by jeannie | Jul 5, 2012 | buildingaboat, buildingaboat |
Visiting Matagalpa, Nicaragua was up high on the list of things we’ve experienced that renew our strength, build our faith in how the darkest of circumstances will never eliminate anyone from experiencing renewal if there’s an intersection with Jesus. In fact, story after story of Him meeting them in the brokenness spurs us as North Americans, with all our entitlement and ease of life, to consider joining those who have no such understanding of such carelessness, ease, or even our striving for such things. The stories we heard of gangs, abandonment, and truly a past of hopeless poverty has actually refined so many of these leaders here in Nicaragua to be strong in faith, and desperate to introduce Jesus to others. Here’s a few shots of La Finca Vida Joven Camp in the mountains of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. A place God uses well to bring kids to Himself, in a safe place to make a decision about eternity....
by jeannie | Jun 20, 2012 | buildingaboat, buildingaboat |
“There are still valleys to walk through during our remaining days. The disappointments, the frustrations, the discouragements, the dilemmas, the dark, difficult days , though they be shadowed valleys, need not be disasters. They can be the road to higher ground in our walk with God.” Phillip Keller Here’s a snapshot of the face of Vidas Jovenes in Costa Rica. A beautiful truth is being told to many teen moms while they are being loved well by Michelle Suwyn & her team of mentors, volunteers & committee. We spent the day with these girls, their children, and their mentors, and heard some of their stories. Being around them and watching them interact with each other and with the leaders, you can see that they have a new hope. If they come in weary, they leave renewed. They feel supported and trust in the love that their mentors pour out. Through the time that the leaders lift up and present the Gospel, the girls are drawing closer to their Creator that loves them perfectly. I am reminded to be thankful that even in difficult circumstances, there are new mercies every day. Without that truth, all of our futures would be hopeless regardless of our weaknesses, mistakes or situations. My time in Costa Rica has been rich and beautiful in the way of a growing awareness of being human and needing a savior, and how we’re all the same in any way that matters. ...
by jeannie | Apr 12, 2012 | buildingaboat, buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
I recently wrote Sister Rosemary a letter, sending photos, dreaming about another visit, thanking her for spending time with us, for how she lives her life and looks so much like Jesus. She’s a woman that you can’t help but feel changed by when you meet her. It’s her joy, perseverance, and love of the people she serves that stands out. St. Monica’s was among the places we visited while in Gulu, and we had met her a day before one night on the deck of our hotel eating pizza. She had a great impact on me personally and our group as we listened to her and learned all she’s done for the people of Gulu. This video does a better job telling the story than I will, but this great work still goes on today and expands much wider now. CNN Heroes, Sister Rosemary (click link to watch video) Here’s a beautiful shot of one of the most beautiful women I’ve had the privilege to meet and becomes friends with: Sister Rosemary Gulu is a more peaceful place now. Many of the people there remember when it wasn’t, but will tell you that they feel much safer there now. Thanks to much of the work Sister Rosemary has done there, women and children have a new start and a new hope. There’s a great blog you should check out. Jim Gash and his family are living in Uganda helping reform some of the judicial practices there, and they have a great blog worth following. I enjoyed meeting them, and appreciated them sharing their experiences with us. Jim and...
by Hampton | Apr 12, 2012 | buildingaboat, buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
I recently wrote Sister Rosemary a letter, sending photos, dreaming about another visit, thanking her for spending time with us, for how she lives her life and looks so much like Jesus. She’s a woman that you can’t help but feel changed by when you meet her. It’s her joy, perseverance, and love of the people she serves that stands out. St. Monica’s was among the places we visited while in Gulu, and we had met her a day before one night on the deck of our hotel eating pizza. She had a great impact on me personally and our group as we listened to her and learned all she’s done for the people of Gulu. This video does a better job telling the story than I will, but this great work still goes on today and expands much wider now. CNN Heroes, Sister Rosemary (click link to watch video) Here’s a beautiful shot of one of the most beautiful women I’ve had the privilege to meet and becomes friends with: Sister Rosemary Gulu is a more peaceful place now. Many of the people there remember when it wasn’t, but will tell you that they feel much safer there now. Thanks to much of the work Sister Rosemary has done there, women and children have a new start and a new hope. There’s a great blog you should check out. Jim Gash and his family are living in Uganda helping reform some of the judicial practices there, and they have a great blog worth following. I enjoyed meeting them, and appreciated them sharing their experiences with us. Jim and...
by jeannie | Apr 10, 2012 | buildingaboat, buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
While we visited the location where the new school was being built, we kept greeting people who lived nearby. This woman walked up and talked with us and I got a shot of her with one of the men in our group of travelers, Ted. The way he greeted this woman is how he greets everyone and he was a blessing to all of us on this trip as we watched his interaction with the Ugandan people. Having been to Uganda before, he helped give context to what we were experiencing, but also let us experience Uganda in our own way too. The woman was incredibly warm, like most people that approached us. She has so little, but seems to have everything she needs to be thankful, to be smiling, and to be so gracious to strangers. Ted lives a life of faith. He steps into their culture more than most of us, eating what they eat while some of us ate the safer rice & curry or pizza, and always open to any experience, smiling with overflowing compassion and love for the sweet people there. On our second night in Uganda, knowing there were several days and nights left and being overwhelmed with what I saw, I felt a sadness that I was feeling a sense of void, being closed off or even an unwillingness to truly do “anything” God asked of me. Praying, I just asked for courage, and God gave me sleep. But in the morning, God gave me Ted. Without knowing, Ted invited me to sit across from him, and began sharing his life, his...
by jeannie | Apr 7, 2012 | buildingaboat, buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
While in Uganda last month, we visited the new location for Restore Leadership Academy in Gulu. We approached this land and stumbled upon some beautiful children and women walking up and down the roadside and being there close to sunset caught some great images while there. We walked through what will be the school, the dorms, and talked about the plans and dreams for the place. Since 2004, Restore International has been part of rescuing, rehabilitating, and leading efforts there to bring justice to Uganda. When we visited the existing school, I spent only one afternoon there, but while there, made friends and was overwhelmed at how they greeted us, welcomed us, and wanted to be with us. The teachers, kids, and leaders of the school were all equally welcoming and loving. I am so excited for the kids to move into their new school and dorm as soon as next month, and that the next time I visit, they’ll be in the new location. While there, and as you drive away, you can’t help but wonder how you might respond if it was your life or your children that were displaced and changed by poverty & war. The goal is to bring opportunities to those that might never have any, and raise up a generation of leaders who might in turn lead their country into a restored Uganda. While at the existing school where the kids currently attend school and live, we sat under a tree with Sr. 6 Graduates. Watching Bob and John Niemeyer (Country Director) talking to those Seniors and inviting us into it with...
