Chapter 22 - Update #3 - September 4, 2016

The days have been so full, I am waking up not realizing I had gone to sleep!
I have regularly returned to my room between 11 pm and midnight. After settling in from very full days, I pull out my computer with every intention of writing an update. I make the mistake of trying to write from the comfort of the bed with my head propped up against the pillow!
Then trying to log onto the internet with the slow connection creates more of a challenge! The internet & I relate to one another so well ... we both are functioning slower at the end of the day! I close my eyes imagining all that God has done for us throughout the day while waiting for the internet to connect. It is so unexplainable that while my eyes are closed, I must be transitioning into a dream state and suddenly I am in my own movie! When I come to the end of those events, suddenly it is morning! I wake up wanting more. Turns out this is the only thing that is allowing me to actually get a little sleep at night! The good news is the credits are not yet rolling! There is much more to the story!

Even though it seems like ages ago that I left for Uganda, I have more to the story of how God miraculously provided BEFORE I left American soil.

In addition to the generous gift given for sound equipment, there were others who also gave above and beyond. We had another sizable donation made towards whatever else is needed for the ministry by an anonymous donor. Two of our other regular supporters sent above and beyond to bless the children while I am here. I spoke briefly at my church before leaving on this trip. They generously gave to help with my airline ticket & accommodations. One of the members of the praise band wanted to give me his personal amplifier to help with our sound system needs. His heart was golden, but I just couldn’t take it with me without paying too much as excess luggage.

I also had sent word out to those who are sponsoring our children to consider giving a monetary gift so we could replace the TV that was stolen four months ago. We were able to collect enough to purchase a 40” TV that would be mounted on the wall. This is a valuable

 tool for the home used with great discretion by Godfrey. The children have grown to LOVE the time we have together to watch Christian movies such as “War Room.” It challenges their hearts and motivates them to want to deepen their own walk with the Lord. Last timewatching“WarRoom”leftapermanentmarkontheirgrowingspirituallives. Special thanks to the sponsors who gave towards this need. The TV was a gift presented to the family by all of the Raining Hope sponsors. It means more than you can possibly imagine.

My passport also seemed to take it own journey before I left. If only passports could talk I could find out where it had been for a week! I sent my passport to the Ugandan Embassy in Washington D.C. over a week and a half before leaving for Maryland. I had already submitted the application to the Embassy online for the required Visa almost 2 weeks before. Because I was visiting my family in the San Francisco Bay Area that week, I mailed it from there overnight express. It was guaranteed to arrive the next day...which is why you pay $22.95! The other requirement is to purchase the return trip for the passport and include it in the envelope. So a total of $45.90 later, I was expecting the passport back well in advance of leaving for Maryland. I have done it this way for the past 10 years and never had a problem. Would’t you know the one time that I misplaced the tracking receipt is when the passport seemed to have gone off the radar. The closer it got to the day of departure, the more concerned I became. To top it all off, since I mailed it from a post office in the Bay Area, I could ’t easily go and hunt down the tracking receipt in person. Eventually, the post office found the number but it only confirmed that the actual envelope was missing in action. It showed that it had not yet arrived after five days! Danny Gokey has a song called, “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again.” Believe me...the context of that song meant something totally different to me at that moment!

I made calls to the Embassy wanting to know if they received it. I never talked with anyone directly. Leaving voice messages was all I could do. “Where in the World is Eydie’s Passport?” was becoming the theme phrase of that week. Since I am physically in Uganda, you already know the end of the story! Eventually and mysteriously the passport made it’s way into the prepaid envelope. The day before I left for Maryland I had the passport in hand. Whew! I imagine if the passport could talk it would say, “What happens on the journey in the envelope stays in the envelope!” My journey trying to track it down was quite enough for me! (P.S. Yes... I did get $22.95 back because of their overnight guarantee!)

At the last minute while packing, I had to give in and take a third bag from LAX to Washington D.C. I was trying to avoid this because I have to pay for all checked baggage for the domestic flight. I still had too much to bring, more in weight than volume. I discovered the third bag domestically was only $75 (compared to $155 for international). Knowing that the contents were important to include I packed the third bag.

I regularly take a shuttle now from my home to LAX. This particular shuttle driver was new to me. I spent the first part of the drive answering the normal questions as to what I do and where I am going. He heard all about the children of Raining Hope and how God is blessing our work. God put me in this van with the exact driver He desired to begin my incredible journey. Normally you have to pay a small fee if you have oversized bags or anything over two pieces of luggage. There were only two of us that day in the van so he told me not to worry. But when he dropped me off at the terminal, I tried to give him an extra tip. He actually refused the tip and asked me to buy a book or something for one of the children. I was speechless at this small but kind gesture. 

When I went inside to check in, I had already paid online for the first two bags. I was fully prepared to pay for the third bag at the counter. When I told the agent the story, she ended up not charging me for the extra bag! Speechless. 

