Welcome back to Uganda

Our first official day in Uganda was so great. Nancy and Bob Calvert picked us up at the airport yesterday, and they were so kind to us. They made us yummy food, gave us insight to good ideas and advice for while we're here, showed us around Entebbe, and gave us quite a few laughs by telling us stories and showing us pictures of Zac (sorry about it zac...they just had to)...they were great hosts and I really enjoyed getting to know them.  Kat and Zac, I request you make us family ;) only kidding but if God planned to make that happen, I wouldn't be opposed. 

Our driver picked us up at their house early that afternoon, and as we were driving from Entebbe through Kampala and then into Jinja, I was reminded of why I love it here. I truly love the culture and the people. It is hard to put into words what it is exactly because it is so different from America, but I just feel like a piece of me is at home. As we were driving, Lauren and I decided to read the Word together and pray over these cities, our time here, and that we would constantly be looking for God in our every day here. We read a scripture that we immediately felt like God had led us to for a reason. Psalm 46. We talked about this after because we felt so moved by it. Our verse for this trip is Psalm 46:5 "God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day." We sat in a van. Just us two with a driver we didn't know in a city where we were very much a minority and different, but yet we both agreed, we felt no fear. In fact, in a place where my faith is challenged the most, I have never felt so much at peace. I guess it's just another reassuring feeling for why we are here and that God never leaves us nor forsakes us. We made it to Canaan and to our surprise, all the kids were still on holiday. This was really sad for us, because we were really excited about seeing our kids. But, we fully believe that God had that purposed for a reason. We are praying that we would constantly be looking for where the Lord wants us. Immediately, our prayer were answered when a ton of the village kids approached the gates of Canaan. We were able to go out and go on a walk with them in the village. This was really neat because normally the visitors only stay within the Canaan orphanage and go out very little, so we got to experience loving on the kids outside. We spent the afternoon playing with them and walking around. A pleasant surprise was that my little Ruthie was still at Canaan. She does not have any distant family to visit for the holiday, so she and one other boy stayed at Canaan. I was so happy to get to be with Ruthie again. She has grown so much but her cute little personality is very much so present. We are hoping that more of the children will arrive back within the week. 

Our first night, Lauren and I had just gotten in bed in our little guest house and heard a mouse. We had a really funny moment when we both went in search of the mouse and then when we thought we saw it, screamed and ran...we're such girls. 

We spent our first day with Damalie yesterday at Sangaalo baby cottage. Damalie currently has 16 babies living in her home. When we arrived, we immediately went to work helping change, hold and feed the babies. My biggest prayer while working with her and the babies is that I would see things through Jesus' eyes. And that is definitely put to test while I am there. In the first 5 minutes I was there, I held about three different babies who had pee all over them. It's easy to be grossed out by this, but the more I have prayed, the more that God's grace has helped me see their beautiful faces over their dirty clothes and pee. As the day went on, I didn't even think about it anymore. Working with these babies is a step of faith everyday. A lot of them have been abandoned because of sickness such as HIV, TB, and others. In working with them, we are always at risk to get sick, but when I get nervous of those things, I think about Jesus and how we were a sick world needing love and He entered in. He hung with the sick, touched the sick, fed the sick, and ministered to the sick. I am reminded of the verse in Mark  that says "it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick".

 We will be working with Damalie and the babies all week, and I am really excited about this. Her staff are so sweet and grateful that we are there. One of my favorite things about the country is talking to the People. Each Ugandan I talk to is so kind and intentional. They want to get to know you and know about your life, and they take the time to find out. 

We rode our first boda boda after leaving Damalie's, and I can now say I really feel culturally I'm diving it. It was quite the experience (for those who don't know a boda boda is kinda like a moped/motorcycle... It's a big means of transportation here). But, we really loved it and we'll probably use it all week. It's a great way to see Jinja and the people. Everyone you drive by waves and says hello, although they are probably thinking "who are those two crazy muzungus on the back of  a boda."

 Arriving back at Canaan, our friends from the village were waiting for us by the gate. After visiting for a few minutes, we requested dinner early for we were exhausted from being with 16 babies all day. Needless to say, we were in bed by 7:45. What a day. 

Crazies from Jinja: 

- Lauren and I were served this cabbage stuff at Damalie's. Neither of us tasted to our liking, so Lauren gets the idea to drink her water really fast and then precedes to start putting her cabbage in her water bottle, so they aren't offended by us not liking it. As she is doing this, damalie comes to eat with us, so she hides the bottle behind my backpack. Damalie ate the rest of lunch with us and crazy Lauren picks up her bottle and drinks it forgetting its cabbage not water... We laughed for about 2 minutes and poor Damalie was clueless.

-I woke up last night startled because Lauren had crawled over me to go to the bathroom, and I screamed because I could have sworn I thought a monkey was crawling on our bed.

-our boda almost ran out of gas in the middle of the jungle, but no worries, we made it back to Canaan. Hopefully next time, he won't forget to put fuel in it. 

Until next time, continue to pray for health and safety and for Damalie, her staff, and the babies. 

Peace

"For to us, a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government 

and peace there will be no end."

Isaiah 9:6-7

Peace. Such a refreshing word. I cannot even comprehend the fact that I will be in Uganda in 9 days. The Lord's timing is crazy. It seems like yesterday, I was sitting in my room on January 1, 2012 writing down my dreams for 2012. Some that consists of becoming a young life leader, getting into nursing school, and loving on orphans in Uganda. I love that the passions God places on my heart, He fulfills. Watching him work in my life is one of the most incredible feelings in the world. And, I am so excited to continue to watch what is next. If you have read my previous posts, then you know all the amazing things God did through my last trip to Uganda, and then how He once again led my heart to submit to His will, and say "Yes, I will go. I will follow you." Although, this seems as though it is a scary leap, my heart is craving to jump right in. Yes, there will be hard times. Yes, I will have moments where I am emotionally and physically drained and long to be home. And yes, my Father will continue to sustain me. 

