The Adventures of Sticky- Steven + Niki

   The other day without any notice Steven and I received a very heartfelt note from a young man Steven has been studying the Bible with. His name is Santino and he just turned 14. Santino is a Sudanese refugee. When he was a little boy his father died in the war, then later he was abandoned by his mother, whom he hasn't seen since 2006. He now lives with an aunt here in Mbarara. You can find him faithfully attending every meeting on his own, and constantly asking for new books to read. He finishes reading anything you give him about the Bible in about 3 days! There aren't enough books in the library! If he has a day off school he request to study twice in a week. Before we came he studied with a brother from Japan. Our very first meeting here Santino sat in our row, and now he's with us ever since. He is one of the sweetest kids, and he has our hearts especially after this note.... A NOTE ABOUT JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES  By: Santino My names i...

We now feel sorta like Africans. It's taken 8 weeks, but we really feel comfortable and adjusted now. Having our own home has greatly improved our level of contentment. Also being out in the ministry so much has been the perfect way for us learn how to get around. I taught Steven one of my short cuts the other day and I felt so proud :) We mostly get around on foot because the roads can be difficult to drive on. Definitely getting a lot exercise which justifies our eating whatever we want... Ha! Not that there is much bad food to eat, if we want it I usually have to make it, which is not nearly as fun. There are some good restaurants around though. They serve more than just local food, and two places in my opinion have mastered the French fry, which Africans call chips. Example: Steven was loving this T-bone steak w/ lots of mash potatoes for $6 US! Mostly we cook at home. The quality and price of fresh organic produce is amazing. 3 avocados for about .30 cents, or 1...

Last Sunday Steven and I journeyed down bumpy rocky roads to Kabale Uganda which is near the boarder of Uganda and Rwanda. It's almost 3 hours away. At first it was so bumpy I was praying to survive! The trip was so worth the tiring journey though.  We visited a tiny congregation of Jehovah's witnesses so Steven could deliver the Bible discourse. They have 14 members and have about 30 in attendance each Sunday. The microphone handler is 9 years old!  They don't get too many visitors so it was nice to have interchange of encouragement. Romans 1:12 After the meeting we made a short drive to the extraordinary Lake Bunyonyi.  Cloudy day, but still lovely. About 57 degrees (F)

It’s hard to believe it’s been 6 weeks since we uprooted our lives and moved to Uganda. It’s overwhelming to stop and think about the gravity of the decision. Up till now it didn’t feel real. S till it feels like a dream in some way, but it’s finally starting to sink in. The moment it hit me was a surprise. I was talking about my family with my friend, specifically one of my brothers. I looked up a video of him singing to show her and suddenly watching I began to cry. Not sob, but still uncontrolled tears. It all came rushing in like the African dust. We are thousands of miles away from everything and everyone we knew. I spent my whole life in the same state, always within an hour or 2 of family. Now it all has changed suddenly. I knew all along that would be my greatest challenge; leaving those I love...Our family and friends.I am really starting to miss them. Ah! I just focus on now, what we can do here in Uganda, and the wonderful friends we have made. Gladly my family and I sh...

   In the states and other developed countries it seems most men are driven to work work work, concentrating on their careers and the pursuit of material things. Many of the men in Uganda seem to be different. So many in our congregation are very zealous and set wonderful examples in taking the lead in their families and the preaching work. Although they are very busy, it's inspiring how they take and make the time for spiritual things. It's also interesting to see the many men we come across in our ministry that seem to have a deep spiritual inclination and a hungry curiosity for the Bible and God. Steven has many Bible studies with such men. It's so encouraging to see how well they prepare their lessons and to hear their very heartfelt comments and expression. They always have many questions which is a clear indication of their motive and desire. We can learn so much from these men. Live for God, not money and you'll never be poor. A group of faithful brothers ...

"And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations,   and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14 Better together <3  They always find me... Found this one hanging out by himself. Can you spot the little boys picking fruits for us? Fuzzy cow... Mooove over

   After journeying near and far the apostle Paul wanted to know where he should preach and teach next. A message from God came “step over into Macedonia”. -Acts 16:9. With that in mind every year here in Uganda and across Africa Jehovah's Witnesses engage in what we call “Macedonia campaigns”. On Saturdays during the summer special efforts are made to visit more remote towns and villages to teach the people there.   What a blessing it was to be a part of it for our first time! The people were hungry for spiritual truths, which made it a true honor to take part in feeding them Bible knowledge. Many children followed us curiously butting-in on each new conversation. “More books! More books! More books plllllease?!” Their mismatched tattered clothes and dusty bear-feet were reminders of how much these people need hope of something better.   The message of God's kingdom and it's blessing brought light to their eyes and a smile to their faces. Their reaction i...