I am safely at home - getting ready to go get ready for SLEEP but before I turn off my "technology" I wanted to put what was written sometime in the wee hours of the morn in Amsterdam but didn't post . . .
And just fyi - I wrote the majority of this after scanning my email in the airport and read there may be some issues w/ the high school and summer usage. Instead of normal "andrea mode" which would include lots of anxiety and panic - I figured perhaps I should just have faith and trust - and God would use whatever situaiton we found ourselves in for good.
The irony??? I opened my email just a few minutes ago - and there was an email from Mark Jordan - telling me all is well - we are good to go and there are no worries!!!! God was at work all the time - and I didn't have to be involved one iota!!!!!!
So . . . .here are my prior thoughts . . .
I look forward to sharing the Ugandan experience with you!
Take care!
We have been in the bus all day - and soon will be to the airport. Our plane leaves at 1am Uganda time - we fly all night - get home US time tomorrow night around six.
The trip was amazing . . . none of us will leave unchanged.
Yesterday afternoon after we ate a late lunch we went to do one final shoe distribution in Aurua. Way too much to type right now - and would much rather "preach" it than type it because it could easily be misunderstod - but let's just say we saw poverty and desperation in a way none of us ever imagined. Desperation - for a pair of shoes. HUNDREDS of children - at least 500 were on the site of that school by the time we left - all wanting, pleading for a pair of shoes.
The team looks forward to beginning a partnership with WC and Acres of Hope. As we prayed w/ Geoffrey and Stanley over the land Sara Beth told us that it was just August 16, 2010 that she and the Ugandan pastors stood on the land and prayed God would lead someone their way to walk along side them in the journey.
Well . . . . my computer died in the van yesterday when we were typing so the rest of the blog went away . . . sigh . . .
We are now in Amsterdam waiting on another airplane -
We said our goodbyes - hearts were heavy yet also filled with hope of what is to come.
THis is fulfilling what I have envisioned Christ called the church to be . . . NOT just something to "help out" but relationships. Kathy and I have prayed hard for a LONG time that God would bring the right relationships to Williamson's Chapel because you are a church with such a heart for serving people - both in Mooresville and now, truly, all over the world. Partnering with children in Afghanistan, looking to grow in the relationship with Christ Church in Kolkata, and now - partnering with others in the hope of building orphanages with a community of pastors in Nebbi, Uganda - I would say that is pretty close to fulfilling the call of the kingdom . . . to do unto the least of these.
And "the least of these" is what we have seen. Bellies so distended . . . hundreds and hundreds of children that run to us when we appear in an area . . . not running up to beg, mind you, simply running up for the touch of a hand. They all wanted to shake our hands . . . and if they were children who had been under the influence of any adult in their midst - as a sign of respect they would curtsey or bow.
The other children who perhaps had not experienced the presence of a "white person" merely stared but never in an unkind way. A curious way . . . looking . . . anticipating of what might can be.
Some realities are:
THIS OLD GIRL is a WEE BIT TIRED :)
THe other nine people who have given so selflessly of their time and money are exhausted too - not just physically but I think emotionally!
And I realized just now as some woman bowled me over while we were having our things scanned at security I am a bit grumpy too . . . .
BUT - and there is a BIG BUT!!!!
if you had told me even a year ago when we were in Kolkata that I would spend 6 days in the midst of nature - using the bathroom in places that really, REALLY are out of my comfort zone with creatures that I hope to never see again - showering in ways that don't leave me feeling clean - and whoever said "oh it's fine if they do not have hot water, African water isn't cold like you think." REALLY???????? Um, yes, it is a little cold!!!!!!
But - despite all those things - I sit here feeling nasty and grumpy but have a heart that is filled with joy and gratitude. I made the mistake of reading a few emails that downloaded and I see what reality awaits in about 10 more hours - - - -
And as a few situations seem insurmountable in the Inbox I remember that I have seen GOd multiply shoes to fit the needs of the children that kept coming . . . I have seen God Provide protection for the team as the earth rumbled a little bit (yes, there was an earthquake in Nebbi on Tuesday - most of the team slept through it but a few of us did not . . .) and I watched God empower two men and some other adults from the US have a vision for no more orphans and hunger in the middle of Africa and God has enabled them to begin on the journey to make that vision a reality.
