Call of the Youth : Eagles Shine for God
WELCOME …
to a virtual mission field! This page was inspired by the youthful hearts of those on the Grandest Island in New York; postings will build up, cheer up and stir up the youth, a direct focus to allow younger brothers and sisters to partner with this adventure!
For the next 9 months you can track, stay involved and live a day in the life of a modern day missionary… inquiry = discovery and that can be done on the map and in your heart, stay posted as this adventure is yours too!
UGANDA
Currently i am traveling daily, throughout the country deep within the dense jungles of Africa.
In Uganda the land is marked off by Districts, Sub County, Parrish and Village. These are key components in traveling through the primitive lands in hopes of finding the children we work with. Traveling takes a great deal of time, energy and patients… and the ability to speak the native language, as we need to reach out to the locals when the map is just too unknown.
Questions:
- Can you find the following places on the map above?
Kampala, Lira, Gulu, Pader
- Driving from Kampala to Lira takes around 6 hours. Guess, how long do you think it would take you to drive from the bottom of the country to the top of the country AND why did you guess your answer?
- What do you imagine you would see if you were looking out the window, driving from the bottom of the country to the top of the country AND why did you guess your answer?
Stay posted… more to come!
Truth VS. Perspective
Christ’s values are Unniveral and Christ is eternal everlasting love.
Recently I have been presented with some challenges. Through challenges we learn and develop our character, ability and confidence – so this is good!
One of my recent challenges:
Working with African men (on staff), as I am their immediate contact to the organization
What makes this tricky at times are the gender roles believed to have, of both women and men in this culture. The idea is basic; men are above women in all ways… in traditional cultures/ societies these views still exist today.
Speaking to the men (asking questions, sharing ideas, etc.) has not been easy or successful, as they do not want to listen to what a woman has to say.
This is very different from American views (equal rights of freedom, choice, etc.) and Christ’s views; whereby men and women are each others help-mate, working as equals heirs to HIS throne.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
When you love someone what dose that look like?
How do you act?
What acts do you do/ give, what words do you say/ how do you say them?
This past week I witnessed something, making my heart sad. The women served the men all hours day and night but it was not the love that motivated them to do so, but where fear and obligation took precedence.
… is the love is lost in serving?
What does it mean to you to serve someone?
What should that look like?
Why should we serve and who should we serve?
How did Jesus serve others? What did He do?
Why did Jesus serve?
Serving says a lot.
To me I believe when you serve GOD you convey HIS message; HIS message is LOVE –
Did you know that LOVE is your purpose? GOD created you to be loved by HIM and all you need to do in life is to receive HIS LOVE!!!
Love ‘looks’ different to everyone and can be shown in so many ways, and that is good, beautiful and fulfilling. Serving is one of those ways, and that is just what Jesus did.
… next to come, the topic of smashed bananas & Grace
Obedience + Grace = Perfection?
The other day I cooked an authentic Ugandan meal for the team I work with. It just so happens that I never cooked this meal before. I was told by many that it is a top favorite here in UG… so I asked the how’s and what’s, watched a few times and then took it into my own hands, create a meal that would be enjoyed by a team that had a full days work.
This was a meal that I enjoy as well and was surprised by the response. Though, it did not taste exactly the same, it was very close, but many refused to eat the dish served to them.
How this is made…
Take full sized green bananas, cut them up into many pieces and fry them, later add chopped tomatoes, onions and garlic until they become sautéed. Next, place into a large bowl and smash (the bananas mainly)… and this is a very popular side dish, quite good actually.
Apparently I did not put enough oil and salt into the dish, but by the response of the team it was uneatable. Now, I am not too much for drama, but seriously? If someone who came to visit you and made you a meal and served you, would you throw your arms up and roar, or would you just smile and say thank you; then adding a touch more of salt if you desire?
Where is the GRACE in this world?
Think about giving God’s grace – this is more than just a pinch of salt my friends…
Remember how Peter denied Christ before he preached Christ, and even when crucified on HIS left side a thief was hung out to die and the next moment heaven- bound
… Now if God gives grace to mistakes, than we are to do the same.
