July 2014 Update

So, if you're wondering what's happening in my goal to return to Uganda, here's a little update.  I feel that the time is getting close, but I still don't have any exact timeline.  God is speaking to me so much about my vision, but as far as timing, He's just saying "wait and trust."  I am dreaming with Him, writing down the ideas and strategies that He brings to my mind.  It has been a wonderful experience, feeling closer to my goal.

I have begun fundraising.  I have dreams of an orphanage and a facility where I can host mission teams, and possible a school someday.  Buildings cost money, so I've created an account for people to donate online if that is easier.  Find the link here if you are interested.  http://www.gofundme.com/7vv030 - I also take personal checks for now, which is better for me since this website takes a small cut.  I just know online donation methods are easier.  ;)

I am also collecting recycling and turning it in for money here in California.  Friends are bringing me their bags and I am digging in trash cans and picking stuff up off the roads.  It's a sticky and tedious job, but I am willing to work for my dreams!  For now, I'm working on getting to Uganda, 5 cents at a time!  :)  I am working 2 part time jobs now, trying to pull ahead financially and pay off my debts.

On the Uganda front, my brother and ministry partner Alex is planning to start building a home for us in January.  His wife Violet will be giving birth to their 2nd child at the end of this year, and he has also adopted a couple older kids so they need a larger home.  He plans to build big enough so that I will have a room when I arrive.  I would like to begin sending him some of the money I've raised to contribute to the building of the home.  He says he can build it for around $5000 and furnish it for another 5000.  He's working to get the land planted so we will have food.  We will work to minimize living expenses, but that requires some up front money to get started.

As far as my plans when I get there, what I have concluded right now is that I want to spend my first 6 months to a year just living there and getting to know the people and serving where I can before I launch any teaching type ministry.  I want to build relationships and learn the culture.  I think it would be arrogant to just hit the ground teaching.  I am not 'big super American' with all the answers to their lives.  I want to serve, find out where the greatest needs are and find ways I can meet those needs.  Hopefully the Mzungu celebrity status will wear off with some time too.  lol  My hope is to find leaders during that time that will be able to continue what we start after I am gone if that is ever to happen.  I want to provide them with whatever training I can so that they can be the leaders in their community.  Eventually I want to get a children's home and school going, but that will take some time I believe.  I have so many ideas, so many passions, it's hard to know where to start, but hopefully that first time period of building will give me the answers.

I am so grateful for those who have been contributing monthly to my vision.  Knowing that people believe in me and my dream is so encouraging.  When I get under the stress of "when" and "how", it helps to know that I have support from my friends and family.  I have known since 2007 that Uganda was my destination, but God has been doing a lot of work in my heart to get me ready for this mission.  I have grown so much, especially in the last 2 years since I moved to Bethel.  I think the time is getting really close.  I'm excited to get going, my heart longs to be back in Uganda.