REACHING HANDS MINISTRIES

SummerFall 2012 Mission Trip to Uganda

2012-01-11T13:10:00.002+03:00

Hello dear People;
The time has come to begin making plans for a 2-week mission trip to Uganda. Tentatively, we are thinking of traveling around July 30 and returning August 15. That of course is subject to changed by a few days depending on the best rates available.
The plan is to spend a week, a full 7 days at Amani Baby Cottage (amanibabycottage.org), where I served for nearly 6 years. There we will help care for the children and do whatever is needed to assist them in the new facility they purchased. After that we will have a free day, and then travel to Mityana, Uganda where we will spend 3 days helping at Hope Center Uganda in whatever capacity they need. (www.hopecenteruganda.org)
The trip is going to be between $3200 - 3600 all inclusive. The price cannot be verified until we have more of an idea of how many want to travel and where the travel hubs will be. So get your application in soon along with a $30 (refundable) application fee. Please email me to request and application, and guidelines forms.
I would love to be able to take you back with me for a visit to Uganda and allow you to see and participate first hand in the work being done there.
God bless
Siouxanne Mease

To Let You Know

2011-05-28T01:24:00.003+03:00

As most of you know, I have been stateside since January 19 of this year. The last 4 months have been a time of trial and testing and faith. Last year when God revealed to me the timing on returning home, I did not understand why. I truly believed I was in it for the long haul. After 5 1/2 years, I wasn't sure I could come home and start over.
God is perfect in his timing and He knows what is in the future even if I do not. Yet, He made it clear to me why I was returning home, only days before leaving Uganda. My family would become my mission field. In whatever way needed.
I am thankful that God allowed me almost two months with my mom before taking her home. I truly was prepared for her departure from this life while I was still in Uganda. Though watching her life ebb away was painful, it was also a beautiful time with her. I will never forget those last moments.
My Grandson, Nathan, who will be 3 in August, has been battling Cancer. Though hard to understand why a small child should have to go through that kind of war, he is truly doing well. It was a blessing that I was here and available for the Radiation treatments. I split the time up with my son and Nathan's mom. The radiation alone was 6 weeks. Being with him for 11 days of it, one on one, helped tremendously to bond with him. We spent that time in Denver at the Ronald McDonald House and right here and now I have to say, this organization is fantastic. It is a wonderful and tremendous place. I truly felt like we were in a 5 star Hotel. This ministry alone is such a great help to families dealing with childhood crisis and illnesses.
Nathan is still receiving Chemotherapy and will likely continue through the year. He is responding very well and already his tumor is less than half the size it was when treatment began. His mommy and daddy have been such strong and loving parents and really help to keep him grounded during this time.
Now, the time has come for me to say "THANK YOU". Thank You My dear faithful supporters in prayer, finance and encouragement. You have given me a great blessing. By answering faithfully to my need and ultimately the needs of Amani Baby Cottage and area missionaries, you provided 5 1/2 years of giving and service.
I cannot put into words the gratitude to God for giving me the opportunity to serve him on the foreign field nor how I feel about those of you who participated in it.
As my presence in Uganda has come to an end and my specific part in it, I feel the time has come to return to the workforce.
Thank you dear ones for giving me the opportunity to represent you and the faithful in Uganda.
It has always been foremost in my mind, that God is leading and we choose to follow. For now it seems, I am to work and advance my degree. Full time missions for now is at a close till God tells me otherwise.
I am currently looking for employment. This has been a harder task than I anticipated. Perhaps my experience abroad is not what they are looking for, I don't know. I would like to stay working in the valley, but find I may need to "travel" stateside for work. My schooling is entirely online and course work is split between online work and textbooks. As a RN, it is to my advantage to advance my degree from ADN to BSN an hopefully ultimately MSN.

I would like to ask you to pray for me and specifically:

1. That I would continue to follow God's leading for my life and hear His call.
2. That I would find credible employment specific to my skills, training and experience.
3. That I would find good, reliable transportation to find and keep employment.
4. That God would provide for all my financial needs
5. That I would be able to complete my schooling on time, work and be there for family.
6. That I would figure out where to live and establish home.

As this chapter of Reaching Hands Missions comes to a close, it is by no means over. I know that God still desires that I have a part in Missions. I am working on plans for a short term mission trip to Uganda next year sometime. Right now it is only in the preliminary planning stage. I think that the trip will probably involve a two week trip. A week at Amani Baby Cottage serving them and a week at Hope Center Uganda working with the Goering's new ministry. I am still not sure of anything else, and will start looking at cost, itinerary's, and availabilities. I will soon post in regard to interest in this trip. It is extremely important to me to continue supporting these ministries that have been a part of my life for so long. They continue to need so much.
If you are able, I would ask that you take what you would have given to Reaching Hands Missions to Uganda and browse the list of ministries I provided that need your support.
Thank you again dear ones and May God bless you.

1. Amani Baby Cottage (www.amanibabycottage.org)
2. Hope Center Uganda (www.hopecenteruganda.org)
3. The Gennaro Family (www.cmgennaro.aimsites.org)

THANK YOU SUPPORTERS OF REACHING HANDS MISSION TO UGANDA

Update

2011-04-30T00:57:00.002+03:00

Hi dear friends and supporters;
Just wanted to let you know that I am working on an update and let you know my plans. I am working on it and will post as soon as I can.
May God bless and keep you all
Siouxanne

In Memory of my Sweet Momma

2011-03-16T03:38:00.005+03:00

My mother's memorial is this Friday here in Craig, Colo, 12pm at Calvary Baptist Church. Here is a tribute to her and her life.

Georgia Joan Hall was born into the Mormon Faith to George T and Sybil D. Cunningham Hall on Dec. 4, 1932 in Salt Lake City, UT. She was born at Holy Cross Hospital. Georgia has one sister Junne Hall Charon (Mel) Saunders of Midvale, UT who survives.

Georgia dropped out of school after 10th grade and eloped to Elko, NV with Jay B Dunn on Dec. 5, 1950. 5 children were born to this union: Margaret (Roque) Thomas of Reno, NV, Samual Dunn and George M. Dunn both of Salt Lake City, UT, James Dunn (Deceased) and Siouxanne Mease of Uganda and Grand Junction, CO. This marriage ended and she married a second time to George A. Herod of Craig, Colorado on September 26, 1960 in Dinosaur (formerly Artesia), CO. She was married to George for 44 years. He preceded her in death on July 3, 2005. To this union 2 children were born: Wendy Herod (Doug) Schneider (Deceased) and George A (Stephanie) Herod of Craig, CO.

Georgia had 20 Grandchildren: Chris (Tseka) Thomas of Sacramento,CA, Allyson (Abe) Delnore of Pittsburg, PA, Dominick (Tishinia) Gomes of Logan, UT, Katie (Joe) Hyatt of Coppares, TX, Justin (Krista) Boganshultz, Terri (Darren) Divinity, Tricia (Daryl) Stewart all of Magna, UT, Maria (Loice) Jeffrey, Billie (Jeremy) Dade, Becky (KT) Morrow and Phillip Hester all of Fruita, CO, Liz (Eli) Stemrich and Crystal (Jesse) Hoisington both of Grand Junction, CO, Amanda (Ty) Ott, Gloria (Phillip) Moore, Jarrod (Amber) Schneider, Spencer, Isabelle and Jory Herod all of Craig, CO.

Georgia also had 44 Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family and distant relatives. Two of her children preceded her in death and though she had a strong faith in God, this affected her deeply and forever changed her health and state of mind.

Georgia found the Lord early in her marriage to George and spent the rest of her adult life trying to lead everyone she knew to the Lord. Her favorite things in life were singing to the Lord, Teaching Sunday School, Working with the Gideon's, Going to the nursing home and help lead church services once a month, hospital visitation. She was also a great prayer warrior and struggled all her adult life trying to make up for the failures and shortcomings of her youth. She served God with her utmost.

Georgia had many career paths beside motherhood. She was a school bus driver for Moffat County for 25 years, legal secretary, security guard, flagger, Avon lady. Georgia loved to hunt, fish, camp, hike, rock hunt, sew, knit, crochet, cook, canning, furniture restoration, and read (especially her Bible). She was a farm/ranch wife and mother and loved living in the country and all that came with it. She learned animal husbandry and did not hesitate to give our horses or livestock injections or oral medicines.

In later years she loved sitting and watching all the old shows on TV and would not hesitate to put off any appointment or miss an event to watch shows like: Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Little House on The Prairie, Touched By An Angel, Doc, or Animal Planet. She also loved all the old classics and Broadway musicals. Georgia could be heard singing show tunes from way back. Georgia was also a hoarder and did not like to throw things away.

In 1972 Georgia went back to High School and completed the last 2 years she missed before. She obtained her diploma in 1972 and stood with her teenage classmates in Cap & Gown and received a standing ovation for her entire class as she walked across to receive it. She would drive her bus route in the morning and take the bus back to the garage, then run over to the school for class. At the end of the day, she left early enough to run back to the garage to pick up the bus to pick up the kids and complete her bus run again. She would then go home, cook supper and then study and do homework for the next day. She pretty much maintained a 3.5-4.0 avg. Her drive and ambition did not stop there. Over the years, Georgia plugged away at College courses and in 2002 she received her Associates Degree in General Studies from Colorado Northwest Community College at age 70. She also walked with her class in cap and gown to receive her degree.

Georgia was a lifetime resident of Craig and a Charter member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was known and loved by many members of the community and never had a cross word for anyone. She always smiled and spoke kindly, even when treated badly.

During her last years, her health failed her and she had numerous medical issues. Pain, Crippling health issues and numerous falls caused her health to steadily decline. On March 14, 2011 at 3:10 AM with her daughter Siouxanne and daughter in law Stephanie curled up with her, Georgia opened her eyes and spoke to heavenly beings, drew a deep contented and peaceful sigh and drew her last earthly breath.

We rejoice in knowing that she has been promote to the kingdom. Her personal faith in the Lord was a cornerstone example to all and were so very thankful that we will be with her in the kingdom when its our turn to enter. Please celebrate with me my mother's life, earthly death and eternal life with Jesus Christ. She will be missed and there will always be a huge hole at her passing but we are so relieved that her earthly pain is over.

Her favorite saying was "This is the day that the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it".

Hold on My child, Joy comes in the Morning.....Georgia a child of the King is with her Lord!!
Written by Daughter Siouxanne R Mease

On the Homefront and beyond...

2011-02-21T00:37:00.003+03:00

As some of you may know, Uganda just had their presidential election again this past Friday. I am thankful that the violence and rioting has been at a minimum and no one that I know was hurt or injured. I miss Uganda so much and miss my dear friends, co-workers and most especially the children.
I know more and more every day that God moved me back home to be with my family. It has been a crazy 4 weeks since I arrived. Though. on arrival I was still limping around from the spider bite I suffered before leaving, and when my plane landed, I hit the ground running. First to Children's Hospital there in Denver to visit with my Grandson Nathan newly diagnosed with Embryonic Rhabdomyosarcoma. In essence that means he was born with this particular childhood cancer.
He is doing pretty good with the treatments so far. He has had 5 rounds of Chemotherapy and 5 rounds of Radiation and two blood transfusions.
My mother is hanging in there despite the fact that I was sure she would not be here by the time I arrived from Uganda. She is in the Nursing home up in Craig, and though still frail and weak holding her own.
I caught a bad cold from my Grandkids after getting here, coming down with Sinusitis and Bronchitis. My Grandson Ryland started running fevers and his cough got worse and just as we thought he probably had the flu, he suffered a Febrile Seizure. He has had mild seizures in the past with fevers but this one was a full blown Grand Mal. Alone with him, I at least know what to do.
My daughter came in the door as he was starting to come out of it though he did not fully come out of it til about 15 minutes later when she was walking into the ER with him. That is when the Grandma part of me kicked in.
Testing positive for "Influenza A", the doctors all felt we all needed to be put on Tamiflu to either prevent getting it or combat it if we did. Well, 5 out of the 7 of us, have come down with it, myself included. While Ryland is home with us now from the hospital, he is still the sicker one of us.
I honestly did not expect to have so much to deal with upon arriving home, but so thankful to God that I am here with my family. They are certainly my mission field at present.
Many have asked if I am going to go back to work, and right now, I feel led to hold off on that and just be available to my family. Not to mention that I need to get myself well again.
I will be going to Denver with my son next week to trade places with Nathan's mommy and other Grandma. We will be with him for his last 3 weeks of Radiation treatment. The Chemo will continue for several more months.
I go frequently up to see my mother and though there is a lack of Transportation, I seem to manage to make it there and back, thanks to family members helping out picking and dropping.
In mid March I will head to Florida for a missionary debriefing and hopefully some down time to rest and relax a bit.
My heart and calling is missions and I know that God called me to that duty. Though right now, my mission field is my family, I continue to support Amani Baby Cottage as much as I can. That ministry will continue to always be very important to me.
I am so thankful to my family for providing a home and shelter and taking care of my basic needs. They are such a blessing and I am so glad to be here with them.
If anyone feels led to still support Reaching Hands Missions, during this interim time, as a home missionary, I can tell you that I will still be faithful and prove to be a good steward of my time and talents. This time will also give me an opportunity to minister to needs within my own church if necessary.
I do not know how long this time will last, if God will keep me here for awhile or call me to another field. I fairly certain it will be this entire year and maybe a portion of next year, but past that, He has not revealed to me yet.
May God bless you dear ones. Thank you for your faithful and loving support over the years and for trusting me to work on the Great Commission. I am thankful beyond belief for the prayers, the funds, the emails and the occassional care packages I received while in the field. You all mean so much to me. Thank you for continuing to hold my family up in your prayers. We certainly need it right now and I pray that God watches over you in the process. Till next time......I LOVE YOU ALL

A Walk Through Troubled Waters

2011-01-18T19:20:00.002+03:00

I have arrived safe and sound into the USA but not joyfully. Dear ones, I thank my Lord for the prayers and financial support you all showed to me for this ministry. It has been the foundation of the work in Uganda.
I want to ask for you prayers now for me and my family. Most especially my sweet little Grandson Nathan. He was 2 last August and is now facing one of the toughest uphill climbs he will ever have to face. He has been diagnosed with Rhabdomysarcoma. This is a childhood cancer that not only grows very quickly but if treatment starts quickly a good prognosis and outcome. The tumor is resting on his bladder and is already 10cm in size.