I am entirely overwhelmed at all that God has done since I returned home August 1, 2012. When I announced that I would be returning again, the encouragement flooded in. When doubts arose, God was quick to reassure me that His voice is guiding me. Lauren and I had been praying for ways that we could raise support. We have this dream of starting a non-profit organization. So, like any other dream, you have to start somewhere. We came up with just a simple name. Love Africa 127. It is simple because what we do there is quite simple. We love. We love like Christ loves us. James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This is our mission. To run after God. To love orphans and those in need. And, to be covered in the truth of His Word. So, hence began Love Africa 127. We made a facebook page and designed T-shirts and began getting the word out to our family and friends. The response we got was incredible. So, thank you to all who have contributed in this. Your support means the world to us, and I pray that God greatly blesses each of you.

The next thing God placed on our hearts to plan was a Love Africa worship night. We had planned to do this in Knoxville, because Lauren's brother is in a band there, and they would be playing for us, and we were also going to be able to have it at Lauren's church. This night was so PEACEful. We spent the evening worshiping our Savior and then we were able to share our stories. I could feel the Spirit in the room, and I was so delighted to sense His presence there. Now, if you really knew me....then you would know that I HATE speaking in front of people. It makes me extremely nervous. So, when I found out that we were going to get up there and share our experiences, I felt like my heart was going to stop. I was scared and insecure. When the time came, we got up there and both shared how God brought us to go and what He did while we were there. The Lord completely was the one speaking through me. I was able to go on and on and I don't even know how. God is faithful. It was one of the coolest feelings. Because, it went so well, I really felt like God was telling me to do one in Johnson City. We had another great night in JC, and once again the Lord's presence really showed up. 

Although, at this moment, I feel overwhelmed by all I have to do to get ready to leave, I am reminding myself to be still and rest in God's peace. A peace that was promised to us years ago. A peace that comes from a child born on a still, silent night from a virgin that through Him, one day, we would all be rescued. When I think about the Christmas story, I am in awe that God came down to earth in flesh as baby to save me. To deliver me to be able to have a personal relationship with Him. God entered our messy world to make a way. Because of God's grace, on December 26th, I will leave and enter Uganda once again, and proclaim the name of Jesus to children who are fatherless. I will love them like Jesus loves me, and I will surrender my will for God to lead where He chooses.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom he is well pleased." Luke 2:14

If you would like more information on Love Africa 127, visit our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/loveafrica127 and to order a t-shirt go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveAfrica127

Here is a video of us telling our stories: 

Life lately...

Man, it has been so long since I have sat down, gathered my thoughts, and shared with all of you how the Lord continues to prove himself faithful in my life. So, here I am on a Wednesday morning ready to spill. 

So, I moved back to Johnson City about a month ago. I live in a great house with three great girls. So thankful God has put them in my life. It's so fun having a house that you can make your own. We have had some really great times adding our personalities to it to make it awesome :) Young Life at Elizabethton High School (where I lead at) has started back up! To open our year, we had this huge thing we like to call Ice Cream Olympics! It was crazy! We had about 250 high schoolers show up, which was so incredible! Last Thursday, we had our first club, and it went really well. I love this ministry so much, and I love that God chose to put me in it. Sometimes, it is hard and exhausting, but I am always shown along the way that God is working at Elizabethton High School, and I am filled up all over again! Since I was only placed there last semester, I am still adjusting and working on being patient on building relationships with girls. I know it takes time, and I am excited to see the relationships I form with some of these girls! 

The Ice Cream Ammo

My awesome Young Life team

So thankful for my roommates

Alright, moving on. I applied to nursing school this semester. I will find out if I was accepted mid-October or early November. This is something that easily captures my thoughts and makes me anxious. Everyday, I have to remind myself that the Lord's timing is the best timing and that if I don't get it, then He has other plans for me. My human self likes to complain about how I have no other thing I would be interested in, but let's be real, there are lots of things that I could do. So, I am trusting that when God closes doors, He opens others. 

Back in July, Lauren (my friend from Knoxville who was on my team the first time I went to Uganda) and I were talking about how much we missed Uganda and really wanted to go back next summer. Everyday, we would have the same conversation over and over again about longing to be back. Finally, we decided, Heck, let's just go back in December. This instantly excited me, but then without fail, ofcourse tons of fears arose. Is it safe for us to go back alone? How will I fund this? How do I even go about this?.... How come we so easily forget what God has done in our lives? I always result back to  how will I.....when it should always be, I am trusting GOD. This is a lesson I am continually being taught. So.........If you don't know me super well then let me enlighten you a little. I am the type of person that if I want something, I will do whatever I can to get there. My parents will testify for this. They have many stories where I persisted and persisted when I was young. haha sorry mom and dad. The first time I decided I wanted to go to Africa, I found the trip, raised my money, did everything I needed to do. In fact, I didn't even tell my parents I was going until the day after I signed up and had already paid my deposit. But, I am so thankful that they understand that God has called me to Uganda, and they support me so much. But still, sorry for the late notice :) Needless to say, we got straight to work on our own making it happen. We sent emails. Came up with a plan.... and ofcourse, I started feeling helpless. I had emailed one of the homes we wanted to work with and for two weeks heard nothing back. I kept thinking to myself....what is happening? Doesn't God want me to go back? The day I moved back to Johnson City, I was driving my car all alone and was able to spend some precious time in prayer about this. I asked God to show me that I am on His path for me. To show me that December is the right time to go back. To show me that this is about Him and not me. I kid you not, 1 hour after this, we received the two emails we were waiting to hear back from. Isn't God good? Man, He never ceases to amaze me. So, the planning began. We had a place to stay. We had a mission. Things were coming together. 

