Friday, July 24, 2009

Uganda - Day 5: Africa Greater Life Orphanage

Well we had another crazy wonderful day of building beds. We spent our entire day with the beautiful children at African Greater Life Orphanage, and it was so touching to be greeted with "Good morning, Mike," by some of the dear friends that I had previously met. They were so appreciative and took much pride in their wonderful new beds. What an incredible opportunity to share with the sweet little children as they crawled into their new beds for the very first time.

I have made some special connections with the kids at this orphanage, and it made this journey so incredibly meaningful and fulfilling to sit and talk with boys like Joseph and Israel to tell them the very reason we came to bring them their beds, "Because we want them to know that they are loved by God and not forgotten." It is hard to describe in words the floors and mattresses these kids were previously sleeping on, but the difference these Sweet Sleep beds make is unbelievable. We have been so utterly blessed by the gratitude of the children, the teachers, and the entire community we have been working in.

My heart continues to be broken by the things that break the heart of God, and he is growing an immense sense of purpose in all of us on this trip. I am continually asking God where this journey is leading and it is hard to process everything that has impacted us. We are all so truly blessed at the chance we have been given to love these children, and be loved by them in return.

Mike Warneke

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:45 PM

    I am overcome with the amazing things that our Lord is doing through each of you! The hymn that keeps coming to my head is "To God Be the Glory"

    To God be the glory, great things He hath done, So loved He the world (Orphans) that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the Life-gate that ALL may go in.(All the little children of Kampala) Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! (Share this Good news) Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!(and Dance!) O come to the Father thro' Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.(Is Doing!) I love you Mike. . . Mom

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  2. Anonymous10:36 PM

    Mike-
    I'm so proud of you and what you are accomplishing. I can not wait to hear your stories. The three of us miss you terribly!

    ABBY, Gideon, and Abel

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  3. Strothy152:56 PM

    Kendi - Good to hear from and see you! You and your team are God's childern taking care of God's children there. That is what ture love and compasion and love is all about. Take care - love Unk, Holly, Emma & Marley

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  4. Anonymous10:43 AM

    Mike,

    Your Central UMC family is praying for you and can't wait to hear of your experience. What you and the group is doing is beyond words and I pray that God is answering your questions!

    Safe travels home,
    Amy Barron

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  5. Mike,

    Just wanted you to know that we have been thinking about you and praying for you. What you are doing is truly amazing. Take care and safe travels.

    Cathy and Jeff Ferris

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  6. The Daugherty's11:33 PM

    Thanks so much for yet another realization of how much we have in the middle of a world that tells us we can never get enough. Although our hearts break for these little guys, we can't help but have so much joy in our hearts as we think about the kids getting to see a little piece of God through you! We can't wait to hear more...especially about your trip to Nothern Uganda! We will continue our prayers...
    Bran and Suzy

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  7. Anonymous8:43 PM

    Mike,I am so proud of the work you have been doing but mostly I am proud that you are in our family.Abby and you are truly a blessing.Praise God for christain parents.Great Aunt Helen&uncle Charles

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