Slideshow: In His Hands

We were visited recently by Ryan Estes, a professional photographer from Pennsylvania. He sent about 35 photos from the few hours he spent at GSF and graciously allowed us to share them however we wish. This is just a quick iPhoto slideshow set to one of our new favorite songs. Thank you, Ryan, for capturing GSF and our family in some great pictures!

The song is "Arms That Hold the Universe" by 33 Miles.

Miracle Stories

I was sitting on a rock overlooking GSF the other day, talking to God.  I was discouraged and feeling as if nothing was really happening around here.  I asked God, "God, are you still working here in this place?"  He began gently reminding me of miracles He has done in this place recently and in front of me, and I had so quickly forgotten.  I was then prompted to begin writing these miracle stories down simply so that I can reminded of what God is doing.  We get so easily discouraged and overwhelmed by the work that we need to be reminded of His goodness and power!  If these miracle stories encourage you and point you to the miracle worker, then I have done even more than the original purpose.
 So for the next days, weeks, or months (not really sure), I will share with you some of our miracle stories here in this place.

Christmas Crackers

I decided to get Christmas Crackers this year for the first time for my American kids and the two single ladies next door.  I knew our British neighbor could enlighten us on Christmas Crackers; what I didn't realize was how excited she would be to introduce this tradition.

Preparing to pull the crackers open.  Unfortunately, some didn't even pop!

Katie in her plastic crown and putting on her sheriff badge that was in her cracker

Everyone else a little slower in figuring out this cracker thing and getting their things

Lina's 15th!

Caralina's birthday always seems to end the holiday festivities in our household as it is on the 2nd of January.  This year was no different.  In the evening of New Year's Day, our family took her out for pizza at Surjios and met some friends there.   The next evening we had the teen girls at GSF over for dinner.  We tried taking some pictures; most were quite goofy but it still shows what beautiful teen girls we have!  We ended the night as we do many times by looking at old pictures of all of them.  Thankful for my teen girl and her friends!

Megan, Teddy, Joy and Ritah in the back row and Jenny, Caralina and Rebecca in front

So now the holiday partying is over and back to the "real world."  And as always after a great holiday time, routine is grand change of pace. 

Other side of the world but close to our hearts!

There's a Bible Study group in Tallahassee, FL, USA. . . (Mark's mom's Bible Study)


Who pray for a Bible Study group in Buundo, Buikwe District, Uganda, (the house moms and helpers at GSF)

They wanted to show the group in Uganda in a tangible way that they love and pray for them. 

They took these beautiful scarves and put their hand prints on them.  They then rolled them and but a big ribbon around each one (notice the ribbon's on the ladies heads--quite resourceful!).  They also made a note for each one with pictures of the process of putting the hand prints on the scarves.  The mothers loved them!

Thank you, Tallahassee Ladies' Bible Study!

All in a Day's Work

Christmas at GSF

Christmas Morning, I walked around the houses to greet the mothers who were already up cooking and then the kids.  The toddlers and I sang happy birthday to Jesus!  We then had our family time of enjoying one another and opening gifts and of course, enjoying the yummy cinnamon rolls made the day before!  We also had our visitors over around 10 and then we all went to church at 11. 

The little angels with baby Jesus (which was one of our smallest special needs girls, Mercy)

There were lots of presentations in church.  The kids acted out the Christmas story.

Caralina was the narrator and Megan was Mary.

 After the service, some prepared the church for dinner and other festivities, while others went to get the food, gifts and get ready for more fun.  Then the fun continued and the eating began.

Little ones enjoying a delicious Christmas lunch and soda

Then it was time for singing Happy Birthday to Jesus--Ugandan style.   Here, Joseph and Sebastian enjoying Birthday Cake.

And then it was time for gifts!  Thank you, Greers and their church, Friendly Hills for providing so many gifts.  We also used many toys that some of you have mailed to us throughout the year.

 Merry Christmas to All from Uganda!