Chapter 20 - Update #17 - August 7, 2015

Mary, Eydie & Little Eydie 

Eydie & Eydie 

Rita & her family 

Little Eydie 

Mr & Mrs. Otile receiving plaque 

Godfrey, Eydie, Mr & Mrs Otile & Pastor Doug

Hotel Paradise 

Swallowship! 

Golden Day!

Eydie & Mrs. Otile! 

Friday  - 8/7 - Thanking the Hotel 

It was Kelly & Katie’s turn to share in the hotel’s devotion time this morning.  I was so proud of the two of them!  Kelly did an object lesson using a pencil!  She talked about how object lessons aren’t just good for teaching children, but adults can learn a lot about God and how He works from simple objects.  The pencil is a good one.  

Kelly shared that we learn...

1.  That we are only useful when in God’s hands. 

2.  That painful sharpening will occur to make us better and more useful, not to make us bitter, 

3.  That it is what is on the inside that matters

4.  That from time to time we need to use the eraser - confession of sins in order to put mistakes behind us, and 

5.  To have been truly useful in our lives we must leave a mark.  

Katie then tagged onto what Kelly shared and gave her personal testimony.  She shared about the door-to-door evangelism and how it impacted her life.  The two of them worked beautifully together.  They gave out pencils for people to take with them to remind us of this simple object lesson and to share it with others! 

My tailor friend, Mary came by this morning to drop off the dresses that she made for me.  A couple of our girls also had bought material so she could make a few more dresses.  

We then went into town for our first day of shopping!  We went to visit all of our favorite friends.  Rita was so happy to see the team again!  Little Eydie & Mary were both there waiting for us!  Every time I see the kids I am always amazed at how much they grow in between my visits! For those new to the updates, Mary was a little girl I met on one of my first trips.  They were walking past me in front of the Source Cafe.  Turns out that their mom, Rita had a shop just down the block.  We became instant friends.  A couple of years ago, Mary and her husband honored me by naming their baby after me.  Each team that I bring has fallen in love with Rita and her family!  

I like to bring my teams to specific friends who we like to support.  Faith is another friend as well as Irene at the Source Cafe.   This year we met a new friend.  While we were at the hospital, Godfrey introduced me to Tina, the administrator who he mainly deals with concerning billing.  She too owns a shop in town.  We arranged to meet her on her day off from the hospital.  The hospital has been so good to us.  We wanted to at least help in some small way by supporting her in her shop.  She was so incredibly happy that we took the time to come by.  So many of these friends of mine will tell me later that the support the team members give by buying items makes it possible for them to have food on the table that night.  Our buying souvenirs to bring home actually help to support a family to provide food, shelter and medical needs.  Our ministry is not only to the children of Raining Hope but extends to those in the community.  

This idea of supporting & loving those in the community was the basis for the main activity for the afternoon.  For the last nine years, I have stayed at the same hotel in Jinja.  I actually stay in the same room each time as well.  Out of 20 trips, I have only stayed in another room twice.  The hotel now calls my room 35 my home!  

Something that I have been wanting to do for years finally came a reality on this trip.  With the planning of the Dedication service on Saturday, everything also came together to thank the hotel in a special way.  With the recent purchase of the house, it was important for me to thank those who have stood by me all these years.  I had written to the Otile family at the hotel to let them know that I wanted to say thank you for their support, not only personally but recognizing that Raining Hope is just one organization of many who they minister to.  Typical of the Ugandan culture, they were not sure how to receive that.  It took until I arrived the week before to finally convince them that they should just let our team bless them!  

We agreed on just a couple of hours on Friday afternoon.  They actually have another hotel fellowship every Friday afternoon at 3 pm where they come together for a time of praise, prayer and devotion.  They also fast on Fridays and they break the fast at the end of the fellowship time.  They decided to turn that time over to our team and allow us to bless them. 

The idea behind the afternoon was anyone that works at the hotel could come by.  We just wanted to say thank you.  I encouraged the team to welcome people as they came in and have conversations about which departments they worked in.  The hotel had gotten the word out about what we were doing.  Yet, some may not have realized that the program had changed.  Little by little, the conference room that they gave us to use began to fill up.  

We began the time with praise and worship as people filtered in.  When the program started, I explained what this time was all about.  We simply wanted to say thank you.  We went around the room and introduced ourselves.  As each of the hotel workers introduced themselves they also told us which department they worked in.  When it came to Mr. & Mrs. Otile, they were so gracious and humbled by this gesture of our wanting to thank them.  Mr. Otile spoke up and said that things are a little turned around.  We are staying in their hotel, and they should be the ones who are offering the hospitality.  It was difficult for them to receive when they believed they should be the ones taking care of us.  

That was the beauty of this moment.   The sign above the entrance of the hotel says, “Hotel Paradise - LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY.”  I used that in explaining what the hotel means to me.  LEGENDARY sums it all up.  I explained that years ago I too used to work in a hotel.  I worked at the San Francisco Airport Marriott and know what it is like to work in the hospitality industry.  When I began to identify with them as a co-hotel worker, I watched heads nod up and down with acknowledgement.  They knew I understood how hard it can be at times to work in an industry such as this.  Taking care of guests...especially those who are a challenge can be difficult.  Yet, the hotel as always shown this legendary hospitality no matter when the circumstances.  

