Thursday, February 17, 2011

"I walk the dirt roads of Uganda, I see the scars that war has left behind...every child in Africa is Yours"

Tomorrow are Uganda National Elections. To you, this may not seem like a huge deal. However, if you know African history, there is SO much behind this type of event. People are asking so many things. Will we turn out like Egypt? Will people riot like in Kenya?

The facts: The current President Museveni has been in power for 25 years and is campaigning for another 5 years. People who were alive during "the wars" are afraid of change- they've seen so much bloodshed and are afraid that someone new might bring more. Museveni has kept the peace in Uganda. There is still corruption. People go up to the booth and fill out a paper, then walk away with the paper and put it in a box. Sometimes people will walk up to voters as they vote to persuade them otherwise. Many people are too afraid to leave their homes to vote. Most of my friends are stocking up on food to last them a few weeks. Schools are required to close for the election period, but Heritage is closing from February 16-23 (elections are the 18th). WGM Uganda is on lock-down until further notice.

Titus 3 tells us to "remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

Please pray for peace. Pray for rationale for everyone involved in the elections, as well as for the people of Uganda and the surrounding nations. Pray that as God is ALMIGHTY, He will choose the person who is most gifted and is a perfect fit for what this nation needs.

As I walk to school in the mornings, I can't help but look around in amazement as life unfolds before my very eyes. God's glory is revealed to me in new big and small ways each and everyday. Women slowly emerging, wrapped in their kitenges getting ready for the day. Old men already hard at work hammering rocks. Children rubbing their eyes as they dress in their uniforms and sleepily walk the long road to school, brooms in hand so they can sweep the classroom. The sun slow emerging over the mountainous rocks in the quarry. Chickens running wildly across the road (yes, i still laugh at this)! I wonder how I could ever leave this place. Yet, as we have it, my time is coming to a close in Uganda...for now. In June I am planning to return to the NJ/PA area in search of a job, masters program, and most of all, time with friends and family. Your support has meant an exorbitant about to me over the past few years. I have felt your prayers, and I continue to ask for them through these elections, the last term of school here, and as I look to re-adjust to a life in America. It's a great comfort to know that my steps are ordered by the Lord, and I hope that you find comfort and truth behind that as well!
As always, I would love to hear any prayer requests and updates from you! Philipians 4:6 famously says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." What are your requests????