What am I wearing?

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Big Girl Pants are defined as: pants you wear when you know you need to step up. Something you are called to do, the right thing no matter how hard it is to do it. Often it is related to listening and obeying the Holy Spirit. (These pants have NOTHING to do with weight and/or age.)

Earlier this week I had to put on my Big Girl Pants, something that I know I need to do more often but is not something that I jump in head first to do. The main reason I do not long to zip up my Big Girl Pants is because it means the Holy Spirit is working on something in me. He is convicting me and calling me to live in a righteous way. Now who would not want to live in accordance with the Holy Spirit?! I do, but repeatedly it means my sinful nature has won over my will to naturally do want I know I need to do. Yes, often when putting on my Big Girl Pants it is because, “I do the things I do not want to do and don’t do the thing I know I need to do.”

While the Spirit has been working on me to really see I needed to step up and put on my Big Girl Pants I came to a conclusion. One reason I do not love my Big Girl Pants is because they feel as if they were made out of wool! You know what I mean; it is that lovely article of clothing that is just itchy to wear because it is made from wool. You find yourself itching and moving often while in this garment. It just does not feel like your comfy yoga pants or worn in linen pants. While this analogy is true it is also convicting. Let me explore more…..

We daily live in our yoga or linen pants, daily we sin and break the heart of our Savior! So when it is made known to our continuous attention that we are in the wrong and need to make a change we put on the uncomfortable itchy wool pants. We then feel something outside of our norm. But in reality as Christian Ladies we should be wearing our Big Girl Pants each and every day!

The Word calls us to live in a way that is holy and upright, Micah 6:8. We are told to forgive as well as to go and seek forgiveness, Matthew 26:28 and Mark 11:25. But somehow this is not what we do first. Our sinful nature is comfortable with holding on to things and making excuses for why “we” do not need to go and ask for forgiveness. Hence why we are so comfortable in our yoga pants rather than our Big Girl Pants.

Trust me…. my sinful nature would be happy as a clam to forever stay in my yoga pants and to not have to feel the discomfort of my wooly Big Girl Pants. But God is working in me. He is showing me that I need to wear my Big Girl Pants every day. No matter how hard it is I need to be willing to zip up my Big Girl Pants every day. The hope and prayer is that God will give me the grace and strength to not just say it but to DO IT! The strange thing is God is telling me over time that these itchy wooly pants will become comfortable! Living in accordance with His Word, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, does wonders in our lives and that is what makes these irritating difficult pants worth wearing!

An Open Door...

More than I would like to admit the phrase “God opened the door” comes out of my mouth. That phrase itself is not bad. In fact, it is good. It is acknowledging that God is at work rather than me. More of Him and less of me is a great thing!

In the last few weeks something strange has happened. Countless conversations have turned to the topic of “God opening doors.” The odd part is how a few friends and I started to see that there seems to be a hidden expectation with the meaning of this phrase. As we were talking, we all kind of had a moment of “Huh? Wonder why that is.”  For me, that moment has continued for over a week now. For some reason I cannot stop thinking about how an open door does not mean walking through will be smooth or painless.

Some how the idea that when God opens a door in our lives, whatever is on the other side will be easier than where we are now. Not sure how or why, but many, including myself hold on to hope of this unrealistic expectation. Yes, God is good and desires the best for us! 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Psalm 52:8  But I am like an olive tree
    flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
    for ever and ever.

God is not anything if not loving.  But I think we have forgotten one key aspect. We have forgotten about someone that seeks to have power and influence over us. We have forgotten about the enemy.

Now, please, understand I do not want to give credit to the devil. But, face it, he is good at what he does! We have forgotten he is free and roaming this earth.  I believe  that has led us to think an open door means golden roads ahead.

Personally, I can look back at my life and see where I assumed there was going to be golden roads ahead when God opened a door in my life. And more over, I can tell you how many times I have been sorely mistaken. The lack of golden or easy roads on the other side of the door has never meant God did not open the door, but it hasn’t been a cakewalk! The thing I have been learning is God opens the doors in our lives and when we have the faith and trust to walk through them, the enemy panics.  Through the Lord’s strength, the fears of walking through the door did not hold us back, so his first strategy failed. So he goes on the attack!

The enemy understands that because we were obedient to the Lord, mountains are about to move. Lives are going to be changed and he will do what he can, even when he knows he will fail, to de-rail us. He makes the steps we take after crossing the threshold feel like we are under fire. Here we thought it was going to be a bed of roses because the Lord opened the door for us. Hate to spoil the ending for ya but, GOD WINS. 

 1 Samuel 17:47  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

The Lord wins every time. So when we are hitting the deck to avoid the attacks of the enemy we need to remember who has ALREADY won the war.  We need to stand strong and fight back with God’s word and TRUTH. We have nothing to fear. The Lord of angel armies is on our side.

Exodus 15:6  Your right hand, Lord,
    was majestic in power.
Your right hand, Lord,
    shattered the enemy.

Now I do realize it is much easier said than done. Our human nature tells us to duck or run away. So now my prayer is for us to be strong and realistic when God opens a door.  Praying for the Holy Spirit to instill peace and passion into us so we do not hit the deck but stand strong. Stand strong knowing God has already one the war!

