The more we fall in love with Jesus, the more we will fall in love with His People

I usually try to post a blog every Monday, sorry this one is a bit late...but I really got knocked down for a couple days...BAD...they thought it was malaria and were going to take me to the clinic to get tested, but suddenly last night the symptoms disappeared-I do believe in the power of prayer!! I'm actually up out of bed again...look out Uganda....I'm baaacckkk ;) Dr Vega, if you read this blog, I'm going to email you exactly what happened to me and how quickly the onset of my symptoms came, VERY weird, maybe you can figure out this mysterious African sickness I got??!!


The title of this blog is what I was led to pray one day this past week...seems simple, but it's profoundly true...think a minute about it! I'm falling more and more in love with Jesus and as I do, I begin to have an overwhelming love for His People! You would think the culture differences and language barrier would hinder and keep us and the Ugandans divided...it's completely the opposite!! I love these people! I love getting to know more and more about them, their culture, their lifestyle, their past, etc (and they love learning about me). It's amazing the tight-knit bonds that are being woven together by Him!

Last blog I told you we were visiting some HIV affected families. I'm going to spend this blog telling you a bit about the experience because it REALLY impacted me this past week!! (I dislike that I can only chose one main thing to write about each blog because of space limitations and respecting your time!). We saw 3 families. The first family literally lived in the slums, but graciously welcomed us into the home. All 11 of us gathered into her little bedroom. A single mother with HIV who has 5 children, but only 1 child actually living at home with her. The entire family was Muslim, but openly welcomed us in to fellowship, sing some worship songs, and pray with them. (Out of the 11 people on the team, there were 2 internationals, so thankfully the other Ugandans on the team interpreted for us...we are such a tight-knit family, I'm telling you!!) The second family also lived in a slum. This was a little 3 year old girl with HIV who was abandoned on a doorstep of a woman. The woman is a strong Christian who has been running a "day care" out of her home and this is where the child was left...and where she still resides. This woman is now providing full-time care for her. Precious, precious, precious little girl!! I got to hold her (she's very tiny for her age) and she just nestled right into my arms :) But it was the final home that impacted me the most. A 17 year old boy with HIV who lives with his uncle because both of his parents are dead. He was extremely cachectic (frail-looking), recently been hospitalized for nausea/vomiting, extremely weak, losing hope for living, has no friends, and is not saved (not a born-again Christian). However, this boy touched my heart...he's someone special...he seriously has one of the brightest, most beautiful smiles I've seen in my life (I'm not kidding you)!! Sweet demeanor, precious kid! God gave me a little something special to speak to him (which had to be translated into Luganda so he could understand)...but I trust he got it and pray that it blessed him! My group put me on the spot and asked me to pray (you all know how much I do NOT like being put on the spot, hehe) but the words just flowed out...the Holy Spirit really moved (the prayer blessed me too!) After we left, didn't talk much of the ride home...or for the rest of the night...couldn't get his face and precious smile our of my mind! Still praying for his health and salvation! Already been placed on my heart to find a Bible in Luganda to bring to him next time! We'll see him, along with the other 2 families, again in one month!

PS You will be happy to know that us girls have now decided to start naming the bugs we find in our room too! Except, we wanted to be "fruitful" and therefore are naming them the "Fruits of the Spirit"(Gal 5:22-23). So now you will hear comments like, "The bathroom is all yours, but watch out because "peace" is running around on the wall"..."Oh no, I think we lost "kindness"...wait, did you lose "kindness" or did you kill "kindness". It's hilarious!! Gotta love us! There's such a special connection developing between the international team, it's wonderful...a connection that will last a life-time!!

PSS The international team is working on an extra "after hours" drama skit! We are pumped up and excited about it!! Don't know when/how it's going to be used, but practicing hard..all to glorify God and bring people to Christ! I'll keep you posted and will be sure to videotape the final production!

PSSS Many of you have been asking for more pictures to be posted...I'm working on it :) The problem is that it takes forever to upload pics here in Africa and I have to use other people's camera's because I can't seem to find my camera-computer cord, hehe!

Ok, have to run to "cell group" which is small group...yep, we get to attend small group in an African home with all Ugandans...too cool AND the cell leader in my home "just happens" to be a local physician!!!

Thanks for your continued support, prayers, and love!!!

Until next week....

In His Amazing Grace,
Michelle