We are finishing our second week here in Uganda and we have sure been busy!!
Traveling over was quite the adventure with little Anna. Overall, everyone did well!! We were happy to land in Uganda and be home. We were welcomed by the green, lush beauty and fresh air with the hint of charcoal stoves cooking meals for the evening. It's a familiar smell and a reminder that we have arrived.
In the morning, we were woken by the familiar sound of the roosters announcing the morning sun, and the sound of the morning sweeping. Because it is very dusty here from the roads and so much movement, schools, homes, businesses and streets are swept every morning with a local broom made of straw.
We had a wonderful welcome by our Ugandan family and were so excited to see everyone again.
We are always praying on these trips that God guides us to who we are supposed to advocate for, educate and share the love of Christ with. We find ourselves saying, who is that ONE Lord. Who are you calling us to?
Our first time out in town picking up some necessities, I saw him. The one that always stands out to me when I am here. He was rehabilitated once from the streets, but there were no resources available for the support of his addiction to huffing jet fuel. Back to the streets he eventually went and he looked so rough. As a mother, my heart ached seeing him in that condition, when I had last seen him he was doing so well.
That evening Rocky and I were talking and I could not stop thinking about that young man. The next day, as we were driving through town, I told one of our friends and colleagues, I think he is the ONE we are supposed to be here for, As soon as I said his name, Iddi (shared with permission), he suddenly appeared on the street as we were driving by. Thank you, God, for that confirmation.
Now, fast forwarding to today. We have accepted our first two boys into our residential recovery treatment program. We are very much in the beginning stages, but we believe, with God's guidance and wisdom, we can help these two boys have a new beginning, a fresh start and break the chains of addiction. Iddi celebrates one week sober today. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
We shared with Iddi, that in our family we celebrate Rocky's sobriety anniversary bigger than any other day, without it, he probably would not be living. We told Iddi, now we will celebrate your sobriety anniversary. Starting with one week, one month, 3 months, 6 months and one year! He smiled so big. I wish you could have seen the joy and hope on his face. I asked him what he would like to have for his one year sobriety anniversary, he said a bicycle. Iddi, you will surely earn that bicycle. They cost $106. Bicycles are the most common means on transport here, besides walking.
June 17, 2023 Iddi surrendered his addiction to the Lord, please pray with us that he can persevere. It will be challenging, but Iddi is strong. Today, we will celebrate one week clean by going to the swimming pool!
Please join us in prayer...
That Iddi (and Makumbi, we will share his story soon) will stay strong and resist temptation, pray for that one year celebration!
For Rocky and I as we minister to them, advocate for them and encourage them to stay clean and develop that personal relationship with the Lord.
The Wray boys. Living here is a much slower pace, but also very different from what they are used to. That they will not be overwhelmed by what they see and experience.
For our health, we have already had a bout with malaria and a couple bacterial infections. But we are all healthy right now! Praise God. We know even with sickness, God is there and protecting us.
Financial provision, with taking in two teenage boys, the expenses are higher than what we budgeted for. They are so thankful for all that they have received, especially clothes and shoes!
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