It is Finished (the library that is)

At 5:30pm today the last label was put on the shelves and the tables were placed in the library.  The dream has become a reality.  Over 4000 books are now part of Lulwanda Primary School Library.  The faces of the staff and children say it all.  They are so amazed at what they have been given.  Thank you to each of you who have contributed one way or another to see this dream come true.

Our team split up into 2 groups today.  One team went with Josh to the Bible College while the other went to the children's home.  Because it is late, Josh will share his experiences at the Bible College in tomorrow's blog.  I can tell you it was a meaningful expereince for both Josh and the pastors.  He is so gifted that he can relate to anyone when he is speaking.  One comment he did make, is that they told him other white skined pastors who have come teach them knowledge, while Josh was teaching them relational material.  They enjoyed that very much.  More to come on that tomorrow.

Leon, Pat and Becca went with Josh so Leon could visit with the staff more about the plans for the Bible College.  He received some much needed ideas.

The Lulwanda team continued the library most of the day.  For those of our family, you would not believe that J.W. was teaching a local how to use the miter saw and sander.  You must understand that J.W. and power tools do not go together well.  No fingers were lost, and 5 stools and one bench were made.  Hopefully they hold together!  Ha!  It was great to see his patience (for once) as he worked with Michael (the janitor at the school).  It is a good thing Michael did not understand Tex Mex, because I think I heard some not so good words.

Marc spent his day working on the computers trying to get them all working so he could work with the children learning how to type.  We brought a typing program with us, and he has had his hands full trying to get them all working properly.  After lunch he spent some time with the older children.  We are grateful to have him with us to help in this area.

Kathie is finally getting some time with the Babies and Tops teachers.  However, they began to paint their rooms today, so her time was cut short.  We pray tomorrow she gets more time to work with these teachers. We so much want to use her skills in this area.  Make this a prayer item today.

While Mike and J.W. were slaving away finishing the library, the ladies went out into the neighboring village and handed out more dresses.  I will let Mary tell you about that:

Imagine a "Free" sale at Dillards or Macy's, better yet, Nieman's!  Well, that is exactly what I imagined.  The young girls, from 3 months to teenage years, waited patiently for their turn to "shop" for a dress.   The church was filled with the girls from the village and while we were waiting, we could see little trails of girls walking from their homes  to the church.  Our team of women, once again set up the make shift "Dress Shop".  While we waited, Betty from the Lulwanda Children's Home led the girls in singing praise choruses in their native language.  We clapped, sang, and prayed that God would cover these young women with His grace and mercy.  We prayed that they would be reminded of His love for them and to attend church on Sunday to hear the preaching of the Word.  We prayed that as they put on their dresses the love of God would flood over them and allow them to feel Christ's love.  

After just about 30 minutes, and about 300 dresses, yes I said 300 hundred dresses, we gathered the girls outside for a photo.  My lense was not able to capture all the girls in one photo so I  took three different pictures.  Together they will make a wonderful picture.  I would like to thank, "Little Dresses for Africa" Ministry for donating all the dresses that were handed out this week.  Before leaving, we prayed together for God's protection for each of the hearts, their minds, and their souls.  Pat Sligh had a blast assisting the girls in selecting their dresses.  Audrey and Stephanie both found babies to hold while we were assisting with the dresses. 

The team of ladies trully enjoyed being with a church full of young girls that will someday be the women of the church and village.  As we walked back to the school, we shared with one another and the Mommas from Lulwanda how God had truly touched each of our hearts in so many ways this week.  

Our team has had many facets of ministry this week.  I believe tomorrow night in the blog, we will try and share all the great things God has empowered us to do this week.  

It is late and we are truly ready for a good night's sleep.  Thanks again for your prayers and encouraging words.  Each day we are so aware of how God is using us and answering so many prayers.  You are here with us in Uganda through your prayers.

Love, Mary

I will close with a humorous note:  each night at dinner I read all the comments from the blog.  Tonight, something got into Josh and Marc (who just so happen to be rooming together).  Theri wives ended their comment with "hugs and kisses to ____, so they each gave each other a kiss and hug as it was read.  The pastor and chariman of the deacons may be getting too close!  Ha!

Good night to all.  Continue to pray.  Tomorrow is another long day.