Unfailing love!

This is my last week. I can’t believe it’s finally here. Although I am excited to go home to the amazing opportunities waiting for me there, I know a part of my heart will stay here in Uganda. I think it’s a common prayer for everyone who is preparing to leave that they wouldn’t let their mind and heart leave just yet. That has definitely been my prayer…  although I’m excited to see my sister and her baby bump, my amazingly supportive boyfriend, my incredible church family, my mommy and daddy, and so many incredible friends and family who have supported, encouraged and loved me through this trip, I would remain focused on the things God is continuing to teach me and show me through the people of Uganda.

This week has been no exception. God continues to amaze me in how he teaches me and just fills me with his love. The school we go to on Tuesday mornings, Victory, is one of my favorite programs. I don’t know what it is about that school, but I just love it! I love knowing the children, I love seeing the teachers dancing and singing along with us, I love feeding them porridge and playing games with them. As we did the introduction song Bryan stopped the singing to explain that it was my last day with them. Imagine, if you will, over 150 children standing in a giant circle as Bryan asks “Who here loves Auntie Hilary?” and arms shoot up and children are saying “Teacher, me! Teacher, me!” Bryan asks them to sing as loud as them possibly can so when I listen to them singing to me I will remember them for years and years and years! So I start my part, “Do you want to know me? My name is Hilary. I come from America! Of course I do, do, do!” And the children chime in, the loudest I’ve ever heard them sing, “Jesus, Jesus my savior! I love Jesus! Of course I do, do, do.” How does your heart not melt?! Not because they love me, but because they were screaming from the top of their lungs, proclaiming Jesus as their Savior! Ah, such a sweet moment to remember! I began to tear up just listening to them… thankfully I wore my extra big glasses!

Wednesday, though, is by far my favorite project day. We do Katalemwa, which I’ve talked about before, then Clive College (a high school program), Devemi and Good Choice. I love the programs on Wednesday. We are gone all day, with the exception of a small break for lunch! Today at Devemi I taught the children on being the light of the world and what that means. We sang “This Little Light of Mine” together and it was just lovely. I wish I had recorded it. There’s just something about 100 children being in a small space that makes their love and joy just shine! Before we left one of the ladies there approached Bryan and told him that since it was my last day the children should sing for me. So they did. It was so lovely and beautiful and inspiring and encouraging and joyful and fun! I can’t even describe how I felt. For those who aren’t on facebook, here is the video:

They are singing, You are leaving. Will you, will you write a letter to us? We are sorry you are leaving us soon, will you, will you write a letter to us?

Those are just 2 of the things that has happened where I just see God’s creation and can marvel at the beauty in this world. Amidst the chaos and busyness of life and stress and plans God sends simple reminders that he is still very much at work teaching me, loving me, showing me his creation! I just stand in awe!

God has used the children we work with every day to minister to my selfish, broken, scared heart. I want to love people and love them well! It’s hard to explain, but my heart is just filled with joy and I want to share it with the world, one child at a time., one person at a time!

As my final days approach I am sad, but so excited about what God has in store for me next! I have made so many new friends, experienced so much love and grace, and I will never forget these past few months! Thank you all for the continued support, encouragement, and love! I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know!

On another note, I conquered my fears of singing. Praise the Lord! I lead a lot of the children's groups, but I sang both of the Luganda songs I know, and I think I did a pretty good job at them! I also helped Abigail lead praise and worship at Clive College today and it was actually a wonderful experience! When you take the worry of what everyone else thinks about you and do something, for me sing, like it's just you and God, your fear, your worry, it all just goes away! AMINA! :)