Then the most interesting thing happened.  One of my dear friends, Apophia who works in the business center stood up.  She began sharing a story that touched my heart.  One of the things that I am known for is leaving “notes under the door.”  Every morning I leave notes under the doors of the team members, some from friends and family and one from me.  But I also leave thank you notes for my close friends at the hotel before I leave.  I also give little devotional books as a thank you gift.  Little did I know how God was using those gestures.  Apophia said that she began writing notes to her children.  She will write three cards, many with a Scripture verses on it.  She asks them to read them and then pass them onto other friends!  But then she talked about the little books I have given her.  She revealed how much she LOVES books.  She has always had a dream to one day open up a library.  Apophia said, “This is a dream of mine.  I will use these books for that and get even more.  I know that one day my dream will come true.” Apophia had never told me before about any of this.  So the Ugandan Dream extended not only to our Raining Hope kids but those whose lives we touch outside of the home! 

But what happened next was a moment that I will not soon forget.  One by one, others followed the lead of Apophia and began to share testimonies of thanksgiving.  As each one had a personal testimony, I became overwhelmed.  I truly felt like God just began to pour out over all of us words of encouragement and affirmation.  Because I had been here for nine years, the words directed to me were a huge encouragement.  I even turned to Pastor Doug and Godfrey and said, “What is happening?  How did they manage to turn the tables?”  But a moment that warmed my heart was when one of the staff, Denis, stood up and talked about how the object lesson that Kelly shared that morning meant so much to him.  He proceeded to shared each point he learned from that very lesson taken from a pencil!!!  He said it was something so simple but that he would apply it and share with others.  As I looked over at Kelly I know that it had to have encouraged her.  Then another friend, Sarah stood up and began to share a story about how Desiree’s testimony last year was such a blessing.  Last year, Desiree shared a personal testimony that was something that she had struggled with.  Little did she know, Sarah’s sister was struggling with the exact same issue.  Sarah said she was able to go to her own sister and share Desiree’s struggle and how she overcame it.  That testimony made a world of difference in the life of Sarah’s sister.  

For Desiree, I know that this encouragement came from the Lord.  Last year, standing in front of groups of people and sharing testimonies was not the favorite thing of most of the team.  Desiree became very emotional sharing her story.  One year later, she was able to hear the fruits of her stepping out in faith and doing what she was not comfortable with.  It was a powerful moment for all of us.  

After this time of mutual encouragement, I turned to Mr. Otile and said, “Well, LEGENDARY hospitality seemed to have turned this around.  This day was suppose to be to honor you and the hotel!  You somehow managed to turn it back on us!”    We then presented Mrs. Otile with one of our “Golden Day” leis!  The hotel knows what Golden Day is for my teams.  She was so excited and just beaming with joy!  She exclaimed, “Oh, this is very unexpected!”  Everyone began to shout, “Golden Day! Golden Day!”  

I also signed a song, and I can’t even remember now what it was.  I think that it was “Oh How He Loves” as just a tribute to how much God loves us all.  We then presented the hotel with a plaque that said, 

            With love and appreciation from the Raining Hope Family to the Otile family 

                            and the staff of the Paradise On The Nile Hotel.  

                Your ministry to travelers is changing the world for the glory of God.

                “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have 

                        entertained angels without knowing it.”  ~ Hebrews 13:2 ~

Then we had a time of refreshments and fellowship.  Andrew said that they call this time “swallowship!” (swallow food! Ha!)  We had planned to pay for all of the food.  But again, LEGENDARY hospitality would not allow us to do that.  We paid for samosa’s (like a fried won ton with vegetable filling) & little queen cakes (muffins).  The hotel provided not only the room, but banana’s and the drinks.  It was encouraging to talk to people thanking them for their contribution to the hotel.  Our biggest encouragement was to pass on what they learned today about taking time to say a kind word to one another.  Many said that they would do that more often.  I think that we had a total of about 75 people that came in and out that afternoon.  

That day I was suppose to have a scrapbook ready to present with the plaque.  Because of all of the other things on my plate, I couldn’t get it done in time.  I showed them the front of the scrapbook and said I would be giving it to them before we leave. 

The day we left, I was able to give the book to Mrs. Otile and Andrew.  We were standing at the front desk when I gave it to them.  As they looked through the pictures I had gathered of all my ISP & RHSP teams and memories of the hotel, they were so thrilled.  Mrs. Otile looked at Andrew and said, “This gives me ideas!  We should be putting together something like this for the hotel!”  She was very grateful for the memories of the past nine years...looking forward to many more in the future that are just waiting to be created!  

Later, as I went to pay the final bill, I was standing in that reception area waiting for my receipt.  I happened to look up and saw a picture of the King of Uganda.  Opposite of that picture was the familiar photo of President Musevini, President of Uganda.  But then my eyes focused on what was in between the two!  The plaque that we presented was right in the middle!  We are in good company!  

I asked Pastor Doug to give his account of what happened at this event...

“Hotel Paradise is not just a hotel.  They offer so much more than a safe place to stay with a comfortable bed and hot shower.  They do a great job of making guests feel welcome and meeting the basic needs of a traveler.  But that is not what makes this place so special.  It is all about the people!  

