One Step at a Time: 2015

Friday, August 28, 2015

An Unexpected Journey

A few weeks ago, we received word that my mom had been taken to the emergency room in my hometown of Seminole. She was then sent on to Lubbock to Covenant Hospital. So, a seven hour drive, and my name changing from “Beth” BACK TO “Ina Beth” began a bittersweet journey for me! I headed straight to Lubbock. Mom had aspiration pneumonia as a result of complications with her esophagus. She was not able to eat, but was fed through IV until the pneumonia was improved so that she could have an endoscopy done. I stayed at the hospital with her. We were there five days. She was so cute! They would come in and check this or that. When they were ready to leave, they would say, “Do you need anything?” She would always say, “Food,” knowing she was not supposed to eat, but hoping someone might “forget!” Ha!

Leon stayed in Seminole, which was difficult for both of them. His son, Jerry, brought him to Lubbock a day or two after mom was admitted. To see the love they shared for each other, and how close their relationship is, was such a blessing!

FINALLY, Mom was able to go home! She was very weak from having pneumonia, and lying in bed for the most part, for the five days. Standing alone was a challenge, so she was using a walker, and physical therapy began coming. Speech therapy also came. He worked with her on swallowing, and some coping skills so that the difficulties she had did not reoccur. Mom was getting stronger and stronger, and things were going good.

I was enjoying putting out the flag, picking the garden, and cooking for Mom and Leon. Leon suggested bringing in arrangements of the beautiful zinnias and sunflowers in the yard since Mom was too weak at first to go outside. Often, there were plenty of flowers to bring in four arrangements! We all loved it! We also visited and talked about memories they both had...separately before they married, and then memories of the last nineteen years together.

Then, Leon was taken in to the emergency room. So, I ended up staying four weeks all together! Not what I or Larry planned, but it worked out! God had a plan, and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything! Leon stayed about three weeks in the hospital. Mom and I spent alot of time together! Then, each morning, we would call Leon, and each evening, we would call and tell him “good night.” Twice-a-day, planning around physical therapy, speech therapy, and Leon’s physical therapy, we would go visit him at the hospital. We would take the mail for them to go through, and they would visit. Their love for each other shown through, what sweethearts they are!

I had some of the best conversations with my mom and Leon! We talked about their very first memories, favorite times in their childhood, songs they remembered! Leon and I even cooked his special soup! My mom and I ate meals together, and visited about everything! We talked about God’s treasures, and how they are not in things, but in relationships and people. We talked about “my mom’s life” that she saw around her, like pictures, figurines, furniture. I told her that her life was not in those objects, but in the legacy she had left for others, and the memories we all had in our hearts.

I did tasks for them that they did or would have done for me before. It was difficult to “switch” roles: to be the caregiver, the cook, the delivery man, the shopper...all those things my mom used to do. That part was bitter, and hard to swallow, but the “sweet...” the conversations, the memories, the love and acceptance for each other, were a priceless treasure!

I learned that when God gives us “bitter,” He always adds a “sweet!” He gives us blessings upon blessings; strength, and a path through to help us continue what He has for us to do. He leads each and every moment...One Step at a Time!

Monday, July 13, 2015

To God Be The Glory!

What an amazing trip to Uganda! Larry and I went with a team from Oakwood Church. There were sixteen of us, and it was a great team! I’m so thankful God allowed us to all go on the trip together. The trip was busy, and God accomplished much! We arrived very early Saturday morning at Surjio’s, after flying into Entebbe, and driving to Jinja.

We took medical and dental supplies, to help with a clinic on Monday. So, Saturday, we sorted medicines taken with us, and medicines bought in Uganda. It was also a day of resting after a very long flight.

Sunday, we divided into teams of three and four, and went to six different local churches. It is customary to “greet” the church as we visit, and I always tell them at Mathias’ church that it is my absolute favorite place to worship! What a blessing to worship with our friends and family on these special Sundays! Then, we divided into groups of four, and visited four women in the God is Grace Ministry(GIG). This is an amazing ministry, developed by Beth Green! It is a ministry where women help women! Women are chosen in Uganda that desire to start a business, to be able to take care of their family, and become independent. Then, a woman in the US sponsors them for a year. During that year, they are given funds, and training to succeed at their businesses. Maddie, Claudia, Larry, and I visited a precious lady, named "Sara." It was such a blessing to be able to visit in her home, and pray with her. She has begun a fresh tomato and silverfish-selling business. She was also able to obtain a pig, and had built a pen for it. We met her child and grandchild...what a gift to be able to meet them all! We also went to Mashah Orphanage, which is one of my favorite places to love on some amazing children!

On Monday, we began the clinics! We helped with the medical clinic for three days, and the dental clinic for four days. Over one thousand precious people were able to receive treatment and receive medicines over those four days! They also heard the gospel message, and received much love, smiles, and hugs in Jesus’ name! The clinics took place in the Village of Kalagala, which was about an hour’s drive from our hotel. Each day, we would leave around 7:45, and arrive back after 7:00...long, BLESSED days!

Beginning on Wednesday, our team split up. Some of us stayed to help at the clinics, and the rest of us began visiting schools! We were able to visit nine schools the next two days, and over four thousand children heard the gospel, and had the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior. We also played games, did crafts, sang and danced with them! Pure joy!!!

