“This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.” 1 John 5:2

A Ugandan Christmas

12.31.2009





Christmas in Uganda is one I will never forget. The Christmas season is so different from in America..I don’t know where to begin. The fact that it is summer makes it difficult for me to comprehend that it’s the holiday season because for 22 years I have associated Christmas with the cold, lots of layers of clothes, snuggling by a fire, hot cocoa, and hopefully a little snow;) Christmas in America means shopping for gifts, wrapping them, decorating the tree and house, cooking special treats, singing songs, going to church services, talking of Santa and Elves… Christmas in Uganda is not so complex…not so busy…not so distracting from the Real celebration.


Let me say that in many ways I missed my American Christmas dearly. I missed the cold weather. I missed decorating the tree and setting up the Nativity scene. I missed the snuggling on the couch with all my brothers watching Christmas movies. I missed my momma’s fudge and homemade bread. I missed my dad reading the Christmas story and The Night Before Christmas. I missed wrapping the presents to perfection. I missed watching Bowl Games with the boys. I missed going to church on Christmas Eve and singing Silent Night with a candle in hand. I missed watching my beautiful niece as she opened all her gifts. I missed spending this season with my family. But a Christmas in Uganda made me realize that so easily we MISS the real reason for this wonderful day…a day of celebration for the birth of our SAVIOR, our LORD, the Son of GOD! (he’s kind of a big deal;)


In Africa, Christmas does not begin in October or November or really even December. At least here in Tororo, my team and I did not see anyone decorating or any signs that Christmas was near. We wanted to begin decorating a little in our home a week and ½ before, and when our landlords saw our red and green streamers and paper chains hanging around the house they laughed and said we were much too early! Early? They said Africans put up their trees on Christmas Eve! Ha. (Those living in town might a little sooner). But they cut off branches from trees, tie them in a bunch, stick it in a box, decorate the branches with balloons and toilet paper, and call it a Christmas tree. So we did just that. And laughed the whole way through.


At SMILE during the week, we were busy preparing a drama and teaching songs for the children to perform on Christmas Day. Try to imagine teaching the story of Jesus’ birth to hundreds of African children (most whom have never heard it) in English, their third or fourth language. It was a headache at times, but well worth it in the end.


We spent Christmas at SMILE with the children. We all arrived in our new Katangis to fit right in with the African traditions. Those that can, will buy themselves a new outfit or wear their best on Christmas. A Katangi is a traditional dress that is usually a two-piece outfit of the same material, and we got ours made by the women at SMILE Women’s Center to support them for the holidays. Most of the children had on their best, though there were some still in rags or not fully clothed. They all just looked so happy- they just knew it was a special day you could see it in their face. I was so happy to be with them and to love on them on Christmas.


Although things took a little while to get going- as most things do in Africa- we did our best to get over 400 children seated under the pavilion and quiet (ha, yeah right). Over 400 more guests and family were expected to arrive for events and food. At times the adults were harder to handle than the children. The drama went so well- they were precious! We had to learn to let things go- keep it simple- go with the flow- its Africa. Ashley had put me in charge of the Nativity animals and baby Jesus- to just make sure they walked out to their place at the right time. I thought no big deal. As Mary and Joseph were making their way to Bethlehem, I look to my right to check on my sheep, hippo, lion, and elephant (we had to use African animals- they looked confused by the thought of barn animals). Who are we to say a hippo and an elephant weren’t hanging out at the stable with Jesus? So I look over and my elephant has disappeared! I turn around and he is a few feet behind me, elephant mask on, pants down, peeing in the grass by the pavilion! At first, I panicked thinking we was going to miss his part and that he just used the restroom in front of everyone…and then I remembered, I am in Africa. Nobody cares. I just laughed. He hurried back and all my safari animals made it to the stable on time. The drama was so cute, and it put things into perspective for me. To not worry about all the little details and making things perfect like we so often do with these things in America. It’s not what’s important. After the drama, we sang several songs in English and Swahili. It was chaotic as well but so perfect.


The rest of the day included a sermon by a Karamojong preacher and lots of traditional singing and dancing. We helped serve all the children, guests, parents, and family lunch. We had rice, posho, cabbage, and meat. Meat is important on Christmas in Uganda. For many, it is the only day they eat meat all year. For Africans, Christmas is a day to do what you wouldn’t do on any other day. They may buy a new outfit, get their hair done, try to look their best, and eat meat. Its kind of funny to watch all the cows, goats and chickens that used to line the side of your road disappear on Christmas Eve. The chicken that lived in our yard “Christmas Kuku” is no longer clucking- its hard to watch all your pets go and know that you’re eating them.

