VBS Celebration Day

At the end of two weeks of VBS it was Celebration Day.
What a great day! Such a good follow-on from the Foot Washing and the previous two weeks together with these kids.

The day began with lots of preparation including the wrapping of gifts for the children

and then everyone gathered for the celebrations

 Petros, who had joined with me in the preparation of the VBS, spoke about REAL LOVE. It's not the kind that comes in a heart-shaped tin! Such a good illustration.

 

Alex shared some of his story as a street kid and how God's love had transformed his life and continues to do so. 

 

Caleb, one of the volunteers, told us all what an impact these two weeks had had on him. 

Elsa told us about the story of Abraham and his obedience to God.

Some of the littlies received prizes

in recognition of their contribution over the course of the program,

and my young friend, Meseret, shared some of her understanding of God's love for her, even when things are tough and she is not perfect.

Just before the food, they all lined up for a koala and a pencil with a kangaroo or a koala on it. 

Then it was pop-corn 

(VERY Ethiopian) 

for everyone

and finally home time after a wonderful two weeks.

Great job YFC Ethiopia.

Visit to Idudi in Eastern Uganda

 YFC in Uganda has ministry centres in Kampala and also at Idudi in the east and Gulu in the north. Last week Mary, Luke and I travelled to Idudi for three days to visit the team there. Hoping to visit Gulu before I leave Uganda.

I had the BEST time.

.

 Idudi is just east of Jinja on this map.

 YFC Uganda has a van and a driver and so we headed off in the van with Luke. 

 

We passed sugar cane

and tea plantations

 and rice fields along the way.

It was about 5 hours drive with lots of photo opportunities along the way :)

At Idudi the ministry is headed by the very beautiful (inside and out) Annette. She is still on leave after giving birth to her third son, but we spent time together each day.

I was able to spend quality time with Annette talking about the ups and downs of leading the ministry at Idudi with all the challenges that come with it.

   

  I spent time with the young mums who are doing the tailoring course with Rebecca.

and had a good time also with the young YFC volunteers who visit schools in the area.

The nights were filled with wonderful dinners out with Annette’s and Rebecca’s families. Dinner was early because they have no power and we need to be done by just after 7pm when it gets dark. What beautiful and generous people these are. Each night I was sent home with bountiful gifts – humbling indeed. More details soon.

We planted trees for posterity and for adding to the food supply. Mine was an orange tree.

 

We picked mangoes which are in season right now and so very plentiful. Yum.

And we simply enjoyed being at that restful and peaceful place as the locals walked and cycled up and down the quiet road to the trading centre and back. And we enjoyed spending quality time together.

God blessed our time together so much and I am increasingly surprised at how He allows me to be a blessing in the lives of these committed and special people who are part of the wonderful worldwide family of Youth for Christ.

An sms from Annette after we left said: "Thank you, friend, for being there for us and having us at heart. Your coming has not left us the same.We feel you have accomomdated us in your hearts." It's true. I have found a place for them to live in there.