Hey there! I know it's been far too long since I have updated this thing but I finally have something worthy of sharing. So please watch this video and share it with everyone. We are trying to bring Esther home and we can't do it alone. Thank you much.
A "Hart" 4 Esther - Share her story
www.youtube.com
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The boy whos life was changed...
One year today a young boy who lived in Kampala,Uganda,Africa was the boy who's life was changed because two crazy people along with their crazy family decided to adopt him. Who are these people? you ask. Well they are my Uncle Justin, Aunt Shauna, cousins Ashton, Hunter, Dawson, and Lily. The boy they adopted his name is Isaiah.
Isaiah may have had his life changed because Justin and Shauna decided to take him into his family but Isaiah also changed many other peoples heart. One of those hearts was mine. But more on that later. I am going to give the very brief story on little Isaiah.
Justin had met Isaiah in Kampala, Uganda in May of 2008 on his first mission trip. He felt that the Lord had told him to bring him into his family and call him his own. Justin called home and said to his lovely wife Shauna that he fell in love with Isaiah and that he was going to be their son. After a ton of paper work, a whole bunch of prayer, many tears, and a lot of questioning husband and wife was on their way to AFRICA to bring their son home.
Just to let you know Isaiah was found on the busy streets of Kampala. Heart breaking.
So, during the two weeks that Justin and Shauna were in Africa my family watched their kids. Well in my family there is five kids in theirs four. Plus we had my cousin Brittany living with us and my parents Charlie and Jenay. All together there was 10 "kids" if you will and only two "adults". Because according to my cousin Hunter your not an adult until your married.
You could ONLY imagine the craziness there was. It was a TON of fun though! But on October 30, 2009 we were all set down for breakfast when my mom shared the good news that the Uganda court had come to a conclusion that Justin and Shauna was Isaiah's official parents. God had moved mountains almost just to be able to get that say. That day the house was filled with total joy. Each and every kid had a huge smile on their face!
It was truly amazing seeing what God could do. He showed me that no matter what people say one persons life can be changed just by the boldness of another. God also gave me a HUGE heart for those in need. I am so excited to see what He has in store for my life but right at this very moment I just am always in amazement at the daily miracles He preforms in MY life. A 13 year old girls life. I pray daily that someones life could be turned over to Him. Thank you Isaiah Ryan Vaughan and all the other Vaughans for showing me this. I love you all. Now thank you to the Vaughan family Isaiah NOW knows how it feels to be loved, he NOW knows what its like to have a mom and dad, he NOW knows what its like to just be a child, he NOW knows the Lord Jesus Christ, he NOW knows how TO love.
I am going to leave you all on this note:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come YOUR will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as WE also have forgiven OUR debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the KINGDOM the POWER and the GLORY FOREVER. Amen.
That is found in Matthew 6:10-1
Isaiah may have had his life changed because Justin and Shauna decided to take him into his family but Isaiah also changed many other peoples heart. One of those hearts was mine. But more on that later. I am going to give the very brief story on little Isaiah.
Justin had met Isaiah in Kampala, Uganda in May of 2008 on his first mission trip. He felt that the Lord had told him to bring him into his family and call him his own. Justin called home and said to his lovely wife Shauna that he fell in love with Isaiah and that he was going to be their son. After a ton of paper work, a whole bunch of prayer, many tears, and a lot of questioning husband and wife was on their way to AFRICA to bring their son home.
Just to let you know Isaiah was found on the busy streets of Kampala. Heart breaking.
So, during the two weeks that Justin and Shauna were in Africa my family watched their kids. Well in my family there is five kids in theirs four. Plus we had my cousin Brittany living with us and my parents Charlie and Jenay. All together there was 10 "kids" if you will and only two "adults". Because according to my cousin Hunter your not an adult until your married.
You could ONLY imagine the craziness there was. It was a TON of fun though! But on October 30, 2009 we were all set down for breakfast when my mom shared the good news that the Uganda court had come to a conclusion that Justin and Shauna was Isaiah's official parents. God had moved mountains almost just to be able to get that say. That day the house was filled with total joy. Each and every kid had a huge smile on their face!