Love face to face – breaks every barrier
This morning I was awake long before the alarm on my watch went off at 5:30 a.m.
Usually at that time I…
get myself ready for the long day ahead, stretch, clean up, and spend some time in the Word / in prayer. By 6am I am igniting the fire to make breakfast and then prepare breakfast, collecting the jerry cans for gathering water and organizing the daily targeted client files. By this time the staff is getting up, projecting to leave by 7:30am to go out and see clients, or as I call them, my babies.
Usually we drive through the beautiful roadsides of Africa for hours and spend time with the children for some short ‘barrowed’ time. This is when we talk with the families, work with them in progressing their precious one with some tender love and care, usually in the form of therapy and stimulation; the time with the child is impactful for more than just the child, but also their families and communities.
Disabilities are not inabilities
and through this project their prior concepts have become shattered, as they should be.
… but this morning was different. I had to tell you that you are GOD’s beloved. HE LOVES you and I pray that you will ask HIM to help you discover what that means. Nothing past, present or future will ever change the LOVE that HE has for YOU. YOU are important to this world, YOU have great purpose, YOU are LOVED by GOD!
YOU are in my prayers!
DOWN to BUSINESS….
remembering all those fun filled times we shared
expanding our minds around the current matters of
our brothers and sisters in Christ –
We have some big news to share with each of you, for
all of the donations you gave YOU are able to feed over
60 families for a long lasting 3 months! Each family will
receive over 20kg of posho and over 10 kg of beans 2 times each month for 3 months !!!
Please be proud of yourselves, i have shared with many how proud i am of each of you. You have shown great
care in your concern and chose to make a difference in
this world, for the least of these brothers and sisters.
YOU have given food to the hungry
and
YOU have given hope to the hopeless
Thank you for your selfless choice and loving act
… and there is more….
With the grand total being more than we thought! Here
is the breakdown:
The Students raised a total of $1,174.46 from
St. Stephens R.C. School:
$889.46 Mission Club & Grade K-8
$150.00 Green Club 53
$135.00 Religious Ed.
… you have all raised the items for the dental kits too…
Because more donations were provided we will add food and families to adjust to its abilities, and i will update you on that when it happens. This may not be for another month or so but i will keep you posted in both numbers and pictures; please be blessed by blessing others!
THANK YOU * THANK YOU * THANK YOU
Eagles Shine for God
You are a chosen group… more to come -
CALLING ALL CLASSROOMS !
School is almost out for summer… stay focused where you are and be with joy and content in the present – My commitment is still lasting and when you are online i encourage you to still tour here; i will be posting as much as i am able… please keep in mind that many times we are without power/ electricity here at the base. YOU are all in my thoughts and prayers, and i thank you for the same!
To the left, is a picture of what the average government sponsored classroom looks like from the inside… what are your thoughts on this one Eagles? I love reading your thoughts and questions… keep them coming -
PS~
just to reiterate, i will post pictures of the families with all their food at the time of distribution, which may be in a few months …
thank you * thank you * thank you
25 Mango’s a Day!
Random components of my time….
I can pump more water faster and fuller than some Africans’… I do have some blisters though… but it is my favorite part of the day because I get to do something that is needed, cultural and with the street children
Currently our modes of transportation are 2 motorbikes, so I often brose from the rough roads and high speeds… I could be a sure mistake for a snow leopard (lol)
Speaking the local language, Luo is slowly slowly (or mota mota) developing but I am sure figuring out the NON verbal Luo ways much quicker… I even surprise some of the natives
A rooster ways given to us as a gift of appreciation and we brought it back to the compound/ base (where I stay on the weekends) and he is so bold… everyday he is scandalously making his way into the house and finding places to hide, and when he gets caught the rooster runs around wild and crowing … he sure is a character
The month of May is the time of Mango Madness, they are so amazingly good… delicious, juicy, sweet and in abundance (in the villages, which is where I am during the week). Everyday this week my staff each had 25… seriously I watched with my own eyes
miss you all and will write again soon…
Like an eagle in the sky… i want to fly high !
