DECEMBER 2nd
We are in the final days of Joy’s pregnancy. As a matter of fact, her expected due date is December 2nd.We thus are on standby mode just in case anything happens. We will send you a more detailed update on what’s going on this side of the world after the baby is born.
The baby’s room is ready (you can see some pictures on our blog) and the expectation of seeing him has grown and become stronger. Joy and I are amazed at the mystery of loving someone so deeply even though you have never seen or touched them. One of the by products of this pregnancy on our marriage is a maturity that we sense our love has experienced.
GABRIEL ONABA
For a while we had been praying that God would speak to us regarding a name for our son. We looked thru several names before settling for Gabriel Onaba. Naming for us here in Africa is a big deal because your name carries with it a prophetic declaration of your destiny.
Susan Fuller (our host while in Vegas) suggested the name on facebook and that’s where I picked it up. Gabriel means devoted to God and our prayer for him is that he will be fully devoted to God all the days of life. Its pretty cool because it is in Susan’s house that Gabriel was conceived.
PRAYER
We continue to covet your prayers more so during this time that all will be well with the delivery of the baby.
We both have our times of anxiety, so pray that we will be rested and given wisdom to be the parents that God intends us to be to Gabriel.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
GABRIEL'S ROOM
We finished setting up Gabriel's room.Two good friends of ours who are artists spent Friday night doing the painting and drawing. Joy and i could not believe our eyes when we woke up in the morning.It has become my favorite place in the house.
Check out the pictures...we wanted to capture a jungle theme.I hope we did.
Love and Blessings
SP,JOY and Gabriel
Check out the pictures...we wanted to capture a jungle theme.I hope we did.
Love and Blessings
SP,JOY and Gabriel
Friday, October 30, 2009
BATTLE CRY UGANDA
We recently had an amazing outreach event at Makerere University together with Ron Luce of Teen mania and Papa San.These pictures represent some of the action that happened.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
CATCHING WHITE ANTS
I woke up to open the gate for Phionah who was headed to church for the first service.On my way to the gate I noticed little bands of insects,in pairs of about 10-20.On looking closer they actually were white ants.(Now before I go any further you need to understand that white ants are not just ‘bugs’,they are a delicacay here in Uganda,especially amongst my tribe.)
I thought of getting a small container to catch them and take them for Pr Ssempa’s kids to see and play with…they love little insects.
However my plan quickly changed after I discovered several thousands other white ants that had lost their wings and were crawling around waiting for a savior to help them fulfill their God given purpose(to be eaten)
They were so many I could not catch them quick enough by myself so I woke up Amon and Joy to come help me.(Joy was not as helpful; bse she has great difficulty bending right now.so she took the pictures)
This was an awesome native african experience…catching white ants.(Disney rides do not compare a single bit to this…seriously)It reminded me very much as a little boy growing up how during the season of white ants(they come out in the night) we would be woken up in the middle of the night to go white ants catching.They are drawn to light.As a result we would go to school late and while in class there would be several kids dozing because they spent their night catching white ants instead of sleeping.
We are going to fry them (without oil)…just put them in a hot frying pan and add a few spices like onions and they will get ready.They are crunchy and yummy…very delicious.We will also be on the look out for more white ants.Let me know if I should send you some.On top of being tasty they are very healthy because they are natural and organic…very rich in protein
SP Onaba
the african
I thought of getting a small container to catch them and take them for Pr Ssempa’s kids to see and play with…they love little insects.
However my plan quickly changed after I discovered several thousands other white ants that had lost their wings and were crawling around waiting for a savior to help them fulfill their God given purpose(to be eaten)
They were so many I could not catch them quick enough by myself so I woke up Amon and Joy to come help me.(Joy was not as helpful; bse she has great difficulty bending right now.so she took the pictures)
This was an awesome native african experience…catching white ants.(Disney rides do not compare a single bit to this…seriously)It reminded me very much as a little boy growing up how during the season of white ants(they come out in the night) we would be woken up in the middle of the night to go white ants catching.They are drawn to light.As a result we would go to school late and while in class there would be several kids dozing because they spent their night catching white ants instead of sleeping.
We are going to fry them (without oil)…just put them in a hot frying pan and add a few spices like onions and they will get ready.They are crunchy and yummy…very delicious.We will also be on the look out for more white ants.Let me know if I should send you some.On top of being tasty they are very healthy because they are natural and organic…very rich in protein
SP Onaba
the african
Monday, September 28, 2009
PICTURES OF OUR HOME
The pictures we uploaded the last time were those of our new house,these ones however represent the transition from a house to a home (big thanks to Joy) that we love very much.We are looking forward to hosting you one day!
SP's home office and study(its been very helpful in light of the fcat that there is limited space at the ministry center)
Dinner time.....we picked the idea of the dinning table from Travis Fox's home and Sam and Iris.
Our scattered bed...SP refused to make the bed,he says it is not his spiritual gift.
Joy's sewing,quilting and work room.She will be teaching skills and she is working on a christmas project.
Our living/family area...the cushions and covers were designed and made by Joy at home.
