Chapter 26 - Update #5 - Friday, August 4, 2023 - Send Off Celebration - Part 2

 

Chapter 26 - Update #5 - Friday, August 4, 2023 - Send Off Celebration - Part 2

Another side note… Sending emails is still a problem.  I got half way with Part 1 and it locked me out. Thanks for waiting.  I do post the same updates on the blog.  Posting photos is still a problem but eventually we will prevail. Just wanted you to know I am trying.   (I am behind but will prayerfully catch up this week.  It is actually Saturday, August 5th. Please pray for the Introduction.  I have learned a lot this week.  The Introduction is bigger and more significant that the wedding next week.  I will send another update soon!) 

As our Send Off continued, Godfrey & I both had an opportunity to greet guests and share a few words.  Godfrey gave more information of who we are as a ministry and a family.  He has been with us since the beginning and has watched God do the miraculous.  He was very inspiring and did a great job helping everyone understand our purpose as we strive to follow the Lord in all we do and bring glory to Him. 

This is part of my sharing: 

“Over the years I have been impacted by the desire these specific students have had for knowledge. The key was having the ability to receive an education to give them HOPE for a brighter future. 

We began our journey in the year of 2007 to try to help make those dreams become a reality. Here today are five that represent the fulfillment of what we set out to do.  Each one has their own story of their own journey. Each one Is using their God-given talents to bring God glory.  They didn’t do it alone. Not only were they surrounded by support at Raining Hope Ministries, here and in the US, they had you.  Each one here represents parents, friends, other family members, and our community. We all give a huge THANK YOU to all for your support and encouragement.”

I signed a song, “Music of the Heart” by Gloria Estefan & Nsync.  It is an older song but signed it on my very first trip here. Music Of My Heart (Lawrence P. Dermer Remix)   I realized the words to this song have come full circle.    

“You’ll never know what you’ve done for ME. What your faith in me has done for my soul.” 

The Raining Hope family has affected all of us.  They have helped us grow in our faith as we have watched them throughout all these years.  Even though you haven’t met them in person, I know through testimonies and words of encouragement they have made a difference in your lives.  They surely have made a difference in mine.  

“You’ll never know the gift you’ve given me - I’ll carry it with me” “Through the days ahead ... I’ll think of days before” 

“We have had ups and downs. But we have always known that God had plans for us. Plans not to hurt or harm us but plans for a HOPE and a FUTURE. (Jeremiah 29:11)  They have stayed STRONG AND COURAGEOUS through challenges. They never gave up HOPE. (Joshua 1:9)” 

Before the commissioning and sending out of the students, each one of them stood and gave testimony.  I sat and cried through each one.  They all gave glory to God for the great things He has done.  Each one had their own story of where God has brought them.  Some of what they shared I had not heard before.  With each one, my heart just melted.  It was a very humbling experience to hear how they were genuinely thankful to be given such a great opportunity to receive an education and pursue careers that they have been called to.  

You can hear the sense of pride in their speech that they finished school well and are making something of their lives.  So many don’t make it this far.  They want to make a difference for Christ is this world.  You are to be thanked for helping support the work here.  Your prayers and support were a huge part of this celebration day! 

I leaned over to Godfrey when the last student was speaking.  I was crying and said,  “I am overflowing with thankfulness and joy…I don’t know how much more I can handle!”  It was that overwhelming!  

The time came for the Commissioning.  I shared the words of commissioning and Godfrey led the commissioning prayer.  

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen”.  Ephesians 3:20-21 

God has done MORE than we have asked or could have ever imagined. We are here today because of His power that is at work within us. 

I read words from another song, “I Believe It (The Life of Jesus)”  by Jon Reddick.  Jon Reddick - I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus) [Official Lyric Video]

“It's not just a story.  It’s a living breathing walking testimony” 

These five student’s story does not end here today. It is beginning of a continuing STORY of how God is using them to make a difference.  They are a living, breathing testimony of His grace and LOVE! 

The commissioning included the words of Acts 1:8 and Mark 16:15-18 which Pastor Dockery at St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church prayed over me when they commissioned me on the Sunday before I left for Uganda.   Parents, leaders in the community, church and hotel all came around the five students to pray over them as Godfrey led.  I wish you could have all been there.  It is truly indescribable. 

We also had CAKE that the five students and I cut together as one.  For those who have read my updates in the past, you know that the “candles” are more like “fireworks”!  I am hoping I will be able to post a video of this on the blog when I get home! 

We had a FEAST as a way to bless all those who attended.  This was due to the generosity of those of you who gave above and beyond for the Send Off. 

