Today's term: "Lonliness"

Hello Family and Friends,

I hope and pray that everyone is doing well. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your prayers and support. I am in Jinja and today is so beautiful. I just wanted to give you all an update of what has been going on thus far.
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My first day at Good Shepherds Fold Orphanage was very interesting. When I arrived at the main gate to GSF with Mark and Titus, I heard the playing of drums and beautiful singing. I saw some of the girls doing a dance (I am assuming it is an Ugandan dance). I got out of the jeep and went around giving hugs. It was so great to see all of my children and even some new children at the orphanage. The welcoming party was great and I feel very blessed that they would do that for me because in reality I did not deserve that, but I am very thankful. It was great seeing of the children again and walking down the street, holding Lilly's hand. I think some of the children were suprised to see me there again. A couple of the guys noticed that I shaved my head bald and shaved my beard. Even one of the guys (Eric) noticed that I had changed. He said, "Chandler you have changed." I asked him is it for the good or bad? He then kindly answered "it is for the good." He noticed that I was talking differently and asked if I had stayed in Africa all of this time. (I was speaking English in an Ugandan accent...which is sweet).
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I had the opportunity to talk with Bob and Carolyn for a little while, which was really splendid! It was good to see them again. I sat on the dirty, floor as they sat in their new chairs. It felt like old times, but this time I have a stronger realtionship with them. I told them that they get 9 weeks to look at my beautiful face...haha. After the great converstaion with Bob & Carolyn, I went and had dinner with Mark, Amy, and their children (Carolina, Megan, and Titus). It was a good time of talking and eating food. After we had dinner, I left to my room where I had upacked my stuff and was going to relax. However, when I arrived to my room the feeling of lonliness crept in and stayed with me for the night. I was tired, excited, and sad. I was sad because I now had just realized that I left my beautiful fiancee (Jamie) in the states for 9 weeks. Once I started thinking about her the floodgates opened and I cried, cried, and cried. I even tried to call Jamie, but she was at work and told me to call her in 1 hour/15 min. That kinda made things a little worse for me because I started to cry even more and harder. I felt so alone. I am realizing that God has me here for a certain reason and it's only Him who can truly sustain me and give me all the strength that I need. Last night Jamie encouarged me to read Isaiah 40:29-31. The one verse that stuck out to me was, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength" (vs. 31). I was blown away and amazed as I read that verse. Praise be to Our Father for being the only one that can do that; to renew my strength! I think last night God reminded me that I need Him and only Him to get me throug these 9 weeks. I think it's going to be tough at times, but if the God that I serve is always on my side, then why should I be afarid or sad. I pray that I stay focused on things from above, which of course if God! Time has to come to an end for this update. Once again thank you all very much for everything! I love you guys and am very thankful for all of you! I will be lifting all of you up to Him! Amen!

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Just to let you all know, I do not know if I will be able to update my blog weekly. The computer that the guests use is messed up. Well, the internet is. I think Mark and I are going to try to fix it. If I can't update it weekly, I will try my best to update you all as much as I can. However, for Matt, I will writing in my journal. I hope that is okay. Take care my family and friends! Jamie, if you get my book soon, I am going to see if you can send it to a couple who were missionaries at GSF. They happen to live in Lynchburg and are coming to GSF in Feb or so. I will give you their address sometime soon. Love you babe!!

-Chandler

3 more days to go!!!!!

Hello Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas to all! I hope everyone is having a wonderful and rockin' day! I hope and pray that you all do not forget "the reason for the season." Enjoy the day of our King's birthday!!!!

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I will be leaving for Uganda on Monday December 28, 2009. I am almost packed all the way. I still need to buy some last minutes things. Most of my support came in for my internship and I would like to thank everyone for supporting me! I truly appreciate it very much! I would like to tell you all a God story. I was on the first floor of Amazement Square (the paint book!) and I was talking to some guests while their grandchildren were painting on the walls. Long story short....I told them about Uganda and they asked me about my support raising and I said that I was about 80-90% there. When they left the gentleman (husband, father-in-law, and grandfather) gave me some money. He said, "I hope it helps you." When they left, I took the money out of my pocket and realized that it was a $50 bill. However, I left the museum with $185. Praise be to God!!!! He knows exactly when to show up and reveal Himself to us!! I will be updating my blog weekly. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I hope and pray that everyone has a great rest of the day.

-chandler