Believe

There have been many times in my life where I have thought, this week is the hardest week of my life. 

Then comes along another week to top that one. 

And now, these past 2 weeks have greatly surpassed them all;

living in a new culture, being white with a black child,

EVERYONE staring at you constantly, 

with things changing at the ladies program,

having to teach financial lessons at Sanyu Babies Home to 44+ people,

moving here in Uganda,

family and friends packing and moving everything we own to a storage unit back in the U.S.,

dealing with the police back in the U.S, LONG story,

grappling with the fact that we might get Jethro, then we might not, then we might,

I do not know if we are all going to make to my sisters wedding,

worrying about where we are going to live when we get back to Durango,

trying to figure out how we are going finalize the adoption without having a home,

realizing that we should have moved out of the house in Durango, that has been a money pit,

BUT, my faith has grown so much.

I had a dream before I left the States.

I was standing in a room all by myself

I was starting to get scared

I looked up and there were many demons swirling around my head 

They were chanting, nothing in particular

So, I started to cast them away saying, 

"In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to leave"

I was saying this over and over again but the demons were not leaving

They would just not go away

I knew I needed to say it and TRULY believe my Lord and Savior can do anything, 

including casting out the demons

So I said it one last time, 

with power,

with true belief,

and the demons were gone.

Then God appeared, pointed at me and said,

"NOW, you believe,"

and I woke up.

I though it was a dream to prepare me to cast out demons here in Africa

(and it still may be)

but I am realizing that God was talking to me and preparing me for what is going on now.

Things keep going wrong

and keep going wrong 

and keep going wrong

but I have to TRULY believe in my Lord and Savior

believe He can do anything

believe He is able

believe He will never leave me

believe He is always with me

David and Enoch at the land

Shafik, Damba and I washing clothes

Shawn with a boy at the street program

Thank you for my family.
Thank you for sending us to Africa and 

Thank you Lord for this lesson. 

 

Adoption court in Uganda

When we first started this journey I had no idea what anything would be like. I have been to Uganda before but it was with The Go Team.

If you follow along on my face book http://facebook.com/shawnrayferrell then you know how court went. For those of you that have been in suspense I am sorry but we went to the village and hung out with the boys for the weekend. We had a good relaxing weekend and are recharged and ready to tackle this week. 

As far as we can tell court went good. It is such a difficult thing. The judge will not give you a ruling the day you have court. He will set a date about 1-2 weeks later to give his ruling. At the first court date he can tell you no but luckily he did not do that. All of his questions where asked to Jethro's biological Mom. Sarah walked up and down the hall with Jethro and I sat there with a dumb look on my face because Lugandan is not my strongest language. I smiled when everyone else did and made up what I thought was being said.

Court in Uganda is not like on TV with Judge Judy. You sit in the judges office in a row of chairs on the back wall. The lawyer sits across from him and they do all the talking. He is addressed as "my lordship." If he gets a call on his cell phone then he is going to take it. if he wants to take a break and have tea you sit and wait for him to do what ever he wants. Why should I have thought anything different TIA (this is Africa).

Our court time was scheduled at 2:30pm. We arrived a bit late because that is normal here in Uganda. Jethro normally is taking a nap at this time so we kept him up in hopes that he would fall asleep the second we arrived. 

Wrong.

He was a ball of energy that would not stop. the good thing is we where not called into his chambers till about 4:30pm 2 hours later. At 5pm the judge decided to take a lunch break and would not tell us how long so we had to wait out in the lobby, this is when Jet finally took a nap. At 7pm we where called into his chambers(office) and had a court hearing for an hour. By the time we left the building we had been there for 6 hours with a hungry tired 32 and 2 year old. 

Next time more snacks and more naps.   

Time for Fasting and Prayer

I have claimed this week, "The Week of Jethro." I am putting the past in the past and am moving forward with God in front of me and my family on my side. We have had some struggles both here in Uganda as well as back in Durango.