Speaking of Africa

I have been back a month now.  Already spoken at two churches and seen many friends and supporters. Can you guess the number one question I am asked?! Been gone for a while.....so it make sense people want to know "How was Africa?"

This is a hard question to answer. Hard to answer because there is a lot I could reply with, just never sure who wants to hear what. Everyone wants to hear I am good and God is amazing (like He always is) but not everyone wants to hear about the hard and dark days. Often people do not even really want to the truth. It is the same thing when people ask you "how are you," as you pass them in the hall at work.  You say "good" or maybe even "fine" but in the back of your mind you are thinking "do you really want to know how I am?"

Come on.....you know what I am talking about. Everyone has been asked the question and then formulated a response that they thought the other  person wanted to hear. To be fair I was like this when I lived in the States. Yup, asking "how are you," is what you say was you pass people you know.

Here is where it gets hard for me. For a year and a half I have been in a culture where you stop and talk to people. No matter if you are late for work, a meeting, or whatever you STOP and chat with people you pass.Time is not what is important, it is more the relationship with the person you are talking with that takes precedent. Time is spent with others thinking about them, not about how much time has passed.

Some of you are thinking how odd it is to stop where ever you are to chat with someone. Some are even passing judgement, because time is valuable.  Trust me I once thought the same way. Over time and learning more about Ugandans and the heart of my heavenly father I come to see things in a new light. There is a phrase I have learned and say daily in Africa, it just might help with this. "It is not right or wrong, it is just different." Without understanding why something is done or not done how can anyone make a judgement call?  You can't. You would be assuming, and we all know what happens when you assume.

This is a lesson the Lord has taught me over the years and now as I am back in the States for a while; I have to re-learn this lesson with in American culture.  So, I often take a breath and pray when someone asks me "how was Africa?" Not because I am tired of being asked that questions but more so to invite the Holy Spirit to come and give me words. I do not want to answer as others want me to. I pray I answer as the Lord is asking me to. To be honest and open about what He is doing in Africa. 

Lord,
I ask you help me never open my mouth to speak about Africa without your words in my mouth. Please touch my heart when it is time be still and wait on your for answers. Give me the answers you know other people need to hear, even if they do not want to hear it. May you also tell me when to shut up! I pray everyone will be genuine and honest when they ask others "how are you." Help me to care less about time and more about my brothers and sisters. Help me do this here in the States as well as Uganda. Thank you Lord to loving me and taking your time with me! -Amina

Learning Through Faith

Friday, I dropped my car off at the shop. It is amazing how much maintenance cars out here need. The roads are hard, dust is flying, and the sun it hot. For parts that move, Africa is no cake walk.

The Beast, what I named my 4X4 Toyota Prado, had a laundry list of repairs. Just as roads are hard on cars repairs are hard on my wallet! Fixing my car is always a leap of faith. You just never know how much it will cost or how long it will take. Friday to Tuesday this time and close to $400.

The Beast!

The Lord is teaching me a lesson in faith right now. There is $100 in my account and the $400 bill comes due tomorrow afternoon. Now as you read this you might be thinking this is a peal for more support, trust me it is not! There is peace in my heart. God will provide and will do so in His timing! How do I know?! Because our God is faithful.

I know how great His provisions are! When I moved to Uganda I came out with a dream to have a car but no funds for one. 6 months after I landed a The Beast was given me to. Yes, I was given a car. God  touched some missionaries heart's. They were head back to American for good and thought I could use the car. How great is our God?!  He is AMAZING!

So just like a car was given when there was a need I know the funds will be as well. I pray for His will and timing. As He answers I can not wait to share it with you!

You must take the good with bad!

The other day my post was a downer, I admit it. But that got me thinking. Thinking while I was on the back of a boda boda riding around Kampala. People think missionaries live a great life. Well they are right to some degree. Let me explain.

Most missionaries life in a foreign country. Places in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, South America, and so on. While these places are exciting and new there are so many things once faces whiling living there other could not even think of. Illness, harder living conditions, lack of understating to how things work, language barrier, are some of the things that people back home think of. Yes we do deal with these things but so much more. For me, for example, I am living in a country that sees me as a child still. I am 28 years old, have a college education,  am a licensed minster, and living in Africa as a single lady. Out here....that means nothing. I am not a woman until I am married and have children. This also feds into a spiritual battle with me in.  It brings up the age old question of will God bring someone to be a partner with?! This is just one thing people would never think that single missionaries deal with. Well we do.

Missionaries would love to say we have 365 good days out of the year but in reality we are lucky to get a 1/3rd of that. But that dose not mean we do not love what we do.

God has called us here. He has made it all happen to be "on the field." There is joy in knowing that our Father God sees us as worthy (even with all our baggage and sin) to do this work. This helps us over come the bad days (the last post was written on a bad day). The fact  that God is in control hit me while on my boda boda ride this morning. I was sitting on the back of a bike of a guy I know and trust. He met me after I dropped off my SUV to get an oil change. He then drove me to the office and while on the way I saw so much beauty. This beauty started to make the craziness, had moments, and loneliness fade a little.

Photo of the city take from the road next to my flat

Out here I am learning to take the good with the bad. Yes, more often then not there a lot more "bad" than good but it is still worth is. 

Learning what it would be like.....

For the last 4 days I have been learning. Learning what it would be like if I was a mom, not just a mom of a few sweet souls. Learning what it would be like if I was a mom of 7!

