January 25th

What a week thus far! It has been such a joy to have the team from the US here. So encouraging! It’s been great to see and hear how they are reacting to Uganda. Oh how it resonates so readily with my heart. I have been able to share so much that I have learned and it is such a joy to share. To share where my heart is! Oh may God be praised!
I wanted to tell you two stories, two of my firsts.
1) Baptism-> yesterday we had a baptism which Mike Hodges and Shane did. They baptized nearly 30… anyway about 20 minutes later we were still hanging out and there were two who wanted to be baptized. Mike and Shane had already changed and no one else jumped in… so I was all about it. I didn’t have a change of clothes, hadn’t even baptized anyone, but was definitely up for it! I jumped right in the dug out cement whole that had the frame of a small church around it. Robert came walking up to the stairs… he is a young man about 18 years of age. He walked down the stairs and I began to talk to him. He professed his faith and then I baptized him. Second a young teenage girl with a clubbed foot and some other handicaps made her way with great trepidation into the pool. You see most of the Ugandans are scared of water. She got down and I began to ask her a few questions. With the drums beating and the people singing, I dunked her and then raised her up. I could tell there would be some trouble getting back up the stairs and so I picked her up and carried her out of the pool. What a powerful moment!
2) Communion-> I have been a part of leading communion before, but never in this capacity. I was able to lead 225 youth, pastors, and leaders in holy communion. Through an interpreter I explained the symbolism and spoke the words of institution from Mark. Oh did I feel the Spirit rush through… praise be to God for working and moving in my imperfection. I am certainly not worthy of leading others in the Lord’s supper, I’m not worthy to even take it… only by God’s grace! How infinite is the Father’s love! So powerful!

Friends and Family,

Well I must say that the adventure just continues to get more interesting with every turn. Today I found myself on the back of a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) weaving in and out of traffic to get home. It might have been a little scary at times, but for the most part it was great! My mom wont like this, but it makes me want to get a motorcycle! I’m able to find my way around Kampala a little better as I have to guide the drivers here and there. Today was the first day that I had been alone while traveling here and there… it was overall a great experience. I didn’t even make one wrong turn.
Yesterday on the roads I had a flashback of the childhood game frogger. In the game you have to direct the frog here and there jumping out of the way of speeding cars, onto moving logs, and watching out for the ever dangerous crocodiles. While on the road, I saw for the first time in my life human frogger as this man jumped infront of an on coming car, then back, scooted to the side 4 steps, up to more, and then waited for the open gap before jumping for his life onto the curb just in time to avoid the large truck that would have certainly smushed him otherwise. It was quite entertaining to watch, even though I wish I could have helped him out a bit.
The week has gotten off to a great start as we’ve been frantically preparing for the group that comes tomorrow morning from the states. I’ll start my morning at about 5:45am so that I can get to the airport in time to pick up the group so that the rest of the crew here can continue to prepare for our almost immediate departure to Comey Island. The group is about to have a whirlwind of event flung at them… I have this feeling that they will be both tired and numb as we try to cram a 2 1/2 week trip into 5 days. AAHHHH!!!!
The really big event that actually started tonight is a nation wide youth convention that will last through Saturday. I will be participating in the teaching as well as the group and people from all over Uganda. We’re not sure how many will be coming as the Kenya controversy has pushed gas prices high, and therefore the cost of transport. Every day we have more an more groups contacting us for help to get to the youth convention. It’ll be interesting to see how many actually show up. No matter the number we are confident that God ha gone before to prepare the way as we talk about Joshua 24:15 and choosing Whom to Serve. Please be in prayer for us.
OK one more story and then I must go for now. Yesterday I was in the office at Kasubi doing some office work when a young boy cam in the child sponsership office. His name is Amos and about a year ago he was walking around his village when his epillepsy kicked in, causing him to seizure. This forced him off his feet and into the nearby fire where his face and arm were severly burned. For nearly two months no medical help was acquired until Colleen heard the story from one of the pastors. They immediately had the boy brought in to Kampala wear a team of doctors have been working over the past year to cut down infection, graft skin from his leg, and re-build his face so that little Amos might have a face. The young boy is amazing! HE is scared and quite literally has little resemblance of a face, but his spirit shines through. He came in and just lit up the office.
The number of life transforming stories just continue to rise as the adventure continues.
Continue to live with the hope that we have in Christ!
Love God love people

