Sunday, June 22, 2014

Blog Posts from Andrea at West: April 2014

The following blogs were written by Andrea Smith, pastor of West UMC, during their most recent trip to Acres of Hope. You can read more of her blogs at http://www.andreaatwest.com/



Fresh Hope…

Fresh Hope…

That was a phrase in one of the notes from home. “May you be filled with fresh hope…”.

No doubt there is fresh hope from among the people from Mooresville here in Nebbi, Uganda.

Last night at dinner Becky Bynum asked, “So tell me Andrea, how did all this start again?”

So Eryn O’Brien, Pat Benfield, Lance Armstrong, Andrew and Layne Smith and I began to recount the day 3 years ago when we stood alongside Kathy Warner, Scott Smith, Morgan McMahon and Julie Fuquay in a circle and consecrated the land for Acres of Hope. There was nothing there… just some architectural drawings Geoffrey had funded and had prepared knowing that God would lead the right people to his midst.

Three years ago we prayed that God would do just that – and would bless Pastor Geoffrey and Acres of Hope with the right resources so that he could fulfill the vision to provide school, healthcare and adequate food/clothes for children in need in the community.

Three years later… here we are. Five pod houses, a temporary structure that serves as one school building, a permanent structure that right now s the other part of the school but once the official school is built it will serve as a dormitory. Because of followers of the Way from across the United States, he also has an electric well (no pumping involved!!!) and each pod house is plumbed for running water. Three of them also have power as they have solar panels on the rooftops and the other two are ready for those panels once they are funded.

Today as Pastor Jan Brittain, Eryn, Lance, Andrew, Layne, and Pat were able to share in the joy of Pastor Geoffrey alongside Cathryn Anderson, Aubry McMahon, Michelle and Cooper Campbell, Jeannine Dubriel and Becky Bynum we saw how God is always at work.

Throughout time and space the mystical presence of the divine Creator works in and through each of us so that connections are made, dreams are dreamed, visions created, and ultimately fulfilled.

I will never forget the phone call from Rev. Rob Fuquay on Easter afternoon in 2011 and his words, “Well, I’m either crazy and you’re going to think I’ve lost my mind or you are going to be elated with what I’ve done but today in the benediction I had an idea and…”

That IDEA was to challenge the people of Williamson’s Chapel and the community who were worshiping at WC on Easter to use some of the money they had planned on using toe buy a new boat or do something extravagant for themselves and instead use it to build a pod house for Acres of Hope orphanage. By the time the day was over he had two phone calls. I received one the next day and another later that week. All in all – five families stepped up and made significant contributions towards the building of the pod homes to begin what is now a complete Phase One of Acres of Hope. It truly, truly is amazing.

Two years ago another team ventured to Nebbi. This time Joe and Sam Freeman, Michelle Campbell, Rebecca Appleton, Alec, Carly and Kendall Castillo, Terry Blythe along with several other repeat team members plus Sam Coleman from World of God non-profit that is connected with Myers Park UMC traveled here to begin talking about the structure and function of child sponsorships so that the kids could be funded to go to school (there is no free public schooling in the nation of Uganda). After many business conversations with Pastor Geoffrey and Kathy W. and myself, the covenant was made to begin partnering together with World of God… and child sponsorships began.

Now – thanks to SOOOO many, Hope Circle, Circle 3 and Grace Circle from WCUMC, Wired from West, and many individual sponsors both from Mooresville and across the USA sponsor 50 children and the school is alive and well with hope! Fresh Hope!

Tonight at dinner as we sat amidst a brief power outage we took the opportunity to share where and how we saw/experienced God at work in and among us today.

Jim Gray shared that as a little boy came up and grabbed his hand as soon as he got off the bus, he saw God in that little boy.

Jeannine shared that she saw God in Aubry as Aubry captured the images of the children with her technology. For hours on end Aubry took pictures, showed the children their pictures, and then sat and played until it was time to head back to the hotel. While Aubry was completely content and at peace, she was so immersed in the children, at times we wondered if she was ok in the middle of the group since we could no longer see her. She always was.

Lance shared how he saw God among the team members… no one complained, no one sat idle, everyone just became part of the Acres of Hope Community.