We visited a precious Christian woman’s orphanage and school. Jennifer has very little resources, but loves these children wholeheartedly! There are many wonderful children here, including Juliet and Peace. The last two years, Larry and I have visited Jennifer each time we’ve gone, and have grown to love these two girls. The first time I met Peace, she looked at me and my white skin, and began screaming loudly! Now, with nurturing and care from Jennifer and the other older children at the orphanage including Juliet, Peace has thrived. She loves people, and has a beautiful smile to share!

On Friday, some of us went to a sewing class for the God is Grace Ministry. It was amazing seeing the women learning to sew. They brought all of the items they had made so far in the class, and hung them all around the church where they met. Each “outfit” was first made completely out of brown paper. Once they had mastered being able to sew the garment on paper, then they were able to make it out of fabric. They were doing a great job! They must advance through the class by meeting certain requirements. When they have finished the course, and pass the final “test,” they will be given a sewing machine, a sewing kit, and fabric. Can you think of a better ministry to be involved with? I can’t!!!

We finished up with some shopping, and a boat ride on the Nile River! Around 4:00, we began our drive back to the airport in Entebbe. Because we went through Kampala during “rush hour,” it took us five hours!

God always teaches me so much on these trips, and speaks to me so loudly! The first day, I was very concerned about how everything was going to work out and “run.” I saw God work out all the details, provide what was needed, and just absolutely “show up!” As the week went on, many on our team were sick. On Tuesday, six out of our team of sixteen stayed back at Surjio’s! But, you know what? After seeing God provide every need on Monday, each day, I just watched to see how He was going to provide! What a blessing that I truly cannot put into words, to see God use each and every situation for His Glory! Praise God!

He also spoke to me so clearly!!! I need to be “on my toes” each and every moment! Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, He will give me opportunities to minister! So, that’s how this trip changed me, I’m ready to do what He puts before me, each and every day, One Step at a Time!

The Amazing Oakwood Team!

Sorting Medicines for the Clinics

Pastor Mathias obtained all the local medicines. He then helped us sort all of them!

Pastor Stephen drove us EVERYWHERE, and did a great job!

Precious Elizabeth
Oh my word! I am honored to be in her presence!

It's ALWAYS good to see family!

Claudia, Me, Caroline (of GIG), Sara's daughter, Sara, and Maddie
We visited in Sara's home, saw her business, and prayed with her.
Such a blessing for us!

Sara's Tomato/Silverfish Selling Business

GIG Sewing Class

Doctor's Tent
We had 4-6 doctors who worked very hard!

Waiting for Treatment!

Peace and Juliet, Precious Girls!

Pastor Joseph worked so hard to line up ten schools for us to visit!
Then, he went with us and coordinated our visits!

Beautiful!

So Cute!

Playing with Bubbles!

Lots of Students!

Lots of Opportunities to Tell About Jesus!

So Fun!

Tug Hard!

Jennifer, what a blessing to many!

Touring the Nile

OAKWOOD TEAM

Beth, Jacee, and Jessica

Tim, Pastor Joseph, and Cathy

Hadden and Pastor Rusty

Hal and Beth

Laurie

Maddie and Claudia

Bill, Pastor Stephen, and Connie

Sunday, March 29, 2015

God's Timing

I know that EVERYTHING is better when I wait for God's timing! I know that in my heart, but sometimes my "head" forgets! This trip to Uganda was such a reminder in many ways that God has a Plan, and that His Timing is perfect! It was an awesome trip! We arrived on Friday, just in time to attend a graduation party for Marjorie and Matthan, two of Mathias' and Frances' children. They both graduated from university! They are both amazing Christians, using the talents, determination, perseverance, and strength that God has give them for His glory! We are their "Jajja Beth and Jajja Larry," and we could not be prouder!

Sunday, we attended "our" church! We are so at home there, and it is my favorite place to worship! We were able to see friends, and gather up many smiles and hugs. I was able to teach the children, and do a craft with them. Then, we met with Sunday School teachers in the area, reviewing the curriculum, and discussing challenges they have. What a blessed Sunday!

We always love seeing the children at Mashah Village Orphanage! They are growing so fast! The Elevare Organization does an amazing job of loving these kids, and growing them not only physically, but more importantly, spiritually! They are precious, with beautiful, giving, loving hearts! We were able to visit a family with Jane, one of the children at Mashah. She was worried about this family because they were eating only one meal-a-day, and the children were not attending school. Because of Jane, we were able to encourage them and pray with them. Praise God for Jane, and His work in her life! Our Small Group and my Sunday School Class at Oakwood collected some school shoes for the children at Mashah, and they loved them! The children were so excited! I also taught the same lesson/craft, and that was fun too!

We visited with our sweet friend, Jennifer, who runs a school in order to keep twelve children in her orphanage. Jennifer has an amazing witness for Jesus in her village of Kalagala. She is well-respected, and is Jesus' Light where she is! We were able to pray with her and encourage her, as she makes new plans to buy some additional property to help the children even more!

The day before we left, we were so honored to travel to the village where Mathias grew up, Gomba! It was just amazing to picture him growing up in this little village, to see the house he grew up in, and to meet his family! Wow! We were so moved, imagining what life was like for him as a young boy and young man. On our way, we visited the Equator in Uganda! So fun!

As we visited this time, we were both so aware of God's Timing. Each place we visited, each event, each person, just felt like God wanted us right there to meet, visit, and get to know these precious ones even more. Thank you, God, that Your Timing in our lives is perfect, One Step at a Time!