It was truly amazing seeing what God could do. He showed me that no matter what people say one persons life can be changed just by the boldness of another. God also gave me a HUGE heart for those in need. I am so excited to see what He has in store for my life but right at this very moment I just am always in amazement at the daily miracles He preforms in MY life. A 13 year old girls life. I pray daily that someones life could be turned over to Him. Thank you Isaiah Ryan Vaughan and all the other Vaughans for showing me this. I love you all. Now thank you to the Vaughan family Isaiah NOW knows how it feels to be loved, he NOW knows what its like to have a mom and dad, he NOW knows what its like to just be a child, he NOW knows the Lord Jesus Christ, he NOW knows how TO love.
I am going to leave you all on this note:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come YOUR will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as WE also have forgiven OUR debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the KINGDOM the POWER and the GLORY FOREVER. Amen.
That is found in Matthew 6:10-1
Happy gotchya day Isaiah Ryan Vaughan
3 years of age and the boy whos life was changed and the boy who changes lives. :)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Cleaning a closet for a sister
I am so sorry its been so long since Lashae or I have posted. We both have been CRAZY busy! But I finally had a fun thing to post about. I have had plenty of ideas but I couldn't resist posting this! So as most of you know my family is adopting a little girl from Uganda, Africa. She is 9 years old and the plan is that her and I are going to share a room. Even though we have a while until are process is complete for adoption God works in crazy ways so I decided that since He can move mountains why can't he bring a little girl home from Africa soon? Last night I decided JUST in case the Lord wanted Esther (that's her name) to come home soon then I should kind of have my room ready. My room is cleaned everyday bed made and all that fun stuff but my closet is a complete disaster. So I decided I should have it ready to share. That was an adventure so I had to share with you all about it. 
Look!!! Its small! Yep Reece is still hanging out with me But at the moment he is re-organizing what I had already done. Hes more entertainment then he is help!
Here it is.... My side.
ESTHER SIDE!!!! Yay I am soooo excited!!!
Reece isn't in this picture because he found a whistle in one of my piles and ran away with it. You could ONLY imagine how we were all woken up this morning! :D
This is ALL of the stuff in my closet pile
d in the middle of my room. Some where hidden is Reece and my floor.
d in the middle of my room. Some where hidden is Reece and my floor.My pile got a little smaller and awww theres Reece.
Look!!! Its small! Yep Reece is still hanging out with me But at the moment he is re-organizing what I had already done. Hes more entertainment then he is help!
Just to let you know this wasn't done in just a few minutes it took me one hour and thirty minutes. Here is my smallest pile but yet many more minutes lay ahead for me at this point. Look at Reece eye bawling my stuff!
Okay there it is!!! My floor!
Here it is.... My side.ESTHER SIDE!!!! Yay I am soooo excited!!!Reece isn't in this picture because he found a whistle in one of my piles and ran away with it. You could ONLY imagine how we were all woken up this morning! :DSunday, June 13, 2010
Prayers
Reece is sick today...he had to go to the hospital last night...God healed him enough to come home but he is still havin a hard time breathing. He has viral pneumonia. Please pray for him. It's hard to watch...I know he will be fine but it's still no fun being sick. Thanks
--Lashae
--Lashae
Monday, June 7, 2010
My African story
So two people I know have "African songs" as we call it but I have and African story. Only one of the three stories is real. The other two are made up. I have never been to Africa so I could only imagine what it's like there. So obviously I am Charsie, not Lashae, writing this.
In the beginning of every morning the beautiful little girl would wake up to the memories of her loving mother and hatred uncle. But what she remembered most was the tragedy that took them both. The tragedy that happened only three months prior to that day. The tragedy that left her alone and scared in this big world. The tragedy that brought her to the orphanage. But most importantly, the tragedy that brought her to know and love Jesus Christ, her savior.