Some of you reading this might be loving the idea of 7 kids running around your home full of laughter, cries, illness, playtime all the while you are watching little souls become who they were created to be by the Father. Others, might be shaking their hear "No!" Maybe that is a big number for some but let me tell you....I am learning how great it is.

My friend has 8 lovely adopted children.  Adopting all these awesome little ones is just one of amazing thing her and her husband felt lead to do. They (as a family)  answered the call to move to Africa as missionaries. Yes, they are out here, in Uganda living for the Lord "on the filed" as a family of 10. They make me excited to see what the Lord might call my family to, one day.

With 8 kids you can guess how busy my friend is. Truth is with living in Africa there is an other side of her busyness no one would think of, yet she does it with rock star status. Well in my eyes at least! To help in a small way, trust me a very small way, I watched 7 of the 8 while she and her hubby dropped the oldest off at boarding school. This is the first to head out to school. For many this is a strange concept but boarding school is conman for MKs. Their oldest is heading to an AIM run school in Kenya. So, while they drove to Kenya, sat through orientation, helped get the dorm room ready, and meet all the school staff I stayed in Uganda with the 7.

There is no way to shear how much I loved, learned, and grew in these 4 days. All I can say is "WOW." Being a mom is work. Work that is so meaningful! Now, understand I am not saying I want 7 of my own.....but you could  say I am more open to it, more now than ever before. Yes, God has yet to join my heart to someone else. I still have many fears about having children in my 30's rather then my 20's. My heart feels called to adopt. But all of this is left to the Lord, for He knows and to be honest I prefer it that way.

But these 4 days have been so meaningful to me. You could say I was given a chance to see what it would be like if the Lord blessed me with this many little ones. 4 days doe not sound like a lot but with 7 running around a lot can happen. Let me try to tell you in a nut shell: Day one- it was day 2 with out mom so everyone was having a hard day. In the middle of the night one jumped in bed with me because her ear was hurting so there was very little sleep. Day2-the ear ache turned into an infection and someone had a fever and tears most of the day. The others had fun while having a water flight. One missed the evening movie because of choosing over and over again to do what he was asked not to do. The night ended with decorating for the birthday the next day. Day3-HAPPY Birthday! We had chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. Everyone was soaked at the end of a water balloon fight, even with some unhappy ones saying the girls cheated. Day ended with Brinner for dinner and Jumangi movie night. Day4- HAPPY Birthday, birthday number 2. After chores we all watched an episode of Adventures in Odassy, and then talked about what we all learned. We also prayed together. We also prayed for the sun to come out so we could head to the pool.....end of the day Mom and Dad came home!

It was a crazy fun filled 4 days. The Lord is good. While He has been teaching me about true womanhood He also has opened the door to  start learn about motherhood.....kinda of scary and yet exciting.  

Did you know....

Did you know that men and women were created in God's image? Yes, I am sure you did. But more over, did you know that we both reflect God is ways the other can't?

God made man, wired him a cretin way, gave him strengths just for him, and put qualities and characteristics in them only they can use to point back to God himself. Just as He did this for man He did the same for woman. There are things inside each  of us, men and woman, that glorify God.  

The qualities in male and female each are an aspect of God. This is so power. It hit me that we are living in a culture that says gender does not matter....but it dose. Each of us, created who we are weather male or female, with our characteristics that were given to glorify our creator. Think about how cool that is.

The world tells us other than the obvious differences, there are no differences between men and women. What a lie. The enemy is great at making us believe we are the same as men. I think Nike helped sell the States on buying into "anything you can do I can do better." Can you remember the male and female athletes going at it, showing how she could do everything he did and do it better. Well, I remember, and as a young girl I thought that was great. Nothing could hold me back.

After moving out to Africa....God has done a number on my heart. He is teaching me what being a woman means by His definition, not the worlds.  Many times before Africa was home Genesis 1 was read and never jumped out at me, well that was until Africa. Now reading it I see things with new eyes, and understand them with a new heart.

Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

He created them! Them meaning both, both of them were created in His image. If God did not prosperously create male and female to point back to Him, this passage would be different. Think about the fact words like mankind, them, as well as male and female were used. There are only two genders that make up mankind. So, why stress over and over THEM?!

I think it is because it stress to us, His creation, we are created in His image and how that shines through men and women differently. Both point back to Him and give Him glory but both do it in different ways. So, yes. Gender does matter.

If you are a man, be proud to be created from the side that shows God's strength, courage, and manly qualities. And also, if you are a woman, then embarrass the fact you reflect the tender, lovely, and creative side of our creator! There is so much beauty within each of us, male and female, that tells the world of our amazing creator! So, let your light for the King shine in the fact you are comfortable being a godly man and or woman.

Father,
Daily show me more and more of how I can reflect your glory, because you have mad me a woman. Give me your heart for other ladies, who are not where I am on this topic. Give me your grace for those who will tell me I am equal to a man in every way. May your word of of truth on womanhood sink deeper and deeper into my mind, heart and, spirit. Amen.

Laugh At Every Moment!

So, yesterday I got pulled over....that kinda normal. Nothing like being flagged down so they try find a reason to fine you. Yesterday it was for a good reason. Well, them telling me about it was but not the fine, but in the end I did not have pay anything. Let me explain from the beginning.

