Home!
Hi Everyone: We are all home safe and sound. Tired, but filled with hearts full of joy. So many stories, tears and laughter that we are so looking forward to sharing for you. Thanks for all the prayer support, thats what made it so amazing. I have enjoyed sharing with all of you are experiences and looking forward to sunday.
Love Sherry
The Real Team
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
last night in Kampala!
When, the Real Team's journey is drawing to the close. What a sad time that is. We went shopping to day and you can only imagine all the shopping with five women. We traveled on Africa time while shopping, "No hurry on africa time" . But we had money left over so we purchased Instrumments for the orphanage. Rosemary picked out drums and more shakers. So those children will make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Rosemary figured she would be tackled to the ground when she arrives with all the musical instruments. Then she will make us a cd named 'REAL TEAM childrens choirs". But when she seen the children to day, the children were all crying. When she asked what was the matter the children responded that they wanted us to stay thats why they are so sad, Tears well in my eyes once again cause it just feels like I need to hug them all one more time, but that is not possible. Tomorrow we are off to the equator and then to the airport by 8pm and let the long journey begin. We are got joined for supper tonight with the building engneer which we hope and pray for some good pricing.Please pray for the twins boys(Frances and thomas), Gloria and Fabian. They all have malaria but are on maralira medication and doing well. And please pray for safe journeys for us. Richard if you are still planing to pick us up, we will be arriving at 6:40pm in calgary on sunday
Sherry
THE REAL TEAM
Sherry
THE REAL TEAM
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The last few days!
Hi Everyone: Sorry haven’t blogged lately. No internet service. On the way to Murchinson Falls we stopped by store for an ice cream and lo and behold it was actually an orphanage which was started by a retired couple who had come to Uganda to do pastoral training and ended up starting this orphanage. They started it in 2003 and now have about 250 children. We got so many great ideas again on how to progress with Touch. Spent the last couple days at the Paraa Lodge. Absolutely fantastic lodge with amazing food. What a great place to relax after an emotional week. We went on the safari and how amazing to see God’s great creation. To see the animals in there natural setting is so unbelievable. Today we came to the chimpanzee park and did the hike. Spending more time touring this beautiful country. Tomorrow we will be leaving for Kampala. Can hardly believe this journey is coming to an end. I really praise God that we have all been feeling so good. Been away from the children from the orphanage and village for a few days and already wish I could stop in there one more time to see them. You can’t help but miss those little arms around you.
Tonight we arrived in Kampala, had alittle relax time(those are the times your waiting three hours for food hah TIA). Tomorrow we will spend sometime shopping in the local markets with Rosemary. Please continue to pray as we start packing up and starting our journey home. We leave here Saturday at 2pm(your time) and arrive in calgary at 6:40pm.
Special thanks to all those who wrote encouragement notes which we got to read each day in africa. Can hardly wait to share all of are exciting stories.
The Real Team
ps thanks for the prayers with my ankles. All is good. Sherry
Tonight we arrived in Kampala, had alittle relax time(those are the times your waiting three hours for food hah TIA). Tomorrow we will spend sometime shopping in the local markets with Rosemary. Please continue to pray as we start packing up and starting our journey home. We leave here Saturday at 2pm(your time) and arrive in calgary at 6:40pm.
Special thanks to all those who wrote encouragement notes which we got to read each day in africa. Can hardly wait to share all of are exciting stories.