Joy dancing at the opening of the Soul Sistaz, ministry year.
SP's home office and study(its been very helpful in light of the fcat that there is limited space at the ministry center)
Dinner time.....we picked the idea of the dinning table from Travis Fox's home and Sam and Iris.
Our scattered bed...SP refused to make the bed,he says it is not his spiritual gift.
Joy's sewing,quilting and work room.She will be teaching skills and she is working on a christmas project.
Our living/family area...the cushions and covers were designed and made by Joy at home.
Joy dancing at the opening of the Soul Sistaz, ministry year.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A QUICK UPDATE
Our blog silence has been long and inexcusable......We are quickly figuring out a way to have regular internet access with the limited availablity of the same.
However we are fine and doing great save for a little flu and cough that seems to have visited our home.We have set up home....90% complete..only remaining room is the babys' which Joy has started to put together.
Regarding the preganancy she is progressing well and has just started her third trimester.The doctor says everything is OK.We will do an ultar sound scan in November to determine a more accurate due date.The movements and kicks of the baby are stronger and its amazing especially for me that he recognizes my voice and touch.....he moves a certain way when he senses my presence.
I will take some pictures of the interior of our home that we can share with you.
SP
However we are fine and doing great save for a little flu and cough that seems to have visited our home.We have set up home....90% complete..only remaining room is the babys' which Joy has started to put together.
Regarding the preganancy she is progressing well and has just started her third trimester.The doctor says everything is OK.We will do an ultar sound scan in November to determine a more accurate due date.The movements and kicks of the baby are stronger and its amazing especially for me that he recognizes my voice and touch.....he moves a certain way when he senses my presence.
I will take some pictures of the interior of our home that we can share with you.
SP
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
FACE TO FACE WITH UGANDA’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SYSTEM
Joy woke me up at about 2am on Tuesday complaining of a growing toothache, and headache that was spreading to the right-hand side of her neck. We thought the pain would die down as the night progressed and she rested. Her Monday had been rather hectic and we thought it was part of the reason for the pain.
However about 3am the pain as she described had more than tripled….it was at 100%.I have never seen my wife in this mode. The only option was for us to find someone to help. I picked up my phone and called Pr Martin and Tracey Ssempa, who we usually call whenever issues like this come up. They advised that we go see a doctor……..most likely a dentist. They actually gave us a phone contact of a dentist they personally knew. We jump into the car to find our way into the city where we could get some help. We woke up the dentist with our phone call and all he could say was he was unable to help us because he was at home sleeping.
We then decided to call the hospital where Joy has been attending her prenatal and will be delivering…….their response was…..we have no one to help her right now.(by the way this particular hospital is one of the best in Uganda) I am quickly beginning to run out of options when I remember another upscale 24 hr clinic in the city centre. I was met by a nurse at the entrance who quickly assured us ….they were not able to help. It is about 4:20am and I could only imagine what pain my wife was going through.
I drove to a gas station so I would think of what next. I then called James, our ministry admin who suggested another clinic that was close to where we were. We quickly dashed there and when I asked if there was a doctor, they assured us there was one who would attend to Joy….. abit of relief rushed thru me. When the doctor showed up we explained what was going on and to say the least all he did was listen to us and recommend three types of medicine that from our own private reading was dangerous to Joy and the baby. We did not feel comfortable with the doctor. He had just woken up from his sleep and he would occasionally doze off while talking with us. I did not trust his medical decision because it was obvious his mental absence.
I t was at this point that we remembered a doctor friend of ours in our couples ministry and we called to check with her about the medicines the doctor was recommending. She told us to take only one of them(a milder pain killer) which we did and went back home shortly after 5am.
The medicine helped relieve some of the pain. Joy told me that at some point she cried, not so much because of the pain but because she missed her Vegas doctor(Dr Edward Spoon)
We literally drove thru the entire city of Kampala and called whoever we could and all we got was mild pain killers….I thought to myself about the fact that if this was a much serious complication that had Joy’s life in balance, that the story would be different.
We woke up at about 7am and got ready to go see a dentist. The pain had returned. The first place we showed up said to us they can be able to attend to Joy sometime in the after……5hours later. Frustrated we left and went elsewhere…after waiting for close to 20 minutes we left because there was no sense of progress. we needed a place that would treat this as an emergency……
I decided in the midst of driving to call the hospital that we will be delivering at and this time round they said there was someone available to see Joy. I asked if they would see her right away…they said yes.
We finally saw a dentist but it was after waiting for another 30 minutes. The problem according to the dentist was Joy’s wisdom tooth which had gotten badly cracked.(she has had pieces of her teeth break during this pregnancy) She ended up removing it. The pain has died out and Joy is at home recovering and resting. We thank God who sustained and preserved Joy in the midst of all of this.
SP Onaba
Kampala
However about 3am the pain as she described had more than tripled….it was at 100%.I have never seen my wife in this mode. The only option was for us to find someone to help. I picked up my phone and called Pr Martin and Tracey Ssempa, who we usually call whenever issues like this come up. They advised that we go see a doctor……..most likely a dentist. They actually gave us a phone contact of a dentist they personally knew. We jump into the car to find our way into the city where we could get some help. We woke up the dentist with our phone call and all he could say was he was unable to help us because he was at home sleeping.
