Uganda Chapter 15 Update #6 - January 22-23, 2013

Chapter 15 - Update #6 - January 22-23, 2013 

Today was the first day that I was able to venture into Jinja town.  Robert Otile and I came to town to get a landline for the home.  This way we can finally get sign posts put up at our land with correct contact information!  Because we had to wait for the technician to go with us to the home, I had about an hour and half to wander in town.   One of the highlights was visiting my friend, Rita and baby Eydie!  For those new to the updates, on my last trip to Uganda in June, my friend Rita gave birth to a baby girl.  I was honored to find out they decided to name her after me!   Baby Eydie is now 8 months old!  She is adorable!  What a difference 8 months make!  She was very responsive to me, laughing and smiling!  What a joy in my soul to be loved by this family so much.  

Baby Eydie! 

Baby Eydie & Rita!

I also made new friends today.  These were definitely divine appointments.  One is a friend of Michael, Sheila and Aaron Kajumba!  Their friend, Herbert came to visit me in Jinja.  It is so amazing when God brings together mutual friends!  

A new friend, Herbert! 

When I was in Rita’s shop, she had some other friends visiting.  When we asked each other where we were from we were pleasantly surprised to find out we were both from California!  They are actually from the Danville area in Northern California!   The ministry this person has in Uganda is an area of need that we are exploring as part of our bigger vision.  It is so exciting to see how God puts people together at just the right time!  

We were able to complete the installation of the landline at the home! Praise the Lord that we finally have our own “Raining Hope” phone number!  

We actually had a power outage in the whole area of Jinja from Monday night at 9:30 pm until late on Wednesday.  The hotels were running on a back up generator.  But it affected local businesses as well as our home.  Tuesday night I couldn’t stay long because of the loss of power.  But before it got dark, the bishop Jeremiah who had a word of prophecy over me in June came to visit.  The four of us (Prophet Jeremiah, Pastor Richard, Pastor Gerald and myself) sat on the front grass of the home.  As the sun set and it became darker, we sat in the pitch black of the night as the prophet continued to speak truth into my life.  We were powered with the only Light needed!  It was a powerful time.  

Wednesday was a day of learning the great lesson of being flexible!  We were suppose to travel to our land with Robert Otile that morning.  But because of his schedule we moved it to that afternoon.  Pastor Gerald shifted his schedule to come meet me in the early afternoon.  As I spent the time in town waiting for them both, it became very apparent that God had other plans for us all that day.  

I had to take care of errands in town that I now can do by myself.  I have Ugandan phones that I use while in country.  They were doing something new as all phones had to go through this crazy registry thing or they would be shut down.  I was pretty proud of myself that I went and took care of all this on my own!  It’s the little things that help me become more a part of the culture!  

My dear friend Irene at the Source Cafe & her daughter,  Rachel 

Irene & Eydie!

As I waited for Pastor Gerald and Robert, I decided to hang out at the Source Cafe.   While there I had very unexpected but divine encounters!  One was with Pastor Paul who came to visit me!  This ended up being the only time that we had together on this trip.  But we had such a great time of fellowship and encouragement.  He ended up being there for me during a very difficult moment.  I am so thankful for him and for his wise counsel.  After our meeting I was able to meet two more of his friends.  Again like in the people from Danville, the Lord seemingly brought us together as their ministry is in another area of our vision.  

Flexibility right!?  I sat at the Source Cafe from about 12:30 pm until 4:45 pm!  While I was having these meetings, Robert got tied up with business and was not able to come.  Pastor Gerald ended up meeting with some family and friends and ended up leading someone to the Lord!  We were all right where we were suppose to be!  

That evening I spoke at Amazing Grace Church.  It was the first of a three day event.  They have worship/Bible study now through the week.  Pastor Richard invited me to be the main speaker for those three days.  The main theme for this time was a follow-up on the teachings of being sons and daughters of the King.  But the Lord also led me to talk about the importance of taking time to be in His presence on a daily basis.  Even my friends in Uganda have not been immune to the traps of busy schedules.   I have learned so much from my Ugandan friends about making my relationship with Jesus the priority.  Much of what I shared over the three day event was coming back to those very basic truths.  