Those without vision perish.
May we, as we each come home, so grateful to be in step w/ ministry with each of you, continue to see God's vision before us. A vision that is not based on material things or how many shoes and pocketbooks I can have (yes, I have been a bit convicted) but a vision based on using all that we are and all that we have to share God's love through all things - whether it is a single pencil, a "Smartie" (a piece of candy that comes in a pack - we gave each child 1. Not one pack - one piece of candy - and they would wait in line for 15 min to receive one)
Next weekend we will gather to package meals for "Feed My Starving Children." I see there are a few spots still open on Saturday - come join us in making a difference!!!!!!
I have already contacted FMSC to see if the next time (not next weekend, it is too quick to make a reality) but the next time we do this as a church - we can GUARANTEE that the very food we package will be distributed on the ground in Nebbi, Uganda. We also can even potentially schedule a summer 2012 trip w/ the distribution of the meals . . . and also a medical team . . . and a shoe drop. That is the vision for summer 2012. By then, it is my full hope and expectation that the first of the 3 orphanges will be built and children will no longer have names that mean "No Love" because they will be given new names in Christ.
November of this year we look to do another short Africa trip again. A week seems to work if you don't go do any kind of major sightseeing - which we did not do - no "safari's" for us - BUT i don't think a single soul will complain because we saw more animals on the side of the road and in the Nile that I ever imagined . . . .
BUT in November we will take women's dresses. THey do not wear pants . . . so we will do a "woman's dress shop" and let each woman in the village come and pick out an outfit for her! We will not only love those kids - but show love to those that care for them as well!!!!!!
Thank you as a church for supporting this - thank you for not "holding tight" to your dollars but for sharing them so generously with Mooresville and with the world!
Thanks be to God.
About Me
- Andrea
- So grateful for passionate people and a passionate place in which to be in ministry . . . West is ONE YEAR OLD!!!! YEAH! And looking forward to a great year ahead . . .
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Unsettled
For us it is a pipecleaner cross – for them it is the symbol of hope and the resurrection.
Today we met a young boy whose name is Merumbe. It means “without love”
I thought I misheard Stanley – one of the Ugandan pastors we are partnering with – and I asked him to tell me that one more time.
“It means ‘without love’ – his parent named him that most likely because his dad died from AIDS.
After that as we profiled him so he could then be sponsored by someone in the US – hopefully one of you for $31 a day . . . . I wept.
And we found out he lives with his dad and 2 brothers. There is no mom.
And his name is without love. And at some point – if not already – he knows that.
What would we do if that was our name?????
It’s different . . . much easier to blog in India when you go back to a 5 star hotel (granted, in India standards) and you have that environment in which to ponder and write.
Before I left Mark Jordan and I were chatting and he said “Surely it can’t be worse than what you experienced in India.” “Good point.” I responded.
Oh how I was wrong.
But let me say it is not “worse” as in bad . . . but I don’t think there is a human being on this trip that will say their heart remains unchanged. I guess “unbroken” would be the best way I could describe it.
Sunday’s worship was powerful at both churches. One group went to Stanley’s church and another group went to Geoffrey’s. In both worship experiences it was evident that God is universal and bridges all gaps between culture. At Stanley’s, the worship songs were chosen by the congregation (five minutes before the service started – gives new meaning to worship planning) and both languages filled the room as the songs of faith resonated among the people.
I had the privilege of preaching at Geoffrey’s church and other than forgetting that I had to STOP and wait for the interpreter to interpret my words and luckily the Williamson’s Chapel people yelled out “WHOA” it was again evident that God’s presence is far reaching. The praise team sang out “You Are Good” and the familiar lyrics and tune brought a peace that settled the team.
Sunday afternoon brought two more villages - - - one that truly was on the banks of the Nile River. As we stood there among the huts and the sun set over the banks of the Nile it seemed children came from everywhere.