Neither of us really know how we are going to pay for this trip, but I know that God will provide. Lauren and I decided to have a garage sale in Knoxville to raise money. I was nervous about this because seriously, who makes a ton of money off of a garage sale? But, despite that, we decided to give it a go anyway. Lauren's family had a ton of family friends donate stuff to sale. I don't know any of them, but I am extremely thankful. When I got to Knoxville on a Thursday night to get things ready, Lauren and I decided that a good goal would be if we could purchase our plane tickets after the sale. Now, if you don't know, flying to Uganda is CRAZY EXPENSIVE. 1500 dollars each. So, total we needed roughly $3000. Friday morning, the chaos began. I was shocked at how many people came on Friday. At the end of the day, we had raised $1400. Which was awesome! Saturday, I was really nervous, because I knew we needed to buy our tickets, because the prices rise the closer it gets to the departure. I knew that I couldn't just throw down $500 to $1000 on this. We didn't see as many people on Saturday, and I began to get anxious. (See the pattern.... God has to remind me CONSTANTLY that He is in control...will I ever learn?) Also, it was supposed to rain all morning, which didn't help the situation. I began praying about it and felt this weird feeling that God was going to provide a big chunk at the end. I just needed to be patient. I went over to Lauren and told her that I felt like we would make it or atleast get close. I told her it would all work out in the end. Believe it or not, 10 minutes before we shut down, this girl came up and bought some patio furniture for $350. And, 10 minutes after we shut down, it poured the rain. Not once did it pour during our sale. God is so cool. The total we raised was $2600 which left about $200 for us each to put down. God is good. 

We still have a ways to go with raising money, but I am so thankful that the big plane purchase is out of the way. We are trying to come up with different fun ways to raise it, so I will post to keep people updated on different plans we have. This whole process is unfolding beautifully, and I know now more than ever that I am following God's voice in the right direction. Pastor Samuel from Kerith Children's Home that we will be working with while we are there, messaged me yesterday asking how he can pray for me. I told him a few things, and he said every morning at 5, 30 kids will be lifting me up. This brought tears to my eyes. Even when I am not there, I am still so blessed by these kids. It's crazy to me that I got so much more from them then I could give. These children changed me. They showed me what a real relationship with the Lord looks like. I found myself wanting what they have. I love this! Even though physically, they are poor, spiritually, they are so rich. They know that the Lord delights in them, and they love Him with this love I have never seen before. 

Thank you again for all the support and continually encouraging me.

"I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 

These are their stories.....

Meet Damalie. 

An amazing woman after God's heart.

I was so encouraged by her faith and understanding of God's will in her life. 

You can see the love she has for these babies.

This is Damalie with one of the twins, Sara.

And this is her with the other twin, Semily.

I wanted to bring her home with me. Not sure if my parents would be too thrilled about that one ;)

Love her joy.

I was so blessed to have met her. She truly touched my life and was such an encouragement.

Damalie has loved babies ever since she was a little girl. She told us that she used to love playing with the babies in her community. She would even sneak out of her house to go help with the babies, and then she would come home and get spanked for going to play with them. She bacame a nanny for a little girl. She loved this little girl like her own. While working for the family, the little girl got sick and died. Damalie explained that she didn't understand why God would take a little girl so dear to her. She said God told her, "You are not God. You do not know the number of days one lives." Through her faith in the Lord, she was able to get through this. She met this lady who became her mentor. She became very close to her. This lady died and Damalie once again questioned God. She said God told her once again, "You are not God. You do not know the number of days one lives." As she got older, she felt God calling her to open her home to abandoned and sick babies. Her and her husband have five children of their own. While we were there, she had 13 babies in the home. She has a few women to help her during the day, but she told me at night it is just her. I can't imagine how she does it! Thankfully, recently someone was hired to help her some at night. A lot of the babies are sick. Some are HIV positive, some are carriers, some have TB, and some were just abandoned. Damalie's strength is incredible. She really touched my heart. She was telling me that she was hoping to adopt all the babies out eventually and I jokingly asked her if she could adopt me. I would love to work beside her. One thing she said really stuck with me. A lot of these babies are really sick and will live short lives. Her response to this is, "Either I nurse them back to health on Earth or nurse them to health in glory." How awesome is this answer? She trust that God is in complete control. She explained that it is very expensive to care for this many babies, but that God always provides day by day. What an incredible God we serve! I hope to go back to Sangaalo Baby Home and work with Damalie at some point. I would love to be a witness to all that God is doing in her life. One of our team members received an email from her the other day that really encouraged me. This is it:

Dear Friends,

I hope all is well with you. Sorry I havent been in touch. Alot has

been going on. Jenni has TB. At the same time their dad came to visit

and wanted them back. Probation said yes, so we have been on that too.

Besides my brother is in the hospital, had a biopsy and waiting for

results.Please pray with me that it isnt cancer.

We have a baby boy 2 days old. His mother is 17 years and doesnt want

anything to do with him. She tried to kill him in the house after

birth and the neighbours rescued him. She didnt say who the father is.

You can imagine the World we are in.

Thank God who used a friend of Sangaalo to help me be able to hire

someone to help me at night. It would be too much for me. It just

happened at the right time. God is amazing.

