Em ON A MISSION

ONE week

2012-02-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today is just one week till take off.

Just eight days till we land in Uganda.

I am so excited to see what God is going to do on this trip.

I guess I better pull out the old suitcase and load it up!

This trip we have a team of eleven people.

From all over the country.

Two people that are joining us from Canada.

Please be praying as we prepare to go.

The last days before the trip can often be the hardest.

We've had people brake bones,get in car accidents, and lose love ones.

Just days before they are about to board a plane to go!

Since we are going to serve the orphan we are often under attack.

So please join us and pray for our journey!

I will keep you all updated:)

xoxo

Valentines Day

2012-02-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

Today as I prepare for Uganda in just a week from tomorrow.

I have been thinking about how much my family means to me!

So this morning I woke up early to make heart shaped pancakes and bacon.

To show them how much I love them.

Since it's valentines day I thought what would be better

then to write a post,

Thanking my loved ones for always loving me and being there.

Dedicated just to them.

To show them how much I care.

This Valentines Day I am very thankful for all my loved ones in my life.

I have eleven brothers and sister who I love with all my heart.

They always make me laugh and smile!

My house is never quiet.

{sisters tea party}

{baby sitting my sibs}

Six brothers and sisters in Uganda that I adore.

{me,Sandra,Lutaaya,Dad,Moreen,George,Junior}

Liberty my little sister and also my friend!

{libs and I}

My loving boyfriend who always continues to amaze me

{we've been dating for 2 1/2 years}

{Josh and I in Uganda clearing land with machetes}

My Mom she is also my best friend!!

{mom and I in Uganda after a rain storm}

My Dad who is always there to encourage me and help me chase my dreams.

{Dad and I in Belgium on our layover to Ghana}

Special thanks to my family,my mom, my dad and my boyfriend!

I love you with all my heart!

Happy Valentines Day!

XOXO

Wordless Wednesday!

2012-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

Mama at six years old.

Preparing for the Journey

2012-01-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

In just a few weeks I will be boarding a plane again.

But this time the journey will be a bit different.

We,my Dad and I will be leading a team of about 11+ people to Eastern Uganda.

It will be our first team to Eastern Uganda!!

On this trip I will also be scouting for moving there in just less then a year.

Whooo!

I am so excited to see where God will lead me.

Will you join me in praying for direction?

That God will direct my steps to where he would have planned for me.

Thank you all my faithful bloggy friends!

Hit the Ground Running

2011-12-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Good morning my bloggy friends,

Its been awhile since I've posted and for that I'm truly sorry!

These past few weeks and months have been crazy.

{You might want to grab some coffee cause this is one long post}

My mom and I and Ruby Grace landed in the states and hit the ground running.

Literally.

We have been busy busy.

As soon as we landed Ruby was rushed to the hospital where she received 3 surgeries in a matter of 3 weeks!!

She's our little fighter, that girl!

Ruby Grace has to be constantly monitored and near a children's hospital in a matter of minutes.

With that said,

we have also been in a transition time.

We have dropped our nets and moved to beautiful sunny Arizona.

{Destini, my best friend, and me saying goodbye}

My Dad and I and Graham drove home to Colorado to pack the house and move.

We packed the whole house and cleaned most of it in less than 5 days

and were on our way with the moving trucks!!

Moving has never been easy and leaving your friends behind and your boyfriend well it's just tough!

{our tree we carved our names in when we were little}

But if God has called my family to move, how can I not go?!

Its hard and I miss just having my boyfriend of {two and a half years} be able to hang out all the time.

{Josh my boyfriend was at the airport when we landed from Uganda}

But God's called me to Arizona for a time and for that I'm excited.

He has great plans for my life.

I am preparing to move to Africa in just less then a year,

I never thought that I would move again {until Africa that is}.

In my head I pictured just packing my bags and saying goodbye to my loved ones and friends in Colorado.

I never thought Arizona was where He'd call me before.

But when He did, I knew this was where He wanted me for the time being.

Arizona has so many opportunities for me, so many things I can use to prepare myself for Uganda.

For that I am beyond excited.

Uganda in less then year I'll call it home.

But for now I'll live each day to its fullest I want to make each day here count.

Not just sit around waiting for next year.

He's called me here for the time being and for that I can't wait to see what HE has planned for me!

God's Healing... My sister Ruby

2011-11-03T02:23:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I came with my mom to Uganda to bring home my little, little baby sister Ruby.

She is precious and is beyond words adorable.

I met her way back in June on a missions trip that I was co-leading,

with my Dad.

I instantly fell in love with her. So drawn to the sweet teeny-tiny frail baby girl.

I asked my bloggy friends to join me in praying and many of you joined in.

She was so sick and weak that we weren't sure she was going to make it through the night.

We prayed and as others around the world began to pray

God heard our prayers and began healing her.

Little by little she is growing.

She is becoming stronger everyday.

She still has a long road of hospitals, surgeries and medicine in her future.

But God has good plans for my sweet little sister Ruby.

I'm so in love with her.

She smiles and cues and it's so adorable.

Every time I hold her she reaches her little hand to my hair and rubs it.

How God is healing her is amazing to watch.

Please continue to pray for her healing as we head towards home.

For peace as we fly and that the doctors in the USA would have wisdom.

For now I will leave you with a picture of my sister Ruby and Me. :)

Digging through trash for dinner.

2011-09-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Oh how my heart breaks today.

We had to walk to the lawyers office today in downtown Kampala.

A good fast walk that takes an hour and thirty minutes if walking briskly.

Downtown is very crowded and you pass many many people.

Downtown is where one million and a half people go a day.

It's busy.

It's crazy.

It's where the vendors go to make a living so they can feed there families.

Its where the business men go to work.

It's where the boda drivers {motorcycles} and taxis

constantly are driving passed and stopping and picking up new people.

It's where the street children bag for food or money.

It's where the Street boys live.

It's where the street mama's live with there little babies.

To some it is home.

For others they are nearly in the city trying to survive the day.

As you walk through Kampala, you pass the man who is crippled and been denied by society.

The Woman who has been rejected because she has AIDS.

The child who has been abused by his stepmother and so he ran away from home.

Then as I headed home I saw something that breaks every part of my heart.

There stood two little girls who couldn't be more then 10 and 11 yrs old.

As I turned I saw.

They were digging through the trash for food.

They were Karamojong children.

Meaning the reason they have fled to the city is because they are from a tribe that is very war torn.

They are the tribe I have felt God has called me to work with.

I carry food in my purse for times when I see street children.

You should have seen there smiles when I handed them some food.

I feel guilty sometimes to think that I have food all the time and there are millions of people who don't get to eat today.

Have you ever thought of praying for these people?

Like the little girls for example.

Or maybe God is just waiting for you to ask him what you can do about it?

We may not all feel called to work with the Karmojong people, or to work in Africa.

But God calls us all to do something..

Maybe you could sponsor a child?

Maybe you could help by making food bags for the people in Uganda?

Or even the homeless in your area?

Or simply start by asking God what he'd have you do.

All I know is I never want to to forget those girls faces.

Digging through the trash for dinner.

I want to forever remember.

Never forget.

"Dear God,

Show me how to help, what to do, where to begin."

It we all did something there would be a lot less going hungry tonight.

My heart continues to break.

I'm your favorite Ruby. REALLY!

2011-09-28T03:19:00.000-07:00

Finally I know you all must be wondering where I have been!

Its been a long but good passed 8 days!

It has taken me so long to finally be able to type.

My mom and I left last week in a rush to bring Ruby

{my sweet baby sister home}

I have been writing on my ipod while we have been here but the internet has been

funky and there fore not able to post.

UGH.

crazy Internet.

I am so happy to finally be back and still in shock that its my 8th trip to my beloved Uganda.

And I still can't believe it is my fourth trip this year!

I am simply head over heels with my baby sister.

She is precious.

I'm so so so in love with her.

When mom finally lets me hold her I whisper in her ear over and over again.

I whisper secrets like

"I'M YOUR FAVORITE SISTER RUBY"

I think by the time we get home she will believe it :)

If she doesn't believe it at least I tried right? haha.

New blog design!!

2011-09-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to introduce you all to my new blog design!

All complements go to Alexis at http://www.blogdesignsbyalexis.blogspot.com/

Thank you Alexis you did a wonderful job!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-08-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

...Thirsty for love...

Overwhelmed by pictures

2011-08-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

After coming home this trip I felt overwhelmed by all I saw and felt while I was in Africa.

So much pain, so much sorrow, but so much joy that these precious people have!

They live through so much more then we Americans can ever imagine.

When you're there you realize all that what we see in pictures is real.

It's just a picture until you see it, smell it, feel it.

You can't see the pain in the people's eyes until you're face to face.

You see, in America you can walk away from the picture and chose to ignore what you saw in a moment.

You can forget about what you saw in the face of that little orphan.

Once your there you can never forget each face.

I can't forget those treasures that are waiting for families.

I can't forget the faces you see in photographs.

I have to remember them.

I don't ever want to become so used to seeing the pictures so used to passing the little orphan begging on the street.

{ My Monica pictured above orphan in Ghana West Africa}

I want to always remember.

I want to never become so used to seeing it I forget to remember it's REAL.

Never to forget, never to become so used to the pain.

"Dear God, Keep breaking my heart for what breaks yours! "

Pray 4 Karl

2011-07-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

{I took this picture of them at the church picnic on July 3rd}

I have been taking a short brake from blogging with going to and from the hospital to be with my older sister Autumn who is just 3 1/2 years older then me.

For any of you who don't know, my sister's boyfriend: Karl was in a

terrible motorcycle accident last sunday...

He was on the way to pick up my sister for church.

He was airlifted to the hospital.

The hospital is about an hour and a half away.

When I am not at the hospital

I am home playing and watching my sibs!

Graham

{my brother}

and I have been switching back and fourth so we can both be with Autumn!

Karl is in a coma and has suffered a major brain trauma.

{He had brain surgery last week.}

Will you please join me in praying for Karl's complete healing?

That he would wake up voluntarily.

For comfort for my sister and his family?

Please

Join me in

PRAYING 4 KARL!

Home and AFRICA STORIES AT LAST!

2011-07-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Since being home I have been busy busy.

But finally I have time to sit and tell you all the stories from my heart.

I uploaded to my computer over 2000+ pictures!

Let me tell you thats a lot of pictures:)

I am just itching to write and write.

And share with you all my journal entries.

And the stories from the special kiddo's I met.

I can't wait to share with you all the moments and experiences of my 7th trip to Uganda and my Trip to Ghana.

I just had to show you all a picture from my trip:)

Just in case you were wondering the stories are brewing!

Little Watson Cries..

2011-06-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

{Watson,Me,Jerimiah}

At the baby home before every trip

I have to prepare myself for not seeing some of my sweet babies.

Some of My babies are either adopted,

reunited or fostered.

Some are moved onto orphanages where they will remain until they turn eighteen.

Some of the changes are good but some just hurt on the inside.

This trip I had to prepare myself

for the fact that I won't be seeing my Edith.

I wouldn't be seeing Francis.

I wouldn't be seeing Gideon or Gilbert the 4 year old twin boys!

I wouldn't be seeing crazy little man Anthony.

I wouldn't be seeing shy little Barbara.

I wouldn't be seeing sweet little Stuart.

It's hard every trip I have to prepare myself.

Every trip when I say goodbye and hug them one more time.

I have no idea if I will ever see them again.

I have no idea if it will be the last time I hold them in my arms.

The time I held Edith in my arms and whispered I love you in Luganda

"Un kwagala nyo"

she whisperd back to me

"Un kwagala nyo"

It was the last time I ever got to tell her I love her.

The time I put her in bed was the last time I got to tuck her in bed.