As Jan shared later, part of a mission trip is how God uses it to create space in each of us for us to grow closer in our journey with God. That was truly felt today as we worked/talked/played alongside the young people of Uganda.

Whether the God moments were seen by some remaining inside coloring pictures for the children who just could not handle “massive” activity or in moments with bubbles, the connection with God was felt as people shared their experiences from today.

Bubbles? Eryn saw God in bubbles. As the children ran after and ultimately popped the bubbles, it was hard not to feel the contagious laughter and joy. Giddiness is a mild term – all because of bubbles. Something so simple… yet here – so big.

Cathryn saw God in the smiles of the people here… no one was ever unhappy and all greet one another with a smile. Always. She remarked how at home, rarely do we simply just smile at one another. What a simple act of God (act of Love) that could be to merely offer a smile!!!

My afternoon was a blessing. Literally – a blessing because of a 5 year old little girl named Blessing.

Either I am having slight caffeine withdrawls or I might still be recuperating from a crazy past few weeks but after lunch I just could not bring myself to go jump up and down witht he massive parachute. As I wondered what I would do with the next three or four hours a tiny little hand grabbed my finger. Blessing was her name…. she didn’t speak but we walked around for a few minutes and we ended up sitting on the step outside the school. We (actually – I) talked for a bit and then we just sat. After a few minutes she found a rusty nail and began writing in the dirt. I thought, “Ah, now something we can do together.” So we began writing and drawing things and giving them a name. We ended up practicing her name – in the dirt. We could write and then she would wipe it away and we would start again. This went on for 30 minutes and after awhile I grew a little tired of dirt writing.

“Wouldn’t it be more fun to color? Draw a picture? What if we practiced her name on paper? Surely that would be so much more effective.” I consluded I needed to go back to the pod home to get some crayons, etc. but for some reason I found I couldn’t bring myself to leave the moment.

It only took a few more minutes for me to understand and hear the message God was clearly trying to speak.

“Be here. Be in the moment. Sometimes it is in those moments that we are seeking and looking for something “different” or something SO much more that we actually miss the biggest blessing that exists.”

She didn’t need crayons. She didn’t need paper. She had all that she needed. Why would I complicate things when clearly she was at peace with what she had?

I think often times in life that is how we live. Or I do, anyway. We are the ones that complicate things.

God is omnipresent. Always at work in us, nudging, speaking to us in the moment, providing us with all that we need and giving us more than enough to carry us forward in our journey. Yet we miss it. We are distracted, needing more, not earnestly looking or hearing, or too bruised and wounded to allow ourselves to feel the joy that comes with each momentthat is truly “in” God. We miss the blessing.

Maybe if we each take a few moments to be intentional about being IN the moment, maybe then we can always find the Blessing in our own lives. It is a lesson I hope I do not soon forget.


Awards Day


It was the end of the term. They have three terms here in Uganda and then a three week break between each term. So yesterday was a BIG day for the students of Acres of Hope. They were ready for the term to be over, exams were finished, and they were ready.

They were ready for their “Award’s Ceremony.” And this is not the typical one where every child gets something – “best smile” – “best teacher’s helper” – “Most improved” – “best handwriting” . “Perfect attendance” . . . This awards ceremony only consisted of three awards per class. For the top three performing students for that term. Apparently this is a BIG deal for them and they compete rigorously for that award. Total of 21 kids received the top three awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Only one young lady has held the “top” place for multiple terms. The rest change spots each term.

Do you know what they compete for? It isn’t a nice gift card. It isn’t a certificate to put in a frame or a shadow box that parents make when their kids graduate high school . . . it is for themselves. They have an intense desire to learn.

Education is not free here. In order to go to school they have to pay. And the kids that are a part of Acres of Hope do not have the money or resources to fund their education. Many are orphans or are raised by an aunt or grandmother. Geoffrey has had such a powerful vision that many of the children at Acres of Hope end up living with other families in the village and come to school (thanks to the child sponsors through World of God). Everyone here desires an education. There is no taking it for granted. And they compete. They compete not for a prize by our (American) standards . . .

They compete for themselves because they have a passion to become doctors, nurses, pastors, lawyers, teachers, nuns, and accountants. They WANT to DO something with their lives.

The physical award they received yesterday? We were all mesmerized.