Am also expecting 2 more a 3 month and 14 month. I guess thats how it

is and always will be, they come and go accordirg to the will of God

and to the best interest of the child according to Probation. I can

only be with them for the time Gof purposes. Please continue praying

for us. I try to keep the number down, but what would Jesus do?

We had a VO team on Monday and we thank God who blessed us through

them. God met some more of the physical needs through them. We now

have a washing machine, just happy and grateful. Glory to Him

Thank you for your prayers. Together we are ministering Love

Blessings

Damalie

 Keep Damalie and her ministry in your prayers. If you want to know more about her or are interested in donating to her or adopting, email me at carolineflippin@gmail.com.

The Conflicted Heart

Ever since I've been home from Uganda, I simply cannot stop thinking about what I've seen and experienced. The last time I was this conflicted with thoughts was during a heartbreak, so this can only mean one thing: my heart is broken. This sounds so cheesy and cliche, but it's amazing how much love I can have for these little children I knew for one day, two days, and if I was lucky, three. And to have this big of a love and be deprived to keep giving it is heart wrenching. I knew that I would have such a great time, but never did I think I would come home and constantly be thinking about where I want to call home. Thinking about the hard way of life I would have if I completely changed my surroundings. I just never imagined that I truly would want to move there. I would jokingly say it out loud but these feelings I have are not a joke. Being in this position is so hard. It's hard because I really have no idea what is in the future for me. It scares me because God calls us to live uncomfortably. He doesn't say it will be easy, but He promises never to leave. And although I hold on to this hope and believe it, I can't help but to think what I might have to give up if I choose this lifestyle. The dream of falling in love or having my own children one day. Being a mom is something I have been excited about my whole life. But what if i completely changed my life around? What would happen to these dreams? I know it sounds selfish but it's my struggle right now. My selfishness. What I have seen is not something that I can walk away from. Leaving the different ministries was hard, but honestly, when I would leave I would always tell myself this is not goodbye, but see you later. It was a consistent thought that just kept popping up in my head.  I can bring hope by Gods grace. I can bring love to those who don't have that earthly. I have always really deep down longed to know what it felt like to have to completely rely on the Lord for life. To not know that the next day everything I needed would be right in front of me. I know this seems weird but I so earnestly want to be as close to my Savior as I can, and my life so easily pulls me from Him. I feel and I know it. I get so caught up in my materialism here and when I do this, I am missing the overflow of joy from trusting in the Lord. But, while in Uganda, I saw this in the people. I saw them having nothing but being satisfied because of their strong faith in God. They hear Him and they are so joyful to know Him and so thankful for His provision. I found myself envious. I want that relationship with God! I want to have nothing and everyday be a miracle from God! We miss this so much in America! I'm not saying by any means that living in America is not good. It's great. I just long for more. I don't want to live comfortably because then I'm too comfortable to do the hard things. I don't want to live easily being able to get things I need. I want to have to pray and pray and pray and believe in God to provide. I believe in the sovereignty of God which is why I know my friends in Uganda are okay. Yes, they don't have near as much as I do here, but they find contentment in it with Gods help. Yes, there is pain, but God wipes their tears away and replaces it with happiness. They truly get it because they are completely transformed. Something that I have missed because I am distracted. I am not saying that I am moving to Uganda. I am not saying that I don't want to live here. I'm just simply conflicted in what God has planned for me. I also recognize that in America, there are a lot of needs as well. Which I want God to completely use me no matter where on the map I am. But I also believe God calls certain people to minister in other areas of the world. When I was in 8th grade, my parents went to Africa. They came home and told me stories of it, and in my head I was drawn to it. Since then, every time I would hear about work being done there, I would be interested and pulled in. I would sit and do research and learn as much about doing ministry over there as i could. My heart would get so excited and I knew one day I would go on a mission trip there. But maybe God wants more from me. I know He is good and I believe He is who He says He is. But, the unknown is scary. Because, I just might live in Uganda one day. And that scares me. Or I just might live in America and take short trips to this place I love. And that scares me. But, I am choosing to live as my dear friends there live. I am choosing to walk by faith. I don't know where my path will take me, but I will conquer my fear of taking leaps of faith because the leap I took to Uganda just might forever change my life in a way I never would have thought possible. And just maybe my blessings will turn from material blessings to the deep heart felt blessings received from simply saying, "Yes. I will go. I will love. I will trust. And, I will believe."

I can't. He can.

All day long, I have been saying I can't wait to be in my home and then I pull in my driveway and my heart sinks. I'll admit, different times while I was gone, I missed my culture. I missed my hot shower, good food, and comfort living situation, but now that I have it, my heart is aching. I did not think I would be effected this bad. My dad got me chick fil a by request but when it was put in front of me, I ate two bites and was full. While my sister prayed over our food, without even realizing it, I lost it. I started bawling uncontrollably. I love my home, but I can't help but to feel a part of me missing. All I want to do is walk outside and wrap my kids in my arms, but I can't. And this kills me. I miss the people. I miss the joy. I miss the love. I miss Uganda. I miss the way my hand was always held and the way a hug was received every minute. I miss how much a little smile from my face made a child's day. I miss the excitement from people as muZungos drive by. I miss the way I was dirty and didn't even care. I miss singing songs with my new family. I miss seeing the real faith all around me. I miss the physical dependency of God. I miss my life in Uganda and I miss the void that it filled in my heart. I'm in need of prayers as I wrestle with God as to why I'm sitting on my comfortable bed so far from the place I fell in love with. Pray for my strength as I patiently wait on God to lead me wherever He wants me. Pray for the culture shock and that I would never forgot I serve a God who is all powerful and has every person I fell in love with wrapped up in His arms. Pray that I would never forget all that He has taught me about His love and pray that I would never cease thanking Him for allowing me to do His will and serve Him in a country that has forever changed me and that I have truly fallen in love with. I need strength. I need peace. I need comfort. I can't. He can.

