Adamsons For Uganda: Uganda Trip 2013 Film

Here's the link to our video! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SzpgAjCbeg

Day 12: The Final Hours

We woke up early this morning. All was very quiet. Kayla and I finished packing the day before and declared ourselves as "Master Packers" reducing our original ten suitcases, four backpacks, and one duffle bag to five suitcases and four backpacks. We were ready. The dads came soon after with their luggage to drop of at Pastor David and Aimee's house. The we piled into the care to enjoy our last day in Uganda. First we stopped at Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped to see twelve year old Brian, the kid with the biggest smile I have ever seen. He showed us around his school, showed us where he was sleeping, and even brought me to his classroom. We could tell that it made his day that we had come. There were seven of us who came to see him. The Adamson Four, Steve, Paul, and Brian's older brother, Musisi. We had so much fun! After that we went over to Swangz Avenue where Kayla continued to spice up her song "Keep Changin' the World'. We were hanging out with the greatest entertainers in Uganda! Sooooo cool! We spent the rest of the day driving around and seeing Kampala. Trying to take it all in and remember. When we got home we packed up the van. Suitcases to the ceiling, one in between the seats, and six people all packed into a minivan. Saying goodbye to everyone at home was difficult. I miss them dearly! Then off to the airport we went! It was a rather quiet ride. Soon, it was time to get through customs, get on the plane, and head on home. It was hard saying goodbye to Steve and Paul who we had become friends with. Those two watched and waited until they couldn't see us anymore and then...our time in Africa came to a close. As the airplane lifted off into the night sky (It was 11:30pm), I said goodbye to Uganda, a country I had grown to love and I thanked God for blessing us and giving us a chance to go. What a blessing:)

Day 11: The Long Goodbye (Friday)

Friday the Men's conference came to a close, as did our excursion to Uganda. That night we said goodbye to everyone at the church we wouldn't see again the next day, as well as the children we had come to know and love. We handed out toothbrushes as a thank you to them for welcoming us and loving us. My dad and Uncle ate grasshoppers (Kayla and I did on Wednesday. YUMMY) There were lots of hugs and photos. I couldn't believe we had only one day left! Where had the time gone? My father and I were reminded by our new friends Michael and Patrick to not forget our new African names: mine, Kisakye (Cheesawchee) meaning "grace" and my dads, Buyinza (boyinzah), meaning "authority". We were told that we were now African and had extended family in Uganda and to not forget about them. What an amazing place to be! And to think we almost didn't go this year. God has amazing ways of working things, don't you think?

"'For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" Jeremiah 29:11

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the names of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit" Matthew 28:19

Next on the Agenda: The Final Hours

Day 10: Men's Conference/Share the Love Children's Home (Thursday)

Thursday the men went off and started to learn how to be Men After Gods Own Heart with five pastors willing to share what was on their hearts. Men were touched and lives were changed throughout the conference. It was a wonderful experience for the men. If you want to hear more, contact Bill Adamson. He will tell you more:)

During the Men's conference, Kayla and I headed over to the Share the Love Children's Home where my heart was stolen by a bunch of young ones. They had such big dreams. They wanted to be doctors and pastors and teachers. It was marvelous to hear their dreams. We were able to bless them with tooth brushes, toothpaste, clothes, and blankets. In return, they blessed us by singing and dancing. (see photo above) They gave us CDs with the three songs they had recorded on them and told us of their dreams to record more to spread the word of children in need. Children are precious. Love them and listen to them and you will learn so much.

"African children, full of tears and pain. But they still smile for they have hope in God."
From their song, Children of Africa

Day 9: A Day of Rest (Wednesday)

Well, Wednesday we took the day off. We spent time at Lindsay Cottages with the dads and had a wonderful day. We were able to look at photos and talk with our dads. It was fun! That night we shared the Faith Journey that we took to get to Africa with the congregation of RezLife church. It's funny how we had a testimony before even getting to Uganda and then after, we have even more of a testimony. I just want to thank everyone who helped us get to Africa. Donating time, money, and items to give away, everyone back in the US blessed us so much. I can't thank you enough for your support. Our whole team talked about how much support we got in the States and people in Africa applauded you. They were amazed at our journey and they were glad in the end that we had gotten enough donations in the last three weeks before we left (nearly half our funds) to be able to get to Uganda with no problems. Thank you all so much! We love you:) Thank you for being apart of our Faith Journey to Uganda!