 The traffic cop noted one of my brake-lights was out. Ok, I can understand that and that is a good reason. I kinda wanted to ask him how I was to see it when it is behind me and I prefer to look at the road, but I did not. That was most likely a wise move.

After talking to the officer in Lugnada I was able to dive off without paying the fine. He just told me to get it fixed and thanked me for living in Uganda. That afternoon I asked my Ugandan brother, Godfrey, where I could get a new light. The idea was to not have to head into town to get it. I mean I do not think I could get out of another ticket. He said he was not sure....but would look. Today still no new light. Thought I might have to head into town.... did not want to do that at almost any cost!

As I was leaving the office today I asked Godfrey if he saw a place on his way home to get one and gave him some cash. Pulling out of the office compound another friend, who knew about the light,  stopped me and wanted to know what kind of light it was. Like I knew. But as we were talking I remembered a random bulb in my glove box. I told home to hold on and looked for it. Found it after a few minutes. He laughed and said "this wont work." I said "lets see" and handed him the screwdriver I also keep in my glove box. So we tried it. Guess what...it worked! He was shocked! I let out a very loud African yell! Three of us to change it, but it worked! I ran back to the guesthouse yelling "Godfrey....Gooooooodfreyyyyyyy!"

Godfrey was in the kitchen and surprised to see me. I asked for my cash back....and held out my hand. He was so confused and said "why my sister?"  I informed him I changed the light. His jaw hit the floor! He shook his head no. I said it again and again he did not believe me. So I told him what happened. He laughed at me and said "you always know what to do!" I laughed because I was thinking he was crazy. I never know what to do! But, this time I guess I did. And, come on three people to change a break-light is funny!

So many things make me laugh while living out here and this one had me rolling on the floor! Thanks God for making me with the ability to laugh at myself!

Womanhood Video Note

God is moving in me. It has to be Him. I mean it..come on Cassandra becoming a Proverbs 31 lady?! WOW, that must be the Holy Spirit! Well, folks it is. The Lord has been touching my heart in many areas on this topic. Hope you can enjoy my video note and see what He has been doing in me.

Thanks Dad....

As a young girl growing up I have countless memories of my father....building and making things, fixing many things around the house, and all the while dragging me around with him! At the time I hated it. Being woken up early in the morning to hold some drywall while he hammers it into place. Hearing over and over, "now remember this, it is very important." All the while thinking...."yeah right, when am I ever going to need to know this?!"

The building and fixing lessons were something I would smile at and tolerate. Truthfully, I rather enjoyed learning things like that but, the one thing I hated with a passion was doing the dishes. See we were the family with a dishwasher, just a broken one. And for some reason or another it was never as high on the "fix list" as I thought it should be. So, day after day I would hear him say...."Cassandra do your dishes. Cassandra we do not have a maid!" Soon my eyes would roll automatically at the sound of my name paired up with the word dishes. I did everything I could to get out of doing them. Things like eating without a plate, and of course get told that was not ok. Use a paper towel instead of plate and be reminded how costly that was. So needless to say I did dishes daily by hand for a LONG time.

Now fast forward a few years....living in Africa. I can not count how many times I have thought of how thankful I was for my father teaching me... (insert name of lesson). Really, so many things I thought were pointless as a kids were truly valuable lessons. I can check my own oil and tire presser. I can hang photos and art without needing help.  Making small repairs around the house can be done by me. And the most important one of all....I am used to living without a dishwasher!

Moving overseas is hard. There are many many things to get use to. So many things that you have to relearn, but thanks to good ole' dad I learned many well before I needed to. He could have thought of never teaching me these things. I mean most fathers don't. Teaching a son is one thing but your daughter.....not so often. So, all of this to say....THANK YOU DAD! I know you never thought I would need these lessons because I would live in Africa someday. You just showed me because you love me and wanted me to be a strong and independent girl, not a little princess, like so many you saw running around. God truly blessed me with a father who loves his little girl but never treated her like one. I am so sorry for all the times I have frustrated you or never took the time to really listen to your teaching. Just know now....1/2 way around the world I am thankful for you! Thanks for all the love and lessons over the past 28 years.

Love you papa smurf! xoxox

Praying for you and your household

Over the last few months I have been posting many thoughts and ideas about home. What is a home? How a home is a place of ministry. How my home has become Uganda.

I guess the Lord has been teaching me what the true meaning of “home” is. It is not what I thought it was. Not something I saw modeled in the West. Nor a museum here people live. It is not noun but a verb.

While thinking about my thoughts on home I have been touched to pray for you all. Praying that God shows you the meaning of home. Asking Him to lead you into a place where you can enjoy your home but it does not rule over you (moorage, remodeling, re-financing). Praying it is a place where people come and are ministered to, encouraged, and blessed. May you and your household serve the Lord.

Lessons About Airports

I have been in to many airports to count. Some in developed nations others in developing nations. Here are some of the key lessons I have learned…

1.NEVER be in a hurry

When you are in a hurry, yes you know the feeling I am talking about, thinking you are as fast as the Flash and it never works. Your demeanor changes, you heart and spirit are not in tune, and you act as if you are the only on in a hurry. Granted there are many reasons someone will be in a hurry and running late for their flight…with that being said I have grace for others individuals. But for those of you who can come in plenty of time, do so. You start your travels on the right foot. You can smile and be pleasant to all those around. That sounds odd right?! Wrong!!! You can be a light and a testament to others while traveling. Think about it. All those that work in the airport are treated poorly (normally by the ones in a hurry). So how refreshing it would be to be working and see a smile and hear a warm greeting from travelers. This is a simple way to show His love even while traveling. So that is one lesson.

