Sunday, August 25, 2013

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Here is  our latest:

Last week, Amazima hosted our first support group for Amazima families affected by HIV and AIDS.  It got off to a late start as here in Uganda, "9am" means "around noon." After everyone showed up, we began with a prayer and the workshop began!

Each person in attendance introduced themselves and shared how they are related to Amazima. Glory was given to God while discussing all of the ways he has carried our families. Through the hard times and the good times, everyone agreed that God is good- ALL the time!

Following introductions, we started the day by going over basic information about HIV and AIDS. Although basic facts are pretty well known among the Ugandan families, they are often times mixed with misinformation. This educational segment of the day provided us with a great opportunity to debunk any myths circling around the communities. Our favorite truth to promote?  HIV is NOT a death sentence!


Read more...


48 comments:

Greta said...

Hi Katie!

My name is Greta Dreyer. I am 17 years old and I live in Pasadena, CA. I just started reading your book and it is changing my life! As a senior in high school I have many decisions to be making about my future and it has been very stressful with my parents as I would like to do mission work abroad and they want me to go straight to college. Your book is so inspiring, and I know God put it in my life at the exact right time I needed to read it! You are in my prayers!!

With love! Greta!

Greta said...

Hi Katie!

My name is Greta, I am 17 years old and I live in Pasadena, CA. I started reading your book recently and it is changing my life! I also would like to take a year off before college next year and do mission work abroad, but it has been hard to convince my parents. Your book is so inspiring, and gives me so much hope! Your in my prayers!!

With love, Greta!

Greta said...

Hi Katie!

My name is Greta, I am 17 years old and I live in Pasadena, CA. I started reading your book recently and it is changing my life! I also would like to take a year off before college next year and do mission work abroad, but it has been hard to convince my parents. Your book is so inspiring, and gives me so much hope! Your in my prayers!!

With love, Greta

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie,

My name is Inna. I'm 20 years old, but I feel like my calling is to serve others. I have read your book and it inspired me in so many ways. I can't even explain. Everything you do makes me so happy, but at the same time I want to be there with you.. doing what you do.. helping and serving others the way you do. You are so amazing, God is so amazing. I read your posts, and I cry from joy, especially because I see how GOD is truly amazing, and he is using someone so young like you. My dream one day is to visit you or to meet you in person. I want to serve with you, and I just want to help people. I feel like here in America I have nothing left, I feel so empty inside, my job doesn't satisfy me anymore, I feel like I am not doing my mission in life. I'm not helping the people who need help. I can't explain the feelings and emptiness i have inside, I so wish I could. Every time I read your post I wish with my whole heart to be there with you. I just wanted to say may GOD bless you. And I hope to hear from you.

Taleisha said...

Hi Katie!! I am a 17 year old missionary (currently in Cambodia) and I am visiting Uganda in December/January this year!! I have three adopted brothers that I am going to meet for the first time. I will be spending most of my time in Gulu but if it's at all possible I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to meet with you somehow! Is this at all possible? Do you have an email I could communicate with you a bit more privately? I am reading your book right now and am constantly being moved. I have a heart for missions, helping the poor and people that go without. I see a lot of it here but I'm sure it's very different to Uganda. I love children and am so over the moon excited to be finally visiting The Pearl Of Africa!!!! I eagerly await your response!! :)

In His Love,
Taleisha.

Vanessa said...

Hello Katie!
My name is Vanessa and I am 15 years old. I visited your blog because I have just finished reading your book and I wanted to let you know how much you have inspired me! You are living my dream. Everything you are is what I want to be and what God has called me to be. I have a heart and passion to love the lost and broken and share the abundance that God has given me! In so many ways I envy you, I wish I could pick up now and go reach the unreachable and forgotten. I've always wanted tons of children and that's definitely what you've got! You have encouraged me so much to say yes to whatever God has for my life and I've seen through your stories how amazing He is to answer our every need no matter how small. I hope you are encouraged by this and that you know you have one more person in the world looking up to you. You are an amazing person and one of God's favorites!

Taleisha said...

Hi Katie!!!
I am a 17 year old missionary living in Cambodia with my family working with abused girls. We've been here for 2 and a half years now and I LOVE working in the mission field. I have a heart for Africa as well, though I haven't been there, I am going there in December/January with my Dad to meet my 3 adopted brothers! They living in Uganda as well. I am wanting to get into contact with you to see if it is at all possible to me to arrange meeting you. Do you have an email I can use to communicate with you more privately? I am so inspired by your story and am in the middle of reading you book right now!! I am constantly amazed by how God uses ordinary people to extraordinary things!!

In His love,
Taleisha.

Anna said...

Hello, I am just wondering if you go to University?
If so could you give a Christian some advice for starting university please?
Thank you,
Anna

Rhoda said...

Hi Katie,

I'm in the middle of your book and loving it. I can see your passion for God and love for those children and really identify.

