Delights & Promises

"The overwhelming theme of every stage of preparing for this trip has been that God is faithful. In that, I have come face to face with my complete dependence upon Him. So it shouldn't have come as a surprise that He would show up in the same way and teach me the same lessons at Otino Waa. 

Amanda Mae Images

  His presence has been so real and tangible over the past few days. I know it seems obvious that He would make Himself known among our team as we prepare to go to Uganda, but I was just reminded that God doesn't wait to show up once you've flown across an ocean or crossed a border. He's not limited to working in me in East Africa. He is the God of the universe and somehow - in a way that completely blows my mind - manages to be present everywhere at the same time. He delights in making Himself known and promises to be with us wherever we go. 

And it is in this power that my teammates and I go in. As a team, we've been praying Isaiah 61 and trying to wrap our minds around the fact that the Lord has anointed us to proclaim the Good News through our lives. He has equipped us with everything we need for ministry, and sent us out in His power.

As hard as it is to admit that I'm not in control, God has shown up and broken down everything in me that thinks I can accomplish anything in my own power and strength. We can plant the seeds and water them with projects and relationships, but He will make them grow. 

And based on what I've sensed and known these few short days, I'm pretty dang excited for what He is going to grow in the next few days."

~Dana (team member, 2012)

New Kids, New Year and transitions

This month Otino Waa will welcome in 13 new children.  

At first, most new children are fearful of the unknown as they are introduced to a new family and home. They will start school, perhaps for the first time. Common fears and questions are, "What will it be like to have a new mom? What if I can't speak well?  What if they don't like me? Will I get to eat?"

Pray for peaceful beginnings that quickly bring hope and joy to these new children.

New School Year

Pray that Otino Waa schools continue to be ranked among the best in Uganda. Your support has already laid the foundation for excellence! Your prayers protect that.

Transitions

This year could bring important changes to PATH Ministries as we search out new directors in Uganda. Bob & Carol Higgins have been in Uganda for 14 years and now look forward to the next chapters in their lives. Please pray for wisdom as we carefully form plans, work through interviews, determine the future & always ask the Lord to lead in everything. We covet your prayers in this area!

Joshua Opul

Joshua was born on 10/3/03 and is the youngest of six siblings. He speaks Luo and is learning English as he attends Otino Waa Primary School.

Joshua’s dad died in 2008 after a short battle with AIDS, leaving his mom, who is physically and mentally unable to take care of the family. An older sibling became the head of the household. A grandmother came in and has been very helpful to her daughter-in-law by contributing as much as possible. The day to day challenge of finding food consumes everyone’s time, including all of the children. They were forced to work as manual labor to provide even the basic needs. Joshua worked in local gardens to help.

Education was not usually available to this family. Many grade levels were missed. Joshua had been on a waiting list to be admitted into Otino Waa since 2008.  His chance finally came in early 2010. He started school right away and is doing well. He promises to study hard and be a doctor when he grows up. He doesn’t completely understand sponsorship from a total stranger, but sees what it means for his housemates.

Is this future worth your investment of $1.15/day?

Hope & Heartbreak on the Same Day

During most school breaks at Otino Waa the children visit extended family. This is an important part of keeping strong family ties and Ugandan culture with the children. One girl named Theresa was waiting for her auntie to come for her and sister, Nancy. The auntie took Nancy and told Theresa she didn't want her anymore because she was so stubborn. Theresa is a very sweet young lady and has had a very difficult life. Our administrator had to search for another relative where she could stay. As if these kids don't have enough rejection already in their short lived lives!

There is a young man named Gabriel who was one of the original 79 orphans rescued from the grasp of the LRA rebels. He is 26 and has been manager in both of the cafes now for 3 years. He passed exams by working and reading on his own for the last two years and he is now enrolled in law school in Kampala. He states he never even thinks of himself as an orphan anymore.
 
That statement gives us hope for other orphans like Theresa. If only we can grow her up and get past this difficult time. We continue to trust in the promise that Jesus makes the
difference in tough situations.

