A Ministry of Glory Children's City International (GCCI)

          Follow the SIFA CHOIR Journey . . .

June 1st-

We arrived at Alpharetta Presbyterian at 8:00 and prepared for the 9:00 service.  We enjoyed using the large platform and great sound system.  We took a short break and then participated in the 10:30 service.  The skies filled with clouds and it was raining so we thought we were going to have to change the swimming party scheduled for after lunch.  However the storm passed quickly and after eating pizza for lunch we headed to the pool.  All the children enjoyed swimming all together in one large pool with a great shallow end that all could enjoy.  Everyone's confidence and swimming skills are improving so much!  After lunch we headed back to the church for a BBQ and activity night put on by the youth group.  Everyone enjoyed soccer and a movie.  At 7 we headed back to our host families and went to bed early as we needed to be at the church by 6:30am to head for Atlanta.

June 2nd-

Everyone was ready to go at 6:45 but Paul and his boys so we weren't able to leave until 7:15.  Fortunately the traffic was moving and we arrived at Ogelthope University for the Atlanta Players Workshop Camp Destiny at 8:00.  We changed into uniforms in record time and spent time with the children arriving for camp until we sang at orientation about 10:00.  The rest of the day the children were able to participate in camp as campers and enjoyed dance, clowning, miming and theater classes.  Lunch was provided by the University and greatly enjoyed by all.  We left at 2:30 and headed to Carrollton for an evening performance.  Upon arrival we took a quick nap in the Children's church (no pews this time!)  and had pizza before an evening concert at the First Baptist Church of Carrollton.  After the concert we went home with new host families and headed for bed. 

June 3rd-

Today we slept in and had a day off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This was a welcomed day after a very busy week in Atlanta.  We didn't even do school.  Jamie and Carrie were able to get a lot of work done and the children made Father's Day cards for their sponsors.  At 5:00 we went to St Andrews UMC for a wonderful potluck.  The table was filled with all the children's favorite dishes.  Chicken, cooked greens, beans, rice, fruit, and cookies.  Thank you St. Andrew's!  At 7:00 we went home with the same host families and enjoyed a few hours before bed.  Some children went swimming and others played games.  It was very hot and humid today and our allergies are driving us crazy so inside games were a great evening for most.

April 29th Addendum-

Our new friends from Trinity Episcopal Church in New Haven CT followed us all the way to Bushkill Pennsylvania and presented us with 96 bibles.  Enough for all the children and chaperones from Uganda to recieve one and the rest will be taken back to the other 50 children that GCCI sponsor.  There will also be enough that we can give each of the local pastor's one of their own. They have been preaching the Word without a complete bible.  Thankyou so much to the women who were on the retreat at Incarnation camp who blessed us so much with their generosity and connections that have been so helpful. 

June 4th-

We were off to Cornellia, GA at 10 am so that we could arrive in time to relax before our 7:00pm concert.  We were greeted by hot humid weather and the welcoming staff of Cornellia UMC.  After a nap and wonderful dinner of Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fries, Beans, and Pie we prepared for our evening concert. After the concert we met and went home with our host families.  It was a quick stay, and each host family was disappointed that we were not staying longer.

June 5th-

  We returned to the church for a McDonald's breakfast that was donated by a local McDonald's owner.  Thankyou.  A short choir practice and we loaded up for a 3 hour drive back to Carrollton, GA.  We were warmly greeted by the First Baptist church on old Breaman, met our host families and went home to settle in and then we all went back to the church for a gathering.  The kids enjoyed cotton candy, hot dogs, nachos, and water fights with the hose.  The water felt great.  The temp. was 93 and humid.  Then we went home, and to bed.

June 6th-

We all got to sleep in, or at least given the option.  (Many of the kids wake up early no matter what).  Each host family was given the morning to do what they wanted.  Some went to Jumping Joey's, some went swimming.  It was great to have lots of time to get to know our hosts.  We all met at the church for a fried chicken dinner before the concert.  The concert was rockin'and rolling.  It was a full church, and lots of participation by the audience-clapping, dancing, singing, and praising the Lord.  The children and a GREAT time.  After being showered with love, hugs and gifts we all went home with our same host families.

