the matts:

Yesterday was amazing. We went to one of African Hearts ministries’ boys home out in a village outside of Kampala. It was a beautiful day- we worked in corn fields, played cards, sang, danced, and loved on each other. I made a sweet friend, George, who made me a beautiful bracelet and necklace with some of his finest beads. These boys have very little… They were rescued from abusive homes, the slums, the streets- some former drug addicts, some forced into a life they didn’t ask for or want. But they all have the joy of the Lord and a sparkle in their eyes now, thanks to this ministry.

Two of the smallest boys (5-6 years old now) were forced out of their home by their dad every morning at 5am and not allowed back in until 11pm. For the entire day, they fended for themselves.

Another boy’s dad was an alcoholic and a thief. He would stuff his son in a box and ask a store owner if he could leave the box til morning. The boy would stay crammed in that box all day, and when the store would close, he would climb out, steal all the valuables, and climb back in the box until his dad picked him up. If he didn’t do it, he was badly beaten. One day he ran away to a feeding program this ministry sponsors and told them he didn’t want to hide in the box anymore. Now he is full of life and joy.

I needed that experience yesterday. These kids have nothing by our standards- no running water, no toilets, no electricity, and their food is cooked in a chicken coupe- but they are rich in the Lord. It was an AMAZING day… Here are some pictures…

And when I got on the computer to tell you about this today, I had an evil email in my box. Evil. Hateful. Hurtful. Insensitive. I wondered how anyone calling themself a Christian could treat someone in such a hard situation that way? It almost ruined my day… But then I remembered the smiles on those boys, those hours I spent in the corn fields of Africa laughing and talking and getting to know some of the most incredible people, those songs about life and love and Jesus they wrote and performed, and those dances that could only be danced by people who have the joy of the Lord… and I know God gave me that gift yesterday to get through today and the days to come.

Your encouragement matters. Your prayers matters. Your fighting for us matters. And we could never ever thank you enough. Ever. Love you all…

I uploaded lots of pictures to Facebook because I have an uploader on my computer that goes super fast… But I can’t post them all here because it takes forever.

While you look at a few, please be praying for a FAVORABLE ruling when we go in on Friday, that his birth certificate is ready to be picked up tomorrow, and that the medical testing goes well… The first time I brought Moses to the doctor was one of the worst experiences EVER. I cringe even thinking about it…

So yesterday I linked my blog to my friend Jade’s story about her dad getting saved at church here yesterday. He had never even stepped foot in a church before, and he asked Jesus into his heart during worship. Amazing, right? Well the devil thought so, too!

Last night our friend James (who is a Canadian fighting to bring his kids home from Uganda) took Jade, her dad, and me to a great restaurant about a 20 minute walk away. I am a klutz- like majorly… So walking through this city here is tough. There are pipes sticking out of the road, rocks, dust… a big ole’ accident waiting to happen… So it kept me walking slow and I was behind the crew during the whole walk to the restaurant. We had a super yummy, four course meal for $7.50. When we went to leave, I said the only way I was walking home was if Jade locked arms and walked with me the whole time. Thank God for that.

Halfway through the walk home, we were on the sidewalk and saw a boda (motorcycle) driver coming up on the sidewalk with his headlight off. Before I knew what happened, Jade was flying down and I caught air and slid on my right hip beside her. And then Jade’s dad, Howie, took off running! Apparently, the guy had tried to snatch Jade’s purse, but it was strapped across her chest and we were locked together, so I anchored her back. Poor Jade, that had to be so scary!! We were a little banged up and freaked out, but we are ok. Howie’s upset he couldn’t protect his little girl, and James felt terrible- he apologized like 7 times. He makes that walk home with people every Sunday night and has never had a problem- until now. I think next week I’ll take a cab home. Thank God I was attached to her, or that dude could have dragged Jade down that rocky, dusty road. Ouch!

Then a couple hours after we got home, I got hit with a major stomach bug. I have been so sick I thought I was going to die. Not really, but we like drama right? Anyway, the guest house manager made me some passion fruit juice b/c it was supposed to help, so I drank that and ate some bread. BAD IDEA. Finally I laid down b/c the room was spinning and the puke was rising, and I passed out for a couple hours. When I woke up, I felt better… But I won’t be eating anything for a while. The heat isn’t helping, and neither are the smells around here, but I’ll make it. Just keep praying…

Howie (Jade’s dad) is reading The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel- keep praying that God does a work in him through this trip, and that NO attack of the devil overtakes what God has already done in his heart…

And Moses is still doing great- we go in for medical testing Wednesday, so pray that all goes well. Also, please pray that Jade’s case speeds up a bit- she had some bumps in the road, but God is big!!