I found my way to the gate and greeted one of the agents that I have gotten to know over the past three years since flying back and forth to Maryland to visit Carol. I had not seen her in awhile. This kind woman upgraded my seat to an exit row ... the now infamous seat 17C!

Then in that exit row, is where I met my new friend seated in 17A. That conversation was a precious gift to me & Raining Hope to launch Chapter 22. This person as well was suppose to sit in another row. He ended up upgrading which changed his seat assignment. It was definitely a divine appointment!

Speechless.

These updates seem to be chasing the story! Up until now it has been what has led to getting me here! The next update has at least caught up to us in Uganda! I have four days of stories that will be full & rich of what God is doing in my home in Africa, in the beautiful country of Uganda, in a town called Jinja in a home called Raining Hope!

Remaining speechless,
mama eydie kisakye

Chapter 22 - Update #2 - September 1, 2016

Raining Hope Service Project
August 24-September 12, 2016

I have made it safely to my home in Uganda! It took roughly 24 hours from the time Carol dropped me off at Dulles International Airport in Washington DC to my setting foot on Ugandan soil! I hope your last 24 hours on this journey with me was as smooth as my travel! I had such success in seat 17C on Alaska Airlines, I had wished I could occupy the same seat on Emirates! The only way to pull that off would have been to sit in business class which was a little bit (actually ALOT) out of reach! I settled into seat 47H from Dulles to Dubai and 45A from Dubai to Entebbe. Even though the seats next to me were occupied, you were still on my mind as my traveling companions!

I write from the comfort of my Ugandan home at the Paradise Hotel in room 35. This hotel has been my home away from home for the past ten years. But I also have a very specific room that I stay in each time. Only twice have I been in another room. The very first trip I was in a room near one of our other team members. On that trip I have said my life was turned “right side up,” not “upside down!” I loved that little room because it was a special part of what would forever change my life.

My second journey here I was traveling alone. So upon arrival it seemed only natural to ask about staying in the same room. The hotel staff wasn’t convinced that was the best room for me! I reluctantly followed as the person brought me to various rooms to give me other choices. I was sure at the end of the tour I was going to confidently say I would really like my old room. But then I walked into Room 35. Something happened that day as I was drawn in. I sensed a peace that truly passes all understanding. This room has a balcony that “had” a view of the Nile River. It also “overlooked” a little grassy area where the staff hang the daily laundry. It was breathtaking. They wanted me to see for myself that there was something better waiting if I would just trust them!

“Had” a view and “overlooked” a little grassy areas are past tense because it has now been 10 years. I no longer have a view of the Nile River because the tree that was planted just below my room has grown so big and tall it is the only thing that I see! The neighbor next door also added onto his property and a two story building blocks the view that direction. I can barely see the grass or even the roof next door! The original view drew me in but something much bigger kept me asking to return to the same room. Every time I am here in Room 35, God meets me in a very specific way. I can’t explain the significant quiet times I have had in the early morning hours on my balcony. I have prayed, signed music, cried and rejoiced. His Presence and love powerfully fill the room. The only other time I have been in a different room was because they were doing renovations and Room 35 was not available! Just as seat 17C became important to start Chapter 22, it is equally important for you to know the significance of room 35! So the welcome mat is out and you have entered into my Ugandan home where I graciously offer you a cup of coffee or Ugandan tea!

I write as a storyteller.

I only repeat that phrase not because this update is long, but because of my new luggage tag I noticed AFTER I arrived here. When I turned it over it read, “Travel leaves you speechless - then turns you into a storyteller!” I smiled and giggled as if God carved out that tag for me while we were traveling in air!

I have a story to tell you.

The last 24 hours I seem to have enough material to write a whole book! But first I need to share what I previewed in update #1 about God’s provision and His love. Some of you have graciously sent me encouraging words after the first update. You have said you are waiting with great anticipation with your cup of coffee in hand wanting more! For a storyteller you can’t ask for anything more!

On Thursday, August 18th a series of events were put into motion. First, I confess I have been extremely frustrated with my Yahoo mail! The latest problem is Yahoo randomly removes names (better than saying people!) from my mailing list designations. There is no rhyme nor reason to it. Even Carol & Heather who are a part of the Raining Hope staff have been mysteriously “undesignated!” I don’t know it has happened unless one of you tells me. Then again, how are you to know? On August 18th, the frustration level was high when I discovered Yahoo struck again and Heather became another victim of my now infamous mailing list hijacking! As we sat and watched TV, I manually went into my Raining Hope mailing list and discovered at least 10-15 precious supporters who were no longer receiving the monthly newsletters. I crafted a letter of apology and re-sent the current August newsletter to the unsuspecting victims! Little did I know the significance of how this frustration would lead to good.