Its always a different feeling to know they won't be there screaming

"MAMA EMMA"

When I walk through the door.

It hurts and it hurts.

Saying goodbye is so painful.

This trip I had more goodbyes to say more love to give more hugs to treasure and store in my memory.

I had to hug one of my precious little man Watson goodbye.

There is talk he is leaving soon

He has always been my baby

I met him when he was in the new babies room.

Now he is almost three years old!

He is a special needs little man but it never stops him.

He is the smartest little guy you'll ever meet!

He always has been my baby

He latched onto me this trip and wouldn't leave my side.

Everyday he would run to me and lift his arms up.

He is getting to be quite the talker so he'd point and say something like

"down there" as he pointed to the playground.

Really he's a smart boy!

Josh

{my boyfriend}

fell in love with Watson when he first met him a year ago.

He's always been the baby we look for when we arrive.

This time as I hugged him in my arms and told him I love him.

I couldn't stop thinking this is most likely the last time I will get to hold him.

The last time I will whisper to him that

"Jesus Loves him"

The last time I will whisper to him "I love you".

As I held him and went to put him down he burst out crying.

He knew I was leaving.

As the tears streamed down my face

I turned back for one last glimpse as he tried to catch me and the mama pulled him back.

His cries echoed as I walked away.

Oh Watson I wish I could bring you home with me,
I love you little man!

I will never forget you for you have a place in my heart thats reserved only for you.

Please join me in praying for

"Watson"

for healing for his special needs and a family!

God has big plans for my little Watson!

Arrived in the USA

2011-06-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

We have officially arrived in the USA!

Boy does it feel so so so so so so so so good!

We have had a 7 hour layover here in Chicago!

It's been well, really long!

I was so happy to be able to eat American food!

I don't know if it's ever tasted so good!

My Dad has been sleeping on the airport floor

so I thought I would try to write a quick post to update you all!

My Dad and I are just both ready to be home.

We miss the family so much!

The whole family and my boyfriend and my friend Savannah are coming to pick us up from the airport in ABQ!

I can't wait to hug my Mom and brothers and sisters!

I have missed them all so much!

We fly out in the next 3 hours and head to ABQ.

We will be staying the night there and then driving home the next morning!

Please continue to pray for our last flight!

Leaving ghana

2011-06-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ghana has been wonderful and I have lots of stories to tell you all!
Dad has been sick,he's really dizzy and has dearea! Please pray for healing as we have a long trip ahead! Please also pray for our flights! Pray for protection and safety! I will try to post later on!! Thank you in advance for all your prayers!!

A Letter From Emma Joy

2011-06-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

(mommy can you post this whole letter on my blog)
"Yes, Miss Emmy Joy, I'm happy to."

Hey Everybody,

I really miss you all. Only a few more days and I will be home!!

Ghana is beautiful and I really love it.

I wake up to the ocean every morning. At night I fall asleep listening to the waves roll in. It's seriously like amaze's me when I look out the winow and see the ocean is still there.
It's really incredible who would think you can live this close to the ocean!

I am about to head off to inner Ghana towards Togo for the pastor's confrence starts tomorrow.

I am excited to drive and see what it looks like:)

Yesterday we visited two orphanage's and I loved the children.
One of the girls wouldn't let me go she is precious.

Today we had church on the porch it was so wonderful!
There was about 30+ people mostly children.
One of the little boys fell asleep on the cement floor.
I scooped him up and he snuggled in my arms and he slept and slept! His name was "fletch". he' sooo cute:)

Anyways I need to go before I lose internet!

I love you all so much!! And I will try to write later or tomorrow:)
I Miss you,
Emma

Off to Ghana!

2011-06-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post real quick and to tell you all I have arrived back in Belgium.

After looking around Brussels for 7+ hours

I am now boarding the plane for Ghana!

AHHH!

I am so excited.

Please be praying for our flights and I will try to post when I get to Ghana!

GHANA HERE I COME!

The little boy in the striped shirt part three! SAFE!

2011-06-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

This passed week we went to the slums,

but before we got there Courtney

{one of the girls on the team}

was feeling really sick.

so as soon as we got to the slums

we switched van's and I went with her back to the guest house.

I was really sad as I left because I realized I wasn't going to get to see

"The Little Boy in the Striped shirt"

I wasn't going to get to see his little brother either.

I was so sad.

But I thought maybe somebody on the team will see him and take some pictures.

Well then Sunday came around and nobody had mentioned seeing him and his brother.

I was so sad.

But then I looked over as I was coming out of church in Ssenge village

and there was John {kisam's little brother}

all dressed up and at church.

And then I found out that he has joined African Hearts Boy's home in Ssenge!

I was so excited and I couldn't believe it!!

I was so Happy!

Some of you may know "John" as the little boy who was trampled

when we were getting ready for the wedding off of my mom's blog.

Then I asked about Kisam and found out that his guardian wouldn't release him

so that he could move to the boys home.

I was so heartbroken.

The little boy in the striped shirt was alone in the slums.

Then Friday came around as I walked up to greet the boys and Moreen.

I looked over and there was Kisam!

He was safe!

At last finally he was being cared for and loved.

I am so excited to show you the little boys in the slums -

that are now safe at

African Hearts Boys Home!

Yippee Jesus!

That's God for you!

Thank you for all of your prayers!

and now you can all see that -

GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!

BIG PARTY IN HEAVEN

2011-06-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it rained and rained and rained!!

I don't think that I have ever seen so much rain!

I thought that because of the rain the kids would not come for VBS.

But Man was I wrong!

When we arrived to start VBS,

we had about 100 kids waiting anxiously.

We started with singing some songs!

We sang "This little light of mine"

"father Abraham"

and many many more.

As we sang more childran from the village kept arriving.

They were from all over, some having walked for miles.

They came dripping wet in their best clothes.

Oh how excited their little faces were.

I shared a story from the Bible

{with the translator's help}

When we asked who wanted to ask Jesus into their heart,

I have never seen so many children's hands shoot up.

I asked one of the girls on the team to count and she lost count in the 70+ hands raised.

These children wanted Jesus so badly.

Their hands went flying up all around the room.

I'm pretty sure Heaven is still having a party!

VBS begins!

2011-06-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today the third annual VBS in Ssenge Village began.

It was so exciting as we pulled up after lunch to begin the program,

the children were standing outside waiting for us.

They were singing songs and dancing.

It was such a welcoming site.

I couldn't help but smile.

We had 250+ children show up.

They were waiting anxiously and excited.

We held it at the new African Hearts school.

Really it was so exciting.

Back in July 2008 I would never have dreamed in my wildest dreams that God would use me to lead a VBS program for 250+ children in a little African Village.

It really is such a dream come true.

The children come from all over the surrounding villages.

Tomorrow we are expecting more children because today many were in school.

Please be praying for the kids to open their hearts to hear the gosple

Pray that they would be touched.

Pray that God would use us and that he would continue to brake the teams hearts for what brakes his.

Please also continue to pray for Daniella!

{hopefully tomorrow my pictures will finally work}

xoxo -Emma

Baby Daniella

2011-06-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you all a story of one of the babies at the baby home that I met she is the sweetest little treasure and by little I mean LITTLE!

She is tiny and beautiful.

I hadn't noticed her laying in her crib when I arrived until I saw that there was a baby inside the corner crib.

She was sleeping and so I just didn't realize she was there until Alei

{one of the girls on the team}

pointed her out to me. There she was all skin and bones.

She is 10 months old.

Almost the same age as my nephew.

She weights six pounds hardly a thing for being ten months old.

She has water on the brain due to being starved as a new baby.

She is malnourished. And so skinny.

When I hold her in my arms I feel like I am holding a stick.

Her whole body is so small.

She is long but there is so many bones.

When I hold her in my arms I feel that she will brake in pieces.

She is so sick and weak her body can not handle the food she spits up and spits up everything and anything she eats.

She has a huge need but it is not huge to GOD!

This precious baby is in need of a stunt to help drain the water that is in her brain.

Her head is enlarged because of the water.

She needs surgery and she needs it fast.

Will you join in praying with me for a miracle for my Baby Daniella.

Pray for her to be healthy enough to have surgery.

Pray that she stops throwing up and can keep her food down.

Will you pray that God provides a way for her to have her surgery?

Will you join me in praying for my baby Daniella?

{Due to security reasons I can not share a picture of her but trust me she is precious}

The Little Boy with the Headache

2011-06-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

In the village on Sunday {after service} the team broke up in to groups

to pray for those who had come forward for prayer.

There were over 60 people - men, woman and children, that came forward.

Many, many people had such huge needs.

There were so many children that came forward wanting - wisdom, school fees, to pass their test.

They were such sweet prayers coming from their hearts.

Then as the line got smaller there was this little boy maybe 8 years old.

He spoke in Luganda through the interpretor

He said "My head - it is paining me."

I begin to pray for healing of his headache.

Then as I finished I said, "How is your head?"

"How does it feel does it feel any better?"

He answered, "Yes!"

That little boy had come with such a precious request.

It might seem small to some people.

But God cares about each prayer you pray.

He cared and heard that little boys request.

He heard him ask for healing.

He came to God and God heard his cry.

Is that God for you or what?!

Maybe you have something you need to ask God for,
although it may seem small to you - God cares!

updates :)

2011-06-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

We arrived late Saturday night in my sweet Uganda.

It was around midnight when we reached the guest house.

It feels so good to be back again.

Some people have told me "It feels like you were here yesterday".

Oh how good it feels to be told that.

I woke up early on Sunday morning not being able to sleep...

I was just to excited.

I was finally going to be able to hold my babies!

I can not tell you how amazing it felt to hold them again.

Lots of my babies have left. Gone to live with there forever familes or they have been fostered.

It was good news but also sad to know they are not there when I walk through the gate.

We went to church in the village after voulunteering at the baby home.

It was such an incredible service!

I love having church the African way.

We danced and sang and danced some more!

Really you would love church in Uganda!

After church I came to a conclusion

The first thing I need to do when I move here is enroll in dance class!!

{The internet has been having problems so I have not been able to post. But I will try to upload some pictures tomorrow!}

Headin' Out

2011-06-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I have been waiting for!

Today we drive to the airport.

For some of you who don't know I live in a small town!

We have an airport but its really expensive to fly out from here.

So we have to drive 4 hours to fly out from New Mexico.

Since we are flying out so early in the morning we have to drive tonight and spend the night!

Then we fly out tomorrow morning bright and early early.

I can't wait to begin my 7th journey to Uganda!

I am so excited to see what God has in store for me for this trip!

Emma's mom, Linny here:
Emma asked me to post this...ooops. I forgot. Please forgive. They are now two flights down...and in the midst of the third flight somewhere over the Atlantic. Please join me in continuing to pray for their flights. I pray I can hear from them once they land in Europe. We'll see.

Packing my suitcase

2011-05-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

I have always been a late packer a person who puts it off and puts it off.

I wait and wait as if waiting will make it go faster!

But today with just 2 days till I leave for Uganda and Ghana and Togo,

I opened my bag and started putting clothes and supplies in my suitcase.

Finally its close enough for me to pack my suitcase.

I can hardly believe its coming so soon!

I am so excited I jumped up and down up and down as I packed my bag!

Its not finished but its a good start:)

Okay well I guess I should get back to packing!

Sunday I hold my babies...ahhh...

okay I really am gonna go pack now:)

Soon I Will Get to Hold my Babies!

2011-05-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

In just 7 days I zip my suit case closed.

I will glance behind me in the mirror one last time and head towards the door.

I will walk down the stairs and hug my brothers and sisters and my Mommy goodbye.

I will hug my team members and open the door .

I will walk to the car and load my bags in the back.

I will drive and drive four hours and arrive at a hotel.

