I'm sorry for not updating my blog for such a long time, I have been so so soooo busy- the days just fly by.
I am loving Uganda! Everyday brings new learning, new joy, new challenges, and a greater love for God and these people. Our days begin early- 6am, with quiet time. Then we have breakfast, class, lunch, small groups or bible study, work duty (usually cleaning or slashing... which is like mowing the lawn with a crowbar... woo!), then a little free time, then dinner, then some free time before lights out at ten! In addition, we read 10 chapters of the bible everyday, keep a weekly journal of what we are learning, and memorize a bible verse every week! I have 12 girls in my dorm room and it is so fun! There are girls from the US, England, Kenya, and Uganda- we are like sisters of the Nations, and we love each other so much for who we are. I am so grateful that God has put each one of them into my life- they bring so much color into my world, and I am blessed to live with them :)
There are 43 students on my DTS... which is like a Hopeland record... double of what they usually have. In addition to Uganda, Kenya, US, and England, we also have people from Rwanda, Tanzania, Czech Republic, and Austria. We are like a hugeeee family, and I have grown to know and love each one of them.
In class we have gone over hearing Gods voice, prayer and intercession, rejection/acceptance, sin, and the Holy Spirit/spiritual gifts. This coming week we are learning about the nature and character of God. Each week has grown, challenged, and drawn me closer to God through the teachings and teachers. After this week we are going on a mini outreach around the villages and schools to serve and teach about Jesus' love for them! We have been practicing skits, songs, and African dances (!!!!!) which we will do for the people we meet on the mini outreach. If you could keep our team in your prayers as we prepare for this I would be so grateful. Pray for unity among our team, for God's anointing and protection as we go out, and for effectiveness to share God's love to everyone we meet. I believe that God is going to do amazing things in our team and through our team. After mini outreach, we will continue classes until our 2 month outreach.
I feel so at home here. I have been so blessed to be in good health, and also to have my African family surrounding me all the time. Hopeland is a big base, and I have made so many amazing friendships. Like from my 4 year old friend, Precious- who goes to preschool here, to my little sister, Peace- who is 10, to my Uncle Moguyuh- who lets me help him milk the cow (I know!), all my brothers and sisters on DTS, and my jaja (grandma) who works in the kitchen-- they all have such a special part of my heart!
I have been learning many cultural things- especially language! I'm learning mostly Luganda, but also Swahili... everyone is so willing to teach me, which makes me so happy! I'm keeping a book so that I can write all the words and phrases I learn. My favorite part has been learning to sing Swahili and Luganda songs! I actually joined our worship team so that I can have more time to practice, which has been new and so great! We also play a lot of soccer and volleyball... woot!
I want to thank you all for covering me with your thoughts and prayers! I feel God's protection everyday, and I believe this is partly because of you lifting me up in prayer. I can't even begin to express my gratitude. I am so blessed to have an AMAZING, supportive community backing me up everyday from across the world. I think and pray for all of you daily :)
I know that was a lot of random information- but that's pretty much what's going on in my life right now.
I love you so so much!
Kelsey
looking outside my dorm room.... a little taste of Hopeland!
street kids in Jinja, we fed them ice cream and biscuits and juice and prayed for them. they are so sweet. my heart hurts for them :(
My beautiful, so special friend Rossette and I at the source of the Nile!
Rut (my running partner!) and I.
Kayla, me, Rossette, Rut, and Enoch
Top left: Frye, Joe, Joanita, Molly, Raffi, Paul, Rut, Kayla, Rossette, Jacob, Grace, Enoch, Emma, Fancis, and Josua!
My friend Precious! I love him!
This is the kitchen... It is AWESOME!
9 comments:
I'm so proud of you Kelsey!! Keep up the good work. Your family is here always covering you in prayer, and supporting you in anyway we can!! I love hearing about all the stories and experiences you've had so far and it's only been a month!! Just think what God is going to do in the year!! WOW! Love you, MOM
Photos are great! Thanks so much for the update! Chutes are prayin'!
Kelsey Palmer!!!! I miss you so much. It was awesome to read your blog! I am so confident that God put you right where you needed to be. Um. Worship team? Seriously? :). You are in our prayers daily and in our thoughts often. Love you, proud of you, and miss you!
PDan
Erika
I am your uncle Darell and I see that our Lord Jesus is guiding your life. I pray that God lets you see Him at work. Thank you for being on the front line for Christ.
Brother in Christ
Darell
Loved to read your post! It sounds like you are being richly blessed and blessing many others as well. We are praying for you, dear Kelsey. Loved to see your beautiful smile in all the photos.
My dear Kelsey! I've been hearing a lot of stories from your mom, but there's nothing like hearing it from you AND seeing pics of you and your beautfiul friends! You just look beautiful- radiant actually. I am so glad that you get to help with worship- I've always thought you should do that!
I hear you are going to do the "everything" drama! That is just perfect.
I think of you every day and I am so proud of you! Keep on learning and using those awesome gifts of yours to bring glory to God.
I'm wrapping my arms around you now!
xxoo
Hi, Kelsey....
I read with joy yr first Uganda blog-post and take in the pictures. It really is nice to have photos in enhancing praying for the team...!
I have sent this blog-link to Moses Kyayi of the Benamos School which houses and educates OVCs ( orphans and vulnerable children) and to Bishop Wandera Paul who runs a pastor-training facility and who also is concerned with promoting sponsorships for educating OVCs. These gentlemen are both very excited about your team being in-country, etc.
You may find out more about these contacts by clicking them from my Friend-List on my Facebook wall @ "Everett Everlasting".
Also, Michael McGill was at church ( Hillcrest ) a few weeks ago. We have been supporting him while he attended Fuller Seminary. He has a vision/project he was working on @ Fuller of "child peacekeepers"; and he and his wife Cate and their baby daughter are planning to be in-country in October.
I stressed to him that I thought socialization and deriving sponsorships for OVCs should be the focus, way ahead of "child peacekeepers"--unless of course he is intending to work on a larger 'umbrella' of government leaders and businesses, etc. It seems that the "Uganda Childrens' Choir" is already filling such capacity . . .
But these are things to pray about, as I don't want you to get caught up in other enthusiasms, but maintain your focus with your team and activities. I am praying for the team and that the Lord will go ahead of you in orchestrating the steps taken in outreach, etc.
Sincerely,
Everett Barton
Dearest Kelsey, I was elated to receive your pictures and update! I've said your phone messages so I can hear your voice. :) Dak is back to college and is working at the bookstore. Tan is playing football, and the season hasn't gone has planned. Wy is you know,,,Wy. I'm thinking of putting him in driver's ed soon. Kal's tennis season has been canceled due to our outdoor air is dangerous to breath. We have large fires on our side our town and have not seen the sky in 3 weeks. We are lifting you up in prayer and praying for you to continue to be under his wings. We are so excited to see more photos and hear from you again soon! Love you to the moon and back. Aunt Net
Hi Kelsey,
I am Moses Kyayi of the Benamos School which houses and educates OVCs ( orphans and vulnerable children) here in Uganda. Everett Everlasting informed me that you are in Uganda. You are warmly and I wish you a fruitful stay. God bless you
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