June 7th-

Another morning to sleep in- aaaaaahhhhhhhh.  The morning with host families, and then we met at the church to leave for Alpharetta.  We arrived at our new host families, and settled in for a 5 night stay.  After settling in, SIFA made a BIG splash at the community pool.  The children are all getting more and more comfortable in the water, so Carrie and Jamie can enjoy swimming with the children instead of pacing the edge of the pool.  Dinner with host families, and bed.

June 8th-

Concert at Bridgeway church.  Many of the host families that we had stayed with from Alpharetta Presbyterian came to visit.  It was so good to see them.  It was missions Sunday, so we also enjoyed hearing about other mission opportunities.  Back to host homes and we were all free to hang our with our host families.  Some went back to the pool (the boys had a 7 hour dip), some played water balloon games to stay cool. The temp. remains in the upper 90's. 

June 9th-

Jamie took one of the children to the clinic and we are now on strep watch for the other 23 people in our family.  Sylvia is recoperating but it was a frightening experience for her to be told that she was sick.  In Uganda, the only thing that the children know is that when a Dr. tells you that you are sick, you die from AIDS.  So Racheal, who went with me to help translate, helped me explain to her that she is not going to die, and that the medicine will make her feel better quickly.  She then was calm.  We did school - Carrie teaches kindergarten, and Jamie teaches P6 and P7 , quite to the entertainment of the children in her class.  After lunch, we all went back to our host families to take part in family activities.  The children are enjoying learning what host families do on a daily basis and the joys of summer with a neighborhood pool. 

 

June 10th-

The school bell rang again at 9 this morning.  It was a full morning of school. Emma(6) is still struggling with number recongnition although he can count to twently in four languages.  Olivia(11) is mastering substraction although she perfers addition.  It is challenging to teach children who have been so deprived of a compentent education.  We are thankful for the provisions God is providing for all that to change when the children arrive back in Uganda.  The Senior level classes studied the Aparthied, P6 and P7 studied English sentence construction, and the elementary students continues in thier English studies.   School was dismissed at 12:30 and we we all returned to our host families.  Some of the girls made thier first trip to the mall, the boys went back to the pool, while others hung out and painted nails and played games.  After dinner all the boys went bowling for Abraham's birthday.  The girls missed bowling as they were still at the mall doing an inpromtu performance at the American Girl Store.  It was another great day in Alpharetta.  Having some down time has been a blessing for the childen.  Sylivia has made a quick recovery from strep and no one else has come down with it.  Keep praying!

June11th-

It was a dentist day today at 7:30 and 3:00 thanks once again to the generous support of Dr. Cunningham.  Daisy and Daniel received 4 fillings and sealants each.  Tomorrow we go back for Olivia and Emma.  Praise the Lord for Dr. Cunningham.  Infact Paul and three of the boys went home from work with Dr. Cunningham. Poor Daniel was ready to leave the dentist office with his fat little face when Carrie reminded him that we would be staying with the Cunningham's.  Poor guy!  While Jamie was at the morning appointment Carrie rallied the troops to once again organize the trailer.  We have been given so many gifts especially at First Baptist in Carrolton that we had to get things put into their bags to take back to Uganda.   We are so grateful for the donations but would really appreciate help from future host families in sticking to needed things or financial support that children can take home to Uganda.  We know that everyone likes to give gifts, but the trailer is quickly approaching capacity and we still have 3 months to go!  Jamie arrived in time to help with the trailer and our wonderful student leaders made a huge dent in the work.  After lunch we gathered back together to move to our new host families.  We were sad to say good bye to what the children affectionately call "Aunt Sherry's School House".  The rest of the afternoon was spent settling in to new host families from Bridgeway Church where we will be staying until Saturday. However for Daniel and the boys staying with Dr. Cunningham, and Emma and Olivia and Carrie we all enjoyed the air conditioned dental office.   After the dentist it rained and rained!  The people of Alpharetta were very happy to see the rain.  After the rain Emma and Olivia experinced spaklers and really enjoyed them after they got over thier innitial hesitation.  Once again the joy and freedom on thier faces beamed brightly.  What a blessing to see these children truly escape a life of pain and sorrow.  They truly are the most joyful children depite thier childhood experiences.  Seeing thier joy multiply and thier faith deepen is awesome.  Tomorrow will be a free day with host families.  We have our next concert on Friday evening.  A SIFA goodnight to all.