2. If you see good food where you are stop and eat it!

How often do we think I will just walk a little more….see what is down there. And when we do we are not thrilled. Most of the time there is nothing that caught our eye or our taste buds like what we first saw. Personally I just learned this lesson the hard way. While in Hethrow I saw a lovely little healthy café. Smelled great and there was room for me to sit, but did I stop? NO! I did the norm…lets see what is down there. And low and behold nothing like what I passed. Yes, I did get some food but nothing like what was behind me. So key lesson number two learned about airports…stop and eat when you see something that looks good.

3.The less you carry the better!

Ok, if you are a mom this one is hard but if you are not, like myself, then listen up. As we all get ready to fly we think of all the comforts we want to take in the cabin with us. Pillows, blankets, snacks, music, books, and so much more! Now be honest. When you bring your good size carry on how much of it do you really use? Over the many miles I have flown my carry on has become lighter and lighter. I to was all about carrying the comforts on the flight but then learned how much I did not use. It was needed for my trip but not used while sitting on the flights. So here is what I carry on…

*Slippers (the flights are always cold)

*Yoga pants (cumphy when sitting for hours upon hours)

*Laptop (do some work while sitting and I would NEVER check it)

*Camera (same I would never check that as well)

*Kindle (many books and it weighs less the one paperback book)

*A few toiletries (so you can be put together)

*Travel wallet and Passport (never travel without it)

*A few small bags of nuts (healthy and filling)

So, I carry on one bag and call it good. My shoulders thank me while I walk around the airport before the flight and it all fits under my seat. Now I will list what I have learned the airlines will provide you with (so you do not have to carry it on).

*Blanket (on all international flights and you can ask for one for domestic flights if there is none you can use your jacket)

*Meals (yes, some are small or you have to pay but it is one less thing to pack!)

*Entertainment (most have music or videos for you to watch…if not that is why I carry on my Kindle)

Really what else (with my list and what they provide) do you need? You are not moving in. There is a purpose for your traveling and it is not sitting in the cabin, you are on your way some where. So I have learned the less you carry the better!

Those are the three most important lessons I have learned about the airport. My you take note so you don’t have to learn the hard way, like I have.

The Point of a Home

Home. So many people have different definitions for this word. Some that just make me laugh are...
A man's home is his castle
Home is where the heart is
A family makes a house a home

Now these are meaningful definitions, well maybe not the first one, but any way. The more I live out here the more I see the point of a home is fellowship. It is not about making a place were just a slect few enjoy its comforts. It is a place were doors are open, all are welcome, and where people feel the presence of the Lord. It is not a nice neat home with everything in its place. It is a place where the broken sit, the hurt find healing, and the weary know rest.

Countless beleviers see their home as "their space." The place their family finds rest and peace. But what if that is not the only thing a home should be use for?! I look at the scriptures and it clearly shows that Jesus used homes as one of the main places of ministry. He came for a meal or a place to rest His head but, so much more happened. People heard truth. He healed the sick. The broken were touch with the LOVE of their Father.

This concept, a home is a place of ministry, is something the Lord is teaching me. Out here people spend time together, they have meals together, and they come to check on you when you are sick. This all takes place in homes. It is a natural place people gather. It is a natural venue to speak truth to so many people around you.

Just look (a verbal look) at the complex I live in. There are four missionaries living in this building. Each of us have been called to a different role here in Uganda, but all of us use our home for ministry! My sweet neighbor across the hall has little ones from our neighborhood over all the time. They get to play, make cookies, and have her tell them how loved they are. Just today the little girls were in and out of her apartment. They were full of giggles and smiles. Daily these little girls help carry water, cook, clean, and look after their siblings. They love their times of just being kids in my neighbor's home and she loves having them over.

The couple that lives upstairs, open their home to any missionary traveling through Kampala. Just this last week they had someone stay with them because our AIM guesthouse was overbooked. They do this countless times a month. They care for the travelers, spend time getting to know them, and praying for them. Yes, the people coming through already know the King but they see their home as a place of ministry for traveling missionaries.

My door is always open! The Lord has touched my heart for missionaries coming and going and the ones that live right here in Kampala. This past week I had a missionary form South Sudan over for dinner. The couple upstairs came down and we all shared a meal. We prayed over our friend before he flew back up to South Sudan. Last month I had two sweet MKs over for a girl's sleep over! We had a blast! Watching movies, cooking, and doing nails. The other day a friend came over for coffee and to chat. She was thinking about a lot of things and it was a joy to sit with her and listen and then, pray with her. STer ladies are always in and out of my home. They come and enjoy a weekend away from ministry. They LOVE cooking and baking. The door is always open for them, and they know it.

I know this view of home and ministry was not there when I was in the States. God is teaching me, showing me, telling me through His word what a home is for. Daily I ask Him to show me more. I know there is so much more to learn. Daily I pray my home, the home He has blessed me with, would be use the way He wants it to be used.

What My Little Eyes Have Seen...

