So long Howards!



Me, Mercy and the Howards

This afternoon the Howard Family heads back to the US. They have been such a special part of time here and I am sad to see them go. But isn’t God amazing that he’d give my oldest friend the same heart for Uganda as mine? Isn’t is unbelievable that we’d be here at the same time… that her family would be able to care for Mercy until I arrived… that I’d be able to stay in their home for 10 weeks… that Mercy would become a member of their extended family? I love how God orchestrated all of it. While I am going through one of the toughest situations in my life, God provided a friend for me with whom I can be brutally honest, show all emotions, and ask to do anything for me. He knew that I needed that.

The Howards came here with the intention of staying at least two years, but God had other plans. Their time is coming to a close after 6 months. Due to many circumstances they decided that for now the best thing is to move their family back to the US. But while they’ve been here, all of their hearts have been touched and God has used them in many ways. It’s been great to see how God has opened the eyes of their children to the needs of others. They’ve learned to be sacrificial givers, to love strangers, and how to minister to people on a day-to-day basis. They’ve learned to live with less and how to have joy in difficult circumstances. These are lessons I think we would all want our kids to learn. I know that even if the Howard family never lives overseas again as a family, that each person’s life has forever been changed. I love each of the kids so much and I will always be their “Aunt Lissa”.

One of the main things they accomplished while here was helping a group of children in a nearby neighborhood. They lovingly refer to them as the “homeboyz”. They met a few of these boys while they were hawking items on the street. The group multiplied as they brought their friends and siblings. These children came to the Howard’s home at least three days a week for a big meal of beans and rice. Many times there were more than 20 people at dinner. They also got to take showers, play games, and learn how to be a part of a family. Most of the kids are from single parent homes. Their mothers are so consumed with survival they do not get much attention from them. They soaked up every hug, touch, or conversation we could give them. It’s been a lot of fun to see each of them come out of their shell and start to open up. They each have a special place in my heart.



Homeboyz Christmas Party

Just before Christmas, the Howards threw a Christmas party for all of the children. This happened just before I left to come home and I was so glad I got to attend.  Each child brought their families with them.   Beth bought gifts for everyone.  Each family got a large basket with beans, rice, soap, sugar, and other supplies.   The kids got new backpacks, school supplies, candy and a small toy.  They were so excited and grateful for their gifts.



Showing off their new backpacks



Looking through their gifts

Many of the children were not enrolled in school. Even public school here costs money and can be quite a burden for a poor family. You have to pay enrollment fees, lunch fees, supplies, uniforms, and then tuition. This adds up quickly when you have multiple children and are living on less than approximately $60 per month. Beth and Jeremy made it their goal to get all of the kids in school. This was not an easy task. A few of the children have never been to school or at least not in years. They are several grades behind and had a lot of catching up to do. But they got all of the kids enrolled for the last term of the year. Beth and Jeremy have been searching for sponsors for the kids. The new school year starts here at the end of the month. They hope to have a sponsor for each child by then. The cost is approximately $36 per month.  The Howards have a couple of very trustworthy Ugandans that will oversee the sponsorship in their absence. If you and your family might be interested in sponsoring a child you can get more information on their website, http://www.lovegodandloveothers.com/. There you can also read more about the adventures the Howard family had while in Uganda.

I am sad to see my friends go. It’s strange to think I can’t just run over to their place now for some beans and rice or a game of UNO. But I am so grateful for them and the way they’ve been able to help and encourage me and my family during this time. I am excited to see what God is going to do with them next. Pray for them during the next 36 hours as all eight of them travel home. They will be flying most of that time. I think Jeremy said it was 5 takeoffs and landings in total… that cannot be easy with 6 children in tow. And pray for them as they settle back into life in Las Vegas. They are basically starting over. Pretty much everything they own is in their 16 bags they took with them. God has already provided housing, a vehicle, and a job, but there are many more details to be worked out.

Love you Howards! Safe travels and I look forward to seeing you again soon… in the US!