June 12th-

Emma and Olivia survived a very long dentist appointment today.  Dr. Cunningham was able to fill 4 more of Olivia's fillings and do sealants on her teeth that don't have cavities.  Emma had his first filling, sealants, and an abscessed root tip removed.  It was painful for Emma but his was a brave boy and cooperated through the tears.  After Emma and Olivia were finished they still managed to crack a numb smile and give Dr. Cunningham and his assistant bug hugs.

A full day of with host families was an enjoyable for everyone.  Mudu, Daniel, Emmy, and Paul have become quite competitive in playing Candy Land, Uncle Wiggly and other children's games their host family pulled out.  It is great to see them laugh and enjoy being children.  Daisy, Sylivia, and Jamie have taught their host family Matta (a card game from Uganda) and have also enjoyed getting quite competitive.  Speaking of completive Robert, Geoffrey, Abraham, and David have been learning how to play pool and are getting pretty good at it.  Christine, Daisy, Anglelah, Juliet, and Flora have been working on beading projects to sell at concerts.  Rachel, Jackie, Joan, and Phoebe have been with the same host family for a week and have truly enjoyed being at one place for so many days.  They have really grown attached to their host mother.  Daisy and Christine especially have made some beautiful things.  I think everyone managed to swimming today as a few of the host families got together for a pool party and others had pools nearby.  A walk to a great park, lots of playing, and Tylenol rounded out the evening for Olivia and Emma. 

June 13th-

Today was another great day with host families which ended with our final farewell to Alpharetta concert at Bridgeway Church.  When the children all arrived at the church before the concert they were very excited to see each other and be together.  Although some groups had spent time together they really hadn't seen each other in 2 whole days.  The air was a buzz was Lugandan chitter chatter as they compared notes on what they had eaten and done. Emma and Olivia had been horse back riding in the morning and this news spread quickly through the group.  Fish Taco's and popsicals were another highlight, followed by getting lost with the Pastor from Bridgeway and his wife (who are a host family) and laughing so hard because he is "Funny, Funny, so Funny". The evening concert was a great family reunion with all of our friends from Alpharetta.  It was a high energy family concert and one the children enjoyed very much.  We even made some a new friend from National Christian Foundation and the Watotoo Choir.  We were excited to meet Dana who has been to Uganda and has very much the same vision and ministry in Uganda that Jamie and Carrie do.  After the concert everyone gathered at Brewster's Ice Cream for a yummy treat.  Actually I think some of the boys went to Cold Stone.  Yummy none the less.   It is now after 11 and everyone is hopefully in bed.  Tomorrow we leave for Carrollton and will be staying together at the Shilo United Methodist Retreat Center. 

June 14th-

We had a wonderful morning with our host families.  Yes, most everyone went swimming again.  You would never know that these children had no concept of swimming just two months ago.  At 1pm we meet at Bridgeway for a tearful goodbye to all our Alpharetta friends.  Thank you so much for coming back to see us off.  We drove to Carrollton to Camp Shilo.  We arrived at a beautiful grounds and were greeted by wonderful people who welcomed us to our new home for two nights.  Everyone quickly settled in a soon a great game of basketball was underway.  Tiaisha our friend from St. Andrews the first time we were in Carrollton prepared a wonderful meal of all the children's favorites.  It was off to bed at 9 but it was a long time before anyone was asleep.  All the girls were in one dorm together as were the boys.  Emma even got to stay with the big boys.  Jamie and Carrie were the first asleep until there was a load thud in middle of the night.  The top bunk was a little too much for Joan.  Fortunately Joan doesn't remember the falling or the going back to bed.  She wasn't injured either.  Praise the Lord! 

