New possiblities

I can't believe that it's been over a month since I last blogged. Let me tell you- so much has happened since then! When I returned home from Uganda last month, I had every intention of writing again, so I could finish updating everyone on the last week of our trip. Unfortunately, that did not happen because the week I came back, I was spiritually tested beyond what I thought I could bear and so low that I didn't feel like writing. I was distracted by my own misery and, in that, forgot all about Africa and everything I'd gone there for.

Looking back on this past month of my spiritual test, it's so easy to see that my world was not falling apart, as I thought it was, and that God truly had me in His hands the whole time. Through it, I was constantly reminded to lean on Him more than ever and it brought me to a new place of spiritual refreshment and excitement. However, I was also so distracted by what was going on, that I forgot all about Uganda, the kids, and everything I'd learned about myself and God through my experience (just what Satan wanted).

When I initially returned, I started having back problems and before I knew it I was laid up on my couch for almost a week in intense pain. The pain continued for weeks. Then, my boss told me he was cutting my hours in HALF. That was a huge blow, especially since I was somewhat tight financially anyway, since I'd just returned from a month of no income. Then, my boyfriend's mom, who is suffering from cancer, got incredibly worse very fast, and my grandma found out her cancer had returned. Then, my dad had his surgery and my mom was struggling with her own health issues. I was incredibly worried about all of my friends and family who were suffering around me and I was also worried about my own future. Then, I was told I was being dropped from my medical benefits.

I really felt scared to go anywhere or do anything because every time I picked up the phone or went in to work, there was more bad news. Ever have weeks, months, or years like that? Well, my bad bout lasted a month. I was low, depressed, no fun to be around, scared, worried, burdened, and empty. That's when God started waking me up.

My friend who we had hired at work right before I left for Africa, became my light in the darkness. Her passion for life and faith in Christ led our conversations and before I knew it, I was embarking on a new career path. She is a consultant for PartyLite, a home fragrance and home decor company, and she helped me get started doing the same thing. Knowing I have a new way to earn income, while I look for another job, is a huge relief to me and a blessing. Her joy is contagious and it has helped me become joyful again in the office, as well as in my new business. Through this business, I have had the opportunity to reignite old relationships and even to create new ones. I have only been 2 weeks in the PartyLite world, but I feel blessed tenfold by it already! Here's my website, in case you want to check it out: www.partylite.biz/sites/chelsealyn/

Then, God started moving me in my heart to get back to church, start reading my Bible again, and start praying specifically for my Bible Study group. I prayed that I would become a better example of Christ to these girls and that I would talk to Him more about what He wanted to do through me and through them. It became an explosion this summer, as I started getting in touch with them again and started meeting with some of them. It turns out, they all want the same things and have awesome ideas of ways to help this group of young women grow in Christ!

God has also taught me things through my financial crisis, just like a good dad. I have always struggled with my finances and it has always come between me and God. Now, I am forced to assess every penny I am spending and it has really woken me up. I am setting new goals for my spending for when I get a new job and I am excited about growing up in this area. I have also been blessed i a way because this has allowed me to feel, in the slightest way, how people living in poverty must feel. I don't have enough money to pay all of my bills, let alone buy gas, or food so everyday is a struggle. I am blessed with family and friends who support me and yet so many do not have any options and they are forced to go without food for days at a time.

God has also blessed me through this part time job experience with TIME. I have had time in my mornings to visit old friends I haven't seen in years, to plan for my small group meetings, to work on my PartyLite business, to help my mom clean her house, to plan my best friend's bridal shower and bachelorette party, and to do things I normally would be rushing around trying to accomplish in my evenings. Thank you, God, for giving me this time this summer. I really think I needed just that!

All in all, I feel more spiritually refreshed and mature having gone through this awful month. I feel God moving in my life and moving me towards something new and exciting. I am open to the possibilities that lie ahead for me and can't wait to find out what they are. I will keep you all updated.

New slum program

Well, I found out a little more of Shafique's [pictured above] story on Wednesday. We all headed toward town to get lunch but we passed through the slums on our way. Of course, a few of the kids saw us so they walked with us for blocks, until we got to the restaurant. Shafique was one of them. Once we got to the restaurant, the boys stopped at the top of the stairs as we walked in. We had to turn around and convince them it was ok to come in with us and have lunch. Four boys came with us and you should have seen how big their eyes got when they looked at the menu to choose what they wanted. Each boy got a huge plate of food. We gave them our leftovers to take home, too. They were smiling so big that day, especially Shafique. It turns out that he has only been on the streets for a month. No wonder he still has some innocence about him. He ran away because his mom left him and his father beat him. It's the most common story you'll hear in this city (or in most of Africa, for that matter). He comes from a village about 6 hours drive north of here so I'm not sure why he ended up coming here but he did and now African Hearts is working on ways to get him off the streets. It was encouraging to hear Abby talk about their goals since we haven't been able to see the program in full effect yet.

Due to the disintegration of the previous slum program, they had to start over and I didn't know exactly what it would look like. She said that they had a program that involved literacy, food, medicine, and Bible stories. They were able to invite the government, as well as other NGOs to come observe their program and partner with them. This allowed them to get more kids off of the streets and into school than African Hearts alone could do. This is what they are starting to implement again. It is encouraging to know that Raquel and I are in the right place at the right time. We are actually going to be able to help them implement this program while we are here. So, we are making a difference. We had our first meeting in our new place on Wednesday. It's an outside shelter, next to a church. The church is providing it for us, as well as a locker to put medical supplies and things we'll need.

Today is our first official day of starting the program. Wednesday, we kept it simple and had the kids color and draw. They loved it!


One boy in particular was so adorable. I handed him paper and crayons and he kept saying something to me in Lugandan and wouldn't take it. I asked Collins to translate. He said that the boy, Robert, didn't know how to draw. Collins told me to teach him. Yeah, like I know how to draw. I drew a simple house. He took the paper from me and colored it in. Then he asked me to draw something else for him to color in. He was sooo proud of that drawing, let me tell you! Look at that adorable smile!About 5 new people came 2 days ago so we are all working with the street kids together. These people will be here until next week, same as Raquel and I. I love our new team. They are all so awesome! There's a retired grandma who came, who is so sweet. I love that she travels to other countries in her retirement to work with kids! Anyway, so today, each of us on the team is responsible for something different. Some people will do games, some art, some songs, and Raquel and I a Bible lesson. Fun! I'm excited for the first time to be going! I also feel really good this morning for the first time in a week. I slept most of yesterday so I missed a lot. I'm grateful to be back in the game. I am still eager to be home but I am counting the days we have left and trying to be excited about each event we have planned.

I just want to tell you all thank you so much or your comments and constant encouragement for me while I've been here. It's helped so much. Some days I have felt a thousand miles away from God and I have felt spiritually attacked on all sides. Your encouragement and prayers has made an impact. Yesterday, I sat on my bed and listened to worship songs on my ipod for the first time since I've been here and just worshiped my amazing God. It was a breakthrough for me and has given me the light spirit I have today. Thank you for your prayers in getting me to that point. Praise God for His constant goodness!