In the thousands of years that we know that humanity has existed in that area I seriously doubt circumstances have changed. And the even more potent part of that realization was the lack of want or need. The villagers had peace. Yet there was extreme excitement as the van rumbled in. Roads? What roads!!?!?!?!?! Some “dirt” paths define roads . . .
The women made cross necklaces from the pipe cleaners and beads we brought from America and only later did we learn how important that was because the women from a neighboring village/tribe had enough resources to have their own beaded jewelry and the women of this area had nothing but literally the clothes on their backs. But now they have beads – in the shape of a cross. And the woman that I sat beside looked at me and said, “I am a Christian.”
That was all she knew how to say. But for her that was enough!
I only have internet for 1 minute and the team REALLY wants something posted – so this is all for now . . .
But as I leave the internet realm – the things I REALLY DESPERATELY want to never forget –
The group of children with bellies so distended from poverty standing around behind us a we circled today on the land Geoffrey (Ugandan pastor) has already purchased “Acres of Hope” and we blessed and prayed over that land – after we said “Amen” all the children started clapping. They could have NO IDEA what we were doing or saying but their clapping was a true sign from God that hope and joy abounds among the desert and the starvation and the death.
Eryn surrounded by a bunch of African women with smiles so large because they had some beads.
Morgan, Julie, Layne, Andrew, and Lance doing the parachute and the soccer and OF ALL THINGS the “Chicken Dance” without any words to entertain the children – and then the African women RUNNING up so they could do the dance too.
Meeting SaraBeth, Whitney, K.B., and Lacey and seeing their passion and sacrifice for the African people.
Pat, Lance, Scott, Kathy, Eryn, Layne, Andrew, Morgan, Julie and myelf are blessed to be a part of WCUMC. We are sad to get ready to come home but also READY because we have much to share!
Until then...
Today we met a young boy whose name is Merumbe. It means “without love”
I thought I misheard Stanley – one of the Ugandan pastors we are partnering with – and I asked him to tell me that one more time.
“It means ‘without love’ – his parent named him that most likely because his dad died from AIDS.
After that as we profiled him so he could then be sponsored by someone in the US – hopefully one of you for $31 a day . . . . I wept.
And we found out he lives with his dad and 2 brothers. There is no mom.
And his name is without love. And at some point – if not already – he knows that.
What would we do if that was our name?????
It’s different . . . much easier to blog in India when you go back to a 5 star hotel (granted, in India standards) and you have that environment in which to ponder and write.
Before I left Mark Jordan and I were chatting and he said “Surely it can’t be worse than what you experienced in India.” “Good point.” I responded.
Oh how I was wrong.
But let me say it is not “worse” as in bad . . . but I don’t think there is a human being on this trip that will say their heart remains unchanged. I guess “unbroken” would be the best way I could describe it.
Sunday’s worship was powerful at both churches. One group went to Stanley’s church and another group went to Geoffrey’s. In both worship experiences it was evident that God is universal and bridges all gaps between culture. At Stanley’s, the worship songs were chosen by the congregation (five minutes before the service started – gives new meaning to worship planning) and both languages filled the room as the songs of faith resonated among the people.
I had the privilege of preaching at Geoffrey’s church and other than forgetting that I had to STOP and wait for the interpreter to interpret my words and luckily the Williamson’s Chapel people yelled out “WHOA” it was again evident that God’s presence is far reaching. The praise team sang out “You Are Good” and the familiar lyrics and tune brought a peace that settled the team.
Sunday afternoon brought two more villages - - - one that truly was on the banks of the Nile River. As we stood there among the huts and the sun set over the banks of the Nile it seemed children came from everywhere.
In the thousands of years that we know that humanity has existed in that area I seriously doubt circumstances have changed. And the even more potent part of that realization was the lack of want or need. The villagers had peace. Yet there was extreme excitement as the van rumbled in. Roads? What roads!!?!?!?!?! Some “dirt” paths define roads . . .
The women made cross necklaces from the pipe cleaners and beads we brought from America and only later did we learn how important that was because the women from a neighboring village/tribe had enough resources to have their own beaded jewelry and the women of this area had nothing but literally the clothes on their backs. But now they have beads – in the shape of a cross. And the woman that I sat beside looked at me and said, “I am a Christian.”
