Yei, South Sudan - South Sudan became a country in January. It's a Christian country but has a lot of oppression from all of the wars in Sudan. It was crazy to spend their first Christmas with them as an independent country. My team could feel the weight of this country the instant we stepped over the border from Uganda.
Hopefully this will give you the slightest idea of what we did and experienced:
One of the most ridiculous things that we did was saving a marriage. How are 8 SINGLE people under the age of 24 supposed to save a marriage? Somehow we did it. The husband also quit drinking alcohol and started working to pay for his children's education.
We saw a lot of physical healing and a lot of people come to Christ.
A lot of being were delivered from alcoholism and smoking addiction.
We had the opportunity to do devotions with the police station. The police took us on a tour in their police truck and even drove us home.
Got to visit a prison and do a Sunday church service. Some of the prisoners wanted bibles, so we were able to buy them some.
I spoke at a conference on identity. I don't think I've ever been so nervous.
Watched a lot of beautiful sunsets that reminded me of my dad.
Ate A LOT of beans and rice and strange foods.
A man was on his way to kill somebody (yes, I said kill) and he saw my friend with a bible and talked to her and asked to be discipled and decided not to kill someone.
Re-painted a building at the YWAM base.
My friends Jade and I met the most amazing kids on the side of the rode. We visited them everyday during our last week for an hour or so before we went to the orphanage. They were so joyful and desperate for attention. One little girl Akandu stole my heart.. I miss her so much. The kids’ older sisters (around 12 years) whispered to us to take their little siblings home with us so that they could have a better life. So heartbreaking.
Prayed for a lot of children with Malaria.
Matthew was one of those crazy kids on the side of the road
Akandu
Uganda- We stayed in a Arua. I loved Arua so much. It was such an amazing and beautiful place.
Got a tour through a village by a chief… it ended with at least 50-60 Muslim kids following us everywhere we went. We sang songs with them. They just grabbed our hands and wouldn’t let go.
Re-built a woman’s roof that got burnt down.
Cooked meals in the kitchen, African style.
Did devotions at a sewing class on the base.
Jade almost stepped on a cobra! Then the base killed it.
Rode Boda Boda’s (old motorcycles) to town almost every day
Ate countless avocados (only 12 cents each!!)
Danced a lot in the African churches…
Re-built a bridge
Washed my laundry by hand for 9 weeks.
Took bucket showers for 9 weeks.
Taught a 9-11 year old school class for Compassion (organization where supporters pay for kids to go to school and so on). I actually enjoyed teaching.
Hung out with some crazy kids at the base.
Went on a Safari!! No lions though L. Rode a bought down the Nile River and hiked up the Nile River.
Spent everyday with a severely mentally handy-capped girl named Gladys. I’ve never felt so much love for someone besides my family until I met her. She is the biggest testimony of my outreach. Jade and I became really good friends with her mom and nephew. I can’t even begin to explain how amazing this ministry was. We poured so much into her and I’ve never felt so rewarded in my life. Now, the YWAM base is working with her and keeping s updated.
Gave away practically all my clothes to a girl at the hospital. Her reaction to getting the clothes was priceless. She was jumping up and down praising God. She had a smile on her face that brought me so much joy. I will never forget her excitement. She hugged me and just kept saying thank you. It’s crazy how I couldn’t wait to get rid of the clothes and how much it blessed her. Never forget the power of a giving heart.
MacBook Pro screen cracked from a bumpy car ride :(
After outreach our whole DTS met up in Amsterdam. I love Holland so much.. and I'm not sure why.
Go to Amsterdam, it's amazing!
