I came to Village of Hope not knowing what I would be doing. People kept asking, "What are you going to be doing there?" and I would just have to answer "I don't know!"
Well, God knows me best, knows my passion, knows my heart, and also knows that I might not be interested in something until I am exposed to it. That's pretty much what happened! If you would have asked me if I would want to work with beads, I probably would have said no. But somehow, I ended up in the bead room and it ended up being one of my favorite places to be! Whenever I don't have a plan for the day, I can count on going to beads and helping out there!
Granted, this has had some downfalls too, like the fact that I want to buy everything in the store...and somewhat feel like I have, but it is so neat when you know the stories of who is making the beads, when you see the kids putting their heart and souls into it, and when conversations happen around bead making, as well as relationships being built. I think that's why it's one of my favorite places to be.
As the last person to leave before the holidays, I am taking home many things for the staff here to mail for them. I am also taking home a bunch of bead stuff, jewelry and crosses and what not. I will be sending the beads to Janet to put on the website and to sell at bazaars and fairs in time for holiday gifts. Before I send this package on, I have been given the okay to have a bead party of my own. I am VERY excited about this!!! It will be a way that I can continue to help VOH from stateside, and also share my stories. Sunday, December 1, I will be preaching in the morning, and then if you are interested in supporting VOH and buying beads of hope, I will be having a party at my house from 3-5pm. There will be snacks, conversation, pictures, and beads! If you have any questions about my time here, join us for the party and I will answer it all! It will be a great way to see everyone as I return, and also a lot of people have been asking me about beads or ordering them online, so this will be your chance to see them in person!
Don't feel obligated to buy anything, just come, join me, hang out, and let me share my experiences! I hope you can make it!
For all of my non Oregon readers, you can also buy beads of hope on the VOH website, www.villageofhopeuganda.com
I am officially into my last week here! Today, as I took my malaria medications and crossed the day off of my "Malaria Calendar" I just couldn't believe that it is already Thursday! A week from right now, I will be on my way home. I will actually be in Brussels for my first layover. I just can't believe it! Time has gone so quickly, and my time here has been so wonderful and refreshing! The kids are starting to realize that I'm leaving soon, and are sad, which makes me sad, but I'm focusing on the week that I have left! I can be sad on the plane! For now, I am going to enjoy every moment, get all of my hugs in, appreciate the stars and the land, and pray about when I will be back!
There is a calendar on the office wall, and this month's picture is Haystack Rock. It's taunting me, saying, "You're coming home soon!" But not yet! There is still much work to be done! Many smiles to enjoy, and laughs to listen to!
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