June 15th-

Happy Father's Day!  A great breakfast was provided by Tiaisha and St. Andrews Church.  Rice was the highlight of this meal! Then it was off to Mount Avery Missionary Baptist Church.   Lunch was another highlight for the children as there were green beans and fried chicken!  Thank you Mt. Avery!  Back to camp so that the children could call their sponsor fathers for Father's Day.  This is  a huge highlight for the sponsors and the children.   There wasn't much time left to prepare for the evening concert but we managed to roll on stage at 6:00 for a wonderful concert at Shiloh.  What a blessing to have so many friends come from churches we have previously performed.  From the concert came the opportunity for a spot on a radio show at 10 and an invitation for another concert on Monday night.  Paul and Daniel went to the radio station with several Pastors and aired a 15 minute piece and interview at 10:30.  From this show we anticipate a good turn out at tomorrows concert.  After the concert the Shilo volunteers prepared a meal especially ordered by the children.  Boiled Eggs, Black Beans and Rice, Hot Dogs, and Ice Cream.  The children learned a new game similar to dodge ball and reluctantly came inside after 10.  Once again it was a late night at camp as they were very excited to all be together.  Jackie and Juliet were our early to bed girls.  Jamie and Carrie even managed to visit till after 11:00.  As for the boys who knows what they did.  Our student leaders are good boys but with Teacher Paul gone until 11, I am pretty sure there wasn't much shut eye before he returned.

June 16th-

Taisha provided a good breakfast for everyone and then we all gathered for devotions and a family meeting.  Pastor Martha from Shilo enjoyed meeting the children this morning as she had been away for the weekend.  After our family meeting we did a two hour camp clean up to show our appreciation to the camp and once again give the children the opportunity to give back.  The camp was hit hard by a tornado several months ago and appreciated help in final clean up before their summer camp season starts.  We picked up twigs, broken glass, washed vans, swept the rec hall, and cleared the basketball court.   After lunch we had free time until choir practice at 4:00.  Some children worked on beads, other washed their clothes, played outside, and just hung out.  Downtime is always a blessing to SIFA.  At 5:30 Pizza arrived from CiCi Pizza of Carrollton and soon all 10 Pizza's were gone.  It had been awhile since we had Pizza and everyone enjoyed it.  At 7:00 we were ready for another performance.  What a tremendous turn out.  Over ten churches were represented!  Even our friends from Alpharetta drove the 90 miles to come to the concert.  It was like a homecoming concert of friends who had become family.  After the concert the wonderful people of Shiloh made homemade ice cream for us and it was enjoyed by all.  SIFA children enjoyed vanilla although Jamie and Carrie really enjoyed the Strawberry.  We still haven't managed to get the children to try other flavors.  Can you imagine ordering VANILLA at Cold Stone?  Leave it to SIFA.  There is still 3 months to get them to expand their ice cream selections.  After Ice Cream festivities continued outside until after 10 again.  We said escorted our Alpharetta friends out by literally singing them to their cars and dancing them down the road.  We have learned not to say goodbye . . .simply see you later. We want to thank Mr. Veggie man who so generously gave us 48 tomatoes, 6 watermelons, 10 cantelope, and 5lbs of onions.  You never know when SIFA will show up or when we will look out in the audience and see a familiar face.   Jamie and Carrie desperately need sleep but the last night at the camp and all the excitement of the evening couldn't be squelched until after midnight.  Host families are so much better about getting the kids to bed.  Good Night.

June 17th-

Breakfast was provided by Chick-Fil-A, Carrollton and Mr. Veggie Man.  Chicken and Biscuits were big hits with the children! Yummy!  We left Shiloh United Methodist camp at 9:30 and traveled to Tupelo, MS. Carrie and Jamie enjoyed the newly constructed highway and the new highway speed limit for the semi-trucks.  We were 2 of a few vehicles on the highway all the way through MS to Tupelo- aaaaahhhhhh and better yet the trucks were going slower than us- WHAT A RELIEF.  We have had enough driving with trucks that are going over 70mph on the freeways.   Aunt GPS continued to be our comic relief.  While on the new Freeway she kept telling us that we weren't on a road and that we had 356 hours and 17 minutes until we would arrive at our destination.  Then she would tell us to please proceed to a road or to make a u-turn to a designated route.  We were laughing at her most of the trip.  The road we were on was quite new apparently someone should notify the satellite.  Mudu and I had a great conversation regarding one of the directions that aunt GPS gives.  Mudu asked " Aunt Jamie what does it mean when aunt GPS says followedbya?"  It took me a bit to understand that Aunt GPS will give a direction like- prepare to turn right followed by a right turn- so I spoke slower and clearer so Mudu could understand what she was clearly saying and then he got it.  Fun.  So we arrived in Tupelo MS, at the Days Inn and after a short rest time, guess what we did-- yep you guessed it--SWIMMING.  Dinner consisted of Cup of Noodles, whole wheat french bread, grapes, tomatoes, and popcorn all for the grand total of...... $13. 73!  Good night.  On to Clinton AR in the morning.