We then decided to call the hospital where Joy has been attending her prenatal and will be delivering…….their response was…..we have no one to help her right now.(by the way this particular hospital is one of the best in Uganda) I am quickly beginning to run out of options when I remember another upscale 24 hr clinic in the city centre. I was met by a nurse at the entrance who quickly assured us ….they were not able to help. It is about 4:20am and I could only imagine what pain my wife was going through.
I drove to a gas station so I would think of what next. I then called James, our ministry admin who suggested another clinic that was close to where we were. We quickly dashed there and when I asked if there was a doctor, they assured us there was one who would attend to Joy….. abit of relief rushed thru me. When the doctor showed up we explained what was going on and to say the least all he did was listen to us and recommend three types of medicine that from our own private reading was dangerous to Joy and the baby. We did not feel comfortable with the doctor. He had just woken up from his sleep and he would occasionally doze off while talking with us. I did not trust his medical decision because it was obvious his mental absence.
I t was at this point that we remembered a doctor friend of ours in our couples ministry and we called to check with her about the medicines the doctor was recommending. She told us to take only one of them(a milder pain killer) which we did and went back home shortly after 5am.
The medicine helped relieve some of the pain. Joy told me that at some point she cried, not so much because of the pain but because she missed her Vegas doctor(Dr Edward Spoon)
We literally drove thru the entire city of Kampala and called whoever we could and all we got was mild pain killers….I thought to myself about the fact that if this was a much serious complication that had Joy’s life in balance, that the story would be different.
We woke up at about 7am and got ready to go see a dentist. The pain had returned. The first place we showed up said to us they can be able to attend to Joy sometime in the after……5hours later. Frustrated we left and went elsewhere…after waiting for close to 20 minutes we left because there was no sense of progress. we needed a place that would treat this as an emergency……
I decided in the midst of driving to call the hospital that we will be delivering at and this time round they said there was someone available to see Joy. I asked if they would see her right away…they said yes.
We finally saw a dentist but it was after waiting for another 30 minutes. The problem according to the dentist was Joy’s wisdom tooth which had gotten badly cracked.(she has had pieces of her teeth break during this pregnancy) She ended up removing it. The pain has died out and Joy is at home recovering and resting. We thank God who sustained and preserved Joy in the midst of all of this.
SP Onaba
Kampala
Monday, August 17, 2009
DREAMS STILL COME TRUE
For about six years now my husband and I have waited to have a place of our own. This has been a dream that has lingered in our minds and hearts and finally it’s here.
It’s pretty unbelievable that now am working through which piece of furniture I want here and there and what color of fabric I want in this room plus what kind of atmosphere I want for our house. I feel more and more like a wife as I walk through this house, and more responsible. In many ways I feel getting this house is another chapter of our lives that God has embarked on now. I feel so honored and loved by many people who have been part of this dream come true. The house is big enough for us to settle and start a family and help us to save so that we can build a house of our own.
Am looking forward to setting up our baby’s room and my sewing space, am also looking forward to my new role as a mother. My tummy is growing bigger (6th months now) by the day and the baby’s movements are becoming much firmer. Sometimes I have observed the baby’s movements right outside of my tummy. This is helping SP continue to be a part of the pregnancy as he watches my tummy and sometimes holds it to provoke the baby’s movements. He is also helped a lot in the process of finding a house and moving. I can almost say he has singlehandly taken me and the baby through this process smoothly.
It’s good to be home again though I miss Las vegas and Canyon Ridge.One of the nice things about being at home is that finally I have my food cravings taken care of. The issue now is my space for food is becoming smaller so I eat small amounts and it’s like every top of the hour I have to be having something in my mouth. I must confess though that I really do miss Vegas smoothies. I have promised to make myself one once we fully settle in the house.
My husband and I are committed to praying for canyon ridge and all of our friends and family who make a great sacrifice to believe in us, pray for us and support us. We can never say thank you enough. Personally many times I get overwhelmed at how God shows His love for us especially amongst the body of Christ.
Please continue to pray for us that we will be used of God to steward the house He has now entrusted us with. Pray also that God will prepare us as new parents and finally that we will have a continued smooth transition into our ministry for the His glory.
Love
JOY ONABA
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
OUR NEW HOME
We are still around and doing fantastic.In all things, our confession is that God has been good to us.We found a house that we are slowly turning into a home.
After we move in,it should give us a sense of settlement and consolidate our re-entry especially to ministry and life here in Kampala.
Joy's tummy is growing bigger by the day.....the baby's movements are growing stronger and more frequent.I was a little freaked out because it felt like any time the baby would pop out of the womb.However my wife has helped me get used.....i think that life specially for baby is too delicate.
This Saturday over 13000 freshmen will be starting their first day of college with the orientation week,at Makerere University.Reminds me alot about my own time as a freshman and the things that happened during that time.I am grateful that i met Christ as freshman....Our ministry team will be doing Prime time outreaches every evening starting this saturday.So pray for this.We are mobilizing atleast 200 volunteers for this project.I will be speaking and sharing my story during one of the Prime times.