For those of you who have the book, “Jesus Calling” I focused on two particular days, January 2nd and February 10th.  We spent much time talking about being more like Mary in the Bible rather than Martha. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:41-42.  

Let’s all find the time to sit at the feet of Jesus more! 

Kale, 

eydie 

Current Prayer Items for Raining Hope - January 2013

Prayer Items for Raining Hope 

I hesitate to say that these are urgent prayer requests as those on my mailing list were all just victims of a hacker that got into my email.  But we truly are in need of a miracle right now to take care of the following needs.  

I truly ask that you join me in prayer that these funds can be raised.  Because of the hacking problem, always know that I will not send you an alternate address or bank account to send funds too.  Always question if you get an email like that.  When we send out an updated prayer list and you desire to make a donation, the avenue to do so has not changed.  Checks may be sent to our office - Raining Hope Inc. - 3451 Foothill Road #206, Ventura, CA 93003.  Credit cards can be used on our website only www.raininghope.org  We will not ever ask you to wire funds to any other account.  If you have any questions before you send a donation, you may contact our treasurer, Carol John at 805-377-7387.  

Pray for the financial needs that they would be met. Some funding came in but we are still short... 

1. NEW HOUSE -   We still need to raise a portion of the $3,600 to cover the first 6 months of rent.  
2. SCHOOL FEES - The children have started school  We pay school fees for 31 children.  The amount needed for school fees and supplies is $1300.  We are still in need of approximately $700 more.  There are a couple more children that would would like to help this term.  
3. PREVIOUS HOME - we need approximately $150 to cover repairs to the old house that we just vacated.  
4. MONTHLY FOOD/MEDICINE/SUPPLIES - With the cost of rent & school fees being due at the beginning of the year, we are running low on funds for food, etc.  

Pray for Pastor Gerald and his wife Ruth as they have just taken over as the new managers of the home.  They have just moved into the home in Bukaya.  They bring with them their 3 children, Ezekiel, Elisha and Honor.  We are excited to have a God-fearing, loving Christian family at the head of our home. They will be able to see Christ’s love in action!  Pray for Pastor Gerald as he leads.  Pray that he will be godly example of what it means to be an earthly father to children who need His love.  

Pastor Gerald 

Ezekiel, Elisha & Honor 

Ruth & Honor 

Pastor Gerald sent these words: 

“I wish to thank the supporters of Raining Hope for everything that you have done for the children of Uganda.  May the Lord continue to open doors for all of you & your families.  The children of Raining Hope are so thankful for what you have done for them.”  

Pastor Gerald’s note to me that that he knows that God brought us together for a purpose and He will help us to achieve what He has for us in His plans.  He said much of that will depend on how we pray to Him.  Amen!  

“ I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea.. “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?  I will make a pathway through the wilderness I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”  

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19  New Living Translation (NLT) 

Thank you for caring, 

eydie kisakye

Uganda Chapter 15 Update #5 - February 7, 2013

Chapter 15 - Update #5 - February 7, 2013

As you already know, I am safely back in the United States.  I arrived back on Monday, January 28th.  It was so good to see Kiana at LAX!   It was her first time to drive to LAX by herself.  She was pretty excited about that!  

We made it to CBU with only about an hour and a half before my ISP meeting.  A few years ago I had flown in from Uganda and went directly to an ISP meeting.  I remember telling myself that I wouldn’t do that again!  Yet, here I was!  But my awesome team helped me to ease back in.  I was re-energized for those 3 hours while we met.  Spending the night in Riverside was the smartest thing I could have done!  

Knowing that our Intensive Training Weekend (ITW) for all ISP/USP teams was coming up on that next weekend, I decided to stay in the mindset of being on a trip.  If I would have let down for those couple of days I would have had a harder time during ITW.  It paid off to “extend my trip.”  It was similar to this summer when I went from Uganda for 4 weeks then Korea for 6 days.  