June 18th-

We have made it across the Mississippi and through Tenn.  We arrived in Clinton, AR at First Baptist church after over a five hour drive and were welcomed by Pastor Shawn who showed us around the church and share with him about having Cerebral Palsy.  It was a great opportunity for the children to see someone with a disability working hard and loving the Lord.  In Uganda disabilities are not accepted and often those people become outcasts of society.  The children enjoyed cold drinks and played for while in their indoor gym before a wonderful spaghetti dinner was served.  The children enjoyed everything but still weren't fond of the chocolate pudding.  Pudding and yogurt are two things that none of the children seem to have embraced.  After dinner it was time to get ready for our concert.  The sanctuary was full by 6:30 and we were off and running.  It was a wonderful evening!  After the concert we left for our host families.  The people of Clinton made the most of our one night stay as some of the children went swimming, pet a came,l road bikes, ate at McDonald's, went shopping, and played games. Good night from Arkansas.

June 19th-

Hello from Oklahoma!  Today we had a wonderful African lunch prepared by Paul's friends who live in Okmulegee OK and the children really enjoyed a taste of home.  We arrived Fellowship Lutheran a little late as in keeping with African Tradition lunch was served a little late.  At Fellowship we were welcomed by two wonderful coordinators and their helpers.  We felt at home right away and settled in for drinks and fellowship before dinner.  After dinner it was fast track concert preparation.  At 7:00 the sanctuary was full and everyone was delighted to see so many people from the community and other church.  The children really enjoyed the concert and all the audience involvement.  The grand finally with our last song was the congregation joining in with the congo line.  What a great evening.  Pastor Alan Fox wrapped up the evening with a wonderful message and illustration about Mission's.  Many of the children commented that this was one of their favorite concerts.  Off to host families following a wonderful reception.  Everyone was tired and headed to bed.  Good night from Oklahomaa.

June 20th-

After a good nights sleep we gathered at Fellowship Lutheran for the drive to Oaks, OK.  We arrived at the Oaks Indian Mission and Cherokee Nation for a day of learning and sharing. We were greeted by some of the Cherokee council members, natives from over 7 tribes, and Pastor Jack Russellof Eben Ezer Lutheran Church.  He shared with us about the history of the Cherokee tribe and the Trail of Tears, this was great opportunity to learn some American history.  We were then treated to Indian tacos.  YUM!  We all enjoyed lunch very much.   After lunch we gave them the school supplies that we had been collecting and they were so very grateful.  We headed to the church where SIFA changed into the cultural costumes and danced and sang a few songs for the people who had come.  Then former Little Miss Cherokee, Chelbie Turtle, age 7, treated us by singing some of her native in songs in Cherokee.  Then handcrafted baskets were passed out to all of us that the children from the mission learned to make. Wado- (thank you in Cherokee).  After we drove back to Tulsa we went home with host families to spend the rest of the day.  Activities included swimming, games, bikes, movies, naps, and basketball. 

June 21st-

We left Tulsa and once again aunt GPS had to see if we were paying attention.  She sent us off the highway, told us to make a legal U-turn and then directed us back onto the same highway that she just told us to get off of.  WHAAAAATTTT????????  Carrie had her hanging out of the window when Jamie pulled up to Carrie's van to save her.  hee hee. (Actual events have been dramatized for your reading enjoyment).    She needs to get her act together or she might not be around for the rest of the trip. Aunt GPS keeps us laughing (almost crying at times) but despite her mood swings has become a family member we would miss if she weren't around.  OK, so despite those little blurps, we did arrive at Fariview OK.  We met our host families, went to their homes to settle in and then we all met up at the Pizza Hut- thank you First Baptist church.  After eating our fill of pizza, we went to the Arts and Education Building's  auditorium for the concert.  Our hosts were a bit disappointed by the turn out- the wheat harvest was in full gear, so the farmers were out working in the fields.  It was a great concert with over one hundred in attendance. After the concert we- SIFA and host families-all went to the park and played.  There was a great playground, and a grassy area for soccer and we all played until the mosquitoes literally chased us home. Good night. 