While I was clicking away on the computer trying to fix this problem, another story was brewing. Godfrey sent me an email just after I had finished sending the last letter out for the night. He said they were becoming concerned about the upcoming crusade and conference. One of the priorities I had listed in the August newsletter was for the much needed sound equipment. We have been praying about this need for over a year now. We received funding to purchase some equipment for the January 2016 conference held at the home. It was just enough and the conference was a success. But I did not fully understand the scope of this upcoming crusade. Godfrey’s email to me was to pose the question, “should we consider postponing the crusade until December this year?”

What?

It was one of those, “Can you hear me now?” moments. Did I hear that correctly?
I quickly responded. My tickets were bought and could not be refunded without penalty. I had just sent out the newsletter announcing details of the crusade. I explained we couldn’t postpone. There were no other options but to fully TRUST IN GOD. I asked the children to keep rehearing and planning by FAITH. I figured if Jesus could preach to thousands with no sound system, we surely could get by with what we had. I had no idea where the money was going to come from. The amount needed was approximately $5300. We began to pray.

Then came Friday. Remember my Yahoo frustration? I began to watch as God was going to use it for good. One of the addresses that I had manually fixed paved the way for us to experience the miraculous. The recipient of the newsletter had been praying. Because she requested to remain anonymous, I can’t give you all the details. But the newsletter was an answer to her prayers and confirmation of where they wanted to help. After a couple of precious phone calls, she informed me that they wanted to help fund the entire amount needed to purchase everything needed for the crusade! This truly left me speechless. By the end of the weekend, I had received a check for over and above the specified amount. This allowed us to buy a few items that were a part of Phase 2 of our media needs.

When I called Godfrey and the children to let them know that God answered our prayers... they shouted for joy and praised God! However, it became quiet very quickly. Godfrey said,

“Henry wants to talk to you.” I waited. The next voice was not Henry’s but Godfrey’s. He said,
“The children are speechless. They are requesting a break.”

Again, not sure what that meant, Godfrey who was speechless himself said, “They are overcome with emotion and they need a few minutes to recover.” They were so amazed at how God answered their prayers they truly were left SPEECHLESS.

Heading into this crusade and conference with this miraculous testimony has left them with a newfound faith and trust in God alone. Raining Hope has always wanted to be explained by the miraculous.

There is no other explanation. This is truly a miracle.

The reason they were concerned about the sound system is because the crusade is not happening at the house. It will be in the local marketplace in our community. With the competing noise of everyday life in a busy Ugandan market, the need for a loud system was crucial.

Please join us in prayer as we prepare to minister to the lost right here in our backyard. 
Raining Hope Ministries Uganda / Christ in You - The Hope of Glory
This will be a time to reach the lost for Christ. It will also encourage believers
with who they are in Christ to reflect His glory as His witnesses.

September 5-7, 2016 - Open Air Evangelism - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm (10 hours behind - 6:00
am-9:00 am PST)
Main Speaker: Pastor Godfrey
Special Music: Raining Hope Ministries / Mama Eydie Kisakye (signing music)
Testimonies by some of our children

September 8-10, 2016 - Follow-Up Conference - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Main Speaker: Pastor Godfrey & Mama Eydie Kisakye
Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Pray for all involved as Raining Hope steps out
to be a Beacon of Hope to the world!

Take time to soak it all in! More coming soon about the actual purchase of the sound
equipment & the joy that is being proclaimed from these walls! Can you hear it now? Listen...they are shouting it from the rooftops!

Speechless,
mama eydie kisakye

Chapter 22 - Update #1 - August 24, 2016

Raining Hope Service Project

August 24-September 12, 2016

I am writing this first update from seat 17C on my Alaska Airlines flight.  Turns out that flying first to Maryland for a week posed some interesting challenges!  On top of that, God did one miraculous thing after another this past week.  Not only did I have a hard time keeping up, I had an even more difficult time finding the time to write an update!  

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 year marks my 10th year of service to a place I consider home.  Hard to believe that I am now on my 22nd 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.  So many of you are supporting us through your prayers and your giving..  I may be the one going, but your hearts are what I share with the children.  I want you to feel what I feel and see what I see.  The only way to do that is by the words I write.  I invite you into my story.  I actually have an empty seat next to me on this plane.  I imagine you sitting with me in 17B.  Just as I told the story of Raining Hope and the children to my new friend in 17A, I want you to be able to experience everything along with me. 

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 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.   Prepare to journey with me into a story of God’s love for His children 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.  For example, the past few days have left us utterly speechless as to all that God is doing.  There is so much to share that I will be telling that part of the story in update #2!  (Preview - provisions for the sound equipment & more!)   Believe me, I won’t be speechless in my email!  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.  

