Nat in Uganda: God Is Good, All The Time
Nat in Uganda: God Is Good, All The Time
Nat in Uganda: God Is Good, All The Time
An Update of 2011
Hopefully, you have had a chance to look at my blog to see what is happening with me and the children at Lulwanda. For those of you who cannot follow my blog, this newsletter attempts to summarize some highlights of my life over the past year.
The big brothers and sisters have finished their first year of secondary school.
Sports competition
Nat in Uganda
Practicals
Arriving in Uganda in March, I hit the ground running and didnt stop until August. Since this was my first summer as Program Coordinator, I had no idea how much time and preparation it would take to host a team, much less four teams, one family, and two individuals a new summer record for LCH. The first visitors I got to personally host were two sweet ladies from Texas. I loved it! We had such a blast, not only spending time at LCH, but also having many other African experiences. The excitement continued throughout the summer as teams painted walls and murals, held teacher conferences, funded water projects, and did crafts and games with the children. The most exciting summer visitor was Janece, my step-mom. Being her second visit, she braved leading a small team and we spent a great 10 days together. It is such a blessing to have someone in my family who has been to Uganda, seen me in action, and shares a love for the children that have captured my heart. Overall, the summer was a wonderful time, both for LCH and for me, personally. Since it was my first summer to be the main host, there was a great learning curve that the Lord passed me through, both practically and spiritually. Practically speaking, I now have a number of spreadsheets that will make my life much easier next summer . Spiritually, I was stretched and broken of the need to prove myself in the new position. I learned to not rely on my own strength, but to give up control to God. Surrender to the Lord is not defeat and God loves me for who I am, not for what I do for Him. Besides, these teams are His people doing His work. Though there were trying moments, I am grateful for the lessons God taught me.
Shifting Houses
In other news, I shifted houses at the beginning of August. My previous housemates finished their commitments in Uganda and moved back to the States. So, I moved into a house with my closest friend in Mbale, Tiffany. The house is great and in the same neighborhood as my old house. We have a huge yard with a nice vegetable garden. I love living with Tiff, who loves to cook and to host people, just like I do. Tiffany is from London and even though we both speak English, there is still a language barrier that proves comical at times. We have found that common words can have drastically different meanings, depending on what side of the pond you are from. This provides many laughs as we sort out what the other person has just said. She is a blessing to me daily and I am so grateful for her.
I took Janece to one of my favorite spots in Uganda that is along the River Nile.
Nat in Uganda
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Prayer Requests
Gods continued protection and provision for the children and myself Flexibility through transition and changes Wisdom in raising 110 God-fearing children Abundant grace and love everyday Good health Continued financial blessings toward my monthly expenses Refinement and growth Willing hearts to follow the Lords leading
Baking up a Storm To quench the entrepreneurial spirit that God has given me, I now have a small baking business. I weekly provide homemade brownies to a local coffee shop that many Mzungus frequent. Not only are the taste buds of my friends happy, but it is very satisfying to make a direct contribution toward my own income, even if it is small.
Personal Fundraising:
(MEMO line: Natalie Rolfe)