There I will lay in bed awake and count the hours till I fly away..

I will wake up excited as ever. Its the day I have been waiting for!

I will head to the aiport and board countless planes.

I will smile as I look down from my last plane into the darkness.

It's there down there - my babies!

I will land on My Ugandan soil again!

I will be in Uganda in 9 days!

It will be night when I arrive and hug my Ugandan brothers and sister!

I will ride home in the Matatoo {Van} and count the hours till I awake bright and early.

I will arrive at the guest house and hug all my friends that I have missed! They will welcome me home and tell me how "thankful" they are that I am back!

I will climb the stairs to my favorite room and shut the door.

I'll go to bed waiting and waiting.

In 10 days I will wake up early early!

It will be the day I have been waiting for!

I will run and run and rush to get ready and head to the baby home!

I will run to the gate,

sign my name "Emma" in the volunteer book

I will run up the walk

searching for their faces!

They will see me,

I will SMILE and

Hug my babies!!!!!!!!!

Really I can not believe it is coming so soon until I get to hold my babies!!

Woot Woot God you're so good to me!

The Car Wash Fundraiser

2011-05-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we did a car wash at one of our local gas stations

We prayed together before we started and

God totally provided!!

We washed car after car after car they just kept coming:)

I was so bummed I didn't get any pictures of us washing some cars but we took these of us cleaning up

Savannah and me:)

She is not only my brothers girlfriend but an awesome friend!

Hosing up the dirt! One of the cars we had was so covered it took about a half hour to rinse the car! Not even kidding, the guy had gone back country jeeping!

Graham and my boyfriend Josh working at cleaning up:)

These are my friends Savannah and Taylor

We have so much fun together and I can't wait for us to go to Uganda together:)

After the car wash we had to clean up and the dirt was a mound so we had to shovel it away!

here is my brother Graham shoveling the biggest pile of dirt ever!

We raised a huge amount and God just kept the cars coming.

We even just had a people who were getting gas ask us about the trip and then hand us money and they never even got there car washed!

We prayed and he provided,

Yep thats my God for you!

Matthew 18:19

"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.

Uganda and GHANA! NO WAY HERE I COME!

2011-05-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be able to tell you all that after my trip to Uganda in just 2 1/2 weeks I will be boarding a plane back to Belgium and then I will be on my way to GHANA!

YES.

You heard me right I am also going to Ghana!

God is so good!

My Dad will be leading a pastor's conference in Ghana and after praying about it my little brother

{who is not so little only 18 months younger then me}

decided that he thinks I should be the one to go with my Dad.

He said this:

"you're the one going to move to Africa in just a year, so I think you should be the one to go to Ghana this way you can see more of Africa"

Really I was shocked.

He wanted me to go!

It turns out that my Dad thinks its a great idea for me to go

and my flight has been booked and I am going to Ghana!

I could not be more excited I will be spending 3+ weeks in Africa!

Not only will I be going to MY UGANDA,

But also to Ghana!

I am so thrilled I will be visiting West Africa for the first time!

God has definitely some secrets up his sleeve!

I can't wait to see what he will do.

While I am in Ghana I will be working in Orphanages!

Exactly where my heart is - with the orphans!

Who knows maybe God has plans for me not only in Uganda but in:

ALL OF AFRICA!

Meet my friend Juliet - longing for a Family

2011-05-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Juliet is the sweetest thing.

I met her back in Summer of 2010.

When I was visiting the orphanage that she is at.

She was precious.

She hangs around me and never leaves my side.

We quickly became the best of friends.

She's 3 years old.

But she talks so very much.

She speaks good English and so we got to talking when I was back in April.

I had already visited her several times since my first time meeting her so immediately she came over to me with such Joy on her face, seeing that I had come back to see her again.

She walks around calling me "Auntie Emma"

Auntie is an endearing term so I felt so privileged that she would call me Auntie along with the other children. They have seen me come back time after time so now I am known as there "Auntie"

No longer am I just a visitor!

We played and played when I was there in April.

We played ball.

We rolled it back and fourth and she kept hiding it in her shirt and she would say in her adorable English Accent "Where'd it go?"

Then she would tell me "Its gone."

{Notice the ball behind her back}

{The balls under her shirt now}

We were talking and playing the whole day and then she said something I will never forget.

She said her friends name then "went to America"

She proceeded to tell me name after name of her friends who had left her.

They had "went to America"

Her whole attitude changed as she became sad and she told me all of her friends who had left her.

Then a mama came up and said "You want to go to American to Juliet?"

She said "Yes"

This sweet precious girl has watched all her friends leave her.

She has watched them leave.

Never to return she would think.

Gone to America.

I can't imagine such a sweet little girl watching child after child walk out the door.

She's left alone with the other children wondering why she can't go to America.

Wondering why she isn't chosen.

Today pray for my special friend Juliet to get a family.

For her to have her wish come true.

That she could go to America.

That she would have a family that loves her and cherishes her sweet spirit.

With every second of her telling me about her friends I wished I could just grab her and run for the door

To say "I will take you in my family - you can come to America with me".

But I couldn't.

With everything I wished I could.

So when you think of our country please pray for Juliet, just a little girl in Uganda,

longing for America and longing for a family.

Bake Sale Fundraiser

2011-05-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

We held a bake sale at church to raise money for going to Uganda!

We had tons and tons of delicious treats all made and waiting to be sold.

We sold literally like everything.

We barely had a thing left.

GOD IS GOOD!

We raised somewhere around $427.00 :)

It was an awesome time and God totally provided!

{Destini,Savannah,Me}

Yippee Jesus!

We still are trying to raise the money so please keep praying we leave in just 3 weeks!

My Edith goes.

2011-05-04T10:24:00.003-07:00

Today I logged on to Facebook and there in the news feed- I read the news.

My Edith has gone home.

Its hard news to take and my heart feels like its breaking,its crumbling in millions of pieces.

I know the situation in her family life so I imagine it can't be easy for my sweet girl.

She's so innocent and little.

She doesn't have a relationship with the aunt and uncle that have taken her.

I imagine my girl must be so scared.

Afraid and unsure of what to make of her new life.

Will you join me in praying for peace and comfort for my precious Edith?

That God will provide a way for me to find her family and keep up to date with her?

My darling girl, I will pray for you everyday,

I'm going to miss you forever Edith.

I will love you always.

Don't forget me.

Love Mama Emma

Arriving Home - my heart cries!

2011-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

I arrived home from Uganda early in the morning about 2:00am just one week ago.

The trip was long as I have come home being sick with strep!
But being sick this way is a good thing.

Even though being sick is no fun.

It means something wonderful.

It means that I loved.

It means I loved and snuggled and kissed and held

babies,toddlers,children

who's noses wouldn't stop running,

who were so sick as i cuddled them and whispered to them that

"Jesus Loves them".

Who were hanging on to life by a thread.

It means I loved.

It means that I didn't hold back when snot was running down there clothes.

When there pants were dripping with pee.

Who were so malnourished that breathing was hard for them to do.

It means that I loved the kids who have never felt loved.

That I had the privilege to hold them.

Being able to love is a wonderful thing!

What are you going to do with your love?

Sometimes people wonder do I have enough love?

Yes yes you do.

Now what are you going to do with all that love?

Come to Uganda with me and I will show you:)

A Journey

2011-04-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

In just 6 weeks I get to board a plane again!!

My heart is screaming with excitement.

Yes.

I get to go back to My Uganda for my 7th trip.

My 7th time to be able to be where my heart longs to be.

To be where God has called me.

Boarding a plane every trip gives me an anticipation.

Its the beginning of another journey.

A journey

To see what connections God will place in my life.

To see how God will use me.

It's such a feeling,

A feeling that makes me squirm in my seat.

You know that feeling of when you have been looking forward to something for so long?

When finally that day comes?

Thats the kind of feeling.

You can't decide what to do next but you have a huge smile on your face.

A little nervous excitement butterflies in your tummy.

Yep thats the kind of feeling I get when I board that plane.

I have been fundraising and seeing God provide major.

With going so often raising the funds sometimes look doubtful.

Will I be able to make it?

Will God provide?

Yes He does everytime!

He surprises me every trip!

By showing me His faithfulness, His love and how He provides every every every time.

I can't wait to begin the Journey again!

*Also my computer has had major problems, so the stories of my most recent trip, will finally start coming. Keep checking my blog for the stories and lots and lots of pictures*

Hardest words to say "Goodbye Edith"

2011-04-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Last night the hardest thing that I have had to do happened,

I had to say "Goodbye" to my darling Edith.

She told me the day that I arrived in Uganda

"TAR TAR"

She wanted me to take her to the car

I said "No Edith no car"

She said "BODA BODA!"

Meaning that she wanted me to taker her on the motorcycle.

She wanted me to take her far away.

Just Edith and Me.

I had to tell her "No Edith No boda boda."

With all of my heart I wanted to jump in the car and take her far away.

I wanted to jump on the Boda, and take her with me far away,

Just Edith and Me.

She stayed with me all week. Never leaving my side -

Everyday and afternoon,

That I came to volunteer at the baby home she would run with a

BIG smile on her face and throw her arms around me.

We are buddies Edith and Me.

She would hold my hand and talk and talk.

She told me "I love you Emma"

for the very first time.

The first time she has ever said I love you to anyone.

All of her life she has never felt loved,

I feel so privileged that she would chose to LOVE me.

That she would feel loved enough from me,to want to love me.

At night she would cry and cry when I left.

Not understanding why I wouldn't take her with me.

Not understanding that I love her so so very much.

Not understanding that there is nothing in the World that

I want more then for her to come home.

She sits in her bed at night crying.

…Wondering…

Why I won't take her home.

Why she isn't good enough.

My heart is breaking in millions of little pieces.

All day yesterday I told her I was leaving.

Going to America.

On an Airplane.

But that I was coming back in 7 weeks.

Her face got all sad and depressed and she said "NOOOO".

As night time approached I could see the difference in her

attitude all withdrawn and quiet.

As dinner came and went, it was potty time and then bath time.

I waited to dress her and pulled out some pJ's

{that I brought from the states for her.}

They fit her perfectly.

She looked so snuggly and beautiful.

I dressed her and then we went and sat on the bench and rocked and talked.

She shut down.

I believe she understood that I was leaving her,

that she couldn't come home with me.

That to protect herself she had to

Shut down.

she snuggled in my arms as I whispered in her ear

that i love her so much and prayed for her.

She fell asleep in my arms.

As tears rolled down my face.

I believe she shut herself down because she wanted to remember that moment of feeling loved and safe.

But if only I had my choice I'd take her home right then.

I rocked her and rocked her praying she wouldn't wake till morning.

I tucked her in to bed and kissed her check.

My sweet Edith I will miss you everyday and be praying for you my sweet girl.

I love you Edith,

Don't forget me.

Love Mama Emma.

REALLY I WOULD!

2011-04-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

I figured you were all waiting for an update on how my 6th trip to Uganda is?!

So praise the Lord for free wifi that we have been blessed with tonight at a friend's for dinner:)

The guest house internet has not been working it has been in and out.

If you haven't thanked the Lord for your Internet today, really now would be a good time!

So really internet is such a blessing.

I'm so excited to finally be able to write!

The team is doing amazing:)

We have so much fun together and really they are being so touched and

they are thinking about when they can come back again!

I am loving being back again.

I feel like I'm at home here.

I can't wait for the day that I stand in the citizen line as I enter My Uganda.

The time is going fast and it feels like I just got here.

I am not ready to realize this is my last week here until June.

I really wish I could just have my stuff sent here and stay forever.

I know I am called to Uganda and I can't imagine the day this week

that I have to hug my babies and tell them goodbye.