My mother is frail and dealing with end of life issues and intractable pain. She is now in a skilled nursing facility where they can manage her pain more effectively and provide the intense care she needs. She is having a hard time and does not like the changes that have had to come about.

I understand now why God said to me "GO HOME". I had wondered why he impressed so strongly on me to pack up and leave Uganda and now it is clear to me why. My family needs me and I need them. I don't know what we will be facing over the next weeks and months but I know that God will not allow us to walk these troubled waters alone.

He is sovereign and will watch over His own. I am sure he has it all in control. I just have to remember to leave it alone and in His hands and trust that He knows what He is doing.

Thank you for your continued prayers!!!!

Urgent call from home

2011-01-12T02:25:00.002+03:00

I've always been somewhat reluctant to answer late night calls or those in the middle of the night or ones that seem doomed from the start.
This evening my daughter called telling me my brother wanted to talk to me and I needed to stop what I was doing and call him, they said it couldn't wait. He could not reach me.
Not wanting to come right out and say so over her uncle she relented and didn't say much.
I called my brother to find out that my dear precious mother (who has been very sick, frail and declining rapidly) was rushed back to the hospital today only one day after being brought home from there.
She is in intractable pain and they cannot get it managed for her without affecting her respiratory drive which is already seriously compromised. She is in agony with pain and they have not been able to find the source or fix it. It has made her weakened to the point that she is tired of fighting the pain and the family thinks the only reason she is holding on to it is to see me arrive back home next week.
No more it seems can be done for her except comfort measures and those measures could make her stop breathing.
I have agonized and agonized over this and worry would I even have a chance to get home to see her one last time before she leaves at another additional cost needed to raise more to fly out 2 days early maximum.
If I don't or do move ahead and she stabilizes and does well enough to be moved to rehab/ nursing care or onward to glory. I will at least not have recriminations, or regrets that would be present if i do wait. I can never look back on this and say I should have moved forward, and it I don't make it, i will be with all my grieving family working together at healing that much sooner.
I have decided to move ahead with booking a earlier flight two days early for $458 and let God work out the detail of the cost. He is in control and weather or not she is still there when I get there or not doesn't matter to me, I made the right decisions.
It is with painful, tearful, and yet joyful peace is overflowing at me as I wind down and set aside some last minute times with friends and loved ones here and leave abruptly. Forgive me if i do not see you before leaving dear precious Jinja peoples. May you always feel blessed from every thing you do and have no regrets that God is in control watching over you. I know he will care for me as I travel sooner in a heightened state of anxiety praying all the way and for my dear mother to at last have the freedom from pain and sickness she is so ready for.
As hard as it was to do it, tonight i lovingly told her it was OK to let go of it and not wait for me. I hated saying those words but to keep them to myself is so selfish.
I leave behind a life of service and surrender and to allow the Holy Spirit's guiding. I can do no better going back. Thank you Spirit of the Living God.
Pray for my dear mother as she languishes there in the hospital and for me to have a peace that passes all understanding. during the pushed up travel date.
I pray that since it is nearly 3 am I am not rambling and not making sense. I just ask for your prayer to get me home...
In Christ;s name
Siouxanne

ONWARD

2011-01-02T16:36:00.004+03:00

Joyful, Sad, Tearful, Smiles, overwhelmed, elated,...the adjective list could go on and on. Today, as I walked through the place I have called home for the last time, there was not a trace of anything that made it a home for me. All the rooms empty and clean, and yet, as the landlord and I went room by room to close out my life in this dwelling, the memories flood my thoughts and while I am relieved to be finished with the moving and the sorting (well mostly) I am sad that it has ended.

Aaron the landlord praises me for taking such good care of his house, but you know, I made it a home. It served as sanctuary for me over here. When I needed an escape or a place of quiet rest, I came here.

It is nothing fancy or expansive, and yet, I have loved calling this place home. Despite having a 8' fence and hedge full of thorns, with a large gate locked up from the outside world. For the most part, I knew I could come here and rest and feel safe.

The work, here will go on, with or without me. As excited as I am to move on to whatever God has for me and to spend some quality time with my loved ones, I am overwhelmed with bittersweet memories and feelings that say..."Oh I shall miss this place, this home, the work I do, the friends and flatmates I have known here.

Though, I still have two more weeks to spend with them, I drove out of the gated compound of my Uganda home for the very last time with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face....

Thank you Aaron Kabarizi for allowing me to call Plot 41 Kisinja road in Jinja, Uganda home. I have loved every minute I have spent in my small, comfortable and clean home.

I will always remember my Ugandan home!!!

Holidays Approaching

2010-12-02T18:45:00.005+03:00

As the Christmas season approaches, I pray that you and your families are well, happy and living for Jesus!!. I am so excited for this holiday, both because I absolutely love Christmas and its so much fun to see the smiles and joy on the faces here, but also because I get one more Christmas in my Ugandan home. Having Christmas with these kids brings so much joy to them and to those of us priveledged enough to participate in it.
It is strange packing and sorting and seeing things go out the door to a new missionary home. My christmas thing are out and up. I did of course have to stand directly in front of the floor fan and squirt water on me while I was decorating the tree and the room so that it remotely felt like Christmas. It truly has been very very hot here lately. Thought today it is blessedly overcast and there is the promise of rain in the air.
I pray that God blesses each and every one of you as you celebrate this glorious holiday with your friends and family. May the joy of the season remind you, the reason for it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE
Siouxanne

A Season of Change

2010-09-21T21:44:00.003+03:00

I have always felt God's leading in my life here in Uganda. When he called me here over 5 years ago, I had no idea for how long, how it would impact my life, and the lives of others here. I hung out my fleece and asked God to reveal His perfect will for me and He most assuredly did. He spoke to me in a way, He never had before. I was in it for the long haul no matter how long.

These last 5 years, I have had NO idea when or if he would change that or call me back or on to the next mission. I have always been willing to be here for as long as He desired or for the rest of my days. God, it seems, has finally revealed that time frame to me.

With some fear and trepidation and yet a perfect peace that passes all understanding, I will be leaving Uganda January 2011. I am certain that God is saying "Go Home For Now". I have no certainties, however, about where He is leading me next or when or how, or even what I will do when I go back home. I have nothing but precious family and my church and friends and you wonderful people to go home to. I only know He is calling me to go home for a while.

I am open to suggestions or any interest you might pass my way. Perhaps He is allowing me time with my mother who is so frail. Though I missed many milestones with my Grandchildren, I have always been willing to give up family for this calling and yet God has been gracious in allowing me the times I have had to go home and 'visit'. I do know one thing, I will always be involved in Missions at the heart, and I will ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS within my power be a supporter of Amani Baby Cottage. This place has been my lifeblood for over 5 years!!

This decision has not been abrupt nor easy. I have been praying, and fighting this with God for several weeks now. I knew this would probably happen someday but truly didn't expect it now. I love Amani and my work here. This is my home and has been since I first set foot on Ugandan soil.

I would like first to ask you to join me in prayer that God would continue to reveal His perfect will for my life and that I be patient and willing to bend or wait or go or whatever He has planned.

Secondly, I would like to ask you dear ones, for now, to partner with me and continue supporting me financially, both now and in the interim which of course starts January 2011. While it is still 4 months off, I need to prepare to begin shutting down my home and possessions I have acquired here in Uganda, get back home in Colorado, and then wait for God to direct my next move. Since I have no home, car, job or prospects at this time, I ask for your continued support. My goal is to be able to be ready, willing and able at the proper time. If you are so willing I would greatly appreciate it. Know that the funds will continue to be projected at Missions support. I will also continue for now with my blog comments on my work at Amani.

Lastly, I would ask that you let me know your thoughts, encouragements and any direction you think I might benefit from. I greatly value your love and support, your prayers and your friendship. This has been a difficult time and I feared it, yet, God said, Trust me, and that I shall do.

Thank you so very much and may God richly bless you as I pray you read between the lines and see into my heart. A heart filled with love and service to the kingdom.

By His Grace;

Siouxanne Mease
Reaching Hands Missions

Shanley's Thoughts

2010-08-14T20:39:00.004+03:00

The coffee at Siouxanne’s flows abundantly in the morning hours. Often I find her sitting on the veranda with a second or third cup, curled up with her Bible or a good novel. This is her escape – a home where the Nile breeze enters in between the curtains in quick gusts, and she can check on the progress of her mango and lemon trees in the front yard. Often, towards the evening, she’ll juice lemons in her kitchen, and freeze the juice for a treat the next day.

I came to visit Siouxanne after spending four weeks in the Luwero district. Coming to be with her was a haven for me - a place of quiet and rest, running water and (mostly) dependable electricity. I trusted her home to be a place that I could come for normalcy, because she has learned the secret of adaptation. She walks a fine line between Uganda and Colorado, her work with 54 children off the Nile River, and the photos of her grandchildren that fill the rooms of her home in Jinja.

For me, it's the way that Siouxanne has adapted to her life here that is most remarkable. Just today, she was laughing telling me about the boda she bought when she first arrived, and her quick confrontation with a truck driver trying to move it while she was parked outside Jinja's marketplace. "I said, 'What in the world do you think you are DOING!?'" she laughed. She left, after that, to enter the market to grab some ingredients and I noticed the quick sureness in her step that tells me she knows her place here. And quite the place it has been - one of both healing and administrative volunteer, midwifery and volunteer coordinating (which she only did for 9 months) aside from her full time job as medical director. I know that, for her, it's a calling, more than a job - and that it is the calling to be here that gives her a sense of place, in the midst of living across the world from her children and grandchildren.

"I know I wouldn't be here if God hadn't put it on my heart that this was undeniably exactly what He wanted from me," she told me at dinner, over her delicious chicken tikka masala that I ate way too much of. "But that's what He did, and so I came."

I've heard the story before - the way she couldn't find a house to buy in the states, because, unbeknownst to her, God was preparing her to leave the country. I've heard about the heaviness in her heart when she left America for the first time, and the way she laid out a proverbial fleece before the Lord before she decided that it was, indeed, time to sell most all of her early possessions and move to Africa.

I think it's the honesty in her struggle between Uganda and Colorado, grandchildren and orphan care in Africa that gave her the ability to relate to me, and to laugh, as we compared ourselves to the Israelites, looking back on the parting of the red sea, but wondering just exactly how He plans to feed us in the desert. When she talks about the amount of time she might stay here, or when she'll be called to go, she turns back to the signs that brought her here the first time and says, "I don't know why I worry, when He provided so miraculously in bringing me here."

I once sent my mother a Confucius quote that reads, "Wherever you go, go with all your heart." It was a form of recognition, more than an admonishment. My mother has moved five times in the past four years - two of them across the country, all of them in houses with small kitchens and makeshift basements, unkempt gardens and half hearted paint jobs. She told me once that it had clicked for her that each place had to be made a home. I reminded Siouxanne of it this morning as I sat at her kitchen table and we talked about my own journey into Africa. I feel the tug she talks about, but I don't know what fleece to lay out, or how God will answer.

Until then, I'm encouraged when I think of Siouxanne, living here on the Nile and Lake Victoria, treating the children at Amani, midwifery, AIDS testing and running an emergency unit outside her clinic. On the side, she's housing and encouraging weary travelers like me, unsure of their own place in Africa but reminded, by people like her, that it's the answer to the call that matters in the first place - and that when it comes, one can rest in knowing that when His call does come, it comes in absolutely undeniable ways.

. Shanley Knox

Shanley Knox http://sjoknox.blogspot.com/2010/08/jinja.html

Voye'm: Jinja

sjoknox.blogspot.com

August 12, 2010 In the words of photographer Kendrick Brinson, "Life, I love you." I woke up this morning in Jinja, where my journey in Africa began. I haven't been here since August of 2008, when I hugged my roommates a quick goodbye at 5am, and climbed into the left seat of a taxi bound for Enteb...

PRAISE HIM IN THE STORM

2010-07-12T18:33:00.003+03:00

As most of you have probably already heard via the International News Affiliates, we had some bombings in Kampala last night. Both places have been frequented by us when were in Kampala. I am safe and those dear and near to me here are safe and sound.