I am living today for today.

Father son time, he truly blesses my sole.

What do I mean that this is The Week of Jethro?

I am putting my focus into our son and what needs to come from our court date on Friday. I am fasting from Monday till Thursday night from food during day light hours. I will be in constant prayer to seek what God wants from Sarah and I.

I have continued with my regular programs as well as some extra programs. This is going to be an awesome week and I am giving God the glory to all that has and will happen. He has moved so many walls the past 3 days already. 

Having fun at the grocery store. 

I want to challenge you to follow me in The Week of Jethro.

How can you do this?

How ever you want. 

Do you have to pray and fast for a week?

No, do what God lays on your heart.

On Friday at 5:30 MST we have court to determine if Jethro will get to come home with us or not. This is 2:30PM our time here in Uganda. We probably will not get a decision this day but this is when we get to plead our case, now for the third time. In specific of what is needed to be prayed for are these three main points.

• That the lawyer has everything in order and can get Jethro's biological Mother there (she is refusing to come now)
• That if we have to speak in front of the judge, The Holy Spirit will fill our mouths with the words God wants us to say.
• That Judge Mukiibi will give a positive and quick verdict and that we receive the written report without error.

We have never been so blessed 

Stress with relief

We are taking one day at a time 

Yesterday was Patrick's Funeral

We are in Africa and it was in Durango

I sure wish Shawn could have been there 

He loved Patrick

He loved Patrick because they were brothers from
probably the same mother

(as they were both adopted and had many of the same traits)

He loved Patrick because he would kill Zombies with Shawn for hours

He loved Patrick because he had a cool beard, just like Shawn

He loved Patrick because Patrick was always there
when Shawn needed him

He loved Patrick because they had the same ridiculous love for ice cream

ANY way, ANY topping

He loved Patrick because of his love for Land Cruisers 

(Patrick got Shawn hooked on Land cruisers) 

He loved Patrick because they shared a love for the children in Uganda.

There are many more things Shawn loved about Patrick but they are too many to mention.

We will miss his so much but we know he is with our Lord and Savior.

Patrick and Shawn

He is the happy, loving, care free Patrick we all loved!

I truly believe that the laughing smile of our son, Jethro every morning is what is keeping us going

I am so stressed!

I am dealing with the adoption paperwork

I am trying to teach the group of ladies I work with about how to be successful at a business when they have never worked in the fields in which they want to start a business, some cannot read or write, almost all do not know how to manage their money and we are launching them on July 15

Then, dealing with moving here in Uganda (to a new house)

Family and Friends packing up our whole house in Durango

Figuring out where we are going to live for the 3-6 months when we get back to the U.S.

Just to name a few.

Our new Visa stamps!

But God is good.

Today we had to get our Visa's renewed because they expired......uh......today

Getting a Visa renewed is a long process
(so we heard and allotted the day to getting our Visa's renewed)
So Shawn, Jethro and I, hop on a taxi and head to the office

When we arrive there, there are many people staring at us (no surprise there)

There are many people in line

After waiting for a while and finding out that we are in the wrong line and get in the new line, we are told that we need more paperwork
(that we did not have)

We leave to go get it.

When we get back to the Office of Internal Affairs, there was no line and the offices were closed
I was very frustrated and discouraged
Luckily, Shawn was there to reassure me that God was in control
About 5 minutes later, Shawn came walking out of the office with
two renewed visa's, FREE of charge.

I need to remember everyday, every minute, that God is in control.

 

Giving God the glory

Where to start.

24 hours ago we received news that we have hit the biggest wall imaginable with adopting our son. We where told that the judge would not grant us our son. Then we find out that the courts have lost the file and it wont be till maybe June when we get a new court date with a different judge, that hopefully would grant us custody. The timeline of this could even be longer. The lawyer said that the books for the judge are full through May. We are needing a court date within a week to be able to leave to make it home for our sisters wedding. Most adoptions here take about three weeks. We are just at 3 months. 

