"When I in awesome wonder..."

Shortly before Christmas, Amanda and I joined the Smiths - Andy, Keeky and David, as well as Mom and Dad Smith, and Andy's sister Sarah, who were visiting from Oregon - in trekking to beautiful western Uganda. Our purpose was to spend a couple of days in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's 10 parks. The park's more than 763 square miles contains over 500 different bird species and about 100 mammal species.

As I gazed upon elephants, lions, hippos, water buffalo (at right) and more, I couldn't help but stand in speechless awe of my Awesome and Mighty Creator, who designed and brought into being such majestic and interesting creatures. I took more than 600 photos and videos, but I will share just a few photos from our trip. Enjoy!

                                                                                    

Amanda and I at a stop on our crater drive - exploring large craters (perhaps formed by the flood of Noah's day) that are now filled with hot springs, lakes or vegetation.

"I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." - Genesis 9:11

The whole gang - we felt like tourists!

Crocodile in Kazinga Channel

"O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." - Psalm 104:24

Hippos in Kazinga Channel

"Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with innumerable creatures, living things both small and great." - Psalm 104:25

A heap of hippos

"Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths." - Psalm 148:7

Water buffalo

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" - Psalm 8:9

Elephants along the channel

"Who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number." - Job 5:9

Curious birds - facing the same direction

"See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?" - Matthew 6:26

Elephant eating lunch

"God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind;' and it was so." - Genesis 1:24

Ugandan fish eagles

"God created the large sea creatures, and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. God saw that it was good." - Genesis 1:21

Ugandan cobb resting in the early morning on the African savannah

"But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." - Job 12:7-10

Ugandan cobb

"But none says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives  songs in the night, who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?'" - Job 35:10-11

A herd of elephants - they crossed the road near our vehicle

"Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast." - Psalm 36:6

A baby elephant tagging along behind

"How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!" - Psalm 92:5

Female bushbuck

"The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." - Psalm 145:15-16

Male bushbuck

"Even the wild animals pant for you; the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the open pastures." - Joel 1:20

Male bushbuck

"He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry."

- Psalm 147:9

Peeking out of our matatu (van)

"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"

- Psalm 8:4

Some birds who joined us for lunch.

"The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches." - Psalm 104:17

Family of elephants

"You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you." - Genesis 6:19

They were so close!

"They had with them (Noah and family) every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings." - Genesis 7:14

Baby elephant

"Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark." - Genesis 7:15

A male lion

"Even the wild animals pant for you; the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the open pastures." - Psalm 104:21

Taking a cat nap

"Can you stalk prey for a lioness and satisfy the young lions' appetites, as they lie in their dens or crouch in the thicket?" - Job 38:39-40

He was also very close!

"This is what the LORD says to me: 'As a lion growls, a great lion over his prey--and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against him, he is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor--so the LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.'" - Isaiah 31:4

Snoozing in the tree

The Smith Family - Andy, Keeky, David and Baby

"We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders." - Psalm 78:4

A view of western Uganda - green and beautiful as far as the eye can see.

"The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!" - Psalm 65:12-1

Zebras

"For every animal of the forest is mine, and the livestock on a thousand hills."

- Psalm 50:10

Sunrise on our last morning

 "And God saw everything that He had made, and behold,

it was very good."

- Genesis 1:31a

Celebrating One Year!

Today, Jan. 10, marks one year that I have been in Uganda. These 12 months seem on one hand to have really been that long, but then, on other hand, the year has seemed to fly. I am so, so grateful for God's goodness, faithfulness, protection, provision and the many, many blessings He has bestowed on me during my time here. I am not sure I could sum up what all has taken place in the past year. Perhaps, I will try in a future post. : )

But, for now, I am thanking God for this privilege and honor to be a part of His work here. : ) And, I am excited and anxious for all He has in store for 2011! : )

I was honored to recently be interviewed by a young woman from my home area in Oregon. Lucia shares the interview on her blog, which can be found at: http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-featured-daughter-of-vision.html.

Have a blessed day!

Walking With the Source

I knew that within a week of the first of the year, I wanted to get away for some prayer and reflection. I have been busy this holiday season, and distracted by too many other things. So, I really felt it necessary to find a quiet spot to spend some quality time with God. Today was the day. I went to "the source" so I could meet with "the Source" - my Creator and Heavenly Father.
One of the few quiet spots I know of around Jinja, is at the source of the Nile. It is a bit spendy to get into, but the beautiful scenery is so worth it. The "source" is where Lake Victoria, the world's second largest lake, empties into the Nile River, the world's longest river. It is quite a special and beautiful area.