We are all a little unnerved and have a heightened awareness that we are in the midst of terrorism, but we also trust in a mighty and awesome God.

We are asking all our friends and families to keep us in your prayers and especially those that were affected by last nights bombings.

We know without a doubt that God called us here and so in saying that, trust that He knows best.

You can get on the local newspapers website and see the story, but please be aware that the photos are VERY VERY graphic.

www.newvision.co.ug and www.monitor.co.ug

Thank you dear ones for your prayers and your support. God is good and on His throne and He is in control. Bless you all

Following His leading...

2010-07-09T11:33:00.008+03:00

I am constantly amazed by the complexities and simplicities that are always tied together in this country. They are interwoven so tightly that sometimes you cannot tell the difference. Daily I feel that God is constantly speaking to me and bringing about a message my heart can barely contain.

One of the most amazing things I have ever experienced in my life is being called to this country. A little over 5 years ago, I stepped on an airplane for a two week trip that forever changed my life. You may have never experienced such life changing, mountain top events, but I pray that through my words, my eyes and my heart, you can see from this blog that I truly have.

The children at Amani Baby Cottage never cease to amaze me. I am daily confronted with different issues and yet sometimes the same issues repeatedly. Sometimes I have to stop myself from being complacent. Oh that I would never forget the primary objective to my being here. I try to always be ready for the Lord's leading. I never know when or where He will do that, and I try always to be prepared for the unexpected.

I have had a small 4 month old baby that has been sick without knowing the etiology (source).

Fevers, and at first cold like symptoms. I treated him for them, tested him for Malaria two times with both showing negative. The little guy started having focal seizures and was a sick little guy.

At one point the volunteers brought him to me thinking he was near death. I treated him as best as I could, took him to the local hospital for testing. They didn't find anything either. But nevertheless, I treated him for infection and went ahead and treated for Malaria. The fevers and cold symptoms left but he continued to have seizures. I bumped my prayers for this little guy and started an Odyssey of phone calling to find a neurologists and an EEG. Phone numbers I had were no longer working, doctors no longer available, I was going crazy trying to find some help for this little guy.

The hospital in Kampala we use for testing like that had one tech that performed them and this person was on "leave". I finally after 4 days of phone calls and pleading found a doctor, but he would not answer his phone. Meanwhile, my prayers continued and I am sure all the volunteers were praying as well. Amazingly, the seizures STOPPED and he started smiling and acting like a normal 4 month old baby. I cannot explain it except to say the POWER OF PRAYER WORKS MIRACLES.

I don't have an ending to this story yet. Today, I have sent him to Kampala for testing finally and evaluation, even though the seizures stopped. We found somewhere else to test him. I pray though the medical is limited, that if there is something going on with this little one it will be found out. I will continue to treat and observe and do whatever it takes if possible to keep him well. Oh and By the way..... He is HIV negative!!!!!

From stories like this little guy to another child at the home who is Autistic. He is like the wind. It is hard to contain him. He is a free spirit. This week he threw gravel on my car seat. I had to spend 15 minutes cleaning it out so I could go home for the day. That same day he had thrown gravel in Mama Cook's outdoor kitchen so that had to be cleaned up so she could cook. You have to laugh at this, though, it means closer watch on him as he gets to big to manage. We wait for another special home to open this September so they can take him and love on him too.

'God, so move in my life and my heart, that I remain open to your leading and direction. I am your servant Lord, and ready to follow you to ends of the earth.' AMEN AND AMEN

Catepillars

2010-06-03T17:37:00.003+03:00

Ok, so I have a total and complete aversion to snakes. I can barely stand to say the word "Snake". I would rather the world existed without them, for many reasons. But, I also know they are a part of God's Kingdom.

Caterpillars are a different story however. I will admit, I did refuse to touch this one. It was pretty large. I did take pictures and look at it for awhile. It had a rather large stinger on its rear but was amazingly vivid green with brown/gray geometric stripes on it's topside.

Amazing!! That's what I said. God is amazing!!! He has created so many amazing and incredible things. It's hard to capture on a camera.

These children here at Amani are amazing. Their resilient and precious, funny and obnoxious, loving and truly God's own. I love my work here, and even though I sometimes get mired down in the immensity of it all, I still am so thankful that I am called here for now.

We meet the needs of these children, and God gives us the grace and wisdom to do it. Like this Green Caterpillar they each have their own unique way about them and their beautiful in God's sight.

Thank you all dear ones for your continued support, your prayers and your kind messages. Receiving hello's from you are like precious jewels for me to put on a chain. I link them together to form a beautiful piece of quality jewelry. Bless you all abundantly. I love you all.

Bold as a Lion

2010-05-02T22:59:00.011+03:00

Recently, my brother Sam came to Uganda to visit me. He took us both on Safari, which was absolutely wonderful and thrilling. It was so great to be able to spend time with my oldest brother. We were blessed and priveledged to see all the animals you could possibly see in this part of Uganda, East Africa.

One of those creatures was the Male African Lion. We had been driving around the game park looking and looking when the decision was made to try and go off road a bit. We drove around in the bush for a bit and were just about to give up and get back on the road and out of the game park before dark, when we went around a large cluster of bushes and there under them was the big Daddie himself. The grass was so tall that at first we didnt see him as he was down lower than the grass tops. But as you can see, he sat up. We were about 20-25 feet away from him, and with the windows of the bus thrown open wide we started shooting pictures as quickly as we could.

Fortunately, he sat there and watched and allowed us our photo op. It was amazing to be that close to this wild animal knowing at any moment (if he wanted) he could have leaped through one of the windows of the bus and had a royal feast.

This King of the Jungle was breathtaking...

There is however, another King that we must picture in our minds while walking this earth doing His will. That is the King of Kings, The Lion of Judah.. One more breathtaking, miraculous, amazing and thrilling than any other we will ever experience. As long as we are obedient and trust in Him, He will be our Protector and Saviour.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 28:1, "The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a Lion." This is a warning and instruction on how to live, because if we are bold and heed these warnings, we as Christians and children of God will dwell with Him in eternity and we will be able to take many there with us.

Living a righteous life is not an easy road.. I Peter 5:8,9 says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring Lion, seeking someone to devour. BUT, resist him, stand firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your bretheren who are in the world."

As you face the Roaring Lions of this World, remember the Lion of Judah who saved you and be bold as a Lion and face the devil head on.

In the final Sunrise of life, when you stand before the King of Kings he will say to you, Well done thou good and faithful Servant...enter into the Joy of the Lord"..... That Sunrise will be better than any you or I have ever experienced.

This is the sunrise we experienced in the game park at Murchison Falls, Uganda, East Africa in the North

Spring into Destruction

2010-03-19T10:08:00.008+03:00

Well by now you are all settling in to face the Springtime. For you last Sunday was Daylight Savings Time 'Spring Forward Day'. We do not change time here at the equator and I nearly forgot that it was that time of year.

The rains have brought much lush greenery and the flowers are blooming riotously. Well lots of mud too, but that is to be expected.

I am sure most of you have heard about the complete destruction of the Buganda Kingdoms Tombs of the Traditional Kings. This was a UNESCO world heritage site located on Kasubi Hill near the capitol city Kampala. The Buganda is Uganda's largest ethnic group based in the central part of the country. The site is a symbol of the Spiritual, Political and Social State of the Buganda Nation. 4 kings bodies were housed there in the domed mausoleum.

Tensions between the government and Buganda is high anyway from the recent clashes over assigning a second king by the government. Presidential elections are a year away and Bugandan's are fearing that these are retaliations by the government. I do not believe the government is involved but someone bent on causing serious trouble between the two. Someone cruel and with evil intent. It is a sad thing that a historic place like Kasubi Tombs could fall prey to people with their own private agenda. This loss for Uganda would be like America losing Arlington National Cemetery.

The raging fire destroyed everything except the concrete walls that formed its backbone, as well as the metallic pillars that supported the dome. Stripped of the wooden poles, reeds and grass, the structure now seems like the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde or other ancient dwellings.

My heart goes out to the Buganda Nation. Despite any political agenda's or Religious connotation, it is a sad loss.

I am praying that the people will act rationally and forgive and remember that God alone is sovereign and the remembrance of these kings in their hearts will not soon be forgotten.

Pray for Uganda, its people and its government and for us who occasionally get caught in the middle.

Things are good here at Amani Baby Cottage. We have 58 children right now and for the most part they are doing well and healthy. I hosted the local governmental Health Department Immunizations section. I am able to call them and set it up. I pick them up with their supplies and they come and give all the immunizations needed for our home for free. It's a whole lot easier to go and get them and bring them to us rather than try to take 58 children to them. After we finish with all the immunizations, I treat the team to soda's and Mandazi (fried sweet bread). It is a wonderful thing that they will do this for us. I am very appreciative of their assistance. They give things like Measles, DPT, Flu shots, Polio, Tetanus, etc. No MMR or Varicella, though those can be obtained in the country for cost. Although they cost less than what you would pay in America the cost is prohibitive for our facility. When children are adopted or fostered to the USA it is part of their immigration physical.

We had the whole house down with Chicken pox a couple of months ago and it took a long time to clear the facility. Thankfully no problems or repercussions from it.

I continue to plug away at my work here and am thankful that I can.

God bless you all there as you enter Spring and Planting Season. I think of you all so fondly and pray God's greatest blessings upon you. Drop me a line now and then, I would love to hear from each and every one of you.

Photo Gallery of my life and work

2010-02-22T16:31:00.003+03:00

The Doctor is in

Beautiful Sunbird on my car mirror

Toddlers walking in rain, moments before scolding the mammas for them not having pants and shoes on

Simple Reminders I post

My mini lab

It Speaks for itself

Part of the supplies I stock and use

My Medical Library

These are some of the ARV's we use on our children who are HIV + and need them. Thanks in part to you wonderful supporters and prayer warriors, these are a few photos of things I see, do and have at my disposal that I have acquired and use at Amani Baby Cottage. Bless you all today

Wagon Play

2010-02-05T11:37:00.000+03:00

Food For Thought

2010-02-05T10:47:00.005+03:00

I made Biscuits and Gravy for my breakfast this morning. You might think that is not a very big deal, but let me tell you that everything made here is a big deal. Fixing any meal is a process. Since the presence of ready made and easy fixin things are just not available here, we do it the good old fashion way...From Scratch!!!

As I was contemplating the process it took me to complete my breakfast, ( and it really was not near as good as the Biscuit Supreme at Starvin Arvin's) I couldn't help but think of the process we go through in our Spiritual Growth and our service to Him.

Everything about our lives is a process.

We start out as a tiny baby totally dependant on our parents for ALL our needs. As time goes by we grow and mature and learn each thing, day by day, step by step. Eventually, we become adults and start that process all over again when we marry and have children.

How like that our Heavenly Father watches over us and teaches and admonishes and helps us learn to walk, talk, grow in Grace. He stands there as our Spiritual Daddy waiting for us to take our first steps and then continue to walk toward him and His loving arms.

It has been said..."We live in a world that knows the cost of everything, but the Value of nothing. In this world of the "here and now" we who are followers of Christ are called to build our values around what lasts forever...." but do we really!!! Can we not learn the Values set before us.

The process for preparing the world for His return is like those biscuits and gravy. Each step tenuous and each step important.

I would hope that we would remember the we are pilgrims in this world, not tourists. With God's help we need to keep a clear perspective and an undistracted heart, so that we can more effectively serve the Saviour.

So in saying all this, I encourage you dear friends, that as you walk in the process of growing and helping 'others' grow, remember the process that was gone through for us.

Each of us has a job to do here on earth. Whether it be locally or abroad God uses us in powerful and mighty ways and He is there extending His mighty arms out for all to walk into.

These precious little souls here and those of us called to care for them are in a process. While it may not be Biscuits and Gravy (with Cheddar Cheese from home I might add) , it is something immeasurably more important. Preparing those little hearts for growth, health, maturity and eventually and prayerfully having ministries of their own. Isn't this what it is all about?

Whatever God has called you to do and wherever he has called you to do it, serve Him with your whole heart. Give the process the time it needs to mature and in the end you will receive your reward and God's Kingdom will be complete.

....the mission goes on..

2010-01-25T21:24:00.006+03:00

It is January 25, 2010 and I am back in Uganda once more serving a mighty God.

Can you believe we are almost 1/12 of the way through this new year already. It's amazing to me how time flies and how God continues to bless this ministry.

I had an absolutely wonderful time with my family during the holidays. Those precious hours spent with my Grandkids and children blessed me so much.
My daughter did throw me a wonderful 50th birthday party and I was able to see many people and spend a little bit of time visiting with them and all my kids and all my Grandkids.

Those of you I was priveledged to see during the short time I was home gave me great joy.

I continue to serve here at Amani Baby Cottage and always seem to hit the ground running when I land here.

The work here is ongoing and you all continue to be a part of it.
I have been on this planet for 50 years now and Praise God I can continue to serve here. Please continue to pray for me and the work here and continue to support Reaching Hands Mission to Uganda.
I would also ask you to pray for our dear friends and connections in Haiti. It is a sad and horrendous situation there right now and our hearts and prayers are going up for them right now.
Bless you all dear ones.

2009-12-16T05:23:00.003+03:00

...She thought it was Funny...

