The kind of change we
need to make in life is going to stir up fear. Don’t let the unknown stop you.
Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy
the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new
person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will
for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Family home visits
Annually the kids of Sozo Children take a weekly home visit
prior to school starting again in January. Last Sunday Amanda & I were
given the opportunity to drop off our brother “sponsor sons” Clinton and
Ambrose at their jajja’s (grandmother) home. She was such a joy to meet! She
had a permanent smile on her face and thanked us time and time again for
sponsoring her grandsons and for bringing them “home” for a few days. Jajja is
too weak and feeble to care for all of her grandchildren and their mother and
father are not in the picture. Amanda has developed into a motherly figure for
Ambrose and he honors the relationship they have. As far as my relationship
with 8- year old Clinton he looks at me as a fun auntie that loves him dearly and
will save him if I see the other children messing with him. One day when we
were playing cards on the floor a younger child stepped on my angle twisting it
and I grimaced in pain and Clinton (in his broken English) did the almighty… he
stopped playing cards and started rubbing my arm saying “auntie Chelsie, are
you okay?” followed by an aggressive chase after the child who stepped on me.
Of course, my heart melted. Below are pictures of us with our “sons.”
Momma Andrew
Sozo Children has a sweet, quiet boy named Andrew in their
care and has for a few years. When Andrew was younger he was badly burned
during the night, while he slept, when his mosquito net caught on fire. The
majority of Andrew’s upper body was burned and he progressively lost mobility in
his joints. By the grace of God Andrew recently received a Visa to go to the US
and a North Carolina Sozo board member and her family has taken him in…
indefinitely. It will take years for Wake Forest Hospital (which is donating
surgeries free of charge) to complete the surgeries needed for Andrew to regain
full mobility in his joints. About a week ago Andrew left his sweet mom and 2
sisters to head to the US. I have built a friendship with Momma Andrew since
January 2014 and absolutely adore her sweet spirit. On Saturday I went to Momma
Andrew’s house to see how she is holding up with her son on the other side of
the world. She could not have been more excited for the visit and warmly
welcomed us with open arms. We loved on her and the sisters, Joan and Teresa,
as well as prayed over them. Momma
Andrew’s eyes filled with tears when we were leaving but we promised her future
visits asap. To know this visit provided comfort and hope, it was a major
highlight of the week!
Women’s ministry in
the Village
BIG news! Yesterday and today Amanda & I happily spent
hours walking countless miles around Nongolo Village to spread the word about
the Sozo Children women’s ministry we will be starting on Monday. As previously
mentioned the plan is to start with a bible study for the widows, single
mothers, and jajja’s around the village. The schedule for now is Monday and
Thursdays 2-4pm in the village every week. Amanda, myself, and Auntie Dora
(translator) are humbled that so far 40 women have signed up for the bible study
through this week’s recruitment efforts around the village. This week we are planning out details and
purchasing Ugandan drums for praise and worship, Lugandan bibles, grass mats,
notebooks, eye glasses, etc for the women. Once the bible study is established
the plan is to begin the self-sustainable “fairtrade project” for these women
so they can make money to afford their children’s school fees. Education is so
important here in Uganda and only the educated rise to the top as leaders.
Because the Village is so remote and poverty-stricken many do not have the
chance to attend school as it is. This cycle must stop in order for these
children to be given a future of hope. We are expectant and more than excited
of what’s to come from these happenings in Nongolo. (At the bottom a video is posted of what
village life looks like. In order to view you must have Adobe Flash installed).
Please keep the preparations for the big day Monday in your
prayers this week. We are praising God
for every life and heart that we will touch with the light of Jesus through
these events to come.
Much love! Chelsie & Amanda
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