I took some pictures of the house and thank God they actually got loaded.I found a relatively fast internet cafe.They are going to be my friends for a while.
Love
SP and JOY
After we move in,it should give us a sense of settlement and consolidate our re-entry especially to ministry and life here in Kampala.
Joy's tummy is growing bigger by the day.....the baby's movements are growing stronger and more frequent.I was a little freaked out because it felt like any time the baby would pop out of the womb.However my wife has helped me get used.....i think that life specially for baby is too delicate.
This Saturday over 13000 freshmen will be starting their first day of college with the orientation week,at Makerere University.Reminds me alot about my own time as a freshman and the things that happened during that time.I am grateful that i met Christ as freshman....Our ministry team will be doing Prime time outreaches every evening starting this saturday.So pray for this.We are mobilizing atleast 200 volunteers for this project.I will be speaking and sharing my story during one of the Prime times.
I took some pictures of the house and thank God they actually got loaded.I found a relatively fast internet cafe.They are going to be my friends for a while.
Love
SP and JOY
Friday, July 31, 2009
MY HOUSE HUNTING EXPERIENCE
I have spent the last several days in an adventure that is both frustrating,exciting and has quickly re-introduced Uganda at its best to me,a kind of re-orientation in the culture and life of Ugandans.
Bottom line...to be able to have a decent home,in a safe neighborhood there is no middle ground,one has to part with a considerable amount of money.Besides you are lucky to find a landlord who will ask for 3months in advance payment.They ask for 6months.(Crazy if you ask me because i am yet to find a job that pays you salary in advance)
As a country we have no laws that govern our housing,rent etc etc.....everyone decides what they want to do.
I have so far gone through more than 10 house brokers and we have not found a house yet.It is easy to get frustrated but my attitude has been to enjoy the adventure of house hunting.
We have been to some places where if a disease broke out it would be a miracle if anyone there survived.And we also have been to neighborhoods where we have wondered whether this is actually in Uganda...very upscale places.We are kinda looking for the in between.
However we both have a good felling that we will find a place that works for us.With all of this happening we are reconnecting with friends,which is a lot of fun yet at the same time I am having strong emotions of missing all my Vegas family.Please plan on coming down here....may be together we could find this house.
I will be speaking this weekend at our MCC service,so pray for that.
Otherwise we miss you.....and keep praying for us.
SP and JOY
Bottom line...to be able to have a decent home,in a safe neighborhood there is no middle ground,one has to part with a considerable amount of money.Besides you are lucky to find a landlord who will ask for 3months in advance payment.They ask for 6months.(Crazy if you ask me because i am yet to find a job that pays you salary in advance)
As a country we have no laws that govern our housing,rent etc etc.....everyone decides what they want to do.
I have so far gone through more than 10 house brokers and we have not found a house yet.It is easy to get frustrated but my attitude has been to enjoy the adventure of house hunting.
We have been to some places where if a disease broke out it would be a miracle if anyone there survived.And we also have been to neighborhoods where we have wondered whether this is actually in Uganda...very upscale places.We are kinda looking for the in between.
However we both have a good felling that we will find a place that works for us.With all of this happening we are reconnecting with friends,which is a lot of fun yet at the same time I am having strong emotions of missing all my Vegas family.Please plan on coming down here....may be together we could find this house.
I will be speaking this weekend at our MCC service,so pray for that.
Otherwise we miss you.....and keep praying for us.
SP and JOY
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
FINALLY HOME
We arrived safe yester night and are battling with jet lag....Our flight was smooth and nice.We actually arrived 10minutes earlier than scheduled.We are staying at Pr Martin and Tracey's home until we find a house.I actually talked to a house broker who will help us in this process.It feels so good to be back home...and it is until now that i realize how completely different Kampala is.....the dirt dusty roads,crazy crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy traffic,people,bicycles everywhere.....
I am trying to get some pictures posted but i was rudely shocked at the incredible slow speed of our internet....life is different here but we will manage.My plan is to visit one of the commercial internet cafe's which can handle uploading pictures.
I had a chance to talk with Pr Martin about my new and emerging role.....the same words he used in describing my responsibility were the words that God had laid on my heart through out the duration of our time in Vegas...shepherd and nurture His people and in so doing expand God's Kingdom.
I have lots to share but will keep you posted as we get settled.Thank you for your love and support.
SP and JOY
I am trying to get some pictures posted but i was rudely shocked at the incredible slow speed of our internet....life is different here but we will manage.My plan is to visit one of the commercial internet cafe's which can handle uploading pictures.
I had a chance to talk with Pr Martin about my new and emerging role.....the same words he used in describing my responsibility were the words that God had laid on my heart through out the duration of our time in Vegas...shepherd and nurture His people and in so doing expand God's Kingdom.
I have lots to share but will keep you posted as we get settled.Thank you for your love and support.