ITW was the best one yet.  We have over 400 students, faculty, staff and others who go through an INTENSE weekend of training.  We simulate that we are actually on a trip.  Throughout the weekend we learned, we bonded, we struggled,  yet it is the BEST training I have had anywhere!  It was awesome!  We had the best worship and personal reflection times.  Our team grew closer together as we learned more about one another.  I LOVED the weekend.  

We did finish up in time on Sunday night that I was able to catch the second half of the Super Bowl!  For those who do not know (how could you not!?) that I am a HUGE SF 49ers fan!  It was disappointing that they did not win...but at least they were in the game!  Pretty exciting for us San Francisco fans to have the Giants win the World Series and have the 49ers in the Super Bowl in the same year. 

I have been home now for the past couple of days.  Now that I am home and settling in, the reverse culture shock is setting in.  You can pray for me as I am struggling through adjusting back to the American culture.  I am processing through all that God showed me on both the Uganda journey and ITW.  

Because I tend to write long emails, I will split this one up into 4 separate posts.  The next one will be out of order as it will be the prayer list.   You are missing 5 days worth of God working on my Chapter 15 journey!   After I sent the prayer list then you will receive Update #6 and #7.  

Kale, 

eydie kisakye! 

Uganda Chapter 15 Update #4 - January 27, 2013

Chapter 15, Update #4 - January 27, 2013 

The days since Tuesday have just flown by!  So much has happened in these past few days that I found myself without time to send out any updates.  Now I find myself already on my way back home to California! 

I am currently back in Dubai on an overnight layover.  Soon I will catch the shuttle at 5 am to head back to the airport.  They re-routed me to another hotel instead of the one I normally stay in.  This is the one that I almost got sent to when I had to meet Kayla on my way to Uganda.  They said this one was nicer...now I see what they are talking about!  I arrived at the room and to my surprise it was this HUGE 2 bedroom suite!  It is equipped with a kitchen, two bathrooms, living room and dining room!  It would be great to have one of my ISP teams here with me!  We could have some great team meetings in a place like this! 

God overwhelmed me with His goodness to provide a space like this on my way home. He showers me with His love and His care.  

I come home with many memories, many prayer requests, many new visions, and in complete peace.  Yet we are in need of a miracle.  I will write a complete update on what He has done in the past week when I arrived home.   

I wanted you to pray for me as I travel.  

Depart:  Monday, January 28, 2013 - Dubai  8:20 am 

Arrive:  Monday, January 28, 2013 - Los Angeles 12:50 pm

Kiana is picking me up at LAX and taking me directly back to CBU.  I have an ISP meeting Monday evening!  Please keep me in your prayers!   I will be back in Ventura sometime on Tuesday.  

I also wanted to confirm with you where I was at...don’t believe any emails that may come your way that say I am stuck!  When I am back home I will send you my new email address.  With the hackers invading my yahoo email I will not be using this account after I arrive home.  Thank you all for the warnings!   I went ahead to continue using this account only to get the updates out.   

Still paying close attention!  

Thank you for walking & praying this journey with me! 

Kale! 

eydie kisakye! 

Uganda Chapter 15 Update #3 - January 20-21, 2013

Chapter 15 - Update #3 - January 20-21, 2013

Sunday was a glorious day!   I went to Amazing Grace Church in Bukaya for their 8 am service.  This is the church our children attend.   It turned out the previous week had been Women’s Ministry week.  They were in charge of the service that morning.  They had a dear sister in Christ was brought the morning message.   She used a phrase that continues to echo in my heart.  As she read scripture and shared His message she said, “Pay close attention.”  For me that comes directly from the Lord this week.  “Pay close attention.”  What would happen if we did that on a daily basis as we walk through our day?  The Lord has so much He wants to teach us if we would just “pay close attention.”  

The services last a couple of hours.  But the time passes so quickly!  Before I knew it was time to leave!  Pastor Richard had me greet the people and then sign a song before I had to rush out to the next service.  

