Living and Loving

Yesterday was our last day of VBS and it went great! We reviewed the week's lessons to the children about how God created you and he loves you, we are not perfect, and he died on the cross so that each of us can live forever with him in heaven. We then played with and loved on the children for the remainder of the day.

Our afternoon was spent getting to visit another ministry in Gulu, Living Hope. Living Hope was established as a place for women to go to escape the war. These women are taught trades such as making bags and stuffed animals, peanut butter, and sanitary pads for women.  The women also attend weekly discipleship classes and other classes such as personal finances. It is a great ministry and the women there were all so nice and welcoming to us!

First step to making sanitary pads. Mixing water, paper, and papyrus.

Cutting the pads

Women sewing and stuffing small stuffed animals

Today, we spent our morning at Wawoto Kacel, which is a ministry that works with men and women who are disabled and/or affected by HIV Aids. It was such a great morning getting to visit with the people, hear their stories, and see how they use the trades they have learned to make goods that are sold in the gift shop. They have 6 different stations of work: card making, paper bead/ jewelry making, tailoring, knitting, tie dye, and weaving.

Hand tie dyed fabric used to make stuffed animals

After touring the different stations and visiting the gift shop, I went back to the paper bead/jewelry station where I met a new friend Alice. Alice has been at Wawoto for the past 4 years and loves her job! I loved getting to visit with her and hear her story. She and I had a great time and I really enjoyed getting to make necklaces with her. Before I left she asked me to come again and help her and I can't wait to help her again!

Me and Alice

It is hard to believe that we have been in Gulu for one week now! We have already made so many connections and relationships with the people here and with each other as a team. God has provided so much already and I know that he will continue to lead and guide us. I pray that we will continue to make connections but that we would stay focused on our personal relationships with Him. He has already taught me so much and I thank him for his provision in my life and this summer.