The moment that sent me over the top…that moment that I thought I couldn’t take much more is when parents came to say bye and thank you.  Vivian’s mother came to me and gave me a huge hug.  She speaks no English so Vivian interpreted for me.  She handed me a bag with a gift.  It was probably 6 yards of the African material I buy to have dresses made.  It is one of those times you want to not accept because you know they don’t have much.  But then you take away the blessing from them. She wanted to bless and thank me. She gave from what she had. How humbling.  I saw in her eyes the gratefulness of all Raining Hope has done for her daughter.  She was so emotional.  Tears welled up in her eyes.  You need no interpreter for that.  I said “thank you” and all she could say was ‘thank you, thank you”.  She then hugged me and began praying for me in my ear.  She prayed in Luganda language so powerfully.  Even though I don’t understand all of the language, I understood her heart.  

That moment confirmed all the past 17 years we have walked this journey.  It helps to continue to move forward knowing that the Lord is in control and is going ahead of us.  It was extremely humbling.  I was officially full!   

Thank you for your prayers and for your encouraging words you are sending back in response to my updates.   I am humbled and grateful. 

Kale, 

Mama Eydie Kisakye

Chapter 26 - Update #4 - Thursday, August 3, 2023 - Send Off Celebration - Part 1

Another side note… While my internet problem has been solved (still praising God!), Yahoo has now been the next challenge.  When I send out the newsletter updates from anywhere other than home, I get these messages that I have to change my password due to suspicious activity.  It is a safeguard which is great.  But it takes times to verify that it is really me that is sending out the emails.  If you are missing any of the updates, just send me an email.  I did my best to go back and resend the ones that kicked back.  We will prevail!   I tried posting videos on the blog but it is not working.   (YAHOO is really a struggle.  I can't get the photos from phone to computer to post.  Check back later for the photos)

Friday was a day filled with little reunions at the hotel!  As I had breakfast, many of the hotel family came by to welcome me back home!  It was so great to see so many familiar faces.  

Godfrey came by in the morning to bring my wash basin filled with things I keep here so I don’t have to carry them in my luggage back and forth.  I forget most of the time what I have left behind!  But I was glad to see a travel hairdryer and straightener even though I end up not using it as much.  On Saturday I went to use the hairdryer and it immediately shorted out because it was the wrong voltage!   I had already washed my hair and had to be creative about how to dry it enough to wrap my scarf on my head.  I opted on standing in front of the wall fan following it as it moved!  You learn here to do the best with what you have!  Hey, it worked!  Godfrey said he wished I would have videotaped that!  Now I wash my hair at night to air dry.  The straightener is to help me not look like I put my finger in an electrical socket!  

I spent most of the day at the hotel working on my part of the program for the Send Off Celebration on July 29th.  It seemed like a good idea when we planned the event for the day after I arrived! Half way through Friday we questioned our judgement! Ha!   

Late afternoon, Godfrey came to pick me up to bring me to the house to work together on preparations.  We were still in awe that we were actually TOGETHER! 

Jemimah

Annet

Left to Right - Tamarah, Jemimah & Sophia

Joanne

Before dinner, I taught them how to make bows out of the ribbon I brought for the wedding.  They said they could use some of it for the Send Off.  So we spent time around the table crafting bows that were used all around the event on Saturday!  They carefully removed them after the event so they could be reused at the wedding!  I have never seen so many people be so excited about learning to make bows!  Lots of laughing and giggling was going on.  It was both the boys and the girls.  

Then the Send Off day finally arrived!  As I talked to each graduate, they couldn’t contain their joy.  Most of them thought this day would never come.  They felt like they were in a dream, 

Left to Right: Sylvia, Vivian, Godfrey, Jesca, Joanne & Hilary 

Left to Right: Sylvia, Vivian, Mum, Jesca, Joanne & Hilary 

Something that is part of the culture is things don’t really start at the scheduled time.  Our program was to start at 2:00 pm.  But at 2:00 pm no one was here. I was still at the hotel.  Godfrey always wants me to arrive after a group has gathered.  As I waited, 2:00 pm turned to 3:00 pm.  Even an hour later, only a few were there.  They know people will be later so they set the time for much earlier.  In Godfrey’s words, “In Uganda we have a problem with time!”  

When I arrived, Godfrey had me wait in the office for more to arrive.  I think we officially started around 4:00 pm!  But Godfrey & I led the processional with the five graduates following !  It was a moment to savor.  

We had to limit the number of invited guests.  Including our family we had close to 100 when all had arrived!   Throughout the program we had a representative from each group give a testimony of thanksgiving.  

