Mazungo! Mazungo!

This past weekend a few of the other MSTs took a 5 hour drive west for Safari. During dinner one night Jayan asked us 2 burning questions she'd been thinking since we got there. All 4 of us were pretty new. I just arrived on Monday, Rachel arrived the day of the bombings, Coley came from Empower-A-Child Kenya, and Alisha also arrived the day of the bombings. Alisha and Rachel didn't know anything about it until they got here, but Jayan looked at me and said every day she checked her email waiting for me to cancel my trip. When the bombs hit 6 of the MSTs left and went home because they were scared. She was sure I wouldn't come. And I did. She wanted to know why! I told her that the Lord has a purpose for this trip and I strongly believe that with His purpose comes His protection! That morning I also received an email from Jeremy and it included this scripture from Isaiah 41:10.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

It was perfect for that moment and my explanation to her! I was so blessed to know that since the day I was accepted, the staff here has been praying for me and my preparation for this trip. It has been so awesome to get to know the Ugandans! They are amazing and are changing my heart for the Lord so much!

She also asked us if we thought that what we were doing is going to make a difference to the people here or if it will make a bigger impact in our own lives. All of us agreed that we felt like the Lord was changing us through this, and that we hope to change a child's life, but we are probably getting more out of it. It was at that moment that she shared her testimony for us. She was one of those children, in the schools that we now visit. When a Mazungo, white person, would visit the school the children would get in a frenzy. They love Mazungos! One day a Mazungo gave her a pencil and she cherished it forever! She always claimed to be a Christian, but even as a child didn't fully understand it until she was older and the Lord started preparing her for her future here at EAC.

She said that just smiling and waving at a child, because we are Mazungos, is changing this nation! The children don't understand how far we have traveled, but that we chose to spend time with them and to bring them gifts. They went crazy over the silly bands I gave them and I never realized that they would cherish it like it was gold.

It was so encouraging to hear because a lot of people have said they don't know what can be done in 2 weeks and my response is that the Lord can move mountains in 2 weeks! I am glad she encouraged me on that! Our consistency, our hugs and smiles, high fives, hand shakes, presents and playing are all helping change these children's hearts for Christ! I've never had so many children get so excited about getting a free hug and hand shake in my life and it has blessed me tremendously. I value it as much as they do! The Lord is amazing and my heart is over-joyed!!