Last night in Uganda

Spending our last few days at Canaan's was really awesome. Canaan's is run by Pastor Isaac whose son runs Kerith where we were the other day. I have been hanging out with some older girls here for a lot of my time because the little kids get a lot more attention that the older. The three girls I have gotten to know are Caroline, Angela, and Nancy who are all 11. And Vivian who is 6. They are sweet sweet girls who make me giggle so much. I also got to know Mayi Esther my sponsor child. It's really neat to get to love on her. This other little girl Ruthie had the most adorable little spirit and I was instantly drawn to her when we began making faces at each other. She had this sassy little attitude that was so cute. 

Last night was really hard because it was the last evening  I would watch the sunset in Uganda. The last time for a while I would lay eyes on the bright moon in the country that has captured my heart. I walked around just looking at the children and I couldn't help but to feel happy because even though I knew I would be leaving tomorrow, I was there in that moment leaving my mark on their little lives. I am so thankful God orchestrated this trip for me. I never imagined the impact it would have on me. My little Vivian held on to my hand tight last night. I think she knew I would be leaving today. I held her in my eyes and a group of us worshiped. Singing is my favorite form of worship because it really lifts my spirit high. It's in the moments of lifting my voice to God that I have felt the closest to Him and that I have felt His presence the most. So as I watched many children singing these songs to God, I couldn't help but to just be glad. Glad to be here. In that very moment. Witnessing the reason we were created. Vivian has such a beautiful voice. My favorite memories of us are singing together. That's the first memory we had and many more followed. 

This morning was difficult. It is very hard knowing you will be saying goodbye in just a short couple of hours. Vivian hugged me and embraced me for as long as she could. And little Ruthie sat in my lap touching my face and making her goofy faces with me. As I walked unto the bus and got my seat, I stuck my hand out the window and without fail, there was Vivian to hold it tight. I looked down and saw her sad face and it broke my heart. Now I know I have to return whether it be short or long term, I will be back. As the bus pulled away, this little girl ran after it. So sweet. I think we all were struck with sadness. While driving to the airport, I was aching inside because of all I was leaving here. But, as I was staring out the window at everything around me, I heard God say, "you have done my work. You may be leaving, but I will remain. My love is with these people and children and I have them in my hand." What comfort! What I have experienced is incredible, but I know that this is not the end. I am always Called to love. Whether that be in Uganda or Memphis or Johnson City, I will share God's love and my heart will be full. The same smiles I love to see here, I will see in America because people crave love. And if I do as God calls me, then my heart will never be emptied. It will only continue to grow. I am excited too see what is next. God keeps surprising me with more plans for me than I ever thought possible. My Papoo always tells me I was created for greatness. That it was destined. What hope!

Blessed

I am a testimony that we serve an incredible God who answers prayer. When I woke up this morning, I couldn't believe it when I did not feel an inch of achiness or sickness. I thought I was dreaming. But thankfully I was not and God is so incredible. Today was probably the most emotional day we've had. Our team split up into two teams and each spent half a day at sangaalo baby home and half the day at Akisa. My team went to the baby home and whew! My heart exploded! I love little babies. I have always been a baby person... Well really I just love kids. Sometimes I feel as though I would just rather be around children more than adults all day long. But anyways, the babies were so sweet. The home is run by this incredible woman named Demily. I have never met a stronger woman in my life. I wish I could type out her story but I am afraid it would be way too long. She is so faithful. She felt God calling her towards babies as a young girl and eventually felt God calling her to open up her home to babies who needed care. In the home now are 13 babies plus her children. She says her calling is to either nurse these babies back to health or to health in glory. Amazing. I just fell in love with these two twin babies named Sara and Semily. Theyre mother has hiv and will die soon so she left them with their father who abandoned them bc of fear that they might have it too. How one could abandon those bundles of joy is beyond my belief. They had the cutest Afros and sweetest smiles. I didn't know it was possible to fall in love with so many children but after this trip, my list is long! I know without a doubt now, that I will adopt one day and I encourage everyone to consider it. To know how much I have in comparison to what They have makes me want to share all of my blessings. I now feel like God allows some to have more so that can overflow that into the lives of others. I saw a statistic once that said that if 6% of all the people in the world who claim to be Christians adopted one child, every orphan would be cared for. 6%. I could preach about that for hours but just a little food for thought. After the baby home we went to Akisa which is a disabled children's home. This was extremely hard. It hits how blessed you are to be healthy an well. And to think I was complaining a stomach bug 24 hours ago. What was so special about these children is their joy. This one little boy had an inflamed head full of fluid from swelling of the brain but his smile and laugh was adorable. Everything I would say he would repeat with a huge grin. To see so many kids not be able to walk, not be able to talk, not be able to feed themselves is hard but I am reminded of the verse that says, "I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." God does not make mistakes when He creates His children. These children are special and most certainly not hopeless. Their earthly bodies may be disabled but they will be perfect in Heaven one day and I look forward to walk with my little Isaiah and all those other sweet little children one day in Heaven. We ended the night at our final destination before heading home on Tuesday at Canaan's Children's Home. I met my sponsor child tonight along with many other new friends. There will be great stories to come.

