Our Biggest Surprise

When we left for Uganda, we believed that we were in God's hands. We knew that we were going to experience a great adventure. The journey we were embarking on would take us further from here than we'd ever traveled before. Both geographically and spiritually. We were unsure of what to expect and in some ways, that's what made the trip exciting for us.

 In every way, this trip delivered one pleasant surprise after another. Our expectations were met and then some. From the warmth of the people, to the giant faith of Pastor Elijah, to the "mommy and daddy" hugs from our sponsored son, to the beauty and majesty of the safari creatures. Uganda did not disappoint.

But one of the most unexpected blessings of this trip has been upon our return. It is you who are reading this blog! It is the compassionate embraces and tear rimmed gazes of those who sat and listened to us share our experiences. It is the unexpected e-mail from two Maryland friends, announcing their sponsorship of not one, but TWO Hands of Love children. (Oh, and by the way, "Can you please send us all your photos? We want to see them ALL.")

It's our back-door-guests-are-best neighbors who join us for Mexican and endure a 350 photo slide show asking more questions... thinking... tossing it over in their minds. And it's their text message, bright and early the next morning "please give us more info about how we can help." It's my dear sister-in-law's response not even 10 minutes after my SOS e-mail asking "Will someone please sponsor this boy whose dad is dying of AIDS, please... now, please!" She writes, "We'd be honored."

It's the children of Lifepark church, who sat still for much longer than a 7 year old is expected to sit still. Two services of kids watching photos, listening hard, raising hands to ask just the right questions. Wondering why these Ugandan babies' bellies stick out so much and if their dirty, dusty toes cry out for shoes to cover them.

It's a new friend (and accomplished author) from Lifepark church who cheerleads Maresa's book sharing her enthusiasm, ideas and resources. The in-the-midst-of-moving friends who have 80 million other details to take care of and still give BIG to buy orphans books and, oh yes, sponsor another child. And many others, sitting across the table, heads bowed, praying for HOL's safety. It's the powerful Friday morning prayer partners begging God to dispatch His armies of angels to guard both orphanages until we can raise the money to build the stone wall they so desperately need.

You. All of you beautiful American people. The ones who have rows of shoes in your closet and get to choose your meal tonight. (Will it be tacos or tilapia?) But you look at those beautiful brown hungry faces, you listen soft with your heart and you think hard and long. Your heart hurts with ours and you ask. the. right. questions.

The questions that lead to Maria receiving her first week of 3 meals a day.

The questions that give Michael a soft bed to sleep tonight and Catherine the promise of a letter from her new sisters in Mount Pleasant, SC.

And that boy whose dad died of AIDS, a place to call home where he is welcomed by hands of love.


Thank you for surprising us dear friends and family. We don't deserve your generosity but thankfully these children do. We couldn't be happier that YOU are our best surprise. May God pour out His grace and blessings a hundred fold on every last one of you beautiful people!