We thought it was some kind of candy . . . it looked like “Sour Punch Straws” – a long package of bright blue color.

It was soap.

The only “prize” they received other than knowing they were doing their best . . . .was a long pack of soap and a container of vasoline.

I think if that were the award given at home the kids would laugh and some of the teens here said, “they’d revolt!” Who in America would care to get some soap?

That really said everything for yesterday.

We sat through a two hour awards ceremony which focused much more on the students saying thank you to the teachers, the principal, the house mothers, and the director (Pastor Geoffrey) instead of every child coming up to get a piece of paper giving them an “atta boy” or “atta girl.” Their time was spent giving back. Because it matters. They know that people are pouring into them – and they say “thank you.” They curtsie and are so gracious. There is not a mentality of “give me” but rather – “Let me say thank you to you.”

True humility.

It has changed our hearts.

I think we might be having some competition of our own on who can sponsor what child that does not have a sponsor. We have also seen the difference that makes.

WIRED *(children’s worship at West) sponsors Gladys.

They write her and pay $50 a month for her education, clothes, food, health, lodging, etc. through World of God.

Gladys was first in her class!!!!!

That is relational missional ministry. When we join together across the world to make sustainable, long-lasting difference in the lives of people. Not only OUR making a difference in THEIR lives. THEY change us! They show us what matters.

They remind us how our using our money changes things half a world away!

They competed for soap and petroleum jelly.

It changed everything!

Thanks be to God!



Turning Nothing to Something


Turning Nothing to Something ……

Today was Pakwach.

Truthfully, the day the return travelers have perhaps dreaded the most.
It’s mud huts totally, no bathroom, no running water, no building (or so I thought), basically just the land that leads to the River Nile. And a lot of people. A WHOLE lot of people.

I want to be very, very clear.

Preparing to go to Pakwach this morning Eryn and I were commenting to one another, this is the place where there is “nothing.” Absolutely nothing. No building. No electricity. No well (they walk two miles to the Nile to get water twice a day). No mosquito nets. No furniture. No beds. No pillows. Most of the time it is the mud on the floor, no blankets, no nothing. NOTHING.

As we got off the bus earlier than anticipated because our weight caused it to not clear the “small ditch” at the entrance to the village, I had the chance to walk with Geoffrey and hear how the village has changed since our time here two years ago.

Apparently this was the “Pakwach Campus” of Acres of Hope. We knew there were children sponsored from the village that attended school at Acres of Hope but little did we know that the people had a dream and vision and they turned their vision into reality.

The people of the village approached Geoffrey and asked if they built a temporary structure would he be willing to get them teachers there on site so that the children could go to school with Acres of Hope. He told them yes, that would be a reality; but he did so thinking it would be a year or so before it actually happened. It was three weeks. The structure was in place and it met governmental standards for a “temporary structure” so Geoffrey began procuring three teachers. Three great teachers. It has changed the whole nature and peace that exists among the people there.

There was no chaos. Really, in hearing the recaps of the day, there was just a lot of “touch.” And the touch turned nothing into a whole lot of something.

For 6 hours folks from the team jumped up and down with the giant parachute. They colored with the children and distributed crayons that were valued as if they were covered in gold. They made bead crosses or necklaces with the residents of the village. And it was “Africa Hot” as Becky Bynum would say!

Yet there were no complaints. There was no hesitation when people “swapped tasks” and the ones who had been profiling the children were asked to go play with the parachute or stand in the sweltering sun for hours.

But despite the amazing team spirit and humility, the most impactful moments came in the power of touch. That’s when we realized that “nothing” was more than nothing. It was actually a whole lot of something!

Every time a child was interviewed so his/her information could be prepared for a sponsor the interview would end with a prayer. I had the privilege of sitting in on a few of the interviews Jim Gray led and the power of his prayers for the children were transforming.

I think I was in shock as I watched a little girl, probably about 10, answer the questions.

“What is your father’s name?”
“What is your mother’s name?”
“Father’s occupation?”
“Mother’s occupation?”
“Where do you live?”
“Who do you live with?”

When she answered the question “Who do you live with” the answer was her grandmother. She went on to share both her parents were dead. They both died of AIDS. She had recounted their names and occupation without pause so we all just assumed they were alive and well. Little did we know that her next answer would change everything.