Eydie has been coming here for nine years and this is her 20th stay at the hotel.  The owners, management and staff have become like family to Eydie and their kindness extends beyond Eydie to the teams she brings to Jinja, Uganda.  The hotel is owned by Mr. & Mrs. Otile.  They are followers of Jesus and they have instilled in the staff a heart for the kind of hospitality that the Bible demands of Christians.  Many of the staff are also followers of Jesus.  They begin their days with staff worship and fellowship times and the love of Jesus permeates this wonderful place.

They are constantly serving us; so this time, we decided to turn the tables on them.  The Raining Hope Service Project team hosted a reception for the hotel owners and staff on Friday, August 7th.  We provided food, drinks, a relaxing atmosphere and lots of encouragement.  We also presented a plaque, commemorating the day and thanking them all for their part in spreading the gospel and supporting kingdom work in Uganda.  They host dozens of mission teams every year.  And they are supporting the life-changing work those teams are doing.

Of course, being hospitable Ugandans, they insisted on having some time to encourage us as well.  Their kind words were so touching.  One woman told us that when Desiree  shared her testimony during staff fellowship last year, it changed a woman's life.  Another talked bout the impact Kelly had made this year, when she shared a simple object lesson.  And many people told about how God had used Eydie to touch their lives over the years.  It was an amazing celebration.  One I will not quickly forget. ... Pastor Doug 

The team debriefed this later and we agreed that this one event may have a future impact that is deeper than what we see.  We were all so blown away by the magnitude of what a simple act of saying thank you can do.   I was personally affected by this for the rest of the trip.  It was miraculous.  I love my Hotel Paradise family.  

That evening we just seemed to float to the home!  Some of the team had more opportunity to play volleyball.  Other team members colored with the kids.  Godfrey and I went and did the final shopping for the Dedication.  We ended up taking not only Jonathan but Joan, Vivian & Sylvia.  We also had to shop for party items like balloons for the decorations.  I was also on the hunt for wrapping paper as I had two wedding gifts to wrap!  It is not like you can just stop into a Hallmark store.  I had never had to wrap a gift there before.  I realized that I had never seen any gift wrapping anywhere.  Turns out, it was very shiny paper that was rolled up into these small little tubes.  I realized that here at home all our wrapping paper is wrapped around a huge roll in the middle.  In Uganda, they have eliminated that inner cardboard roll.  Actually, that is brilliant as there is no paper waste!  

During the devotion time we used it to prepare the kid’s hearts for what the Dedication Day would mean.  Godfrey had already given each child a responsibility and they had their chores all lined out.  They were also doing some secret preparations that they didn’t want me to know about!  So after our devotions, the team ate supper and then headed out so the kids could continue their preparations for tomorrow.  

I can’t wait to share tomorrow’s update with you about all that God did on Dedication Day!!!!   Soak in this update first and take a deep breath...tomorrow’s update will be even more amazing! 

Filled with JOY! 

mama kisakye! 

Chapter 20 - Update #16 - August 6, 2015

New Perimeter wall and back gate area

New Perimeter Wall 

Devotions

Hillary

Thursday  - 8/6 - Second day at the home

We arrived at the home a little earlier than yesterday.  There was still a lot of daylight which was great. Yesterday, the team had only seen a small portion of the house, mainly the sitting area where we had our devotion time.  So Godfrey and I took the team on a formal tour of the whole compound.  They were amazed at it all!  The perimeter wall was now almost complete.  We were just lacking a gate at the other side of the compound.  (Update...this back gate was just currently installed!  Because of a donation made by Grace Fellowship while we were there, Raining Hope was able to purchase a gate to complete this project!)  The only area we didn’t walk through was the incomplete boy’s quarters as it was too dark and construction materials all over the ground.

This will be the next renovation project.   We were able to get our certificate that allows us to operate as a ministry.  So many orphanages are being shut down by the government because of corruption.  We have been blessed to be one of those that has been given the clearance to keep operating!  The timing of buying the house was key.  Having Godfrey as the manager was all God’s perfect timing.  Godfrey has done so much to make sure we meet all the requirements.  We are so thankful for him.  Recently, we received our official certificate to operate as Raining Hope Ministries.  We changed the name from Raining Hope Children’s Home so we could operate on a wider scale.  This way we are not limited to only ministering to our children.  This was the suggestion from Godfrey which again shows the perfect timing of him becoming the manager.  

One of the requirements by the council making these decisions is we need to have an office.  They were not going to approve the certificate without having the office in place.  But Godfrey explained that we just bought the house and have a list of remodeling projects.  We moved up the timing of renovating the boy’s quarters because this second building is what will house the office.  They were in full agreement and awarded us our operating certificate.  So we made a decision to wait on the new roof and get the boy’s quarters done first.  Pray for us as we have started work on the renovation.  Godfrey has sent me photos of the progress.  We have made good progress but need to wait for more money to come in to help complete it!  God is good!

In the midst of our touring the house, we came to the front lawn.  The kids had started a volleyball game and we immediately lost a team member from the tour!  She whisked off to join the game & others soon followed her!   I had already warned the team that when I watched the kids play the other day, there were not many rules...just a lot of fun.  I explained to the team if they are going to play volleyball to please refrain from trying to do it the “American” way or to try to correct them with how they are playing.  I know that this was difficult for some of our team that wanted to jump in and try to fix things the way that we do it. But I was proud of them because they did just go with the flow.  At times, Godfrey told me that they don’t even really keep score.  They just want to have fun.