I Can Only Imagine

I lay in bed tonight sick. I have a sore throat. I have the chills. I can't breathe well. My bed is infested with bugs. My shower was freezing. And all the while as I lay complaining to God about my little problems, He lays his hand on me. I feel His presence. I'm comforted by His love. And all of a sudden, I find myself thankful for hitting a low point because it's in these moments that I remember that God has His children in His hands. He has me in his hands. He has the hundreds of little kids I have seen in His hands.  I decide to put my iPod in to help give me peace. I have it on shuffle and all of a sudden the instrumental to I Can Only Imagine comes on. Once again, I'm caught up with emotion ( this is gonna have to stop or I will be all dried out for at least a year....the chances aren't looking good).  This song is really special to me because it is the song they played at my aunt's funeral. Ever since I heard it that day as a sixth grade little girl, I remember life. I remember the life my aunt had and although I wasnt old enough to truly know her, I hear stories all the time in Johnson City of the lives she has touched. And although I was too young to remember much, I find myself hoping to impact as she did. So as I listen to this song, I can't help but to think how much I have seen a glimpse of heaven since the second I first looked into these beautiful little people. I sit here and reflect. I begin learning from the little moments I experienced today.  The moment where I looked out and a hundred children are praising God. A hundred children have dirty feet with no shoes, torn clothes, Disabilities, and cuts and they are all lifting their voices up to God in gladness. See in this moment, I realize these children know Jesus. They know Him in a way most people never will here on Earth. They love Him and I'm the one who needs to be reminded. Im the one who doesn't get it. They have nothing, but yet they know they are precious. I have everything and more than I would ever need, and I'm still unsatisfied. Im wrapped up in my little "me" bubble that is beginning to pop. I'm slowly truly beginning to understand that Jesus is enough. That He will sustain me. I lay here sick, but yet because of these little children I feel blessed. I feel God drawing me into him, healing me. Not only physically but spiritually. The pastor at Royal Hope said something that has stuck with me ever since we were there. After the choir sang, he said they were saying, "God I want to be where you are." They would rather risk the little they have just to be with God. And yet I just want these bugs crawling on me to disappear as if that's my biggest concern. Praise the Lord for beautiful little children in Uganda to put me in my place. And that I am reminded of the hope that one day I will be well and these children will have no more worries and we will all be praising God with the same spirit. O how I can only imagine. July 26,2012 Today we left pallisa and drove 3 hours to the Haven in Jinja. Today has been awful. I have felt sick all day. Last night, I was sick to my stomach and after throwing up thought I had just eaten something that didn't settle well in my stomach. But, I have felt sick today as well, so all day I have been taking medications. I didnt sleep more than 45 minutes at a time last night, so Im also exhausted. I am not complaining because I am strong. I can handle this. But, when we go to Canaan Childrens Home tomorrow, I want to feel "me" again. I don't want to feel achy or nautious all day again. I believe in the power of prayer and God hears the prayer I said all last night and today. Whatever is going on with me will get better, and I will give my whole healthy self to loving on kids tomorrow. Pray that I will get well and that whatever I have will not pass to anyone else. And, no worries. I'm in the Lord's hands and there is no safer place to be. And mom, I kept thinking about you last night and wished I was close to you because when you lay hands on me and pray over me, I feel extra comforted.... I guess I'm just all grown up now. Love you all. 

Royal Hope Academy

Waking up after a night at Return ministries was like a dream. I kept replaying it in my head because I never wanted to forget it. My first encounter with children in Uganda will always hold a special place in my heart.  The food they serve us at the hotel is actually pretty good. We've eaten a lot of carbs like rice and bread and noodles. I'm pretty sure the meat I ate yesterday was goat. It was really chewy so I didn't eat much of it. They serve a lot of fruit though which is delicious. Our sleeping conditions were probably the best we'll have the whole trip. I was in a room with Niki. We each had our own small bed. Our room had a bathroom in it. The toilet didn't flush and the shower just landed on the ground with no curtain or anything. They also gave us a small basin to bathe in if we liked. It was very interesting. After breakfast yesterday, we left to go to Royal Hope Academy. The main road is paved a little but then we turn down red dirt roads. You see lots of people with stuff on their heads  just walking around. The houses and buildings are really rough. We pulled up to this gate and at once 200 children came running through singing " Welcome to Uganda. This is Africa!" I remember looking at them and they all have dirty feet and torn clothes but then I look up and see their faces and they are shining with happiness. It really put me into perspective of my life. These children have nothing really but yet they are so content and happy. I didn't really understand it until later, but I'll get there. The second you get off you have a few children that come up to you and claim you as their muzungu. I had two little girls grab hold of me. One was older about seven or eight. Her name was "bushes". Or that's how I understood it. She was very protective of me and all day long wanted to hold my hand and not let anyone else. I had to explain to her that I could be shared and she gave me this frustrating look that was actually quite adorable. The other little girl was I think around two. She was so tiny. I could never quite understand her name, but I know her face. I know her smile and I know how bright her eyes get when she looks up at me and I smile at her and she nervously smiles back. She was very timid at first but she crawled up in my lap and would just sit there holding my other hand. Okay I'm getting ahead of myself... We got off the bus and were brought to this chapel. The pastor got up and welcomed us. The school was started by a girl named Rebekah who is American and young 20s. Her story is very similar to Katie Davis'. We never got to meet her because she has maleria. Which she needs lots of prayers! But we all believe the Lord will restore her health. After the welcome, the kids choir came up and sang and danced. It was so sweet. But, what captured me the most and what I was talking about earlier is how they worship. To see a hundred kids raising hands and kneeling in prayer really convicted me. These kids' ages can range anywhere from two to high school age, and they all worship so passionately. At one point, the song stopped and you could hear hundreds of children lifting up prayers to God. It was truly inspiring in every way. I sat with these two girls on my lap just in awe of their hearts for God. They sang and danced for about two hours, and the whole time they are praising God wholeheartedly. It's amazing. As we were watching this, one of the girls fell asleep in my lap. My friend Lauren said its incredible to think how few times they have probably slept in someone's arms. I have videos I'll post later of the worship when I have better wifi. After the worship, we went outside and played in their courtyard by the school. I got in a circle with some of the kids and played this dancing game. They laughed at me in the middle when it was my turn to sing and dance and I had no idea what they were saying so made up my own words :) I did learn a lesson though when it came to handing out stickers. I brought out some to a few kids and the next thing I knew I was being attacked by what seemed like a mob haha but with help, I was able to manage. After this, we split up into groups. I helped the little kids color and then painted their nails. After their nails were painted, they would jump up and down with their hands waving photo photo. They were so proud of their colorful nails. The rest of the day was filled with lots of hugs and pictures. This one boy handed me a baby then ran off. It was interesting when this lady said just put him down someone will help him find his way. I could go on for hours with stories but I will refrain. We are traveling five hours today to Kerith Ministries. God has been so good! My heart continues to be filled just when I think it might overflow. :)  Love, one happy MUZUNGU! :)