Day 8: Jinja: The Source of the Nile (Tuesday)

Visiting the Nile was one of the coolest things that I got to do in Africa (among bunches of other things). We were even able to take a boat ride and touch the source! The Adamsons have touched the Nile! We saw all kinds of Ugandan birds and wildlife. It was positively beautiful. The water of the Nile springs up right where Lake Victoria and the Nile start. Its funny how God made that all work. It was such an experience for us though! Wow! So very cool.

Tuesday night the men had a bible study at Aimee and David's. They taught the seven Hebrew words for praise and had such a wonderful time!

Day 7: Off to Market We Go! (Monday)

Well, we went to the market! It was so cool. All these little shops right next to each other. All very colorful and inviting. To get goods, you barter. Coolest thing every! I really want to try bartering at Target now. ;) We were able to get some very cool items. Bracelets, bowls, pants, secret boxes, mugs, even an African instrument! Everyone was very nice to us. It was so cool to get in and start bartering with my cousin for things. We were smiling the whole day long! That night, we went over to the church for "math fun" and to make salvation bracelets with the kids. It was so much fun! More of a tourist day, but it was also a learning experience. The market is so bright and colorful and we even had a beautiful day to be outside at the market! Ah, Africa.

Language lesson: Mzungu (meaning person of European descent or person who wanders aimlessly)

Next: A Day at Jinja: The Source of the Nile

Day 6: Church! (Sunday)

Well, Sunday was a blast! Church in Africa is wonderful! Loud and fun and wonderful all around! Theres dancing and beautiful singing. Everyone gets involved. I mean, wow. God was definitely moving. My dad was giving the chance to give a powerful sermon to the congregants of RezLife church. It was such a cool opportunity for him and he loved it! Kayla and I got to be with the kiddos of RezLife. It was so much fun to be able to sit with them and love them for the morning. After church, we stood outside and had fellowship time complete with laughter and knock-knock jokes:) I was taken away by a little girl. Her name was Diana and she's 6 years old. She took me by the hand, led me away, sat me down, and told me she wanted to pray. That's all. She simply said to me "Let's pray". So much faith and love for Jesus for one so little! I couldn't believe it. She amazed me. After we prayed, she hugged me tight and said "I like you, Miss Bethani. Don't leave us." Her little face is still etched in my mind as I got up to walk away. I never saw her again after that day. Its one of my favorite memories. Those children taught me so very much.
 Let me tell you something about children, just love them. They are precious gifts of God. They are worth every moment of  your time. Children are wonderful and they can teach you so much. Thank you, Jesus, for children.

"But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children'" Matthew 19:14

What's next: Market day for the Adamson Team

Day 5: Basketball camp/GIRL TIME (Saturday)

Saturday was a day full of basketball for the boy half of the Adamson Four. They had the team running drills and working together! The coaches and team had a blast figuring out how to be better as a team. By the end, it was great to see how much they had grown in the two days they worked with Scott and Bill. Even the kids running around the church joined in on the fun picking up basketballs and dribbling and taking shots at the basket. What a blessing to see smiles brighter than the sun.

Now, while the men were out playing ball, us ladies rallied together the young ladies of RezLife for some girl time! Kayla and I were able to share with the ladies how beautiful they are ad how special they are to God (and Kayla and I). After we spoke, we gave them time to ask us some questions that they had. I was surprised to find out how many similar issues they had that I had or seen here. I realized that we aren't different. It didn't matter that we were from completely different countrys and cultures, we were the same. Those girls taught me to have big dreams. They told us that they wanted to be doctors, teachers, pastors, nurses, nuns and just big dreams. And I have faith that each of those girls will do just as they wanted to do. After we had our girl talk, we handed out bracelets, lipglosses, and little hair things. Their eyes just lit up as they laughed and showed off their new gifts. It was just wonderful to see. What a blessing!

Next up: The Adamson Four go to church!