I really would if I could move to My Uganda today:)

So is anyone willing to go to Colorado and pack my stuff?

I'll pay shipping:)

ugh

2011-04-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

This is Linny. I am so sorry to say that the live stream video did not work out. We were so excited as we anticipated it, but unfortunately there are some things that don't turn out as planned. Thank you for waiting up to all who did and thank you for being understanding. It has been a morning mixed with many emotions. I will write more soon. We are going to the reception now. We did take quite a few pictures, so you will see those when we are able. ~Linny

SURPRISE!!!!!!

2011-04-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

HAVE WE GOT A SURPRISE FOR YOU!

watch this video, if connection doesn't work read below

Should the video not work {because of the slow connection in Uganda}

we are happy to announce that we are going to mainstream Abby and David's wedding.

The connection is listed under:

ustream.com

the channel is EmONAMISSION.

The show name is David and Abby's wedding

Join us at 10am Uganda time
1am Mountain Standard time!

Watch the wedding of the century and the boys you all shopped for
at there very first wedding to ever attend!

Answered prayer - my baby girl

2011-04-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today a miracle took place,and I mean a miracle

Seriously bloggy friends God is so good!

Just Thursday 3 days before I left for Uganda

I received an email from a friend who volunteers at the baby home once a week.

In the letter it told me how my sweet baby girl that I love was leaving the baby home.

It said that they thought she would be gone by the time I arrived in Uganda.

{She was so sweet to email me and share the sad news}

My heart was shattered.

Everything inside me felt broken.

I would never have the chance

to tell my darling girl Edith I love her one more time.

To hug her sweet little body against mine and snuggle her one more time.

I would never be able to tell her Goodbye.

I prepared myself for not seeing her sweet face greet me.

I felt sad and hopeless.

So I prayed and prayed:

"God please let me see her one more time

Find a way please"

So this afternoon I went to the baby home with the team.

Gideon who calls me "Mama Emma" came running and through his arms around me.

I looked around NO Edith.

I turned somemore NO Edith.

I walked up the side walk and up some stairs to the gazebo

Still NO Edith.

I met the Lady

who was going to give the tour with for the team to see

the whole baby home and hear the history.

I asked her "Is Edith here?"

She said: "yes"

{SHOCKED}

I said:

"She is? Where is she?"

As I turned around behind me she pointed to a baby

I said: "Edith"

She spun around and smiled and ran and ran with her arms open out she grabbed me in a hug.

She didn't let me go.

She hugged me tight.

As my eyes welled up with tears.

Yes God has answered my prayer my baby was here!

She held onto me the rest of the day never letting me go.

This is living proof that

God does do miracles today!

Are we there yet?

2011-04-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

We left Sunday afternoon to begin out journey to Uganda!

Monday we flew out and met the team in Texas

Tuesday we arrived in Europe and walked around the city

It's Tuesday night and we are exhausted.

Falling asleep standing,falling asleep praying,falling asleep all over but trying to stay awake.

Our bodies our so sleepy and tired.

You could say the time change is hitting us hard!

But we are anticipating, arriving in my sweet Uganda tomorrow morning early

The last flight was really bumpy and it didn't sit well with everyone,

so please be praying for a smooth flight!

I can't wait to be there holding my sweet babies and seeing my Ugandan brothers and sisters!

Its so close I am finally almost back to my Uganda!

Off I go:)

2011-04-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

The countdown has come to end.

My alarm on my calendar in my phone has rung.

The bags are packed and loaded.

The team is boarding their flights around the country to meet for the first time.

I find myself saying im going I'm going

It's today it's today

I'm going to uganda today!!

I still can't believe its finally today!

God your so good!!

I'm so excited and still in shock that it is finally today!

I'm sitting in the airport about to board my first of many flights!

Please be praying for mom and I and the team.

Pray for safety and smooth flights.

Pray for peace and god to use us!

Watch out Uganda here we come

Bound:)

2011-03-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Monday was the beginning of only one week till departure.

One week till we board the plane bound for

My Uganda

bound for new beginnings

New stories.

New memories.

Bound for God moments.

I am so excited to see what God has for me on this trip.

I really feel that it is for a significant reason,

For a reason beyond my wildest imagination.

My prayer is that:

"God will open my eyes to the things unseen, that my heart will be broken for them again. That he will use me and teach me. I want to be completely yours oh God."

A prayer answered- Yippee Jesus!

2011-03-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

{Edith and me}

Recently I was flipping through some emails and

I came upon a letter.

but not just any letter a very special letter

I began to pray recently that God would let me hear or see pictures of my Little Miss Edith.

My heart has been broken for this sweet little bundle since

I fell in love with her on my last trip to Uganda.

She was so so precious.

As I loaded my emails I found a newsletter from the orphanage that she is at.

This is a rare rare thing as they don't send out newsletters very often.

Like basically twice a year.

I loaded the newsletter and began to pray that God would have some pictures of her.

Now take a step back for a moment,

they never use new photos they have always been about 2 years old.

So I prayed "God please let there be news about my Edith"

I clicked on the email.

and waited and waited and waited

Sometimes the internet is way slower then it should be.

So I prayed and waited.

As the letter appeared I began to read and to my surprise there were 3 pictures of my sweet little Edith!

Can you believe that?

God is so good - He cares about the simple tiniest things- the little desires of your heart.

Yes that's my God for you!

Yippee Jesus!

The Boy who laughed Part Two :The burns

2011-03-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

(porridge burns above)

A few days back I did a post about the boy who laughed at me that day in the village of Ssenge the first time I met him {2008}.

Fast forward to January 2011 when I was in Uganda,

I was able to talk with him.

He speaks little english still so I had a friend of his translate for me.

I was asking him some questions and we were just talking and talking:

catching up after not seeing him for several months.

That's when I noticed something about him I had never noticed before.

He reached out for something and his long sleeve shirt came up.

I looked down and there I saw it.

The burns on his arms.

His arm looked raw and hurt.

I reached out and held his arm,

he pulled away from me.

I asked what had happened to my sweet boys arms?!

He told me this:

"My stepmother. She didn't like me so she spilled porridge on my arm."

She hurt my sweet boy because he wasn't her child.
My heart aches for him.
He then went on to tell me

"she no buys me clothes or shoes"

He has been moved to live with his grandmother. He no longer lives with his step-mother and father.

Can you imagine being rejected because you were not her child?
Just a step child?

Ah my heart aches and aches.

Dear Jesus please be with my sweet boy and heal his hurt and pain. Heal his burns and scars.

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

Heart ache and healing for Destini

2011-03-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

(Me and Destini summer camp 2010)

This past week I was driving home in the car with my Mom

when I heard NEWS that made my heart want to stop.

I found out my best friend Destini is sick.

Now let's take a step back for a moment.

Destini and I met when she first moved here 5+ years ago.

We instantly became best friends, we went and did everything together.

We dressed alike and matched in everything we did, we also styled our hair the same.

We were the same height so it worked perfectly everywhere we went they asked questions about how we were twins!

We laughed together and cried together and grew up into young ladies together.

We have always been opposites.

I am the singer and Africa lover, I'm not really good at sports but I love to dance and I love Drama {as in acting}. :)

She is the sporty type playing every sport imaginable

and she has always been so healthy and she loves to exercise, joy just flows out of her she is nice and sweet and everybody's friend.

Destini and I have many memories together we used to make videos of us eating horrible food.

We love to watch scary movies together and scream and scream!

One year when we went to camp we decided to have a screaming contest on who could scream louder our contest lasted for over an hour!! Ha

ha our poor driver!

(camp 2010 showing off our muscles)

Now back to the present:

I learned Destini my best girl-friend in the world was sick.

Not just a cold or a flu but really really sick.

She was having horrible head aches

so her Mom ended up taking her to the doctor

they did X-rays and found out she has:

Histiocytosis

It is really serious.

It is sometimes treated like cancer with chemo.

There is no cure for it.

My heart is aching as is her family and her.

Would you join me in praying for Destini's healing?

For comfort and directions in where they should go {as in what specialist}?

The Bible says :

Isaiah 58:8-9
Then your light shall break forth like the morning

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

And your righteousness shall go before you;

The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

I'm crying out to you God please heal Destini bring her comfort, please touch her body.

The Clock Countdown

2011-03-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Today is the start of spring break ,but not for me:)

I have something more exciting coming up!!

I have four sweet tiny sorta-long weeks.

Four Weeks.

OR one month

OR 672 hours.

40,320 minutes.

Can you tell I am just a litte bit excited?!

It seemed to finally be getting warm here in freezing Colorado

but today when I woke up it was snowing and snowing.

It seems Spring is still around the corner and so is Uganda.

I'm afraid waiting for something always seems to take forever.

I am patient but not very when it seems to be waiting for something you can't wait for.

For now I will just have to keep checking the clock and realize it's closer!

I only have

40,319 minutes.

I find myself staring at the clock and counting down the minutes.

40,318 minutes....

40,317 minutes...

Oh Golly miss molly.

The Boy who laughed Part One

2011-02-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

(sitting under the banana tree that day in 2008)

Recently when I was in Uganda just a little over a month ago,

I was able to see a boy I have fallen completely in love with.

It all started when I met him in July 2008.

It was the pastors conference and my first trip to my beloved Uganda.

I was one of the first American girls to visit this tiny village of Ssenge.

It is about an hour and a half outside of Kampala the capital.

Many people live in this village.

I was kinda bored of sitting in the church and decided to take a stroll outside and walk around

the little part near the church

I met several kids and none of them spoke English.

After awhile of meeting and playing with the kids outside it was so Hot and Humid and

{Ruel,Joshua,Sanyu and me inside the church}

so we all decided to sit on the ground under a banana tree.

The mamma's noticed me sitting with them in the dirt

so they brought out a mat for us all to sit on.

I felt so honored.

We quickly started doing signs to communicate to each other.

I pulled out some paper from my purse and some pens and the kids set to work writting on the papers, I thought for sure they would color and draw.

I looked down at one of the kids papers and saw that it was scribbled with numbers all over it,

that's when I realized none of these kids ever had the chance to be that -just kids.

These kid's always worked and worked to help there families.

There arms held muscle bigger then some teenage guys I know

because constantly they "fetch water" for their families.

Since in their village they have to hike down an incline to

pump water from the village well.

That's when I spotted him.

He was not far from where I was sitting surrounded by kids.

Surely he must of thought that I would not notice him standing but a few feet away.

He was talking with a girl.

They were laughing and then I caught his eye as he was pointing at me

and then burst out laughing with the girl.

They were talking in Luganda.

Clearly as I watched him I realized they were making fun of me.

Pointing and laughing and laughing..

I motioned to them and they would just laugh and laugh.

I knew surely they really didn't like me.

After all I was just visiting the village never to return right?

They thought I would just visit take some pictures and then they would never see me again.

That I would return to America and forget about the Ssenge people.

But that is not what God had planned for me.

He had called me.

Called me t0 work in Uganda.

To work in Ssenge village.

Since meeting this sweet precious boy who strongly disliked me

We have become friends.

He has learned to love me.

I love him.

He now calls me Sister.

I call him my Brother.

that girl he was laughing with that hot day in July now

considers me one of her best friends.

The two who would point me out and laugh and talk about me in Luganda,

now have learned I love them.

I will come back.

I care and won't forget them.

Now I can call them by name and they call me by mine.

AH HA! 6 WEEKS!

2011-02-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

AH HA I am so over flowing with Joy.

I can not believe that another week has passed! God has been so good!

The time is coming fast and I am thrilled.

The team is assembled.

The flights are booked.

The guest house reservations have been made.

Oh yes.

The schedule is being planned.

The itinerary is being worked on.

Oh Yes.

Its close - its close!