The Real Team
ps thanks for the prayers with my ankles. All is good. Sherry
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sipi Falls and Church
Hi Everyone: This blog just isn’t doing justice!!!! How can you explain that many amazing days. Today was the day we loaded the children up to take them to Sipi Falls for there first outing. The children were to be picked up by 8:30am and from there pick us up at out villa, then head out. WELL…. The matrons heard singing and dancing at 5am and wondered what was going on. When they got up, the children were all dressed and ready to go, cause they were so excited. The first bus had no brakes so we settled with a smaller bus and needed to rent an additional van to haul everyone. Well, some children had never been in a vehicle before . So a few kids got car sick. But we gave them a little gravol and we seem to be good to go. After our hike, we tried to find a place to eat with 52 people. (not that easy in Africa)But we did, it was called “west of hill” in Mbale. Back home I would have never dreamt of taking that many children to a restaurant, but the children are so well behaved. We all enjoyed a wonderful meal together. But the MOST amazing part of the day was the children singing on the bus. Praising Our Heavenly Father in every word. In Phillipians 4:6 it says “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. Well…the bus driver did not appreciation the beautiful singing, so he started driving alittle erratic to get the children to stop. But like the verse says “take everything to the Lord in prayer” and that is what the children did through song. They sang even louder and prayed through songs for their bus driver. Another ‘victory” won through Jesus , the bus driver slowed right down. All in all we saw beautiful country and had a full day with the children. We came back late at the villa and spent alittle time relaxing and then to bed for an early rise for church.
We went to the St. Stephens Kumi Church of Uganda. (English service) What a fabulous message. Some of you may know that Rosemary had chosen that pastor (Jeremiah) to be the pastor at our future church at the orphanage. Not sure whether that will happen, but Lord willing it will. And MUCH to our surprise the Real Team got asked to sing. You do not realize how many hundreds of Ugandans attend church till you are standing in the front. With so many children we chose to sing “He’s Got The Whole in His Hands”
After the service we got asked to visit the Girls high school and say a few words. They have 520 students and 280 of them are residents and most of them are orphans. Lack of Hilroy notebooks is one of the main reasons why children are not in school today. The government has funded free schooling but the children need to have 12 notebooks per year and pencils. And for some that isn’t possible and some just do not chose to spend there money that way.
We returned back to the villa for breakfast and then we will be off to the orphanage for one last after noon with the children. Oh, how the tears will flow when giving all those hugs. Like I said this blog does not due justice , whether it be holding the children in the orphanage or in the community, whether clean or dirty, clothed or unclothed we loved holding each and everyone of them and tell them that they are loved, not only by us, but by Jesus Christ our Lord who has created them.
Till next time Love …
Sherry
The Real Team
Thank you for all the prayers for my ankles. Been taking some antibiotics and things are improving lots. Please pray for peace during the elections. The elections are on Feb 18th.
We went to the St. Stephens Kumi Church of Uganda. (English service) What a fabulous message. Some of you may know that Rosemary had chosen that pastor (Jeremiah) to be the pastor at our future church at the orphanage. Not sure whether that will happen, but Lord willing it will. And MUCH to our surprise the Real Team got asked to sing. You do not realize how many hundreds of Ugandans attend church till you are standing in the front. With so many children we chose to sing “He’s Got The Whole in His Hands”
After the service we got asked to visit the Girls high school and say a few words. They have 520 students and 280 of them are residents and most of them are orphans. Lack of Hilroy notebooks is one of the main reasons why children are not in school today. The government has funded free schooling but the children need to have 12 notebooks per year and pencils. And for some that isn’t possible and some just do not chose to spend there money that way.
We returned back to the villa for breakfast and then we will be off to the orphanage for one last after noon with the children. Oh, how the tears will flow when giving all those hugs. Like I said this blog does not due justice , whether it be holding the children in the orphanage or in the community, whether clean or dirty, clothed or unclothed we loved holding each and everyone of them and tell them that they are loved, not only by us, but by Jesus Christ our Lord who has created them.
Till next time Love …
Sherry
The Real Team
Thank you for all the prayers for my ankles. Been taking some antibiotics and things are improving lots. Please pray for peace during the elections. The elections are on Feb 18th.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Amazing Amazing Day!
Hi Everyone: WOW! What a day.
Well started the day with another devotion on encouragement. Our devotion through out this week have been on encouragement. Something so vitally important to the villagers of Ogooma. Trying to relay the message of God’s great love to the desperate, hopelessness that you see in the families of Ogooma.