Moses is doing great today… Just as happy and energetic as ever. Whenever he gets excited he does this little jiggy stomp that is hilarious… I can’t wait for all of you to see it. (And by the way, he gets excited about very small things, like putting on pants )

I am loving the time I am spending with all the kids. On the weekends there are much less volunteers and so the kids are even more starved for attention. I have had a little posse that has been at my side all weekend, and I have loved every minute! They are some of the most amazing, resilient, beautiful children I have ever seen. When I look at them, I see the face of Jesus. When He said to care for the orphan, he was talking about them. It’s such an honor to get to be here with them and serve them and love them.

But I am worried about some of kids… They have changed since I was here last. They have gotten harder, don’t laugh or even smile. It’s like they are just existing, but not living. That part breaks my heart, so it’s been my mission to show them affection, love and laughter like they’ve never had before. I know that I am here for more than just Moses… I know every adoptive parent is different. Many come here and spend time only with their kids, dress only them, feed only them… But I just can’t do it. They are all God’s children- just because Moses is the child God has entrusted me with doesn’t mean the other kids are any less worthy of my love and His love.

God is teaching me so much about Himself and His heart on this trip… And He’s bringing all my ugliness to the surface for me to work out. That’s been tough, but I am happy to purge all that mess out of me. I am a selfish, judgmental, self-righteous, sinning woman, but praise God that His mercies are new each morning and I am saved by grace. Hallelujah!

I got to go to church this morning and worship this amazing God we serve. They sang Reuben Morgan, Hillsong, Delirious, and some classic worship tunes. It was great to be in a house of believers on a Sunday morning after everything God has done for me and my family this week. The message wasn’t my “flow”- I am WAY too spoiled at HPC to have the best of the best pastors, teachers and communicators. But it’s an anointed house and it was a blessing to be there. (Plus an ah-mazing thing happened- read about it here.)

Keep your prayers, love, support, and encouraging words coming. Every text message, comment, facebook/twitter, and email light up my spirit and fill my heart with joy. You all have a special place in Heaven for being so amazing to us through all this.

I am happy God made me wait four months to come get Moses…

You know how I cried, complained, whined, questioned, got angry, frustrated, and upset because God made me wait over four months to come back for my boy? Remember how I was thinking there was no good reason he had to be here without his family? Wow, turns out God is always right on time… Yes, I already knew that, but it’s a lot harder to walk in it when you miss your kid like crazy and he’s on the other side of the earth. Literally.

But this trip has just continued to build my faith to newer and higher levels. God has done so much in me and Moses over these four months. I needed every minute of every day of every week of every month we were apart, and so did he. We have clicked so much more and bonded so much more easily than last time. Part of it has to do with the fact that I am happier this trip- I have friends here, I have my own room and the pressure isn’t on trying to hear from God about whether Moses is ours or not. But most of it is due to the fact that God used our time apart to bring us even closer in ways I would never have imagined. His ways are so much more intricately weaved and beautifully complex… and I love it.

It’s hard to explain, but just know that God is SO good, and so big, and so right. He’s always right and never wrong. It’s easy to say, not so easy to walk in. But when you go through something like this and you see just how PERFECT his will is, it just makes life so much better.

Moses is SO happy, and more than that, he has JOY. He was a little mad at me today for not being around this morning, but after he got over it, we had the best afternoon laughing and playing. Just wait til you see his smile in person and hear his giggle. It will melt.your.heart. He is seriously the sweetest kid you’ve ever seen… Not a mean or aggressive bone in his body, even if he gets ambushed by other kids (which happens daily). And he still sucks his thumb, which is seriously disgusting considering where his hands have been around here, so I am working on it. But he has a major speech impediment (no thanks to that thumb), so when I tell him to take it out of his mouth, he says “koo kucky!!!” (too yucky). It’s hilarious! I love this kid so much, and he is going to win over so many hearts when we get home…

Good night from Africa…

I’m having one of those days… And I feel so stupid. I love Africa. I love the people. I love this journey. And to be honest, I have had a very good attitude during this entire trip thus far. Last night I was just patting myself on the back for not falling into the sadness like I did last time… And then the devil heard me. And he came creeping in…

Nothing huge- just little things. I found out about some expenses here I didn’t know about. Chris didn’t have a good month at work, and to be honest, the extra just isn’t there. I found out some demands made by the administrator here that really got me angry. I didn’t spend any time with Moses this morning b/c I thought I’d be out running errands for a bit, and that turned into four hours. By the time I got back, he was napping. I miss my family. It’s just one of those pity party days. The devil saw my joy and heard my praises to God, and He wasn’t going to sit back and let this be easy. And that’s fine- nothing that’s worth it is easy. I almost cried- almost. But last time I was here I was a blubbering idiot, and I am NOT going there again!!