God has totally been providing for me over and over again.

A lady wrote me a check yesterday at church and handed it to me.

I thought surely it was for the bake-sale we were doing..

I started to fold it and put it in the jar,

Then she quickly said "that's just for you"

Thank You Jesus for providing for me!!

You see my need and continue to show up and amaze me over and over again.

You always provide for me!!

Yippee Jesus!

Just 6 weeks away!

Then I will be on my way back to my sweet Uganda!!

Oh yes!

Deja Vu?!

2011-02-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

Everytime I see your picture I try to remember just how long ago I was there holding you.

It's weird thinking that just a few weeks ago I was there with you.

Was I really - my heart and mind ask?

Your face is different in my memory as your face fades.

I miss you my sweet girl.

Was I really there?!

Did I really hold you?!

Did you really love me back?!

My sweet girl.

I pray for you everyday.

And every night.

I can't stop thinking about that short little girl, who is

tiny tiny, her little puddgy hands reaching for me.

Her sweet little voice saying my name "Emma"

"Mama Emma"

My darling girl.

I love you.

In just 7 short weeks I will walk back down that dirt path on the edge of one of the most dangerous roads, I will walk and stumble as my excitment can't be contained.

I will smooth my hair and my skirt.

And quickly scribble my name in the volunteer book.

Then I will rush up those outside stairs and franticly turn the handle.

I will run through the doors past all the babies laying in there cribs.

I will run through the eating room searching for you.

Scanning the room for your sweet face.

Our eyes will meet.

My darling girl

Please see my picture and remember me.

Please darling.

7 Weeks and Counting

2011-02-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

Today marks one more week gone.

One more week closer.

Closer to leaving for my Uganda.

The anticipation is building.

The Lists are being made.

Yesterday Abby Tracy

(director and founder of A Perfect Injustice)

the dreamer and amazing young lady who first helped me make connections in Uganda....

my friend who is giving her life away

{and I want to be just like her}.

She just inspires me.

Abby and her Ugandan fiance were at the River Church

yesterday speaking about their ministry in Uganda.

We brainstormed together and later this

afternoon my Momma

will tell you all about an exciting opportunity for each

of you to collect for an Orphan Project!

I am so excited for this upcoming trip.

I know God must have something big in store.

We will be working alongside with A Perfect Injustice at several of their ministries,

We will also be working in Ssenge Village at African Hearts.

And in the Slums with the street kids and at the feeding program.

Of course we will also be loving on the babies at the baby home and at several orphanages.

I can't wait!

Only 7 weeks.

7 weeks.

Uganada - here I come!

Convicted

2011-02-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

My heart is heavy from some news I just read in an email.

Do you ever feel like you carry a burden for a reason?!

Like maybe this burden is so that you will get involved and change the destiny?!

So that the destiny for those Orphans is changed?!

So that they are rescued?!

So that those Orphans can be healed.

So that those Orphans can be placed in a Forever Family?!

So that life can be saved.

So that they are not alone.

So that the weight they have carried for so long is lifted.

So that they can just be a baby?!

So that they can be loved?!

So that they can love in return?!

That is a burden I feel like I am carrying.

I feel like maybe this is the reason I am here.

In this place at this time.

To fight.

To give it all I have.

To not give up.

To prevail.

To win this battle for their Destiny.

Esther 4:14

"You were made for such a time as this"

I pray this prayer.

"May we all be convicted until together we set the captives free."

I will fight with everything I have.

"God will make a way when there seems to be no way"

9 weeks!

2011-02-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

Today is a good day.

Today is just Nine weeks

Nine weeks to what you may ask?!

Nine weeks till I am on my way again.

On my where?

Why back to Uganda, of course!

I never could have imagined that after just being home two weeks

I would be preparing to go back.

My heart is rejoicing.

In just nine weeks I will be holding her again.

I will be in the warm African sunshine.

In eight weeks I will be finishing school for the summer and packing my suit case.

And then you know what?

When I come home from that trip - I will be preparing again.

this time it will be about 6 weeks till I go back for my 7th trip.

Yes.

I am Anxious.

Anxious to see what God is doing.

Why He is allowing me to go 3 times this year?!

What connections will I make for when I move there next year?

Yes.

God is definitely up to something.

Nine weeks.

Yippee.

Here I come summer.

Here I come Uganda.

Here I come Edith!!

breaking in places.

2011-01-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Before every trip,

I pray a prayer like this:

Dear Lord,

Break my heart for what breaks yours,

Give me your eyes for the broken hearted.

Give me your love for the hurting.

Give me your love for the orphans.

Help me to be able to touch them.

Help me to be able to Love them.

Everything I am is yours.

Use me God.

My heart was broken.

It is broken in so many pieces from this trip.

Sometimes I don't understand why it always has to hurt so much.

But if it is not hurting how else would I know He's breaking my heart a little more?

In a few more places.

Using me more.

Working through me.

Using the circumstances, the things I saw.

To change me, but not just me.

To change others.

For me to come home with stories to tell all of you.

To show you all how you're needed there.

To show you that God is calling you to come.

That He needs more people to hear.

To hear about the people with the hurt in their eyes.

To hear about the prostitute who God is changing.

To hear about the little boy in the striped shirt.

To hear about the little orphan crying.

To hear.

To simply just hear.

So that you can pray.

So that you can go.

I think that's why my heart was broken.

I can tell HE is going to use my pain.

I don't think it can ever be whole again.

I'm broken in many places.

being torn apart.

But its a good feeling.

knowing that because of my pain,

More orphans will be held.

More orphans will be loved.

More orphans will know someone cares.

More children in the village will know that there is a God.

More prostitutes will be saved.

More children will be sponsored.

More people will come to know Jesus as their savior.

Oh Yes.

It's worth all the pain in the world.

Break my heart more God.

Break it More.

My sisters

2011-01-27T08:08:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love my baby sisters Jubilee and Elizabeth.
They mean the world to me.

They make my life happier and more crazy!!
They love to snuggle and play dollies.

They love doing makeovers and nail polish.
But most of all they love to cuddle.
A few days ago they asked if they could do my hair.
So they set to work.
and they worked and they worked.
Till tangles were many and knots were everywhere.
But they loved there master piece and then they quickly turned it into pigtails.
And to show off there handy work we took some pictures on the computer.

Aren't they just the cutest?

My very first missions {trips}

2011-01-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

I was flipping through some old pictures a few days ago and it made me remember my very first missions trip...The story goes back to my sisters wedding four and a half years ago:)..We were in California when my family met Erik...We ended up talking to him and found out he was the assistant director of an orphanage south of Tecate, Mexico.

In school I had been working on Spanish and was actually quite good. So when we found out he was in Mexico we decided to pack up the family and go for a missions trip and scout out for taking a team to Casa Celestial {the Orphanage that Erik worked at}...

I fell in LOVE with Mexico and the people and kids... So did my family. We went as a family, back then it was just my parents, me and Graham and Liberty - everyone else was already out of the house...

Time after time we went back that year! We fell in love with the kids. It was just a 17 hour drive so we decided to go for are vecation and just some weekends

And even once when my Dad was gone to a conference in Texas, my crazy Mom loaded us in the car and off we went to Mexico to work at Casa Celestial for the week. Just my mom and the three of us kids. Some would say she was crazy for driving us all there 17 hours by herself to work for the week...but really it provided amazing memories and what an adventure! :)

We had a blast!!

Liberty, who tans so well, that everyone there would talk to her in Spanish cause they thought she was Mexican! haha :)

My mom and I would work in the kitchen and the cook named Abby would teach us more Spanish and we tried to teach her English (so fun)...Liberty would play with the kids and Graham would play soccer with the older boys...After I'd been going for awhile to work there I became the older sister or role model to the two little girls there named Marilu and Lorena who were toddlers. They followed me everywhere. If I walked this way they did, if I jumped they did, if I went in the kitchen they did. I mean they were everywhere I was..I miss those girls... My mom became the Mom to lots of the kids...Dad worked on the church plant and became a Dad to many of the kids.

After we had ministered there many times things fell through for the Orphanage with the government and the Orphanage was shut down... My heart still grieves for the loss of it.

Time after time my heart aches for the loss of the kids who I loved so much.....I miss you Lorena, Patchanco, the twins Pepe & Eric, and Estrella, Eskay, Enrique, Dalai, Marilu...and all the rest.

Fasting

2011-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ever wanted to make a difference in an orphan's life?

Ever felt burdened for that one baby's face you saw in a magazine?

My heart is heavy with the babies I saw in Uganda

who are not adoptable at the moment.

I want to see them set free.

I want to see them adopted.

I want to see them being hugged and kissed goodnight by a mommy and daddy.

My heart grieves thinking about the babies that I left behind.

The babies who I am not there tonight to tuck in as they go to bed.

The babies I am not there tonight to hold and love.

The babies I am not there tonight to snuggle and wipe away there tears!

The babies I left.

It was the hardest moment of my life

as I hugged my baby Edith goodbye and told her "Un Kwagala Nyo" (I love you).

She knew I was leaving her.

She threw her dolly down that I had just given her.

And raced after me as I saw the nannies shut the gate.

Her tears pouring down her face.

Her cry echoing in my head as I left.

Days later I can still hear her crying as I leave.

And my heart aches and aches.

I miss her.

I miss all the babies that I left behind.

So tomorrow I am fasting.

I am fasting for kids all over the world to be released.

To be able to be adopted.

For families to rise up and adopt.

For families to cast down there fears and worries and step up for the orphan.

I am fasting for my babies I left.

"God can make a way when there seems to be no way"

Fasting when: Tomorrow - Tuesday January 25th, 2011

For: The Orphan

Matthew 18:20

"For where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst."

Please, please, please will you join me?

What a name means in Uganda.

2011-01-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

(walking in Ssenge village with some friends beside us is the school the team painted)

In Uganda a name is simply not just a name.
A name means more then you would have ever thought.
A name means something special.
A name is a title.
A title to what your relationship with that person is.
I personally am not very good with names.
I forget easily and struggle with remembering.
So now I pray that God will help me remember them.
Because in Africa it means the world to these people.

What a name means:
A name means you care about them.
A name means you love them.
Remembering a name means you think they are important.
A name means you are Friends.

It's funny to think a name can mean all those things.

To someone you have barely met.
But it does.
When you know someone by name they become important to you.
When you think about him/her name you begin to love things about that person.
As soon as you know their name you care about them.
Having them remember your name makes you friends.

When I walk through the village
and hear "Mzungu" (white person)
It is just what they call every other (white person)
But its totally different
when I walk through the village and hear "Emmamarie"
My whole heart changes because it is my friends calling me.
It is someone who loves me.
Someone who thinks I am important.
Someone who cares about me.

Its funny how if you meet someone you have met before and they can't remember your name it puts a distance between you. But if they remember it changes everything.
It says in bible that God knew your name before you were made.
If God can remember billions of people's names
I think I can remember a few hundred:)
I'm just saying.

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

So next time you meet someone try to remember there name
something so small can mean the world to them.

The Boy in the Striped Shirt part 2

2011-01-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

In Uganda I wrote and told you all the story of the boy in the striped shirt

"Chivate" and his brother who are orphans.

They live in the slums.

Just like the other kids in the slums:

each day life is filled with just trying to survive.

Each day life is filled with wanting someone to love them.

Every night they go to bed with out a Mom or a Dad to tuck them in.

Many of you wrote me and my Mom and asked if they were adoptable.

At the moment they are not - I looked into it while I was there.

A leader of the feeding program has taken them in and been taking care of them for now.

Someday down the road hopefully, Lord willing, they will be adoptable :)

I fell so in love with him as he cuddled in my lap.

Longing for love.

He snuggled closer trying to get as much love from me holding him can give.