I wanted to sit under a tree, tucked out of sight, so I could freely talk with God and have plenty of undisturbed quiet. However, the first tree I chose was suitable for only so long. A few minutes after I settled under it, I realized it was at the edge of a golf course. And, so awhile later when a group of golfers began heading my way, I decided to vacate my tree of choice, preferring not to be beaned by a stray golf ball.

I moved to another nearby tree, this time one actually considered in the park area and out of the golf course. But, I soon discovered it was one of those "dripping" trees. There is a type of tree here that releases droplets of water - when it is not raining. I persevered, but when a big drop "splatted" on my Bible study notes, I went again searching for a more suitable location.

Finally, I settled on a bench, with a view of the river. And, that is where I spent most of my afternoon.

The view of the Nile River from my bench.

I had gone with the high hopes of receiving some profound vision for the new year, but instead I received a plain and practical message for 2011 - in "how to walk."

Spending some time in Ephesians, God impressed on me how I needed to "practically" walk in His ways in the coming year, in order to pass though 2011 with a purpose.

Here are some of my notes:
- Walk with and in a purpose - Ephesians 1:11-12
- Walk in God's good works, which He has prepared beforehand for me. - Ephesians 2:10
- Walk as a member of Christ's body. Ephesians 2:14-16, 4:3-7
- Walk in love. In Christ's surpassing love. Ephesians 3:17-19. And, in love toward others. Ephesians 5:2, 4:31-32, and 6:1-3
- Walk in a manner worthy of Christ's calling. Ephesians 4:1-3
- Walk in newness of life. Ephesians 4:21-24
- Walk in light. Ephesians 5:8-10
- Walk wisely. Ephesians 5:15-17
- Walk in God's armor. Ephesians 6:10-18
- Walk in prayer. Ephesians 6:18

God revealed how I can practically "walk" in each of the above ways, but they are more personal, so I won't share them here.

Just recently God reminded me that growth in the Christian life comes slowly and steadily, not by leaps and bounds. (Reminds me of the parable of the tortoise and the hare.) Naturally, I am not a very patient person, which is probably why I have half-read books and half-finished projects. Often when I don't see quick results or progress, I become discouraged or distracted and give up.

But through various messages over the recent days, God has been showing me that each day presents me with choices - some small, some large, but often ones that lead to other more consequential ones.

Realistically, the Christian walk can only be accomplished one step and one day at a time. God gives His manna, or grace, in quantity enough only for the present day, not enough also for tomorrow or next week. I believe past discouragement in my faith has come as I looked too far down the road, to see how much further I had to go and grow. And, I quickly became disheartened and I gave up.

I want this year to be a year of purpose - daily purposing to walk with and please God in every area and in every relationship. And, of course, it must be in God's strength and power, not in my own weak and fallible "strength."

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

Another view of the Nile.

Me near "the source," which is somewhere behind the island in the background.

Looking downriver.

These cute guys were hanging around for a bit.

This one got a bit closer.

"Depraved Indifference"

I watched the following video last night and was convicted, which is a good response. I am praying that the conviction will lead to a change in my thinking, and then to responsive action.

I believe every Christian should see this presentation. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He left us with a clear and straight-forward command - "Go, and make disciples..."  As followers of Christ, that is our mission. How are you and I fulfilling this "Great Commission"?

P.S. I highly encourage you to visit the Ludy's site, http://www.ellerslie.com, as well as the related sites which you can link to from there. I believe you will be blessed, challenged and encouraged.

N'Omwaka Omujaa Ogwemirembe!!

That is Merry Christmas in Lugandan! 

I want to wish all of my dear family and friends a most blessed and Merry Christmas! May today be a special one as you reflect on the supernatural birth of Jesus, and how His gift has dramatically changed our lives and our world. Because of Him we can experience new and abundant life here on earth and the hope of glorious and everlasting life in heaven! 

I am thankful for each and every one of you!

"Lovin' and Livin' in Uganda"

The following article was published in the December 16th edition of The Clatskanie Chief, my hometown newspaper.

Former Reporter Writes About
“Lovin’ and Livin’ in Uganda”
by Ruth E. Howard Special Correspondent

I’m in love.

I admit it – I have been “captured by heart.”

Before I came to Uganda in January, I described in a Trident column in The Chief how Clatskanie had “captured” my heart and those of my family more than two decades ago. But, I also wrote that another place, not a person, had stolen my affections.

I am learning that “home” is a relative word and I mean that in a very good way.

In the nearly one year that I have been here in southern Uganda, this place has come to feel more and more like home. I am surrounded by beauty – in the awesome scenery of the lush green flora, bronze-colored soil, the massive skies and clouds, and the breathtaking star-studded nights.

I have found beauty in the people with whom I work and in those whom I serve. And, I continue to discover beauty in the experiences – in the ordinary and in the surprising which I encounter daily.
There is satisfaction and fulfillment in the work I am doing – spending time with young people, hosting visitors, assisting in communications and more.