Oh, the things I seen living here in Africa. Yesterday was like most days for me office, getting things done in town, emails, office prayer times, emails, and so on. But, there was something unique about yesterday…allow me to explain.

The day before I got a package ship, which meant I needed to go down to the post office. So I was up and out of my flat by 8am the next morning heading to town. As I was walking down the road to the boda stage and I was praying one of my boda friends was at the stage. When going to town I prefer to have the same guy take me and bring me home. While walking I could see a few guys at the stage, normally they race up the hill and meet me, but not this morning. So I kept walking and then I was greeted by a man’s voice behind me. He said, “Eh, we go?” I turned around and it was my boda friend! He had been driving back to the stage from the other side. With a smile I greeted him in Luganda and we were off. We chatted a bit heading into town. Talking to the guys is my daily 411. They know so much about what is going on in town and all over. They also help me with my Lugandan vocabulary and Ugandan cultural questions!

Once we got into town we waved in and out of traffic to the post office. We got here and he waited for me across the street for me. Now, getting a package is a big deal! The package slip will tell you if you need to get it at the upper office or lower office, this one said it was in the upper office. Most people hate the upper office. You have to pay more to get your package and the customs guys have to look through the box. If the objects in the box are more than $50 (stated on the customs form the sender fills out) you have to pay taxes on it. But….I have made friends in the upper office. They greet me and I greet them! So it never feels like a task going to see them in the office. So, I paid for my box and was told to have the customs guy look it over, just like always. But, as he pointed to the customs counter his face looked confused. There was NO one there. I asked when they normally come in. He looked at the clock and said “by now.” At this time it was 8:30am. I said I would wait for them. What else could I do? I could not take the box home without them looking at it and I did not want to give the box back and come later. So I waited and I waited. Then I waited some more! An hour passed and I went and chatted with my friend. Asking when they would come. I told them I had a meeting to get to on the other side of town. They assured me someone was coming. Welcome to Africa I told myself. No hurry. So I waited some more. Finally the boss came. He saw no one at the customs counter…..lets just say he was MAD. He told me he is calling them. My Luganda is not that good but I knew he was not happy and they were going to have a hard time when they got in by what he said and his tone. The person did come and quickly looked over my box, as the bossed looked on, and let me go. As I walked out I laughed. I was over an hour late for my meeting, my boda guy was waiting for me, and I still had to get out of town (there is always a lot of traffic in Kampala)!

Once I got to the street and hopped on the boda I told whole story to my friend. He was laughing. “Well, you know” is all he could give as an explanation. I too laughed and replied with “Yeah, I know.” We were close to the end of the city and closer to being home. Soon after a round a bout I saw a boda that looked like there was blood on it. I told myself no, there is no way it was. Well the closer we got the more I was sure it was. As I looked at it I saw a cow head. Just the head! Then as we passed the bloody boda I was saw it was a whole cow in a bag with the head on top! You cannot get more African than this I thought! The guy was propably taking it to his shop to sell. Meat out here is call neyoma. I pointed and told my driver “neyoma” and he laughed and said, “YES!”

Town was unusual that morning so when I got back to the office and thought it was going to be a little more normal….I should have known nothing is normal out here! In the afternoon I walked over to the AIM Inn on the same compound as the office and saw a puppy sitting there. I took a second look. It was the same one I saw the morning before while driving to the office. He was so small and was going to be knocked (hit) by a boda. I kept driving because I told myself I could not stop for every animal I saw….I would never get where I was going if I did. Well, some how this little guy found his way up the hill and on to our AIM compound. The Innkeepers were talking about what to do with him when the cook, a lovely Ugandan lady, said she would take it. She had a dog put it was killed. She then took it and gave it a bath. One bath was not enough. This little guy was covered in bugs and dirt! I watched. She so lovely heated the water, rubbed him, and set him in the sun.

Now, I know God has called me to do “missions work” out here. But every now and then it is a joy to just LIVE a day out here. Truly just live a day where you see, hear, and do things just like your neighbors. That is what yesterday was for me.

Rain +Mud+Walking to Church+9 Children=God’s Love and Purpose

This morning it was raining, quite normal for the rainy season here in Uganda. But, this morning was a little different then most Sunday mornings.

Back Story….

My flat-mate (not the furry four legged one) is a Short-Termer that has been working with children at Dwelling Places. DP, as it is called for short, is a home for children here in Kampala. Many of these children have come for various reasons: orphaned, former street children, poor home environment, and the list goes on. Carolyn, that is her name, has been working on a puppet show with the younger kids at DP for the last few months.

This is no simple show! She is telling the main Bible sorties back to back with conclusion of the gospel! The kids have colored the puppets Carolyn has put together. Everyone has been working very hard on this show and is proud of it, as they should be. The aim of the show was to bring the children together, allow them to be creative (that is why there is a purple zebra on the ark), have them learn about the Bible stories, and to instill self confidence in them for their hard work. This aim was met and the other child and staff at DP loved the show. But God was not done…He had plans for the little show. Carolyn and the kids were asked to come to another local church and perform the show for the Sunday school kids for two services. God clearly wanted to use this show to have His word told to other children in Kampala outside of DP.