We also had a great conversation at one point with Godfrey about competition.  I loved hearing this story.  Some of our team wondered about a competitive spirit or if it were common in Africa.  Godfrey said, “No, in our culture we do not care much about competition.”  It was interesting because he said their culture is more about supporting one another rather than competing against one another.  Isn’t that beautiful?  After he said that I realized how true that statement was.  It is why I didn’t want the team to go in and try to make the volleyball more competitive.  It is why it doesn’t matter if we teach them how to win better.  It doesn’t matter to them.  They are more about supporting one another and just having a good time.  What would happen if our culture were more like that?

Godfrey asked if I could go finish more of the shopping for the dedication since the team seemed to be ok at the home.  It gave them time to just hang out with the kids which is what they had been wanting to do.  We brought Jonathan with us as we were going to be buying some heavy bags of food.  I love having our kids go with us to help.  It gives them such a sense of belonging and responsibility.  Jonathan said that when Uncle Godfrey includes them in the shopping, it makes him feel important and that he has something worthwhile to offer.  Amen!  We were gone a little longer as shopping in the local market takes time.  Even with all of this we still did not finish everything!   But it was getting dark and the Jinja Market Place closes at dark.

When we returned, we went right into our evening devotion time.  In honor of the Dedication Day for the house, we surprised the children by giving them each a new Bible!  These were the ones that we picked up in Kampala on the way home from the airport!   It had been awhile since each one had their own Bible.  It was precious to see how excited they became when we brought the box out!  In order to keep the Bibles in good condition, Godfrey decided to keep them all together and the children can checked them out any time they want.  They bring the box out at devotion time and they each have one to study from.  They honor the Word of God and Godfrey is also teaching them responsibility.  It was very touching to be a part of this special moment.

I forgot to add that on the first night we had another special moment during the devotion time.   A week before I left for my portion of the trip, I was in my neighborhood on my morning walk.  I ran across a yard sale on a Friday morning which was odd in itself.  Normally, yard sales are all on Saturdays.  I decided to take a look and I am so glad I did!  I ran across a keyboard in GREAT condition.  It turned out to be only $20 and it came with a stand!  I called Pastor Doug and Carol and we together decided it was worth trying to bring it as a checked piece of luggage.  Because I had the team, I knew that we would have extra pieces of luggage available.  I am so glad that we decided to bring it!  I knew that Godfrey had wanted a keyboard for the home for quite some time to use for the devotion time.  Keyboards are an essential musical instrument for their worship second only to a drum.  To get one there would have cost us hundreds of dollars.  I wish that all of you could have been there when they first saw the keyboard.  We have a video clip of this moment thanks to Shannon!  The kids had already started the devotion time with praise & worship.  As they worshipped, Godfrey & I went to assemble the stand.  As we walked in with the keyboard on the stand, the song they were singing erupted into shouts of joy!  I remember Henry looking like he was having a seizure because his body was just shaking with excitement!    A $20 keyboard that will fill the house with praise is just priceless.
I also had found some suits and dress shoes at another yard sale the next day.  They were the perfect size for Godfrey.  This came from a wonderful couple in my neighborhood who minister in a church in Oxnard.  Godfrey was overjoyed when we gave him the suits and shoes.  He put on one of the coats for the kids and they again erupted with shouts of joy!  When this couple found out what it was for, they sold me the suits for only $10 each!   Again, priceless to see how happy it made Godfrey.
For the devotions tonight, I gave Desiree and Katie the opportunity to share.  Desiree shared from a devotional and Katie gave her testimony.  The kids loved hearing from the team!   I also shared a short encouraging word.  Because we gave the Bibles to the kids, I had them look up various verses that we just touched on as a short devotion.  I gave time over to Pastor Doug to just share a short word of encouragement on the important of Scripture.

We did have a meal after this time of devotions.  This also is our time to debrief the day and talk about all that God is doing.  That conversation was filled with absolute awe experiencing the joy that exists in the house!

Two of our biggest days are just up ahead!   The next update will be filled with our ministry to the hotel staff!

Thank you for taking the time to read.  I appreciate your care and support of our kids.

Kale, mama kisakye!

Chapter 20 - Update #15 - August 6, 2015

Thursday  - 8/6 - Second Day of Door-to-Door Evangelism

The team was a little more confident preparing for the second day of door-to-door evangelism with Glory Be to God Church.  Even though this was not the favorite activity for some of the team, they were so willing to do whatever they were asked to do.  You would have all been so proud of the team! 

We thought all of the soap that we gave away on the first day would be enough to cover both days.  But when we arrived at the church, we discovered that we were out of soap.  So Godfrey & I left the team with the church and drove to the nearby market to buy more.  This time the church cut the bars into three instead of just halves.  That still left plenty of soap to give away.   

Godfrey also wanted to start all of the shopping for the Dedication party.  I am so glad that we did this because in an hour and a half we didn’t even finish half of the food shopping!  Since I was going to be pulled away again from a team project, I wanted to at least see where the team was going.  They immediately walked to the houses next door to the church.  So I jumped out of the van and followed Katie who was with her interpreter from the church.   I stood behind Katie and listened to her as she shared her testimony.   I couldn’t have been prouder listening to her share a clear presentation of the gospel.  As I walked away I knew that she was in good hands and God was using her and the rest of the team to tell others the story of Jesus.  