The Grand opening of the orphanage was scheduled for about 10am, but being on African time it only began about 3pm, BUT… you can’t even begin to describe how amazing it was. Well “Dream Team” you couldn’t have even dreamt of such a huge surprise that we received today. There was approx. 500 hundred people at this celebration.today. The tears of joy, laughter and dancing gave you the feeling of alittle bit of heaven here on earth, here in Africa. I will not tell you the surprise, it will be saved for when we get back to share in person. But I will tell you that the First Lady of Uganda (the Presidents wife) was to appear but could not make it, so in place he had sent his son-in-law. We are all bursting at the seams with what the Lord has done.
Thank you PK for your prayers for Frank. He did a fantastic job. They want to post his scripture in the new church. Also thanks again for all your encouraging words. We do have a prayer reguest. I (Sherry) have a few quite a few bites on my legs and my ankles have swelled up and making it difficult to walk.
God has answered above and beyond what you can even imagine! Keep praying.
Sherry
The Real Team
Couldn't send that message yesterday, so adding to it today. Today we spent the morning touring the community to see where some of the ophans came from. Listening to the heart wrenching stories, just couldn't hit you any harder. One of the stories that really touched me was "michael" (sponsored by Jason - our seventh team member). Rosemary went to his house (hut) 4 times to assess the situation, and each time she was there he was sitting in a distant tree. When she took him in the home, she asked him "why were you always sitting in that tree?) His answer was that he was pleading to God and wondering when his next meal would be. Today he is a thrilling young boy with a new hope in his eyes.
This afternoon some of the team is doing thank you notes with the kids and some will be in a Touch meeting. ME... I am sitting in the hotel room in hopes that my ankles with get better instead of worse.
Started on medication to reduce swelling. But all is GREAT! and I thank the Lord for everything he has done.
Love in Christ
Sherry
Well started the day with another devotion on encouragement. Our devotion through out this week have been on encouragement. Something so vitally important to the villagers of Ogooma. Trying to relay the message of God’s great love to the desperate, hopelessness that you see in the families of Ogooma.
The Grand opening of the orphanage was scheduled for about 10am, but being on African time it only began about 3pm, BUT… you can’t even begin to describe how amazing it was. Well “Dream Team” you couldn’t have even dreamt of such a huge surprise that we received today. There was approx. 500 hundred people at this celebration.today. The tears of joy, laughter and dancing gave you the feeling of alittle bit of heaven here on earth, here in Africa. I will not tell you the surprise, it will be saved for when we get back to share in person. But I will tell you that the First Lady of Uganda (the Presidents wife) was to appear but could not make it, so in place he had sent his son-in-law. We are all bursting at the seams with what the Lord has done.
Thank you PK for your prayers for Frank. He did a fantastic job. They want to post his scripture in the new church. Also thanks again for all your encouraging words. We do have a prayer reguest. I (Sherry) have a few quite a few bites on my legs and my ankles have swelled up and making it difficult to walk.
God has answered above and beyond what you can even imagine! Keep praying.
Sherry
The Real Team
Couldn't send that message yesterday, so adding to it today. Today we spent the morning touring the community to see where some of the ophans came from. Listening to the heart wrenching stories, just couldn't hit you any harder. One of the stories that really touched me was "michael" (sponsored by Jason - our seventh team member). Rosemary went to his house (hut) 4 times to assess the situation, and each time she was there he was sitting in a distant tree. When she took him in the home, she asked him "why were you always sitting in that tree?) His answer was that he was pleading to God and wondering when his next meal would be. Today he is a thrilling young boy with a new hope in his eyes.
This afternoon some of the team is doing thank you notes with the kids and some will be in a Touch meeting. ME... I am sitting in the hotel room in hopes that my ankles with get better instead of worse.