2009-11-13T20:43:00.003+03:00

So Mama Susan asked me today if it was nearing my birthday. When I answered in the affirmative she asked me how old. 50 was my reply, to which she responded by pointing up to the sky, and then proceeded to sing "Nearer My God To Thee"....
Well, somedays I feel Nearer. Who knows the day or the hour. The point is will be ready when our time does come. Our work here on earth is preparation for our life in eternity. I pray were all ready. Though I am ready whenever, I hope its not for some time. I feel like I still have so much work to do for him. I am blessed because of the continued work here I have been called to do
It is not without it's trials and testings, but yet Christ promised a way out of those trials. He is the peace in the midst of the storm as well as the calm seas. These children continue to be a joy and a blessing and I am priveledged to work with such a fine organization. The leadership here is absolutely amazing.
I hope as the holidays are coming up that you would thank God for your many blessings and give Praise to Him. He is the risen Lord.
As some of you know, I will be making a short trip home (6 weeks) to spend my 50th birthday as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family. My daughter Crystal is hosting a 50th birthday party in my honor. I guess if I am going to turn 50, I better enjoy it. I hope you will be able to take the time to drop by and say hello.
I will be flying out of Entebbe, Uganda on November 20th and arriving in Grand Junction on November 21 at 7pm. Please pray for safe travel mercies for me. It will be a long 5 hop trip home and I don't really appreciate flying so much.
Blessings and see you all soon!!!

Home Sweet Home Uganda- My Sept. 11

2009-09-12T18:19:00.004+03:00

Some of you may not know what has been going on here in Uganda for the last 3 days and may probably extend into tomorrow. This is how our September 11 and 12th went this past week.

Due to disagreements between the Bugandan King and the President of Uganda, the Bugandans decided that rioting and all that goes with it, was the answer.

Had I known when I got in the car Thursday morning, to head to Kampala to see little Walter and help facillitate the medical visa for one of our kids being adopted stateside, I most probably would have stayed at home.

We got as far as Lugazi (about half way) and saw hundreds of people on each side of the road throwing stones at each other and several men rolling a huge boulder into the road. Getting through that was nail biting as it was but then we were unable to turn around and go home because that very area was worse and we were advised to keep going to Kampala and stay in the safe areas there.

At Mukono, there was burning rubble and tires in the road and a burned smoking Lorrie (large truck) plus all kinds of people running about.

We were in the midst of shooting guns and Tear Gas being thrown into these crowds by police and many people died, including police officers.

Thankfully, we had people on the ground who kept us informed and some dear friends in Kampala rescued us and took us to their home (in the safe Zone) and we stayed there.
Today, Hallelujah, we were able to make a quick run for Jinja while all was quiet on the highway between here and there.

My humble home here and my closet of clean clothes never looked so good. Spending two days in the same sweaty clothes (and underwear) was alot to ask but Thanks be to God we are safe and sound and back in Jinja.

Hoping the violence is ending, we have been told it will all be over by Monday. Let's hope so. Danyne is nearing her due date and could deliver at any time. As I could not get to her and she could not get to me or Kampala it was a good thing she stayed calmly in Jinja.

Due to the Safety and Security issues we faced, I was unable to get over to the hospital where Walter is, but would ask that you still continue to hold this little guy up in prayer. He is not well and time is running out.

Please keep praying for Walter blessed ones and thank you for your prayers and your concerns and May He who gives so faithfully bless you in every way~

Walter Update

2009-09-08T23:25:00.001+03:00

Today we were able to get the biopsy performed under General Anesthesia at CoRSU Rehab Hospital, and Praise God, the surgery and time at the hospital was free. We had to pay for the lab testing but the Lord provided for that as well.
Walter has pretty much NO clotting factors in his blood right now and required a unit of blood following the surgery. The bleeding from the biopsy took a very long time to subside.
He looks so much worse the last couple of days, that my heart is breaking for him. He surely seems like he will lose his eye.
It took all day to process him through and obtain admission to International Hospital Kampala, but finally this evening he was taken to his promised bed and Mamma Katherine settled him with him.
I delivered the Tissue Specimen to the Pathology Lab myself in order to help speed things up. With Urgent written on the lab slip and the words "fast Growing Tumor" in hand, I was sure we would be able to expedite, however, by the time we reached the Lab, the bundle of specimens ready for shipment was already gathered.
It takes about 14 hours for the machine to process the slides and they could not hold the bundle any longer. Unfortunately, that means the specimen will not leave Uganda for the USA till Friday, and results will not be finished until Tuesday.
Walter will have to wait another week before Chemo can start, but, we can at least get him started on Steroids and Comfort measures.
The wonderful Dr. At IHK is optimistic that he will survive this, however, she reminds me that he is gravely ill. He was admitted to the Charity Ward (a very nice one mind you) and gave him a status that donors gives money to pay for the treatment.
It is very late and I am off to bed, but wanted you all to know, the latest, so you would know how to keep praying for this precious little boy.
He truly is alot worse than he was last Friday, but I am trusting the Lord God who loves him a whole lot more than I or anyone else does.
Thank you for your prayers

WALTER AMANI

2009-09-04T20:15:00.002+03:00

We are empowered by God to pray for one another. Those prayers are heard by the one and only true God who can answer them.
We at Amani are asking all our friends and family to pray for one of our little ones.

Nearly two weeks ago we received from Probation and the Police and little boy between the ages of 2 and 3. His name is Walter.
He came to us with what was obvious to me a tumor in his mouth and a bump on his head. This is the first time we have had a child with Cancer.

It took me all of the two weeks to track down and find someone to do a biopsy and suggest treatment for this little guy.
He has what I and the doctors here believe to be a Burkitt's Tumor. They are a childhood tumor and grow very quickly. They can double in size in a week, though they usually respond very quickly to Chemotherapy.

Because of circumstances beyond our control, we cannot do the Biopsy until next Tuesday. I want to put him on Steroids until Chemo starts and cannot do that either until the Biopsy is finished. We want to make sure of the right type of tumor so we can get the right type of Chemo to shrink it and get him well.

It is not operable and he is miserable as you can see by this photo. It is something out of my control and all I can do is play the waiting game until this biopsy is done. As soon as it is obtained, I can start him on Steroids and prepare him better for Chemo.
Tuesday, I will head again to the hospital in Kisumi, Uganda and get the Biopsy (thankfully free). The diagnosis of the Biopsy will not be free but thankfully we have the money for it.

There is a strong possibility that there will be money donated to pay for Chemo.
He is showing signs that it is spreading and right now this precious little boy truly needs our prayers.
Please please please pray for Walter and Amani. I am trusting that we can get to it in time.
I thank you dear ones and will keep everyone posted on his care and prognosis and status as we begin the odyssey of Cancer treatment.
Blessings

Laid To Rest

2009-07-29T09:13:00.004+03:00

I am sorry dear ones, I wanted to send this out on Monday after the funeral, but just couldn't.

I wanted you to see the wake and funeral of our dear precious Jonathan, who his "family" laid to rest on Monday in the late afternoon.

If you read in my previous entry from last Saturday, late, you will know that he was fostered by one our our mommas and taken home to be their son early last year.

As Danyne our Director pointed out at the funeral, this one thing is our primary goal here in Uganda. To find families for our children and eliminate the word "Orphan". She said, "If this would have happened last year when he was still a orphan at the baby home, there may have been 4 of us at the funeral, a few volunteers, maybe a momma or two, but it happened today and look out and see how many are here. In a little over a year, and there is many, many (at least 150) people here today, that loved him and made him part of this family. He died having brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles...." In front of her, the small coffin sitting on a coffee table in the midst of the crowd under a large tree.

Earlier when we arrived, we were all ushered into a small small mud hut, in a room with a dirt floor. The small coffin placed on a mattress and Mama Katherine, sitting beside it with all the women around her. Crying out to "Jesu". We would pray and sing spontaneously, sometimes in English, sometimes in Ugandan, but what a blessed blessed praise service at the side of that coffin. We all know Jonathan was not really in there, for he is already with the King.

Tears were shed, grief poured out, but not the grief of those who have NO hope. It was beautiful and touched me like NO other funeral has touched me.

Know this, dear ones, God will prevail. The sadness and grief will pass, and we will continue to care for these children and fine loving homes with wonderful families such as Moses and Katherine who will take these children and call them their own and adopt them into their family. Exactly like God has done for us. He doesn't care about our past, where we come from, or what color our skin is or how. He alone has adopted us with an everlasting love and we can call Him Abba Father (Daddy God). I am so overwhelmed by this that I am now feeling goose bumps down my arms. Praise Him.

Please pray for Moses and Katherine as they continue on with life and healing.

It Is Well...

2009-07-25T21:15:00.002+03:00

"When Peace like a river attendath my way. When Sorrow Like Sea Billows Roll. What ever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is Well, It is Well, With My Soul."

Today, We had Trajedy strike one of our own. We Are Amani, A place of "Peace". Peace in the Midst of the Storm. It was so needed today.

Our Momma Katherine (Katy) lost her son Jonathan in a tragic freak accident today. Jonathan was one of our Amani Babies that Momma Katherine fostered early last year. As she was working today, she received a phone call from home that NO mother ever ever wants to hear. As Jonathan was outside playing with his siblings in the little neighborhood where they live, he went to the hedge fence and grabbed ahold of the fencing inside the hedge and was electrocuted and instantly sent to the feet of Jesus.

The owner of this fence, thinking she was repelling thieves from her property, stole power from the electric company and in turn took the life of an innocent little 2 year old boy, who had no idea it was about to end.

The saddness and overwhelming grief, we experienced today even amoung the prayers going up was almost more than a person could bear. After calling the power company to come and disengage the electrical wires laced through the fence, the police came and investigated. Standing there holding onto Momma Katherine as she cried to God and grieved the loss, Reporters from the television studio in Kampala and the local Newsman stood around filming us and taking pictures and demanding a "story". We had to ask them to stop many times and finally walked away.

While we waited at the police station for the written report and then returned to the "Morgue" to retrieve Jonathon's body, those responsible for giving a release for the body demanded renumeration before "fixing" the body and releasing it to us. I helped place his little body on the lap of his older brother David in the back of my car for the ride to their small home.

How my heart grieved and cried for momma Katherine as she tenderly laid him on the matt floor of her "Garage home" and lovingly washed his body and dressed him in his "Sunday Best" and tediously and carefully massaged his stiffened limbs to lay him out for viewing. The small one room home only divided by a curtain was filled to the brim with many of the other "baby home mommas" and neighbors and family who had come to spend the night in prayer and support to this family. Katherine continued to cry out to God, call on His name and give her praises in Luganda while sometimes switching to English.

While things like this make me wish I was home, it also reminds me of why God called me here in the first place. These Mommas are our family and I was humbled by this simple and final act of a mother's love for her child, though she did not give birth to him. Grown in her heart and not in her womb.

Monday, will be the soonest we can take him for burial, as we must wait until then for the District Health Officer to write a death Certificate Then we will take him and as many family members as we can squeeze into the cars and take him to the family plot for burial.

I ask that you please pray for Momma Katherine and her family and the mommas and staff of Amani Baby Cottage. This is the first time in the nearly 6 years Amani has been in existence that one of our "placed" children has died, either here or abroad. It will be difficult for them for many days, and the prayers will not cease to bless them. Thank you dear ones and May God Bless you as you remember us here. Thank God we have hope and can know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Jonathan is sitting at the throne of God. Hallelujah!!!!

I LOVE YOU DEAR ONES!!!

2009-07-19T18:33:00.002+03:00

Today is Sunday. Both here and at home presently as I write this note. It is evening here, but morning back home. After church and lunch as I am doing today, I usually sit at home and relax.

Today, it felt like a fall day at home in Colorado. The wind was blowing steadily and it was cool. It has remained cool all day. Kinda weird for Uganda.

I have been training and orienting a young lady from Australia to take over as the Volunteer Coordinator until December. Praise God for her. It is wonderful for us that she agreed to stay on and take that responsibility. With my other duties and my position as medical officer, it took so much time. I do have to admit, I loved doing it, despite the time it took. Wearing two full time hats was really starting to wear me out. She is doing a splendid job and I am able to concentrate on taking care of every one's health and medical.

We have a stomach bug circulating Jinja right now and it has NOT seen fit to pass us by unharmed. It is making its way around the children, and adults. I think though we are finally starting to pull out of it .Still pray for us here at Amani Baby Cottage. Pray for my back and neck as well. I have had some pretty bad flareups of my fibromyalgia lately. It makes it hard to do what I am called here to do.

Blessings dear ones. I thank God for you and Praise Him!!~!

babies in Uganda

2009-06-22T18:50:00.004+03:00

Recently I went to a baby shower for a missionary friend. Two of the children I have delivered here in Uganda were in attendance. Hannah Jore and our own JagPal. I grabbed the opportunity to have my photo snapped with them. Born within a few days of each other they are both a little over a year old now. Such cuties and really growing.

Both are now walking and beginning to learn words. It is so cool to see them growing and changing. It is just another part of the ministry God has called me to here in addition to the children I take care of at Amani

A treasured Moment In Time

2009-06-09T01:07:00.005+03:00

This past week, I had the rare and probably the only opportunity to have my daughter Crystal and her husband Jesse here with me at Amani Baby Cottage. What a special time for me and for her.