SP and JOY
Monday, July 20, 2009
HOME BOUND
It has been crazy busy as we finalize our days here in Vegas.The count down is over and we will be flying home first thing Monday morning.(19 hours of flight time)
Of everything that we will miss and take with us as we head home.....our friends who have become family.It was until now that it dawned on us how deeply invovled we had become so much that saying good bye has been a tough thing.I personally kept avoiding to do so.....
Yet at the same time,we are excited to go back home because home simply is home.We will be regular on the blog sharing our journey with you.Be it amily,ministry,regular updates,baby news,whatever,you will find it.
We depart Vegas at 9am to St paul MN and then to Amsterdam and finally arrive Entebbe Uganda on Tuesday night...Our Amsterdam layover is 4-5hours...this should give me ample time to blog about our journey.Keep us prayed up for safety and favor.
Love ya
SP,JOY and baby O
Of everything that we will miss and take with us as we head home.....our friends who have become family.It was until now that it dawned on us how deeply invovled we had become so much that saying good bye has been a tough thing.I personally kept avoiding to do so.....
Yet at the same time,we are excited to go back home because home simply is home.We will be regular on the blog sharing our journey with you.Be it amily,ministry,regular updates,baby news,whatever,you will find it.
We depart Vegas at 9am to St paul MN and then to Amsterdam and finally arrive Entebbe Uganda on Tuesday night...Our Amsterdam layover is 4-5hours...this should give me ample time to blog about our journey.Keep us prayed up for safety and favor.
Love ya
SP,JOY and baby O
Monday, July 13, 2009
MY VEGAS PICTURES
I took these pictures on saturday morning while on a lazy plane tour of Vegas with friends of mine.We flew over the valley of fire,red rock,Lake mead,parts of the desert,Hoover dam and down town Vegas.Things look different from up above.
SP Onaba
SP Onaba
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A BABY BOY
Yes......it is.We found out yesterday during Joy's ultra sound that we are going to have a baby boy.He had no sense of privacy whatsoever.A few days back Joy had a dream in which she had given birth to a boy and her instincts too pointed to a boy.I thought it would be a girl...or better still, I preferred a girl.I gave up my preference several weeks back and just started praying for a healthy baby.The doctor says the baby is healthy and is in great shape.The ultra sound also revealed that our due date may be in december and not october as earlier indicated.(below is Joy...and some ultra sound pics of the baby)
We are slowly starting the search for names and if you have any suggestions,share them in the comment section below this post.(It would be nice for you to give a reason for your name choice.)
With 12 more days left of our time here in Vegas,pray for calmness and peace especially for me because every passing day brings with it anxiety.
We have added an email contact feature....so feel free to email us.We will get back to you.
SP and JOY
We are slowly starting the search for names and if you have any suggestions,share them in the comment section below this post.(It would be nice for you to give a reason for your name choice.)
With 12 more days left of our time here in Vegas,pray for calmness and peace especially for me because every passing day brings with it anxiety.
We have added an email contact feature....so feel free to email us.We will get back to you.
SP and JOY
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
BACK TO UGANDA
My dear blogger friends,I am still here.I have not given up my new blogging adventure.I came down with severe pain several days back after an infection in my throat slowed my mobility, caused intense pain on the right hand side of my head.I had trouble swallowing anything and talking equaled multiplying pain.I went in to see a doctor who prescribed some medicine and I have since recovered and I don't plan on getting sick anytime soon.The time has also come..as of now we are counting down(less than 3weeks)and we will be enjoying native Ugandan food and all the people etc etc that we have missed.As a result, a bulk of our remaining time has been spent packing,meeting people,drinking coffees,eating lunches and dinners.....
Today it actually hit me how much I am going to miss my new family here in Vegas.I am trying to keep myself from crying.....so pray for me.It has been an awesome last couple of months......I am still processing.I will keep you posted on stuff as we go along.
Blessings
SP Onaba
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
JESUS-Shepherd of my soul
With less than a month left of our time here in Vegas,I seem to be experiencing a fair share of anxiety and strong momentary emotions of homesickness. They remind me very much of our very first weeks on arrival.Yester morning was particularly strong.I woke up and the prevailing thought on my mind and soul was..."I want to be home,right now." It was like a power just swept over my being.
Well, during my quiet time God spoke very gently to my soul thru Psalm 23.The words that calmed my raging soul to be specific were:
I am your good Shepherd and therefore you shall not be in want.
I make you lie down in green pastures and lead you beside quiet waters.
I restore your soul and guide you in paths of righteousness for my Name's sake.
I am the Shepherd of your soul
Since then my soul has been rested.We all have different anxieties and raging seas inside us.I pray that you too will find comfort,peace and rest in knowing that Jesus is the Shepherd of your soul.
SP Onaba
Well, during my quiet time God spoke very gently to my soul thru Psalm 23.The words that calmed my raging soul to be specific were:
I am your good Shepherd and therefore you shall not be in want.
I make you lie down in green pastures and lead you beside quiet waters.
I restore your soul and guide you in paths of righteousness for my Name's sake.
I am the Shepherd of your soul
Since then my soul has been rested.We all have different anxieties and raging seas inside us.I pray that you too will find comfort,peace and rest in knowing that Jesus is the Shepherd of your soul.
