Emma & Daddy - I Remember

We are missionary buddies for sure. 

Joined together in our hearts mission to make a difference in the orphans we meet.

Since 2008 we were always together on our mission trips 

to our beloved country of Uganda and their precious children.  

We love the times we've spent together watching God do miracles.

We are mission junkies!

We love the adventure!

We love the the highs and the lows of being with the children of Uganda.

We love the brokenness that always comes in our hearts 

when we see, touch, hold, and simply love the children.

It's been a long time coming but "that day" if finally here.  

"That day" that I board a plane to leave Africa without Emma.  

That day that she stays behind to begin her life-long calling to the children of Africa. 

I've always known the day would come.  

Since she was little she has prayed to come to Africa to care for orphans.

In 2008 her calling and pleas could no longer be ignored.

Almost every day I would open my roll-top desk and find a note with a picture of children
from Africa quoting Isaiah, "Who will go, send me!" 

or 

"If we don't go and care for the children Daddy, who will?"   

So in 2008 we began our journey and now 5 years later & 10 mission trips

"That day is here!"

We took our first mission trip in 2008 to Uganda.  

We did not know what to expect and there was not just a little bit of
caution and concern 

in this Daddy's heart.  

I was not letting my precious girl go to Africa without me.

I remember the objections.

I also remember the set up by Linny and Emma with Steve and Celesta Tracey
and their missionary daughter, Abby
 serving in Uganda, coming over for pizza.  

I lost every argument that day of "why not"!

A total set-up!

I was adamant..."if she goes - I go"!   

The next Sunday Steve Tracey, a professor at Phoenix Seminary
 approaches me to
teach a Pastor's Conference.

The rest is history!

So off we went to explore, to investigate and to understand
 the culture and country of "Uganda"!

Ten mission trips later and our love for Uganda is a tight bond.  

Together we have grown to love the people, the place & the culture.  

 I remember discovering Elijah and Elizabeth at Sanyu babies home.... together!

I remember celebrating our African sons/brothers wedding... together!

I remember falling in love with child after child.... together!

I remember watching her grow each time from a young girl to the beautiful young lady she is today!

I remember building dorms, kitchens, and bricks at African Hearts... together!

I remember leading songs, laughing, playing &  hugging children.... together!

I remember painting Ssenge, API and Sanyu.... together!

I remember working with teams..... together!

I remember throwing birthday parties together!

I remember discovering crazy people like Shawn and Sarah....
now missionaries with Emma together!

 I remember leading teams again and again.... together.

I remember her posing for pictures with that gorgeous smile.... together!

I remember discovering Ruby... together!

I remember this current trip so well as every time I would look at her,

 I would take a snap shot of her in my mind!

Believe me when I say I have thousands of snapshots in my mind!

I remember her laughing and giggling as I chased boys with water after BB camp!

I remember her love for our SJ and every child she see's ---
(ok, now the snot is dripping down my face...
I will remember that too Emma - it's your fault!)

I remember all the wonderful times as Daddy & Daughter!

I will remember your tender heart for all the children with special needs!

I remember first meeting each one of your
African brothers and sisters and the laughs... together!

I will remember your love for Watson and Joanna...
 your babies and your reunion with them just days ago!

I remember our last team we led together!

I will remember our last day together as a fun day on lake Victoria!

Even now....

I'm not ready to leave her alone...

as tears fill my eyes and run down my cheek as I write --

the concern returns.  

How will she be? 

 Will she be safe?

Who will protect her if she needs her Daddy?

To paraphrase a psalm:  "Except the Lord watch the house {my daughter}
this Daddy watches her in vain!"

I know that she is the Lord's and that I can't really protect her,
but the 'want to' still remains!

She's been the Lord's since the day Linny rescued her from a SIDS incident!

And tonight as I leave for home...

This time I will remember that we did not go home together.

I left and my Emma remained to follow the call of Jesus Christ on her life to the
orphans and vulnerable children of Uganda.

I am so proud - so happy - so filled with joy for you my precious daughter!

 You are a gift to everyone who knows you.

Now the gift is for the children of Uganda!

Never Forget your Daddy Loves You,

 Daddy 

PS:  We often hear or read stories of the missionaries... as well we should, but what do I do to cope with being the parent of a missionary?  Proud - more than I can say... scared for my little girl --- very much!

Ordinary Heroes:If We are Willing, He is Able

We all love a great story...and this one is no exception....the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things...things that would seem impossible...but love for the orphan mixed with God's favor is a sure recipe for powerful blessings. 

Meet Robin, a young mom living on the West Coast with her husband and three children: 

Hannah {7}, Christopher {5} and Phoebe {2}. 

 Some time ago God began to break Robin's heart for the orphan.  She knew she could no longer sit back and do nothing. Then the Lord gave her an idea to make bread and sell it and give the proceeds to orphanages to care for little ones. 

 She began her "Bread for Life" ministry on Sunday December 11th. 

 She sold 20 loaves of pumpkin bread and raised $648.00. 

 Can you believe it? 

 But wait! 

 There's more! 

 Listen to what God did: A friend who rents a commercial bakery gave Robin the key so on Monday nights from 8:30 - 5:00am she now is able to bake between 20-400 loaves of bread in a walk-in oven!

But that's not all either..... in His the midst of His powerful favor, the Lord provided people willing to donate most of the ingredients! How crazy and miraculous is that? 