I have become accustomed to the “inconveniences” of living on an island in the world’s largest tropical lake. Running water, hot showers and refrigeration are not necessities. I have found a new “normal” and learned I can live with much less.

I came in January to work with Shepherd’s Heart International Ministry (SHIM), a non-governmental organization based on Lingira Island, one of the 52 Buvuma islands on Lake Victoria. SHIM was co-founded by a good friend of mine, Karina (Thomas) Smith, who as I did, grew up in Clatskanie.

I stayed with Karina on Lingira Island during my first trip to Uganda, in eastern Africa, from October 2006 to March 2007. It was during that time, in January 2007, that SHIM was founded and in the nearly four years since, it has blossomed into an extensive ministry focused on the development and transformation of the islands.

I often describe a visit to the islands as “stepping back in time.” The western influence that has permeated the urban mainland areas, like the nearest city of Jinja, has for the most part, not reached the many islands scattered across Lake Victoria.

The majority of islanders still live in mud huts with grass-thatched or tin-sheet roofs. They rely almost entirely on fishing for their livelihood. Clean water is a rarity as sanitation is not understood or valued. Children often have no or limited opportunity for education compared to those of the mainland.

The 40 percent HIV/AIDS rate among island adults is staggering, compared to the six percent of the rest of the nation. Diagnosis, treatment and counseling for HIV/AIDS are only available at mainland clinics, which to reach usually requires hours of travel in a wooden boat across the vast lake.

Access to other medical services is limited – for many years the islands were considered “forgotten” by the Ugandan government and other entities.

But, God, the creator of the universe, never forgot the islands. And, I am so grateful to be part of a group of people which God is using to help bring change to the islands.

I also appreciate serving under the mission agency, Global Outreach International, based in Tupelo, Miss., which provides valuable counsel and various types of assistance from the states.

Most of all, I am delighted to serve a God who is a God of hope, especially in the darkest and most hopeless situations.

During this year my main focus has been in working with SHIM’s child development program, which is like a child sponsorship program. Presently, about 40 students, from primary (elementary) through secondary (high school) and up to those in vocational and university institutions, are receiving assistance with school fees, as SHIM has linked sponsors, primarily from the U.S., with these students.

Some of these young people are complete orphans, without mother or father. Others have a single parent who is struggling to survive and care for other children. Some have been rejected by a stepmother or a stepfather in their polygamist families. Their stories tug at my heart and my prayer is that an education will open a path to a better life.

It has been my joy to get to know these students and be a valuable link to their sponsors. In this role, I have also worked closely with the island’s secondary school, Lingira Living Hope. As one of only two secondary schools in the 52-island Buvuma chain, the school was established in February 2006 to bring education within reach of the islanders.

Beginning with temporary mud and roughly-hewn timber structures, the school has gradually advanced and now boasts a brick and concrete classroom and office block. Building dormitories for the students is an imminent priority to attract more students and encourage expansion. In November the school graduated its fourth class since its founding.

As with many new ventures, my job description has grown and become fluid as the months have passed. One role I especially enjoy is helping to host teams and visitors who stay at SHIM’s island base. I am always amazed at how an island, five miles in circumference, could attract people from all over the United States, as well as those from around Africa.

Considering my 11 years at The Chief, it is no surprise that I also “fell” into a position of helping with communication, which has included e-mail correspondence with the ministry’s friends and supporters, as well as creating newsletters to provide a glimpse of what is happening here.

SHIM is a tree with many branches, and it is my delight to serve with a group of people, made up of Americans and Ugandans, who are so diverse in personality and responsibilities, but who share a common God-driven vision for the islands.

Other “branches” of SHIM include evangelism and discipleship, economic development, family ministry, educational development, water and sanitation, and women’s ministries. (For more about SHIM and its ministry branches, please visit the website at http://www.shimuganda.com/).

It is difficult to put in one article nearly a year’s worth of experiences. There have been highlights such as being part of teams to conduct youth seminars and crusades – one on a southern island and two others near the Kenyan border.

Helping with the reorganization and expansion of SHIM’s island library was personally satisfying. We are anxious for the islanders to take advantage of this small library, which now boasts some 2050 volumes. Books and good reading material are hard to come by in these remote areas.

Starting and then co-leading a girls’ Bible study at the secondary school has fulfilled two of my “loves” – working with youth and teaching. Seeing these young women blossom spiritually and in other ways has made any effort very much worthwhile.

In the last school term, which ended in November, I was privileged to teach a computer class to two of the four grades at the island’s secondary school. Some students had never before touched a computer, or much less knew of such technical terms as “hardware,” “software,” “modem” and others. I am excited to lead these students and others next year on a continued exploration of this sphere of technology.