I was invited specifically to attend Revival Christian Church this morning to worship in their new facility.  When we were here in May/June last year, the ISP team was able to ministry at RCC on their last Sunday at their previous site.  We did not have an open Sunday to return to their new land.   But today I was so glad to have had the morning to be with my family at RCC.  The land they purchased it close to Bujagali Falls not far from Jinja town.  We actually got lost on the way!  Godfrey thought he knew where it was.  We all had an idea but no one had clear directions.  Out here it is not as if you turn on your GPS with an address to plug in!  We end up just moving along the road and stopping people who may know where the church is.  We go more by landmarks not street names.  We ended up at another church before being directed to the right one!  

I had a similar experience as when I drove up to the new home.  The land the church has purchased is beautiful!!!  It took my breath away.  They are in an open air facility. As we parked and walked towards the service, I could hear Andrew from the hotel making announcements.  Greeters quickly come and meet us, gathering my bags and ushering us to the front row.   I literally had sat down and Andrew says, “I want to give an opportunity for Sister Eydie to come and greet us today!”  After the short greeting, Andrew said, “I think that we need to have Sister Eydie share a song with us this morning as well!”   Being flexible is important here!  Since I had already signed the one song at Amazing Grace, I was ready!   

Revival Christian Church

Apophia & newborn daughter! 

Revival Christian Church new property! 

The message that morning was also one delivered by a dear friend, Rebecca!  I had just come from a service with the message still fresh that I am to “pay close attention.”  Then  to arrive and have woman as the one bringing the message.  Raining Hope is increasing becoming a ministry called to work with women.  That is something that we are paying close attention to.  

As the service concluded I was greeted by some many of my dear friends.  Andrew’s twins, Mary and Martha have grown to the point I didn’t realize they were his children!  Last time I saw them in his home they were babies not even crawling!  Now they are are walking around with their brother, Sean!  

Sean (Andrew's son - from our hotel) 

Mary (Andrew's twin daughter)  

Martha (Andrew's twin daughter) 

The sad bit of news is I was told that my sweet friend, Pastor Joshua recently passed away.  For those of you who have come with me to Uganda, you will remember Pastor Joshua as the one who arranged boda boda rides for us.  One ISP team was able to visit him in his home.  He had gotten into a boda boda accident about a year ago.   But his death was due to some other health complications.  I have known Pastor Joshua since my first visit.  I will never forget on my second visit he wanted to send me home with a gift.  He came to the hotel with a large “pumpkin.”  He insisted that I could carry it onto the plane and take it home!  I didn’t have the heart to tell him that they probably wouldn’t allow it.  So I graciously accepted it and the children at the home enjoyed it that evening!   Many fond memories of my friend who I will miss very much.  

I actually didn’t make it back to the home that evening.  After lunch and a meeting at the Sunset Hotel next door, I didn’t have a way to get to the home.  This trip is a challenge for me as I am faced with a lack for transportation.  Because of the staff changes that we have made, I have lost the person who normally takes me where I need to go.  The other person who I also have hired to drive me places is busy with another visiting team.  This is causing us to have to hire taxis to get me to and from the home.  

This challenge is causing me to have less time with the children at the house this time.  Please be in prayer as we would like to purchase a van for the home.  I have been told that a van could be anywhere from $6,000-$9,000.  It is greatly needed for the ministry.  Pastor Gerald is doing an amazing job with the home.  But he continues to travel by boda boda everywhere he goes.  His commitment to the children is truly an inspiration.  I discovered the other reason this is critical is if one of the children fall ill in the middle of the night.  To try and find transport is next to impossible that late.  

So the inconvenience of my not having consistent transport this trip is showing me the need of having our own vehicle.  Please join me in prayer that God would provide.  

Monday I began the process of meetings to get direction as to what we needed to do regarding the new home and the new land.  I had a great time with Robert Otile who is helping us me with much of the work.  The vision that the Lord has given us regarding our land and the future work of Raining Hope took on a new direction.  Robert was able to open my eyes to some new ideas that are expanding our possibilities.  The more he shared about what would help the people the most, the louder the phrase “pay close attention” became.  I am not ready to share yet all that we discussed.  It is all in the dreaming and amazement stage!  But I do ask you to continue to pray for Raining Hope as what is coming is larger than I think any of us imagine.  Pray for wisdom and discernment from above that all we do would bring glory to Him alone.  