Started on medication to reduce swelling. But all is GREAT! and I thank the Lord for everything he has done.
Love in Christ
Sherry
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
taking care of business!
Hi everyone: Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement. It means alot to us just knowing all the
prayers offered up on our behalf. Well, your prayers are being answered. We are all in great health and have been learning so much. Last night we met with the chairman of Touch Ministries (Johnson) and the treasurer (Frances). These two gentlemen have great visions, not only for Touch Ministries but for the spiritual healing for the families of Ogooma(where it all begins).
Today, Frank met with the water engineer to discuss future planning with the water well. Maybe not quite what we wanted to hear, but definitely received a better understanding. After lunch we returned to the beautiful children. Ogooma children are so incredibly loving, words could not describe. I don't think I have been hugged so much in my whole entire life. We made braceletes with the children with their names on there, which was to my benefit, cause there is so many children I just can't remember. Also played soccer with them and they danced and sang for us, and ending again with such beautiful prayers. When we returned, we joined Rosemary and her children Alex,Julie, Teddy, Jean and Petra for dinner. So precious to visit with them.
Tomorrow is the offical celebration of the orphanage. Really looking forward to what I know is going to be an amazing time. Please pray for this celebration, I know Rosemary is under lots of pressure with Head officials that are going to be there.
Thanks again for all the encouragement. Having a wonderful time. The next will have come see us when we return cause we have a few new suggestions and they are great. Made are stay here very loving.
Mackayla, you are also such an encouragement that your pictures is official put on the dining room hall where all the children eat. Please continue to pray for satey and health, as it is so good that not even the "delicate one" feels sick. That is amazing. Early rise tomorrow so I am off to bed. Sending greetings to our church.
Praise to the Lord of all Lords, and king of all kings, we serve an an amazing God.
Sherry
The Real Team
prayers offered up on our behalf. Well, your prayers are being answered. We are all in great health and have been learning so much. Last night we met with the chairman of Touch Ministries (Johnson) and the treasurer (Frances). These two gentlemen have great visions, not only for Touch Ministries but for the spiritual healing for the families of Ogooma(where it all begins).
Today, Frank met with the water engineer to discuss future planning with the water well. Maybe not quite what we wanted to hear, but definitely received a better understanding. After lunch we returned to the beautiful children. Ogooma children are so incredibly loving, words could not describe. I don't think I have been hugged so much in my whole entire life. We made braceletes with the children with their names on there, which was to my benefit, cause there is so many children I just can't remember. Also played soccer with them and they danced and sang for us, and ending again with such beautiful prayers. When we returned, we joined Rosemary and her children Alex,Julie, Teddy, Jean and Petra for dinner. So precious to visit with them.
Tomorrow is the offical celebration of the orphanage. Really looking forward to what I know is going to be an amazing time. Please pray for this celebration, I know Rosemary is under lots of pressure with Head officials that are going to be there.
Thanks again for all the encouragement. Having a wonderful time. The next will have come see us when we return cause we have a few new suggestions and they are great. Made are stay here very loving.
Mackayla, you are also such an encouragement that your pictures is official put on the dining room hall where all the children eat. Please continue to pray for satey and health, as it is so good that not even the "delicate one" feels sick. That is amazing. Early rise tomorrow so I am off to bed. Sending greetings to our church.
Praise to the Lord of all Lords, and king of all kings, we serve an an amazing God.
Sherry
The Real Team
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
emotional day
Hi Everyone: As you breath , and smelling the smoke, burnt garage and boda boda exhaust you know you are in Kampala. Yesterday when we were in Kampala to do banking (line ups were long, in the heat of the day) Then we went to an agriculture centre where we learnt alot about graphing mango trees together, which actually is proven to grow faster and produce better fruit. By the end of the tour we purchased 10 trees (by Rosemary’s choice) varying in 3 different kinds of mangos. Then Abdal took us to “café Javas” in Kampala which was an absolute above and beyond amazing meal, a must when visiting Kampala.