Her and Jesse came to Uganda with their church group and were ministering up in the Mbali area (which is quite beautiful I might add) and her and Jesse sacraficed their last day and a half ministering with them to come with me (I drove to Mbali and picked them up) to Jinja and spend time with me in my ministry and life here in Uganda. It truly was something I have longed for these past 4 years and never thought would happen.

My daughter is so amazing. She is beautiful and precious and to see her and Jesse with these kids I love here, was ... well there are no words.

Jesse seemed to have a blast with Jr., Danynee and Diana up in the tree fort. He held some of the babies and him and Crystal even jumped in and fed babies, changed diapers and even hung the nappies on the clothes line outside.

It was fast and furious, but I am so grateful and thankful that God allowed this treasured moment in time for me and for them.... (the rest of the family is welcome anytime all of you)

The Work and the Call

2009-05-25T00:00:00.000+03:00

Dear Ones;
I must apologize for the long time between entries. I truly have had little time for doing anything outside my work here.
I have had a bit of this underlying fear (sorry Lord for not trusting) that someone here would get very ill and I would be powerless to stop it, and not have a fast resolution.
We had a volunteer and one of the children here at ABC come down with Malaria about 3 weeks ago. The child quickly recovered. Unfortunately, the volunteer did not. She became gravely ill. Thinking she had just a bad cold, she did not tell me right away and was sick for about 4 days before I intervened and took her to my house for treatment and care. Testing positive for Malaria after 3 other tests were negative, I started her on malaria treatment and IV fluids but her body was hit hard with it and she ended up with serious complications from the Malaria.
The scary part of it was, that after I transported her to Kampala to the Hospital there, she continued to deteriorate and we were forced to Medivac her to Nairobi, Kenya for more advanced care. Praise God, after (on our part) unavoidable delays we acquired and air ambulance jet plane fly her out. She remained on constant Kidney Dialysis for 3 days and then was weaned down to once daily for a week. I was unable to accompany her on the flight to Nairobi, but felt good about placing her in the care of the Kenyan Dr. and Nurse who were on the flight. Oh how hard it was to call her family in Canada and tell them how ill she was and ask them to come to her. They did it quickly and efficiently.
Last weekend, I was priveledged to be given plane fare to fly to Nairobi for the weekend to take her luggage and personal effects to her, and meet and spend time with her and her family.
It did me a world of good to see her looking so much better and smiling and on the road to recovery. Her family was wonderful and I Praise God for the continued health she is experiencing.
She is now off dialysis completely and will probably be discharged from Nairobi Hospital and allowed to go home with her family.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I am so thankful that she is recovering and will recover completely.
It just makes us ever aware, that we are still at the mercy of the elements here, and though this has NEVER happened, we have to be prepared for it.

I can say with ferver, that I am believing God has a plan and whatever He decides for me or those here I work with, and my loved ones back home. I trust Him completely. Even in my human nature, I still fear and tremble and do panic a little waiting for something medically critical to take place, I AM READY TO FACE IT!!! That is why God has placed me here. Yes, to reach the lost, Yes, to lead them to Christ if necessary, but also YES to keeping health, well being, and access to medical care and Emmergent Care ready and available.

I want you to know this, without personal specifics of the one who was so sick, so you know, that I continue to use what little God has blessed me with to benefit Him and those around me. I truly feel a serious responsibility as a leader here, to those I am called to take care of.

Thank you to those of you who so faithfully continue to support Reaching Hands Mission to Uganda. Please continue to support me and my work here. I feel strongly that I am here for that reason.

Bless you!!!!

OK OK OK I AM WORKING ON IT

2009-05-24T13:18:00.001+03:00

BLOG ENTRY TO FOLLOW...

Blessed Ressurection Sunday

2009-04-12T22:35:00.009+03:00

Happy Blessed Easter dear ones. Jehovah lives and I am Praising Him.

Yesterday, I ran to the SuperMarket for a couple of things needed for the Sunrise Service held annually on my front lawn on Easter Morning. As I went around the Calvary Chapel Property, of which I live behind, I drove past the cross they put up for Easter. I stopped very suddenly and took this picture fast.

These children, Randomly caught, were all alone and kneeling before this cross praying. It wasnt planned, it wasnt propped or set up, these children were there (not knowing I would happen by with my camera) praying and it gave me such joy and blessed me. I called to them several times, after they rose from praying, before they would come to me. I gave them each 200 Ugandan Schillings (About >10c) for taking their picture. Their faces lit up and they laughed and told me Thank You. Then ran probably to buy something to eat. It made my Easter that much more special.

Easter morning, 6 AM just as last year, the rain stopped, we set up for sunrise service, no sunrise to see, but beautiful clouds and a cool temperature. Many wore jackets. We Sang

a few songs, had special music, and had an original word and message from Msumba (Pastor) Terry. He shared with us that Christ was the Door to Salvation and that the Resurrection was the Hinge that held the door. OK, we all know that to stay in place we all know a door needs hinges. Since Christ (the door) is the only way to Salvation. The Resurrection Hinges are pretty important. How wonderful to know we each have access to that door and can walk through any time we are ready.

After our service we fellowshiped together with an early morning breakfast potluck in my home. There was 48 of us early risers for the sunrise service.

As the last worshipper left my compound the rains came again. Just like last year, they held off for the service and breakfast.Thank you for the beautiful rain you send and for your ultimate sacrifice for all of us on every corner of the world.

Bless you all dear ones as you celebrate the Risen Saviour. "THE DOOR WITH HINGES"!!

On my way back from the Supermarket yesterday, I stopped once again and took another picture of the cross from the other angle. NO children posing. Just wanted you to see it.

Blessed Easter!!

Prayer for Eye Glasses leads to Miracle Find!!

2009-03-31T00:05:00.004+03:00

Have you ever prayed, "Lord, help me find.... or Help me Lord to figure out what to do about...."

This past Saturday, I was in town with my missionary pastor and his wife, getting a keyboard to play at church on Sunday's. We decided to go and get some lunch before working on songs for Easter. As I jumped out of the vehicle, I dropped my eyeglass case I was holding with my purse. I was at the time wearing my prescription sun glasses and had my regular glasses in the case. I was in the cafe and had barely set down my purse when I realized my glasses were not in my hand. It was less than 30 seconds time before I turned around and rushed back out toward to vehicle to find them. They were of course!! Already gone. The street children I was sure had saw me drop the case (which was a soft sided brown case resembling a wallet) and grabbed it and ran before I could turn around and rush out to find them.

I was devastated over this. I sat there in the Cafe and said, "Lord, What am I going to do?". I had just purchased them this past October just before heading back to Uganda from furlough.

They were expensive and I had NO way of replacing them. I grieved for a bit and I prayed for a couple of days asking God to show me what to do. I had even texted messaged my friend Angie back home and asked her to contact the Vision Center where I had purchased them to see if anything could be done to help me!! I pretty much had resigned myself to the fact that my glasses were gone. Fortunately, though, I hate wearing them, I had a pair of contacts I was able to wear. I have reading glasses that replace the bifocals that are on my glasses but not on my contacts.

I went to Pastor Terry's tonight to discuss service for Easter and their upcoming furlough. He was so excited, to tell me something. Him and his wife went over to their bookshelf and picked up a pair of glasses and asked me "Are these your glasses"??

You are NOT going to believe this. But Terry (who could sell Beach Front Property in Arizona) never gives up and went back and to the Parking Attendant to ask if he had seen them. or a street kid with them. He was able to find the Street kid who stole my glasses (The case long gone) and the kid was wearing my glasses. Terry paid an "Appreciation Finder's Fee" and talked the kid into giving him MY glasses, UNSCRATCHED AND UNDAMAGED!!

Can I just tell you, someone could have driven a truck through my dropped jaw!!! I was completely dumbfounded and did not believe he had been able to get them back. Of all the places and all the street kids that roam Main Street, to have the exact parking attendant say, I saw a street kid with glasses on go and get him and bring him back. For Terry to take the initiative to go back and even do this shows how very much he loves us and serves us here.

I can only say Amen and give God the Praise. "God you truly truly blew me away with this one. You Knew God, that I could not afford to replace my glasses, you used Terry and Debbie to get them back to me and show me ONCE AGAIN, how great and marvelous are your works. Your name will continually be on my lips. Praise you for this amazing amazing and completely shocking and funny turn of events". Just goes to show everyone, that God truly does hear our prayers and want us to trust Him!! What a story to tell!!!

Oh and FYI, the picture above is NOT a picture of the Street Children who took my glasses, but a picture of what all street children look like.

His Praise is Always on my Lips

2009-03-30T23:39:00.003+03:00

My mother has spent the last month in the hospital. First she was hospitalized on Sunday March 8 for Pneumonia and struggled for several days to breath. She was at a small County Hospital and they worked hard to get her well. During this time she had a blood vessel in her abdomen rupture (she was on blood thinners for clotting disorder) and came close to bleeding to death. They removed her from the blood thinners, stopped the bleeding and she began to quickly recover after that from the Pneumonia and the bleeding after being given blood transfusions. She went home and then barely a week later she was rushed again to the same hospital now with Blood clots in her legs and severe enough that she had absolutely NO blood flow to her legs and feet. A Colorado storm whirled around and grounded out the hospitals ability to air ambulance her out to a larger medical facility. A final break in the storm allowed them to flight for life her to Grand Junction where there is a Regional Medical Center and a Cardiovascular Surgeon at hand to care for her. It looked as though she would lose her feet and quite possibly her left leg. Praise God the Surgeon was able to save her leg and her feet. She spent three days in the CV ICU ward and last night she was transferred to the Regular Cardiac Floor for care. Last night, I was finally able to speak to her on the phone.

Being here in Uganda affords me a great opportunity to trust God wholeheartedly. I love my mother dearly but I have had to leave her in His hands and in the care of my brother and his wife. I know that God can perform miracles, but I was taking it out of His hands and worrying that I wouldn't get a chance to see her again. Perhaps I wont. I only know that I love God with my whole heart and Praise Him in the Midst of the Storm. As much as I love Uganda and what God has called me to do, it is very difficult for me to be over here completely powerless to do anything to help in the care and concern for my mother. I am very thankful for my brother and his wife and for my daughter who waited on the Grand Junction side to receive her when the chopper arrived with her. They are my heroes. God is my rock. I am thankful for all of them. I am thankful for the health care and medical treatment my mother is receiving and that she is improving slowly bit by bit. God you are so good. Thank you for my mother's health and Thank you God for the strength you give me to leave it in your hands. Being 12,000 miles away, I can do nothing but you are everywhere and can do great and mighty things. I will always Praise you. May it ever be on my lips!!!

Added Ministry

2009-03-08T16:34:00.007+03:00

It seems forever since my last update, and in fact it was February 8. Since getting my computer up and running that very day, I have had scetchy internet and little time to access it. But, I am hoping you will forgive the long interval. It is difficult sometimes to do this, and in fact this very update has taken me two days to complete. The internet, power and signal has gone down three times while writing this. I have had to start over each and every time.

I have had an additional responsibility added to my ministry duties. In addition to being the Medical/Health Coordinator, I am now also the Volunteer/Communications Coordinator. That means after the volunteers have been approved stateside and sent in their applications, Pastoral reference and parent permission forms and been given the green light for the time frame, I take over. I oversee their housing, scheduling, assignments and any issues or problems that arise during their stay with us. Problems are rare, and I love the interaction with these great people, who come to us and work hard, doing whatever is asked of them, wherever the need.

It is wonderful to have these individuals come and work with us from anywhere from two weeks to 10 weeks. One of the things I have them do is a work project and an official outing with the toddlers on Saturdays.

On one of those Saturdays, we scrubbed the toys, to sanitize and clean them up and sort through the junk, throwing out those that were broken up and of no use. The picture below shows how hard they were working sitting out on the back lawn. They scrubbed, sorted and cleaned for 3 hours and then were given a break for 4 hours and then went on an outing which was a boat ride.

I hope you can see the Malachite Kingfisher in the second photo. You may have to magnify. It is a beautiful small bird (but larger than a hummingbird). They do not usually stand still long enough to get a good photo, but this one did.

As you can see in the third photo, we were pretty crowded in the van taking the children down to the launch site. Several people are not visible in the picture but were indeed in the vehicle.

The children and the volunteers had a wonderful time. I enjoyed it too because we finally found a decent boat man to take us on this smooth part of the Nile River and slow down or stop when there are amazing things to view. No one was able to get a picture of this but we all saw a Monitor Lizard the size of a full grown Crocodile. The most enormous of the indigenous lizards here I have seen.

I am amazed that God is using me in such a way that I am priveledge to wittness some amazing things of Nature like this.
Bless you all this day and through out this next week.

Siouxanne

Amazing Things In And Near Baby Home

2009-01-24T10:36:00.002+03:00

We were playing out in front this day and the toddler kids were all clamoring to have their picture taken by a couple of young ladies who were visiting us. One in the photo, Amanda was a previous volunteer, and the kids were all saying "Cheeeeeeeeeeeeze". These kids truly are a blessing and its so much fun to see them learning and playing and interacting with people.

The kids pray before meals and its precious to have them lead the grace before they eat. Now if we can just get their table manners to improve.