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Friends and Family,

Hopefully this email will be able to hold the flood that seems to be overflowing from my heart. First of all let me just say I LOVE UGANDA!!! Now hear me on this… it’s not necessarily the lifestyle, living conditions, politics, confusing languages, or the adventure of avoiding diseases… but it’s the people! Today I caught myself staring at some of my Ugandan friends and just being overwhelmed as I saw them through the eyes of my heart. These people have enriched my life so much already.
Oh the many adventures! Well in the week that I’ve been here I have already spoken at a church, helped to plan a youth convention for about 500, aided in the hosting of a party, met over 150 new friends, done work for the Kasubi office, caught up with friends, traveled on Lake Victoria via motorized canoe, just to name a few. The great thing is that it only gets better from here… In the coming weeks a few things that are coming together are a possible trip with a bush pilot to do a missionary drop, speaking at Heritage International School, “Choose Whom to Serve” Youth Convention 2008 (Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan, Congo, and Zambia), spending some time in the North with a new friend named Martin, IDP (displacement camps) visiting, home visits with TAPP, weekly speaking opportunities, and a possible trip out of the country. I’m so excited!!! The whole thing gets even better in the next few weeks as a Youth Leader team from the Church of God (many of whom I would consider models of ministry) will be coming next week and then only a few weeks later Audrey will be joining me here. I can’t wait to be able to share these adventures with people that I love so dearly.
Physically I would have to say that my body is a little slow right now as I still try to get over the jet lag and adjust to the demands I am placing on it. Last night was another short night as an intense storm came through. I ended up being wide awake at 4:30am, unable to go back asleep. The food doesn’t seem to be that big of an issue right now as I enjoy the chapatti, steamed plantains, fresh fruit, and many other “foreign” foods. There are many things that we are eating that aren’t necessarily that different from what we have in the States, but they are just different enough to notice something is off.
The Stevensons have been great! I’m astounded every day at the complexity of the work that they do here. They love the people here so well and seem to have such a passion for the furthering of the kingdom throughout the whole continent. The family has welcomed me so genuinely into their home, which has helped so much as I’m away from you. I find myself quite often wishing many of you were here. As I’m doing this or that I think about specific individuals and how your gifts and talents could be used here. Also I think about how you would react to some of the conversations or situations. Please know that there is always a place or a way to get involved. There is so much love to give in so many different ways.
I feel like my words have been lacking in this email. Hopefully in the coming weeks my vocabulary will be able to better carry the stories of life change that seem to be happening all around. Praise God for the great love and hope that is extended globally through the precious gift of Jesus Christ!
Love God love people

Family and Friends,

I’m in Africa! After a full 24 hours of flying, skipping about 9 hours into the future, meeting numerous adventurers, cramming into small airline seats, and enjoying a good night’s rest after taking a muscle relaxer I’m feeling pretty good. I’m under strict orders to take it easy today, to give my body time to adjust. The laziness will be short lived as tomorrow I’ll jump right in with some projects underway over at Heritage, the school the boys go to. Also right now we are preparing for a group of youth leaders from the states. Many of these pastors are my friends, mentors, and bosses. It’ll be quite interesting playing a large role in leading them around Kampala. That week promises to be quite busy.
Tim and Colleen have been so wonderful already welcoming me into their home. And I do feel right at home… as soon as I stepped of the plane in Entebbe and took in a lung full of Africa, a sense of peace rushed over me. The next two months promises to be quite the adventure as conversations have already drifted to snake beatings (the boys killed a black mamba yesterday), camping in the bush (taking a few trips in the coming weeks), buildings to be constructed, celebrations, and much amazement to how the Spirit lives, moves, and has being in Uganda these days.
It’s so good to see many of my friends who I haven’t seen in a year. It’s so refreshing to see the Ugandan smile and struggle to understand English through such a thick accent. (forgot the challenges) Just about an hour ago I went outside to lend a hand to a few of the compound assistants who are preparing the grounds for the cookout tonight with the teachers from Heritage. I found myself sweating within seconds and being a little overwhelmed by the brightness of the sun, not to mention a little dizzy from the intensity. I know my body is tired from the journey and so I’m treating it as such with water and rest.  I’m sure I will begin to adjust in the coming days.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support. I already have stories to tell, which I will share later.
Hope and peace to you
Love God love people,
Joshua

Big News

Family and Friends,

 

      What a Christmas this has been!  I’ve graduated from college, planned to go to Africa, and now I’m ENGAGED to be married.  Here’s the story…

 

Right now I’m in Ohio with Audrey and her family.  Yesterday they conspired (I mean… planned) with me to give Audrey and I quote, “The best present I’ve ever received.”  The plans that started to take shape in November started to see fruition early that morning when I strategically placed flowers and the 1^st note I ever gave her outside her room.  I strung a few cords and placed a couple of baskets to make sure she couldn’t miss it… well she missed it… she came down stairs a little distressed after a nightmare.  Audrey’s parents and I patiently listened to her story and then asked if she had found anything upstairs that might have brightened her day.  She immediately ran up the stairs to find the surprise. 