When I arrived at the home that afternoon, I was able to spend a good bit of time talking to our cook, Loy.  I have never really spent this kind of time with Loy before.  This is one of the benefits in my trips when I travel alone is I have more time to have one on one meetings.  I am sorry that I have not taken the time to do this with Loy before.  As I asked her to share her story with me, my heart broke at the hardships that she has faced most of her life.  At the end of the story she was so thankful that we have given her a chance of being a part of a real family that is providing for her children.  She said that she never thought that her children would have the chance for a future.  Loy thanked us for giving her children hope for a promising future.  You see now why I was sad I had not taken the time to have this conversation with her before now.  

The other thing that broke my heart was when I talked with her son Elijah.  I was just trying to encourage his little heart.  But I too asked him the question, “Do you have anything else you want to ask of me?”  He quietly whispered something to his mum that I could not hear.  She then said to me, “He wants to know why his father left him.”  My heart just dropped to the ground.  As I began to talk to him, he began to weep.  I have never seen Elijah cry like this.  As I tried to bring words of encouragement, I was led to tell ask him if I could have Pastor Gerald talk to him.  You see, Pastor Gerald and his family will be moving into the home.  We have made Pastor Gerald our new manager to oversee Raining Hope.    He will bring to Raining Hope something that was dearly needed...the example of healthy family for the children to see.  Pastor Gerald became the example of a loving, earthly father to little Elijah that day.  The two of them talked for some time.  It is going to be a process for Elijah.  But I am beginning to see the pain and bitterness he was carrying being peeled away. Elijah has been different since Monday.  He is smiling bigger than I have ever seen before.  He is full of a joy that can only come from the Lord.  

These are the things I am “paying close attention to” as I walk through this week.   A new day is dawning.  

Raining Hope Children!

Joel, Emma, Dan & Sharon! 

Emma

Emma & Joel 

Dan

Doreen

Sharon 

Joanne

Kale, 

eydie 

Uganda Chapter 15 Update #2 - January 18-19, 2013

Chapter 15 - Update #2 - January 18-19, 2013 

So apparently I brought back more from Dubai than just great memories of my time meeting with Kayla!  When I arrived in Uganda I seemed to have had my computer hacked into in Dubai.  To give you a heads up... I was working on the first update.  When I went to access my yahoo account, it said that I needed to verify my account before I could access any emails.  It actually looked like a yahoo notification.  It blocked my email and wouldn’t let me get through unless I verified the account.  Thankfully, I was able to send out the first update that said I was in Dubai.  That helped those of you who knew I was not in the Philippines!   But what was really touching were some of the emails I received wondering if I truly was stuck.  Carol wrote to me and said she received at least 5 phone calls right away making sure that I was ok.  Carol concluded saying, “And each one was willing to rescue you if it was true!”  That really was comforting to know what great friends I have.  Thank you!  

What was more disturbing that the hacking into my email was the deleting of my contact list.  They also deleted my “sent file” so I couldn’t access any of my email addresses and warn you not to send any money.  After a couple of days of contacting yahoo, they were able to restore my contact list.  It is taking me some time to re-enter email addresses with the various Raining Hope file folders.  So thank you for waiting through all that with me.  

When I arrived at Entebbe Airport, I immediately felt the peace of Christ.  As I walked off the plane into the “terminal” I was pleasantly surprised that they now have escalators between the 2 floors!  For those who have traveled with me before you will remember the very steep stairs we would have to lug the luggage up and down!  Amazing how something as simple as an escalator shows the goodness of God!  

I also had to purchase my visa upon arrival since I booked this trip so late.  It is so comforting to walk up to customs and have the agent look at my passport and welcome me back.  He said, “How are you today?”  My response was, “I am happy to be back home!”  I breezed through the visa process quicker than waiting for my luggage to come off the plane!  