I sat there, honestly frozen in time. This beautiful little girl with the biggest joy-filled brown eyes has two parents who died of AIDS. Not knowing when they contracted the disease, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Is she ok? Does she have HIV or AIDS as well? What if she is dying and doesn’t know it? Can anything be done to give her hope?”

I don’t remember the rest of Jim’s conversation with her because my mind was lost in thought.
What I do remember, however, is that someone from West had asked me to pick out a child for her family to sponsor and I knew this was the one.

I jolted back to reality as we all grabbed hands in a circle to pray. Joy, Geoffrey’s wife who was so graciously interpreting for us, Jim, the little girl, and myself held onto one another as Jim shared the words, “And God help her, give her what she needs to fulfill her hopes and dreams, whatever they may be.”

Her hopes and dreams? To become a doctor or a lawyer, she isn’t exactly sure which.
Her prayer request? To be able to do well in school so that she can pass the test for the higher level of education and then go to college. And for food.

She smiled shyly as she walked away. I prayed earnestly because my heart ached – - – that God would indeed continue to hold her in God’s power and grace so she could live out her hopes and her dreams. In America we have ways to test for things like worms, malaria, typhoid, and HIV/AIDS. While they have tests here, they certainly are not available in Pakwach and even if they did, there’s “nothing” there to bring medical healing unless a child is sponsored, then they receive medical care.

The day ended with our heading to the bus. Becky was going to take care of an infection on one little girl’s leg by washing it out with some peroxide and bandaging it so the flies would stay away.

We sat on the bus for awhile, not complaining, just knowing that Becky would come when she became free.

Tonight it was shared that one infection turned into three. They were simple wounds, really. A scrape that had become seriously infected because they have nothing. There is no clean water. No band-aids. No Neosporin. Nothing.

Becky shared that she saw God today as Cooper, Aubry, Andrew, and Layne jumped in immediately to help the children. They showed no hesitation, even though the injuries/wounds were enough to turn the strongest of stomachs. It was a reminder of Jesus. The one who was willing to reach out and touch the people no one else would.

The lepers no one would touch – he not only touched but reached out to touch them. He approached all people, he didn’t merely wait for folks to come to him.

After Becky shared that was her encounter with God today through those teenagers Eryn shared her transforming moment.

She was spending time with the women and learning their story.
After almost an hour of hearing how they walk miles to get water, then work in the garden all day under the hot sun (walking miles to get there), no lunch – they save that for the children – and then one more trip for water in the afternoon, she said she finally had to ask . . .

“What gives you hope?”

The answer was “Jesus.”

Very plain and simple. Jesus. The one who loved the people considered to be “the nothings” and changed them into having everything.

Because they do not see themselves as having nothing. In God, through Christ, they find all things.

So – the power of the touch of a grandmother raising her daughter who very well could be dying . . . the power of the touch of people praying for a little girl who sees only hope and dreams . . . the power of the touch of a man who is willing to sacrifice his time and income so that people in a village an hour’s drive away could have a school and teachers . . . the power of the touch of a woman from Mooresville, North Carolina scraping out fly larvae from a child’s leg so that she could heal . . .

Those touches turn nothing into something.

Thanks be to God.


Be Church


Two little boys had on a suit and tie.
Several girls had on dresses with flowing chiffon skirts.
It didn’t matter if they were stained a bit, or perhaps a little too big (or small), or torn in a place or two . . . there was no doubt – it was their best. And they were pleased to be church.

Note – not “in church” but “be church” this morning.

For the past 11 years at Williamson’s Chapel and it was that dna strand that formed the foundation of West, part of the mantra has been that we do not “go” to church we are called to “be” the church. Be church. For one another.

The young men and women of Acres of Hope and Nebbi truly are church for one another. They are the incarnation – the word made flesh – Christ – for one another.

Here’s one example.

When we first arrived I met a girl who appeared to be in her early teens. She was polite, shook hands, curtsied when I said hello, but there was a deep sadness in her eyes. Or I thought so anyway. She would not smile.

No matter what I did, how I tried to engage, there was no smile. The other kids would often be shy at first, but then would open up and play around. Blessing sure came out of her shell after the first day . . . .but this young lady, there was just something about her that conveyed sadness. And it weighed on my heart.

