Village Bible Church || Aurora | Indian Creek | Sugar Grove | IL

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July 3: Mbarara (Lisa)

Back in December when I first talked with Matt & Crystal about the possibility of me coming to visit, I didn't know we would have a team together. So, when we had discussed it, I told them I'd simply like to live life with them for a few weeks. When the team was put together, some specific ministries were put together for our time here in Uganda, however, with Crystal being in her last month of pregnancy, my original thought has turned out to be my role on the team.

Crystal's official due date for baby Adelynn to arrive is July 28th. She went to the doctor last week and was told she could come off of her 3 week bedrest and that the baby is ready to be delivered any day. It is uncertain whether or not they/we will still travel to Kampala for the baby to be born, or if Crystal will deliver at a hospital here in Mbarara. With that being the case, I have spent the last few days helping her with her two boys Asher (3 1/2) & Stephen (2) with daily activities. I'm learning their daily routines, so in case she goes into labor, I will be able to take over the boys with as smooth of a transition as possible.

The boys and I have had a lot of fun playing and reading together. The team brought some new things for them, and they especially love puzzles from Linda and soap in a sponge from Kate (Duff). Crystal and I were able to go through piles of diapers and clothes for the baby and get Adelynn's room all ready. This girl already has a great wardrobe! It has been fun for Crystal to anticipate the arrival of her baby girl with a house full of boys and losing Jerusalem after only a few days in January.

Today I went with Matt to Juna Amagara's ministries here in Mbarara. I met Monica, the house mother, and Stella, the school's director. The school has 57 students in preschool through grade 3. The house is a home to 14 children, 7 girls and 7 boys. Monica was telling me that there used to be 39 children there. However, with the economy crunch some sponsors have stopped sending their support, so most of the children have moved on to Juna Amagara's ministries in Kishanje (where the rest of the team has been this week). She was sad to see them go, but is excited when some come back to visit her on holidays. Stella was telling me that the school desperately needs a new building. It has a foundation, but the structure is wood. The government sees that as temporary and dangerous. There is a possibility that it could be closed down if they do not build a new brick structure. Stella's dream is to have the funds for that and to expand the school in order to go through grade 7. I played with some of the children a bit, but didn't go into their classes. They were taken exams today, and I figured my being a Mzungu (white person), would be quite a distraction during an important time at school.

Instead, I spent the afternoon at ABIDE (on the same property). Today was their last day of classes, and I was able to attend some of them. It was quite a blessing to hear the students discuss and critique their outreaches from this past weekend and throughout the past six months. One of the ABIDE students from last year, Medrad, led one of the classes today. He did a great job of answering some tough questions. The last class of the day, and of the term, was taught by Pastor Bernard. He is a Ugandan man who has been a teacher for ABIDE from the very beginning. Today he reviewed the basics for his Spiritual Leadership class. I was really blessed from his teaching. I wish I could sit under his teaching more often! These young men are in good hands. Pastor Bernard relates well to the students, challenges them, encourages them, and occasionally breaks out into song! Matt certainly has found a good teaching partner for this ministry. The graduation service and ceremony will be on Sunday. Matt has invited the ABIDE students from the past two years and expects all but two students to attend. He has also invited some perspective students for next year's program. It will surely be a bittersweet day for all those who have invested in the ABIDE program.

Continue to pray that Asher and Stephan will adjust well to my presence and helping out in the Kehn house, the ABIDE graduation ceremony on Sunday will be a great day of celebration and send off, God will bring Crystal into labor in His perfect timing. Pray for the 8 ABIDE students that they would be prepared for their exam on Thursday, that Ralph and Tim will have a Spirit-led time with the students, and the students will go home to their villages and still remain faithful and put into practice all that they have learned together.

-Lisa O'Brien