I also did something yesterday that I have never done in the 3 1/2 years since I first came to Jinja, Uganda. I went to "Source of the Nile Gardens" on the other side of the Dam. I have been over near there many times but never gone to the very place that John Hanning Speke stood on July 28, 1862 and "discovered" this "Source" of the Nile River. This photo is the Head Waters (Mouth) of the Nile as it exits Lake Victoria. When Speke found it, it was a water fall that came up from a spring that plummeted over 200 feet down to the Nile and there began its journey to the Mediterranean Sea.

At the Gardens is wear many monkeys hang out. These are green velvet monkeys and adults and babies run around and are brave enough to let you walk within 20 feet of them sometimes. I took many pictures but have only included a few. It was a nice "Off" day to be able to do this and I decided it would a great "outing" for the kids providing good weather.

The only problem is the children are so fearful of animals that we will have to be careful. Most of them wont even go near the two dogs we have at the baby home. Some are just starting to go near them and touch them.

This last photo was of a mother or "babysitter" and three baby monkeys. I sat just a few yards away and watched them play in this tree. Sometimes they would stop and watch me. It was quite comical

It is nearing the rainy season and we have already started having seriously heavy rainstorms. I enjoy the cooler weather and the moisture but it really makes the red dirt a bugger to get through.

Blessings to all you precious people at home and may God bless you all.

Computer Crash!!!

2008-12-31T14:17:00.002+03:00

Actually I have a faulty hardrive. My computer is brand new and I have lost ALL my data, pictures, everything. I am adding this entry on someone elses computer so I cannot even add a picture. Please pray that I can get it taken care of quickly. It is under warrantly, but as I am in a third world country it will take some time and extra effort to accomplish getting the harddrive replaced. I am deeply saddened by the loss of not only my records but photos that I did not put on a disc yet. I know things will be OK in the end and none of it can go with me, but I look at family photos all the time and will sorely miss them. I had backed up a small amount of data on an Dell online back up thing that came with my computer but it will be only a small amount of it and I don't know when I will have it again. Fortunately, all your emails are stored online so at least I can communicate this way. I wont have Skype for awhile either. Bless you all dear ones and Happy New Year. May the Lord give you strength and Mercy and health for 2009. I miss you all and love you all
Siouxanne

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU

2008-12-17T23:57:00.004+03:00

Hello Dear Friends;
Christmas is right around the corner and though it does not seem like Christmas weather here (HOT HOT HOT!!), the Spirit and Joy of the Season is all around us. We had a Christmas Party at the baby home for the kids, invited a few friends and gave them a few gifts our Executive Director brought for them. Judy and I are holding down the fort while Danyne is stateside visiting her family and feel very blessed to be here this holiday. Though we miss our families and friends, God is blessing in a very real and wonderful way.
The children are happy and for the most part, healthy, though a few have caught the bug going around. The joy on their faces just by being here is blessing enough.
Friday evening we will go over to a fellow missionaries house to see the MK's perform the Christmas Story. Then Saturday we will all go to Kampala for the Annual Christmas Contata at Kampala Pentecostal Church. On the 23rd we will go out nearly to Bujagali Falls to see a Christmas Light Show (hopefully there will be POWER).
Christmas Eve will find us making cookies with the toddlers and we are told that Momma Cook has planned to cook us Chicken for lunch. Hmmm!!!
Christmas Day we hope to be able to spend the afternoon just playing with the kids and NOT working.
I do have one of the small babies that is sick right now and I have him in the clinic so he can get one on one care. I am praying we can get him through this and doing better. Please pray for him.
Dear Ones, May you have a BLESSED CHRISTMAS this season, and may God's light (HIS ONLY SON), shine down upon you. As you gather with family and friends, please don't forget us over here. I know I will be thinking of all of you, and praying for you. I love you all and thank God for you and for your love for me and this ministry.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

PAINFUL

2008-12-12T02:13:00.005+03:00

You probably don't really want to look at the bottom of my foot, but for those of you interested in my pain , here is a photo of the seriously painful and itchy spider bite on the bottom of my foot. Two full days now and it is just starting to shrink. This picture was taken today. Yesterday the Reddness was several centimeters larger and tracked partway up the top of my foot. The center of it is darker. We have looked it over carefully and it is not a Jigger (parasite). We can't seem to find a stinger. I put myself on some Prednisone and Benadryl. Tea tree Oil on the site too. Its very hard to walk on it. Feels like a stone under my foot. But it only serves to slow me a little. I still have to walk all over at the baby home. Sick kids, well kids, playing kids, sleeping kids, babies in my arms.

Recently, I added another hat to my responsibilities. Besides being the health/medical director I am now also the Volunteer Coordinator for the Uganda side. This is really up my alley since Hospitality, Helps, and Mentoring seem to be some of my spiritual gifts. I make sure their picked up at the airport, settled into the housing and welcome them. I also will be assigning them their duties and answer any questions they may have in regard to their time here. Watch for the next addition to my blog. It will be a "Christ"mas greeting.

Sunday Musings!

2008-11-22T23:27:00.003+03:00

It is less than a week before Thanksgiving and I am forever grateful to God above for my life, my family, the call He placed on my life and my church family and my friends. As I sit here in my room in Uganda reflecting on the last year, which has flown by, I feel so blessed and priveledged. I am, TOMMORROW exactly 1 year from my 50th birthday. Hmmm!!! I guess I could look at it differently. But, truthfully it is overwhelming to me, I have been on this planet that long. Thank you God for loving me and giving me life. Thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for the children I help here, keep well and work cooperatively to find good homes. Thank you for strong, Christian leadership and fellow missionaries who all share the same boss. Bless you my dear ones and May He who gives life, give you grace and peace and abundant blessings from above.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
By the way..... Happy Birthday to my Grandaughter Sabrina Harley Rose who today is 13.

Dog Day Afternoon

2008-11-14T00:10:00.003+03:00

Today was an extremely hot day. We all felt it strongly. Even Ebony, who took advantage of a few moments when the kids were not using the wagons. She thought she would take a time out and rest. The kids were out on the front lawn playing and I was playing catch up on paper work in the clinic. Kids were having fun even without the wagons!!!!

He's Got the Power

2008-11-08T21:40:00.002+03:00

Once again I am reminded of the power and Love of God Amighty. Amazingly, since I arrived back in Uganda, the electricity has been on pretty much the entire time. That is...until today. I was somewhat frustrated as everyone around me had power except two of Calvary Chapel's buildings on their compound. We share the same line between us.
After a frustrating several phone calls by me and the director of Calvary Chapel, the power was restored around 7:30 pm tonight.
I guess I seem to forget I am in a third world country serving the Master. Must I always need a reminder???? Anyway, I felt the power of His presence all day and that more than made up for it.

One Nation Under God

2008-11-05T19:12:00.004+03:00

Dear Ones;
The election of the century is behind us by one day and even in Uganda, we are reeling from the results. But I want to encourage you as I feel encouraged. Remember..."For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armour of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to STAND FIRM!!!!! Ephesians 6:12,13
Our country has chosen, God has allowed our choices to dictate our nation. Now, more than ever we must stand for good under any circumstance. God will not be mocked. He is in control and He alone is our supreme authority. Remember to give HIM praise and give HIM the glory and honor due. He will see this through. I love you all so much and pray that God will reveal to all of us His plan and give us peace to endure the coming days. BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!!!!

2008-10-30T22:34:00.003+03:00

I have been back in Uganda for several days now and recovering from another bad cold. It has been hard to get back into the swing of things. Jet lag on top of it sure takes the wind out of your sails.

I made it back safe and sound with the rotary lawn mower a very nice couple in my church back home donated. You can sort of see in the picture, by the smile on his face, that my yard boy, Philip, was very pleased to receive it here. He has already used it several times this week and says he is very happy.

What a blessing this gift has already become. Despite the difficulty in getting it here, I am so thankful to the Williams' for their giving of it. Bless you!!

It is the rainy season here and, though I did not take a picture, the storm we had last night took out my Papaya Tree in the back yard. This makes me very sad. There were many Papaya on the tree not mature yet. It fell completely over and uprooted. Well, it is a good thing Papaya (poh poh) is in abundance here.

A stray cat has taken up residence on my compound and I am terribly allergic to cats. Anyone want him??? He wont leave no matter how many times chased away.

God is good. I am back caring for the children of Amani Baby Cottage. The mamas and the children were so excited to see me back and said they missed me.

Blessings to all of you till the next update

2008-09-29T17:42:00.002+03:00

I was given the priveledge of flying to San Diego and spending a few short days with the Amani Kids that live in around that area. It was a joyful reunion and Icannot tell you what a great blessing it is to see those precious little ones I have loved for so long look so happy and healthy. They are thriving and though I think we have the absolute best Children's home in all of Uganda it still can never take the place of a real home with their own family. Each had this very surprised look on their face when they saw me. I think they could not quite believe that I was there. Joseph & Duane and their wonderful family hosted my few days there and I felt like I was treated like royalty. WOW!! We traveled about 30 minutes away to Weiss and Savannah's house and had a picnic get together. Judah and Jay also came with their families. It was a quick trip and I am sorry I could not see the other kids, but so glad to see those I did. What a blessing!!!!!

Blessings

2008-08-17T15:51:00.002+03:00

Tonight I received news from my roomates in Uganda that my home was burglarized in the middle of the night. While they slept in their rooms, several robbers broke into the house by using a long stick with a wire on it to reach through the window they broke and snag the keys hiding behind the water filter (which they could see apparently). They not only scared my poor roomates half to death but stole several things from my home (which were hard to come by in the first place).
I was blessed to view a magnificent sunset tonight. The colors were incredible. It reminded to not worry about those things you have no control over but to trust Him. I am completely thankful my roomates are safe and unharmed. The damage to my Ugandan home and the loss of my things pails in comparison to what could have happened to them. Praise God for His protection.
My time here stateside is swiftly drawing to a close and I will be traveling back to Uganda soon. I have had such a great time with my family. I am still working on drawing in funds for the next term in Uganda. I am again being asked where to send support funds. There was previously two sending agent churches for sending funds to that were being routed to me. Having both has made it confusing and difficult to track for me with my limited internet and communication abilities. So now to reduce that confusion and make it easier to keep track of, I am using only one source and I virtually just picked one and went with it. If you are desiring blessing Reaching Hands Ministries with a financial gift, please use the following sending agent. They will continue to route the funds to me in Uganda. Bless you all:

Send Checks to: CWWC (or Canyon West Worship Center)
P.O. Box 448
Fruita, Colorado 81521
Please make sure to write on the MEMO line: For Reaching Hands Mission/Siouxanne Mease

Thank you so much

Number 16 has arrived

2008-08-06T02:05:00.003+03:00

Hello Dear Ones;

Just wanted to update you on my latest blessing. This morning at 9:57AM MST, my 16th Grand child arrived via C-Section at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. After I might add a long, painful and unsuccessful labor of about 28 hours. My baby ( my 23 year old son, Phillip) became a father.

Nathan Ray Hester arrived weighing in at 7#12.8 oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. He has a head full of downy black/brown hair and is absolutely beautiful. Nathan is my son's middle name and Rae is mine. I am so proud and happy that he has arrived and pray God's blessing on this new addition to the family. Thank you so much dear prayer warriors and supporters and loved ones. I pray your day is just as glorious. I am fast approaching the middle mark of my furlough here at home and wonder how it has flown by so quickly.

2008-07-22T01:09:00.002+03:00

July 11-13 found me back in my little hometown of Craig, Colorado for my 30th High School Reunion. It was a very nice weekend and great to see some of the old High School group. The local newspaper did a write up about us on Saturday morning, quoting one our group as "still the wild bunch". I am not so sure of that but we did enjoy seeing one another again. This time talk was of aches and pains, Grandchildren and what to do for our 4oth ( if we all are alive by then).

I felt very priveledged to have been able to travel so far and be a part of it. Being able to be home fundraising and able to go to this event was important to me.

Bound to Happen

2008-07-02T03:17:00.002+03:00

Hi Everyone;
I have arrived safely in Colorado and will be staying at my daughter's house while stateside. I arrrived in Denver last Thursday evening "WITHOUT MY LUGGAGE". Yes, after traveling as much as I have, for the first time, my luggage (both of them) were lost. I was given a time frame of 24-38 hours. (NOT!!). Not only have I spent the first 4 days of my home coming sick (traveler's bug) and trying to recover not only from that but from the jetlag, I have been without my clothes and gifts for family.
Today, however, (nearly a week later) I finally received my luggage, via Federal Express. Hmmmm!! I am however, grateful to God Almighty for His tender mercies. Although, I have not been able to eat until yesterday, I am thankful. (The weight loss hasn't hurt me any).
I went to church here in Colorado and was asked to pray a blessing on the children as it was family day and Pastor Art spoke of Adoption and being a part of the family of God.
So, all you great people that have not seen me yet, I am here and you can call me. I am anxious to see everyone especially now that I feel so much better. Blessings to you all!!!