As with any “love relationship” there are disappointments and challenges. Seeing young people in whom you invested take a destructive path makes you question what more you could have done to spare them such a choice.

I have encountered homesickness, loneliness, doubts, fears and more. But, in those times I find it helpful to step back and see the bigger picture. And, as I do I am reminded that I am so very grateful. Grateful to be here and to be included in what God is doing on the islands and in Uganda.

I am also thankful that this place feels like home.

My original one-year commitment has stretched to 16 months as I plan to return to the U.S. in May. After a visit home over most of the summer, I intend to return to Uganda, my “new” home.

I have a feeling that my work here will continue to expand and develop, especially concerning working with young people.

Abraham is one of my favorite Biblical heroes. When Abraham was in his 60s God called him to leave his homeland for a foreign country he had never before visited. Abraham went – taking a bold step of faith. And, when God brought him to that new “home,” he promised to make Abraham a “father of many nations.” If Abraham had not gone, he would never have received God’s incredible promise and its subsequent fulfillment.

I believe God has called me to Uganda for the foreseeable future. And, I trust that He will continue to work in and through me here in this blessed “foreign” land for as long as He intends it to be my “home.”

I want to wish all of my family, dear friends, and The Chief’s readers a most blessed holiday season. May Christ be your focus as you celebrate.

"Taking the Plunge"

Even before my memories begin, I have had a fear of water.

My mother told me that I would scream as a baby when she bathed me. (I have long been over the screaming part. But, I think God has quite a sense of humor to call me to an island on the world's largest tropical lake. However, I almost always have calm and peace as I travel on the waters.)

As a girl, whenever we would visit a friend's pool or the public one, my favorite spot was sitting on the side, dangling my feet in the water. That was where I felt safe.

My mother enrolled my sister and I in swimming lessons in hopes of helping me overcome my fear. Leah loved the water and was like a fish as she swam about. I endured and managed to pass the basic levels. But, without consistent practice and exposure, I reverted back to my old ways, retaining limited courage. Unfortunately, now I don't recall any swimming strokes.

And, for most of my Christian walk, I have approached my relationship with God in a similar way. Sitting on the side, and only committing myself so much, unwilling to plunge in to fully give and to fully receive from God.

Several weeks ago, I joined the rest of the SHIM staff in traveling to eastern Uganda for a staff development retreat. The focus was on our individual callings and how God has "shaped" us. We explored our Spiritual gifts, Heartbeat/passion, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. At the end of the week, we were to identify the common themes in these and see what ministries for which God had shaped us.

This was exciting for me as I traced God's fingerprints throughout my life in the lessons and experiences He has led me through, to see how He had planted and watered the seeds of future ministry. My heart was filled with joy as what I had suspected to be my "passions" were confirmed - working with youth, teaching, communication, and support ministry.

But, even as all of these things came to light, there was a vital piece missing. At the beginning of the week, Andrew Smith had given an introduction to personal callings, sharing from Romans 12:1-8. Verse 1 especially stood out to me as Andy shared that we will not discover our personal callings unless we have offered our bodies to God as living sacrifices. I appreciated what one SHIM family member shared, we offer our bodies and God does the sacrificing.

This brought to light a decision God had been prompting me to make for some time - full surrender, "taking the plunge."

By the time Thursday afternoon came around, I was aching to get alone with God. I found just the right tree with a bench beneath it, looking out on awesome Ugandan scenery. And, I poured out my heart to God - offering Him my body, mind, desires, dreams, past, present and future. It was an incredibly joyful and freeing experience! Afterward I felt as if I was walking on air.

My "special" tree

Then, God asked me to take another step of faith and obedience - to be baptized again. I was baptized at age 11, but did it more out of compliance with my dad's request rather then very willingly. God had been asking me to do this for some time. And, now I wanted to make this public profession to cement my new committment.

Friday afternoon I was baptized by my long-time mentor, friend and "big sister," Karina (Thomas) Smith, and a very good Ugandan friend and brother, Robert Wafula. We did it in a pool beneath a waterfall, very near the "special" tree which I had sat under the day before. They had to dunk me twice, since I didn't get entirely wet the first time. : )

It was certainly a special and memorable week for me as I "took the plunge" into the pool of surrender, fully offering to God, and fully receiving His incredible grace, forgiveness, goodness, and mercy.

Since then I have also been freed to fully invest myself in what God has for me here in Uganda. My passion and vision have been renewed and broadened. And, I am excited to see how God will open and widen doors of ministry in the future.

     May the praise and glory be to God!

Ready to "take the plunge."

Going under...once

                            "Oh, she's not all the way wet, we'll have to do it again."

                                         And, the second time. I'm a double-dipper. :)



Oops, missed a spot. :)