Thursday, January 7, 2016

Lessons & Gifts

God has been teaching me many, many things over this past year. He has showed me more and more of His immense love for every one of His children and for me personally. He has certainly taught me more about people and that each person is a mystery that can only fully be seen by God. Mostly, though, He has revealed to me more about myself: through much darkness and stretching, through my own sin and stubbornness, through the love my Mother has for me, and through the growing Awe and awareness of God's divinity.

The biggest thing God has revealed to me is that I really don't have a clue about anything- especially His plans for me in Uganda. I know I am to love, serve, and do His will; however, everything beneath that seems to be a little unknown. Sometimes, I get blinded by impatience and fear when things are going bad or not as I expected. When this happens, I cannot see the good that He is really doing. I am very much blindly, and on occasion stubbornly, following Christ. But that couldn't be more beautiful! When it is through darkness, all it takes is a "yes" to God and He walks me right through anything and everything. He is continuously so good to me and I don't deserve it. Many changes have taken place recently- all of them, I trust, has been for my own good and for the fulfillment of His will.

Trustful surrender to God's providence everyday can be hard, especially when things are not clear and  when the good is unseen. However, it is the trust I have in Him that allows me to surrender. I fail so often, but He picks me up and I try my best to open myself up so as to continue letting His love pour into me, through me.

                                       Lord I am a mess, Your love for me, amazes me. 
                                                                               My soul longs for You.
--


I had been praying about Uganda, BDI, and Paidha. I had surrendered to His timing and accepted the possibility of staying in the states for a while- maybe even years. However, the more I tried to plan for living and working in the states, the more unsettled I became. I did not have peace at all, but I trusted. All I wanted and still want is for Our Lord's will to be carried out. December rolls around and Jesus gave me the most special gifts for Christmas. (I will share one gift now). He surprised me and absolutely amazed me! That first week of December He got me a round trip plane ticket to Uganda for about a third of the price that I had paid last time. "Surprise! You're going to Uganda, Rannah. Buy this today. I love you." -Jesus

I felt so much peace and joy in my soul when He did this. Many things have been happening with Uganda before and after this gift as well. God has been very slowly opening doors and planning things. Though, I had no idea how quickly they would begin to take place but I knew He was at work.

The plan, as of now, is to go to Uganda at the end of May and stay for six months. I am still working with BDI and plan to continue fundraising for the building of their new school along with various other projects. My good friend, Chelsea, who is a sign language teacher at the high school I attended, will also be coming to Uganda! She has been a huge blessing in my life. She supported me so much when I went last time. I feel she journeyed with me, with the Deaf children from a distance. I am thrilled that she will be able to come to BDI and help in anyway that she can. She is a wife and a wonderful mother of two young children. Her mission as a mother will only allow her a couple of weeks to spend at BDI. I know God will do great things through her for the children and teachers.

About Paidha..
The people have been on my heart and in my prayers since I went there. I have been communicating with Fr. Emmanuel about this village since I left Uganda. I received an email from him two days ago that brought me more joy and opened more doors. He met with the Bishop and shared with him our emails about Paidha. The Bishop has requested that before we move on with any further plans I should first come and stay for months to familiarize with the place and the people. From there we will discuss the programs and projects together and see what I can do for his people. *Thank You Jesus*

I feel more comfortable and
at peace with everything. I am so excited to be able to walk through this door that God has opened with Paidha. I am happy with the ease and prayerful way that both the Bishop and Fr. Emmanuel wish to go about everything. I know I am in good hands.



Paidha