Sunday Mornings In Uganda...There's Nothing Better

Today we awoke to Sunday, the Lord's Day, and what a wonderful day it was! We all got dressed into our "Sunday Best", which if I'm being honest, here in Africa its the same thing I wear every other day:) Long skirts and shirts are never out of style here in Uganda. What a blessing too, as it makes picking out an outfit every morning a cinch! Nine of us then proceeded to load up into the Eby's vehicle, the list consisting of: Mr. Dave, Mrs. Darlene, myself, Mary, Sarah Ellen and John Carson (missionaries here also from the US), and then Timothy, JP, and Claire who are all from different places in Africa. The road was long and bumpy, but it was a wonderful and intriguing ride as we rode through villages and got to feel right back in the heart of "real" village-like Uganda. Mary and I are already planning on trying to go back to that area and just walk around and spend time with the people and the children sometime soon. We got to the church (a high tin roof with wooden benches under it) and proceeded with Sunday School as Mrs. Darlene taught the children and Mr. Dave the adults. We have a large group of children who were all smiles and eagerly listened to the lesson on Jesus's being tempted by Satan, and afterwards ended with joyful singing.
Church then began, with a call to worship and singing of two hymns from a classic American red hymn book. But THEN was the best part of an African service to me. True African worship music with drums and all and singing in Lugandan. Although I can't understand a word that is being said, I can read the smiles on peoples faces, the raising of hands, the joy and heartfelt worship that these people display when it comes to praising the Creator of the Universe. They are not lacking in zeal, and so often I find myself wishing for a version of this in American churches. It is pure worship, as they sing and dance loudly and unashamedly because of their love for Christ. I honestly believe that this is the way we will worship our Father when we are in Heaven. For me, it is a little taste of what the angels must be doing all day long. It is my favorite thing to be a part of for sure! The preacher then (whose name I have somehow forgotten right now) preached on Philippians 4: 4-9 and challenged the congregation on worry and how to overcome it. He told how worry is a sin and tells God that we don't think He can take care of us or that we don't trust all His promises for us. To overcome worry we must earnestly pray with supplication and thanksgiving, and from this God promises peace. Christ is sufficient, He is more than enough. What a wonderful reminder!
Overall, church was incredible, and definitely my favorite part of this 7 week stay so far. I already can't wait to go back next week, and Mary and I are preparing children's songs so we can lead the sunday school singing next week. Oh, something funny I forgot to tell was that right before the service, the pastor had the two of us and then Sarah Ellen and John come up front and introduce ourselves and speak. Mary and I had no idea we would be doing this, and therefore were caught a little off guard. Let's just say that we didn't quite give them the information they were looking for as we just said our names and thanked them for letting us worship with them and then awkwardly giggled on stage as they waited for more. Whereas, John and Sarah Ellen told ALL about their ministry in Uganda and their home in America and their family back home. Haha it is just so different from America, where if you get up to introduce yourself, most people want the shortest version possible. Here in Uganda, they want to know everything you can tell them and are 100% engaged and interested. After this realization, Mary and I have now thought out what is actually important to know about us, practiced it, and are ready to go anytime we are asked to introduce ourselves now!:)
After church, the 9 of us came back and Mrs. Darlene prepared cole slaw and American salad with chicken on top for us! It was absolutely WONDERFUL! Most laid down for naps after, and from there on we have spent the afternoon and night reading, fellowshipping, talking, and even trying to make cookies with just peanut butter, sugar, salt and vanilla....they weren't bad either! As everyone now winds down for bed, we are so excited and looking forward to this week ahead that is busy with school, more people coming and moving in, moving others out, and constant surprises as Ugandan time really doesn't work on a set schedule.
We laugh because Mary Grace's posts are always so clever and organized and well thought out, while mine are all over the place and probably have little flow, which I do apologize. Yet, if you know me in the least bit this wouldn't be a surprise to you at all:) But, I thought I would share something that has been on my heart and I have been so challenged about. I was reading a Piper sermon on boldness the other night, and he was saying how in our life if we can be bold, then our life will have not been in vain. Boldness leads people to Christ and that is the most significant thing in a person's life. Unfortunately though, we fall prey to the love of human acceptance and praise and the love of comforts and securities that money buys. I have been praying for boldness in the way that I live my life as I seek to imitate Christ. I have been praying for boldness in the way I share the Gospel. I have been praying for boldness even in the way I love people. Today in church, it was a Ugandan woman's first time ever being there, and yet she got up and shared her testimony, challenged others even though she had just lost her husband and son, and then proceeded to start singing praises to God as she led the congregation. Where in America do you see this kind of boldness for Christ and proclaiming of what He is doing? I have been so challenged to take this back to America and to live a life that will not be in vain, one that seeks to boast about Jesus and what He has done everyday.
Please keep us in your prayers as we begin a whole new week tomorrow, and our first FULL week of teaching. We were just talking, and although we do selfishly in our flesh miss our friends and families at times, we would not trade being here for these weeks for anything in the world. I asked God to not let me return to the US without having been changed, and He is remaining faithful to that request as we grow more and more everyday!

Love to all.

KK