Isaiah 61:1… Look it Up!

Hey, Everyone!! I’m so pumped to update you all on how awesome this trip has been! These past three weeks have been a whirlwind of God’s love and power. Our last week of ministry was overflowing with Christ’s presence as we all went to a primary school, a high school, and a baby home one last time. I think I can speak for the whole team when I say we’ve left a piece of our hearts with the people of Uganda. There has been nothing but positivity and welcoming hearts since we got here three weeks ago, and saying goodbye was so very bittersweet. We’ve been so blessed to get to know the people we’ve met here. They showed us the greatness of God through all of their passion for Jesus Christ and their love of ministry. 

Personally, I was influenced by two little boys named Jeffrey and Paul. Now, whenever we arrive at a school, all of the beautiful Ugandan kids swarm us with attention, but after the initial excitement and introductions, I found a little boy attached to my hand. “Guani?” I said to him, which asked “What is your name?” in Lugandan. He replied with a quaint little phrase, “My name is Jeffrey.” The smile that came after that was all that was needed to capture a bit of my heart.  This little boy is 10 years old and filled me up with more joy than I’ve ever experienced. I knew immediately that Christ had brought him to my side for a reason. After singing, dancing, and playing numerous games, it was time for our team to head toward another school. Jeffrey continued holding my hand to the point where I heard Christ say, “You know what to do, Danica.” Christ was right. I am now sponsoring Jeffrey, and I am so excited to keep in touch with him. I know God has a call on Jeffrey’s life and I feel so honored to be able to participate in what the Lord is doing in him. Ah!! Praise Jesus! 

This next little boy’s name is Paul. He is four years old and lives in the village of Kyampisi, which is where we’ve spent quite a bit of time. During a long day of ministry, my team and I stopped by Kyampisi to eat the usual lunch of rice and beans. Paul came to me when I stepped out of the van and played with me until it was time to eat. The kids in the village eat porridge a whole bunch, and Paul still looked hungry after his one cup of porridge was empty. I had leftover rice and beans, so I gave my bowl to him. Every day we went back to that village, little Paul would find me. The look in his eyes told me he remembered me as the girl who fed him rice and beans. I’ll skip forward a few days and tell you about the sweetest, hardest part of this trip for me. This past Sunday, after church, I was with Paul and it was time to go back to the Jesus house. I told one of our translators, Sam, to tell Paul I would miss him very much and will see him again soon. Sam told him in Lugandan and instantly, the biggest crocodile tears slid down Paul’s face. He simply clung to me and we cried together. I know the bond we have is because I only did a small deed and gave him food. Even though it was my leftovers, he was so thankful for it. Oh my goodness, guys… I can’t express how powerful of a moment that was for me. The thankfulness in the Ugandans’ hearts is beyond anything we can imagine. Paul taught me so much through his sweet composure and caring crocodile tears. God is so good!! 

Needless to say, I will carry the moments I’ve had on this trip with me for the rest of my life. Christ has challenged me, comforted me, spoken to me, and loved on me in more ways than I can count. Tomorrow, we fly back to the United States, and I have to admit I’m more excited than sad. The reason being I know that it’s stories like these that change the world. Jesus is so incredibly magnificent for allowing my heart to be affected the way that it has and for allowing me to share Him everywhere I go. I also know that this will not be my last time in the wonderful country of Uganda. How cool is it to know that we serve such a big and powerful God? Only He can accomplish the things my team and I have seen and done here. Ugh, how great He is!! 

I am so excited for you all to hear all kinds of stories like the ones I’ve shared, and I pray you all will witness the love and power of Jesus Christ like we have here in Uganda. We’ll talk to you guys soon!!