Today is day 5 of our Sweet Sleep mission to Gulu, Uganda, and for me personally, the most physically and emotionally charged day so far. I know full well that it will take quite some time for me to process what I have seen here: the extreme poverty, the disease ridden bodies of the sweet and helpless children, the faces of grandmothers and elder care takers with deep lines of their hard life etched into their faces. Toddlers left alone to beg for money on the street. The red dirt roads. The defiance of this wonderful country. The beautiful faces. The smiles and laughter of precious AIDS/HIV children receiving the first real bed they've ever owned. The hope. I have been so very moved. What an honor it has been to listen to their stories, to see their scars, to love on them and tell them that God loves them more than they could ever imagine.
Today we distributed 90 beds to children affected with AIDS/HIV. Their faces painted the picture of how incredibly difficult their lives have been. And yet, they are thankful for what we are providing and glorify God for his grace and mercy.
It is easy to be complacent from far away, but as a dear friend said to me in a letter I received today, being here and seeing what Ive seen now makes me responsible to tell you the truth of the need here. The truth is not pretty. It is uncomfortable and heartbreaking. The truth is that the need is so great. Greater, in fact, than I had ever imagined. This is a country where Malaria, a disease that is both preventable and curable, is more prevalent than HIV and AIDS and is killing these precious people. These people desperately need your help. Only $8 provides a mosquito net and we still need over 300 of them. Our team is earnestly praying that God will provide. I wish you were here with me to see the faces of these vulnerable children. I wish you could see them light up when receiving their beds and listen to the beautiful songs they sing in praise to God. Surely if you could see and hear, you would gladly give. I pray that you will listen to the Lord and that if he puts it on your heart, you will make a small sacrifice to literally save the life of another.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sweet Sleep and Health Alert
Our time in Uganda has been both amazing and heart-breaking at the same time. There is so much to tell and share, but I wanted to share about one experience that was particularly eye-opening. Yesterday, we arrived at a distribution site to cheers and smiles as our van pulled in. There was a large crowd and many children sat waiting for beds. I noticed that as our Health Alert Uganda partners lined the children up to receive their beds there were still many sitting on the ground. I thought that perhaps they weren’t finished or that they were there with their siblings. As we finished distributing the beds, I looked over to see the remaining people crowded around the Health Alert Uganda staff. Seeing so many that didn’t have beds, nets and bibles concerned me. I was nervous that a mistake had been made and that they were supposed to get beds but were being turned away because we didn’t have any more beds to give them.
As we began to load the van to leave, I learned that all of these children and their caretakers had come there to sign the children up for the Health Alert Uganda program so they could receive a resettlement kit. The HAU staff explained that many of these children and caretakers live with HIV/AIDS in secret because of the stigma and shame associated with the disease. Living in secret means that these children live without the anti-viral medications that they desperately need. Organizations like HAU have programs to provide healthcare and help to these affected children, but, of course, they cannot help them unless the children or their caretakers will come forward and share that they are HIV/AIDS positive.
Because of the work of Sweet Sleep to provide beds, mosquito nets, and bibles to these children, many children have been enrolled in the HAU program and will receive the much needed health care. We pray along with HAU that many children and their caretakers will come forward as a result of Sweet Sleep’s work in Gulu.
There are no words to describe how I felt when I saw so many children infected with HIV/AIDS. Sweet Sleep is making a difference here. The work must continue so that we can continue to serve the children who wait for beds and care. As you read this, know that your support through prayer and giving is literally changing and saving lives in Uganda.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” - James 1: 27
*posted by Lauren Farmer
As we began to load the van to leave, I learned that all of these children and their caretakers had come there to sign the children up for the Health Alert Uganda program so they could receive a resettlement kit. The HAU staff explained that many of these children and caretakers live with HIV/AIDS in secret because of the stigma and shame associated with the disease. Living in secret means that these children live without the anti-viral medications that they desperately need. Organizations like HAU have programs to provide healthcare and help to these affected children, but, of course, they cannot help them unless the children or their caretakers will come forward and share that they are HIV/AIDS positive.