That was all she knew how to say. But for her that was enough!
I only have internet for 1 minute and the team REALLY wants something posted – so this is all for now . . .
But as I leave the internet realm – the things I REALLY DESPERATELY want to never forget –
The group of children with bellies so distended from poverty standing around behind us a we circled today on the land Geoffrey (Ugandan pastor) has already purchased “Acres of Hope” and we blessed and prayed over that land – after we said “Amen” all the children started clapping. They could have NO IDEA what we were doing or saying but their clapping was a true sign from God that hope and joy abounds among the desert and the starvation and the death.
Eryn surrounded by a bunch of African women with smiles so large because they had some beads.
Morgan, Julie, Layne, Andrew, and Lance doing the parachute and the soccer and OF ALL THINGS the “Chicken Dance” without any words to entertain the children – and then the African women RUNNING up so they could do the dance too.
Meeting SaraBeth, Whitney, K.B., and Lacey and seeing their passion and sacrifice for the African people.
Pat, Lance, Scott, Kathy, Eryn, Layne, Andrew, Morgan, Julie and myelf are blessed to be a part of WCUMC. We are sad to get ready to come home but also READY because we have much to share!
Until then...
Sunday, March 13, 2011
It's Sunday after church
Andrea preached and did a great job. The interpreter did an amazing job translating Andreas sermon.
Their energy and passion for Christ was amazing. They sang and clapped and danced for over an hour! Although we are a world apart the similarities in God’s message clearly cut across cultural bounds.
This afternoon we travel to a town beside the river Nile. We look forward to being in the same waters that Moses was in. In addition to the 100+ shoes we gave away yesterday, today we will again wash feet, share God’s love and give away shoes! We hope to see another elephant and hippo though we cannot take pictures because the government does not allow it unless we are on a paid safari.
Yesterday was totally amazing, crazy, and touched and inspired each of us in a unique and powerful way. Kneeling at the feet of African children and washing the dirt off of them was such a humbling and fulfilling experience. It was not about the shoes but about sharing love in a personal and general way with orphans who have no family unit and rarely receive the touch of a loving individual.
As we played games with the hundreds and hundreds (no lie) of kids the pure joy in their faces was Indescribable especially compared to the daily trials they face. Compared to the USA it is rare for these kids to experience such freedom to be a kid and just have "fun"!
As we have said, power is off here so communication is difficult but we feel the prayers and thank each of you who are continually lifting us up.
Tomorrow we hope to have Internet access at Geoffrey's house. Andrea has a blog post much deeper than this :). This post is submitted by Kathy, Eryn, and Scott on the iPhone and thankfully re-sent by Joan Finn from WCUMC.
If you want to send a text to the team send an email to: 37257710878@SMS.onesimscard.com. A text will come to us at no charge and the email is free for you :)
Their energy and passion for Christ was amazing. They sang and clapped and danced for over an hour! Although we are a world apart the similarities in God’s message clearly cut across cultural bounds.
This afternoon we travel to a town beside the river Nile. We look forward to being in the same waters that Moses was in. In addition to the 100+ shoes we gave away yesterday, today we will again wash feet, share God’s love and give away shoes! We hope to see another elephant and hippo though we cannot take pictures because the government does not allow it unless we are on a paid safari.
Yesterday was totally amazing, crazy, and touched and inspired each of us in a unique and powerful way. Kneeling at the feet of African children and washing the dirt off of them was such a humbling and fulfilling experience. It was not about the shoes but about sharing love in a personal and general way with orphans who have no family unit and rarely receive the touch of a loving individual.
As we played games with the hundreds and hundreds (no lie) of kids the pure joy in their faces was Indescribable especially compared to the daily trials they face. Compared to the USA it is rare for these kids to experience such freedom to be a kid and just have "fun"!
As we have said, power is off here so communication is difficult but we feel the prayers and thank each of you who are continually lifting us up.
