Real Appreciation

Hey yall, this is Austin, this is my first blog to write and all the other opportunities i have had others were on the computer or i was just too tired to stay up! But back to the title, do you really appreciate what you have? Over the last week i have to come to have a much greater appreciation of things that i consider to be basic. Items such as water are more than something thrown in a ballon or squirted from a gun. Water is life! And that is a truth that i have seen clearly portrayed on this trip by the people of Uganda. They treat water like liquid gold, i have never really wanted and cherished bottled water like i have over the past few days. In the home of the pastor a Mabaale Presbyterian a lady walked in and was walking around, kneeling, and washing our hands, as each drop of water passed out of the container it burdened my heart and i for once in my life actually wanted to not clean myself but rather conserve water. It was a simple yet very powerful act on the part of the Ugandans. Also i have grown to love the Bible so much more! People here want to grow so much, they thirst for the word more than most Americans yet we have dozens of Bibles in our home and many of them have never surpassed the sight of the Bible. They long for Christ and it encourages me to see their fervor and want of the Word. It is very convicting to think of the fervor i have had for my quiet time, they are reading the Bible as soon as you give it too them! Americans will throw it in the back seat, stick it in their pocket or put it on the table as a decoration, these people are devouring God's word quicker than a monkey can eat a banana! Their fire is a testament to God's work in this country!
Last night i was encouraged even more by believers in Uganda as i had a chance to meet with six believers and talk with them, i went through some simple diagrams and also just encouraged them, they had questions and i along with a few members of the team were more than happy to answer what we could. Two of the men had come to Christ at the crusade in Kagadi on Monday night! I was trying to encourage them and give them tips about being a new believer, they were telling me that they could sleep now, that they had a peace unlike any they had ever experienced and also one told me of the joy he had, the fulfillment he felt that he had longed for his whole life! I cannot begin to explain the emotions i was feeling, there was a little man in my heart that was throwing a party! I was so encouraged that i had trouble sleeping for about an hour! God is at work in this place and i cannot begin to tell you powerful your support and prayer has been, not just to the team but to this country. I have had so many people thank me for what we are doing and several who want me to tell you back at home how much they love you, even though they have never met you or seen your face. The people here are working on a foundation that will grow into an amazing place! Thank you again for all your support and I hope to blog again soon! Mocama simawe (sp?) in english, Praise God!