I just need for all you prayer warriors to hit up God for me and ask Him to strengthen me for the rest of the journey. I still have a long way to go, and I can’t be getting tired now! It sounds super spiritual, but I honestly do feel your prayers… It’s like God’s angels come and fly your words over to me and soak me in them. I have 6 days until I find out my ruling, and I need peace. I need peace that I am right where God wants me, peace that God will take care of the finances, peace that Moses and Presley will transition smoothly, and peace that on Friday, that judge will tell me that Moses is mine!

In other news, Presley is doing GREAT. She’s sleeping better than she has in a long time and having a blast with my mom and my friend Kellie. Chris says she’s super happy, in a great mood, and eating well… Mom told me she looks like she might be getting a little sick, so we need to pray against that

Thanks for the love and support… Sorry I don’t have anything exciting to post today. I am so grateful for this adventure and to be in Africa. I love this place and these people. Africa is absolutely amazing, and I wouldn’t be here without each of you… Thank you!

**A side note: Just as I posted this link to Twitter, I saw HPC’s devotional scripture for the day. God is hilarious and amazing and faithful. Thank you, Jesus, for your comfort!

Psalm 119:153-154

¹⁵³ Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your instructions.
¹⁵⁴ Argue my case; take my side!
Protect my life as you promised.

I couldn’t sleep last night. It was a mixture of excitement, jet lag, noise, heat, and discomfort. Mostly noise though. I woke up every 30 minutes from 11:30pm to 4:00am and by 5am I just gave up and got up. I read the Bible for a while, ate a little, and around 6:15 I headed over to the babies home from the guest house (like 50 yards away). I walked into the room with all the “bigger” kids’ beds and heard a bunch of “Mama Moses!!!!!” shouts, but my sweet boy was sleeping. He’s a hard sleeper I woke him up and he just stared at me with these huge eyes for ten minutes while I went around and hugged all the babies I have missed. Then me and Moses got some one-on-one time for a while before group prayer and worship with all the kiddos.

We played and laughed and talked… His smile beamed and I had so much joy and peace in my heart. I am finally back together with my sweet boy!! I was worried he wouldn’t want me or would be mad, but it was the opposite- he couldn’t have been happier that I was there. It felt like I never left… His teachers told him yesterday that I was coming, and so he was waiting and waiting… Since I didn’t come yesterday like they said, he went to the bathroom on himself several times, which is very out of the ordinary. And then this morning while he sat in my lap, he peed alllll over me. It was lovely Then when I had to leave, he cried so hard I could hear him across the property. I think we have the attachement thing going for us!

I met with our attorney and have faith tomorrow will go well. I have peace that God has brought us this far and will continue to guide our steps. Please pray that the judge would see the overwhelming love between me and Moses and rule favorably.

Thank you thank you thank you for all the love and prayers… Truly, I can feel it over here. Keep em coming

Hey guys, this is Chris (Meg’s hubbie). I just wanted to post a quick update to let everyone know that Meg has landed safely in Uganda and has made it to the orphanage. Hopefully she is getting some sleep right now so she can have an awesome day with Moses tomorrow. She is planning to get up in time to make it to the worship service tomorrow morning around 7. They are 9 hours ahead of us so at around 10 PM central time she and Moses will be re-united again…Finally. What an incredible moment it’s going to be.

It’s been such a long journey to get to this point and we couldn’t have done it without many of you. Thank you so much for all your prayers, your love, and your wonderful support. It has meant a lot to both of us. Some of you have become lifelong friends and we’ve never even met in person.

Please continue to pray that the process in Uganda would go smoothly and according to plan. That Meg and Moses’ bond would be as strong as it was when she was there last time. and that Presley would be ok for the next 3ish weeks without her mommy.

Thanks again for all your support and stay tuned for more updates.

Lindsey and I were “virtually” introduced by a mutual friend a couple months ago. Since then, she has served as a HUGE encouragement to me. I cant even begin to put into words what this blog post she wrote meant to me. We will be lifelong friends. God is amazing.

She’s incredible. Read it here.