Serving lunch was difficult at times because we had to monitor the adults- as many will bring bags and take several servings of food to take home. But we were so grateful in helping bring a Christmas meal to close to 1,000 people!


After eating, all Africans want to do is dance! They could sing and shout and jump for hours and hours. We could barely keep up. We did jump right in to learn the different tribal dances, and they were so excited to have us be apart of their celebration. It is just so beautiful to look around and see their faces so full of joy and so happy to be alive and dancing for the Lord. They didn’t care about anything else that was going on around them. Christmas in Uganda was humbling. There were no presents. There was no Santa Clause. There were no distractions. It was just simply a day of rejoicing that God sent His Son. My eyes have been opened, and I hope I always remember to celebrate Christmas as the Africans do.

Food Poisoning + Malaria

I have not updated as quickly as I wanted to about the holidays, but I unfortunately have been very sick. The day after Christmas most of my team and I got sick from eating something- we aren’t exactly sure what? I usually write detailed stories, but for this I will spare you the details:) On top of food poisoning, I had intense body aches and a fever of 102 that lasted over 12 hours. Luckily we have a nurse on the team, and she tested me for Malaria…It was positive. I have to say that this is the sickest I have EVER been in my life- at times it was scary being so sick and so far from home, good healthcare, and my mommy! But God pulled me through and I am feeling much better! I am slowly getting my energy back and feeling more like myself. I am so thankful for my teammates. Ashley and Courtney were thankfully not sick and took care of our every need! They were beyond wonderful to us. It’s amazing how fast you become like family in such a short amount of time.


After being so ill, it amazes me how these people and young children handle Malaria so often and without medication. Although I was so miserable, I knew I had treatment and I knew with time I could feel better. Many people here don’t know what its like to feel better. I experienced a glimpse of what my children at SMILE battle many times a year. They don’t even understand the concept of not working and not doing while you are sick. Its life- you press on- you have to. I admire their strength and have a new understanding.


I just wanted to explain why I was away, and for those who heard word and prayed, thank you! Family, stop worrying. I am alive.

Power in Prayer

12.22.2009

I was in the midst of writing about Christmas in Uganda, but I will have to put that off for something that is on my heart to share with you. I will fill you in on the festivities here in the next day or so.


I am asking you to pray for my children here in Tororo, as well as the children of Uganda. Today, my sweet boy Alapen seemed to be feeling just fine. He was playing and eating porridge like normal. After bath time, I saw him fast asleep on the concrete under the pavilion. I could tell he was sleeping hard, and thought to myself how seldom he gets to sleep like that. While I was holding another baby, Alapen came up with tears in his eyes and as soon as I touched his skin I felt the intense heat of a fever. I could tell he felt miserable. I immediately took him to the clinic, and Stephanie checked his temperature at 103. We tested him for Malaria, and it was positive.


Malaria is so common here and very easy to treat. However, many go untreated, stay sick, and some die because they either don’t know they have it or don’t have the money to pay for medicine. In sharing Alapen’s case, I don’t mean to make his sound any more important than the other children. Many children come through the clinic positive for Malaria. Their older siblings handle their medication, and we pray that they take it properly and begin feeling better. It sounds crazy that these young children are responsible for giving their siblings medication, and we all worry whether or not they are receiving it. Oh course we would like to take them all home and nurse them back to health, but we simply can’t.


As for Alapen, he was sitting in my lap scared and so sick. We were trying to get him to take tablets for fever and Malaria, and he was giving us so much trouble. We were attempting to hide the pills in rice (he never passes up the opportunity to eat, none of them do) and he refused. We soon realized why he was refusing when he vomited all over himself and me. I carried him outside to continue vomiting and my heart was breaking as I watched his tiny body lie in the grass so weak and so helpless. In between getting sick he would just cry, and then I began to cry because he was in pain. We were trying to cool his hot body down with water, and then brought him back inside to rest. We finally got him to take the medicine; I think he knew it would make him feel better. I just sat with him as he lay naked on the table, and I wished so badly to take him home with me. I worried that no one would be there to care for him tonight. I did not want him to be sick and all alone. My heart was broken. I felt so helpless. I wish so much that I could fix them all, make them all healthy, bring them all to a cleaner environment. Thankfully by the end of the day, his fever had gone down and he had gotten some rest. Please pray for my Alapen. Please pray that God will protect him through the night and to give his body the strength to fight.