Because of the work of Sweet Sleep to provide beds, mosquito nets, and bibles to these children, many children have been enrolled in the HAU program and will receive the much needed health care. We pray along with HAU that many children and their caretakers will come forward as a result of Sweet Sleep’s work in Gulu.
There are no words to describe how I felt when I saw so many children infected with HIV/AIDS. Sweet Sleep is making a difference here. The work must continue so that we can continue to serve the children who wait for beds and care. As you read this, know that your support through prayer and giving is literally changing and saving lives in Uganda.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” - James 1: 27
*posted by Lauren Farmer
The pizza is always different.
Pizza always seems like a safe bet. Whether you need a simple meal or you are feeding a lot of people. It’s dependable. You can always count on it to be good. Well, most of the time. However, when in a foreign country pizza is not always dependable. In fact, it may be different each time you order. Other than a bit of adventure, you cannot truly predict what you will get. We had pizza last night and for some reason it made me think these thoughts. I was still thinking about it this morning. As we went through the day I began to realize the greatness of letting things be different. I’m thinking more than pizza now. There’s a freedom that comes with expecting things to be new, fresh, and different. The Lord seems to keep you on your toes that way.
Today we spent time in a village outside of Gulu We had planned to distribute 40 beds, mosquito nets, and bibles. When we completed the 39th it was realized that the final bed was to go to a child that died yesterday from Malaria. Being in the village and seeing that lone bed without a child hit hard. It made my day different. It helped me get a better glimpse of what Sweet Sleep does and what God has called us to do. It was different, great, and I’m still processing. What I do know is that I learned a lot about being loved and loving people.
Today was only the first full day. I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Sarah J
Today we spent time in a village outside of Gulu We had planned to distribute 40 beds, mosquito nets, and bibles. When we completed the 39th it was realized that the final bed was to go to a child that died yesterday from Malaria. Being in the village and seeing that lone bed without a child hit hard. It made my day different. It helped me get a better glimpse of what Sweet Sleep does and what God has called us to do. It was different, great, and I’m still processing. What I do know is that I learned a lot about being loved and loving people.
Today was only the first full day. I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Sarah J
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
For Liberty
Our journey has been a truly life changing experience. Sweet Sleep's partnership with Health Alert has opened doors to such great needs in Uganda. Monday was our first day of bed distribution. We traveled outside of Gulu yesterday morning.
As we passed out our beds, we noticed there was one extra bed. Since beds, nets, and Bibles are so preciously counted, we knew that there wasn't a mistake in counting. Our team soon learned that the day before we arrived an 8 year old girl named Liberty passed away from malaria. To know that she died from a preventable and treatable disease is heart wrenching.
Over the next week and a half, Sweet Sleep has the opportunity to continue to provide for the children of Uganda. They still need your help. 312 mosquito nets are needed to help prevent another child dying from malaria.
I know how hard it is to understand and fully grasp something we do not deal with in America, but this is something that can be prevented. You can be a part of this right now! Only $8 is needed to help prevent an untimely death like Liberty's.
Please visit Sweet Sleep's website (www.sweetsleep.org) to donate an $8 mosquito net. Who's going to be the first?
Amanda Calhoun
Monday, July 18, 2011
Hello family and friends from Gulu, Uganda!
Today our Sweet Sleep team met with Health Alert Uganda. Health Alert Uganda is an organization that works with children affected and infected with AIDS throughout Uganda. We had the privilege of hearing the leaders of this company speak about the positive impact Health Alert has made for the people of Uganda.
Our team partnered with Health Alert Uganda and visited a village outside of Gulu where we distributed mattresses, blankets, mats, mosquito nets and bibles to children suffering from AIDS. I use the term suffering lightly. The children’s immune systems may have been weak but their souls were full of joy and eager to learn about the LORD and HIS teachings. I saw wounds with bugs crawling in them and tumors alongside the children’s bodies, but never once did these outside scars prove any disability to their souls. The children sat still and kept quiet during the Lords word despite the fact a slew of toys were seated right next to them. Instead the main focus was to learn about the Lord.