June 22nd-

This morning we were able to attend church at First Baptist Fairview.  The children enjoyed dressing in their Sunday clothes and performing only a few songs.  The praise and worship portion of the services was enjoyable as the children were familiar with most of the songs.  After church is was time to pack up and head north to Medford.  Although this was a short journey of just an hour and a half it became an educational experience as we saw the wheat harvest up close.  The children were amazed by the combines and tractors.  The huge corn fields have also been a subject of discussion as the children can't believe that anyone would ever be able to pick that much corn.   Lunch was on the road and enjoyed by all as the Fairview families packed great lunches.  Medford was hot upon arrival- 96 degrees to be exact- and we had an hour rest under the trees.  Yes, SIFA manages to arrive an hour early for once!  After a sound check and host meeting we headed of into Medford with our new families.  Medford is our smallest town yet (population 1000 when everyone is home), but ever so enjoyable as we have such great down home families with great values and great children.   First Baptist of Medford provided snacks before our concert at 6:00.  The concert was great and enjoyed by all.  Again the attendance was effected by the wheat harvest but we were joined by almost 200 people from town.  Back to host families for dinner and off to bed.

June 23rd-

School bells rang at First Baptist of Medford as we joined together for school at 10 am.  Everyone enjoyed a slow morning and sleeping in prior to school.   We were able to have family devotions and school.  After lunch we headed over to the school where one of our host dad's was coaching a middle school boys basketball camp and they were playing a game.  It was SIFA's first time to watch a basketball game.  We had fun choosing sides and cheering for each team when they scored.   Boy can SIFA fill bleachers and liven a crowd.   After the game we headed to the city park and enjoyed Putt-putt golf Oklahoma style.  When putt-putt was finished, we enjoyed a dinner of hot dogs cooked out on the park grill by some of our new friends from First Baptist.   We then went home with our host families, some went swimming at one of the host families pool, some went to a little league baseball game, others went home and relaxed.

June 24th-

Choir practice was on the schedule for today.  After devotions, we had American Idol goes Ugandan tryouts- SIFA style.  Paul held open tryouts for solos.  Carrie and Jamie enjoyed hearing individual voices and were very proud of all the children who bravely stepped out in front of their friends to sing.  Some of the voices are great for solos and others sound the best when joined by other voices.  We broke for lunch and more practice.  We then headed home with host families for an afternoon of swimming, baseball and relaxing.  The public pool in Medford had a waterslide and two diving boards that Emma, Olivia, and Kristen all enjoyed.  Even Emma jump off the high dive and made it down the water slide 20+ times.  Carrie hope her legs are too tired tomorrow from treading water while waiting for the children as they jump and came down the slide since the pool was ten feet deep and the far end. At 6 we joined back together for dinner at a pool party at the Ehler's.  We celebrated Emma's birthday tonight so our 6 year old is now 7!  Thank you to Medford shops and Coach Doans family for providing wonderful gifts and cake to make the evening special.  Tomorrow it is up early and off to Texas.  Good night from Oklahoma!

June 25th-

This morning we had another tearful goodbye with our new friends in Medford.  Indeed a small town but such BIG hearts.  We truly enjoyed our three days in Medford.  After a long day we arrived in Texas!  Today we were once again reminded that God is in complete control of this tour.  Just as we were getting ready to cross into Texas on I-40 Carrie was pushed of the road by a semi and was forced down into the center ditch/median for a hundred yards.  After coming to a stop and making sure everyone was alright we immediately gave thanks to God.  Praise #1- The semi that had changed lanes without looking and nearly ran over the van missed us.  Praise #2- The semi behind the van didn't rearended the van!  Praise #3- The van didn't roll while traveling down the 4 foot embankment and there were no obstacle or culverts in the median while coming to a stop.  Praise #4- Jamie's van saw everything but was in another lane and far enough behind to come to a stop safely.  Praise #5- No injuries, no damage, and we will no longer have to remind anyone to wear a seatbelt in the van!  It truly is God that kept the van from rolling and not  going into onto oncoming traffic while veering up the center median.   Thank all of you for your continued prayers. 