I also have something very heavy on my heart, yet I cannot share all the details with you. We recently discovered a 7 yr. old girl who is being abused by a boy in her village. The situation was hard to hear, and it was even more tragic to hear that there are probably so many more just like her that we don’t know about. I just ask that you pray for this little girl as she struggles to understand what is going on, for the abuser, and all those other families in the midst of physical, verbal, or sexual abuse. I realize this is not an African problem, but a global problem. So I ask you to pray for all those hurting.


I have another request. For my family, I ask for prayer. My Aunt Diane has been battling ovarian cancer for quite some time, and her body is tired of fighting. I ask that you pray for my cousin, Andrew, his wife and daughter as they have limited time with such a wonderful, loving mother, grandmother and friend. My Aunt Diane is only 57 years young, and its difficult to understand why her body is sick and in pain. I ask that you pray for my family during this time- that God will provide comfort and peace for our aching hearts.


I am sorry to put a damper on the Christmas spirit, but I felt like I needed to ask you to join me in prayer. There is power in prayer. I just ask that you simply add my children and my family to your list. God Bless each of you, and I hope that you are enjoying the holidays with your family and friends!

a sweet, gentle voice

12.17.2009




I am in love. I am in love with my sweet little boy, Alapen. When we first arrived at SMILE, Alapen was withdrawn from the rest of the children. He had this worried old man look on his face all the time. It looked as if he was always in deep thought. He never smiled, never laughed, never played with others, never spoke a word, never showed any emotion except when he would cry…big sad tears. The team was immediately drawn to him, and as he got used to us coming every morning he began waiting at the gate for our arrival. When I would bend down to pick him up he just collapsed in my arms...like he’d been waiting so long to be held…waiting so long to be loved. When you hold him, he relaxes and you can sense that he feels safe. He wraps his arms and legs around you and immediately lays his head gently on your shoulder. He seems so content…like this is where we would like to stay- he is in no hurry to jump down and go play. If you let him, he will stay in your arms forever.


Alapen is considered a vulnerable child. His mother got divorced and remarried. She now has children by her second husband, and does not want anything to do with Alapen. One day, the staff saw Alapen’s young mother walking near SMILE and asked her about Alapen. The mother simply said that he had been acting strange the past month, and she didn’t know what to do with him. She doesn’t seem to care. We asked her how old he was, and she said “three” and went on her way. We asked some of the older children where Alapen slept at night- some say with a neighbor- some say in the street of the village. Alapen is an orphan. He does not have parents caring for him. It angers me to think that this mother wants nothing to do with her beautiful, sweet, gentle baby boy. I don’t understand how she could look at him and not want to wrap her arms around him and squeeze him so tight. I don’t understand how she doesn’t want to kiss all over his cute little face. I lay awake at night wondering if he is safe, if he has a warm place to sleep, if he has food in his belly, if he is all alone crying. I just pray that God protects him and watches over him and then returns him to SMILE the next day.


Over the past few weeks, he has turned into a new little boy. I don’t even recognize him anymore. Everyday we all spend time holding and loving on Alapen (at times I feel I am giving him way more attention than the other children and I feel guilty) With time, he has learned to trust the team. I think just by holding him and letting him know he was loved, he felt safe and protected. It began with a sweet little smile- we all were so excited to finally see his teeth! Then we tickled him and got him to softly giggle- we went crazy for that as well. Over the week, he showed more expression and emotion, and before long we caught him playing with other children and speaking in Swahili to those around. I was still waiting to his voice for myself. Yesterday, I was singing a song in Swahili to a few girls crowded around me, and Alapen was lying in my lap. I love when African children sing- they sound like little angels. The language is so beautiful, and though most don’t even know what they are saying their sweet little lips are praising God…its magical. In the midst of singing, I hear this soft, sweet little voice singing the words of the hymn. Alapen knew the words, and he was singing! The sound of his voice was so precious, so gentle, so loving. I had finally heard him speak and even better, sing. I heard God in that gentle quiet voice, and though it was so small I know God heard Alapen singing and was filled with joy.


I was thinking about how God knows each of our voices, no matter how small and quiet or how big and loud- He knows each one and adores each one. He loves to hear each of his children sing praises to Him. My God is so big and so amazing, yet He knows the voice of little insignificant Beth Ann and soft-spoken, timid Alapen. Not only does He know us, but He loves us beyond what we can even comprehend. God wants you to use your voice. He wants your voice- to sing adoration to Him- to uplift others around you- to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves- to share His word- to speak truth- to provide hope- to give love.