In thinking perhaps she could be someone that my family could sponsor, I inquired about her story with Michelle. Michelle shared with me that she was relatively certain this young teenage girl had recently given birth. I was shocked as she looked like she was merely 13 – 14. How could she have a baby when she, herself, was so young? Michelle told me perhaps she had misunderstood and we would check with Geoffrey.

Today we asked Geoffrey about her story.

She did, in fact, give birth to a baby recently.
She was raped by an uncle.
In a very complicated story that I will not retell correctly, the bottom line is that because it was a family member, some wanted him to suffer punishment because of the rape but some other family members did not. Somehow a “cow” (yes, a real cow) became involved as payment to her for the crime, then the cow was stolen, and now there are people in her family and in the village that want her killed because she cannot give payment in replacement for the cow.

I do not understand – so please don’t try.
I’m not telling you this story so that you will try to understand it. There is no understanding without truly being immersed in the culture and context; which none of us from America are.

Some people in the village helped her escape and they brought her to Pastor Geoffrey so that she could have refuge, school, and frankly, hope – at Acres of Hope.
She is currently staying with some people in the village here so she will be safe until Geoffrey can create a place for her at Acres of Hope.

Immediately after hearing this story I had an email from my mentor . . . ”I’ve been reading your blogs. I want to know more about the child sponsorships there . . .” I replied immediately – I have just the young girl for you. She needs you . . . she needs hope.

But then as I reflected this evening as we ate dinner with Geoffrey and his wife Joy, and several of the children who live with them until sponsors can be found, I realized – it isn’t just Geoffrey and Joy that care for these children. Even though there are family situations and tribal customs we/I do not understand, there are also people who are “church.” Because of a faith in something bigger than they are – a divine, powerful, loving God – they give of what they do not have and care for one another. They live out a resurrection faith, knowing that new life comes from divine love. They offer that love to one another . . . not counting the cost for themselves but rather in giving all that they have to see that others have life.

Isn’t that the way of Jesus? Showing us that sacrificial living, living not for self but with and in God leads us to true life . . . that’s really what “church” is.

We are called to “be” church.

I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside 13 others this week in conjunction with a ton of people affiliated with Acres of Hope and also West and Williamson’s Chapel in the USA that “get” being church.

I guess that is ultimately where “hope” comes from. One another – showing and giving and living out being Christ for all people. Whether they are in Mooresville, Third Creek, Winston-Salem, Jamaica, Uganda,

Hope here comes in many ways, shapes, and forms.
Church isn’t a building. Nor is it a “congregation” of people . . . an “institution.”

Church is people anytime, anywhere living out their love of and in God with one another.

We start the literal 36 hour journey home tomorrow. My heart is full and there is certainly no more “Easter hangover.”

The only “over-age” is that I got an answer to my question . . “What if both parents die of AIDS? Do you know if the children have it and if they do, do they receive treatment?”

The answer is one that brings much joy. And also much Hope.

Acres of Hope is monitored by the government for accountability, etc. In Uganda, any orphanage must have reports and accountability to the government so That corruption and greed do not come into play as individuals use organizations for personal wealth and status. Geoffrey has strict guidelines he has to follow and both he and we believe that is a good thing.

He shared with me today that the government gave approval for all children at Acres of Hope to be tested for HIV. If a test comes back positive, the children are given the necessary medication so their condition does not worsen. If folks are a child sponsor and they want to know if the money they send each month makes a difference? It saves lives.

Again – that’s “church.”

Church = Hope.

Thanks be to God.

Oh, Sweet Child of Mine: May 2014

This blog post is from friend and recent visitor Karissa Grant. She just finished her sophomore year at Louisiana College and has been able to leverage her life for others.


Oh, Sweet Child Of Mine.

