Sunday

Today is November 1st. Thank you for praying for our time leading the church conference yesterday. We spent the day with about 100 church leaders and members. We spent time discussing the gospel, Sonship, repentance and forgiveness. There were some great small group discussions and it was a blessing to spend the day with our brothers and sisters here. The level of brokenness can only be matched by the unimaginable and unthinkable joy and peace we have found in the people of Gulu. Today we worshiped at Pastor Jeffreys (African Leadership Uganda Director) church. It was a glimpse of heaven to sing and celebrate in a new and beautiful way. The youth danced for us (Erin joined them) and Sherman shared words of encouragement. All of us were astounded and amazed at the experience. Later we visited the Home of Love Orphanage for the first time. The children had prepared a program for us (there are 43 of them ranging in age from almost two to pre-teen). We, in turn, sang for them, under Julie's guidance (thank goodness we don't have video of that performance!). Afterward we colored with the children and helped them prepare their Christmas cards. The children also took us on a personal tour to show us their bedrooms. The Home of Love is filled with children who have been orphaned in tragic ways. The stories are almost impossible to believe. There really is no way to get our minds and hearts around it all. Our last adventure for the day was a great game of futbol (Sherman and Julie, along with our driver, Raoul, joined the children and staff, while the rest of the ladies played with the smaller children with bubbles, stickers and lots of hugs...we have pictures galore). We have so much more to share with you and look forward to posting pictures and an incredible video Jeremy captured yesterday. Thank you for praying. Truly, it is almost impossible to describe the thousands of ways we see God working and moving. It is humbling to be among these beautiful brothers and sisters. Until next time...much love and gratitude.