I have been in Maryland all week preparing for this exciting journey.  The stopover here was not only to visit Carol, Diane, Teri and the puppies but it was specifically to attend a conference at Carol’s church.  A dear friend, Pastor Charles, has a non-profit organization that ministers mainly in Haiti and Nigeria.  He has been highly instrumental in his wisdom and support of the work I am doing.  His conference was a three-day launch for his newly established ministry.  It was an inspiring three days for me.  I came as a support for Pastor Charles knowing that God had a word for me.   God used it in an important way to prepare my heart for our crusade and conference.  I left the third session on Saturday in compete awe.  Speechless.  Simply speechless.  

The next couple of days are filled with last minute preparations.  I have included my travel schedule for you to journey with me.  As I fly on Emirates, I will imagine you sitting with me regardless if there is an open seat!  

So get ready for a grand adventure!  Chapter 22 officially has been opened!                  

Kale,  mama eydie kisakye 

Itinerary for Eydie - Chapter 22 - August 24-September 17, 2016 

Wednesday, 24 August 2016 

Alaska Airlines Flight 6 

Departs LAX - 12:45 pm Arrives Washington DC Reagan - 8:57 pm 

Wednesday, 31 August 2016 

Emirates EK 232 

Departs Washington DC Dulles: 10:55 am 

Arrives Dubai: 8:05 am (September 1)

Thursday, 01 September 2016 

Emirates EK 729 

Departs Dubai: 9:20 am 

Arrives Entebbe, Uganda 1:50 pm 

Monday, 12 September 2016 

Emirates EK 730  

Departs Entebbe, Uganda 3:50 pm 

Arrives Dubai 10:35 pm 

Tuesday, 13 September 2016 

Emirates EK 231 

Departs Dubai 2:20 am 

Arrives Washington DC Dulles 8:40 am 

Departs 17 September 2016 

Alaska Flight 5 

Departs Washington DC Reagan 9:15 am 

Arrives LAX 11:52 am 

Chapter 21 - Update #12 - February 26, 2016

Note:  I was preparing to post Chapter 22 and realized that update #12 was sent out by newsletter but not posted.  Here is that post from the January 2016 trip!  

Before I give the last update on my traveling home on January 25th, I want to update you on the Presidential elections. 

First, thank you for joining us in prayer.  
President Museveni was reelected with 60.75% of the vote over his closest opponent, Besigye who received 35.37% of the vote.   Social media was shut down to avoid false rumors from being spread during the elections.  Godfrey kept in contact with me when he could get through.  We are praising God that the children all remained safe during the process.  

We continue to ask for your prayers.  There is still some concern what the opposition will do in light of the results.  They still have mayoral elections next week.   The tension that exists will remain until the inauguration three months from now.   If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.   A lot of what is on social media is false.  I will try and keep you up-to-date as I hear directly from Godfrey.  The main truth is the children are fine and are excited about starting school. 

We were able to send some money so the children could start school this week.  Please pray with us as we still need to raise the balance for the first term.  Thank you for your prayers and your support.  Godfrey has expressed his thanks for you joining us in prayer during this critical time for their nation. 

To finish Chapter 21, Monday, January 25, 2016 was a special day.   I spent the morning trying to finish last minute notes.  I missed breakfast and rushed down to the morning fellowship at the hotel.  I was to share one more time in the devotions before leaving for the airport.  I was so late I thought I missed the worship and would just lead the devotion.  To my surprise, no one was in the hut!   I looked around wondering if I made a mistake with the time.  Normally by now at least one person is there preparing the space.  

I decided to just go ahead and worship alone.  I pulled out my music and began to sign to a song.  I had a private moment with the Lord getting ready to again leave my special home at the edge of the Nile until the next time.  It was getting close to 9 am which is when we normally finish the devotions.  As I turned to leave, Esther and another one came apologizing for their lateness.   They wanted to go ahead with the devotions even with what I thought was just a couple of us.  My only issue was that Godfrey would soon come to pick me up for the journey to the airport.  

But the ones who were there started preparing.  The chairs were brought out and put into place.  Instead of just going into the devotion, we still had a time of worship to prepare our hearts. I love that.  We didn’t skip worship.   At that moment,  I relaxed and just asked the Lord to prepare the way to the airport.  I knew this time was important for my hotel family.  So I trusted that all would go well even though we would leave later than expected.  As we worship, more people came.  By time we got to the devotions there were at least 15-20 people there which is more than normal.   In the time of devotion it was a summary of this journey and a reminder to continue seeking Him at the river...allowing our roots to go down deep.  It was an encouraging time to reflect on His Word together.  

When we were done, Robert Otile, General Manager for the hotel and dear friend got up to speak.  This is the first time that has happened.  I thought he was just going to lead in a time of prayer for my flight home.  But what came next took me by complete surprise.  He began talking about how we are all family.  In all honesty, I don’t remember all that he said.   What I do remember was Robert sharing that when I go home he knows I share the story of what God is doing in Uganda.  But they wanted to have a way to tell all of you from their hearts the story of how God is using me. 