But when I walked out of the airport I was immediately met by the smiling faces of Pastor Gerald and Godfrey!  That moment when I step foot out of the airport and into the welcoming arms of my friends is always a “God moment.”  We had a great drive back to Jinja talking the whole way.  We actually caught the tail end of a rain that had fallen on their way to the airport!  They said, “It has been dry and hot...until today!”  Now since Friday, it has been back to hot and dry.  We all smile at the symbolism of the rain on my arrival days!  

We did stop for the traditional chicken on a stick and roasted bananas on the way home!   We were in a car this time instead of a van.  Normally we stop on the opposite side of the street so the venders don’t swarm the car.  But this time, the driver decided to just pull up on the left side where we were immediately greeting by the locals.  They were caring sticks of chicken & beef, baskets of roasted bananas, water, soda... all covering the car trying to get you to buy their wares.  I  looked out all I could see were faces saying, “Buy from me!”  But our driver actually had the phone number of the person he knew that would bring us fresh chicken...not covered with the dust from the road!  They brought it right to us and the others walked away sad they didn’t get the sale.  Until...the next car came and they rushed to try to get their business!  

We arrived at the hotel close to 5:30 pm.  Pastor Gerald & Godfrey decided I needed rest.  They said they would take care of facilitating the moving of the house for tonight. I was glad that they gave me that permission to go and rest.  I came to my familiar “home” which is the same room I stay in every time I am here.  When I walked in, I immediately noticed there was a new desk and a new tv stand  They moved one of the tables around and added a little lamp.  I looked out on the balcony and discovered the neighbors next door are building a two story addition that will take away the view of the Nile.  The hotel staff have said, “When that happens we will need to find you another room!”  I have said, “No, it is not the view that keeps me in the room, it is home for me. This is my meeting place with God!”  

This room is also in the older part of the hotel.  They have wondered why I have not wanted to move to the newer addition.  I just found out is that somebody said, “Sister Eydie is coming back.  We need to get her room ready.  I want to at least put some new things in there for her!”  What a  blessing from God.  The way that I am loved here is a direct reflection of how God loves us.  

New Home - Back of the house 

Sitting room 

Joel taking a nap! 

Pastor Richard & Godfrey in the front yard

Driveway 

Front gate

Driveway

Front of the house 

Front lawn 

Landing on the roof.  This is only thing upstairs.

View of the Nile & Lake Victoria from the roof landing! 

I watched God work in miraculous ways this weekend.  After dealing with the email fiasco of the weekend, I became excited about what God was going to do!  Saturday I was brought to the new home in Bukaya that we are renting.  I had given Pastor Gerald the authority to make the decision on where to rent.  I was not going to make it here in time to choose a place.  When we drove up I was amazed.  It is a bigger and better house!  It is one story right across from the entrance to the place we go for the baptisms at the Nile.  The view of the Nile is magnificent from the new home!  The grounds are much larger which gives the children more room to play!  As I sat on the large porch (I have always wanted a home in Africa with a porch!!) it filled my heart with joy to watch the children running, playing and laughing in our new place! 

Pastor Richard was also waiting my arrival.  Another dream of mine is to come to Africa and just sit under a tree!!  Pastor Richard and I were able to do just that.  He gathered two chairs and we found ourselves talking underneath one of the large trees on the property!  The beauty of the view of the Nile, sitting under a tree with a gentle breeze blowing was more than I could ask for!  God truly is giving us our hearts desires.  

I have been spending quite a lot of time just sitting and talking to staff and children individually.  Part of this journey was to facilitate some staff changes and to set the tone for the new direction of the home.  All is going well with the conversations that needed to take place.  His peace is truly reigning at Raining Hope.  The move to the new house is a symbol of a new day dawning.  

“ I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea.. “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?  I will make a pathway through the wilderness I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”  

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19  New Living Translation (NLT) 

Kale, 

eydie 

Check out this Vimeo from our ISP 2012 team!

The same Katie that brought me to the airport gave our team a gift this Christmas.  She put together a video from our journey.  It is about 16 minutes in length.  But here is the link if you would like to have a glimpse into what God is doing in Uganda.   Thank you Katie for taking the time to put this together.   I pray that you will be blessed and your hearts will be touched as you watch with your heart!  

https://vimeo.com/56290845