            With a huge grin plastered on her face she came back down stairs to find that we were preparing French Toast and Strawberries.  This was the breakfast we ate during our 1^st date when she also cut my hair.  We enjoyed sharing the stories and remembering all that had happened.  Church seemed to go by quickly as the day finally was here!  After a wonderful Christmas lunch I took Audrey downstairs where we wrapped our Christmas presents for the family, and I read her the children’s book from our 1^st birthday celebration that we had together.  She had taken me to the children’s section of the library for my birthday… good times! 

            The day continued with more family time until we loaded up in the car to go to Christmas at the zoo in Toledo.  While we were there I pulled her aside again to relive our 1^st kiss.  The special thing about that experience was that her roommates had poked their heads out of the window, while we were sitting around a fire, and sung the song from the little mermaid “Kiss the Girl.”  So when I pulled Audrey to a little fireplace at the zoo I pulled out my ipod and played her the song.  It was fantastic!  J

            The family retreated back to the warmth of the homestead to share our Christmas presents with one another.  We received many wonderful gifts while the adrenaline continued to make my heart beat harder and harder.  Finally we got through the gifts, and Audrey was left with one more gift.  She pulled the box on her lap and waited while we relived our whole day.  After that I explained how much I love her because of who she is, her family, and our life’s mission.  She opened the box to find a precious moments figurine of a boy getting down on one knee, with a ring box, in front of his sweetheart (entitled “with this ring I…”).  Audrey then and only then got a clue and exclaimed “WHAT?”  I proceeded to pull the real ring from behind me and get down on a knee to ask her hand in marriage.  She enthusiastically agreed and took the ring.  After giving me a huge kiss she put the ring on her finger and started to exclaim “OH MY GOSH” over and over again.  Many tears flowed with the whole family around and the tape rolling. 

            We are now rejoicing with many of our friends and family over the phone and in person.  It was a beautiful surprise and another first for us. We’re so excited for what God has for us and for the blessing that we’ve found in each other. Audrey’s grandpa used to tell her, “Pain shared is halved, and joy shared is doubled.” Audrey and I wanted to be sure and include you in this happy day.  Thanks for rejoicing with us!  

Hope all of you are enjoying this great season!

Love God love people

Watch the link below

Oh the Weather…. What would you choose?

ANDERSON, INDIANA

9pm

Snow Shower 30°F

25°F

40%

23°F

67%

From ESE 5 mph

10pm

Snow Shower 30°F

25°F

50%

23°F

67%

From ESE 5 mph

11pm

Snow Shower 30°F

24°F

60%

24°F

70%

From ESE 6 mph

Wed, December 5

Rip Currents Safety

12am

Snow 31°F

25°F

70%

25°F

74%

From ESE 6 mph

1am

Snow 31°F

24°F

80%

25°F

74%

From ESE 7 mph

2am

Snow 31°F

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25°F

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Snow 30°F

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From ESE 8 mph

4am

Snow 30°F

22°F

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From ESE 8 mph

5am

Snow 30°F

22°F

70%

26°F

82%

From ESE 9 mph

Wed, December 5

Time

Condition

Feels Like

Chance Precip

Dew Point

Humid.

Wind

6am

Snow 30°F

22°F

70%

26°F

82%

From ESE 9 mph

Morning Commute

Boat & Beach Maps

7am

Snow 30°F

22°F

70%

27°F

86%

From E 9 mph

Sunrise 7:49 am

Atlantic Coast Water Temps

8am

Snow 30°F

21°F

60%

27°F

86%

From ENE 10 mph

9am

Snow Shower 29°F

19°F

60%

27°F

90%

From ENE 12 mph

10am

Snow Shower 29°F

19°F

50%

26°F

86%

From NE 13 mph

11am

Snow Shower 29°F

18°F

40%

26°F

86%

From NE 15 mph

12pm

Flurries 29°F

17°F

30%

25°F

82%

From NNE 16 mph

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Flurries 29°F

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30%

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From NNE 18 mph

2pm

Flurries 29°F

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…SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY…

A SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY.

SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATE THIS EVENING…AND CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY. AT THIS POINT…THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED TO FALL FROM ABOUT 300 AM EST WEDNESDAY UNTIL ABOUT THE NOON HOUR. PRESENT INDICATIONS SUGGEST THAT 3 TO LOCALLY 5 INCHES OF ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED

VS

Daily Details for Alabaster, AL

Hourly Forecast    more details 6am 37°F Feels Like 33°F 9am 47°F Feels Like 43°F 12pm 58°F Feels Like 55°F 3pm 61°F Feels Like 61°F 6pm 51°F Feels Like 48°F 9pm 46°F Feels Like 42°F Day Sunny High 64°FPrecip 0%

VS

Kampala, Uganda

Hourly Forecast    more details 6am 69°F Feels Like 69°F 9am 73°F Feels Like 73°F 12pm 80°F Feels Like 82°F 3pm 84°F Feels Like 86°F Day Isolated T-Storms High 85°F

Uganda Update

Friends and Family,     

       Greetings to you on this Thanksgiving week!  I don’t know about you, but I find myself once again in awe of just how many things I am thankful for.  “Oh how great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God.” (1 John 3:1)  I think beyond anything else this year I am coming to understand more and more how all things contribute to my understanding of God’s great love.  Through heartache, service, pain, rejoicing, trials, and victories I better understand God’s love by means of community.  Thank You once again for being a part of my life and the journey that is ahead.  Many of you have expressed your support and commitment to pray, for that I am eternally grateful.

I wanted to take a minute to update you on where my plans are as of now:

-My Passport has been stamped with an entry Visa     This went without a hitch as I sent it directly to the Ugandan embassy in order to save $75.  The forms were excepted and I got it back in 4 days. (Incredible!) 

-Flight reservations have been booked     My travel plans have me departing from Birmingham, AL on the morning of Jan. 9th going through Chicago->Amsterdam->Nairobi, Kenya-> and then on to Entebbee, Uganda.  The same route will be taken on the way home on the 27th of February.  The flight was $1250 which was right on track with the previous budget I sent out.  Many thanks to Willi Kant in our TRI-S office who gave of his time to guide me through the process and take the weight completely off of my shoulders.

-Supplies are coming together     In talking with Tim and Colleen they have gave me a few suggestions on things to bring and how to properly be prepared.  Some supplies are able to be borrowed, some are being donated, and others will be purchased before going in January.  All is coming together on this front.

-Correspondence with the Stevensons has been encouraging    Tim and Colleen seem to be excited about having an extra hand around.  Please continue to pray with me for wisdom, so I do not become a burden or hindrance to the work of the kingdom. 

-Audrey’s participation    We are still waiting to hear back about her availability to go.  Right now it looks like her trip will be cut down to two weeks, if she gets to go.  She has received a grant from a group here at AU to purchase a good bit of her plane ticket, but because there has been a lack of communication from the right people the price of the tickets keep going up while we wait for a word.  We are excited about the possibility, but do not know what will happen… trying to remain surrendered in this area to whatever happens.

-Do you have any specific questions? please let me know!

Other than that all is going well, as my last Thanksgiving break of my undergraduate career is under way.  All the family (On the McAllister side) will be meeting in Chilhowie, VA  to celebrate Thanksgiving and have an early Christmas as many of us will be separated over the holidays.  I’m so excited to see family and enjoy the break from classes as my senior year draws to a close in December (20th).  Thank you for continuing to journey with me!

Love God love people

Baby Steps

Little by little the information of my return trip to Africa is coming in. 

As of right now the Tri-S office is researching the dates of Dec 27th- Feb 21 or Jan 9- Feb 27.   The other piece of information is that my Visa will cost about $40.  That will be sent through a service which expedites Visas.  They are frequently used by AU and are willing to work with me as well. 

So it looks like things are coming together slowly, but surely.  Audrey might even get to come during the month of February at some point.  I hope and pray you will continue to journey with me as the details of this trip continue to unfold. 

I’m also taking baby steps right now in dealing with the semester in front of me.  There are many things pulling for my attention and action.  Slowly I am sorting out those things and trying to get back into the routine of school/ homework.  There seems to be a huge reading load this semester, more than usual, which has kind of left me at a loss as I balance work, friends, church, internship, community, and time for self.  It’ll all come together eventually, with a little perseverance here in the beginning. 

Thanks again for journeying with me

Love God love people                         -Joshua

Do you know what you are getting yourself in to?

-Relationships…

-Classes…

-Trips…

-Commitments…

-Purchases…

With each thing that comes about in life there are certain conditions upon the undertaking.  Along with the decisions to be made comes the opinions of others, some who care some who don’t.  How do you balance the gut feeling/ intuition that has left many wounded, scarred, or even dead against the warnings/ potential over reactions that leaves many down the path of bordum?  Oh what life I have lived since I have given up the notion that I wont hurt/ feel pain… or the notion that somehow I wont mess up.  Instead I wake up each morning facing the fact that I’m not perfect.  With those around me who are striving to be people of love and grace, life goes on as we accept each other in a world of failure and pain.  Pushing through the tough times I know that God accepts me in even in my failures, because I know that God designed me for a purpose and passion greater than what/who I am even now. 

So I keep on losing…

I keep on loving…

I keep on learning…

I KEEP ON LIVING!