We'll we have decided to go to Uganda with no expectations of getting a court date. We are all very excited to meet Joan and Derrick but also to see for ourselves the beauty of a place that seems to me to be so conflicted. I have been packed for at least a month. We have 12 suit cases, three for each of us. One suit case has cloths for Joan and Derrick. They have monogrammed back packs with a few books, colors cars and a doll. We have a 2 suit cases that have sheets, quilts, mattress pads, wash rags and towels. Everything I am packing seems so insignificant to me. I don't care as much anymore about where I sleep. I still care a little about what I eat because my stomach isn't as tough as it used to be. I'm taking a lot of medicine because I don't want to waist one day in Africa with sickness. I want to soak up everything God wants to show me. We have collected enough money to build the desks, fix the steps and resurface the floors. We may even have enough to get material for new uniforms that the children desperately need. I have never seen Joan or Derrick wear their uniform but Suzanne says they have one. I really hope I get to bring Joan's uniform home. The uniform is what sets them apart. The uniform is an outward representation of who their God is because Rays of Hope is a Christian school. Maybe we can provide a start to new uniforms. Maybe I will get there and God will reveal to me, "that's not important". Surrender is a beautiful thing. I really don't have to plan anything while I'm there. God is going to reveal His plans to me in His perfect timing. I'm not even dreading the flight. I'm going to soak up every moment the whole way there. Laurel and Coleman are so excited. Coleman asked me last night to help him finish up his testimony. He hasn't shared it with me. We have been talking about time lines and stuff like that. I know God is going to use Laurel and Coleman in a mighty way with the other children at Rays of Hope. Coleman asked me if he would be the youngest person to go to Rays of Hope. I told him he was the youngest one that I knew of. I have no expectations of our trip. I have no expectations of others. I will allow God to use whatever happens for His glory. He already has. This is about so much more than adopting Joan and Derrick. It's about letting the hope that is available to each of us be known to the forgotten. It's about letting them know they are worth it. It's about Him! Not anything more. Not anything less. IT's ALL about HIM! Lord, please don't let me get there and focus on anything or anyone else. I pray that we go there and let them know His blood was shed for them. Their debt has been paid. They are loved. They are God's chosen children. He sent His son to die for them. Lord, help me to be the vessel, not the messenger. Lord, thank you for my husband who is amazing! Thank you that he gives of himself without expecting anything in return. Thank you that he is leading us on this journey. Thank you that he walked through this door without any expectations. Thank you for how he loves us!
Blessings,
Amiee :)
We are going to miss yall!! I love seeing their rooms and backpacks. I haven't seen that picture with the kids in the street, it makes me sad. God has brought you all so far, literally and figuratively. I am so proud of yall.
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