Hope that is what you have been able to do this summer, now as it is August and a new school year is soon approaching i challenge you to fly high… what is it that excites you? When do you feel confident in yourself? When did you last entrust your problems to GOD?
Now you all voted on the title of this page, Eagles Shine for GOD…
Did you know that when a baby eagle is learning how to fly, the parent eagle fly’s directly over the baby. When the parent knows that the baby could handle a challenge, then gives some distance between them. When there is struggle the parent eagle stays put, until the struggle is too much for the baby to handle on its own, then the parent comes back closer to the baby eagle. They do this for as long as the baby needs to fly high, confidently.
With your last month of summer vacation, i challenge you to step out into something new. maybe you will feel like you might fail, but you will not fail. Entrust your adventure to God and He will be there with you and help you build your confidence, i promise!
The Food & dental Kits are still being processed for distribution but will post pictures in the future. i am so proud of you, and so is GOD!
XOX
Welcome back everyone!
As you all know i am back state-side currently and i will be pleased to share some photos of the food distribution & dental kits within a months time. i apologize for the delay with these logistics as they have been extreme i understand. This has reminded me how good patients are, and one of the many fruits of the Spirit… which GOD is so good to allow us to share together. As soon as i receive the photo’s via email i will post them here so that you all can see the end result of your very own efforts! Well done my friends, i am so proud of you! i will write again soon- XOX
22 Comments »
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Michele Fusco (Jenni Rose's mom) Said:
on February 19, 2011 at 5:05 pm
It is s great to know that you are doing this for the students at school. They will look forward to knowing where their monies they collected will go towards. I know too that they will have questions too ask you as well. I’m excited about this webpage and all that you are doing for the people of Uganda. Love in Christ, Mom
Mom Said:
on March 14, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Hi Jennifer,
How are you ? We are looking forward to hearing all about your travels. We will keep you in our prayers. Love you 
We just read your blog in class, this is 3rd grade speaking. We all say hello and we all send our love to you
goeddertz2010 Said:
on March 20, 2011 at 8:45 pm
HI 3rd grade! Wonderful to have such support and care, thank you, thank you! Hope you are able to follow this journey start to finish and in prayer too- all my thought and cheer to you all!
in love,
jennifer
5th grade Said:
on March 14, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Hi Jen,
What’s up and how is Africa? The blog is good we are in class and we have looked up where you are ministering to your people. Hope you can teach us some of the native language. We hear it is very hot there and we hope that you hae agood time. Can’t wait for your next blog. Be safe and we will keep you in our prayers
goeddertz2010 Said:
on March 20, 2011 at 8:41 pm
Hi 5th grade! Great to hear such energetic encouragement, thank you… i will put some of the language in next time, great feedback! Yes the weather is extremely hot, and the people are lovely, glad to know that you are staying connected!!!
staying safe and appreciate your prayers-
in love,
jennifer
elizabeth strott Said:
on March 14, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Hi Jennifer,
I asked you some questions a while ago. I am keeping you in my prayers. How are you?
elizabeth strott Said:
on March 15, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Hello! : )
I am off to school right now. How about you? Please stay safe You are in my prayers
elizabeth Said:
on March 17, 2011 at 12:31 am
Hello Jennifer,
I think that it is so cool that you are a missionary! Somday I would like to become a missionary like you. Stay extra safe!
Elizabeth : )
goeddertz2010 Said:
on March 20, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Elizabeth – thank you for your kind words and encouragement, this is the greatest calling on my life and i will pray that GOD will lead you as you grow! Be content in all you do, and everywhere you are –
in love,
jennifer
ps- will you tell Ms. Fusco i said hi!
elizabeth Said:
on March 21, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Of coarse!!!
LukeR5 Said:
on March 21, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Hi Jennifer
How r u doing? i am elizabeths bother. i am in the 7th grade.
i hope u have a good time in uganda and a safe trip home! =}
goeddertz2010 Said:
on April 3, 2011 at 7:17 pm
thank you Luke!
i am glad to hear from you and will live every moment as full as i can while in UG, but will most likely see you and Elizabeth come the end of the year when i return. THank you again!
