August 14, 2023

Qatar Airlines Flight 1384 

Depart Entebbe - 5:30 pm 

5 hours & 30 minutes 

Qatar Airlines Flight 741 

Depart Doha - 1:20 am (August 15, 2023) 

Arrive LAX - 7:25 am (August 15, 2023) 

16 hours & 5 minutes 

SEND OFF CELEBRATION 

Joan, Jesca, Hilary, Sylvia & Vivian

Saturday, July 29, 2023 

HILARY & FLORENCE 

INTRODUCTION

Saturday, August 5, 2023 

WEDDING 

Saturday, August 12, 2023