SP Onaba
Sunday, June 21, 2009
FOOD,FUN,COMMUNITY AND TRANSFORMATION
We just finished a 5 day Middle/High school Camp at Canyon Ridge.It reminded me so much of the camps in Masaka,kako,Mt promise,Ignite.In working with young people, camp is just one of those things that we have seen God use in powerful ways to bring transformation in several lives.
The power lies in focusing deliberating and intentionally to allow God to work in incredible ways.The theme of this camp was based out of the story of Exodus,ie,The calling of Moses to go deliver God's people from slavery in Egypt so they may worship Him, the true and Living God.
I had the privilege of leading a guyz small group.3 of my guyz got baptized and it was one of those God things that just thrilled my soul.I am tired but as i think about the impact,my soul says,the sacrifice was worth it.Who knows what God can do with one life that's surrendered to Him?
There was this one guy who shared with the rest of the group the first night we met that he really was not into this Jesus stuff because of several reasons.I silently kept praying that God would reveal Himself to not only him but to all the 274 students in attendance.After one of the messages,(I believe the sermon was about freedom from slavery) he turns to me and says,"SP,now I get it" and soon after this he asked if I could baptize him and I said yes.This guy could not stop sharing his new found faith and decision.He told everyone who cared to listen.
So much happened but here are some pictures to give you a feel.
The Main auditorium where we had our meetings.
My small group guyz-(we are going to continue to meet)
Worship and praise time
Baptising them in the Name of the Father,Son and Holy Spirit (there were 41 baptisms)
SP ONABA
The power lies in focusing deliberating and intentionally to allow God to work in incredible ways.The theme of this camp was based out of the story of Exodus,ie,The calling of Moses to go deliver God's people from slavery in Egypt so they may worship Him, the true and Living God.
I had the privilege of leading a guyz small group.3 of my guyz got baptized and it was one of those God things that just thrilled my soul.I am tired but as i think about the impact,my soul says,the sacrifice was worth it.Who knows what God can do with one life that's surrendered to Him?
There was this one guy who shared with the rest of the group the first night we met that he really was not into this Jesus stuff because of several reasons.I silently kept praying that God would reveal Himself to not only him but to all the 274 students in attendance.After one of the messages,(I believe the sermon was about freedom from slavery) he turns to me and says,"SP,now I get it" and soon after this he asked if I could baptize him and I said yes.This guy could not stop sharing his new found faith and decision.He told everyone who cared to listen.
So much happened but here are some pictures to give you a feel.
The Main auditorium where we had our meetings.
My small group guyz-(we are going to continue to meet)
Worship and praise time
Baptising them in the Name of the Father,Son and Holy Spirit (there were 41 baptisms)
SP ONABA
Sunday, June 14, 2009
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
This is more of a schedule/event update that I would like to share with you.And while I am at it,I really want to thank you for taking time to read our blog.It's the encouragement for us to keep posting and seeking to do even better.So thank you,keep reading,dont hesitate to comment and feel free to share it with others.
Yesterday(Saturday)was a special time as the Mens ministry of Canyon Ridge layed hands and prayed for me during the last Men's breakfast meeting for this season.They commissioned my wife and I to go back to Uganda to be a lighthouse in the darkness.Then one of the guys came up to me at the end and prophesied over my life in Spanish(we had an interpreter).God used him to confirm the things He has been speaking concerning our call and mission for Uganda.
I also get the privilege to be this weekend's speaker for both middle school and High school services.Travis Fox,has me speaking on James 2:1-13.My major point is favoritism should be far from us because we are family,brothers and sisters in Christ.It breaks the heart of God when we discriminate and look down on others.We should instead be champions of God's love.I prayed that God would give us a "swine flu of His love" so that anyone who comes in contact with us will be infected.
Love
SP Onaba
Yesterday(Saturday)was a special time as the Mens ministry of Canyon Ridge layed hands and prayed for me during the last Men's breakfast meeting for this season.They commissioned my wife and I to go back to Uganda to be a lighthouse in the darkness.Then one of the guys came up to me at the end and prophesied over my life in Spanish(we had an interpreter).God used him to confirm the things He has been speaking concerning our call and mission for Uganda.
I also get the privilege to be this weekend's speaker for both middle school and High school services.Travis Fox,has me speaking on James 2:1-13.My major point is favoritism should be far from us because we are family,brothers and sisters in Christ.It breaks the heart of God when we discriminate and look down on others.We should instead be champions of God's love.I prayed that God would give us a "swine flu of His love" so that anyone who comes in contact with us will be infected.
Love
SP Onaba
Friday, June 12, 2009
FROM JOY ONABA HERSELF
I finally finished my first trimester after experiencing a unique mixture of emotions.The one question I have had to answer everytime someone finds out I am pregnant...."Are you excited?" My answer....Yes I am excited; though of course the expression on my face is different because of all the changes I can not keep up with like morning sickness(thankfully I have not thrown up) unexplained headaches, loss of appetite-my food desires keep flipping. The only constant desire I have is for Ugandan food,katogo,smoked beef in G.nut source,matooke etc etc. At some point peanut butter was my comfort food but this lasted only a few days and to-date I don't even want to look at it.