The Local Chairman (LC) for our area was one of the invited local officials.  He is the LC1 Chairman for this area or “village”.  We were so thankful for his support.  He has been with us since we moved into this house.  He said he has always been impressed with our organization.  But he said that ever since we have come into this area, there has never been any disciplinary problems.  With a group our size and all that we are doing, he said that is a big victory and very noticeable. It makes us unique and stands out as different.   He gave thanks that we are here making a difference in the community. 

Two of the committee members who are on the compliance committee also were in attendance.  Because we got started late, they were not able to stay for the whole event due to a prior engagement.  But we were encouraged they were there to lend their support.  We gave them an opportunity to share a word with those in attendance (another reason they wait for more people to show up.  They don’t want invited guests to have only a few to talk to)!  

A side note:  Because of those of you who have given above your regular giving, we were able to get a lot of the painting of the house done. Godfrey called them to come just before I arrived.  They are pleased with our progress and we still are able to remain open while we continue to complete the things they are requiring.  Praise the Lord!  We still have a long way to go and more funds are needed.  But for now we are safe from immediate closure.

A representative from the community spoke on behalf of the neighbors.  She said that when we came in the neighborhood things began to change.  This is the first time I have heard anyone from the community say we have been responsible for the development of the neighborhood. It was a humbling moment. 

We then had a representative speak on behalf of all the parents.  They are all so incredibly thankful for what we have done for their children.  For many, these children are the first in the family to graduate from higher institutions with any type of diploma or certificate.   

The hotel I stay at is also a part of our enlarged family.  Because of various events, they were all scattered in different places.  But they sent Selevus our dear friend to represent the hotel.   The hotel family has watched our students grow from young children to young adults.  They are a part of our extended family and extremely proud of their accomplishments.  He shared their greetings and congratulations to the graduating five and the ministry as a whole. 

Selevus with Mum 

As I sat, the joy inside of me continued to build.  You will see in Part Two of the Send-Off update how I got to the point of absolute overflow!  It is almost hard to put into words what we experienced as His love was poured out! 

Thank you to those who are sending me notes of encouragement.  We appreciate your prayers and love.  We are in the midst of preparing for the Introduction Ceremony for Saturday!  Continuing praying because each day God is doing more than the day before! 

Kare, 

Mama Eydie Kisakye

Chapter 26 - Update #3 - August 1, 2023 - Arrival at the Home! Long Awaited Reunion!

As a side note, the internet at the hotel has not been working well.  I have been having a difficult time getting any connection especially at night when I get back from the home.  Willie, the hotel IT person has been trying the last few days to get it to work for me.  So I apologize that the updates have been much slower in posting than I anticipated.  I am also having difficulty posting to the blog.  The GOOD NEWS is Godfrey came to the rescue! We purchased a small personal router that cost us only $42.  The data for a month was only an additional $14!  When he brought it to me, the result was almost instantaneous!  IT WORKS!  I was so happy I jumped up and gave him a hug!  It is a “pocket personal router” so I can carry it with me so my phone is always connected to wifi as well.  Praise the Lord!  Little things we take for granted.  Today, I am thankful for the little device called a “mifi”!  Now I am catching up on updates and will post photos to the blog soon.  

Thank you for waiting.  Continue praying in between receiving the updates.  God is doing exceedingly more than we can ask or think!!!  

Even though the road to the hotel is very familiar, there were many new things along the way.  The road from the Jinja Bridge has been upgraded. New hotels and restaurants have popped up.  But there is nothing like when I see the sign to my hotel!  At night, we are behind a closed gate with guards.  I was glad to see familiar faces when we drove up.  The ones behind the desk warmly greeted me with smiles and “Miskel”!  Others know me by my African name, “Kisakye” (Grace of God).  

The hotel is very simple and not fancy.  But it is my home away from home when I am here.  For the past 17 years I have been in Room 35 every time except two.  When I started coming, I could look out the window and see the Nile River.  Through the years, I have watched a tree planted outside my window grow bigger and taller.  Last time I was here in 2019, the tree had become so big, that is all I could see out my window!  Instead of the Nile, I was accustomed to seeing the occasional monkey that worked it’s way onto branches to get the fruit!  

When we arrived it was dark outside.  But I told Godfrey I needed to see how much bigger my tree had become.  To my surprise…when I opened the window…the tree was GONE!   They said the tree had gotten so big the roots were beginning to damage the foundation of the wall.  They were concerned it would eventually damage the foundation of the whole building. They made the decision to take it down and convert the area into a new garden.  The morning revealed another change to the landscape.  The neighbors had built a two story building that continued to block the view!   