He willingly let anybody hold him.

Just wanting some love.

My heart is broken for him and his brother.

He is so little to face the world without a Mommy or a Daddy.

Without a big sister to hold him and spoil him.

He is 3 yrs old.

Weights probably 14 pounds.

He is tiny tiny.

So skinny.

So sad.

He is hurting.

If you could pray with me that both him and his brother would be able to be adopted and find that love and also find the love of Jesus! As he gets older that he would forgive his Mom for hurting him and be able to accept the love of a Mommy again.

My heart is broken for him.

Is he at the feeding program today?

Is he being held by a volunteer or are things so busy that he is not noticed?

Please pray for him and his brother today.

Run over by a Semi truck.

2011-01-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Since leaving Uganda just a couple days ago,

I am constantly changing the times to see what time it is in Uganda.

I look at the clock take away two hours and change it from am to pm or reverse.

I think about it and think about the babies at the baby home...

The babies are eating.

The babies are sleeping.

The babies are at pre-school.

The babies are outside playing.

Is it raining or is it chilly?

Do they remember me coming everyday and look for me?

Do they miss me?

Does Edith realize I am not coming back for a few months?

Do they look up every time someone white walks in and wonder

who they are and are they from Emma's team?..

Do the nanny's wish we were still there to help?

Aghhhh, it's driving me crazy.

I can see the tears falling down her face as I said goodbye.

I can see the doll I gave her that she threw on the ground as she watched me leave.

Ohhhh how my heart is aching.

I feel like it was run over by semi truck.

I miss you.

I am coming back.

Hold on darling.

5 little munchkins in my bed

2011-01-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up

But I am not in Uganda anymore I am

Home.

I woke up with 5 little munchkins in my bed..

I guess that means they missed me:)

Slowly all night long they came and climbed into bed with me..

And fell asleep..So precious.

My heart is breaking for those I left behind - all my babies and kids I love.

but it's also happy for I missed my little brothers and sisters and my Mom.

My last days in Uganda the internet was out so I wasn't able to post.

I have so many more stories to tell that will break your heart as you hear them.

All the goodbyes I had to say all the tears that followed.

The boy in the striped shirt...

2011-01-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

Today we went into the slums for a feeding program.

Where we hung out and loved on the kids and then fed them lunch!!

There was probably 100+ kids

But there was one little boy in a little striped shirt I fell in love with.

His name is Chivate

I am in love with him!

He is almost four and looks like he is 18months old.

He is sick with a cough and a runny runny nose.

He has a little brother who's leg was broken and will never ever heal.

It is stuck like that,due to the way it was treated it is turned in.

The two brothers were abandoned by there mother.

Just left in the slums.

I held Chivate for a lot of the feeding program..

He snuggled me and I held him close and kept kissing his forehead.

I then realized it he doesn't have a Mom and a Dad.

They abandoned him.

They are Orphans with no one to take care of them.

My heart is breaking..

When I was leaving I had to set him down and tell him goodbye.

Tears were streaming down his face and he was crying and crying.

It hurts my heart so badly..

He is alone tonight with his brother and no one to hold him.

I can picture him snuggled next to his brother in that little mud hut.

His heart aching for a Mom and a Dad.

His heart aching for a family.

His heart aching for someone to love him and to care.

....My heart is aching for them....

If you think of it pray tonight for the little boy in the striped shirt and his brother..

In LOVE with HER!

2011-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

I am so in love.

Yes in love.

In love with you may ask?!

Her...

Who's her??!

Meet my baby Edith

Finally I have waited so long for the pictures to finally be able to upload all the way from Uganda!!

The hair ties...

2011-01-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

sometimes we take things for granted..

But some things are not things you would typically notice

as being something you could take for granted.

Today I realized what "somethings"

I don't realize or picture it as taking it for granted

such as

Food.

Water.

Having clothes to wear.

Going to school.

My family.

Having the privledge of having a Mom or a Dad.

Having a roof over my head.

Having a grandma.

Being alive.

Having alive family.

Somewhere safe to sleep.

the last few days I have noticed these things

and realized how privileged I am.

Like when today at church

we had kids come up to us asking us to pray

for them to have school fee's so that they can go to school.

When all the time at home people complain about school.

When really in reality we HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO GO.

and then there is the street mom and daughter I saw as I was walking the street.

who had nothing...

they had ripped clothing.

No food.

No water.

No Home.

No safe place to sleep.

And I have the privilege to have food

to have water.

to have a home.

to have a safe place to sleep.

My heart just aches as I picture them forever imprinted in my mind.

Them.

I handed them the rest of my water bottle.... and they were so blessed and excited.

To have just water..

Then there is the the African Hearts Leaders.

Who told us there testimony.

... Like Junior...

Who's Mom died of AIDS.

Who's Sister died of AIDS.

Who's Brother died of AIDS.

Who's DAD died of AIDS.

Who's Auntie's died of AIDS.

Sometimes we don't realize how big of a blessing it is to have a family.

...Then there is my sweet Friends Rachel and Peace..

From Ssenge Village.

They are so sweet.

I have watched Rachel grow up since 2008

she is now 5.

today I met her friend

little Peace who is also 5

They sat next to me the whole church service.

Holding my hands.

They kept rubbing my arm

and playing with 2 hair ties on my arm for me to put my hair up later with.

Then I realized it.

How I take for granted even my little hair ties.

My little things you don't think about.

like my hair ties.

I have learned on this trip how I want to be that girl who gives.

who doesn't hold back

and say well I need that in case I get hot and want to put my hair up.

I want to be that girl who gives with out holding anything back

who gives everything.

If someone is hungry I give them food.

If someone is thirsty I give them water.

If someone needs clothes I give them mine.

Really I want to give everything away.

No more holding back

No more worrying about money

No more

after awhile I realized how they just really adored my little hair ties.

Really they loved them.

I slipped them off my wrist and put one on Rachel's hand and one on Peace.

It was like I had given them the world.

And in reality it was just a little hair tie.

How much I have taken for granted.

From now on I will give and give and hold nothing back.

Those two special words..

2011-01-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went down to sanyu babies home

My heart was melted.

You see Josh and I

had noticed that none of the lightbulbs had been working.

They are up really high

and in Uganda there is no such thing as like a ladder

so Josh and I decided to go buy some and replace the broken lightbulbs in the

eating room.

sleeping room.

and changing room.

we counted how many we needed and decided to go buy some

We got there this evening and went right to it putting them in..

Josh had to stand on the changing table, then put a chair on top

and then stand on the chair on his tipi toes

to change the lightbulb.

Then in came Gideon.

He is about 3 years old.

And soo precious.

He knows every baby's name at the baby home.

He is such a good english speaker and talks and talks and talks!!

I picked him up as we watched Josh change the lightbulbs.

He looked up at me and said...

"Mama Emma"

Yes

"Mama Emma"

It was so darling and makes me realize how much he must long for a Mama.

How much he must long for a family.

How he has watched his friends be taken and still he waits.

and waits.

My heart is breaking

Dear God please bring sweet Gideon a family!

A letter from to my mom...

2011-01-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning or afternoon mom!!

I hope your feeling more rested and could sleep. How are the kids today? I miss them all sooo much.

I feel like God is really teaching me to love on this trip. Like I know how to love but not like God does. I really want to make a difference in the way I love and I want to give and give until I have nothing to give and then still find a way to be generous.

I am going to tell you about the babies I am in love with from Sanyu...

Like tonight I met this little girl named Rebecca.
She was sitting in the baby home all alone. She is probably 2years old.She is new. And so sad she was sitting all alone on the bench with her hands clasped in her lap. She was so sad..So I tried to hold her hand and still she was to sad to hold my hand. So I picked her up and held her she couldn't even look at me in my eyes. She is so unloved. You can tell thats how she has always been. And I started to think how I want to be that girl who makes an impact in her life for even just a day of love she will have felt special she will have felt loved. And cared about. She will have felt wanted and loved for the day. I want to bring her home and make her smile.

Do you remember little Faith I talked about from Sanyu? I had a picture of her and Josh and I holding her last summer and she was so sad like Rebecca. Now she has gained weight you can hardly tell it is her. And she brings such joy to the baby home!

Also there is Edith..Mom she looks like Beth. She looks just like Beth as a baby. Exactly the same.She has a belly like Beth and she is soooo short. She runs around laughing and smiling I want to bring her home too. I can just imagine her and Beth playing together.

Then there is Esther. (I know you want that name for a little girl and she melts my heart but so do the other girls)
She is special needs she was malnourised and needs a family badly. She is 3 now. And big and has gained weight. Due to her malnourishment she is just now learning to walk. She is like a new baby learning to walk. Except she is big. She was beaten before sanyu and so she flinches when someone touches her. She is happy. And desperatly needs a loving family.Seriously I want to bring her home too.

Then there is my Watson.
He is darling and he has an eye problem. He has a problem with his nose everytime he eats it comes out his nose. Its so strange. I am in love with him. He sat on my lap and wrapped his arms around me. His little arms could only barley touch my back but he wouldn't let go.
So I think I will bring him home too.

I am in love with these kids
My heart is braking on how they dont have familys.
I want to love Rebecca. So that she may feel love even for just one day. I am going to try to show as much love as I can give.. Can you imagine that to love

one even for just one day. And see the difference it will make...

Yes my Ugandan missionary american friend Elijah has been with us every work day. He comes to the land with us. He is doing a great Job helping out and painting a ton.Today his parents came to see what we are doing there. They are the Ugandan side- directors for an orphanage with 94 kids! We hope to go visit.

Well its time for bed!
I love you mom!
-Em

Uganda Uganda you smell so sweet?!

2011-01-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

The fan is blowing in my face..

I am laying on my bed exhausted.

But a good exhausted its an awesome feeling.

The kind you get when you have traveled and traveled for 4 days straight.

The kind you get after a long day of hard work of sanding and painting until your hands start to have the forming of blisters.

Yes yes this kind of exhausted is good!

It makes you know your alive.

It makes you know yes yes your here in Uganda.

Where you have longed to be for so long!!

Where you worked hard and saw God provide and provide.

Yes yes this exhausted awesome feeling is the feeling of being here..

In my Uganda.

Dubai bound

2011-01-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

We are about to take off for Dubai!!
The team is amazing I am in love with everyone on the team!! This truly is a God anointed team.
Well I know its short but the guy over the loud speaker is calling me to board.Please keep praying for safety for our team!

Flights and the journey! Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

I can't think of a better way to start off my New Year

then with heading to Uganda for my 5th time just tomorrow!!

Around four in the afternoon we will drive to Albuquerque New Mexico.

Then early on Monday morning we will fly out to Houston Texas

Then from Texas we will fly to Dubai...

We stay over night in Dubai and then early on the 5th we will fly out to Uganda!!

I'm so excited I can't believe its finally here!!

I'm almost back in Uganda!!

I plan on posting every day once I'm in Uganda!

I might miss some of the traveling because I am not sure I will have Internet:)

Please Keep us in your prayers as we begin are journey tomorrow!!

What is your New Year going to be like any crazy adventures to kick it off?

Wishing you a very very

Happy New Year 2011!!

Wait till you hear this!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

This trip fundraising has been a lot different.. It's been very difficult.

People haven't been giving easily with the holidays and the economy.

I didn't know if I could raise the money.

But I kept praying and praying..

I knew my God would provide.

I asked you guys to pray and you prayed with me..

And then today I got the most amazing news!!

My fundraising for this trip is finished.

It's over.

It's done.

It's like God said...

"Emma I know you've been trusting me. Here is a little

gift so that you know that you're really hearing me."

God provided and my trip is paid for!!

I'm so relieved with just 5 days till the trip!

I am in awe and I am so excited to see that God provided once again!