I came to understand an appreciation for the unknown today. I knew coming to Gulu we would be impacting lives, but I never would have imagined the amount of lives Sweet Sleeps would not only impact but change! These children now have a place to rest their sweet heads and pray to the LORD for hope and strength. Please continue to keep these precious children in your prayers!
Ashley
Our team partnered with Health Alert Uganda and visited a village outside of Gulu where we distributed mattresses, blankets, mats, mosquito nets and bibles to children suffering from AIDS. I use the term suffering lightly. The children’s immune systems may have been weak but their souls were full of joy and eager to learn about the LORD and HIS teachings. I saw wounds with bugs crawling in them and tumors alongside the children’s bodies, but never once did these outside scars prove any disability to their souls. The children sat still and kept quiet during the Lords word despite the fact a slew of toys were seated right next to them. Instead the main focus was to learn about the Lord.
I came to understand an appreciation for the unknown today. I knew coming to Gulu we would be impacting lives, but I never would have imagined the amount of lives Sweet Sleeps would not only impact but change! These children now have a place to rest their sweet heads and pray to the LORD for hope and strength. Please continue to keep these precious children in your prayers!
Ashley
The pizza is always different
Pizza always seems like a safe bet. Whether you need a simple meal or you are feeding a lot of people. It’s dependable. You can always count on it to be good. Well, most of the time. However, when in a foreign country pizza is not always dependable. In fact, it may be different each time you order. Other than a bit of adventure, you cannot truly predict what you will get. We had pizza last night and for some reason it made me think these thoughts. I was still thinking about it this morning. As we went through the day I began to realize the greatness of letting things be different. I’m thinking more than pizza now. There’s a freedom that comes with expecting things to be new, fresh, and different. The Lord seems to keep you on your toes that way.
Today we spent time in a village outside of Gulu We had planned to distribute 40 beds, mosquito nets, and bibles. When we completed the 39th it was realized that the final bed was to go to a child that died yesterday from Malaria. Being in the village and seeing that lone bed without a child hit hard. It made my day different. It helped me get a better glimpse of what Sweet Sleep does and what God has called us to do. It was different, great, and I’m still processing. What I do know is that I learned a lot about being loved and loving people.
Today was only the first full day. I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Today we spent time in a village outside of Gulu We had planned to distribute 40 beds, mosquito nets, and bibles. When we completed the 39th it was realized that the final bed was to go to a child that died yesterday from Malaria. Being in the village and seeing that lone bed without a child hit hard. It made my day different. It helped me get a better glimpse of what Sweet Sleep does and what God has called us to do. It was different, great, and I’m still processing. What I do know is that I learned a lot about being loved and loving people.
Today was only the first full day. I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Arrival in Gulu
How great is our God! Anytime anyone travels overseas and for long journeys...things inevitably go wrong or are made difficult. The Lord was with us the whole journey and we have all arrived safely with only a few bumps is the road. Every time I visit Africa, I am reminded just how truly wonderful the Lord is. We had the privledge of visiting Africa Greater Life (an orphanage previously visited by Sweet Sleep). The children show such true joy. It is such a wonderful feeling to be surrounded in true bliss and dependence on God. I am thankful that as a team we were able to spend our Sunday morning worshipping with these children who have had beds provided by Sweet Sleep. Seeing the difference it has made just makes our journey even more real.
After a long 6 plus road trip we have arrived in Gulu! I ask for you to join our team in prayers for the travel and the wonderful children we will meet this week. Please pray for their health, spirits, and comfort. I also ask that you will pray that we are courageous in the Lord and seek every opportunity to serve Him while we are here! Thank you so much for your support.
Sweet Sleep,
Amanda Calhoun
After a long 6 plus road trip we have arrived in Gulu! I ask for you to join our team in prayers for the travel and the wonderful children we will meet this week. Please pray for their health, spirits, and comfort. I also ask that you will pray that we are courageous in the Lord and seek every opportunity to serve Him while we are here! Thank you so much for your support.