The Night I fell in love with Uganda....

I was in the country for three hours and already in love with it... I just had the most incredible night that I don't even know how I am going to find the words to do it justice. We made it to Entebbe, Uganda after a day of travel. The bus ride from the airport to our hotel was about 45 minutes, and I'm pretty sure everyone was falling asleep.  When we arrived, our team leaders gave each individual the option to either stay and rest or go to Return ministries. My whole body was screaming rest while my heart was telling me to go and love. I am so glad that my heart can overcome my weariness because after a night like tonight, I feel so full of joy and happiness.  I knew I would love loving on the kids but I did not know how much emotion I would have and how much I would never want to leave.  Return ministries is a place for kids in the community to come and learn, worship, pray, and play. Pastor Samuel started it and is the sweetest man. He explained that most kids there do not have fathers. Most of their fathers abandoned them, so they are left with just their mothers.  As we pulled up, all I could hear were screams of excitement from tons of children. As I began to see faces with the screams, my eyes started tearing up uncontrollably. They all were jumping up and down saying welcome welcome! I got off the bus with tears streaming down my face. At once, at least 100 kids were hugging and jumping on my team and I.  We only had time to stay for about an hour, but it was truly the best hour. The kids and I played ball and danced. They were so excited to show me a kitten they had found. Every child around me was touching me whether it just be a small little finger. They all are screaming photo photo! They love to have their picture taken and then to see it. I did not want to leave. When you start saying bye, they all run up and hug you and say thank you for coming! Pulling away was the hardest thing I've done in a long time. It's amazing how much one person can mean to them. How much me, Caroline Flippin, can make hundreds of children around me smile with joy.  Driving around Kampala is so neat. It is so different here. You can see the poorness all around you, but as I watched the people as we drove by, there was nowhere else I'd rather be. The Ugandans are walking everywhere, and there are lots of motorcycles. The driving is crazy and especially since they drive on the opposite side of the road as us. The other cars on the road literally drive right next to you that I was afraid to even stick my hand out the window. But the people smile at you as you go by and the children wave and scream "muzungu!" which means white person. As we were driving we passed a herd of cattle just walking on the road  which I thought was hilarious. I couldn't have asked for a better first day! Favorites from the day: - As we were driving to Return, I passed a teenage girl who had this really sad face. I looked at her and smiled and waved and she got the biggest grin on her face. Melted my heart. - This little girl named Vanessa grabbed hold of me the second I got off the bus at Return and would not let go of me the whole time. She admired the green bracelet I had on my wrist. She kept saying "I want!" But, we're not allowed to single them out and give them things, so we decided that it would be a memory bracelet, and the memories her and I had would be in the bracelet and everytime I looked at it, I would remember her. - This other little girl who was no more than one had her shoeless foot stepped on, and she just crawled in my lap and laid her head on my chest and cried. So sweet.  That is all for today. My heart is overwhelmed, and I can't imagine what else God has in store. Tonight, I will fall asleep smiling :) 

Ethiopia

We landed in Ethiopia after a 12 and a Half hour plane ride. I got a little sleep but not much. We are about I board for our flight to Uganda!

The latest from DC

Hello from DC! Olivia and I landed in DC last night at around midnight. Other than some storm turbulence (which almost gave me a panic attack haha), we had no problems. At the hotel this morning, we found out that 3 members of our team have delayed flights and will make it to Entebbe a day late. But, I truly feel like all te problems we have had this far are because God has really GREAT and BIG things in store for us. So we are definitely going to keep praying hard and resist Satan from trying to keep us from sharing God's love. We take off for Ethiopa in a couple of hours. I'm nervous about such a long flight, but the Lord is giving me peace. I'm feeling wrapped up in all the prayers and love I know are being lifted up for me and the team. Thanks again for the support. I feel truly blessed with wonderful friends and family!

I'm leaving in 3 days for DC then on Saturday, my team takes off for Uganda. I thought I would post what we will be doing each day, so that you all know how to pray for my team and I.

July 22- We arrive in Entebbe, Uganda and will be staying at a hotel in the area.
July 23- We will be working with the ministry My Father's House and the Royal Hope Academy. We will be spending the day just hanging out with the kids.
July 24- We drive 5 hours to Kerith's Children's House. We will be staying here with the children until the morning of the 26th. We will be having a field day with the kids. We will also feed and cook for the staff and children.
July 26- We leave Kerith's Children's Home in the afternoon and drive to Jinja to stay at the Haven. This is our day of rest.
July 27- We will have breakfast at Kerith and then split up into two teams. One team will go to Amani Baby Cottage and the second group will go to a special needs orphanage. And then later in the day, head over to  Sangaala Baby Orphanage. That night we arrive at Canaan Children's Compound. We will be here July 28th and the 29th. We will have worship, food, and a field day with the kids. At night, we will cook the kids something special.
July 30- We switch teams from July 27th and do the opposite of what we did that day.
July 31- We head to the airport to head home.