I also went against my parent's wishes and left university where I was studying for a medical degree after only two years because I realised God wanted me to leave and work with troubled kids. I did, and ended up getting married to the American missionary I was working with! Currently I am busiest mothering & homeschooling our own children, but we are also going into schools here in the UK as a family to do assemblies which is a great opportunity.

Anyway I just wanted to write and say that I can see God is in what you are doing and your book is a great joy and inspiration to read :)

Tara Wentworth said...

Dearest Katie - Just finished reading your book and looking at your blog and web site. You have challenged me afresh to live with abandonment for our Savior. I have had seasons (I am now 66 yrs old) where I lived yielded to the Lord and other seasons I am not so proud of. It is never too late to start afresh. Thanks for living what many are preaching but not necessarily demonstrating themselves!

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie! You can keep this post private if you want to. It is a special message for Betty. I was praying for her and I believe the LORD put it on my heart to tell her Jeremiah 29:11! He loves her and He has a plan for her! I feel His love so strongly for her! God bless her! God keep her! Let her know a faraway friend is praying for her.

Anonymous said...

My eleven year old daughter and I read your book together and love it! Thank you for all that you do!

Anonymous said...

I don't usually post comments on blogs but I came across your book today in a Barnes and Nobles and was moved to tears! I am sort of like you in reverse: I am from East Africa but feel that God has called me to the US for this season. I was encouraged by your testimony to pursue Him and rely on Him and be fuelled by purpose. May God bless you and your daughters and may you continue to have an ever unfolding revelation of His Majesty, Goodness, Love and Mercy!
Your sister in Christ,
Liz

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie,

The way you speak about God is deeply moving. I have some idea of how hard you work and the demands that people put on you. I'm wondering how you find time to be alone with Him. I offer you to Him in the my prayer. I hope God will permit me to return to Uganda if only to meet you and see your work. God gives us such abundant. life. I know you teach great respect for life. Fr. Stephen, OCD, formerly of Jinja

Fr. Stephen Watson said...

I can't tell whether my comments are passing the first test to determine that I'm not a robot. I just want to say that the more I read your book and look at your blog and website and can't help saying, "Glory be to God." You really bring God close to us. You have chosen life and you are giving life. You make it easy for me to pray, and I lovingly commend you to God, our Father, and His Son, our Lord. Fr. Stephen, OCD

Anonymous said...

Please change the brown background. I can't see the words.

Anonymous said...

30 3I am almost finished with your book and am so touched. I actually have a son with his family living in Capetown as missionaries and am going there 9/16. You are definitely in my prayers now! Nancy Proeger

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the updates. Your life is such an inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Dear Katie, Thank you so much for posting about what God is doing in Uganda and in your family. It's so easy as a college student to get caught up in SO MUCH TO DO... but when I read your posts... and reread them...and reread them the next week... I come back to earth again and everything goes into perspective. I long to be there with you, instead of in a world where people put on masks over their problems and live as if we're in Heaven already. Hopefully I can visit Uganda someday. The pictures you post are beautiful! God bless you!

Unknown said...

Hey Katie,

I grew up as a missionary kid, and have had a dream since highschool of running a school/orphanage/midwifery training center/hospital/farm for those in need. Just heard about your blog from a friend. I am currently in medical school in the US, but would love to hear what the medical needs are there and what you envision as a caring healthcare infrastructure that would serve your community best. Hope we get to cross paths one day.

God Bless,
Tom

Anonymous said...

I can find the love and glory of god in this project. I am so humbled

Anonymous said...

Katie,

May The Lord bless you with more of Himself. This is indeed not the end! You, Katherine, Betty, and many more will be unimaginably glorious...praying for you dear sister

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/a-song-for-the-suffering-with-john-piper

Anonymous said...

That's awesome what yall are doing keep it up!

SJH said...

Hi Katie,
I've been so blessed by your book! I lived in Kenya for 6 months and also visited Uganda for approx. a week. I fell in love with every child! Love you so much and many, many blesses and provision is coming your way in Jesus' name!

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, my name is Sarah and I'm a nurse living in Colorado. Just started reading your book today...what a story! Encouraged by your purpose to love. Simple. Will be praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Katie,

I remember finding your book in Mardel and thinking... "I have to read this!!" You see, my name is Katie, I am 22 years old, and I was preparing to go on a 3 month trip to Nigeria to volunteer at A Place of Hope Orphan Home. I went Feb - May 2013. I loved it, and my heart is still very much there. Having come back, I feel lost sometimes, knowing that I want more than anything to be there with my precious babies, but also learning to trust God and follow His will no matter where I am at the moment. So, sitting around wishing that I was back in Nigeria...I came across your book again. And I just want to thank you. The feelings you described when you were back in America and away from where your heart is, how nobody seems to understand why you feel the way you do about children and a place that is so far away... all the way down to how the red dirt stains really never go away; it's helped me. It's helped me make sense of some of my feelings, helped me not feel so alone in how I am feeling, and encouraged me to keep drawing closer to God and depend on him no matter the situation. This book meant so much more to me the second time because I have lived much of what you write about... I can relate. I hope you get to read this and know how much of a blessing you are. Thank you for writing your story. I've been praying for you and all those beautiful people you have surrounded yourself with.