Last Sunday, I visited Grace Fellowship Church in Duarte which is three of our team members attend.  I was so impressed with Kelly’s testimony mainly of the door-to-door evangelism and how it affected the majority of the trip for her.  I asked her to write that testimony out so I could share it with you...

Testimony from Kelly 

“In preparation for this second journey to Uganda, Eydie was very clear that our first priorities upon arrival were (1) to show up, (2) to be spiritually prepared, (3) to do what was asked of us, (4) to serve, and (5) to trust God first, and Eydie as our leader.  How that worked itself out in our team meetings beforehand was that we all were quite clear on the fact that pretty much none of the plans in country would be clear until we got there.  We had almost no idea what to prepare for!!  In Luke 12:11-12, it says, "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”   Well, this is all well and good in theory, but I am a list maker!  When I give a speech, I write it out before hand and memorize it.  I'm not a "wait, and God will give you words" kind of girl!  But that is exactly what God was calling me to be.

When we arrived in Uganda, it was very late so we went right to bed.  The following morning, we had a long, leisurely time to prepare ourselves spiritually as we waited for Eydie and Godfrey to pick us up.  Pastor Doug had received a call from Eydie and had word of what our first tasks would look like - sharing the gospel at the primary school before 600-700 kids and cold call, door to door evangelism in the small villages surrounding Glory Be to God church, where the Raining Hope kids attend.  Needless to say, I was terrified.  I am an extrovert, but public speaking is not my forte and I had never done anything like this before in my life!  We spent the morning practicing our testimonies and preparing ourselves to be paired off, two team members with 1-2 church members for translation.  The primary school was weighing even heavier on my mind at the time (my brain wanting to deal with one thing at a time, in order of when it would affect me), so my teammate, Katie, and I briefly discussed what we would do with our group (the youngest kids).  We maybe prepared for 5-10 minutes.  Again, terrifying!  After a long afternoon of driving from Kampala to Jinja, we fell into bed for a bit more rest before our first day of ministry.

Wednesday morning arrived, and we began to see God working.  Doug and Melanie led the morning devotions at the hotel, and despite short preparation, spoke powerfully.  We went to the primary school and saw God working - many children raised their hands to accept Christ!  We had lunch together, with fear and trembling, and then headed to the church for the task that frightened us all the most!  A time of worship and prayer with the evangelism team from the church started everything off on the right foot, and did much to calm some of my nerves.  Not all, but some.   We then headed off into the bushes, following the church members, and came upon our first struggle - they planned to split us up into teams of two, not with our team mates as we'd planned, but just one team member with one church member.  I let go of my preconceived notions, clung to God and my new friend Shamim, and followed her to the first home.  The next two hours or so went by almost like a dream - Shamim would introduce us in Luganda, find out something about the person we were talking to, then turn to me with "She's a single mom. Go."  I had prepared my testimony, but felt God directing me to share a more direct Gospel presentation, so I did.  The woman came to a decision to follow Christ!  "This one is Catholic. Go."  "This one is very sick and needs prayer. Go."  Sometimes I was able to share in English, but most of the time Shamim translated.  Each encounter saw me dependent on God for the words to say.  I don't think I ever said the same thing twice.  In the two days of evangelism that the whole group did, we saw 30 people come to follow Christ!!  I personally prayed with nine to accept Jesus!  Prior to this experience, I had only ever prayed with one person to receive Christ.  What an amazing harvest - and it was all Him!!

What followed in the next few days, I can only describe as miraculous.  God did what only He can do - using the weak and unimpressive to do what He has planned in order that He receive all the glory for what was accomplished.  We went from task to task, and, just as He promised to do, He gave words to speak and strength to accomplish every job laid out for us.  From leading devotions, to primary school, to small village, to hospital, to encouraging hotel staff, to the dedication of Raining Hope's new house, to teaching Sunday school... time after time, He showed that He is who He says He is and that He does what He says He will do.  My faith grew by leaps and bounds in such a short time, and I will be forever grateful for this second opportunity to go to Uganda.

I was especially blessed by the opportunity to see the Raining Hope children again.  Last year, I took away an overwhelming impression of their joy in the Lord.  This year, that joy was coupled with confidence.  They are more sure in their trust in the Lord - that He loves them, that they are precious, that He has a plan for their lives.  Seeing the Lord provide $120,000 in less than six months so that their new home could be purchased outright was a miracle and they could see it.  It strengthened their faith, just as it did mine here at home!  I was so thankful for the deepened relationships with all of the children, and I am so glad for the time of fellowship and worship with my brothers and sisters in Uganda.”  ... Kelly 

By time Godfrey & I returned from our shopping trip, the team was just finishing up in a time of prayer.  I saw a difference in the team from this point on.  They were overwhelmed with God and all that He was doing.  They were more confident in sharing their testimony...willing and ready!   I watched them hug their new friends and take photos to forever be a memory of what God did in these two days.  When we trust in Him, God will do what only He can do.  

