Callie is 20.  She just returned from 2 weeks in Nkumba, Uganda with John, Seggy, Mark and others.  And this is what she wrote…

I wish I could begin to explain what I have been through these past two weeks, but words cannot begin to express the fullness of my heart.

Think of the saddest, most heart-wrenching story you’ve ever heard…what kind of compassion did you feel for the owner of that story? Now multiply that one hundred times.

Every single person in Uganda has such a story. Everyday, people would come to us, tell their stories and ask for prayer. The thankfulness expressed for my mere presence was so humbling and made me feel ashamed.

Most babies don't have diapers, and many have herniated belly buttons mostly due to lack of nutrition.

Here I was in Uganda, suddenly looked upon as a leader and messenger of God’s love, yet so selfish and undeserving. Until you have experienced a trip like this for yourself, it is impossible to understand.

The richness of our country is suddenly overwhelming…as is the selfishness. I have a new contempt for my lifestyle. I live in a mansion. Toilet paper is a luxury. Underwear is a luxury. Ice is a luxury. The smallest everyday items that even the poorest families in the US have…they are luxuries.

Before I left for Uganda, a friend who had been to Africa last summer sent me a link to a music video by Brooke Fraser for a song called Albertine. Suddenly the lyrics have real meaning.

“Now that I have seen, I am responsible
Faith without deeds is dead… (click below to listen to the song)

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. I John 3:16-18

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome. I John 5:3