This side of the hotel is the original “block” as they call it.  They have another building that is the newer block.  They have wanted for years to move me to that side!  But Room 35 is like my home away from home.  I have had significant quiet times with the Lord in this room.  It is spiritually significant to me and I LOVE it!  

We stayed just long enough to drop my bags off and go.  I always feel bad for the staff that carry by bags to my room.  Room 35 is on the 3rd floor.  The hotel has no elevators so they carry my 50 pound bags up the three flights of stairs!  They are always so gracious with the words of “no problem”.  

I didn’t want to linger any longer.  It was time to see the family.  My excitement was almost inexplainable when Godfrey and I approached the gate to our compound,  Godfrey “beeps” the horn and we began to hear the sweet voices arise with loud laughter and joy.  You could tell they were busy doing something.  Godfrey said, “I don’t know what they are doing but it must be something!”  Ha!  I jokingly said I should get out of the car and hide.  They were taking so long that I went to the back seat and hid!  When they finally opened the gate their voices had become even louder!  It momentarily quieted when Godfrey said, “Mama Kisakye was tired and she is coming tomorrow.”  Ha!  They know me better than that!  I think it was Maria that didn’t believe a word so she began looking in the car…and immediately saw me trying to video tape the whole thing!  They began jumping up and down, cheering, smiling, laughing,..all while I was crying tears of joy!  They ran alongside the car as we drove onto the compound, dancing for joy! 

When I excited the car, the reunion was more than I could have imagined!  We hugged.  We cried. We laughed. They were literally jumping for joy!  We just basically loved on each other!  

They will always “escort” me whenever we are going from one place to another.  I had two of the students on each side of me, arm in arm to usher me into the house.  As I looked up, I saw Vivian’s SMILING FACE holding a beautiful bouquet of roses.  As they presented it to me their voices raised even higher!  They had string of lights around the sitting room that were blinking.  The praise music was high and celebratory!  They broke out in a combination of dance and jumping for joy.  Their words of “welcome back, welcome home” was so much to soak in!  We went on for quite awhile like that! 

When we finally settled down we were all amazed that the time had actually come for us to be together.  Even though we have been in constant contact the last three years, nothing replaces being in each others presence.  You can’t hug through an email or a text!  I was amazed at how much they have all grown since I was last here!  They truly have become young men and women of God who love the Lord and glow with His glory! 

Because it was late and I had just come off of two days of travel, Godfrey wanted the time to be short.  I always come to the house to greet no matter the time.  As they greeted me, older Joan had a beautiful welcome on behalf of the whole family.  She had a card she read that included everyone’s signature.  With every word she spoke, my tears of joy flowed.  

I had a time to greet them and share from my heart as well.  I also gave my greetings from all of you our dear friends and sponsors.  We spent time in worship and prayer.  It was a powerful time of fellowship together. 

When it came time to return to the hotel, it was hard to leave the atmosphere of love and joy. I am extremely grateful to be back here in this place.  We anticipate the Lord doing great things the next few weeks.  For now, we were just glad to be back together as a family.

Next update will be about the exciting and highly anticipated Send Off Celebration!  

Kale, 

Mama Kisakye

Chapter 26 - Update #2 - Monday, July 31, 2023 Arrival at Airport & Drive Home

Entebbe Airport

Greeted at the Airport by Godfrey!

Reunion! 

Chicken on a Stick 

I have officially arrived! 

 Chapter 26 - Update #2 - Monday, July 31, 2023 

Ever since I arrived in Uganda on Thursday, things have been non-stop!   Not only have I not been able to write updates, the internet hasn’t been reliable.   Now that we have made it past the first weekend of activities, I had a moment to sit and write while I am wide awake! 

God has been with me every step of the way since leaving home in Ventura for the airport. Going towards Los Angeles, especially to the airport late morning you expect traffic.  But God answered the prayers of His people!  It was miraculously clear and free from traffic!  We arrived at the airport earlier than expected.  This turned out to be a good thing because the check-in process was a little long with the international flight. 

Even when I went through TSA pre-check there was NO LINE!  The TSA agent even said, “You have it all to yourself!”  That was absolutely crazy!  

My 16 1/2 hour flight literally flew by!  I was tired enough that in-between the meals and movies, I did nap.  I have learned not to look at time or it makes it seem even longer.  So when I thought enough time had sufficiently passed, I checked my watch.  To my surprised I only had 3 1/2 hours left to go!  I am not really sure how that happened! 

