Life does go by in a blink of an eye

You know the typical saying, "life goes by in a blink of an eye." Well, the older I get the more that statement is true to me. Life is precious and valuable. We shouldn't take it for granted, and we shouldn't take it lightly. My mom and I went this past week to see a family friend, who has Alzheimer's. It was great to see her, but she couldn't remember who we were. I think she knew us, but couldn't identify who we were. It's like you know a face, but you can't put a name to the face. It was heartbreaking to see someone you love and shared so many memories with, who's memory is slowly dying away. I was telling my mom about past memories of how we used to go to her apartment, watch movies, and help her clean. It's in those small moments that were so special to me with her. I kept thinking to myself, I wish I could have seen her one more time before she forgot who I was. I wish I would have made more of an effort to see her, and not waited this long. But we can't do that to ourselves and stay stuck in the past. We have to keep moving forward and look forward to the new memories that will be shared. Even though there were many fond memories shared with her that I will always remember, I have to look to the memories I can share with her now. When my mom and I went to see her, we played some gospel music for her that she loved and was singing. That is a new memory I will have with her. So, don't take your life for granted and don't take your time with others for granted. When you are able to be with that person, create new memories with them, and enjoy the moment with them. Don't think about the situation, the pain, and the past. Think about the now, the blessing the Lord has done in your life, and the happiness this person has brought in your life. Life does go by in a blink of an eye.

His work is not yet finished

Psalm 33:4: “For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” This verse describes the work that was done in Uganda, Africa for the almost two weeks we were there. From December 31^st-January 12^th, the Lord began a good work in my heart that is not yet finished since starting the trip in Uganda. The Lord has shown me so many things that is very hard to explain in words. But what I do have to say is the Lord’s work is good and always done in faithfulness. The word of the Lord is good and fruitful, therefore hang on to it. Worship, pray, read His word, and lean on what He has called you to do for His kingdom. I feel as the goal of this trip was to be a light to the lost of Uganda. To be a light and a witness to the women, men, and children of Uganda. To let them know that they are loved and no matter where they are at in their life and the circumstances they are in, the Lord has a place for them in the kingdom, if they will believe and accept it in their hearts. I have also learned a lot myself from their stories and found them encouraging and very uplifting. Since it’s hard to explain everything that happened in text, I’m going to tell you the top ten things that left a mark on me and I will always remember from this trip to Uganda. Here we go…

1.) Coming out of my comfort zone and making new relationships with people on the team and getting to know who they are.

2.) Darla grabbing my hand and making me dance with her in front of the team, even when I was screaming on the inside, I don’t like being center of attention. Thank you, Darla I really needed that.

3.) Going to the comforter’s center and listening to the women’s stories and testimonies. Also, praying with them and giving them a word from the Lord.

4.) Going into the slums and hearing their stories/testimonies and praying with them/giving them the Gospel.

5.)  Seeing the children’s faces light up when we were coming through the slums. We sang them songs and they held our hands while following us around in the slums.

6.) Painting the Aliyah Joy house together as a team. I loved working as a team and having that time to bond and laugh together as a team.

7.) The ceremony we had for the Aliyah Joy house. I loved seeing all the people come out and hear the good news of the Lord. I loved getting to know people that have a heart for the Lord and the comforter’s center in Uganda. Also, singing for the people and dancing with them was a lot of fun.

8.) Trying Ugandan food and shopping at the markets was a fun experience. Also, driving through Uganda was stressful, yet fun! Ha-ha!

9.)  As we were on the bus driving to the Aliyah Joy house and back, we would open the windows and sing songs to people as we were driving past on the side of the roads. I loved seeing their expressions and their smiling faces when we would sing to them.

10.) Having daily team meetings about our day. Getting together to talk, pray, and worship our great Lord.

I have loved seeing our team grow over the past two weeks. I also have seen some growth in myself within this trip. Thinking and praying of where the Lord wants me after college. Not passing the Praxis and changing my major has been a huge struggle for me lately and this trip to Uganda really helped me see the Lord’s provision and love. Before leaving for Uganda I made the decision to change my major to Biblical studies and a minor in Intercultural Studies. I left the trip kind of lost and depressed. Feeling like I didn’t really have a future no more, because I was so focused on becoming a teacher. But while on the trip, the Lord gave me such a huge heart for ministry. Telling the lost people of the world the great news of the Gospel. Whether that’s here in the US or overseas. I also heard this song in chapel called, “New Wine”, and I have been playing it over and over again because it’s a daily reminder that the Lord will make us whatever He wants us to be. We shouldn’t worry about what tomorrow brings or what our future holds because the Lord knows and has a plan that is good for His kingdom. Also, I have been taking a lot of Bible classes and growing in my faith with the Lord through that. I have recently been taking Intercultural Study classes, which I really enjoy. I am taking a class right now about communicating the Gospel to different cultures and an idea came to my mind. I have a huge heart for people with disabilities. So, how can we communicate the Gospel to people who have disabilities? I thought about starting a ministry for people who have disabilities and how to start creative ways of reaching people who have disabilities to understand and grasp the Gospel. The Lord cares for everyone and wants to have a personal relationship with every single person. I believe that churches are lacking in providing resources for people with disabilities and I want to make that change. The Lord’s timing is always perfect. When one door shuts, another opens. Just be patient and trust in Him every day. One more thing, for my practicum I have to pick three books to read, and one of them I found that sounded really interesting and sparked my interest in leading a special needs ministry is called, “Leading a Special Needs Ministry”. So, I can’t wait to read it and learn many things from it!