I'm not sure of internet conditions, so I'll post when I can. Thanks for all the love and support! God is at work!

5 days!

I leave for Uganda in 5 days!! I can't believe it is here! Although, I still feel like I still have a ton to do. Just letting everyone know, I am not 100% on the wifi situations, but I know my team leader will definitely be putting up updates, so if I haven't posted, go to her blog at   http://autumn-seasonsofautumn.blogspot.com/ . 


And, as always thanks for the prayers!

Speropulos Crazies

I can't believe it has been a year since my family, The Speropulos', journeyed on our first cruise together to the Bahamas, St Maarten, and St Thomas. It was quite the experience. Anyone who has ever been around our family would know that we talk a lot, are super loud, there is always atleast 10 things going on at once, constant laughter, never a dull moment, typical debate going on, and more than likely where we are, there is food. One, because we're greek and two, because we like to eat. haha Recently, I made a photo book for my family from the trip. I couldn't help but to laugh the whole time because I was reminiscing on all the funny moments. I found myself writing this post one, so I can remember these stories, and two, they are HILARIOUS. And, who doesn't like a good laugh? And, if you know our family, I think you will find these thoroughly enjoyable. 

Here we go.... some "fam favorites" as I like to call them:

- So pretty much, we're always dancing. It's awesome.

- When we made our first stop in the Bahamas, we "punked" my mom. She had to go back on the ship and get something, and while she did we all kinda disappeared so she wouldn't know where we were. She figured it out fast and we jumped out and yelled "got ya!"...It was probably the worst punk ever. 

- Our first night on the ship, Abigail, Nic, and I found this really neat room where no one else was, so we were dancing and just being goofy. We kept telling Nic he was a good dancer. So, Nic decided to enter a dance contest later that night....needless to say, he came in second. Pretty impressive. But, the only quirk was...it was out of two people. We're still very proud. ;)

- Our family plays a lot of games. Usually, card games like Rook, Hand and Foot, or Spoons, but we threw in some different ones this time. We played Mafia. Which is where you have two killers, and everyone else tries to figure out who the murderers are while they are killing off different people. That was fun. But, my favorite was Assassins. We started playing one night and how it works is everyone draws a name out of a hat. The purpose is to be the last man standing. Whosever name you draw you have to kill them. Now, in order to kill them you have to be alone with that person with noone else in the family around and you make eye contact with them and wink. When you do that, they are dead. We did have safe zones. Anytime you are in one of our rooms, you are safe. 

So, some funny stories from this game:

*I had John's name. I went and knocked on his door in the morning before breakfast and asked if he was ready to go to breakfast. I was actually kinda stupid because he caught on right away. He would not leave his room until Abigail came out too. So, we three walked to the elevator to go to breakfast. As the elevator stopped at a floor, I shoved Abigail out of the door. In doing this, John immediately got me in a head lock and we wrestled pretty much the whole elevator ride and then preceded to run out and chase each other to the family table. The funny part is there were people in the elevator just staring at us. They probably thought we were insane. Needless to say, I did not kill him bc at that point on, he knew I was his killer and would not be anywhere with me alone.

* Yaya had Jess' name and was very sneaky about it. She saw Jess go get breakfast so she got up and went and tricked Jess into helping her and then winked at her. Clever Yaya...using your grandmother smarts. 

*FAVORITE WINK: It came down to the bottom two as Abigail and John. Abigail went to go get some ice cream while we were playing cards on the deck. John gets up a few minutes later. Abigail soon realizes what is happening and takes off running. John then chases her around the lido deck screaming "STOP THAT GIRL! SHE STOLE MY WALLET!" We were all laughing and crying for alteast ten minutes. It was so funny!

- When we stopped in St. Thomas, we decided to go this beach all day and hang out. We went kayaking, scuba diving, splashed a lot, dunked a lot, had chicken fights, etc. It was such a great day of being together. 

- Our ship had this water slide that we all went and did one day. We all gethered around and cracked up at each other screaming and making expressions coming out of the slide.

-They had trivia some days on deck. Our family played the movie trivia game and won. We received a trophy which we refer to as the "family trophy" and later presented it to Yaya and Papoo. On the cruise news, they talked about that greek, loud family that is having lots of fun. Yep, thats us.

- Papoo and John thought it would be funny to get tattoos....well, henna tats that is. But, Papoo got a lion on his back. Aslan? The picture does all the explaining. 

- We all got matching t shirts on our final night to take pictures in. I couldn't help but to laugh inside because I had always thought those families with the matching t shirts were ridiculous... o well we joined the club.

- Yaya might kill me for this one.....but we all got a good laugh when Papoo told us this story. Yaya went out on the her balcony once naked to see what it would feel like to be in the open naked in the middle of the ocean. Although noone saw, we later noticed a camera at the top of the ceiling. oops. yaya you blessed someone ;) just kidding. But, still Yaya was just embracing her nakedness while she could. haha

This trip was so much fun. You know your family is awesome when you would rather hang with them over anyone else. 

 -Hannah accidently stole a bracelet. Don't worry, it was returned.

 -Yaya's wheelchair always make for an enjoyable time.

 -Room servive at one in the morning. Nothing like being able to just make a phone call and request for a pb&j and cookies and milk.

Truly Blessed.

Just a little insight to us.