We arrived in Doha, Qatar about 30 minutes before scheduled.  Even though we arrived at 6:00 pm, it took me about 2 hours to maneuver around the huge airport and find my hotel!  

This is the first time traveling to either Doha or Dubai that the overnight stay was so convenient.  When the layover is over 8-12 hours (depending on the airlines) the airline provides free hotel accommodations.  My travel agent is the one who arranges this.  Which hotel is always determined at arrival by the transfer department.  To my surprise, this transfer hotel was right in the airport!  I didn’t have to leave the airport which also meant I didn’t have to go through immigrations to technically “enter the country” and then return in the morning through immigration to catch my connecting flight.  All of this saved a couple of hours! 

The hotel assigned to me was the transit part of the bigger hotel.  It is specifically designed to allow transit passengers a place to sleep and shower instead of sleeping in the airport.  Since I am traveling alone, it is a huge safety issue.  The airport itself is one of the nicest and largest ones I have traveled to.  It is a combination of stores, restaurants and hotels.  There was one area they called the “Orchard”.  It was a beautifully designed enclosed area that looked like a lush tropical forest.  They strategically placed wooden “tents” or some artificial trees with large “roots” to sleep on.  So those who had layovers less than 8 hours could at least rest in a peaceful spot.  

The overnight accommodations came with vouchers for two meals in the food court.  After I ate dinner, I walked through the “Orchard” on the way back to the room.  Even though the airport is pretty much 24/7, that time of night it is quieter.  So I enjoyed a little “quiet time” in the orchard that even had the sounds of birds in the trees!  

I had just enough time in the room to get a little rest and shower.  It was nice to go and get breakfast and then walk right to the gate!  Since it was all in the same terminal, I didn’t have to go back through security.  

As I transitioned to board the flight to Entebbe, my heart was filled with excitement!  Things are different when traveling overseas.  We were assigned zones as to when we board.  But that basically goes out the window.  So you can imagine the chaos that exists when everyone tries to get in line to board!   You also board a shuttle bus that takes you out on the jetway where you walk onto the plane from the ground.  I think we drove for about 10 minutes before we arrived at our plane!  

Words can not describe what I was feeling the last 30 minutes of my flight to Entebbe.  I realized that soon I would be back in my Ugandan home.  As we got closer, I began to be overwhelmed with emotion knowing that it was really happening.  When we touched down I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving to God for a safe arrival.  When my foot stepped off the airplane onto Uganda soil, I praised God for bringing me back.  

The Visa application for entry is now done online.  While it seemed to be a smoother process, it made for longer waiting times in line.  Not only do they have to verify the information, they are issuing the Visa sticker into each passport.  I think this was the longest I have ever stayed in line waiting to enter the country officially! 

I had been texting Godfrey who was eagerly waiting outside.  They are expanding and improving the airport, so things were just as chaotic outside.  By time I finally had the final “stamp of approval” and VISA in hand, my bags were already coming around the carousel.  

When I walked out of the “arrivals” door, I immediately scanned the crowd of people waiting for their loved ones.  I then spotted Godfrey with his HUGE SMILE!  He greeted me with a bouquet of flowers and a hug that seem to make up for the gap of three years!   We were just so happy to be back together again!  

A funny note is one year I bought Godfrey some of my homemade banana bread.  He loves it so much that have to make sure I bring some or he won’t let us leave the airport!  Just as we are leaving, I brought out a loaf.  His comment was “AH!  THE REAL BANANA BREAD!  It is official!  I know now that you are really here!”  

The roads have improved so much since I was last here.  There is now an expressway that by-passes major areas of congestion.  We avoid a lot of the traffic in Kampala by using this road.  Godfrey said that the normal time from Entebbe to Jinja had increased to 4 hours one way!  With the expressway it cuts that down an extra hour.  

But of course we made the customary (and non-negotiable) stop to get chicken on a stick at the roadside stand!  For those who have been with us on this journey, you know all about this famous delicacy! Ha!  You will be able to see photos if you go to my blog on our website.  I will only be able to post photos there.  For Godfrey it is the arrival of banana bread that makes my arrival official!   For me, I know I am back when I have chicken on a stick and fried bananas!  

We arrived in Jinja sometime after 7 pm I think. We went to the hotel first to drop off my things.  No matter the time, no matter how tired, I always stop at the home just for a quick greeting. This time it was a HUGE REUNION!  Update #3 will be all about our blessed and joy-filled first evening together after 3 years of separation!   

Kale, (Bye)

Mama Eydie Kisakye 

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