Mission to Uganda: Ashley McDonald's April 12 Update

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By CBS 8 News

Story Created: Apr 12, 2012 at 11:41 PM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 12, 2012 at 11:41 PM CDT

CBS 8 Chief Meteorologist Ashley McDonald is on a mission trip to feed orphans in Mbale, Uganda. Ashley is serving at Impact Ministries and Faith Radio Uganda. She has set a goal to feed the 700 orphans during her two-week visit. The following is an email she sent back to the station on April 12:

A wrap up of today....I have really enjoyed the Uganda hospitality.

The food is filling, lots of starches: rice, potatoes, beans, white bread. I almost feel bad because they keep saying "you don't eat much"...So mom, don't worry, I am being well fed here. One thing is for sure, I will not go hungry.

Today started with a visit to the radio station....I will bring a study of the scripture each morning until I depart. The topic is given to me by the radio host, and I spend the evenings preparing scripture and discussion. Today's topic was dealing with "how to avoid conflict in the family." Tomorrow's topic will be, Humility. Please pray that I can be used in the appropriate way and my words are salted with truth and not Ashley's opinion.

After the radio station, I went to the orphanage for a quick visit and to create a more specific itinerary for my visit. I was able to visit the 4-5 year old class today. They call it "Nursery." They sang songs and were learning English words. They know all their days of the week, the alphabet, head and shoulders knees and toes, and they know Jesus is savior. They were simply angels! I literally wanted to bring every single one of them home with me. They're smiles are contagious and you can't help but to stand up and join them when they are singing and dancing.

The afternoon was pretty relaxing. The mother and daughter took me to downtown Mbale today where we did a little shopping. I spent some time organizing photos and making some videos to show when I return.

Tomorrow will be a longer day. I will arrive at the orphanage at 8AM for assembly where I will teach the children "Father Abraham." It's always good to start the morning with a little singing and dancing. Then I will prepare their hearts for the day with a little devotion. I will go to the radio station for the standard 10AM-Noon radio spot, followed by a visit back to the orphanage, where I will spend time with the 12-15 year old children. I will be reassuring them of their value and teaching the boys how they should treat girls and teach girls how they should be respected. I will attend a women's bible study at 5PM.

I hope to follow up again tomorrow, but rest assured, if I am not able, I will this weekend.

I must add, the electricity here is on and off. Apparently, pretty typical in Uganda. That said, my host family does have a generator and we can use at nights. For example, this morning, no power, but it was bright outside, so no need for a generator. Life is so simple here. Something I could probably take a few cues from. Families spend a lot of time together. Every meal is prepared with care and because there really aren't refrigerators, the veggies are fresh daily.

Continue praying for Impact Ministries as they are a really huge source for Good News here in Mbale. From daily church gatherings, to the orphanage, to the radio ministry, God is really using this ministry to impact (no pun intended) lives. Their motto is "Changing Lives for Good"

In Him,
Ashley
 
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