Tomorrow we hope to have Internet access at Geoffrey's house. Andrea has a blog post much deeper than this :). This post is submitted by Kathy, Eryn, and Scott on the iPhone and thankfully re-sent by Joan Finn from WCUMC.
If you want to send a text to the team send an email to: 37257710878@SMS.onesimscard.com. A text will come to us at no charge and the email is free for you :)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Limited Communications in Nebbi, everyone is well, no power, posting from cell phone
Everyone is well. On the ride here we saw elephants, baboons, monkeys and hippos. We crossed the Nile river twice.
Accommodations are ok, just generator power for. Few hours each night.
Passing out shoes sat morning and there are hundreds of kids waiting on us. Their eyes light up when they see us.
We will send communications when we can but very limited as we can only do this from the iPhone.
Accommodations are ok, just generator power for. Few hours each night.
Passing out shoes sat morning and there are hundreds of kids waiting on us. Their eyes light up when they see us.
We will send communications when we can but very limited as we can only do this from the iPhone.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
New Appreciation for Nothing But Nets!
We are here in Kampala, landed and got to hotel around 11pm I think . . . now it is after midnight - time for bed as 7am and the 5 hour bus ride to Nebbi tomorrow will come early!
Relatively stress free day - it seems like forever ago when we were in Charlotte - I guess we have spent over 24 hours in travel but we are here safe and sound and so glad!
Staying at a nice hotel . . . . .w/ Mosquito Nets. Now - I have to confess. I've always heard about the "nothing but nets" campaign done through UMCOR and other mission organizations but i don't know what I expected. Truthfully i thought it was a net you put over your body - like you wore it or something - I had no idea. It's a canopy kind of thing! BUT BOY AM I GRATEFUL FOR IT!!!!!!!! Those little mosquitos are EVERYWHERE and all our luggage (with all my bug spray is on the bus)!!!!
So . .. sleeping in my clothes and a net . . . as are most other people. I truly don't think anyone cares!!!!!! We are just so glad to be here and meeting Geoffrey and Stanley - the two Ugandan Pastors has been so cool! They laugh and joke around but their prayer tonight was so beautiful.
I do want to apologize on the front end if you are reading this blog for tidbits of info on your loved ones. I try to give you overviews of safety, etc. but this also serves as my "journal" . . . a way to remember things that happen that I NEVER want to forget . . . so when I wax eloquent - forgive me!
Two quick things happened today that I hope I will always remember.
We had a little passport drama in the Amsterdam airport. One of our team members laid down their bag at one of the little shops in the airport (NO - for once it wasn't me - but so typical of something I would do!)
They didn't get back to the gate until we had about 20 min to get ready to board the next 8 hour flight. They went to look for their passport but it wasn't w/ all the WCUMC Luggage. They insisted they left it there . . . they KNEW beyond a shadow of a doubt they did not carry their bag around with them.
Thus began an all out search. All the Samaritan's Feet staff, several WC team members, etc. went around looking in bathrooms, near tables, food court, etc. HOPING to find the bag. We also talked to immigration and found out there was no way they could take off on another plane unless that passport was in hand. We didn't know what we were going to do except get a hotel, go to the US Embassy, and get a new one overnighted. To say it was stressful for a few minutes is a slight under exaggeration.
FOr a good 15 minutes 10 different people combed the airport. Finally - the one who originally lost it came back and had it in hand. Sighs of relief rang out.
The irony of the whole thing was something I think we all have that is so blatant in our lives.
That which we think we know with all certainty - is often not absolute.
Had some inisitence not occurred today w/ the whole passport thing and someone insisting that we had to leave and go look for it we would probably still think it was mixed up with someone's carry on.
Yet the nudge was there that it was NOT mixed in - I would have seen it . . . So we kept looking.
I wonder how many times in life - both in the US and for the Ugandan Team - do we miss the things that are so crystal clear and absolute because we inisist on our own ideas and own "way."
It is my prayer this week that we see God with such clarity of vision and purpose and love that there is NO our own way. It is only God's way!
Thank you for the prayers! They are much, much appreciated!!!
Now - off to sleep - up in 5 hours. ;)
Relatively stress free day - it seems like forever ago when we were in Charlotte - I guess we have spent over 24 hours in travel but we are here safe and sound and so glad!