Then the realization that we don't have the finances to continue staying here sets in. We have been here living on our savings that was for a down payment for a house. Little did I know mission work and adopting in a third world country can get very pricey. Satan just trying to get us more discouraged.

Then late last night I get the news that my best friend Patrick Kinsella that was watching our house has passed away in our house. This was a devastating blow from Satan. I am devastated by this it still has not set in yet. One great man gone, one great friend gone. 

Patrick and I snow shoeing. 

Many people have been praying for us and have given us so much hope with scriptures. A good friend I met in Uganda quoted Joshua 1: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Thanks Greg. Many others gave scripture like Romans 12:15 and Ephesians 3: 14-21. Nothing better than going to the word to deal with tough times. 

But wait.

There is more.

Today is a new day.

I went to the lawyers office to drop off some paperwork. While there I asked the secretary if the court office has found our file...."we have not heard". Then I asked if there was any new news...."not that we know of." Well can you have Dora the lawyer call us tomorrow......"yes". I got home and Jethro was a ball of energy and Sarah was most defiantly needing a deserved break. As dinner was being cooked me and Jet wrestled and played outside for a while. At 7pm I got a text and just ignored it. When dinner was ready I remembered to check the text it read "We have a court date for 20th April at 2:30 with justice M" This is the best news ever. We hugged each other, kissed, cried, and thanked God. This is a miracle from Jehovah, we give him all the glory. 

This means we might have a chance to finalize in time to leave at our schedule time. God can only make these things fall into place. Knowing the odds of us getting a court date so soon and with the one and only judge that could make this possible, you have believe that our God is an Awesome God.

I am amazed by the people that have given in prayer and financially. You are truly a blessing to our family. I have cried so much today by your words of  love and support. Those who have donated money have broken my heart as well I have always been the giver not the receiver, my heart is broke. 

Tomorrow I will rejoice with my son in the morning and then with my other 60 sons in the slums. I can't wait to go play futball (soccer) with them and get to hang out with them and show them they are cared for. 

What can happen in 24 hours?

What can happen in 24 hours?

The judge has denied our case with Jethro.

It is going to take a long time till we get a different judge.

My best friend Patrick was found dead at our house in Durango.

We have realized we don't have enough money in our savings to keep  living here with Jethro in Uganda.

Don't know when and how to deal with everything.


Thank you Lord, I have my wife and son with me and God is on my side. 


God give us guidance and strength.

Things will be OK.

Parenting is Hard!

Parenting is hard, 

when you have an adopted child,

when that child is of another race,

especially here in Uganda

when you are white,

when you are an outsider,

when you have an African baby.

Everyone is ALWAYS staring at you,

asking if he is a street boy,

if he is yours.

They make comments like "who's baby is that"

"Hey, that's my baby"

Parenting here is overwhelming.

It is also AMAZING!

I get to wake up next to this little boy who is smiling from ear to ear.

He laughs and giggles at everything.

He sings only songs about Jesus, except the itsy, bitsy, spider.

He dances like he is in a dance off.

Plays like he has 100 friends with him.

He has been sick, but he is still happy.

When he takes a bath, it is pure joy.

He goes to sleep in about 2-5 minutes, pure joy!

Then, tomorrow we start all over again.

BUT, I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

All the looks, comments, all the questions are worth it all.

I just have to keep telling myself, 

God is with me.

God is able.

God will never fail me.

And through Him, I, Sarah Ferrell, can do anything.

He is Almighty God!

Thank you Lord for allowing to be this special little boys mother!

His is truly a gift from God!

 

Following God's call

 We have now lived here for about 3 months. We have a month and a half left till we head home. It most defiantly has not seemed like it has been that long. Everyday is touching and I get more involved with the people and culture of Uganda. I am starting to understand the language and able to speak some of it too. The relationships I have built are ones that will last a life time. 