We debriefed in the van on the way to the hotel.  Everyone was excited about the decisions made for Jesus and the friendships that were made.  They were excited about now going to see the Raining Hope kids for the rest of the evening!  

More about how we finished out our Thursday in the next update! 

All about Him, 

mama kisakye! 

Kelly & Hope 

Chapter 20 - Update #14 - August 6, 2015

Surgical Ward shoes! 

Raining Hope Service Project Team with Dr. Michael 

Thursday  - 8/6 - Visit to the hospital

The team was thankful when I gave them an extra hour to sleep in!  We met for breakfast a little bit later because our first project was not until 10 am.  After having such a full day on Wednesday, the extra hour made a difference!  

Another project that Godfrey added to our schedule was confirmed after I arrived last week.  He asked if we could visit the “hospital” where our children attend when they are sick.  He said not only would it be a good experience for the team, but it was important that the staff meet me while I am in town.  The way that health clinics or hospitals work are you must pay for any medical assistance in advance or you will not be treated.  I asked Godfrey what happens in general if someone is really sick but has no money to pay.  He said that is a problem in Uganda because so many people can not afford treatment.  They are turned away and many do die because they can not get proper help.  This is mainly a problem for things such a malaria, typhoid and other serious conditions where they will not recover without medicine.   The question came up because recently Vivian was extremely ill.  The cost was high for an emergency visit to the hospital.   

Godfrey has developed such an important relationship with this hospital that they know we will always pay our bill.  The trust that he has established with this hospital as well as another clinic is so strong that they allow us to carry a balance knowing we will always pay.  This is huge for us.  Recently I discovered that managers in the past were not trustworthy and caused our reputation with other clinics to be damaged.  This hospital loves Godfrey and the children of Raining Hope.  Godfrey wanted to introduce me to the staff which helped to elevate our trust with them to another level.  It was also good for us to see exactly what kind of medical care our children are receiving when they are ill.  

I was highly impressed with the facilities and the staff.  On my second trip to Uganda, I had the privilege of working on the Western side of Uganda in a town called Mbarara.  I was visiting various hospitals and clinics all over the western region.  The group wanted me to help them determine if building a hospital to care for children with malaria was needed and feasible.  I tell you this because my mind went back to that trip which was 9 years ago. I can’t even count how many clinics and hospitals I visited.  I can confidently say that the hospital we visited this day for Raining Hope was one of the best of all that I have seen.  There was no comparison to the excellence of care.   

Here is an account from one of our team members who wants to work in the medical profession, 

“As we pulled up to the hospital it was very nice, not the kind of clinic you picture when you hear third world health clinic.  We were greeted by a doctor in the office who took us around on a tour.  The hospital was not overcrowded at all.  It gave everyone comfort knowing our children are well taken care of.  It is a very sterile environment and is well stocked and prepared for emergencies & any other health concerns.”  - Melanie 

I was impressed with the way the various wards were set up.  There is always a women’s ward, men’s ward and children’s ward.  Each one is kept separate.  There were a few patients in one of the wards.  At the end of the tour, we were given the opportunity to go back and pray with the patients which Godfrey led.  One was a little child who looked like he was undergoing treatment for malaria.  

We were taken into the “theater” which is what they call the surgical ward.  It is a sterile environment and we were asked to wear what looked like typical “Crocs.”  All of us were able to walk into the surgical theatre to see where more simple surgeries are performed.  Anything that is more complicated are referred to the main hospital in Kampala.  Recently, our Annet had been dealing with a major back issue.  This is the hospital that treated her.  We are thankful she had a place to go to that took such great care of her.  

Dr. Michael, our tour guide took us into the radiology ward.  They had very updated x-ray equipment.  In one room we found two doctors who had x-ray cells lit up on a board trying to determine a diagnosis.  They also do screening for women for breast cancer.  They can handle very basic illnesses but if it is more complicated they refer to the larger hospital.  

This facility also had a dental ward.  As we came upon this part of the tour, Dr. Michael had opened the door to a room where the dentist on call was just about to pull a tooth of a young women sitting in a dental chair.  Dr. Michael said, “Come on in, come.”  I don’t know about you, but if that were me in that chair, I wouldn’t want an audience!  But some of us came in and met the dentist who talked to us for a few moments.  I noticed that the woman was on the verge of tears and shaking.  So as we walked out, I asked if I could pray for her.  She had agreed and I took just a quick moment to offer a prayer of peace.  Later on I saw her sitting in the hallway and she said she felt better now that the pain was gone.  

We also talked to Dr. Michael about one of our children, Jonathan who wants to be a doctor.  This doctor also teaches classes at the university in Kampala.  It was good to hear the path that he took to get his doctoral degree.  He was highly encouraged to hear about Jonathan and his medical aspirations.  

We were also able to pay down most of our balance that we were carrying at the hospital mainly due to the recent emergency we had with Vivian before I came.  They are an amazing group of doctors and administration who are thankful for Raining Hope.  I am so thankful for Godfrey.  It is very apparent that he is out in the community developing relationships in the name of Jesus.  He is extremely respected and honored which brings a huge sense of peace to me.  

We headed back to the hotel for lunch and a time to debrief our hospital visit.  We also had time to prepare for our second day of door-to-door evangelism.   I will continue this story in the next update!   

The story continues...

mama kisakye! 