Wedding Bells for Lois

2008-06-09T21:04:00.003+03:00

As some of you know, I was a bridesmaid this weekend. Two weeks ago (see first picture on left), we had what would be called the announcement, and were "required" to wear a "Gomas". It sort of looks like a Kimono and was not a little hot or a little uncomfortable but was fun to have. I went to church about 3 times that Sunday morning in order to hit all the needed churches to announce the upcoming wedding. As her friend, boss and maid she asked me to stand with her that weekend as well. Now I know I do not look like a maid, but alas I was this weekend. Lois Mwamula our Ugandan Supervisor at the baby home oversees the management of the everyday things at the baby home. She is in charge of the mommas that work for us as well as our short term volunteers we have. She has been with Danyne since before starting Amani.

Her life took a major change this weekend, when at 36 she walked down the ilse for the first time to marry Godfrey Kalulu. She was a radiant and beautiful bride and I was priveledged to stand by her and support her through her special day. Although it was raining (AND VERY COLD MIND YOU) it still turned out to be a very nice wedding. In Uganda everyone that comes to the wedding helps pay for it. We all scrimped to pay for our bridesmaid gowns, shoes and flowers. I did my own hair as well as the other two Mzungu (white girls) bridesmaids. You can see some of her day through my pictures. I pray she has a lifetime of happiness. I know God will bless her and Godfrey.

Yesterday, late, the first half of the BWO team arrived and I was at the airport to meet them. It was 3:30 before I got back home and into bed. It is a full busy week with the team. This organization holds a special place in my heart as they were the mission team I first came to Uganda with. Many returning faces and alot of new ones. They will be very busy over the next two weeks with all kinds of activities for missions, including medical.

Diana's Eggroll

2008-06-05T00:55:00.002+03:00

During the Saturday part of the conference, we had a couple of hours free time and we wandered down the street to find something to eat besides a sack lunch. We found a small cafe that Debbie use to frequent years ago. Some of us ordered Chicken and Chips (fries) but Diana ordered an Egg roll (she wasnt very hungry). None of us (except Debbie who kept quiet) new what was coming. They set her "egg roll" down in front of her and we all kinda stared at it. It looked like the inside of a baseball. Round and golden brown we wondered at it, for none of us had ever seen a big round "egg roll" before. She sliced straight down into it, to find, lo and behold, one boiled egg. The round exterior was actually mashed potatoes formed around it and deep fat fried. We all kind of just stared at it with mouths hung open and then we all cracked up and laughed so hard, the Ugandans in the place could not figure out what was so funny!! Debbie meantime was sitting over in her chair smirking away for she knew what was coming.

Needless to say, it was a Kodak Moment as you can see by the photo.

It gave her a three day bellyache but at least she has a memory. We all got a good laugh out of it.

Passion Kampala Uganda

2008-06-05T00:22:00.005+03:00

I cannot begin to describe the amazing weekend we just had here. 9 of us from the baby home. 3 long term vols and 6 short termers, volunteered our time away from the baby home to assist the Passion World Tour Conference that was held here. It was by far the biggest, Christian gathering Kampala, Uganda has ever seen.

What a true blessing to assist this wonderful organization to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the students here at Makarere University. During the 2 day conference there were over 22,000 students attending and MANY gave their lives to God and were able to participate in a far out Praise and Worship time together. I was asked to serve as "The medical" through the conference and was given a two-way radio to carry so they could reach me. Only twice during the entire weekend was I called to assist someone medically.

We were blessed to worship with Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and Charlie Hall. Speakers Francis Chen and Louie Giglio. I had the priveledge of meeting and talking to all the singers.

When Louie got up to speak "Indescribable" (which I had heard before) I looked up into the night sky and saw the stars and the screen was showing what was beyond the stars. What he described took my breath away. God is truly "Indescribable". He is an amazing, all powerful mighty God and we are only a speck on the horizon compared to all he has created. What a phenomenal moment to experience. WOW!!

It was after 1am when Debbie and I finally left the field (after helping tear down and meet Chris Tomlin of course). Her and I stayed across town from the other volunteers who went back early. She and I attended Kampala Pentecostal Church the next morning (though we were half asleep).

What an added bonus and surprise when who should get up to lead us in a couple of praise and worship songs but Martin Smith from "Delirous".

Thank God for that time of refreshing and refueling with these great spiritual leaders of song and word. Though we were there to help them, I received a far greater blessing. PRAISE GOD!!

Baby Home Happenings for the week

2008-05-22T14:44:00.002+03:00

Hi Everyone;
Hope and pray your all well. I stay very busy here as always. This week I had the Ugandan Health Department of Jinja come. They offer free immunizations in this country and all it takes is a phone call from me (usually) to get them over to the baby home. They usually bring all their own supplies ie., cotton balls, surgical spirits, syringes and a cooler full of the proper immunizations
We have had 11 new children since I had them here last and so we were very busy giving shots. This time all the kids received Vitamin A and some received injections per the standard schedule for Uganda.
They had given 5 kids injections before I realized they were using plain cotton balls instead of ones soaked in surgical spirits to sanitize the injection site. Once I corrected that, they were allowed to continue. I pray now that those 5 do not get infections at the injection site.
All of us are attending the Bill Gothard Seminar in Basic Life Principles, brought over especially for us. I attended this seminar the first time way back in 1977 and then the advance seminar a year or two later. As an alumni I am seeing a very different approach to the presentation. This time its by DVD instead of live, its a smaller notebook instead of a huge syllabus. Though the man is the same and the principles are the same. I especially enjoy the chalk talks. I am thoroughly enjoying these seminars. I think we have one more week until were finished. We are meeting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Our executive director of the baby home is paying for all of us volunteers to attend. Thank You Corky very much!
I am working on new feeding charts and methods for the mommas. Perhaps it will help them be more accurate.
We have had some rain almost every morning for the last week or so. It has been nice for cooling off things.
I pray the blessings of the Lord, fill your heart and mind with joy. Remembering all of you in my prayers.
I have been reading in Chronicles this week. I am once again reading through the bible in Chronological order. Even though I have read them before the genealogies and names are still tough to get through.
Until next time
Blessings
Siouxanne

Jagpal Sing Bharj

2008-05-11T22:11:00.003+03:00

Tuesday May 6, 2008 ended up being a very busy but very joyful day. Praise the Lord, all is well. I had the priveledge of CO-delivering our directors baby boy. Both the Dr. and I had our hands out catching that sweet new life and helping to bring him into the world.

All is well and he is a wonderful new addition to the Amani family. Jag weighed in at 8#8oz (nearly 4 kg) and was 22" (55.9cm) in length. He, as you can clearly see has lots of dark hair and has NO mustache. Mommy and Daddy are proud and happy as well as Danynee and Diana the new big sisters. They were somewhat dismayed that he was so white at birth ( I guess they thought he would be darker).

God is so good. Everyday I see His blessings pour forth here. The baby home is doing well and the children who dwell there are doing great.

I can't stop praising Him for his greatness. I don't have a family photo yet that is publishable but hope to soon. In the meantime, you can see Jag here with his new Jja Jja Auntie Siouxanne.

Furlough Plan

2008-04-29T12:14:00.002+03:00

There is just under 2 months left until I fly into Grand Junction for the beginning of my furlough. I love my work here, but I am very excited to see my family, friends, church and my supporters. I will be again working on my support base and would love to visit with you. Please feel free to email me for scheduling time together. Cost of living here has doubled and in some instances tripled. I will try to work some while home to offset funding. I will spend lots of time with my family. My kids, grand kids, siblings, my mother and my dear church family. I love you all and Praise God for your prayers, love and support. Can you believe that nearly 3 years ago I came to this country intending only to be here for 2 weeks. It is amazing to me that the direction of my life so changed for the better. WOW!! If your interested, I will be flying into Walker Field (Grand Junction Airport) on June 27, at 9:30 AM. Would love to see you and hug you.

Life at Amani Baby Cottage and beyond...

2008-04-29T11:55:00.003+03:00

Hi Dear Ones;
I pray your all well and safe. Praise God for His goodness. I am so blessed to be working and serving here in Uganda. I stay very busy all the time it seems. In fact, right now, I am busy acting as midwife again on the side. I delivered a beautiful baby girl for another missionary couple last Thursday morning and everything turned out great. Our Director Danyne Bharj is nearing her delivery. We are in Kampala the capitol city right now currently waiting it out. Were in Kampala because of the unreliable transportation and road conditions from Jinja to here. She is making progress but not currently in active labor yet.
The kids at the baby home are doing great. They are healthy and happy, or at least as much as possible for Uganda. People do not realize just how healthy and happy these kids really are. While it can never take the place of a real home with a mommie and daddie, it really is a great place. These kids get three nutritious meals everyday. I manage their health and they get medicines when needed and vitamin supplements every day. When they need something, it is usually there. Even though it is a third world country here, we are blessed to be able to provide a safe, loving haven for these precious children. I will admit that they do thrive and grow faster once they get to traditional homes (those that are fostered or adopted), but these children are not lacking.
We have received children that were severely malnourished or sick with malaria or something when they arrived, but given a few days or weeks we not only get them as healthy as possible but we fatten them up and give them really good nutrition. Lately, it has gotten even better. I spent many hours creating a nutritional plan for these kids that would provide them with as good a diet as they will ever get here. It truly provides from all the essential food groups. We recently were able to decrease the amount of posho (corn flour paste which has virtually NO nutrition) in their diet and replace it with Lentils (which is extremely nutritional).
The kids also spend time learning, playing, interacting and receiving lots of love and attention from the mommas, volunteers and the administrative staff. They truly enjoy their lives here. They laugh and play and interact like all children do. When they are disobedient or naughty they are disciplined properly.
We so love raising these kids while waiting for real families to claim them and make them a part of their family.
We have a few special needs kids that really need a good family as well. Amani Baby Cottage truly is a place of "PEACE".

Tax Day today, but... who will you touch for good

2008-04-15T08:57:00.005+03:00

Well for those of you stateside, if you havent already done your taxes, today is the day!! It is the official day for TAX DA Y!! Just in case none of you don't already know this, your friendly foreign field missionary is letting you know!! HA HA. I really just wanted you to know that I love you all and I am praying always that God would bless you and that HE would enlarge your territories.

I think of all the people that have come through my life or been a part of it in some way. We all in some small way, are a part of the kingdom. NO ONE is greater than the next, yet we all can be blessed and can be a blessing.

We touch people in ways we don't even know. How we touch them is the important thing. How we act and use our words. What we do and say. What we publish online, which is read by many. I want to try and live out those words and pratice what I preach. I pray that my actions will always speak louder than my words.

When I sit before God one day, I want Him to say "Well Done, thou good and faithful Servant...You have been faithful in small things, now I will give you many".

I am a sinner saved by grace and I am humbled before God Almighty. Wow!! I know NO eloguent words to accurately describe what I feel about His presence in my life. I only know that He is here and that brings me great joy. I want that for everyone.

Today, I am going to do my best to love whoever I see. The loveable and the unloveable. Some people rub you the wrong way and some people you just cant wait to be around just another day. While accomplishing what I need to do for the day for me, I pray that I faithfully show the love of God in my actions. If I can be a help to someone, even if it seems to be in the smallest way, yet may help them tremendously, then I pray I can do that.

We have a man that does the majority of the driving or hired driving for us. If he himself is not the driver then at least he finds us someone who will. He is honest and reasonable and does everything he can to please us and protect us. He is a joy to be around. He is muslim but is very open to the gospel. He hears it fromALL OF US ALL THE TIME. I keep thinking that with all the christian souls he has had in the car of his, one of these days, he will just decide that he wants to be a part of it himself. Many seeds have been planted in him and I know they will one day, come to fruition. One of the parents that has already gone back stateside with their newly adopted child even gave him an Ugandan Bible. The driver surprised the parent by telling him, that he had one. (We all thought he did not have one). He has even read parts of it. He studied it some with the Koran.

Oh the rejoicing in Heaven, when one soul reaches out and says "Take me and save me"!!

So today, who will you love, who will you uplift and edify? Who's back will you pat and say, "Good Job" Even if you do not feel like it? YOU know that is what your suppose to do. Rejoice in one another and uplift one another. Be thankful to those, who have helped you and been there, even if you do not realize it or want to.

All of us have had someone that helped us along. Let us all be willing to share in a blessing!!

Today, I am thankful for my children and my home churches and those of you who support me financially. I love you all and am grateful to God for each of you. I love you all. I am thankful for Danyne, our director, who has worked tirelessly for the last nearly 5 years to keep a loving, safe, healthy haven for these children. For Debbie who works hard administrating all of it. For Ditte, who is working hard at Coordinating all the current fostering. I am thankful to each and every lady (Ugandan) that works for us at Amani. I pray for their homes an loved ones. I pray for all the volunteers and parents that are here working on adoptions. I pray they see the good we do and the love we have for these kids. I pray for their safety in traveling back with these kids we have nutured.

SO in saying, I will close saying GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU AND MAKE HIS FACE TO SHINE UPON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE!! I love you and Praise God for you!!

Gift Day at Amani for the Kids

2008-04-06T16:52:00.004+03:00

I am blogging twice today to play "catch up" on events. We have a wonderful family, who was one of the first families ever to adopt from Amani Baby Cottage, bless us with some great gifts. Every year they have a fundraising Christmas Party with their friends and raise money for the baby home. This year we took part of that money and had some yard toys purchased and sent to us. Another missionary group had a container sent over and we were able to get those toys onto their container.