Praise the Lord!!

Leaving..

2010-12-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

In just one week from today I will be boarding a plane..But not just any plane..

A plane that will take me across the ocean...To the other side of the World..

I'm so excited.

I'm nervous.

I'm anxious to get there.

I'm anticipating hugging my babies again.

I'm imagining if they will remember me?!

I'm wondering how the reaction will be when I reach Ssenge village

will they all come running shouting Emmarie?

Will it happen like I imagine or will it be different?!

I'm also nervous to fly as I am not a big flying lover. It makes me nervous, so I am asking you to please pray for peace and safe flights,for the others on the team for there flights as well. Please also pray for health while we travel and while we are in the country. For God to show up and use us in big ways and that He'd break our hearts for the things that break His.

That people on the team would be changed and touched,

FOREVER.

From my Heart

2010-12-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

First off I want to thank you for supporting me in the past and praying for me as I go on mission's trips to Uganda in East Africa. God has truly placed Uganda on my heart. I feel God is calling me there full time and I plan on moving there as soon as I graduate. I'm so excited to see what God will have me do for HIM.

Since I was a little girl I have felt God calling me to Africa. I'm so excited for this upcoming trip in January 2011. This will be my 5th trip to Uganda. While we are in Uganda we will be working in the slums with A Perfect Injustice.

A Perfect Injustice has recently purchased land - we will be clearing the land and preparing it to be built on.

We will also be working in Ssenge Village with African Hearts - working on the land , possibly painting and always loving on the boys. We will also be working at several orphanages!! I can not wait to be there loving on the babies!!!

I want to ask you to please pray and consider supporting me in sending me to Uganda.
Help the orphans by helping me go serve and show them the love of Jesus Christ!! Even the smallest amount would help greatly!

Please keep the team and I in your prayers!!
Thank you!!

Blessings,
Emma Saunders
c/o The River Church
860 Plymouth Drive
Durango, CO 81301
In memo space: Emma - GO Uganda January

Just ASK!!

2010-12-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

As we prepare to go, this January 2011 (to my sweet country)

we have meetings,to prepare the team and build a team before we even get to Uganda.

Last night we met at the church as a team.

We have 3 team members joining us from the bloggy world.

We were able to either skype or talk on the phone to them as well.

After the meeting was over nobody even wanted to leave,

we just sat around and talked and talked

we are already starting to make some great friendships!

I'm so excited for this trip that my Dad and I are leading.

I am thrilled beyond words.

But then again when am I not excited to go back to where God has called me?!

The people are amazing.

I can't wait to meet the ones across the states who will be joining us.

Tonight we have another fundraiser - we are having another bake sale at the church!

Tonight the Bar D Wranglers are coming to play a Cowboy Christmas -

there will be hundreds of people - the church will be packed!

So although this might sound strange - would you pray that people would be hungry and want to purchase some snacks?

I'm asking you to pray that people will be generous and willing to give!!

I'm asking you to pray this because of this verse:

Matthew 7:7

"Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you."

I'll keep you updated on how the bake sale turns out!!!

Yummm...

2010-12-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

Fundraisers are finally in full swing!!

the January 2011 Uganda team had a bake sale!!

God totally provided! He provided more then we can think or ask.

Thank you Jesus!!

The day before the bake sale,

Graham (my little brother - 18 months younger then me) and I spent the entire day baking and baking and baking some more. We made 5 pumpkin pies,3 Kentucky Derby pies ,and a ton of cinnamon rolls.

It may not sound like it should have taken like all day but the pumpkin pies were made from scratch like cut open the pumpkin, cook it,puree it and then put it in a pie! It took waaaay longer then I thought it would have!

The bake sale was held at our church and other team members participated.

We had donation only and people gave and then gave and gave some more!

Are you ready to hear how much God provided?!

He provided $700.

YES SEVEN HUNDRED

GOD'S SO AMAZING

AND YES WE HAD EXACTLY 7 PEOPLE PARTICIPATE

SO EACH TEAM MEMBER GETS A HUNDRED DOLLARS TOWARDS THEIR TRIP!

So $100 down $2,900 to go!

Just remember God will provide just like He always does!!!

The pies and baked goods we made...

Above Kentucky Derby Pies

Above Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Pies

69,120 minutes...

2010-11-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning feeling excited. Yes very excited. I logged on to good old Facebook and who would chat me but Lutaaya in Uganda:) see story about him and his fiance in a few posts down:)

As I began to talk to him ,I thought about it and began to calculate how much time I had till the January 2011 team would be on there way:))

We have approximately

48 days

1152 hours

69,120 minutes

till we get to Uganda again!!

I can't wait to be back again.

Yes, God you're so good to me, for calling me there and continuing to provide so I can go back and make relationships with the people even before I graduate and move there.

God you're sooo Good..

I'm so excited to see what God's going to do with my life!!

The pattern 20 steps...

2010-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's starting again all over again...the pattern the steps it takes to get there..
the steps I've taken 4 times...the process.. the pattern.... the journey to getting to my destination. First...

1. God calling me again to go....

2. Me saying "yes God I'll go"

3. praying for God to show me when and how

4. The dates are released for trip to Uganda

5. We begin planning (The applications are being sent out today by church)

6. Thinking and praying for idea's for new fundraisers for funds for the trip

7. Thinking of new things to bring to the people.

8. Begin Fundraising!!!!! Planning dates of fundraisers (this is the step I am on) :) whooo!!

9.Preparing meeting with the team (yikes can't wait)

10. Watching God provide

11. Start collecting things for the kids.

12. Printing pictures to take back to all my friends

13. Continue meeting with the team!! (getting to know everyone on the team)

14. Order team shirts

15. Finish last planning of trip everythings almost ready state side and Uganda side

16. Pull out the old suit case -- yippee!!

17. Begin packing

18.Charge my camera battery and prepare to leave

19. Wake up...freak out. Wait!! I didnt sleep all night too excited..

20. Arrive back in my sweet country that I love I am back in Uganda..

The pattern ,it's there, it's beginning again:) I'm so stoked to see how God is going to provide and what God is going to do on this trip!! If your thinking about going on this trip, and you don't know if you can raise the money in time let me tell you: If you're meant to go on this trip God will provide just like He always does!!

Just Trust in the Lord...

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

"Emmamarie" returns...

2010-10-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for January, I just can't stand it. It's in my thoughts, mind, heart, and everywhere I look!! Just three short months and I'll be back holding my "babies" and hugging my kids, who call me "Emmamarie". In Uganda "Emma" is a boy's name so I've been told, and asked if I was a boy way too many times:).

I decided to tell everyone my name is "EmmaLee" in Uganda.

But some how the people can't quite understand "EmmaLee" so they call me "Emmamarie" and I think thats simply precious and adorable!! When I walk through one of my favorite parts of Uganda, Ssenge Village, everyone knows my name and comes out to see that "Emmamarie" has returned...

The excitement in me is building: beautiful dark skin, to see their gleeming smilies ,their bare feet, their torn clothing, their contagious happiness, - All welcoming me back! I can only dream of, in just a year and a half, their greeting me and this time I can hear it in my mind...them saying..."Welcome Home Emmamarie".

I'm not saying I'll be moving exactly to Ssenge Village but definitely visiting all the time!! I'm not sure yet where in Uganda God is calling me...But I can tell you that it's exciting and I'll be telling you every bit of my story!! Stay tuned:)

The wedding date...

2010-10-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

Lutaaya and me (presenting the instruments I brought first trip)

It all goes back to Uganda July 2008 my very first trip to Uganda....It was just me and my Dad...My Dad was going to be teaching a pastors confrence and I would work in Orphanages and we would both work with African Hearts.

For those of you who dont know -African Hearts is a boys program which takes boys off the streets, and gives them a second chance. They will also learn a brass instrument and get to play in the brass band that is famous in the Kampala area. The money raised by the brass band will provide funds for college. They attend church and learn all about Jesus!

My Dad was also going to be mentoring the young African Hearts Leaders at the Kampala Boys home!! (There is now 2 homes - one in Ssenge and one in Kampala.)....Well during one of the mentoring times he had all of the leaders gathered around: George,Tony, Lutaaya, Junior,etc... He started to talk about "Dads and Fathers" and the room became silent..He looked around and asked "Who here has a Dad?" Every one of those young men looked at him and said "none of us do".

All of their Dads had either abandoned them or left them. They all grew up around the streets of Kampala...and now radically changed by the Power of God, they were not only off the streets themselves but now giving their lives away for the young street boys! It's truly amazing to watch these young men who have had nothing give away every part of themselves for these boys...

Now back to the mentoring.... when all of them replied sadly that none of them had fathers... My Dad said "I'll be your Dad" and instantly all of the young men jumped up and started cheering!! They were giving each other high fives and shouting with excitement!! They now had a Dad!!!

From then on I have always been their sister... When I see them they will say "Hey sister" "I love you sister"...They really are the most amazing brothers!!

They are as close to me as all my siblings are!! They call my mom "Mum" and my Dad "Dad".

We really are a much bigger family then you all know:)))

(from left to right Lutaaya,Me,Kasandra,Dad)

Anyway, Lutaaya has long been in love with Kasandra (his princess). They have planned to get married since meeting them in 2008. In Uganda there is the "bridal price" that every young man must pay for his bride. He pays it to the brides family...

Since :utaaya has been giving it all to serve the street boys...he didn't have the funds to buy all the cows and this bride is so beautiful she is far more expensive:) He needed 10 cows....so this past May when I was in Uganda...Before hand we decided to surpise him... we came up with BUY A COW FOR LUTAAYA at our church.

We started advertising it and every person who bought a cow we would take a picture of the person who bought it, to present it to him!! So one night in May we invited Lutaaya and Kasandra to have dinner with us up at Namirembe (the guest house we stayed at).

We told them we had a present for them..Slowly we started to pull out envelopes and pass one to Lutaaya and Kasandra. Each card read "I have bought one cow"....they were crying and so excited they love each other so much!! The last cow was still missing. We had an envelope that read "you must buy the last cow yourself because I am your Dad I want you to work hard for this last cow." Then my dad paused and said, "The only one who can change this is your Mum."

My dad's cell phone started to ring. My dad had Lutaaya answer the phone. It was mom on the other end, calling from Colorado. She said to Lutaaya, "Son, we are very proud of you. We are very proud of how you have sacrificed for the Lord. We love you very much. We always miss you. Please ask Dad for the envelope."

Immediately Lutaaya turned to my dad and said "Dad give me the envelope." Everyone burst out laughing...Inside the hidden envelope were the words, "Cow number 10 has been paid for by mum and dad." Tears were rolling down their cheeks as their dream was fulfilled -

they finally had the money to pay the bridal price....

so they could get married!!!

Immediately Lutaaya invited his sister {me!} to the wedding :) and my Dad and so on with our family...Kasandra grabbed her calander in her purse and started naming off dates they could be married on!!! It was so thrilling and exciting to watch my Brother and his fiance, with love in their eyes, talk of being married soon!!

Just a few days ago we got the date for their wedding. They are to be married on January 16, 2011....Dad and I and Graham will be attending the wedding!! Dad and I will again be leading a team leaving (give or take) January 3rd, 2011 to January 16th, 2011...Dad and Gray and I will stay longer. Lots of details to come. Check out : A Place Called Simplicity for details:)

I can not wait to be back in Uganda! Only a few months away and lots of fundraising to do but God will provide just like he always does!