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

 Isaiah 40:29-31

Illera Church, Clinic, Lira Market :: Amanda Mae Images Blog

Monday, Sept 10

Yesterday we was Sunday and we went to Illera Community Church which was begun by Bob and Carol along with Pastor Dickens and Pastor Douglas. There are over 600 members of this church, around half that number is associated with Otino Waa, but the other half is people from the surrounding villages. The singing was spirited and rhythmic, as to be expected. It’s amazing to see the women decked out in traditional Ugandan dresses, full of color and pattern. 

One of the things that has impacted me the most is the offering time at this church. Many people don’t have money to give as an offering, but they give anyway. Some give vegetables, others greens to eat, there was even a chicken given this Sunday. I’m always humbled by how generous these people are as well as how deeply they trust in God. They do a thing called testimony time, where people have the chance to speak in front of the church and talk about what God has done for them. Many speak of praying for healing, either for themselves or a relative. It is such a good reminder to be around people to fully rely on God – they have nothing else, but they are rich in faith.

Later Sunday we went to the dedication of the Medical Clinic. Government officials came from around the region to be at the ceremony, along with hundreds of community members. The clinic is now open and providing the community with medical and dental service. 

Today we got a tour around Otino Waa from Bob. He explained everything from how they managed to get running water and power to each house, eco-san toilets, bee keeping and even gave us a tour of the newest school building.

The best part of the day was getting to hang out with the kids during their break. Normally the break is 15 minutes, but today it was more like 30 because they were finishing up some testing.

I am amazed at how much bigger the kids have gotten in the year since I’ve seen them! The ones that were the littlest are now inches taller and the newest kids have taken their place as the “tiny ones.” Coming back to relationships is the best part of being at Otino Waa again. Getting to see familiar faces and remember some names is wonderful. They are so beautiful and full of life and energy. They really know how to play and laugh and sing. 

Later this afternoon we visited Lira market. This is always quite the cross-cultural experience. A few of my team members had a harder time with it – the smells, the dirt, the poverty. I don’t know, I guess I’ve always been fascinated by the market and love the colors, textures and the way the light streams through colored tarps above. I’ve always seen the beauty in it all. I’ve loved being at the core of the society where people meet and talk and share news. But as I sit here tonight, I realize it’s good to have other’s perspectives. They are right, in some sense it is a sad place, people struggling to survive and feed their children. It can be difficult to witness…

Tomorrow Andrew and I will go into the bush with Dickens, the pastor of Illera as well as the administrator of Otino Waa. Our goal is to talk to the children on the waiting list and hopefully tell a little of their story. But I’m a bit afraid of doing this – not afraid of where it will take us, but afraid that it may be so sad and difficult to leave the children without any guarantee that they will be helped. I hope that whoever sees the photographs – and hopefully video – will be moved to want to intervene. This really is the chance to save someone’s life. We’ll see how the week plays out…

 

Omara Brian :: Facinated That Total Strangers Would Care For Him

Brian was born on November 11, 2005.  He has no living siblings.  He speaks Luo and is learning English in school.

When Brian was four his mother died during childbirth. Tragically, the baby boy also died. This devastated Brian as he was forever by his mother’s side and observed all these events. His conversations with his mom were filled with the desire to have a brother.

Brian’s dad was dying of AIDS which left Brian as the care giver for a very weak man.  The days were filled with efforts to stay alive and make his dad comfortable. In 2009 Brian’s uncle brought the him and his father to his home where Brian's dad died in 2010.

At this point, the uncle made arrangements for Brian to be admitted to Otino Waa. He had to be put on a waiting list of over 1000 children. There seemed to be little hope until early 2011 when he was accepted along with 25 others.

Brian found a new home, family and hope. Since he had few opportunities for education, he started school at the first grade level. He does not know what he would like to be when he grows up - but then again, he's only six years old.

He sends his greetings to his sponsors and is fascinated with the concept that total strangers would care about him.

Today's Clinic Update

The new Medical and Dental Clinic at Otino Waa

This is the hallway for the consultation and treatment rooms.

Charles is our Clinical Officer - this is the equivalent to a PA in the US.

Here is the veranda which serves as the waiting room area.

It was such a joy to leave OTW today knowing we are almost finished with the clinic.

We feel we can stand back and say, "Job well done."  It has taken many hands to build this beautiful place.  Now our prayers remain that the Lord will bring healing to this part of the nation through this clinic.

You all must come see this facility soon!

Love to all,
Bob and Carol