5th grade Said:
on March 22, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Hi Jen,
What’s up Jenni Jen just wanted to say hello!! We are in class right now and we want you to know that we will keep you in our prayers. Please tell the people we said “Hello.” What kind of different animals do you see that we do not see here? Do you have time for fun and if you do what is it? Where were youthis week and what have you done? You are a great inspiration to us and we look up to you. Is there any water near you such as a lake or a river? We want you to knw that we hope you stay safe and we love you God Bless You o:)
Mike Pappano Said:
on March 23, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Hi Jennifer,
I’m in Ms. Fusco’s 5th grade class! How is Uganda? Do you ever see any lions?
These are the answers to the questions:
Kampala is in the southern part of Uganda, Lira is near the middle, and Gulu and Pader are up north and they border eachother. I think it would take about 24 hours to drive from the bottom of the country to the top. I say that because if it takes 6 hours from Kampala to Lira, so I took that distance and counted that distance for 6 hours. I would imagine seeing animals and people roaming around. I say that because there are a lot of animals in Africa and people are walking back and forth for food and water. Those are my answers.
Stay safe and be careful! I’ll keep you in my prayers O:)
Mike
goeddertz2010 Said:
on April 3, 2011 at 7:15 pm
WOW!!! MIKE !!!
I think your answers were GREAT!
i appreciate how you gave detail and real deep thought to your answers… and you are absolutely correct on all of your answers!!!!
i have not seen a lion yet but i believe i will before i depart in december!!!! i will for sure mention that when it happens – thank you for your wonderful response and your thoughtful prayers of support. Keep being you, there is no one else GOD created to be you except YOU…
with care,
jennifer
3rd grade Said:
on March 28, 2011 at 5:56 pm
H jennifer,
We are in class and we just read your blog, thank you for keeping us informed in what you are doing. We will keep you in our prayers and we wish you well . What were you doing when you felt the 2 earthquakes? Please stay safe and don’t work too hard.
goeddertz2010 Said:
on April 3, 2011 at 7:11 pm
awe… thank you for your kind support 3rd grade! i will be rested in prayers and safe in HIS hands… thank you and i like all the smiling faces too!
talk with you again soon
in love-
6th grade Said:
on March 30, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Hi Jennifer,
How is life treating you in Uganda we hear you are very busy? We hear that you do not eat that much durng the day? What do you eat? Do you know where the money we collected is going to? We are keeping you in ourprayers and praying for your health and safety. Take care and God Bless You 0:)
goeddertz2010 Said:
on April 3, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Hi 6th grade! Great to hear from you, thank you for your heartfelt prayers as they are what carries us through… i will be meeting with my director in 2 weeks and we will be discussing the matters of the collection you all continuously gave and gave to this cause. THANK YOU again! Yes, i have been VERY busy and working very much to further this cause, HIS Kingdom and live a life worth treasuring… i eat a great deal of rice and beans, bananas, nuts… and so it is food i enjoy and would love for you to try some of it someday…
talk with you again soon
in love-
5th grade Said:
on May 17, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Jennifer,
O:)
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for keeping us updated. We are so very happy that we can help those less fortunate. Would it be possible for you to put pictures up of the kids and people that we have helped? We are keeping you in our prayers that you are feeling much better. We are looking forward to your next blog. We know how busy you are but you still find the time to keep us updated. We love you Eagles Shine For God – that sounds so GREAT!!! the 5th grade class
7th grade Said:
on May 24, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Hi jennifer,
We just read your blog and that is amazing how much our money is helping those who don’t have. We are looking forward to you posting pictures of the people. You are in our prayers, get well God Bless
Michele Fusco (Jenni Rose's mom) Said:
on August 3, 2011 at 2:18 am
Very nicely put. I will make sure to read this to the classes once they go back to school. Never new that about eagles. Thanks for sharing this unique piece. Praying for you and hoping each day you get stronger, blessings to you – in love.