The day we presented them to the kids was so fun, and we totally enjoyed watching their faces and see them enjoy these toys. Thank God for this family. Every day since our kids have enjoyed these toys and we have enjoyed playing with them. Here are a few pictures for you to see our 'gifts'. Blessings to you all today.

Ressurection Sunday Sunrise Service

2008-04-06T16:39:00.003+03:00

Hello Dear Ones;
It's been a couple of weeks since I blogged. I've not had much time for getting online much less blog. I pray your all well and safe. Blogging tends to be way down on my priority list. I apologize. Going back a couple of weeks, we had a wonderful Sunrise Service here on my front lawn on Resurrection Sunday. It was a rainy weekend, and in fact was cold enough that I actually put on long sleeves and socks.!! Perish the thought!! It had rained most of the night before and stopped only about 5 AM. Sunrise service was scheduled for 6:30AM. That gave us just enough time to clean up the chairs and benches we laid out the night before on the lawn before it started raining and get things set up. Most of it was set up and ready the day before. Unfortunately, it was load shutting and we did not have power so I had to make Canyon Coffee. You campers will know what that is. Everyone was scheduled to bring something for the potluck breakfast that would immediately follow the service.
The service was beautiful and the sky breathtaking. We had some Praise and Worship time lead by Ryan McCabe and I. He is a fellow missionary here with Calvary Chapel. Then we had a time of Communion led by another fellow missionary with IMB, Rob Davis. Then I sang a song for a special and then Jesse Chance, missionary with Global Outreach, gave a mini sermon. We closed with another Praise and Worship song. It was glorious and a beautiful time for us to come together and celebrate the risen saviour. We had about 30 people including the children who braved the early morning.
Not less than 45 minutes after we had everything cleaned up and we were on our way to church for service it started raining again. It rained hard and continuously for the rest of the day. I wish I had a picture to include with this, but I just didn't think about taking photos. I was so blessed just to be a part of this beautiful time together. I pray your Easter was blessed and that God blessed you. Debbie and Sonia and I took lunch at the Palm Tree with Danyne and a couple of other friends and then went home and just Vegged the rest of the day. As it was pouring down rain, it was a great day for reading, resting, and curling up with a blanket. I thought it felt so great to be cold.

Changes and saying Goodbye

2008-03-20T23:59:00.005+03:00

The time has come and gone to say goodbye to part of my family here in Uganda. Stacy Buss and Anna. They have lived with me in my home since last July while Stacy worked on finalizing her fostering of Anna and ultimately adopt her stateside. She has worked tirelessly over the last several months, not only to finalize her own process, but to assist the current other parents with theirs, as the foster coordinator for the baby home.

It was difficult to say goodbye. Her and Anna have been an integral part of my life over the last 8 months. I have watched her and Anna grow together as Mother and Daughter and it has been a beautiful maturation. They love each other and depend on each other. I know with God's help, Stacy will be a great MOM. She has already shown that.

The trip to Kampala and then to Entebbe was long, arduous and nerve racking. This is a good time to ask you to pray for us as Christians and white people here in Uganda. Currently, Ghaddafi ( is he the leader of Lybia?) and 19 other leaders of African nations and some other Islamic nations are here to "celebrate" the opening of the largest Muslim mosque in the world ( or so I am told). A 4 day celebration that we ended up having to be in the middle of. Motorcade after motorcade and many police escorts all day long while in Kampala. These completely stopped traffic or drastically slowed it down, which does not help considering the fact that driving in Kampala is ALWAYS a long process and difficult. So far it has been peaceful, and no "christian" has been under attack, except in written form in the paper.

What normally would have taken a mere 40- 45 min at the most at 8pm took us over 2 hours. We left downtown Kampala at a few minutes before 8pm and arrived at Entebbe airport at 10:10 p.m. After a long long wait on Kampala Road and finally detouring way out of our way to get there in bumper to bumper traffic.

Her flight time was scheduled for right at 11:00 p.m. and we prayed all the way, that somehow she would be allowed to board and her flight would be delayed.

We arrived at the airport, unloaded her 4 checked bags and 2 carry-ons between them. They would not allow us to assist her with the luggage and Anna except to stand and hold Anna by the luggage X-ray machines while Stacy went in to speak to the Concierge. She came back out running and told us her flight was delayed "Praise God for Answered Prayer", until 2:30 AM and they were giving her a "special Pass" to go ahead and check in and board. That gave us NO time to properly say goodbye, because she had to get right back into the secured area.

So Debbie, Sonia and I stood outside and watched her at the ticket counter through the glass windows, rejoicing that we could see she was being processed. Then, hoping she would see us as she passed by the windows on her way to the security screening area, we waited. She did see us and came over to the windows, so we could waive and cry to each other through the glass. NOT a great goodbye, but we were thankful she was allowed to go through. Later she text us and told us, they told her she should make it in time for her connecting flight in Amsterdam. We are waiting to hear from her that she has arrived safe and sound to her mom's in Minnesota. She should have arrived about 3 hours ago.

God has been so faithful over the last few hours, for her, that despite the fact we will miss her terribly, we rejoice that she is now home (in America) with little Anna. What a great and mighty God he is!!! Blessings on them as they start their lives in America and become a permanent family.

I am amazed daily, by the many things God allows me to see and do while here. I have the privilege of overseeing the health care of all our children. While that is sometimes a big challenge, and not always easy, I KNOW that they are getting the best medical care that is possible while in this country and since medicine has never been an exact science, at least I perform with their very best interest at heart. What I know, is that I serve a mighty God and He has always shown me His Grace. Blessings on all who read this today!!

Uuuggghh

2008-02-23T11:42:00.003+03:00

You never know when some creeping bug (bacterial or otherwise) is going to pounce on you. At any given moment. We are vulnerable to about 40-11 different things to get us sick. Right now 3 of us, including a 2 year old, a volunteer and I are suffering from an intestinal bug. At first, I thought I had food poisioning as well as the other volunteer but as we all seem to have the same symptoms, I have come to the conclusion that we all have the same Gastro-intestinal infection. ie...fever, nausea....you dont want me to continue. Checked for malaria and its negative, thank goodness, however, it sure is debilitating and I sure feel lousy. Could use a few prayers my way..
It has kept me home for the last 2 days. Grrrrr!!!
Printer went out in the office and I cant print any of my med sheets or feeding charts or anything. It is also hard to find a printer in town that is colored. That is a prayer need. I can't even read. I am so tired and sleepy that as soon as I do I fall asleep. Oh well, Im sure I can use the rest. Funds are running low so I don't drive the car much either. I try not to complain to much about the power outages that have been significantly increased lately. Gets old always being in the dark at night. Hmmm that sounds like a complaint. I should Praise God in the midst of it and Not worry. Now there's a novel idea. PRAISE GOD!!! I sure do and I sure am thankful for His presence. No snakes this week, that is a real good thing!!!!!!

donations

2008-02-19T18:40:00.002+03:00

ThunderMt51 asked about donations. Please email me at drsoxxatamani@gmail.com with your name and repeat the interest. I have no way of contacting you this way. Thanks. By the way this sounds like my school district at home and a familiar middle school

Quiet Sunday

2008-02-17T21:21:00.004+03:00

Just thought you would like to know, that today I led a peaceful, Non-snake invaded Sunday. I was blessed with a wonderful, beautiful not so hot day today. Praise God, how he watches over us. I have been working on updating and changing the nutritional plan and diet regime for the kids at the baby home. Mama Cook (Sarah) makes delicious meals but we need to tweak here and add there (as much as money and availability will allow) so that the kids have a better nutritional intake. It has taken me two weeks almost to get it finished and on paper. Tomorrow we start implementing. The kids are such sweet blessings here at the baby home. I enjoy them immensily. I feel like I have accomplished much over the last week and Thank God for it. I can't wait to see what this next week will bring (besides a trip to the dentist in Kampala). Blessings

Valentines Day Surprise

2008-02-15T21:44:00.003+03:00

There are some ministry things I try to do outside the walls of the baby home. I like to refer to them as my outreach ministries. Some way to help some people that truly need the assistance. I think some may remember Amina the little girl with the birth defects who died last Spring 07. But currently, I have been assisting a Ugandan young women and her husband with pre-natal exams and agreed to act as midwife for the couple. Their very real fears of the lack of OB skill here at the local hospital terrified her. She works for a missionary couple in town. On Valentines Day I was priveledged to deliver their precious little girl who was born at 10:05 AM and weighed in at 3.05 kg (6#7oz). It was a great joy to participate in a field of nursing for which I am trained and have much experience. Little Valentine (who really still has no official name) decided to try and deliver with a loose cord around her neck and both her hands on her face. In so doing mom required some stitching despite the extra care for the contrary. At any rate, Praise God mom and baby are doing very well and just for you OB fanatics. Baby Valentine's Apgars were 8/9 and she came out to be 40 Weeks AGA. It was the best Valentines Day I have had for some time.

Amani Baby Cottage

2008-02-12T11:24:00.001+03:00

Days roll into each other sometimes here in Uganda, so much sometimes its hard to tell what day it is. It is always busy and always there is something to do. The kids are a joy and a pain all at the same time, but then, so is every kid on the planet. Here at Amani, we try to provide as close to a real home setting as we can possibly achieve. With our limited funds we don't always get what we want or need, but we try so hard to provide as much as possible. In comparison to many Orphanages, we have a great place.

We, again, God be Praised, have a 8 more children who are nearing the tail end of their fostering/adoption process. This includes Danyne, Debbie and Stacie and 3 families stateside. It is difficult for those who have never been here and even those who have, to understand just what we go through to help these parents get their kids home. There is so so so so much footwork, endless phonecalls and endless "do overs" in regards to paperwork, trips to Kampala, headaches, heartaches and explanations to our local goverment. Costs keep rising and we have NO choice but to "charge" for those costs.

Amani suffered greatly last year with costs from the last group simply because there ended up being so much more to pay for than we ever dreamed. As we are a NGO we do not have a bank or money tree to draw from. How I wish we did. I wish it could be done cost free. Each and every schilling we ask the parents for goes into COST. Amani has NEVER pulled a profit from any parent, nor will we ever.

I cannot even begin to imagine what the stateside costs for these parents must be. I have heard that some have paid around 14,000 USD just for the stateside costs. Ours, we have figured, have roughly increased to about $3,000 USD and unfortunately that amount changes all the time. As this includes court costs and lawyer and other goverment fees, we never know when we will have to pay out some more schillings to achieve our ultimate goal. TO GET THESE PRECIOUS GIFTS FROM GOD INTO A LOVING CHRISTIAN HOME.

Today, Danyne is trying to finish her adoption that has been 5 years in the making. She has worked so hard to facillitate adoptions and fostership of all the other parents, she has had little time to try and complete her own adoption of Danyne and Diana whom, she has had for 5 years. Debbie has worked on finalizing hers for the last year and has had Sonia for going on 4 years now. Stacie while trying to facillitate the fostering of this latest american group is working on her own with Annabelle as well.

What a job these ladies have. What a joy it is to see it finally come to fruition. I am so blessed to be a part of it. As the medical director of ABC, I am a part of the greater good and I help wherever I can.

Blessings to these ladies and all we strive to do for these kids. Praise God things are going better so far in Kampala than they were in Jinja.

I pray that these children will one day know what their 'parents' went through, the many trips to Uganda, the money, the joys, the pain, the waiting, the changes, the agonies and all the unknowns. How could anyone love another child more!!!

Snakes, Bugs and other fowl creatures

2008-02-11T09:37:00.000+03:00

Ok so I can live with the birds, because they are beautiful, exotic and down right facinating, the bugs though I dislike them immensily especially in my house are livable. What I can't stand is the snakes. For going on three years I have lived and worked here and have never had a live snake encounter until this last week. NOT only one snake but two encounters in one week. The first at my back door so close to it that when I stepped out, I stepped right on (thank God in Heaven) its head. It was smaller (about 12" long and as round as pencil). The second much bigger and much more frightening. It was on my window shelf in my living room and I nearly touched it before seeing it was a snake curled up on the shelf. 5ft from its head I screamed and flew off the chair I was standing on when I saw its slithering tongue come out at me. With me trying to talk through my hysteria, Stacie realized there was a true threat in our home called our night guard at the baby home and he came and killed it (with me safely esconsed in my bedroom) and took it away. It really served to dampen and ruin my beautiful Sunday. It was at least 2 1/2 ft long and about an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. VERY GREEN!!! Yes, both these snakes were Green Mamba's. Though deadly, Praise God they rarely strike. I am suffering physically both yesterday and today from that encounter. I truly abhor them and feel ill from it. Ok there's my second entry

The Beginning of this blog

2008-02-08T13:02:00.000+03:00

I am attempting something new. Not sure if it will work for me but it is worth a try. So all you blog reading friends out there. Let me know if you like this or if you think it will work for my newsletter and ministry tool for updates and communication about the latest and greatest of Siouxanne in Uganda.
I am excited to tell you that I will be starting my furlough home on June 25. I will board a British Airlines flight to London and have a 24 hour layover there. What should I do this time?? Then I will fly directly to Denver the next day where I hope my kids will be to pick me up. If you desire a visit with me or a presentation at your church or civic group, contact me for appointments. If you just want to have a meal, I am always up for eating. Blessings