Missing Africa

Wow. I can't believe its been almost two weeks since we got back home from Uganda. I'm still trying to get used to the fact that we are back! I miss it quite a lot. The Adamson team has major testimonies from the trip. From before we even left the states continuing when we got back, we are still reeling from all the great things God did. Last Wednesday I got the chance to speak to my youth group about the experiences the Adamson Four had. It was a blessing to be able to share what God had put on my heart. On Sunday, my dad and I will be sharing the whole story at church. I can't wait! Just sharing what God is doing over in Africa is a wonderful opportunity.
I just want to remind everyone that you don't have to go to somewhere like Africa to do God's work or spread the good news. No! Your ministry starts right in your own hometown. And your love for God will bless people wherever you go no doubt! Don't be afraid to go do crazy things for Jesus either! I mean, He will show you so much. In whatever you do, be expectant that God will show up and do something amazing!
Anyway, I will post the rest of what we did on our trip soon here so you can finish reading about our adventures!

"This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Day 4: House of Joy Christian School (Friday)

So, Friday we visited a school way out in a far village with over 300 students from all over the place. We brought Dum Dum suckers and the children loved them! When we first arrived, the preschool kids surrounded us and took our hands. The children were very fascinated with our hands and skin. Its so funny! While Kayla and I were hanging out with all the children, Scott and Bill sat with the teachers of the school and gave them some pointers on teaching. They were very grateful for the help and encouragement. After that, we played math games outside with the kids. Kayla lead all the fun. It was a total blast!! For lunch we had posho (like really thick grits) and beans. It was a real "Uganda" meal so they say. After lunch, boys and girls were separated and we were able to share our hearts with the groups. Kayla and I were able to sing to the girls, share our hearts with them, and just give them love! After we spoke, Aimee preached a powerful message of healing and forgiveness that touched our hearts. Then, the young girls circled up, sang a powerful song, and then we prayed. It was so amazing and so powerful! I would like to go back to House of Joy very much! It was a wonderful visit to the school. Those children were so lovable and it was a wonderful opportunity to go and visit. I can't even fully explain in this blog everything that occurred. Later in the evening, we went to RezLife church where Scott and Bill began their Basketball Clinic. Many young men and a couple of young ladies showed up to learn teamwork and courage that is a part of basketball! It rocked:) Kayla and I loved some of the kids that lived nearby. It was the best! Fellowship time is wonderful:) Love the children here so much. And the people! Its wonderful!

Alright, language time: 

Jende meaning I'm good or I'm fine. If you ask anyone here how they are doing, they will answer with fine. It's different:) 

God bless you all! Nkwagala nyo!

Saturdays adventure: The Adamson Four play basketball and bless the ladies in the community

Day 3: Mulago Hospital (Thursday)

For me, this day was the hardest day for me. We went to the biggest hospital here in Uganda and the conditions are like none I had seen before. We prayed for children and their families in the Neuro Childrens ward and then we went and prayed with every child in the infectious diseases ward. Many of the children had malaria, pneumonia, high fevers and so on. The list was endless. It was packed solid in that ward. I met thirteen year old Latisha who had a serious heart condition and couldn't leave. There was a three month old baby, the firstborn in her family who had pneumonia and had been at the hospital for more than nine days. Almost all of the childrens mothers were there. Quite a few of the mothers told us that after their child got sick, their husband or their childs father had abandoned them. One of the things I remember most is the smell that clung to everything. A smell of uncleanliness, urine, and sweat. It was awful. The best thing about going there was the fact that we had the chance to hand out a ton of toothbrushes and toothpaste to the children! The smiles on their faces and the gratefulness of their parents was just wonderful! After the hospital trip, we came back to RezLife Church and taught the kids games like tag and Mr. Shark in exchange for language lessons. Speaking of which, its time for your language lessons! I think we will go with my moms favorite color today:

Kyilagala (pronounced cheelahgahlah) meaning green

Love and miss you all!

Up next: The Adamson Four visit House of Joy Christian School

Day 2: Bethany Island

Today we travelled across lake Victoria to the island called Bethany where we were shown around by Raymond. We trekked across the entire island village, got a tour of the school, clinic, and the community farm. It was so cool! As we were walking, a young boy came up to me, grabbed my hand, and continued walking with me. What a heartwarming instance! While we were on the island, we met a group from a church in Austin, Texas who was on the island to help paint the school and helping out the teachers! It was just a fabulous day and the shine was bright in the sky! Lake Victoria is amazing (everyone should visit Africa and then visit an Island school/hospital because its all pretty fabulous:).