THEN…. Was the journey to Kumi. And unless you have experienced this you can not describe the potholes to anyone. We are staying in the Villas in Kumi. This is a cute little gated villa w here the chickens run free and makes you feel like you are staying in a cozy farm acreage,
Today we were off to the Orphanage. We started with a tour of the school where our children go, from P1 to P7 (like grades 1 to 7) Not sure what I was thinking but I was expecting maybe 100 children at the school. But when we entered the yard there was about 800 children greeting us with songs of rejoicing, clapping and dancing. You are in awe at the beautiful voices and smiles. And if that didn’t make your heart melt, being hugged by about 25 kids at a time just absolute brought everyone to tears. Tears flowed freely as your arms were filled with children. So much news about the childrens school that we don’t know where to begin, The overwhelming need for childrens books, so they could learn to read.
From there we went to the orphanage where once again the tears flowed freely, You cant express the blessing those little children are till you hold them and feel the squeeze of those little arms around you. First we looked around the orphanage at the new dorm, toilets, kitchen and pump house. Thank you to all the people who have given so freely to put God’s plan into action. The orphanage is so amazing, but looking around you see the needs that are still there. The children were fitted with new shoes today which you can only imagine the huge smiles. A few of the children are still in need of shoes and we have drawn out the feet, so they will fit just right. The songs of praise and worship echoed throughout the home. Then came the prayers of these dear children. With tears running down there cheeks they were thanking the Lord for the roof over there head and the shoes on there feet and everything in between.
We returned to the villas with melted hearts and drained emotionally. No matter how hard you think you cannot imagine what this is like until you are here. I could continue to write for hours, but I am already pushing it with the power. Continue to pray, we feel the presence of our family and friends back home.
Special prayers tonight for two girls in the home. Their names are “Sarah and Berita” (grandchildren we took in from the 73 yr old grandmother) They both have malaria and were taken to clinic for medication.
Sherry
THE REAM TEAM
THEN…. Was the journey to Kumi. And unless you have experienced this you can not describe the potholes to anyone. We are staying in the Villas in Kumi. This is a cute little gated villa w here the chickens run free and makes you feel like you are staying in a cozy farm acreage,
Today we were off to the Orphanage. We started with a tour of the school where our children go, from P1 to P7 (like grades 1 to 7) Not sure what I was thinking but I was expecting maybe 100 children at the school. But when we entered the yard there was about 800 children greeting us with songs of rejoicing, clapping and dancing. You are in awe at the beautiful voices and smiles. And if that didn’t make your heart melt, being hugged by about 25 kids at a time just absolute brought everyone to tears. Tears flowed freely as your arms were filled with children. So much news about the childrens school that we don’t know where to begin, The overwhelming need for childrens books, so they could learn to read.
From there we went to the orphanage where once again the tears flowed freely, You cant express the blessing those little children are till you hold them and feel the squeeze of those little arms around you. First we looked around the orphanage at the new dorm, toilets, kitchen and pump house. Thank you to all the people who have given so freely to put God’s plan into action. The orphanage is so amazing, but looking around you see the needs that are still there. The children were fitted with new shoes today which you can only imagine the huge smiles. A few of the children are still in need of shoes and we have drawn out the feet, so they will fit just right. The songs of praise and worship echoed throughout the home. Then came the prayers of these dear children. With tears running down there cheeks they were thanking the Lord for the roof over there head and the shoes on there feet and everything in between.
We returned to the villas with melted hearts and drained emotionally. No matter how hard you think you cannot imagine what this is like until you are here. I could continue to write for hours, but I am already pushing it with the power. Continue to pray, we feel the presence of our family and friends back home.
Special prayers tonight for two girls in the home. Their names are “Sarah and Berita” (grandchildren we took in from the 73 yr old grandmother) They both have malaria and were taken to clinic for medication.
Sherry
THE REAM TEAM
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