Back to Today…

Carolyn invite me to join today. I was excited to see the show and meet the kids she has been talking about. So, last night we made plans to have our boda friend come pick us in the morning and take us to DP to collect the kids. Well you’d you know….it was raining in the morning. We are very use to that this time of year but it does make life hard. We got ready and prayed for it to let up so we could make our way. We hung around the house for a while and then saw our chance and we made a run for it. Our boda friend met us and we were off to get the kids.

Now you must know that is part of Kampala is unpaved. Yes, that is right it is dirt roads and yes, it had been raining. So here are the two of us dressed for church on the back of a boda on muddy roads. Looking good and staying clean is short lived out here. Once we got DP we were greeting by sweet wet kids and we greeted them back just as wet and drippy as they were. In time, nothing is fast here in Africa, we gathered the kids and started walking to get a taxi to the church. Well you’d know there were no taxis at the taxi stage by DP, why would there be?! So, Carolyn, myself, and one DP staff with nine little ones walked down the muddy road to find a taxi at the next stage. By the time we got to the next stage everyone was as wet as could be! But by the grace of God we were able to get a taxi and head to the church…even if we were over an hour late. This is Africa after all.

Once we got to the church we stop on the side of the parking-lot where some rain run-off was flowing. We all took off our shoes and washed our feet, legs, and shoes. We were not about to walk in covered in mud even with our clothes dripping. After we were clean and in the Sunday school room we slowly got ready for the show. First service was ending and we would be all ready for the second one.

It was a blast! The kids were so proud of their puppets. It was a joy for me to be apart of. Yes, I work in the AIM Central Region Office and the work I do is to support others in their ministry...that is what I did today in the rain.

Carolyn did a great job with the show and the kids. It makes me understand my role when I see others thriving in theirs! No matter the role we play we are in this grand show called life. We have the option of going with God’s amazing script or writing our own. God’s is one of peruse and love. To understand His love and then to pour it out on others, even if one is wet and covered in mud!

Coming to the end of a wild year....

Hello dear friends, family, and supporters,

This year is quickly coming to an end…. can you believe it? I cannot. Looking back at what the Lord has done during this year is a testament to His goodness, love, and sovereignty!

Less then 12 months ago Fremont, California was home. Now, Kampala, Uganda is home. Within less then a full year God raised support for me to be on the field in Africa full time with AIM. It just speaks to how things move when it is in His timing and will.

It has been a wild ride for most of the year. Adjusting to a new home, language, culture, and way of life is no easy task. But, each step of the way I have seen His hand and faithfulness. There are many hard days but on the other side there are MANY good days too. I have learned that missionaries walk a fine line. One that borders fully trusting in the Lord and fully accepting the unknown daily. As I walk that line I also know that it is because of you all that I am here. God called me to come and serve but God has called you to partner in that. That is a blessing. Truly it is.

Many of you have been asking me how you can bless me during the Holiday Season. It is touching to know you all are thinking of me during this time. There are four ways you can bless me.

Opportunity One: Work funds

Workfunds are used by me for ministry related items. They cover things related to Short-Term trips for visiting the 80 to 100 STers in the Central Region through out the year. Also for hosting traveling missionaries and STers coming thought Kampala. This fund allows me to be reimbursed for these ministry type expenses. If you decide to donate to my workfunds it is a tax deduction through AIM. You can send a check to AIM’s US Office with a note that the funds are for my workfunds.

Opportunity Two: Personal Gift

A personal gift can be sent to AIM’s US Office for me. This can be used any way needed. A holiday spent off the field, extra money for home assignment, a backup battery for my apartment, a meal out every now and then. All of these things are desired but not always possible so any funds given as a personal gift would be a blessing. Please note that this opportunity is not a tax deduction. To give a personal gift, please make your check out to “AIM – Cassandra Luontela.”

Opportunity Three: Air Miles (for any and all airlines)

Flying to and from Africa is not cheap! Gifts of miles would be an enormous blessing. It will help me get to and frrm Africa for Home Assignment, trips to see family before my two year term is up, and help me travel around the US to see supporters. If the gift of miles is the way you would like to go please email me and we can coordinate using them.

Opportunity Four: Donations for my Car Fund

Through AIM I have started a fund to help raise funds for a car. Currently I am taking public around Uganda. That is not a issue unless I am traveling to see the numerous STers all over the country and region. Public can take double to triple the amount of time it would driving in a personal car. Because there are so many STers to visit it would be helpful and a blessing to drive myself there. If you would like to bless me this way you can mail funds to AIM’s US office. The check can be written out to AIM with a note of Cassandra Luontela’s Car Fund on it.

Whatever opportunity you chose I am grateful. It has been one wild ride this year but one I have been blessed to go on. Thank you for all your love and support. May you have a great Holiday Season. Much love in Christ.

Working for His Change in Africa,

Cassandra Luontela

AIM’s US Address:

Cassandra Luontela C/O

Africa Inland Mission
P.O. Box 3611
Peachtree City, GA 30269-7611

Compassion

Have you every had a day your heart was so happy? Things were good the sun is shining after a few Nor Cal days of rain and you just feel good. I had that day yesterday! There was good news all the way around yesterday....tickets booked for Kenya and got something in the mail I have been waiting over a YEAR for. Even today I was still feeling the joy of yesterday. Yes, I was late for work and feeling pain form my PT appointment yesterday, but it was still a good morning.