Despite this,I am doing well and I am thrilled at the thought of carrying and nurturing life inside of me.This is such a divine partnership. I often tell my husband that I do not know how unmarried people (young people) go through pregnancy without the support of a loved one,husband because sometimes its gets so lonely and very helpless. I am convinced beyond doubt that sex and pregnancy were perfectly designed by God to belong in marriage.Love,commitment, acceptance support and community,celebration not shame and isolation make the journey of pregnancy enjoyable. Am so thankful for the support, community and shouts of joy I have received from my husband, our host family (the Fullers), our small group and our church family both at Canyon Ridge and Makerere community church.
I am a week into my second trimester and its amazing the strength that I am beginning to experience. I am able to do a couple of things by myself and the timing is just right especially as we get close to going back home there has been an increasing need for me help my husband pack stuff. I look forward to going back home and yet at the same time it really makes me sad to leave all the friends I have made here in Vegas. I catch myself many times looking forward to the next phase of our life, having a home of our own, having babies, and all that comes with it. Am aware that this is going to totally change my life(it has already started) yet at the same time I know that God has prepared me for such a time as this.
Much Love.
Joy Onaba
Monday, June 8, 2009
THE GRAND CANYON IS A MASTERPIECE,GOD'S MASTERPIECE
We made it to the Grand Canyon and back to Vegas safely.In one sense the GC is a big hole in the ground but yet in a more truer sense it is God's masterpiece.....The Psalmist would say....Creation declares the glory of God.....
Besides the GC,Joy and I saw some of the most beautiful places ever.Here is a brief run thru of the places we went to.
We left Vegas late thursday and spent the night in Kingman (i hope to visit queen woman someday).After our breakfast Friday morning we headed for the Grand Canyon,I was not sure what to expect until i finally got there.Words fail me at this point.Joy took some pictures but they are not as close as being there and experiencing.But let me try....it's this huge huge huge hole sorrounded by mountains and its so wide you can not see one end from the other.You know you are at the GC when you look down and you feel your head start to spin.....thats as best as i can try.
After the GC we drove down to Flagstaff where we had dinner and spent our night ready for our next destination....Sedona (the one thing i remember about Flagstaff was our hotel breakfast...it was lame,the coffee was the worst i have had in my entire life so far) Sedona was our next stop before heading to Prescott where we would spend the night while heading back to Kingman via the historic route 66.
Except for all the new age and sorcery disguised as psychics....Sedona is this beautiful little art town with Red mountains sorrounding it in the middle of nowhere.I loved their houses.If i had to choose between living in Vegas and Sedona,i would go to Sedona.All i recall about Prescott was the nice Mexican-(Casa Ranchez) restaurant that we went to for dinner and the cold that i picked up that i carried along the rest of the trip.At somepoint i thought that perhaps i had caught the swine flu.
Our 2 final stops were,the Caverns at...i forget the place.Perhaps one of my aha places was the hoover dam and the new bridge.Someone please tell me.... how did they build those two things?The dam and the new bridge are humongous.I know our tour guide explained how they did the bulding but i am not satisfied.
I am slowly recovering from my cold which has drained alot of energy from me.Joy held up pretty well on the trip.She actually surprised me.Pray that she doesnot catch some of my cold.
.....Here are some pictures we took...
Love,
Onabaz
Besides the GC,Joy and I saw some of the most beautiful places ever.Here is a brief run thru of the places we went to.
We left Vegas late thursday and spent the night in Kingman (i hope to visit queen woman someday).After our breakfast Friday morning we headed for the Grand Canyon,I was not sure what to expect until i finally got there.Words fail me at this point.Joy took some pictures but they are not as close as being there and experiencing.But let me try....it's this huge huge huge hole sorrounded by mountains and its so wide you can not see one end from the other.You know you are at the GC when you look down and you feel your head start to spin.....thats as best as i can try.
After the GC we drove down to Flagstaff where we had dinner and spent our night ready for our next destination....Sedona (the one thing i remember about Flagstaff was our hotel breakfast...it was lame,the coffee was the worst i have had in my entire life so far) Sedona was our next stop before heading to Prescott where we would spend the night while heading back to Kingman via the historic route 66.
Except for all the new age and sorcery disguised as psychics....Sedona is this beautiful little art town with Red mountains sorrounding it in the middle of nowhere.I loved their houses.If i had to choose between living in Vegas and Sedona,i would go to Sedona.All i recall about Prescott was the nice Mexican-(Casa Ranchez) restaurant that we went to for dinner and the cold that i picked up that i carried along the rest of the trip.At somepoint i thought that perhaps i had caught the swine flu.
Our 2 final stops were,the Caverns at...i forget the place.Perhaps one of my aha places was the hoover dam and the new bridge.Someone please tell me.... how did they build those two things?The dam and the new bridge are humongous.I know our tour guide explained how they did the bulding but i am not satisfied.