Staying at a nice hotel . . . . .w/ Mosquito Nets. Now - I have to confess. I've always heard about the "nothing but nets" campaign done through UMCOR and other mission organizations but i don't know what I expected. Truthfully i thought it was a net you put over your body - like you wore it or something - I had no idea. It's a canopy kind of thing! BUT BOY AM I GRATEFUL FOR IT!!!!!!!! Those little mosquitos are EVERYWHERE and all our luggage (with all my bug spray is on the bus)!!!!
So . .. sleeping in my clothes and a net . . . as are most other people. I truly don't think anyone cares!!!!!! We are just so glad to be here and meeting Geoffrey and Stanley - the two Ugandan Pastors has been so cool! They laugh and joke around but their prayer tonight was so beautiful.
I do want to apologize on the front end if you are reading this blog for tidbits of info on your loved ones. I try to give you overviews of safety, etc. but this also serves as my "journal" . . . a way to remember things that happen that I NEVER want to forget . . . so when I wax eloquent - forgive me!
Two quick things happened today that I hope I will always remember.
We had a little passport drama in the Amsterdam airport. One of our team members laid down their bag at one of the little shops in the airport (NO - for once it wasn't me - but so typical of something I would do!)
They didn't get back to the gate until we had about 20 min to get ready to board the next 8 hour flight. They went to look for their passport but it wasn't w/ all the WCUMC Luggage. They insisted they left it there . . . they KNEW beyond a shadow of a doubt they did not carry their bag around with them.
Thus began an all out search. All the Samaritan's Feet staff, several WC team members, etc. went around looking in bathrooms, near tables, food court, etc. HOPING to find the bag. We also talked to immigration and found out there was no way they could take off on another plane unless that passport was in hand. We didn't know what we were going to do except get a hotel, go to the US Embassy, and get a new one overnighted. To say it was stressful for a few minutes is a slight under exaggeration.
FOr a good 15 minutes 10 different people combed the airport. Finally - the one who originally lost it came back and had it in hand. Sighs of relief rang out.
The irony of the whole thing was something I think we all have that is so blatant in our lives.
That which we think we know with all certainty - is often not absolute.
Had some inisitence not occurred today w/ the whole passport thing and someone insisting that we had to leave and go look for it we would probably still think it was mixed up with someone's carry on.
Yet the nudge was there that it was NOT mixed in - I would have seen it . . . So we kept looking.
I wonder how many times in life - both in the US and for the Ugandan Team - do we miss the things that are so crystal clear and absolute because we inisist on our own ideas and own "way."
It is my prayer this week that we see God with such clarity of vision and purpose and love that there is NO our own way. It is only God's way!
Thank you for the prayers! They are much, much appreciated!!!
Now - off to sleep - up in 5 hours. ;)
Landed in Amsterdam
We made it to Amsterdam safely. Now a 4 hour layover and another 8 hour flight to Uganda!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
LOTS of SHOES . . . . and HERE WE GO!!!!
Well . . .
We are here . . . and SHOES are everywhere!
We had a "little" counting discrepancy between the Samaritan's Feet office and the bins and bags at WCUMC so when we did the group check in and got near the end we had a few too many bins and a few NOT enough people!!!
We consolidated 2 bins into the rest of the check in luggage that didn't weigh 50 pounds and thought we were GOOD to go!
NOPE!!!!
Still two more bins! Hmmmmmmmm . . . how in the world are we going to get this stuff there? And this is more than just some makeup and construction paper. It was shoes. And for each pair of shoes there is a small person on the other side of the world that has a need. Leaving those behind felt like a HEAVY weight on our hearts!
We TRIED to negotiate a reduced fee - $200 per bag extra. Could we do a "buy one get one free" sale?
***Brief aside - our Ugandan Pastor - Geoffrey is Skyping with us while we sit in the Charlotte Airport! HOW COOL!
Anyway - No Negotiating w/ Delta. :(
So . . . SaraBeth was going to pay for one bin, I was going pay for the other. $400 is nothing compared to 60 or 70 pair of shoes on children's feet!