A year ago when I first landed on African soil, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was excited and ready for whatever God had for me. It was my first time out of the country, and I remember how new everything was. I took everything in, and of course had to try all the food. It was yummy by the way. :) I can still smell a mix of the different foods in the air, and the insane traffic was scary. I remember being shocked at how different it was. In the midst of all of this, I still felt like I was in the most beautiful place. I remember walking to the orphanage for the first time, and feeling helpless because I couldn't help all of the families in the village. My heart just broke every time I saw a child without clothes on or without food. I was so frustrated because I couldn't do anything to help or change their situation. I was a college student, and I believed that I couldn't do anything because I barely had any money.Wrong. The first day at Acres of Hope, was overwhelming. Meeting all the kids, and playing games with them was so much fun. Then it happened, I will never forget the moment the Lord slapped me in the face.
The most beautiful two year old I have ever seen in my life walked through the gates, and my heart about exploded out of my chest. She didn't make eye contact, and she wouldn't even shake my hand. She was absolutely terrified of me because I was white, but still every ounce of me was captivated by her. She never said a word that whole day, and wouldn't even let me hold her. That night, I asked Geoffrey her story. He said that she is an orphan, her dad passed away, and her mother was struggling to care for her because she is crippled. Geoffrey was doing everything he could for their family, but it was extremely hard for them because she couldn't work. He also told me that at one point Melody had a sponsor but dropped out. Everything in me just ached for this family, and before I went to sleep that night I just prayed that the Lord would reveal what action I was supposed to take. The following days I just began to sit by her, and I even begin to hold her in my lap. Everything I did, I would ask her to join me. Eventually she began to follow me around, and it became normal for me to hold her.


This one little girl was changing the way I viewed life, and everything around me. I had no idea why I was so attached to her, or why my love for her was so strong. The day came for us to leave the orphanage, and every part of me just broke. I couldn't believe that I had to leave everyone that I had come to love dearly, especially Melody. When I came back to America the Lord was calling me to sponsor Melody, and I argued with him the whole time. My excuses were always different, I kept telling him, "I am a college student, I am barely making it financially myself." All he wanted from me was to trust him completely. That was tough for me, but about a month later I signed up to be Melody's sponsor. $45.00 a month gets my girl everything she needs, and I also get to help her family as well. What a journey this year has been!
This past May I had the opportunity to go back and see everyone at Acres Of Hope again. This year was much different, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to experience it all over again. I was beyond excited to see Melody, and see the progress she had made. When I first saw her, she had grown so much since last year! She was talking, and laughing, and her smile was so much bigger. She has so much joy, and she also has such a big personality. Her brother was doing well, and her mom greeted me with tears, because she was so thankful to see me. I had given Geoffrey some money while I was there to help Melody's family, and with that money they were given new mattresses, and I will never forget the look on their faces. Such a small amount, can make a huge difference. It overwhelmed me what a difference it makes to a family when a child is sponsored. I believe with all my heart that Melody and her family has changed my life, more than I could ever change theirs. She is a huge part of everything I do, and I am so blessed that I get to watch her grow, and love Jesus more everyday. I now can't imagine my life without sponsoring my girl. I can't change a whole community, but I can change a course of one persons life. The Lord calls us to just say yes, and when we do say yes... he pours his blessings into our life. She is much happier, and I am too. My love for her grows more every day! She is so beautiful. If you would like to know more about how you can sponsor a child, please contact me. I would love to answer any questions!






“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"-Matthew 6:25-27




Friday, May 31, 2013

May 2013 visitors to Acres of Hope

A team of five from Louisiana College and one from Indianapolis spent the last half of May at Acres of Hope. Quick bios and a passionate entry from the team leader follow.


Team from left to right: Geoffrey, KB, Bridget, Andrew, Karissa, Torie, and Whitney

Whitney is from Indianapolis and currently works for a humanitarian non-profit company. She has a heart for Uganda. She and her husband are dreaming of how to incorporate their love of CrossFit with their passion for Acres of Hope to raise awareness and money for ongoing projects like building a permanent school structure.

Andrew just graduated from LC and is currently serving as a youth minister in Shreveport, LA. This was Andrew’s second trip to AOH and feel that one day the Lord will lead him to Nebbi for a longer period of time to serve and minister there.

Bridget is getting ready to start her senior year as an education major at LC. She loved getting to use her gift of teaching with the children as we led VBS at AOH. She knows that the Lord will eventually have her and her significant other serving in Africa long term after they finish school and get married.

Torie is also getting ready to start her senior year at LC. She recently changed her major to Psychology. She loved spending time with the kids at AOH and knows she will be going back next summer to do it all over again.