On behalf of the Chairman of the Board which is his father, Mr. Francis Otile, they presented me with a beautiful framed certificate of recognition from the Paradise Hotel.  This was a first.  When I post photos at a later time you will see the words they used.   As long as my updates are, this I have no words for what truly happened. 

This is why they were late.  They were gathering up people to come to make this presentation.  It was an honor and a complete surprise.  It is something that I will forever cherish from my family at Paradise Hotel.  

Godfrey was there as well which meant the world to me.  It became very hard for me to leave my family at the hotel on this journey.  The one thing that helped was knowing I was going to stop by the house to see the children on the way to the airport! 

We had less time at the house but it turned out to be just enough time.   We hugged and prayed and just loved on one another!!    It is always hard to leave but we do it in a way that brings honor to the Lord.  God did so much on this journey that all we could do was stand back and be thankful!   
Godfrey and I made the long journey to the airport.  No time for chicken on a stick because we used the additional time at the hotel!   The hotel actually packed breakfast for the both of us since I had missed it.  

We had great conversations on the three hour journey!  Godfrey has been instrumental in helping me with the new policies regarding sponsorship, letter writing and gift giving.   All that will be announced soon as we launch our new sponsorship program!  Exciting things are coming!   Stay tuned!  

We made it to the airport with time to spare.  God definitely answered prayer.  Difficult to leave but always blessed to know that my “Ugandan family” is here & God is using them to glorify His name.  I am so thankful that God’s call on my life included this little spot on the face of this big world.  

Thank you all for journeying with me on my 21st trip to Uganda.  Because of the instability of the elections, going to Uganda for the next few months is not wise.  I will not be taking teams this year which I will talk about in upcoming newsletters.  I may be returning by myself sometime this summer when we are given the ok that it is safe.  

You can continue to pray for the children and their safety.  We are excited about this new phase we are entering with some of our children entering post-secondary schools.  God is continuing to bless and enlarge territories!   It is exciting to be a part of what God is doing.  YOU are all a part of that.  Thank you for taking the time to read.  Thanks to those who have written back a word of encouragement.  

On behalf of Godfrey and the family at Raining Hope, we all say a big THANK YOU for loving us. 

Thanks for reading Chapter 21! I know they were long, that is why I tried to BOLD key points in case you just wanted to skim through.  Hope that helped.  But long or short...all I want to do is allow you to participate in the miraculous things that I am witnessing.  I pray that the updates allow you to feel as if you are walking right alongside me.  

Love you all, 

mama eydie kisakye

Chapter 21 - Update #11 - Sunday

Sunday, January 24, 2016 was a glorious day!   I spent the morning preparing to share at our launch.  The anticipation of what God was going to do had been building all week long.   Godfrey was late picking me up because he had been waiting for the tent to be redelivered.  We didn’t pay to rent them on Saturday, but that became a problem on Sunday.  The tent people never showed back up so Godfrey and the children had to shift everything inside the house.  

It actually worked perfectly for our Launch. Rain was coming so it would have been difficult outside even with the tent.  When we drove into the compound they were in full praise & worship.  What a glorious sound to hear such a joyful celebration!    

We sang, we danced, we prayed, we worshiped.  The children were all in charge of the program.  They transitioned easily from one part of the program to the next.  Some gave testimony as to what God is doing in their lives.  The Raining Hope Praise Team presented a special song.  

Godfrey asked me to share the message to the children this morning.  He asked me to summarize what we had learned this week during the conference.  The launch was also to give hope to the surrounding community.  The children expressed how important it was that I was present for the launch of this ministry.

We talked about the journey we have been on together the last nine years. The old phrase, “You had to be there” is appropriate. Sharing the whole message will make a long update even longer!    So I will highlight the main point.  

As we launched Raining Hope Ministries, the New Testament church in the book of Acts is an inspiration for me.  In Acts 20:17-28, The Apostle Paul has an opportunity to talk to the church leaders in the city of Ephesus one last time face to face. In those verses he tells them that false teachers will not only come among them but FROM within. (vv.29-30).  He sets the example for us that we are not to follow “the church” but in verse 32 tells us,  “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.”

What we launched today was a ministry that is based on the Word of God.  When people come on Sundays, they will find His Truth proclaimed!  Isaiah 40:7-8 “The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord.  And so it is with people.  The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”  Raining Hope stands on His Word! 

 . 

I closed with a prayer taken from “War Room” as the closing prayer by the character, Miss Clara.  “Help me to stand on Your Word above all else.  Help me to fight on my knees and worship you with my whole heart.  Help me to proclaim with my life that you are King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Guide me to people who will call upon Your name.  Raise up those who love you and seek You and trust You.  Call us to battle, Lord.  Call us to battle.” 

