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!

Jiggers

My African Daughter, Praise, came to see me and we talked and talked.  

We discussed so many things as she wanted advice from here Dad.  

We decided what we should accomplish when we visited her home - 

build an addition to the school house.  

She also, mentioned that all the children had been infected  with Jiggers.

Jiggers?  I wasn't sure that I'd ever seen them. I had not idea how bad they could be.

She said they were in the dust on their floors.  

They are actually small and worm-like flee.  

They bore into the skin and then the foot becomes infected.  

Some children begin to lose their ability to walk. 

But knowing all this did not even begin to prepare me for what we saw when the team arrived.

One of the jiggers removed from a child's foot.

 Every child's foot was infected.  Not with just one, but with many jiggers.  

Oh, how our hearts broke for these children.  

They had run to the car to meet us.  

They had smiled and danced for us in a presentation of tradition African dance.  

They never once complained! 

Yet the pain would have had everyone of us on the floor writhing in pain.

So Alicia Halpenny, our team nurse this time, went to work with a part of the team!

Emma and I met Alicia when I was home for my mom's funeral. My mom always wanted to go to Africa!

 

Alicia teaching Praise how to help the children.

Praise cutting away some of the jiggers with a razor blade.

Slowly they cleaned each foot, then soaked them in a cleansing solution.  

Then they began the digging process... sore after sore, foot after foot.  But it was only the beginning... so much more to do - we barely were able to scratch the service of this very serious situation.

Ruby's Friends of International Voice of the Orphan is going to pay for these children

 to be taken to the doctor to finish the necessary work.

Today the team from Old Paths Church in Perry, NY  

and Rome Baptist will be buying sneakers and shoes at a local market. 

We are seeking to learn how we can kill these things in the home and spraying the land. 

These kids deserve better. 

They deserve the care that we can provide - TOGETHER!