We are in Canyon, TX tonight and just finished up a wonderful BBQ provided by Canyon First Methodist Church.  We will be off to our host families soon and headed to bed.  Today was a long day for everyone.  500 miles today which put us over the 6000 mile mark thus far in the tour.

June 26th-

We had a great day in Canyon Texas today.  This morning we attended Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian of Canyon and enjoyed singing, crafts, snacks, games, a bible study.  The older children went on a field trip to Palo Duro Canyon and enjoyed a sneak peak of where we will be on Sunday evening.   After BBS we went to Pizza Hut for lunch and enjoyed an all you can eat buffet of Pizza.  SIFA enjoyed trying new kinds of Pizza and of course being able to eat as much a they wanted.  After Pizza we headed to the pool.  The church was at the home of a church member so SIFA enjoyed completely taking over the pool.  Our children are doing so well with swimming!  Infact the diving board and the deep end was a highlight for most of SIFA.  Everyone can swimming across the pool now.  Olivia, Flora, Joan, Flora and Emma and almost there.   I guess we are going to have to start a fund to put a swimming pool in on the property.  Just kidding.

After swimming we went back to the church for a nap and dinner and then prepared for our evening concert.  We had a great time with several church represented.  It was a great evening and the audience was great with participation which the children really love!  After the concert many of the children went to the snowcone shack for a treat.  Selected flavors included Watermelon, Pina Colada, Marshmallow, Passion Fruit and Cake Batter.  Yummy.  Off to bed for tonight and off to Amarillo in the morning.  Good Night from Texas.

June 27th-

This morning after a family meeting and devotions we left Canyon church and headed north 15 miles to Amarillo.  We performed at Cornerstone Outreach Center for the noon service on Friday.  After the service we ate some Pizza and then headed out to the food warehouse to help distribute groceries for about 150 needy families.  The children were able to take carts loaded with food to individual cars and help them load the groceries.  Then they ran back to the warehouse and helped the next family.  THe children enjoyed helping the families so much that they didn't even mind the 105 degree temperatures!  After helping pick up the carts and getting everything organized for the next distribution we left for Amarillo South new host families picked  us.  Jamie's cousin is our contact at this church so she is happy to be with family and the children were excited to meet someone related to Jamie as they have such a desire to be part of a "family".  The evening was filled with dinner, swimming, UNO, games, soccer, and a very earnest attempt to get the children to bed early.  Emma, Olivia, Carrie are staying in a home with a very large bathroom that somehow Olivia and Emma think looks like a church.  They laughed when Carrie told them it was the bathroom and time to brush their teeth.  Of course once we were all ready for bed they insisted doing devotions on the big fluffy rug in the middle of the bathroom.  At least God has a sense of humor.  How blessed we have been to stay in such beautiful homes.  We never know from night to night where we will be staying.  The children love them all.  We have made so many friends across the country!  Well Good Night ya'll!

June 28th-

We had a great day in Amarillo.  Everyone hung out with host families until 2:00 doing the regular activities of swimming, games, shopping, photo developing, and parks.  After a fun morning we met at Amarillo South Church for a sound check, Basket Ball, and a BBQ before church at 5:30.  The service was opened by SIFA with a few songs as a teaser for the concert to follow the service.  The children enjoyed the service and worship time.  After the service we were ready for the concert the were 800+ people and the children were excited!  The concert was great and full of energy and participation.  After the concert we enjoyed cookies and lemonade before heading back to host families for a quick evening before bed.  It was a great day in Texas!