-Katie R.

mandy said...

hi katie! my name is mandy and i just started your book last night on a recommendation from a friend!and im already on chapter 8... i will be coming to uganda for the first time this december (i've been wanting to come to africa since i was 19 but now at 31 its gonna happen) it will be my first trip out of the country and i was struggling with leaving my family for two weeks. but your perspective and joy has renewed my soul and i can't thank you enough for your words and encouragment shown throughout your book! God bless!

Clara said...

Hey! Your book is amazing! Thank you for taking the time to write it! I am looking for missions trip to go to in the next year and wanted to ask you if you have people come and help you as a service? I am looking for an opportunity similar to yours in your book. It is very hard to find a true missions trip. I do not want to bother you and I know your time is precious but I wanted to ask you. You book is truly a blessing!
Thank you, Clara

Clara said...

Hey!
Your book is amazing! I want to thank you for taking your time to write it!
I am looking for a missions trip for the next year and wanted to ask you if you ever have people come to you (your ministries) and help you as a service? I am looking for an opportunity like the one you had in your book. I love children and love caring for them. I do not want to bother you and I know your time is precious but I wanted to ask you. True mission trips are rare and hard to find.
Your book is truly a blessing!
Thank you!
Clara

Anonymous said...

Katie, I have just finished reading your book and I am truly inspired. I am sure that you have been an inspiration to many others also. I could relate to a lot of things that you were feeling when I was volunteering on the Mexican border. I lived in a shelter for people when they arrived from Central America and Mexico, shortly after the problems there in the 1980s. Some day I am going to come over to meet you.....until then, you will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Katie, I just finished reading your book and I was so inspired! thank you so much.

Anonymous said...

I read your book last year and I am now serving in the middle east with my family. I will continue to keep you in my prayers! <3

Moyenna said...

I read your book last year. It was SO gripping, and amazing. Six months later I find myself serving in the Middle East {Turkey} and I can't believe what a journey it has been. Imagining what you went through is absolutely AMAZING. God has called our family back to the states {being only 13 I can't exactly stay in T. alone :} It was so inspiring - reading your book!!!!! What you are doing is SO beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I read your book last year. It was SO gripping, and amazing. Six months later I find myself serving in the Middle East {Turkey} and I can't believe what a journey it has been. Imagining what you went through is absolutely AMAZING. God has called our family back to the states {being only 13 I can't exactly stay in T. alone :} It was so inspiring - reading your book!!!!! What you are doing is SO beautiful! Moyenna

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, i'm a 7th grader at a school in hawaii and i wanted to ask you something for a project. My school is P.H.C.A. and it is a Christian school. By now you should get a lot of questions like I'm about to ask you from my fellow classmates. We just learned about African culture and would just like to ask you a simple question. Anyways this is my question, what is the greatest challenges in Africa. My classmates wil be praying for you guys. :) GOD BLESS :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Katie! My name is ally. im 13 and in 7th grade and i just want to tell you how amazing the stuff you are doing is. You really inspire me to be a better person. I am reading your book in bible class and it never bores me! Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, I am so inspired by your story and all the different things that you have done. At my school, we are now reading your book, and it is absolutely amazing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie
I love all that you have done and how much you have don ego help these poor children. I am so happy you have dedicated you life to God and severing him to the best of your abilities. We are reading your book in bible class and me and my family sponsor four of the children in Uganda through Amazima Industries.

Thank You
Jessica

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, I am truly inspired of all the different things that you have done. At my school, we are reading your book, and it is absolutely amazing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie! My name is Caitlin Elmore and I'm 12 going on 13 in 1 week and 3 days! I go to Greater Atlanta Christian School and in my Bible class we are reading your book and talking about you! You are so amazing and I hope you are having a great time in Uganda! Wait, I know you are! Thank you so much for all you do! Love you! Caitlin

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, I am really inspired of all the different things that you have done. At my school, we are reading your book, and it is truly amazing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, I am really inspired of all the different things that you have done. At my school, we are reading your book, and it is truly amazing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, I am really inspired of all the different things that you have done. At my school, we are reading your book, and it is truly amazing.

Anonymous said...

hey i am 13 yrs young you have inspired me so much i cane do what you did and adopt so many kids and help so many people but i can make a change i have decider to collect funding for Breast cancer it is not much but i could make a big difference in someones life my neighbor had it and was a survivor so thank you so much for inspiring me

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, I am really inspired of all the different things that you have done. At my school, we are reading your book, and it is truly amazing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, I am really inspired of all the different things that you have done. At my school, we are reading your book, and it is truly amazing.

frannie said...

Hello, i am reading your story in my bible class. Your story is so inspiring to me. What you are doing is so amazing. I am keeping you in my prayers. Thank you for writing such an inspiring story.

Anonymous said...

Hi Katie, my class is reading your book, and I am truly inspired.