Greetings all!
I am proud to announce a new space in this cyber world. This new site Notesofanomad follows the life and times of this certain nomad - following wherever Jesus leads me.
Enjoy!
The Last Few Weeks...
Why yes, it has been a while since my last post. But now I am back from a crazy end of year rush.
I am currently sitting in Entebbe, re-energizing for my flight back to America tomorrow evening. And now that I am here, stationary, I feel like I have time to reflect on the last few weeks and wrap my mind about returning home for a month-long visit.
The last few weeks were filled with a music recital for my students, stepping in to fill the team's coordinator position for some dear friends, ending the year's school term, a worship night, graduations, packing, moving house, etc.
But in all the craziness of life, I really was able to see
God’s provision. With friends to share the load, encouraging emails, special times with our kids.
And even at times when my head and my heart went ahead of
the situation.
God was the one protecting me.
Here are some pictures documenting the last few weeks…
 |
| Two of the faces I will miss dearly while being on holiday |
 |
| Music with the Special Needs Program |
 |
| Music in Primary 2 Classroom |
 |
| Busy doing Christmas Baking |
 |
| Having a bit of fun while we were baking |
 |
| My little Charlie Brown Christmas Tree all ready for Christmas with the Family |
 |
| Some of my girls at their Senior Four Banquet |
 |
| Heart of Worship Team after our Last Worship Night December 1st |
Thank you Tiffany and Allison for the photos!!!
Worship under a starless sky
The last Saturday of every month, the Heart of Worship team holds a worship night for all who are interested. It is a time where we gather as hungry hearts, full hearts, aching hearts. Hearts that are wanting to lift High the Name of the one who Satisfies and Heals our hearts.
Well this season of life has been CRAZY and a "crispy" feeling has been a sort of epidemic. So instead of doing intense preparation for our monthly worship night, we decided to, just as a team, enter into nature and around a fire, have a night of Worship.
There were no microphones, no speakers, no set program. Just worship as it came. Hearts that were tired, dry - finding rest and refreshment by surrendering it all to Him.
We ended night with this as the cry of our hearts
"As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirst for God, for the living God."
Psalm 42:1-2b
As the Deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my hearts' desire and I long to worship Thee
You alone are my Strength, my Shield
To You alone does my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship Thee...
-Lyrics by Martin J. Nystrom
Faces
These are some of the faces that add to the richness of my life.
And behind each one of these faces, there is a story.
A story of joy, pain, triumph, failure.
But in all of these stories, God has shown His Hand Strong - even if it takes a lifetime or longer to see it.
There are many more faces, more stories that make my life burst with Joy.
Some faces are in Uganda, some are in other ends of this world.
But to make that distance not so far, this I hope. As Ann once said, "In heaven, lets talk long..."
Wednesday Favorites...
Music with the Special Needs Program – one of the highlights
of my Wednesdays.
A class of absolute treasures, these students love life,
love being together, and love singing praises to Jesus.
A month ago, we decided to compose a song – still Untitled,
but now known by all.
The words are simple. A song about God’s love.
Anjagalannyo, tumwagalannyo
(He Loves Me, We love
Him)
Ayagala (insert Student’s
name) leero, enkya, mirembe gyonna
(He Loves (insert
Student’s name) today, tomorrow, and forever
When we first composed this song, we finished and were
silent for a moment. Then, Kakande (a student/helper/headboy) opens his mouth
with utter worship and mutters, “Anjagalannyo.”
All the while, nodding in agreement.
I could feel the tears coming – How much these kids
challenge me in my Walk, in my Worship - in my Love for the Father.
Wednesday favorites – Entering into a time of Worship as we
abandon our hearts to His love.
Celebration!
October 7th - High heels, driving in circles, running in front of a
parade, singing for the President.
I look back on that day and it not seems
more like a crazy movie than actual life.
As to how we got here… To make a long story short…
New Hope Uganda was asked to bring a choir to sing for the
50th Golden Jubilee Thanksgiving Celebration in Kampala…
Uniforms were made…
Performance tracks were recorded…
Backup vocals were recorded…
Practices were had…
Choreography was added…
Meetings were attended…
And now that brings us up to October 7th – the
Day of the Celebration
The Capital city of Kampala was busy and many streets were
blocked off as we entered town. So, with 19
kids, all carrying their uniforms, we raced downtown, all the while running in
front of a parade in order to get to our destination.
Uniforms were thrown on, teeth were brushed, hair was combed, and then we raced back up the hill
to our bus which took us to the final destination – the place of the
celebration.
Fancy dresses, polished shoes, high heels, nervous stomachs.
All a part of the day.
With our soundcheck complete, we began our wait - our wait for the
celebration to begin.
A Celebration that was brought about to give Thanks to
God for how He has brought Uganda thus far, but now to rededicate this Nation
to God.
As our children sang their songs – songs truly magnifying
God’s name – I was moved to tears that these children – some of whom the world
meant for nothing – but now these very ones were singing before the Leaders of their
Country. And proclaiming their Love for the Lord not only publicly, in front of their
whole nation.
I was BEYOND proud of these kids.
The day was long, but filled with memories that I believe
will be etched into their minds forever.
Here is a picture from the day – were only able to take photos
before the event started, so here we are, waiting in our seats after our
soundcheck.
October 9th was Uganda’s Official 50th
Birthday
We came together as a community for a celebration.
The choir that presented at the Golden Jubilee was given the
opportunity to sing for the
New Hope Family.
 |
| One of our youngest vocalists :) |
 |
| Pure Joy |
 |
 |
| Blowing the Shofar of Celebration |
 |
| The Choir Minus 4 members |
All photo credits go to John and Janessa Biedler – THANK YOU!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)