Chapter 20 - Update #13 - August 5, 2015

Wednesday  - 8/5 - First day at the home! 



After our successful ministry at the school, we went back to the hotel to get ready to go to the home for the first time!  It was so exciting!  Not only was the team going to see the children, but they would also see our new home for the first time!  As we approached the house, we turned the corner to see the beautiful new perimeter wall.  We also had new lights installed along the top of the wall.  We entered through our beautiful new gate and approached the house.  A few of the children saw the van pull in.  They began to shout, “Mama! Mama!”   As we came to a stop, the children were just starting to come to the side of the van.  Before I knew it, Pastor Doug whipped open the side door and the children who were standing there began to cheer!  The others then realized the team was here and began to greet them with love and hugs.  I got out of the van and saw the warm welcome that my kids were showering on the team.  I took a double take as I saw Desiree hugging kids but with something on her forehead!  Turns out, Shannon had brought a “Go Pro” camera and Desiree volunteered to wear it to get some unique video footage.  I am sure the kids wondered what in the world was on her head!  We joked saying they might have thought she had gotten injured and was wearing some weird brace!  They didn’t seem to care...they were all just happy to see the team! 

As we went inside, we spent this first day back at the home just spending time in fellowship.  Most of the team became reacquainted with those they met last year.  For Melanie, she was able to meet the kids who she had heard about and prayed for.  We had a time of praise and worship where we sang and danced.  I had also made today, Melanie’s “Golden Day!”  For those that are new to my updates, I choose one person each day to honor with their “Golden Day.”  I bring their favorite snacks and give them some special little gifts.  They wear a “golden” lei that signifies to others that today is their special day.  The home and the hotel all know what “Golden Day” means.  As soon as the kids see who is wearing the lei they begin shouting, “Golden Day!  Golden Day!  Golden Day!  Golden Day!”  It is the responsibility of the team members to spend the day encouraging that person.  So the kids had fun meeting Melanie for the first time and also encouraging her with her Golden Day!

Here are some words of encouragement from Shannon about coming back to the home...

“In preparation for my second trip to Uganda, I had some preconceived ideas of what to expect from the culture and from the children of Raining Hope.  But after arriving, the hesitations and fears of the unknown were no longer inside of me.  Upon arrival in Uganda, the atmosphere was so familiar, almost like it had been mere days since I had last been here.  The place we stay at was just as I remember and the food was also the same.

There was, however a difference that I had not expected.  I noticed the difference when I visited the new Raining Hope “palace” for the first time.  There was a change in the children that was very dramatic.  They seemed to be more confident in themselves.  The joy that has always been on the inside of them was now overflowing into everything they were doing.  They also seemed to have matured spiritually in so many ways. 

This new “palace” is not simply a new house to them.  It is a testimony of God’s love and His faithfulness.  There is a new sense of freedom and security.  They see all that God has done for them as a miracle.  What once seemed impossible, they now see within reach as they look at their futures.  They have seen first hand that with God all things are possible.  They are beginning to reach out in their schools telling others about Jesus.  I am so touched by them. 

Returning to Uganda has been such a blessing to me.  I’ve seen a change in the kids that only God can bring.  I can not wait to see what else God will do through the children of Raining Hope.  -- Shannon
Our first night together was amazing.  We had had a very long day.  But being with the kids gave the team a second wind.  Last week when I was here by myself, I taught the kids a new word...”aloha!”  One of my former ISP students had taught the kids some Spanish.  At times they still say, “buenas noches” when we leave.  Since I had just left my family in Hawaii, I thought they should also learn, “aloha!”  So now when we leave at night, they have begun saying, “aloha!”  I also added the word for family which is “ohana!” 

So as we drove away that first night, the children all gathered around, waved and shouted, “aloha, ohana!” 

Hawaii in Africa...two families dear to my heart!
Aloha Ohana!
mama kisakye ekie (eydie in hawaiian!) 

Chapter 20 - Update #12 - August 5, 2015

Wednesday  - 8/5 - Glory Be to God Church - Door to Door Evangelism 



After our successful ministry at the school, we went back to the hotel to debrief the event and have a nice lunch.  I know I have talked about this before, but I have had the best Chinese food ever right here in Uganda!  When I travel, I love to eat the local foods.  Especially in Uganda, I LOVE and prefer the local foods.  I finally decided to try the Chinese food here after about trip #4 or #5 when I realized that this was my life now and I would be continuing to come here.  I thought, what could it hurt?  I discovered that it was some of the best Chinese food I have had anywhere!    Since then, I have been able to have cooking lessons from the chef that cooks this amazing food!   The team also came to love this food last year.  So it seemed appropriate that our first big meal at the hotel was our famous chinese food! 

This gave us time to shift gears and get ready for the next ministry opportunity.  The benefit of writing these updates after having arrived home is that I can reflect on the trip as a whole and see the bigger picture of what He was doing.  I believe one of the things that had the greatest impact on this team was what we were about to venture into doing on the afternoon of our first full day of ministry.