“So pray, I will keep on speaking boldly for Him as I should.” Eph 6:20

Go Bananas!

12.15.2009



Today was Banana Day at Smile! Pastor Ruth tries to bring the children fruit once a week. Unfortunately this is the first day I have seen the children eat fruit…and what a celebration it was. Pastor Ruth announced, “The Lord has provided fruit!” Several of the staff began carrying out trays pilled high with big, yellow bananas. From a distance I could hear yelling and screaming, and I could see children jumping up and down! They were so happy! You would have thought the circus came into town. I had never seen such a reaction over a banana. It was so humbling. It was so beautiful. I wish they could eat fruits and vegetables every day, but that requires money. That is money they don’t have. I just have to rejoice in the fact that they did receive fruit today, and not dwell on the fact that they eat only posho and rice all the other days.


The children were in such good spirits all day. They look healthier and played harder today. I don’t know if it was the bananas, but it sure seemed like it. One of my babies, Lamorae, is the youngest of four Karamojong sisters. She is malnourished with her tiny arms and legs and bloated belly. She usually lays naked on the concrete floor under the pavilion and sleeps. When I first began holding her she seemed so unresponsive. Many times she was sleeping so hard in my arms that I would lean down and check to hear her breathe or listen for her heartbeat. It’s a scary feeling when the thought runs through your mind…is this baby going to die in my arms?


Her sisters, Maru (6 yrs) and Anilla (4 yrs) are her caretakers. These baby siblings carry her to school on their backs, feed her at meal time, change her, bathe her, hold her if she cries…it is truly amazing to see them be so responsible. For them, this is all they know. The sisters noticed I took interest in Lamorae so every morning I am greeted by the Karamojong sisters as they hand me “my baby”. [For those that don’t know, the Karamojong are a tribe that have traveled down to southern Uganda due to war and a drought. They are known as cattle thieves. Many people in Tororo do not like the Karamojong, and many of the children live on the street and dig through trash to eat. So most of the street children are the Karamojong- the outcast. You can pick them out sometimes by their decorative beads around their necks, waste and ankles.] Just in a matter of a few weeks I can tell a difference in Lamorae. And today on Banana day, she looked so alert and wide-eyed. She looked happy to see me. While Lamorae’s body is already malnourished and behind developmentally, she has been sick with what seems like a cold. In spite of her sickness, she sat up today, and after eating two bananas did not just fall limp in my arms. She is making progress. This baby needed to be held and loved. She needed to rest in my arms and not on the filthy, concrete floor. She needed stimulation and attention. She needs prayer to continue to grow and become healthier. I can only hope for more banana days. I can only hope to see my baby smile and laugh. With love, she will.

SMILE AFRICA

12.14.2009


"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

1 John 3:18


My team and I volunteer at Smile Africa Ministries. It is not considered an orphanage because they do not house the children. However most of the children are considered orphans or vulnerable children (meaning they have one parent but may not being cared for). Some of children that come to Smile during the day, sleep in the street or in a nearby village on neighbor's dirt floor. The children walk to Smile each morning- some carrying their younger siblings on their back. Many four and five year olds are carrying their infant brother or sister on their back for miles, and once at Smile they care for their every need. They feed them, bathe them, and hold them when they cry. Many of these children are forced to be little parents- little mommies when they are babies themselves. It’s incredible to watch them care and nurture the small ones, but its sad they don’t know what’s like to be carefree children.


The mornings begin with everyone greeting each other and just slowly visiting friends. Then around ten they are served porridge (basically watered down cream of wheat) No nutritional value at all. It is simply a filler food for their bellies. Many of the young ones are naked or wear rags. Some of them have clothes to wear at Smile, but cannot wear them home because their parents would sell it and send them back naked. The children are washed daily. They line up, strip down, and wash each other from a basin. Its quite chaotic, but the older ones help bathe the babies. They eat rice for lunch every day. For many it’s the only meal they receive, so they wait till ten the next morning before eating again. Their diets consist of posho and rice, so they aren't receiving much nourishment. However, this is better than not eating at all. During the school term they are in classrooms and have more of a schedule. They are on summer break right now, so they mostly just play! My team and I are beginning to teach classes daily and are focusing on the Christmas story for the next few weeks. We are teaching scripture and several songs to perform on Christmas:)