BUT we spied ALL THOSE CARRY ON BAGS . . . SURELY between the 10 of us and SaraBeth from Samaritan's Feet we could get those shoes on that airplane without spending lots more money!
We have shoes everywhere . . . they are in every crevice of backpacks, pocketbooks, and even took the place of a pillow or two, and we are patiently waiting on our flight to NYC!
We are so blessed by you and your prayers!
This morning the staff of WC and the parents gathered around the team and covered us in prayer.
As Rob closed the prayer his words were beautiful, "And God let the impact of this trip have effects that are eternal in the lives of both those going and those who receive."
Eternal effects . . . by an eternal God.
Let us truly see and experience those effects in every step of the way.
Thank you for keeping the team in your prayers!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Team:
Pat Benfield
Lance Armstrong
Eryn O'Brien
Julie Fuquay
Morgan McMahon
Andrea
Scott Smith
Andrew Smith
Layne Smith
Kathy Warner
We are here . . . and SHOES are everywhere!
We had a "little" counting discrepancy between the Samaritan's Feet office and the bins and bags at WCUMC so when we did the group check in and got near the end we had a few too many bins and a few NOT enough people!!!
We consolidated 2 bins into the rest of the check in luggage that didn't weigh 50 pounds and thought we were GOOD to go!
NOPE!!!!
Still two more bins! Hmmmmmmmm . . . how in the world are we going to get this stuff there? And this is more than just some makeup and construction paper. It was shoes. And for each pair of shoes there is a small person on the other side of the world that has a need. Leaving those behind felt like a HEAVY weight on our hearts!
We TRIED to negotiate a reduced fee - $200 per bag extra. Could we do a "buy one get one free" sale?
***Brief aside - our Ugandan Pastor - Geoffrey is Skyping with us while we sit in the Charlotte Airport! HOW COOL!
Anyway - No Negotiating w/ Delta. :(
So . . . SaraBeth was going to pay for one bin, I was going pay for the other. $400 is nothing compared to 60 or 70 pair of shoes on children's feet!
BUT we spied ALL THOSE CARRY ON BAGS . . . SURELY between the 10 of us and SaraBeth from Samaritan's Feet we could get those shoes on that airplane without spending lots more money!
We have shoes everywhere . . . they are in every crevice of backpacks, pocketbooks, and even took the place of a pillow or two, and we are patiently waiting on our flight to NYC!
We are so blessed by you and your prayers!
This morning the staff of WC and the parents gathered around the team and covered us in prayer.
As Rob closed the prayer his words were beautiful, "And God let the impact of this trip have effects that are eternal in the lives of both those going and those who receive."
Eternal effects . . . by an eternal God.
Let us truly see and experience those effects in every step of the way.
Thank you for keeping the team in your prayers!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Team:
Pat Benfield
Lance Armstrong
Eryn O'Brien
Julie Fuquay
Morgan McMahon
Andrea
Scott Smith
Andrew Smith
Layne Smith
Kathy Warner
Flight Itinerary
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 6055
Depart: Charlotte Douglas Airport 12:47 PM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 2:12
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0070
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:25 PM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 7:35
Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:00 AM
Thursday 10 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9318
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:15 AM
Arrive: Entebbe Airport Travel Time: 8:00
8:15 PM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9598
Depart: Entebbe Airport 1:45 AM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 8:30
8:15 AM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0071
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:25 AM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 8:40
2:05 PM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 3965
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:00 PM
Arrive: Charlotte Douglas Airport Travel Time: 2:20
6:20 PM
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 6055
Depart: Charlotte Douglas Airport 12:47 PM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 2:12
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0070
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:25 PM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 7:35
Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:00 AM
Thursday 10 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9318
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:15 AM
Arrive: Entebbe Airport Travel Time: 8:00
8:15 PM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9598
Depart: Entebbe Airport 1:45 AM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 8:30
8:15 AM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0071
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:25 AM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 8:40
2:05 PM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 3965
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:00 PM
Arrive: Charlotte Douglas Airport Travel Time: 2:20
6:20 PM
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