Don't you love that?! A day that slips over on to the next day....ahhhh makes me smile and my heart sing. But just as fast as the joys of yesterday appeared news of a friend's heart ache hit me today. A dear friend of mine was informed she lost a love one today.

Just like the dark rain could hovers over Pooh bear it sunk up on my friend and I. It was hard to hear your on the phone. My heart was hurting for your hurting heart. God has a way of bringing people into our lives at the right time. This friend has been that for me. She held my hand on hard days and prayed over me each and every day. I am so thankful for her. She made and interesting year more tolerable. Now she needs someone to hold her hand and pray for her.

As we hung up the phone the meaning of COMPASSION hit me. The true meaning is to suffer with and in this day and age I see so many people using that word in ways that are far from the true meaning. How many times do high school girls have "compassion" on the girl that can't get the same new "it" pair of shoes. Or how their "compassion" leads to save face friendships that only hurt you in the end.

I just hope that I can be there for my friend in this time like she was there for me last year. God gives us people in our lives...but we have to truly love them for who they are and how God wants us to love them. No save face and no us first and then them. Thanks to her.....I know what that looks like. Thanks for the love (you know who you are) and I hope I can love and be there for you.
XOXOX

Working...

Working for Change is a statement that has been on my mind a lot the last few weeks. Not like the slogan used in the latest presidential campaigns but one that is showing how the small things add up and start the ripple effect. This is even how I have started to sign my emails related to working in Africa. I love the meaning of it but was not 100% sure of where it came before I started to use it.

We are all born for something, birthed will skills and talents uniquely for a God given calling. Many know what they are born for and are doing it and others are lost in the valiant sea of doubt and lack of purpose because the enemy is controlling and trying to drain them in. and then there are some that know what they were born for but are working one getting there….learning the meaning of walking by faith and not sight. Looking at my life and were I am at this time I would say….I am the one that knows but is working on getting there. In a year or so there is the move to Africa but for now I am in the great land of Cali working 8-5 5 days a week.

God in the “oh so fun” and sometimes even down right “hello!!!” ways of getting my attention is showed me how He has invited me to join Him in something. There is a revolution in my soul and spirit that God has invited me to actively participate in; one that I was blind to even when it is taking place in me. This invention did not come in the mail often like invitations do. This one came from the quite moments of a mind seeking the “off” button before bed each night. Some where in the still and the quite moments with a mix of deafening inner thoughts. Through all of this came the invitation in the form of a question. “What are you doing now?” Well me being me I thought….TRYING TO GET SOME SLEEP (something I have been truly missing the last few weeks)! But then out of the natural reaction of my mind it started to mull the question over and over and over…..and over.

What was I doing now? Working to make a living and to pay bills (like everyone else). Taking classes to become a licensed minster (not like everyone else). Oh and I am getting ready to go back to Kenya in a few months. To my overly tired body with its overly awake mind…it had hit on something. Truly I just wanted to save it on the mind’s shelf till morning but that was clearly not going to happen. So I mulled it over some more in the darkness of my room curled up in my comfy bed. Mind spinning 1,000,000 miles an hour. Then like a World Rally crash the words…”working for change” popped up. That is what I should be doing. I work in a place there change is needed, my heart is called to Africa and change can not come soon enough there, and I could live every aspect of my life with the purpose of CHANGE. WOW I got it! Thanks and good night…..oh heck no! This was so a no sleep night.

Through the night more and more ideas and ways to work for change came to mind. From how I shop, where I shop, what I do in free time, what I watch and listen to, how I eat, what I think about myself and others, what takes up my brain power, to even sleeping…ideas just flooded my mind. This invitation of posing a question by God was…something I could not ignore nor would not have an impact one me. I love it; not a fan of losing many nights of sleep but it is so cool to see how God is calling me to live right here and right now.

So the new chapter is entitled “Working for Change” and page one is being written. The grassroots movement of TOMS is how I am viewing the world; getting something that I need that will make a lasting positive impact on someone else and seeing how we are all so beautify interwoven together. I am so excited to see this new chapter looks like and how I will be used in big and small ways for CHANGE (I am also hopping for more sleep now). But I have to ask….So…..”What are you doing now?”

It has been a few months....

A lot has changed from June of 09. 5 days marks my one year working for DCARA and I love it. July 09 I was honored to be in the wedding of the century of Scott and Wendy. Also the happy couple are now welcoming their first bundle of joy into the world. I also had a wonderful holiday time with the family is not so hot and sunny Arizonan. Things have been moving fast in this new year of 2010.

Biggest news.....God has lead me to work on moving to Kenya to work at a school sometime in 2010. This is soooooo exciting. Over 8 years ago a seed was planted in my heart and now it has grown into this plant that has been transplanted from Monterey to Fremont and now 1/2 way around the world! There never was a point in time where I saw the move from once a year to all the time. I mean the passion has always been there but....really seeing it happen still rocks my world. All because conversations have taken place, people have prayed, I have answered the call twice to go to Africa, and God is well just that GOD. Oh, and how He moves in might and strange ways! :) And..........May 15th my feet are touching Kenyan soil!!!!!!!!!! A team from my home church, FCC, are heading to work for 15 days in Nakuru. So good to go and see old friends and work hand in hand with fellow brothers and sisters. We have a monumental task for fundrasing for our tickets by the end of March and trip cost by early May; but know God is good and it is all His anyways. Well...That is all for now but more to come!