DLM Newsletter October 2024

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Hosting Bible study in the village with my neighbor and the neighborhood kids is always a highlight of my day. We are learning about the attributes of God. Today, we looked at verses showing us that God is good.

I typically visit Mama Dora and her kids each day after they come back from school around 5:00 or 5:30 pm. I walk the half mile to reach their home and am usually gone about an hour. I love visiting with them and am thankful for the friendship God has given me with Mama Dora. One day, I painted their nails. Mama Dora is 32 years old and has never had her nails painted. It was a fun time!!

Sunday, October 13, 2024

This is my drive to Kampala every Sunday. It is a two hour drive typically. One of our sponsor children, with approval from his guardian, came to church with me and Arnold, Mama Fab, and Fab. The child had been asking me for the past year if he could go to church with me! So, I finally took him with us. Glory to God! Then, I had Bible study at that school after church like normal.

October 17, 2024

One of our sponsor children lost her jajja (grandmother) today. I drove to Kampala to visit with her and her two sisters. The following day was the burial of the jajja in another town but not too far from Kampala, so I was able to attend the burial. I wore my gomesi, which is a traditional outfit worn for celebrations or formal occasions. You will find older women wearing them more often than younger women. In the village, you will find more women wearing them, as well.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

After attending church this morning, I held the Bible study with the children at Jeholand Junior School.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

I celebrated my birthday a day early by making a trip to Kampala. While in the capital, Arnold and I celebrated my birthday with a delicious meal at an Italian restaurant. I also visited a sponsor child’s family along with Mama Fab.

Posho and Beans

The corn and beans that several community ladies planted for me were ready to harvest in August and September. Arnold and I harvested the beans back in September. However, the maize had to be completely dry before picking it so that we could have it ground into flour.

A community friend helped us by bringing a man who has a machine that removes the kernels from the cob to our compound. The cost was only $3.00. Then, Arnold and the friend went on a boda boda (motorcycle) to the nearby town where the mill is located and paid $16 to have the corn milled into corn flour. Arnold and I packed the corn flour into little ziploc bags. Back in September, we harvested the beans and packed them into small bags, too.

Posho is made from corn flour and water, is a staple here in Uganda, and is usually eaten with beans. We were blessed to be able to give a bag of beans and a bag of corn flour to 53 sponsor children who attend Jeholand Junior School in Kabowa. The parents were so thankful as some even called to tell me they received the food items. They said I was a good farmer! Haha! I've surely enjoyed and been blessed by this land God has given us to grow crops. It's such a blessing and so much fun!!

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes! Brian came to visit and delivered my favorite chocolate cake from Kampala. He also brought a nice meal from one of my favorite restaurants for us to celebrate my birthday. He also brought a cake that I took to Mama Dora’s (my neighbor) so the neighborhood children could be a part of my birthday celebration. I slashed the grass with a machete and planted some beans. I’m very grateful for another day of life and another year the Lord has graciously given me! Glory to God Alone!

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Today was VD (visitation day) for our secondary sponsor children at Ekitangaala. This made for a very long day as it takes at least three hours from Kampala one way. Many of the parents, Sadat (my driver and translator), and I made the trek for a 3-hour visit with the kids. I believe I arrived home around 10:00 pm.

Sunday, October 27, 2024

We celebrated my birthday with the Bible study children and other kids at Jeholand today after the Bible study. It's common for children to say water should be thrown on the birthday person. I brought a change of clothes and let the children pour water on me to celebrate! They were so happy. I had Mama Fab buy a cake for us to share. They sang to me, and she even sprayed me with foam. A couple of the kids gave me wrapped gifts. One child gave me a t-shirt and a letter saying his mom didn't have enough money to purchase a gift for me, but he had money at home that he had been saving so he told her to use his money to buy something for me. So sweet! I teared up reading the letter. Another boy asked his brother for money to buy me a necklace and two apples. Again, I wanted to tear up. A few other kids gave me letters wishing me a happy birthday. I'm so blessed by these kids. Glory to God Alone!!!

Masiko Primary School

Once a week, I go to the local government primary school to read books to three different classes. I sometimes have them draw pictures that go along with the story I'm reading. They love drawing and shading (coloring) because they rarely get to shade.

Thursday, October 31, 2024

The sunsets are always so beautiful and show God's handiwork!! Shadow, my dog, received her biweekly haircut! :) More pictures from my daily visit to Mama Dora's house.

Be on the lookout.....

The 2024 End of Year Campaign and

2024 Building Program Update is coming your way!

Your support keeps this ministry moving forward for the Kingdom!

We are blessed by each of you!

Thank you!