This evening, we watched Courageous at RezLife Church. What a powerful movie! After the movie the Dad half of the Adamson Four spoke on what being a good father meant to them. We hope it made a difference. After the whole service, we met most of the young people who were very polite and super funny:) They all made me smile! Can't wait to see everyone again tomorrow! It was a great day:)

On tomorrows agenda: The Adamson Four travel to Mulago Hospital!

Day 1: Mumford Family Homeschool

Hey Everybody! We would first of all like to let you know that we made it to Uganda safely. Thankfully, everyone is awake and feeling quite well. Today we visited the Mumford home where "math fun" was all we had! The Mumfords have about 15 kids that they take care of and love. All of the kids are homeschooled and needed just a little extra help with their math skills. From fractions to tough Algebra problems, the kids (both boys and girls) were challenged. There were lots of laughs and three hours later, a lot of the kids had gotten through many pages in their math books. While I was there, I met a young girl (whose sweet sixteen is Friday) named Jenneth. She showed me all around their gorgeous and very large home, told me a little about her story, and picked me a flower before I left. She told me how grateful she was for our help with her math and gave lots of hugs. It was quite a blessing! Just driving through some of the villages and seeing the faces of the people is just wow. Its also kinda fun to watch very smiley people walk their giant horned cows down the middle of the road and then smile and wave like crazy at you. What a great thing to see! (Pictures at a later date)

Before we went to the Mumford home, we spent most of our morning at Pastor David and Aimee's home sorting through all the donations we received and chasing around little Aviana (David and Aimee's adorable three year old). We have also been blessed with the help and company of fourteen year old Anita! We all worked together this morning to see where each of the donations we got will go. Its been so much fun! It's been a blessing already being here even though its only been one day. Can't wait to see what else the Lord has! (More pictures later)

On tomorrows agenda: The Adamson Four are traveling to an Island Hospital!

Prayer Requsts for the Uganda Trip 2013

Here is just our list of prayer requests for our trip! Thank you to all our prayer warriors out there!

1. In general, pray the the Holy Spirit prepare the hearts of the people we will be speaking to and spending time with. Pray that the Holy Spirit give us just the right words to say so that we can serve the people well.

2. Men's Conference - pray that in this short time that we would quickly develop relationships with people so that we can speak into their lives as needed. Pray that we would have the opportunity and courage to speak boldly about difficult issues as needed.

3. Kayla and Bethani - pray for opportunities to serve the young women in special ways and that they can speak the truth in love as they serve.

4. Basketball - pray that God would use the context of basketball to share the Gospel and to show kids/youth/men what it means to be a Christian that is an athlete.

5. Schools - pray that God would quick show us the need so that we can serve the teachers/students of Uganda well. Pray that in the short time that we have, we can make a difference and provide any support/resources needed to help them teach well to the glory of God.

6. Hospitals/Clinics - thank God that we can come boldly to the throne of grace and ask anything of our Father in heaven. Allow us to serve as needed to the glory of God.

7. RezLife Church - pray that God would allow this ministry to be used in exactly the way the God desires it to be used.

8. Us - pray that God would change us - that we would see the world as God sees it and that we would be aware of opportunities to serve.

9. Health - pray that God would keep us healthy and energized during the trip so that we can serve.

Welcome

Hello everybody! Welcome to the blog that will follow adventures abroad starting with a trip to Uganda that's starts, well, tomorrow! The Adamson Four (Kayla, Scott, Bill, and Bethani) will be leaving from Minneapolis Airport and flying eighteen hours to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The team will be there for two weeks and they are very excited to see what the Lord has for them!

I would like to take the time to explain why this blog is called "While They Are Sleeping". It is titled as such because while the people in Africa are sleeping, all of us here in the United States are wide awake, praying and thinking about them. We are thankful for all of the support that the Adamson Four will have awake while they are sleeping. Thank you all!

We will be posting updates as often as we can with photos and stories of all God's goodness! Thank you all so much for your support:)