Dates with the brothers:)

2010-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

So I decided I thought id start sharing more of what goes on in my life and what just normal everydays are like for me:) So the other day Josh (my boyfriend of more then one year) and I decided that we should take our brothers on a date so we told them about our plan and they were stoked:) Josh's brother Andrew and my brother Isaiah are good friends Andrew is nine and Isaiah is six. We decided to go to a movie theater to see Despicable Me! Isaiah asked "Can I have my own soda?" so of course he got it:) (soda is a big treat in my family!).. After the movie we decided to go grab some food and go the park!! They loved it and we've decided every few weeks will go on a brothers date:)

( below: Isaiah was so excited to go he couldn't stand it)

(below:the boys playing in the park I think they were ninjas!)

Isaiah and I are getting married someday...at least he thinks so:)

Meet Charlee Louise Nja Kugenda

2010-08-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

For awhile now I have been feeling like I needed a puppy :) So for my birthday I started leaving hints. Little hints here and little hints there....I started praying that God would provide a puppy and He would direct me to the right one.....

I didn't want the excitment to seem like "yes this is it" when really God had something way better in store. So I prayed and prayed and looked everywhere,craigslist and ebay pets,news papers galore...Sunday after have searching for months I felt I should look on craigslist again so again I loaded the web page and waited and waited.....ughh it sometimes my internet is so slow...

But I felt God said to search in a near by town about an hour away....I thought, 'Why? This town won't have anything' but still I felt God said to search so I loaded the page....Wow! There I saw an ad for two poodles {toy} just what I had searched and searched for!! I quickly dashed an email to the seller requesting some pics. With in about an hour the pics were there of some adorable poodles. I was like wow are they not cute??!!

So today we made the trip to go shopping and happened to set up a time to drop by and meet these sweet fuzzy friends!! The seller told me that now he only had one and it was the girl - the very one I had thought was the cutest...We met her she was precious I grabbed her and instantly she cuddled into my arms and looked up at me. I knew she was what I had prayed for!!

Please meet my sweet new puppy

Charlee Louise Nja Kugenda

Charlee - meaning: Free Girl

Louise- meaning: Famous Warrior

I really just loved the name Charlee Louise its just cute the

next part is special cause it's in Luganda:) Uganda's native language:)

Nja Kugenda -meaning: I shall Go (significant for me going to Uganda)

Now meet my puppy=]]]
Where's Charlee?!

Me and my sweet new puppy:))

Isn't she cute I think she looks darling with the bow but apparently she doesn't like it:)

she is precious and snuggles and snuggles she is so content and cuddlie!!

I will be putting a small figure of a puppy for my Memorial Box:) to remember how He cares about just the little things in life that you desire and how He provided!!

Psalms 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

This is why I know...

2010-07-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

This is why I know that I have to go...This is why I know God is calling me there. This is why I know that he has called me for a specific purpose to defend the orphans and widows in there distress..To go to them and love on them and show them that God loves them.. This is why I know...This is why I know that you have called me...

( these little guys are in northern Uganda)

Ever feel like....

2010-07-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

EVER FEEL LIKE JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT TO....

RIGHT NOW YOU'D REALLY LIKE TO JUMP ON A

AND GO TO SOME WHERE FAR FAR AWAY....

ACROSS THE

If I was to go right now anywhere this is where I would go...

I'd arrive in Uganda..

I'd junp on a Boda...

And then I'd tell them where to go...

I would run inside and sign myself in as a volunteer id print my name so clearly so that someday I could look back and see just how many times my name was in that book...

I would run through the orphanage and franticly search for my Martha

and I'd grab her and hug her tight and id tell her how much I missed her and wish that she had someone that would love her and call her there own. I love you Martha

And I miss you.......

Uganda Bombings kill 64...

2010-07-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

( note this picture is one of mine from Uganda summer 2010)

Today in Kampala Uganda..while watching the world cup 64+ people in two different locations were enjoying the game,I imagine they were laughing and cheering,some were talking to family,others to friends.Some were sipping coke. and others just relaxing and getting into the game. one moment they were here the next moment a blast went off and they were gone. 64 people died today in the bombings in Kampala Uganda. One bombing was at a rugby club the other at an Ethiopian restaurant. My heart is sad.. I dont know if I knew any of them who passed away today or even have just met several.. Please pray with me for there families and loved ones.. The link for the story is below..

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38194835/ns/world_news-africa

From My Heart

2010-06-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

As I sit here today my mind goes back to where it was just a few weeks ago.
It goes back to Uganda. Not just any part of Uganda,my Uganda. It instantly makes me remember the sights and the sounds of driving in to the city that day. As I sit in the Taxi that day I can smell the rotting garbage. As you breath in, the exhaust of the vehicles gets caught in your lungs and as I let out a breath I sigh with a smile I am back in my Uganda.

As the taxi starts nearing the city, you start little by little to see more and more people, your mind wonders to where are they all going today? Then you have to think well where am I going? My Friend Jessica who lives in Uganda I once asked her that question where are they all going? She simply replied "they are all just trying to make today". You see in the Western World we have the conveniences of having a sure set amount you will make at the end of your pay period. You have the ability to know and be reassured so that you have the freedom to buy food....as you need it or want it.

But that is not the story in Uganda. You see there they work everyday just to survive. They have no idea if they will even have enough to feed their family that night. For the vendors selling bananas or mangos what they make is what will feed their babies and children at home. It they don't make enough they won't get to eat.

After the Uganda Go Team 2010 was finished eating lunch down town Kampala, we started walking towards our taxi. As we all started to pile in, I looked over and saw 3 ladies who were vendors. They had all sorts of fruit in there baskets. The look in the lady's eyes who had bananas in her basket was deep. You could see the pain. You could see the worry. You could see through her as if she was saying please just buy one banana. As I looked at the bananas I noticed that they have started to rot. At the same time my dad also noticed her. The sadness. The pain. He walked over and dropped some coins in her hand. She smiled....

There are many people in Uganda just trying to survive. They are just like this lady I wrote about. Like all the people going in to the city just trying to find work so they can make money to feed there family.

So as we sit in our nice comfortable house with a pantry of food with all the modern conveniences I think of the lady who has to wonder the streets hoping, praying that tonight she can feed her family. How can we complain about making dinner again? When we think of the people who wish they had food to make dinner. How can we complain about washing dishes again, when we think of the people in Uganda just wishing they had a dirty dish to wash? Think of these people,think of the lady with the banana's and pray that today they can feed their families. My heart is heavy.

Shouldn't Have Blinked

2010-05-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I arrived home from Uganda. I still can't believe that it went so fast. The two weeks in Uganda seemed to fly by without even taking a breath. It seems like I just blinked and it was over. But I have the memories and the pictures to prove that I was actually in Uganda!

While in Uganda I wanted to blog my whole trip but everytime I tried the computer center would be closed or the internet wouldn't load blogger. It was so frustrating! So I'll just have to rely on my journal and my memory and tell the stories now. :)

I loaded all my photos to my computer and I have about 2000 so I should have enough stories for a long time:)

Traveling day One Part One :

So I thought I'd start with the traveling the first day the trip started

It was Wednesday morning at 3am that my alarm began to beep like crazy. For a split second I debated to continue sleeping then remembered that I was leaving for Uganda so up I jumped, showered and threw in the remaining items before zipping up my two suit cases. I ran down stairs where the team was little by little beginning to show up. No one seemed tired - the anticipation was in the air! We left the house at 4am and drove to Albuquerque, New Mexico where our flight would fly out at 10:40am to Los Angeles. Then a 5 hour lay over and then a 15 hour flight to Dubai. Followed by another 12 hour lay over. On to Ethopia, then on to Uganda. Lots of flights in just 2 days of non-stop traveling.

In Los Angeles on our layover my sweet friend Vanessa got to have her first Starbucks ever!!! It was a big moment as she is 18! My family, well we're addicted to coffee, so I had to post a picture - besides she reads my blog. :)

When we arrived in Dubai we found some taxies and split up. While driving we passed the worlds tallest building - it was ummmm really tall! We had a hotel that the airlines gave us some rooms in to sleep since it was such a long layover. We were all starving and it was 10:30 at night. Two of the adults decided to walk and buy some pizza at a Pizza Hut down the road. Too dangerous for fifteen people to walk, so we opted for just two.

After dinner or a midnight snack we slept a little then got up to head back to the airport.

And on we flew to Ethiopia and then Uganda.

In Ethiopia they don't allow you to leave the plane so we sat there for like 2 hours and made friends with all the fellow passengers! Finally we were in the air again.

Uganda was getting so close people were getting itchy! I had a window seat and was sitting next to Josh and a Ugandan man. The faces of the team was priceless - everyone was excited as the wheels on the airplane hit the run way. We were there!! We had made it to Uganda.

Uganda From the plane

Quick Update:)

2010-05-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Quick update I have to go people are calling me internet is slow

Thank you so much for all the prayers!!
The flights were amazing!!!!!!!!!! You all are such a blessing!
Tomorrow I will post for real:)

Please be praying for health for the team people have been getting sick the devil has been attacking us!
Thank you goodnight everyone from Uganda:)

Waiting in the airport

2010-05-12T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hey my sweet bloggy friends!! I just wanted to ask you all to pray for our flights! We started out this morning by leaving my house at 4 am! Then it was a 4 hour trip to the ABQ New Mexico airport then we had to check in and board the plane for LA. We have been sitting around for about 5 hours here we were able to grab a quick lunch and meet up with /have a girl from Canada named Joanna who is going to Uganda with us :)

The team and I are sitting in the Los Angeles Airport about to board the plane for Dubai then we spend the night there and then in the morning continue on to Uganda!! I am not a huge fan of flying anymore since the fire, so I wanted to ask you all? to please be praying for the flights for smooth and not bumpy flights that God would hold it steady in his hand and that he would provide and open up doors for us to talk to people on our flight!! Thanks sweet friends!

-Emma

Em ON A MISSION

ONE week

Valentines Day

Wordless Wednesday!

Preparing for the Journey

Hit the Ground Running

God's Healing... My sister Ruby

Digging through trash for dinner.

I'm your favorite Ruby. REALLY!

New blog design!!

Wordless Wednesday!

Overwhelmed by pictures

Pray 4 Karl

Home and AFRICA STORIES AT LAST!

Little Watson Cries..

Arrived in the USA

Leaving ghana

A Letter From Emma Joy

Off to Ghana!

The little boy in the striped shirt part three! SAFE!

BIG PARTY IN HEAVEN

VBS begins!

Baby Daniella

The Little Boy with the Headache

updates :)

Headin' Out

Packing my suitcase

Soon I Will Get to Hold my Babies!

The Car Wash Fundraiser

Uganda and GHANA! NO WAY HERE I COME!

Meet my friend Juliet - longing for a Family

Bake Sale Fundraiser

My Edith goes.

Arriving Home - my heart cries!

A Journey

Hardest words to say "Goodbye Edith"

REALLY I WOULD!

ugh

SURPRISE!!!!!!

Answered prayer - my baby girl

Are we there yet?

Off I go:)

Bound:)

A prayer answered- Yippee Jesus!

The Boy who laughed Part Two :The burns

Heart ache and healing for Destini

Isaiah 58:8-9

Then your light shall break forth like the morning

Then your light shall break forth like the morning

Then your light shall break forth like the morning

Then your light shall break forth like the morning

Then your light shall break forth like the morning

Then your light shall break forth like the morning

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

And your righteousness shall go before you;

And your righteousness shall go before you;

And your righteousness shall go before you;

The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

I'm crying out to you God please heal Destini bring her comfort, please touch her body.

The Clock Countdown

The Boy who laughed Part One

AH HA! 6 WEEKS!

Deja Vu?!

7 Weeks and Counting

Convicted

9 weeks!

breaking in places.

My sisters

My very first missions {trips}

Fasting

What a name means in Uganda.

The Boy in the Striped Shirt part 2

Run over by a Semi truck.

5 little munchkins in my bed

The boy in the striped shirt...

***You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’***