Libraries of Love

As most all of you know, my connection with Uganda began through Cody's Aunt Trudy.  Trudy is a public school librarian outside of Austin, TX.  She's always loved to travel and spent most of her summers travelling around the world.  In 2001, she made her first trip to Uganda.  You can read all about that experience here.  But from that trip, her desire to bring books to the children of Uganda began.  In 2005, Trudy formed "Libraries of Love" and the first library was created in Kampala at Namirembe Infants Primary School.  After this summer, there will be 20 "Libraries of Love" projects in Uganda.  Isn't is amazing what one woman from Pflugerville, TX can accomplish when following the will of God, even when it seems impossible?

When Trudy came home after creating that first library in 2005, I was fascinated with her stories. I told Cody that some day I wanted to go with her. Africa seemed scary and intimidating, but the idea of going with Aunt Trudy made it seem better. So in 2007, after Trudy visited and spoke to our church, Cody said, "Go!" I said, "But I'm a mom and the kids are too small. How would you survive?" Cody said, "I'm a big boy and can handle it. Think about what a great example you are setting for our children." So, I went. I fell in love with Uganda. My eyes were opened to so many things and my life was changed. Then I went again in 2008 and 2009. Seeing the excitement in the eyes of the children, the smiles and love of the people, the beauty of the country... it's kind of addictive. =)

Yesterday, we went to the airport to see off this year's "Libraries of Love" team from our church.  The first team includes 7 people from Kansas and 13 from Texas.  They will complete three libraries in Kampala, visit our past schools, work in Pastor Wilber's church in Mbale, and share the gospel with thousands.  I must admit I am jealous that I am not there, but God has given me a different mission this year.  I ask you to pray for this team.  Because of airline strikes they are being re-routed and have almost 24 more hours of travel ahead of them.   They will get into Uganda tomorrow night and start work bright and early on Tuesday.  Pray for rest, strength, team unity, and safety.  Pray for their work to go quickly so they can have lots of time to truly experience the schools and interact with the students and faculty.  Pray for them to be shining lights for Christ.

Trudy writes wonderful updates about their travels.  I just love her descriptions of everything and her excitement over if all.  You can follow along throughout the summer either on the "Libraries of Love" website  or on their blog.  On the blog you can also read about past years' trips.  Trudy has lots of adventures that are always fun to read.

A second "Libraries of Love" team (my favorite Illinois ladies!!) will leave at the end of the month.  They will work on three more libraries in Kampala.  Then Trudy stays through most of the rest of the summer.  She helps train the librarians and also just visits all of her friends in her "second home".

On a Mercy note, the team will get to spend next Saturday with her.  I can not wait to get full descriptions, measurements, pictures, and video from them.  I sent along a few things for them to give her.  I included a little photo album of our family.  Hopefully, that might at least get her a little used to our faces.   So stay tuned for details on their time with her.