I presented the Bible that I used to teach from that morning to Godfrey and Raining Hope Ministries in honor of the launch.  It was overwhelming to see God at work in such a powerful way.   (Fast forward...Godfrey wrote to me the Sunday after I returned home and told me two more visitors came on our second Sunday!   The next Sunday there were four more from the community and four from other areas!  Praise the Lord!) 

After the services we had some time as we waited for our non-pardoned turkey to arrive!   I was already incredibly blessed by the morning...then it began to RAIN!  I ran outside for a moment and just stood with my arms outstretched to the skies to have the rain just pour over me.   I could hear a worship song in the background from the CD player.  It was overwhelming.  Then as I had my arms outstretched and the rain POURING over me, one of the boys inside put a song on that had to do with RAIN and HIS blessings.  It was a very surreal moment.  It was a private moment that God blessed me with His presence.  I couldn’t have been more thankful for those moments of being drenched in His love. 

Because the turkey had “shrunk” in the cooking process, Robert earlier had discerned that we would need two chickens to supplement the turkey meat.  At first Godfrey didn’t think it was necessary because we were going to have a lot of other food.  But it turned out that Robert was right.  So the hotel grilled us two chickens with potatoes and vegetables to make sure the children would have enough meat.  

This also turned into another object lesson.  There are people in our lives that can see things that maybe we can’t.  The wisdom and discernment of those with experience is something to not ignore.  Robert was just watching out for us and wanting the best for the children.  He turned out to be right.  If we would not have listened the children would not have had hardly any meat.  

We had a FEAST that afternoon!  We not only had turkey & chicken (which by the way was delicious!) but there was rice, African spaghetti noodles, greens, & cabbage.  The children LOVED, LOVED the turkey!  They had never had it prepared this way which was basically roasted.  We celebrated Christmas, New Year’s and all our birthdays.  Through your monthly giving, you all were a part of this feast as it was provided by Raining Hope.  They are all so thankful for all of you who support them as they know moments like this are made possible because of all of you.  

Dessert was a very special time for us.  We had two different kinds of cake.  One was the chocolate cake from Ozzie’s and the other was a banana cake the hotel made for us.  But Godfrey had arranged a very special program.  We had to have the ceremonial “cutting of the cake.”  For those new to my updates, this is a tradition that started on my second trip to Uganda.  “Cutting the cake” symbolically means that I will come back.  But Godfrey added something new.  He first had Hillary come and represent all of the boys in sharing a word to me as their mum, then Vivian share on behalf of all the girls.  Then they all gathered around the table, ready for the cake cutting!  This time Godfrey had Frank represent the boys and older Joan represent the girls.  They stood on either side of me with their hands on mine and the three of us cut the cake together!  This truly is what being a family is about.  Godfrey wanted me to speak to the children before he closed out that time praying for me as I prepared to leave the next day.  

That afternoon we gathered for another Sunday afternoon movie!  I brought, “Facing the Giants” which is another Christian film by the Kendrick Brothers.  They LOVED the movie!  The movie is about a losing high school football coach with an underdog football team that face their giants of fear and failure.  It was inspiring to watch the movie together.  They were challenged to know that anything is possible with God.  

The evening was a precious time that I will forever hold close to my heart.  I had Godfrey share with the children the significance of foot washing based on John 13:14-17.  For the first time in the nine years I have been going to Uganda, we had a time of foot washing to set an example of humility and service.  I usually do this with my teams.  But this was the first time I had done this with our children.   We had praise and worship music in the background.  I washed the feet of all of our children then held their feet as I prayed silently.   Godfrey came behind me and dried the feet of each one praying as well.  I can’t tell you the significance of this very private time we had as a family.  At one point, I could see Godfrey drying feet from the corner of my eye and become overwhelmed with a sense of humility and love.  Godfrey said, “This time helped the children to know how much we love them and care about them.  It set an example for them to love one another.  They were encouraged and felt a great deal of humility.  They felt such love having you wash and I dry.”  Symbolically it was important for both of us as mum & uncle to do this together.  

We had a basin, a bucket of water, soap and towels.  Godfrey would empty out the basin as the water became dirty.  Everyone quietly sat and prayed as they waited their turn.  When we got through washing all the children’s feet, I then washed Godfrey’s and he washed mine.  We closed the time in prayer.  Something significant happened that one night in our home.  Godfrey says it well...”Washing feet was an expression of His love.”  I will never forget this night.  

Since this update is already long I will send one more to wrap up Chapter 21.  I’ll let this update soak in as to the importance of all that God is doing in the lives of the children you support at Raining Hope.  Sunday, January 24, 2016 will be a day we will look back on as a marker in the life of our children.  Thank you for taking the time to read and pray!  They love you all so much! 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

mama eydie kisakye 

Chapter 21 - Update #10 - Saturday

After a successful three days of conference, Saturday was going to be a day that we would celebrate together.  We planned to have a Christmas, New Year’s, & Birthday party as a family.  We were also celebrating the official opening of the newly renovated boy’s quarters.  Things shifted slightly because of a turkey! 