 Robin bakes pumpkin bread and lemon bread. As Robin's ministry took off, God began to move on other hearts...women in the church now volunteer to bake banana bread and yeast rolls. They put a table out approx every 3 weeks and every time we sell out.   Their biggest sale day {to date} they made $1340. 

There is no limits to what God will do.  

When Robin was sharing her story with me, I asked: How big is your church? {Thinking it was probably a mega-church.} But it's not! It has about 200 regular attenders....no doubt, those 200 attenders are having their world rocked for the orphan... 

In just over 5 months Bread for Life has raised over $7,000!!!   

Can you believe it?    

An ordinary mom doing extraordinary things for the orphan...

which has ignited a fire in the hearts of those near {and far}....

all because Robin's heart was willing to do anything. 

Anything. 

 Anything! 

Robin's tag on her blog is this:

If We are Willing, He is Able

Powerful words being lived on:

Willing Robin {and friends}, Able God.

 Oh, and Robin {and two friends from her church} are part of the June 2012 GO Team leaving in less than 2 weeks for Uganda with Dw and Emma...and Robin will get to love on the babies that she has worked through the nights preparing bread so they would eat...

Your Gift: "Happy Birthday Boys"

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday!  We all love it when it's our day.  I'm certainly guilty as charged!

For many of us we take this day for granted, we've had our birthdays, some good, some not so good. But there is always next year... or is there??

What if in the first few years of your life you struggled to survive on the streets?

What if you were neglected?

Abandoned?

Abused?

Thrown out of the home and left for dead?

How much sweeter would be the words "Happy Birthday" and that celebration if you now knew you were safe and a bunch of people came and threw you a party?

(stay tuned I have an idea for you at the end)

It's not all work and no fun when you go on a "Go Team" to the children of Africa!  

We love to play & party with the kids!!

There are many times of laughter, celebration and fun with the children!  

We love to laugh!  

The Bible teaches us that laughter is medicine to the soul.  And no place is this more evident than to these children!  Noone seems to laugh like children who have come from the most difficult lives!!

The medicine of laughter replaces some of these children's horrific mental pictures

with healthy pictures of life.  

There is always something to celebrate!  Right!   

 Linny accuses me of making up things to celebrate, and she is probably right... 

and when it comes to children laughing and playing we pour it on.

One of the ways we celebrate it to throw a party for the orphanages we visit.  And their is nothing quite so exciting as being part of a Birthday party for children that haven't had many to celebrate.

This last trip we threw the monthly birthday party for the boys of "A Perfect Injustice".

We bought many chickens, the boys "prepared the chickens" for the mommas.  (I'm glad that's not part of my job.)   The ladies worked hard all day getting ready.

Then, we placed a couple hundred or so balloons on the floor while the boys waited outside.  

Then they came rushing in.... 

stepping

popping

giggling 

&

shouting for joy into the party.

Then we danced little bit... dancing might be stretching it for us!! :)

All too quickly, it was time to say goodbye....

We will never forget --- They will never forget!

 Many ask, "what can I do?" 

 Enjoy your birthday - but what if one gift you requested this year was to help the children of Africa.

Then you could give a present like food, or water, or training to the children.

The June team will be throwing a few parties as well... if you'd like to give a gift to these same children.. they desperately want a basketball court!

Total cost - $2500... 


The June 2012 GO Team we will dig it, pour it and erect the goals!


We are even bringing some basketballs.  

Would you be willing to designate  a Birthday Gift to the boys of API this year so these 30 plus once-orphaned-street-boys will have a great way to expend some of that youthful energy?  They would love it if you did!! 

By the way,

Happy Birthday!  dw

"The Team"

It is my firm belief that God orchestrates our teams as He wills.  He knows what needs to be accomplished and what will have the most lasting impact.    God is far out in front preparing the way and looking for those who will respond and answer the call to GO!  The above picture is a team the Lord called to GO a few years ago.  Today's February 2012 team will have a picture soon!


His plans will be fulfilled!  For some, it answers a life-long prayer of going to Africa!  For others, the stirring is recent and the desire has now met reality to love on some of the most vulnerable children of the world.  For some, it's not their time.... yet!


Today there is a team of people who love the orphan and are gathering from around the United States and Canada.  I sit in the Texas airport awaiting our flight to Europe with several of the team members.  The ones with me so far are from Canada; Oklahoma (a pastor and his son), and three from Phoenix.  


We will meet the rest of the team in Europe.  One young lady is from Calgary, Canada, a woman and her two children are from Indiana, and another woman from Houston.  


The team is not as large as other teams, but I know it's the team for this season.   God doesn't make mistakes, and designs the team as He wills. 


 Already new friendships are forming and forever bonds will be created.  It is an amazing thing to watch a team form and come together.  God is always at work and we get to join Him in His work!! 


We are ready to deploy, the team is ready, and we are filled with anticipation and expectation as we head to our destination of Uganda, Africa.   


Follow me as I take this team to love on orphans and vulnerable children; serve our partners, feed street children, and travel to Eastern Uganda to minister to many who very rarely have teams come to them!    I will upload photos, share team comments and emotions, and help you travel with us.   You will hear from me in a couple of days when I get to the other side of the world!


Please keep the team {and their families at home} in your prayers.  We are certain to encounter spiritual warfare!


PS:   Is God calling you to part of the June 2012 GO team?  Don't ask Him if you should GO, ask Him why you shouldn't GO?