Boys in Kivvulu

The times with my son have been some of the best times. Those of you who are fathers know what I am talking about. Like in the morning, when I fart in bed and Jethro says Boda Boda (motorcycle), or him giving me kisses and his big hugs. Just today when we passed a 70 series Land Cruiser, he said "Land Cruiser" for is first time. I am getting a taste of what my father felt like.

Well you are wondering what part of this directly relates to following Gods call. Everything that we are doing is following God. We are having him lead us through every step of our life. He leads our marriage, our parenting, our work, and where we live. 

When we get back to the states we will be there for about 6 months preparing to move back to Uganda as full time missionaries. We will be packing up our house and preparing our keepsakes for long term storage. We will be spending time with family that live all over the US. We also will be looking for sponsors to support us while we are here. Flights here are expensive and we need to raise that before we leave. Also are needing to find sponsors that are wanting to donate monthly or quarterly. This would cover our day to day cost as well as expenses for ministry work. Like taking a few street kids to buy new second hand shirt and sandals from the market or Sarah taking some widows to lunch, to build relationships. 

We will be working with International Voice of the Orphan as well as A Perfect Injustice. IVO is our good friends the Saunders that have lead us to this wonderful place. They sparked our love for the fatherless. API is the organization that we are currently working with. They have a feeding program, 2 boys homes on 20+ acres and a women program. We don't have a length of time that we will be here, just until God calls us on our next journey. 

Playing checkers

First days as a father

What can prepare you to be a parent?

The day we brought Jethro home was so special. It was a day that made our dreams reality. Getting to pray with him and tuck him in has been very special and I look forward to it each night. Waking up in the morning is just as special. He wakes up with the biggest smile and laughing each day. He gets up and comes into bed with us and plays for a while if Dan our roommate has already gotten up. If Dan or one of us is still asleep because Jethro or the dogs kept us up then we go to the living room and hang out. 

Morning breakfast

Jethro has been so much fun and keeps us smiling. He loves playing with his soccer ball and a big bouncy ball. We go out side and kick and throw them around. There are 3 turkeys here at the house and Jethro is very curious about them. If the ball goes near them he will cock his eyes toward them and then give his little smile and laugh. He also loves playing with trucks, father like son. He will push them all over the house and we will sit in the floor and push them back and forth to each other. 

Eating time has been one of the hardest thing for him to adapt to here at the house. At Sanyu they would all sit down in low high chairs. They are unable to get up and leave until a moma picks them up when they are finished. We do not have that here at the house. Things have been getting easier as the days go by and he as well as us have been adjusting well. 

I have been able to experience what it was like the day my Mom and Dad brought me home. My Dad talked about how proud he was of me when they got me. He would take me every where he went and show me off to all of his his friends. I have found that I am so much like my Dad. I can't wait to continue showing of Jethro.

Length of life

On Saturday night one of the boys we work with has passed away. He was picking scrap, and fell on a piece of metal. Picking scrap is what the kids do to make money by selling the metal or plastic to the recycling place. Patrick had many friends on the streets and he was loved. his age was unknown but somewhere around 16.

loading the bus with the coffin. 

We loaded up two 30 passenger buses with about 90+ people and the coffin. We drove 3 hours to his village which 2 of those hours where on bumpy dirt roads. We rode in the bus with all the small kids and fed them cookie sized deep fried banana bread called pancakes and juice. 

The back half of the bus not full yet.

When we arrived we had to dig the grave because the family did not want anything to do with him.

The family cemetery in the banana plantation. There was 12 graves there already and 7 of them where very small. This was very sobering, I have never dug a grave. I have never seen such a high percent of kids graves.

      

The uncles of the program spoke some words and and we sang songs of praise in Lugandan. Then his teacher spoke about him and then we prayed. This was touching to see some of the big kids that act like they have hard hearts to cry and show compassion.

Good bye Patrick we will love you and miss you.