If you remember in the January newsletter,  I told you the story of how thieves stole our Christmas turkey.  The children still had a Christmas meal, minus a turkey.  They rarely have turkey because it is for special occasions only.  While I was there I went looking for a turkey roaster so I could cook a turkey at the home.  In Ugandan culture, most do not have traditional ovens.  We do all of our cooking outside in large pots over charcoal.  After hunting around the stores in town, I discovered this type of roaster was not available.  

But my wonderful family at the hotel said they would cook the turkey for me!  Robert was able to secure a turkey for me.  Saturday morning he called me and said, “We found you a turkey!  Do you want to come down and see it?”  As I came downstairs, I realized I was to see a turkey that was still alive, not neatly wrapped in a package in the grocery store!  As I looked at the turkey, I felt like the President of the United States who pardons a turkey each Thanksgiving in a public ceremony!  I could almost hear the turkey saying, “pardon me, pardon me!”  The turkey gave its life to make a lot of people happy.  I blessed it in Jesus name as it was taken away! 

The hotel kitchen staff wanted to marinate the turkey for a day.  So we decided to shift the main party at the home to Sunday.  Then we included the launch of the new outreach ministry in the celebration!   We turned it into a two-day party instead of just one.  The kids loved the idea!  

After spending the rest of the morning studying for speaking at our launch the next day, my friend, Mutete came to cook lunch for me.  I took a break and went into the kitchen to watch and learn.  The funny thing is, as I stood next to Mutete I realized there was a large silver tray on the counter covered in banana leaves. It took me a few minutes to realize what was underneath.  My suspicions were correct when I raised the banana leaves to take a peak....our celebration turkey was already in the marinating stage!  

Here is the lesson I gained from this experience...

The turkey looked so much bigger when it was covered with feathers.  On the outside, it can puff up its feathers, be prideful and make a lot of noise.  But when you strip it down to just the bare skin, it is not that big at all.  In fact, I was a little concerned because it was rather small...not the 25 pound turkeys I am used to cooking at home!   To fast forward to Sunday...when it was cooked and put through the heat, it seemed to have shrunk!   Lesson I shared with the children was this....sometimes people puff themselves up and appear to be what they are not.  They are loud & prideful even to the point of being a bully.  Yet when you take away all the stuff on the outside, on the inside they are not that tough.  Then when that person goes through the heat and pressure, they really show what’s on the inside.  Even for us, we learned all week what it is like to be near the River of Life letting our roots go down deep or far away in the desert.  The turkey’s life ended up being an object lesson for them that they understood clearly.  So many of them have been told they are not good enough & bullied by others.  It is to these people they want to share the Gospel.  People are empty on the inside without Jesus.  None of our children want to be a turkey!  They want others to see Jesus on the inside and outside of them!  Praise the Lord!  

Godfrey & I went into town to see my friends before leaving Monday.   We also went by Ozzie’s to see my friend, Jude.  She makes the best cakes and homemade bread!  I had forgotten to order a cake for our party.  Thankfully she had an almost full chocolate cake that was perfect.  I had also ordered a banana cake from the hotel to make sure we had enough.  

The afternoon at the home can only be described as indescribable!  Because we postponed the big celebration to Sunday, we spent some time talking as a family about all that God is doing.  The children have been instrumental in helping me to understand more about culture as we are improving our ministry and writing policies.  It was a significant time together.  

We then had a very special time together as Peter, our first graduate from post secondary school came to visit.  He traveled all the way from Rwanda to be with us this weekend.  He was going to come for the whole conference but came down with malaria.  He still made the long trip only to stay for two days.   Peter graduated from a four year law degree program in December.  We found out that 107 students started the program four years ago.  There were only 35 who finished and graduated.  Peter was the top male student!  The top student was a woman.  So Peter graduated as the second best student over all.  He told me this year he is studying for the Rwanda Bar which is a nine month process.  He already has the top law agencies in Rwanda after him even though he has not yet passed the Bar.  We are so proud of him. 

We had him talk to the rest of the family about his journey.  He focused on the dreams of the children and not giving up.  He told them he has wanted to be a lawyer since he was in primary school.  He told me at another time that he put himself through law school at times working three jobs and 20 hours a day.  His dream became a reality.  He is a great model for the rest of the children.  They were so encouraged to hear from him. 

We also had a couple give Peter a graduation gift to help our new law student. He dressed up in a new suit, shoes, shirt & tie and looked so professional!  He was overwhelmed & thankful.   

Our birthday celebration included a huge group!  Not only did Godfrey, Annet and I all have birthdays in December, Irene’s was in JanuaryI  There were at least five more of our children who had a birthday in these two months.  So we all got together as we sang Happy Birthday to us all!  

