2017 Mission Trip Photo Collage (Burundi & Uganda)

I wish I could sit down with each of you and share stories over a cup of tea.  
Since it is not possible, please enjoy this photo collage 
and know that every prayer and contribution made a difference.

Shy giggles of greeting from kids,

 Endless hugs of appreciation from widows,

and a dance of joy upon my arrival.

All were so very grateful so see a real person representing their supporters. It means more to them than we can comprehend.  Their lives are truly changed.

Each one said, “Thanks be to God!”

  Click here-Dancing With Joy video link:

 All were so very grateful to see a real person representing their supporters.  It means more to them than we can comprehend.  Their lives are truly changed.

These are the orphans I sponsor with my friend Lisa.
Their mother passed away in 2012. 

Eliane, Christian, Vestine, Nadine, Diane

                                             in front of their home in Bujumbura, Burundi.

If you look closely, you will see JESUS LOVES U written on the wall beside the door.

                             I didn't notice it until I returned and looked through my photos.

I am thankful that the spirit of Christ is in their home and they attend church.

 Christian happily receives a gospel story soccer ball. 

They all enjoyed trying two of the most popular 'sweets' from the U.S.

                I was told that their medicine looks like the skittles.  They liked the skittles better!

                Joy Bucconyori is the president of the Sister Connection Widow ministry in Burundi.

 Greeting Veronique on behalf of the Wilsons.

Visited and brought gifts to Faice who is sponsored by the Littlefields.

I was greeted with joy, and a gift, by widow Rose after a 3.5 hour drive 

up the mountain to reach her home. 

She is sponsored by my mother-n-law. 

After visiting, everyone walks us back to our vehicle. 

The House of Joy is on Mt. Hope in Burundi.
Home of the Widow's Training Center and educational  building.
They come here to learn how to sew, make baskets, raise goats, and manage finances. 

             Adding up my purchases at the widow's workshop at the House of Joy on Mt. Hope.

                                                                      aprons and baskets

                                                        So thankful for Francine (left).
                            She was was my translator and 24/7 companion the whole weekend. 

After spending the weekend in Burundi I went to Jinja, Uganda to participate in the

Light and Life Free Methodist Church Women’s Conference 

in Jinja, Uganda 

 I shared a message of hope and inspiration with the ladies using the symbol on the 
Compelling Creations JOY pendant. 

It stands for Jesus, Others, You: live your life in this order and you will have JOY.

                                       Listening to the Word on chairs, benches, or the floor.
                                                                   Everyone is welcome

Click here to listen to-Worship - Uganda Style - Video Link: 

Kids love sweets! I shared many skittles on this trip.

                                      Some of the big ones put out one hand, ate their candy,

and snuck around the group and put out their other hand.

                          I finally wised up and had them sit down to make sure everyone got some.

                                        This is my friend Diana with her new baby, Malachi.
                         We got to know each other in 2014 when I stayed at Sole Hope guest house.
                                              She was the house hostess there at the time.

                                   Diana recently rescued Mercy from an alcoholic mother                                                                        who was going to sell her for less than $100 to an old man.

   She is proudly wearing the shirt I gave her.

Mercy LOVES to help take care of Malachi. She is also learning English from Diana since they did not speak the same native language when Diana took her in. 

                           

                                      Diana helps take care of her children by selling crafts. 

                    I purchased several things from her to add to my Gifts With Purpose sales.

As always, I am so grateful to participate in such a mission.

Please contact me if you would like to contribute to any of the following projects:

Mercy's education

Diana's Home Construction

Sponsor a woman to attend the next ladies retreat in Jinja

Back to Mission Trips Page

                                                                             

At the airport headed to Uganda and Burundi

My generosity got the best of me today. Worked up a sweat rearranging overweight bags with bibles and resources for leaders, school supplies, 

clothes, shoes, games, baby items, candy, and gifts for widows and orphans.  Had to create a 3rd checked bag and stuff my pockets with snacks from my carry on. My carry ons were even overweight. 😩

Fun Fact

I bought this shirt on my first trip to Burundi in 2009,

and the paper beads are from my first trip to Uganda in 2011.

Looking forward to seeing my Ugandan friends soon.
The children will be 21/2 years bigger.

2014 with Peace

Learning How to String Beads in 2014

  

                                                                                                                                                                       Speaking at Light and Life Church on previous trip.

Trusting

The perfectionist in me often needs a reminder like the one in the picture:

If we wait for the moment when everything is ready, absolutely everything, we shall never begin. 

-Ivan Turganev

I am moving ahead in faith that all things will come together for my August 9-24 trip to Uganda and Burundi. 

And if some things are forgotten?

Then it is meant to help me learn to adjust and 'Go With the Flow'. 

How about you? 

Comment with a related encouragement. 

What do you do when things aren't going  as expected?

Hope for Joy

I was honored to be asked to write the forward for a children's book about the bead makers and their connection with Hope Institute of Uganda. 

           I saw their faces. I experienced their smiles. I remember their stories; that is why I keep selling Jinja Jewelry beads for Hope Institute of Uganda.  It’s been an honor to partner with Joy and Gideon Ngobi who have made it their mission to bring help and hope to people living in poverty in their homeland.

            I first met Joy at Sky Lodge Family Camp in Wisconsin.  Her joyful spirit and the beads she brought to sell captured my attention.  To think that such beauty could come from discarded paper was fascinating to me.  When I learned that Joy was selling the jewelry for women in Uganda so they could take care of their families and send their children to school, I was eager to help.

            I began selling Jinja Jewelry in 2010.  One month later I started a fair trade business in Greenville, IL called Roots-n-Streams (Gifts With Purpose).  Getting to know Joy and travelling with her to Uganda to meet the bead makers has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.  It’s been a delight to share pictures and stories with others when I go out to sell in a variety of locations and speak to groups of all ages.  Having this beautifully illustrated book, with a story that touches your heart, inspires me to keep making connections and sharing with others. As you read, may you be encouraged to consider how recycled paper and a simple sale can change a life.

Kim Brannon
Roots-n-Streams (Gifts With Purpose) Director
Greenville Free Methodist Church- Greenville, IL

      If you would like to order a copy for yourself or to give as a gift please text or call me

                     847-691-8005, or send me an e-mail. kim@roots-n-streams.com

         It is a sweet story filled with pictures that were taken by one of my teammates 

                                                    on my first trip to Uganda.

Link to previous trip photos

Click the Link to view photos of my 2014 trip:

http://bit.ly/2t6Gswx