Sweet Sleep,
Amanda Calhoun
I have prayed for many things over the years. Some things vitally important, others more trivial. When we began praying that our peanut butter would make it though the checked baggage weight inspection it was only the tip of all we had been feverishly praying for these past several weeks, and indeed, of much that was to come.
A team of eight left Nashville on Friday headed to Northern Uganda. And Jen Gash, the reason Sweet Sleep exists, was booked from Orlando, to meet us in Washington DC. The purpose of this journey would be to provide beds, bibles, and mosquito nets to 470 children in Gulu, a war torn area where almost a million people still live in IDP camps. The children we would be serving all have HIV/AIDS.
Not even a week ago Sweet Sleep received word that the bible distributor in Uganda from whom the bibles had been purchased, was out of stock. With a day's notice, LifeWay generously donated 497 bibles to be taken with us for distribution among children in Gulu, as well as to children in an orphanage in Kampala. Though transporting over a half ton of bibles across three continents was not easy, our small team of 9 had exactly, to the ounce, enough checked baggage allowance to get the bibles to Uganda. To the point that we were nine bibles over weight; one bible for each of us to hand carry from our home to a child in the most remote stretches of Gulu.
Prayers continued to flow as first Jen's orlando to DC flight was canceled, forcing her to reroute to Newark. Ultimately she had a mere 35 minutes to make her connection flight to Brussels, but still did, as did her two boxes of bibles. And once at Entebbe airport through lost carryon luggage to one lost box of bibles, culminating with a stop in customs to have our bible boxes cut open for inspection, our prayer needs grew.
But just as God was faithful in His provision of bibles and a means to get them to Uganda, He has been faithful to our prayers for safe travels. We spent the night in Kampala and woke this morning refreshed and with a new conviction of the importance of providing sleep and the promise of God's love to orphaned and abandoned children.
This morning it was my delight to worship with the children of Africa Greater Life orphanage. It was that orphanage, many journeys ago, that stole my heart. It is that orphanage, and many others, that have consumed my prayers for two years now. Holding an especially deep place in my soul are Ezra and Sam, twin boys who have been at AGL since 2007. When I met them they were small, thin, and timid. Today they stand out as leaders. They are 13 now. They are advancing in their studies, a task they had not been successfully doing in the past. They are as tall as I am and they are robust. They showed me their beds, now two years old, neatly made. Their nets, worn but still working -- Ezra told me he had not been sick since he got his bed. And they showed me their bible, the page edges blackened and dirty, the cover stripped of the glossy finish, and the spine completely absent. It made me rejoice at the thought of my boys pouring over the book, learning stories of God's love and of their own salvation through Christ our Lord.
Now I sit, pecking this out on a handheld device as I ride alone in a truck full of luggage, looking ahead of me to the team that will soon arrive in Gulu Town. My heart aches at the sites and stories we are soon to see. But alas I am grateful and hopeful for the time we will share with 470 chilren in the coming days. They are excited for their gift of sweet sleep, especially the nets that will provide protection against malaria; a disease against which HIV/AIDS has left their bodies defenseless.
Just as the story of this journey does not yet have an end, neither will our prayer needs, and those of this country, ever end. Pray with us for our continued safety. Pray that God speaks through us and connects us with the children in a meaningful way. Pray for Sam and Ezra and the more than ten thousand children who are now sleeping sweetly. And pray for the 470 children whom we are soon to meet. May God fill them with His glory!
Sweet dreams,
Madelene Metcalf
A team of eight left Nashville on Friday headed to Northern Uganda. And Jen Gash, the reason Sweet Sleep exists, was booked from Orlando, to meet us in Washington DC. The purpose of this journey would be to provide beds, bibles, and mosquito nets to 470 children in Gulu, a war torn area where almost a million people still live in IDP camps. The children we would be serving all have HIV/AIDS.