Smile is a ministry that provides a safe place to come, to be fed, to play, and to be loved. Pastor Ruth’s vision began when she saw the number of street children (mostly Karamojong children). She began feeding them, but she was soon stopped by the government as it encouraged more and more street children. She witnessed children dying from starvation and sickness- she had to do something. Smile is only two years old and has a long way to go, but God is at work in this place. We have been observing the past few weeks on how things go at Smile, but Pastor Ruth is open to our advice and help on how to make it a better place for these children. The staff is overworked and exhausted, so we try to relieve them as much as possible. We spend our day helping with food, washing, and most importantly loving on the children. We hold babies, we play games, we sing songs, we dance, we demonstrate love and care for them. It is difficult at times because of cultural difference, especially with discipline and punishment, but we are trying to find a role in teaching them how to discuss their issues and not resort to fighting. It will take time, but we hope to leave a mark. God is at work at this place. He is providing for these children. At times we get discouraged and look around at all that needs to be fixed and improved (as Americans do), and instead we have to look at where they would be if they weren’t at Smile. Sometimes the things we think they need would only make their lives more difficult. The best we can offer is our attention and love- they are starving for it. Smiles, hugs and kisses go a long way.


We are splitting our time between the children’s ministry and the women’s ministry in town. Smile Africa for Women is a wonderful organization designed to help widows and young women who either can’t provide for themselves or have been involved in unhealthy behavior. They come to learn a skill- to sew- make necklaces- make handbags- to sell through the office or at the market. They also set up a savings account to teach them to put money aside for the future (this is a concept many Africans don’t understand due to their "live for today" mentality) Why prepare for tomorrow when you don’t know if you can get through today? We have enjoyed working with these women. We are learning from each other. It is a wonderful opportunity to minister to young women who are at a critical point in their lives. God is at work here as well, and we are willing and ready to join in on God's plans for both ministries. We hope to make an impact as we share our lives and love for Christ.

Q & A

12.13.2009



So we finally got Internet at our house in Tororo! While it is slow and disconnects often, we do have Internet. I’m constantly reminding myself…I’m in Africa.


In the two short weeks I have been here, I already have so many stories to tell! Because I have been away from the Internet, I will spend the next few days catching you up to speed. From now on I will be able to update more regularly.


I’m posting this for all of your questions of where and how I’m living here in Africa. I thought I would just knock it out in one posting. I understand wanting to know this information- especially for those “living vicariously” through me.


Yes, it’s summer here. Africans don’t actually have seasons like we do- Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall. Instead they have rainy season, dry season, rainy season, and dry season. So actually a rainy season is ending and warmer temperatures are setting in. The temperature is perfect here! It stays around 80 during the day and cools down to the 60 at night. It has rained and stormed a few times already, but the sun shines right back through when the rain is gone.


Yes, I live in a house and it’s gated. Here they call it a compound. It just means there is a house (maybe two or three buildings) on the land with a concrete fence surrounding it. We have a guard and a couple that lives about 15 steps behind us. Slivia and Emmanuel are very helpful, as they want to do everything for us! Slivia hand washes our clothes, cleans and cooks for us on occasion. We have running water; however, it is usually not warm or hot. One of the showers has the option of being hot when the electricity is on. My shower does not; however, the cold shower can be quite refreshing. We have normal toilets like in the States. I had heard I might have a “squatty potty” or, in other words, a hole in the ground, but I do in fact have a normal flushing toilet. As for electricity, we have it…most of the time. It goes out every day for a few hours. Most nights we go to sleep with it working- fans and refrigerator running-and then wake up to no power. It is not that inconvenient as we don’t need light much, but the refrigerator is a concern because of spoiled food. All six of us live here- two in a room. We have plenty of space, concrete walls and floors, so it stays pretty clean. The kitchen is a little difficult as we cook on a small gas stove, and washing dishes with dirty cold water isn’t fun.


While I’m talking about water, we buy a lot of bottled water, but it gets expensive so we are having to spend much time going through the following process: We boil water, let it cool, transfer it to empty plastic bottles, refrigerate it to cool it down, before putting it into our individual filter water bottles! We are drinking a lot of water, cleaning foods, and brushing teeth with it, so we need a lot. Just remember how easy it is for you to go over to your faucet and fill your cup with clean water. Not everybody in the world has that privilege. Be thankful.


Yes, I eat. We eat lots of rice and beans! Africa is the land of fruits and vegetables it seems, and we have eaten the best fresh produce. It’s mango season right now, and they are wonderful. The pineapple, apples and bananas are excellent as well! We eat lots of peanut butter and bread, and we also find different ways to eat eggs. These are our sources of protein because it is difficult to eat meat around here. With all the walking and eating less- I should be in the best shape over the holidays!