June 29th-

Today good very well go down in history as the "best day in America" voted by the SIFA children themselves.  This morning we performed at the both morning services at Amarillo South Church.  We enjoyed participating in Sunday School with the 4th and 5th graders.  We enjoyed their music and taught them one of our songs.  We learned about God's nearness in times of trouble.  After church we had a yummy pancake dinner with great fixxins'.  We were sad to once again have to say goodbye to new friends.  But it was off to Cornerstone Outreach Center for their Sunday afternoon service.  It was a busy afternoon at Cornerstone and then off to Palo Duro Canyon for the TEXAS Production.  This began an evening of first for everyone!  Watch out future host families SIFA likes steak .  .  . well not everyone, but even David (our king of picky) was quiet impressed with the great dinner from the Big Texas Catering graciously donated to us.  After dinner it was time for some Texas line dancing.  The cast of the production came out and got all of our SIFA children on the dance floor doing the texas-two-step, the Star of Texas, and the boot scoot boggie.  Our kids have the rhythm and charisma to pull anything of and were a hit with the cast.  We were soon rushed off the dance floor for a quick sound check in the impressive 1800 seat amphitheater.   Carrie was way up in the sky box running the sound and had a great view of the large stage with the beautiful children dancing and singing.  Yeehaw!  Off stage the children waited with the costumed cast and enjoyed a few moments of climbing on props before their 4 song concert.  Everything went great and the children were jazzed, even after 4 performance for the day.  Then as if we hadn't been blessed enough, it was announced that the "Boot Scholarship Fund" for the cast that was collected for the evening would be given to the children.  THANK YOU TEXAS TEXAS CAST AND CREW!  Over $1000 will go the the GCCI project from their generosity as well as the contributing audience.  I guess we will have to get a Texas flag to fly on the orphanage site! The TEXAS production started with an impressive dance number that filled the stage.  The children were glowing with smiles and wonder.  Not far into the play there were some gun shots in the story line that sent the children jumping and then into roaring laughter at each others reactions.  Everyone was captivated by the characters, dancing, and singing.  The special effects included a prairie fire, a tree being struck by lightening, many horses, and all sort of sounds.  The children were truly enjoying everything as the production came to a close and the fireworks began.  Jamie and Carrie were SO blessed to hear their squeals and absolute amazement as they saw fire works for the first time.  Nobody wanted the evening to end!  A meet and greet with the cast and crew followed this great evening.  All the children got autographs and pictures and really enjoyed every moment.  They loved imitating the actors and learning how to laugh the great Texas belly laugh!  Dancing, laughing, and joy followed us all the way to the vans and through out the 45 minute drive to the the Fifth Season Inn were we were allowed to stay by their gracious manager.  Yes it was after midnight when everyone was settled in their rooms.  WOW!  What a day!  Tonight is our last night in Texas and I know that the children's heads a filled with TEXAS dreams and wonders!

June 30th-

We are just getting ready to hit the road for Colorado from Texas at 9:00am.  We will have a few days off upon our arrival so we aren't sure when we will get another update out.  However, we wanted to share an email with you that we received this morning as a hug for and from SIFA.  See you in Colorado!

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the the SIFA Choir for the tremendous effort and love they have put into raising money for their housing and school. 

This weekend, at Amarillo South church in Amarillo, Texas, I was privileged to host three members of the choir.  What a blessing they were to me and my husband.  Words cannot express how much they touched our lives and our hearts.  We will never forget them -- and we will never  be the same.  To all of the members of the choir:  Thank you for coming to the United States to bless us.  The offering we were able to give to you does not compare with the blessing we received from each and every one of you.  Your love for Jesus is contagious and renewing.  Here in America ,we have many material things.  But we are lacking in our spirits.  Thank you for giving us a blessing of the Holy Spirit.   As we pray for you, please also remember to pray for America. 

My prayers will be with you as you continue your journey in the United States  -- and beyond.   May God continue to richly bless you in your endeavors.  May He give you safe travel and wonderful, exciting adventures.    

God bless each and every one of you.  Although we may never meet again here on this earth, I look forward to rejoicing with all of you in eternity with our sweet Lord Jesus Christ.

Well, we have arrived in Colorado and are off and running already.  The drive went well and we arrived just before 7:00 MST.  It was great to be home for Jamie and the kids were very excited.  The evening was filled with introductions hugs and participating in a youth gathering called Campaigners for mountain area youth from area churches run by Jamie's Mom, Judy and Ben McComb.  Carrie was involved with this ministry for years while living in Evergreen and was glad to be back.  For the night we divided between Ben and Judy's, Jamie's house, and two other host families.  It was great to get to bed and everyone was delighted to finally be in Colorado. 

June has been an exciting month on the 1st we has our first full day in Georgia and here we are on the last day tucked into bed in Colorado.  Praise God for his strength, love, and guidance.   Good night to all.

Back to Current Journey

Hear the

Children sing!

Simply press the play button on any player to hear clips from their newest CD project.

AYI MUKAMA

HAKUNA MUNGU

KYOTASUBIRA

TOGETHER WE CAN