I had also been communicating back and forth for months with specific people that are connected to Glory Be to God Church where we would serve.  Raining Hope made itself available for whatever they needed.  Instead of telling them what we could come and do, I basically said, “How can we serve you?”  Again, it was not until the day before the team arrived did I get that answer.  As I met with Mrs. Otile, Pastor Prossy senior pastor of the church and deacon Andrew, the question still was, “What is it that you would like to do?”  I responded, “We are here to serve and will do whatever you need.”  Their kind response showed me that they did have a need but they were willing to put that aside if we came with a plan.  Such kind and godly people they are!  They finally said, “Well our committee has been meeting and we have determined that what we would need the most is for your team to do door-to-door evangelism sharing the gospel with those who live in the surrounding village of the church!”  I answered, “Great!  Then that is what we will do!”  But my mind flashed to the team and how they would react to this news.  I knew that speaking in front of groups was going to take most of the team members out of their comfort zone.   I went back to our foundational truth...

Show up


Be spiritually prepared 


Do whatever is asked of you 


SERVE, SERVE, SERVE


Trust me...Trust Him.


If there was anything that would test them this would be it.  Some of the team members were nervous.  It was a huge unknown.  Think about going door-to-door   here at home telling people about Jesus.  Now expand that to a foreign country and you may get a glimpse as to how the team felt. 

I tried to assure the team that they would not be alone.  The leaders of the church told me they would pair up with members of the church who would also function as interpreters.  The team would mainly share their testimony and leave the rest to the lead of the church member.  That seemed to bring a small sense of peace to the team yet with some apprehension. 

We arrived at the church to waiting church members.  We had to wait upon a few more people before we could leave.  The other glitch in all of this was Melanie was starting to not feel well due to her malaria medication.  Sure enough, she got sick while we waited.  She really wanted to participate but her stomach was not willing to go along with that plan!   Godfrey and I were going to order cake for the dedication and run some errands while the team was out.  So we ended up bringing Melanie along with us so we could take care of her in case she got sick again. 

We got back to the church about 45 minutes before the team arrived.  Kelly & Katie were the first ones to return.  Here is an account from Katie of that time of evangelism...
“The door-to-door evangelism was an experience that truly blessed me.  I was not in my comfort zone at all but we are convinced God does not want us in our comfort zones.  I went from one house to the next with a wonderful translator who I now consider my sister.  I gained experience, giving my testimony at each house and it was all God from the beginning.  We were in a deeply impoverished town and I saw many things which were shocking to me.  However, everyone welcomed us and listened to what we had to say.  Although we were separated, I know the rest of the team had a similar experience to mine.  God was truly at work.  We witnessed a total of 29 people give their lives to Christ within these 2 days and the church we worked with is following up with each one.  Many others told us that they would visit the church and it is clear God is at work here.  -- Katie B. 

As the others came back it was much of the same.  Yes, they were stretched but God used it to show Himself faithful!  Kelly shared a wonderful testimony at Grace Fellowship this past Sunday.  She used the phrase, “I was surprised at how surprised I was!”  She was bubbling over with excitement and joy at how God stretched her as she depended on Him to give her to words to say and the discernment to know what to do.  One of the greatest challenges was when the team discovered they would not go in pairs with each other, but were split up with church members.  Their comfort zones were definitely expanded on this day!  

But as we continued to debrief all throughout our journey, the roads all led back to these 2 days of door-to-door evangelism.  We did this same ministry on Thursday afternoon.  I saw the team become more confident in who they are in Jesus Christ.  As they shared their stories it was apparent that they were there to share His story.  They made very clear gospel presentations.  They formed bonds of friendship with the church members that led them from house to house.  They saw the need for Jesus in the lives of those they touched.  God took away their fear and replaced it with the love of God that these people desperately needed to experience.  I am so proud of each member of this team. 

Another way we were able to bless those who we visited was by leaving them with a small gift.  If I were to ask you what you thought we may have left, what would you say? 

I am not sure if any of you would have guessed, but we left them with a bar of soap!  Again, I depended on the advice of Mrs. Otile & Andrew.  They said that what the people there would respond to and appreciate is a simple bar of soap.  Bars of soap are not our typical “Dove” or “Dial” size bars.  They are actually a long “bar” that is about 18 inches long.  Mrs. Otile first told me, “If you want to leave something, we could get bars of soap and half them.”  My first thought went to a bar of “Irish Spring” and trying to cut that in half!  I thought, “We could afford to give them a whole bar!  Ha!  We actually bought the long “bars” and the church did cut them in half.  That was plenty to offer up as a gift.  The people who our team visited were overjoyed with the gesture of this very needed and practical gift.  The second day we had to buy more and decided to cut the bar into thirds which was still more than enough!  

I had asked Pastor Doug to use the time they were waiting for Godfrey & I to pick them up on Tuesday morning to practice their testimonies.  I knew that they would have to do this door-to-door evangelism.  They were more prepared for this because of that preparation time.  But Kelly said it well this past Sunday.  She said even though she had practiced her testimony, when she got to the door, she discerned that what the person really needed was more of a clear presentation of the gospel.  She shifted what she said as she went from each door, but always based on the foundational truth of the gospel.  This is why I had simply asked the team to come spiritually prepared.  We may not have known the exact details of what we were going to do.  The task continued to changed over the course of the past few months.  Yet one thing that did not change...the gospel presentation and the need people have for a Savior. 

I can’t tell you enough how proud I am to have had a team who was willing to follow and trust.  They are awesome.

He is Alive,
mama kisakye