As for my routine/schedule: First let me tell you of some cultural differences. Africans don’t have schedules- or plans- or routines- or “to do” list. There is no such thing as time. They might not even keep up with what day it is, so time here isn’t important. Unlike in America where we make appointments, try not to be late, make “to do” list to get it all done, planning and scheduling is how we measure our days as productive or accomplished. In Africa, sitting, talking, and having relationships is most important. The rest doesn’t really matter. This is an adjustment for my team as we try to blend with their culture. It can be frustrating at times that things move slowly around here, but it’s also a nice change of pace.


We work at SMILE Africa (daycare/school) Monday- Saturday 8-4. However, we were told to take a day off and time to rest because we will get exhausted and burnt out. We travel to our work via boda bodas (motorcycle taxi). It’s cheap and fairly safe I guess- seeing as they don’t travel too fast due to the condition of roads. Traffic in general here is crazy, so just walking on the road can be dangerous. We also can walk, but it takes a little over an hour to make it into town.


As for language, just here in Tororo there are about 15 different languages spoken. Lugandan, Jap, Swahili, other local/tribal languages and most can speak a little English. Because a large amount of the children speak Swahili at SMILE, we are doing our best to learn this language. I am already picking up on greetings and common questions to communicate with the children. They love it when mazungus (white people) try to speak their language.


In Africa, children aren’t valued. They are the least priority, so many are mistreated. It is difficult to understand and difficult to see, but we are trying to help where we can and try to leave a mark. Even if one feels more loved or one gets fed or one gets clothed or one gets hugged- it is ONE. It can be overwhelming at times, but we have to continue to look forward at what we did do- rather what God is doing! We have to remember that one child we finally got to smile- and not be discouraged by the millions in need- or the continued mistreatment and lack of values in place here.


I just ask for your prayers as we continue to get acclimated and adjust to a different culture. I also ask that you pray for these children. The need is overwhelming. Pray for their health, their hunger, their thirst, their lack of attention, their families and parents, their community, their need for love. Just remember to cherish what you have- whether it is your clean running water or your beautiful little child. Love on people a little more because there is so many that need it.

Sweet Morgan

12.10.2009

Today was the first day I felt alone. I felt like I was on the other side of the world, because for the first time I wanted to be home. I want to be with those I love. I long to be with my Lambuth Family. The Lambuth Family- the Jackson Community- all those who knew and loved Morgan Kelley are deeply hurting.


A dear friend of mine, a fellow Biology student, a senior at Lambuth, a leader to many, a loving daughter, and devoted sister – passed away Monday during an extensive heart surgery to replace her aorta. While we all knew of the seriousness of this surgery, no one dreamed of the outcome. I feel we are all in a state of shock, trying to comprehend the news. For me, I am still struggling to believe its true. It doesn’t feel real.


I wish I could be with you as you hurt- to hug you – and to share with you stories of Morgan. I cannot communicate easily here in Africa, so if you don’t mind I would like to reach out to you in this way. When I think of Morgan, the first image that comes to my mind is of her breaking it down in a Dalmatian costume during all-sing;) She was always hilarious to watch! Another memory would have to involve tromping through Harris Creek in our oversized waders trying to stay dry enough to record some measurement (Morgan and I probably didn’t know what it was we were researchingJ) Every memory of Morgan involves laughter. My times with Morgan were mostly spent in class or lab where she always seemed to make our time more enjoyable. Without her, biology and chemistry would have been such a bore. When I think of her- I smile. She brought so much joy to all those around her- she had a special gift. I think we all at some point wished for her energy and her love for life. Even in the midst of all this sadness, I cling to my awkward, goofy, hilarious moments with Morgan…and in those, I find peace.


I just want to ask for your prayers for her family and friends who feel lost without her. Please pray for comfort, strength and peace during this time of sadness, pain, disbelief and anger as we try to understand how and why this happened. It’s hard to understand how someone so young and so special and so full of life could be taken from this world in a blink. For those of you who are missing Morgan- for those who knew her far better- and loved her better- I am thinking of you and I am praying that God will hold you as you cry and help heal your hearts. Cling to Him for understanding and peace. And continue to tell stories about Morgan – keep her alive and a part of your lives. I can guarantee we each have many memories of laughing with goofy Morgan- so share them. Morgan would want us to continue laughing.


“Praise be the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God…And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”


2Cor 1:4 & 7


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