The next surprise was for the Raining Hope family as a Christmas, New Year and Birthday gift!   When I was at home in December, I had someone at my church ask if we buy livestock.  We don’t have room to buy a lot of animals, but Godfrey said we could use a cow for milk.  We began to investigate the possibility.  Because of the generosity of three donors, we were able to purchase our own cow!   Robert & Andrew were able to secure the purchase from the person who sells them milk at the hotel.  The great thing about buying from him is if anything goes wrong, we have security to have bought from someone the hotel trusts.  

The plan behind having the cow is not only to provide much needed milk on a daily basis.  But this cow will produce excess milk that we can sell.  This will be a source of self-sustaining income for the home.  Hallelujah!  

The cow already had a name before we bought her.  Through some discussion with Carol, the name “Leche” was decided upon!  Leche in spanish is “milk.”  In spanish the word for meat is “carne.”  Carol said, “We don’t want her to ever get confused that she would be used for anything but MILK!”    I told the kids that this is job security for Leche, and they loved it!  It was so fun to hear them call “Leche” by her name!  

When they arrived with Leche, the children erupted in praise!  Leche is a beautiful black and white cow.  Immediately as she jumped off the truck, she went for every piece of grass or anything green!  I told Godfrey, “We won’t need a lawnmower or slasher from this point on!”  We had Andrew lead in a time of prayer and dedication as we welcomed Leche into the Raining Hope family.  

The added bonus...Leche is pregnant!  When the owner discovered the cow he wanted us to have was carrying a calf, he didn’t raise the price.  God blessed us with two for one!  God is so good.  

This day was truly a day of miraculous blessings.  Thank you for reading with me all the way through.  I pray the words of the update will give you a small sense of what I experienced.   

It is currently Monday, February 1st.  I leave for California on Wednesday. Carol’s sister has been out of town and returns tonight.  It makes a huge difference for both Diane & Carol to have me here when she is out of town. It snowed a little bit more this weekend.  But it is warming up and the snow is beginning to melt.  My children in Uganda are praying for California and the recent El Nino storms that have hit.  Begin praying now for my safe travel on Wednesday.  Pray for Carol’s sister, Diane who is flying home today from California.  Thank you for your prayers. 

I have at least one more update to send regarding the Launch of our Outreach Ministry on Sunday.  As I continue to process all that God has done, it helps to be here in the quietness of the snow and the peace of this home. 

Kale, 

mama eydie kisakye

Chapter 21 - Update #9 - Friday

Friday morning I had a quick breakfast and then went down to lead the morning devotions for the hotel.  I am summarizing what I am teaching during the conference and it is having an impact on the hotel workers.  We have really grown together spiritually during this time as we share God’s Word together. 

I spent the rest of the morning preparing and studying for the last day of the conference.  I took a break at lunch time to cook with my friend, Mutete who does my favorite Chinese food cooking.  It has turned into a ministry time for me to work alongside him in the kitchen...as he makes my favorite dishes. 

Godfrey and I ran into town on the way to the house that afternoon just to pick up a couple of items.  We had great expectation that God was going to do something significant in the last session.

We concluded the conference in glorious praise and worship to our God.  The Raining Hope Praise Team did a Nigerian song that has become one of my favorites!  They choreographed a dance to the song ... and it was definitely a celebration!    We had some new people attend.  Esther from the hotel came today after she got off work.  We were extremely blessed by all those that came.

My time of sharing was focused on Jeremiah 17:7-8 as we wrapped up the week.  It mainly focused on being planted by streams of Living Water and our roots going down deep.  So much happened in the hour that I spoke.  All I will say about this time is what happened during the time of invitation.  Godfrey validated & summarized what we learned all week.  He called for a time of commitment for those who were ready to deepen their roots and draw close to Him.  It was a beautiful site to see all of our children raise their hands to the Lord. Godfrey led a time of prayer as they committed their lives to following Him alone & deepening their roots.   I wish I could share everything that was in Godfrey’s pray as he prayed.  They were not all raising their hands following the others. They individually were making their own commitment.  I watched as each one was fervently praying to the Lord.  What a beautiful moment of commitment. 

I had SIGNIFICANT conversations with many of the kids who came to me personally the rest of the weekend. They all had the common theme that they were either told they were not good enough or to not reach for their dreams.  I can’t even express what each one told me.  Each conversation highly encouraged me that GOD is the one making the difference in their hearts. 

Godfrey’s comment after the conference was this, “This conference was for our children.  It is preparing them for what is to come.  They had to be prepared to go out and tell others about Jesus.  This is what they needed.” 

Something happened through this conference.  Something is happening at Raining Hope.  Simply, Jesus truly is alive at Raining Hope. 

Thank you for praying.  Thank you for supporting me through this process.  The children all love you and are thankful for each one of you.  We continue to pray for the miraculous.  All of this can only be explained by Him. 

Kale,
mama eydie kisakye