Karissa just completed her freshmen year of college. She too is an education major. Karissa has a heart for children and is spending the remainder of her summer doing an apartment minister in the inner city of Alexandria, LA.

With a serious passion for Jesus, Africa and watermelon, KB Thomas organized and led her fifth trip to the Pearl of Africa. She is currently in the middle of being the first to adopt from Acres of Hope. It's a crazy process that requires a whole lot of prayer and patience. Last summer KB met Daizy, and knew she would be bringing her home and raising her as her daughter. This trip presented her with the wonderfully bittersweet opportunity to again love on Daizy, but at the end she had to return to the states without her. She knows everything will work in His perfect timing, but that doesn't make it any less emotional.

KB has graciously take the time to share her thoughts and pictures from her most recent trip to AOH.


A Change of Perspective

Three years ago I was blessed to get to travel to Northern Uganda where I met one of the most incredible people I have ever known, Geoffrey Keronga. I had been trying my best to visit some part of Africa for over 10 years and the door finally opened for me to go. The Lord knew what He was doing in making me wait for that experience and to say that my life will never be the same seems like a drastic understatement. Here I am three years later and returning from my 5th trip to my “home away from home.”

Three years ago Acres of Hope was a nameless dream of Pastor Geoffrey’s. I remember sitting and listening to him share his heart and passion for caring for vulnerable children. At the time I had no idea how this dream would come to fruition but I knew the Lord had allowed me to get in on what He was doing in Nebbi, Uganda.

I will never forget returning to Uganda last summer (2012) and pulling up to Acres of Hope. In just two years’ time we had seen the Lord provide and exceed our expectations. From nothing to 3 completed pod houses and 20 something children standing on the porch in their pajamas greeting us with songs in the dark. Tears of joy streamed from my face to see this dream of Geoffrey’s coming full circle.

So here I sit, back in my office, after trip number 5 to this amazing place. I could never fully put into words or convey what a special place Acres of Hope truly is. The minute you walk through the gate you are greeted by shy smiling faces. Within a short amount of time you are no longer a visitor but you are part of the family. Everywhere you look you see wide eyes, toothless smiles and the sound of laughter. This is a place where vulnerable children are no longer vulnerable. They are healthy, happy and well loved.

When I got back to the States I was looking on Facebook and saw this picture posted from a friend:


The caption read “Life is all about perspective” and I couldn’t agree more. Only I feel that once you have been to Africa you tend to see the world in a different way. If I was technologically savvy enough I would have edited the rhino horn in the picture and put a map of Africa in its place.

It seems impossible to visit this place and not forever be changed by your experience. Since my time in Uganda I have learned to simplify my life a great deal. You realize just how little you really need, especially when you know that a little will go a long way in Uganda. The way you spend money tends to change and giving no longer seems like a sacrifice. The way you see people changes and spotting the joy in a fellow believer becomes easy to spot. Oddly enough you can look at scraps of trash and see their potential for something useful because in Africa nothing is wasted.

As a typical American we go thinking we have something to give, something valuable to offer to make life easier for our Ugandan friends…we think we can help “fix” things for them only to realize they aren’t the ones who are broken…we are! Our stuff and the busyness of our lives have kept us from knowing and experiencing the joy they have. What kind of faith would it grow in us to have to trust the Lord for the next meal we get to eat? How would our faith be tested and strengthened if our only hope for health and safety was His protection? How much more would we long for heaven, knowing this place is not our real home, if we had to toil and labor day in and day out to survive or to just have our basic need for water met?

I can honestly say that every time I get to spend time at Acres of Hope I walk away a different person. I realize just what a capacity God has given us to love others and serve them. I leave with a clearer perspective that life isn’t about me, not my wants or needs or comforts. For a moment in time I get to experience true fellowship in community like you see described in Acts where everyone shares their belongings and at the end of the day there is more than enough for everyone.
Thanks for letting me process….now what you’ve probably been waiting for are some pictures from our latest adventure.
One afternoon we made them popcorn and it was a big hit. It isn't very often that I make popcorn the "old fashioned" way.
The kids were playing a game that Bridget taught them.
They love to color pictures. Every morning we did a Bible story with them and then colored a picture of the story. We also go to do crafts, games, and sing with them.

And here is one of my personal favorites, Miss Daizy.