Sunday, June 3, 2012

Week 2


Hello again friends!
This past week has been a blast.  I’ve got less than ten minutes remaining on this internet cafĂ© computer, so I’ll have to be somewhat brief.
This week has been marked with a lot of work… weeding at the farm, terracing the school’s yard, and moving mounds of dirt by shovel.  The work has been tough, but so rewarding.
The kids at the school who stay at CLD’s dorm are so great and we got to have a water fight against them Friday afternoon.  There was so much joy there and though it was just water and jerry cans, it was liberating to have such childish fun! The kids loved it.
I’ve been so blessed by incredible community here in Nansana and it’s so apparent to me that it’s where I should be.  The Lord is revealing himself in so many ways, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Peace and blessings always,

John

Sunday, May 27, 2012


Hello from Kampala!
I hate to be so brief, but the internet connection is not the best and I have limited time on this computer.
The past week has been amazing and possibly the most unique week of my life to date.  After traveling for a day and half, I finally got to see the red earth that is East Africa.  I am staying at CLD’s base in Nansana, which is northwest of Kampala.  There are about 15 other students here serving for different amounts of time… one of them is a recently graduated high school student named Matthew.  Matthew is my roommate and is from Steamboat, Colorado.  We also have the same flight out of the country in June, so we are doing a lot of the same stuff for CLD in terms of programs.
The most recent and most significant activity of the trip has been working at CLD’s farm, about 20 miles from base camp.  Matthew and I went to the farm yesterday to work.  We ended up spending last night and got to worship in the village church this morning, called Katiti Baptist.  The worship was beautiful and moving.  The children were enthralled with the two “Mzungu” guys near the back.
Without going into too much detail, I have to praise the organization I’m staying with.  CLD is in vehement search of sustainable projects in the Kampala, Uganda area.  And when I say sustainable, they have a proven, working, restorative system to bring lasting change.  Their three main outreach areas are the Farm (which implements “Farming God’s Way”; I encourage you to look this up!!), the Thread of Life slum empowerment women’s outreach, and Wakiso Christian International Academy (a boarding and day school which insists on the highest standards of education for its kids.
CLD takes no shortcuts.  They aren’t just serving for the “feel good” rush.  They want to see lasting change.  It’s such a beautiful picture.
Thank you as always for your prayers! Hope to update again soon!
In Him always,
John

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Across the Pond

Heathrow, London International Airport

Touched down in London a few hours ago! My flight to Uganda is not until 9:15pm, UK time, but I've decided not to go into the city until my return flight's layover.

I've already been blessed to have met some other folks from the States flying into Kampala. They are making a documentary on the African Children's Choir from Uganda.  Erin and Scott are their names, both from Atlanta.  I'm very thankful to have some friends to travel with.

So it looks like a long day in the airport, another night of travel, and another early morning before I arrive at my destination.  Your prayers have already taken effect as I am feeling apprehensive, yet more and more confident about the next 24 hours.

Thank you and hope to update again soon!

John