Not even a week ago Sweet Sleep received word that the bible distributor in Uganda from whom the bibles had been purchased, was out of stock. With a day's notice, LifeWay generously donated 497 bibles to be taken with us for distribution among children in Gulu, as well as to children in an orphanage in Kampala. Though transporting over a half ton of bibles across three continents was not easy, our small team of 9 had exactly, to the ounce, enough checked baggage allowance to get the bibles to Uganda. To the point that we were nine bibles over weight; one bible for each of us to hand carry from our home to a child in the most remote stretches of Gulu.
Prayers continued to flow as first Jen's orlando to DC flight was canceled, forcing her to reroute to Newark. Ultimately she had a mere 35 minutes to make her connection flight to Brussels, but still did, as did her two boxes of bibles. And once at Entebbe airport through lost carryon luggage to one lost box of bibles, culminating with a stop in customs to have our bible boxes cut open for inspection, our prayer needs grew.
But just as God was faithful in His provision of bibles and a means to get them to Uganda, He has been faithful to our prayers for safe travels. We spent the night in Kampala and woke this morning refreshed and with a new conviction of the importance of providing sleep and the promise of God's love to orphaned and abandoned children.
This morning it was my delight to worship with the children of Africa Greater Life orphanage. It was that orphanage, many journeys ago, that stole my heart. It is that orphanage, and many others, that have consumed my prayers for two years now. Holding an especially deep place in my soul are Ezra and Sam, twin boys who have been at AGL since 2007. When I met them they were small, thin, and timid. Today they stand out as leaders. They are 13 now. They are advancing in their studies, a task they had not been successfully doing in the past. They are as tall as I am and they are robust. They showed me their beds, now two years old, neatly made. Their nets, worn but still working -- Ezra told me he had not been sick since he got his bed. And they showed me their bible, the page edges blackened and dirty, the cover stripped of the glossy finish, and the spine completely absent. It made me rejoice at the thought of my boys pouring over the book, learning stories of God's love and of their own salvation through Christ our Lord.
Now I sit, pecking this out on a handheld device as I ride alone in a truck full of luggage, looking ahead of me to the team that will soon arrive in Gulu Town. My heart aches at the sites and stories we are soon to see. But alas I am grateful and hopeful for the time we will share with 470 chilren in the coming days. They are excited for their gift of sweet sleep, especially the nets that will provide protection against malaria; a disease against which HIV/AIDS has left their bodies defenseless.
Just as the story of this journey does not yet have an end, neither will our prayer needs, and those of this country, ever end. Pray with us for our continued safety. Pray that God speaks through us and connects us with the children in a meaningful way. Pray for Sam and Ezra and the more than ten thousand children who are now sleeping sweetly. And pray for the 470 children whom we are soon to meet. May God fill them with His glory!
Sweet dreams,
Madelene Metcalf
Monday, July 11, 2011
Uganda Scrapbook
In light of our upcoming trip to Kampala, Uganda--
here are some pictures from our past trip.
Prayer is the foundation of it all.
Helping to carry in his new bed!
Bringing in the frames; little hands feeling the foundation of a good night's sleep
Helping to put his new bed together! Such good helpers.
A whole room full of new Sweet Sleep beds;beds and life-saving mosquito nets all around!
Each trip ends with a Birthday Party of course!Celebrating these sweet children of God.
A thank you letter from a child.
Awesome to see what a difference a bed can make in a child's life!
Our mission team leaves for Kampala, Uganda July 23rd for a week of bed building and loving on orphans!
If you or anyone you know would like to join a Sweet Sleep journey or give the gift of sweet sleep, please don't hesitate to visit our website!
www.sweetsleep.org
If you or anyone you know would like to join a Sweet Sleep journey or give the gift of sweet sleep, please don't hesitate to visit our website!
www.sweetsleep.org
Photo of the Day
Hard to believe it's time to go back to sweet children such as these 3!
Our Gulu team leaves THIS WEEK to give gifts of new beds, life-saving mosquito nets, and bibles to the orphaned and abandoned children of Uganda!
The Lord is good.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 3:24
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