I am slowly recovering from my cold which has drained alot of energy from me.Joy held up pretty well on the trip.She actually surprised me.Pray that she doesnot catch some of my cold.
.....Here are some pictures we took...
Love,
Onabaz
Thursday, June 4, 2009
ROAD TRIP TO SEE THE GRAND CANYON
Its 5:53pm, local Las Vegas time and in the next 60mins,we will be on our way to see the Grand Canyon.Some have said it is God's master piece while others maintain it's a big hole in the ground.I will find out for myself this weekend.
We have a camera with us so we can capture some pictures that we will share with you so you can decide who is correct...masterpiece or big hole???
We will spend tonight in Kingman and tomorrow proceed to our destination where we will be for the whole weekend.
Packing
We also just finished our first phase of packing and shipped our bags and had some taken by friends to Lancaster,PA.(A team of 25 is headed to Uganda on June 17th for a short term mission trip and so they are helping take some bags for us.)
Doctor's Visit
Today we did visit the doctor for Joy's routine check up and the report is that Baby O is growing normally and so is Joy's health.Thanks and keep the prayers going up.
Pray for our protection as we travel and that God would use this time to refresh our souls.
See ya soon.
SP Onaba
We have a camera with us so we can capture some pictures that we will share with you so you can decide who is correct...masterpiece or big hole???
We will spend tonight in Kingman and tomorrow proceed to our destination where we will be for the whole weekend.
Packing
We also just finished our first phase of packing and shipped our bags and had some taken by friends to Lancaster,PA.(A team of 25 is headed to Uganda on June 17th for a short term mission trip and so they are helping take some bags for us.)
Doctor's Visit
Today we did visit the doctor for Joy's routine check up and the report is that Baby O is growing normally and so is Joy's health.Thanks and keep the prayers going up.
Pray for our protection as we travel and that God would use this time to refresh our souls.
See ya soon.
SP Onaba
Sunday, May 31, 2009
THE OPEN HOUSE
Someone once said,"You can give without loving but you can not love without giving." God best illustrates this statement in John chapter one.....For God so loved the world that He gave......Yesterday,my wife and I got to experience this truth in a profound and special way.
For starters,we have been reflecting on why anyone would welcome two strangers from another part of the world into their lives and home.Denis,Susan,Daniel and Natalie have in the last 10months been nothing short of God's instrument of love to us.As our time to go back home draws near,they decided that they would host a send off to celebrate us and the baby.
(As of now we refer to the Baby as Baby O) this kid has received so many gifts and is loved even before they have an made an appearance.We had over 45 people come and bid us good bye.
The fun part for us was that people actaully did come and they brought gifts.Of the several things from Veags that we get to take back,Joy and I both agree that the greatest of them all is going to be the relationships that we have grown to treasure.And so for all the people here in Vegas who have made our time special,who have loved us and taken care of us,this is our way to say thank you,a BIG one.
OUR MOST HILLARIOUS GIFT
This morning we woke up to open the gifts and read all the cards and the experience reminded us of the day after our wedding:-(gift opening) My wife loves gifts,its her primary love langauge.So right now her tank is flooding!Our favorite gift was from the Canyonridge artist community......here is a picture:
Another thing that we loved so much was the gift registry and cards,plainly put it was an american cultural experience for us (My Ugandan friends,trust me,this is the coolest innovation as far as gift giving is concerned)
People felt free to come and go at their convenience because we were open from 11am to 4pm.There was lots of small little things to chew on and drink,lots of conversations and for the kids and swimmers, the pool was open.
In all this we thank God and His people who have spoiled us with Love unconditional.
Love
SP,Joy and Baby O
.
For starters,we have been reflecting on why anyone would welcome two strangers from another part of the world into their lives and home.Denis,Susan,Daniel and Natalie have in the last 10months been nothing short of God's instrument of love to us.As our time to go back home draws near,they decided that they would host a send off to celebrate us and the baby.
(As of now we refer to the Baby as Baby O) this kid has received so many gifts and is loved even before they have an made an appearance.We had over 45 people come and bid us good bye.
The fun part for us was that people actaully did come and they brought gifts.Of the several things from Veags that we get to take back,Joy and I both agree that the greatest of them all is going to be the relationships that we have grown to treasure.And so for all the people here in Vegas who have made our time special,who have loved us and taken care of us,this is our way to say thank you,a BIG one.
OUR MOST HILLARIOUS GIFT
This morning we woke up to open the gifts and read all the cards and the experience reminded us of the day after our wedding:-(gift opening) My wife loves gifts,its her primary love langauge.So right now her tank is flooding!Our favorite gift was from the Canyonridge artist community......here is a picture:
Another thing that we loved so much was the gift registry and cards,plainly put it was an american cultural experience for us (My Ugandan friends,trust me,this is the coolest innovation as far as gift giving is concerned)
People felt free to come and go at their convenience because we were open from 11am to 4pm.There was lots of small little things to chew on and drink,lots of conversations and for the kids and swimmers, the pool was open.
In all this we thank God and His people who have spoiled us with Love unconditional.
Love
SP,Joy and Baby O
.
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