End of Year update

Hi all
 
I may not write on my blog until 2009!  Therefore I wish you all a happy and blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year.
When I came back from Burundi 1 month ago, people kept asking me what  the next steps and my programme  were, which I couldn’t tell ,which was embarrassing for me too not having any answer to their questions.   I had some options running around in my mind which I could choose from.  I wondered if I should stay longer, as I did not see any reason at the time for  me to stay longer in Uganda.  I considered maybe I should fly back, or even going back to Bujumbara and serve there came also out as an option.  We all face intersections in our lives.  They are our turning points, the place where we must take decisions.  I had been continue with people, so I wanted to spend some quality time to seek God and ask Him for directions, guidance and clear vision in what to do, as I want to make right decisions according to His plans. My housemates went away for a  few days to a conference with overnights so I had 3 days by myself.  God started to speak through me with a word from Isai 41:10. He taught me that faith opens the door for Him to get involved in everything we do, and that with Him on our team we cannot lose.  It is challenging to continue having faith when nothing you see, feel or think supports it.  But this is when we need to look deeper in our hearts.  When we do, we will find that God is always there to encourage us.  Living by faith is looking at everything in a positive way and trusting in the power of God, who loves us and wants the best for us.  When the 3 days came to an end, I  had still no clear direction for the next step.  I said Ok God will wait upon You for the rest of the week and see what is going to happen.  Then that evening Rania my daughter called. I shared with her what I was going through, I cannot go into the details of our consversation, but in the end of our chat she told me that I should stay & wait and see.  She said there was no reason for me to fly back to Belgium not even  for Christmas.  I never expected her to respond like that but it was obvious to me and very clear that God spoke through her. I t was so special, afterwards I had such a peace.  I made the choice to stay.
Yesterday we had Vicky’s farewell party for which I was involved for the baking.  It was a lovely time of fellowship and very tasty food cooked by Ian.  Tomorrow we shall visit the YEA campsite.  I am looking forward to this as it was still a basic plot of land when I went seeing it in February 2006. 

I’ve been approached by Brenda from TGIF for some cake baking for their Christmas event on the 19th.   Will be doing that for the 21st too, for  the NGO board members and YEA volunteers team their Christmas party at Ian’s.    Then next, on the 25th, the usual annual Christmas party at his place as well.

I spent a day with Grace last week the manager for VOW ( Vessels Of Worsip ministry)  We  put some thoughts on paper how we could fundraise for their concert on the 18th of January.  The location is a school between Wandega and Kisementi, near the Rwandan Embassy.  They are in charge for the overnight on the 31st at KBC.  So we concluded I could bake cakes, and sell them on the 31st and the 18th of January.  Combined with sodas and other snacks.  With some profit towards covering the costs for the concert.  We will also cater VOW on both days.  For the baking I always need to prepare myself the day before any event, and even if it is a larger quantity I share the work over 2 days.  So this looks like a programme doesn’t it?

The more recent news is that YEA is chasing a place to start up a coffeeshop.  So please pray for this new step and for the right place, as I am volunteering to be involved with..There was a place that looked to be an opportunity, but it was taken. I am sure God has a better place. 
 
Then the other thing a few people have asked me is if I could teach them French,  which I would need to buy books for and copy the lessons etc… I have not responded to it, as people have busy lives and to get the students together for one evening won’t be easy. It is something I am thinking about, so if anyone has a comment for that please share.
 
I think this is all until  next year. 
 
May God bless you all in this advent season looking forward to the next coming of the Messiah!
 
Much love

Ingrid Verbiese

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