POWERFUL MESSAGE FROM THE TEEN MANIA WEBSITE

Although long, this is the best one yet!

Jul 04 2009 07:06AM

When we came to Uganda we knew we were in for a reality check and that we would see how blessed we really were but it wasn't until we were driving home from Gulu that it really hit us. The week had already been extremely emotionally and spiritually draining as we spent our time serving in displacement camps, orphanages and the hospital. We witnessed poverty first hand but nothing could have prepared us for what would happen on the ride back to kampala. We had stopped to buy some fruit from roadside vendors and the bus was quickly surrounded by people that were selling other goods. We were sitting in the back of the bus when a man approached our window but it didn't look like he had anything to sell. He motioned to a little boy standing next to him and tried to tell us something but we couldn't understand him. Another man came over and placed his hands on the boys shoulders. He said, "This is my son, please take him with you where you are going." We were confused, we were on our way to kampala-why would this man want us to take his son there? He asked us if we were from the UK but we told him we were actually from America. He started pleading with us again, "Please, please take him there with you, I give you him." Our hearts were broken, we didn't know what to say. We couldn't imagine what these people had been through that would make this man want to give up his son so that he could have a better life. This man was demonstrating the ultimate, selfless sacrifice. Of course we couldn't take the boy with us but the image of that father's love will be engraved in our hearts forever. As the bus started to drive away the man asked for a Bible, that was something we were able to give him. We're SOOOO blessed in America and it's almost embarrassing that it took a man offering his own son in order for us to realize that.

-Jennifer and Kailyn

MORE PICTURES FROM TEEN MANIA!!!

I'm glad to see that Tara and Morgan are happy and safe. Here they are sharing a little sisterly love.

I think this is the latest fashion in mosquito net wear. You won't see this on the billboards of New York!

This is what it's all about. Looks like Tara is a natural at sharing love.

FROM THE TEEN MANIA WEBSITE

Here is an update written by a student on the same team as the girls.

Here in Uganda God has been moving in some amazing ways. We have been doing ministry in the schools in Kampala and have seen many young people give their lives to Christ and pledge to abstain from sex until marriage. I am constantly astounded by the beauty of the country and the hospitality of the people here. We have also visited refugee camps in Gulu where the LRA used to be. We have seen first hand the hurt caused by Joseph Kony and his army and been able to share the gospel of hope to these people who need it so desperately.
-Daniel

TELEPHONE UPDATE

The girls called today while my mom and I were eating at Bojangles. Morgan started the conversation. They are both doing well, but have not been able to do a lot of work in their new location. Evidently the person they are working with is taking charge and in their words using "old -fashioned preaching." They just sit there and pass out stuff when she asks them to. Morgan enjoyed her free day shopping and she said she's getting pretty good at "bartering" for goods. Morgan also said that she really misses home. She actually admitted that she misses working out and playing sports!

Tara talked for about 30 seconds then the phone card ran out of time. She called back in about 5 minutes. She said many of the people on her team had shared some concerns about the teaching style of the person in charge at the school and hopefully the Teen Mania Leadership will be able to get the kids more involved. They are spending much of their time just sitting and listening while the leader "preaches." They want to get involved with the kids!

On a brighter note, Tara's Project Director asked her if she would consider being a team leader next summer. He spoke of how much he appreciated her leadership qualities. When she told him she wasn't old enough, he seemed shocked. He said they would waive the rule for her! She's a natural leader, of course I already knew that.

The girls have a few more days of ministry and then they will go on a two day safari. They will get to stay in a nice lodge during their trip. They are both looking forward to it. They are holding up well.

Wildlife Along the Way

These are some pictures of wildlife on the way to Gulu. Amazing ! I don't know how they kept Morgan from jumping off the bus to give them a hug!!!

Pictures from the Project Leader

PHONE CALLS FROM BOTH THE GIRLS!!!

Morgan and Tara both called us while we were at the beach.

Morgan called first. She sounded so excited!!! They had been to Gulu and she said she fell in love with the kids there. She met a little boy name Willie and she said it made her miss her boyfriend, Will. She spoke of some new "best friends" that she has made along the way. She was very excited about having a free day of shopping on Monday.

When Tara called she mentioned that she has found the school of her dreams where she would like to teach! I reminded her that she needs to teach in North Carolina, she agreed! She has had a bout with a sinus infection, but she had medicine with her so she is doing better now. She also mentioned that her team leader has been sick, so she has had to take more of a leadership role, which she has loved. She promised me that Morgan is doing well. She too, was looking forward to a free day.

I hope to have some pictures soon to post. Thanks for your prayers.