The "daddy" of the orphanage was once again awaken by the screams of their newest member. He had become used to the screams but knew it was his duty to check on the little, scared boy in the next room over. He came in and the little boy said, "I just had another nightmare about what my mom used to do to me when I didn't bring back food". The scars still showed on his back. But the "daddy" said "Its okay. For God is and always will be here for you as I am now. But his power and love for you is something I could never match." That night the scared little boy became brothers with the man standing in his room. Though they did not come out of the same woman, God united them.
The man was brought to tears as the little girl that stood in front of him, clutching a piece of paper, told her testimony. The words that she spoke were just horrifying. This little girls mother was so past the point of starvation that while the little girl slept she would bite and try to eat this young girl that lay next to her. In the mothers mind she thought that if her daughter got to eat out of the garbage that day then why not just eat her? It got to the point of infection. The girl was rescued, brought to an orphanage, and also brought to God. To this very day she still has scars. But she is no longer a daughter of a mad woman. But a daughter of Christ.
Thank you,
Charsie.
In the beginning of every morning the beautiful little girl would wake up to the memories of her loving mother and hatred uncle. But what she remembered most was the tragedy that took them both. The tragedy that happened only three months prior to that day. The tragedy that left her alone and scared in this big world. The tragedy that brought her to the orphanage. But most importantly, the tragedy that brought her to know and love Jesus Christ, her savior.
The "daddy" of the orphanage was once again awaken by the screams of their newest member. He had become used to the screams but knew it was his duty to check on the little, scared boy in the next room over. He came in and the little boy said, "I just had another nightmare about what my mom used to do to me when I didn't bring back food". The scars still showed on his back. But the "daddy" said "Its okay. For God is and always will be here for you as I am now. But his power and love for you is something I could never match." That night the scared little boy became brothers with the man standing in his room. Though they did not come out of the same woman, God united them.
The man was brought to tears as the little girl that stood in front of him, clutching a piece of paper, told her testimony. The words that she spoke were just horrifying. This little girls mother was so past the point of starvation that while the little girl slept she would bite and try to eat this young girl that lay next to her. In the mothers mind she thought that if her daughter got to eat out of the garbage that day then why not just eat her? It got to the point of infection. The girl was rescued, brought to an orphanage, and also brought to God. To this very day she still has scars. But she is no longer a daughter of a mad woman. But a daughter of Christ.
Thank you,
Charsie.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
All Done...
yup, that be right. Ima dun with me high skooll ed-u-ma-cayshon. I dun real good. Now i be smart.
Just Kidding...but really...I am done! Today was my last crazy day of high school.
It started last night, when we tried to do a "senior prank" but just ended up camping at the baseball fields. So fun. I did not sleep one bit.
We left the fields at about 5am, headed to Syd's to shower and finish my WR 122 paper.
Once cleaned, fed and ready to go we left Syd's at about 730am.
Walking into the school I realized we were entering the school for the last time as actual students - it is still weird to think about. But it is great!
Right of the bat, I had to participate in a skit in Spanish (yo hablo espanol), followed by a two-hour math final (I love math! for real!) Next I went to the burrito place in town and brought back some tacos for my friends (mostly I was avoiding my incomplete chem labs).
After lunch I went to WR 122 where people read their papers to the class - however I could barely keep my eyes open, let alone listen to what they were saying (I was starting to wear down).
I ended the school day in Chemistry trying to finish up some lab write ups. Eventually, I found the power to focus and just get them done. I handed them in and said, "peace out".
And now I am all done! - with high school anyway. I can't wait to see what God has in store now. :)
*This was part of my small adventure today, I just thought I would share.*
Just Kidding...but really...I am done! Today was my last crazy day of high school.
It started last night, when we tried to do a "senior prank" but just ended up camping at the baseball fields. So fun. I did not sleep one bit.
We left the fields at about 5am, headed to Syd's to shower and finish my WR 122 paper.
Once cleaned, fed and ready to go we left Syd's at about 730am.
Walking into the school I realized we were entering the school for the last time as actual students - it is still weird to think about. But it is great!
Right of the bat, I had to participate in a skit in Spanish (yo hablo espanol), followed by a two-hour math final (I love math! for real!) Next I went to the burrito place in town and brought back some tacos for my friends (mostly I was avoiding my incomplete chem labs).
After lunch I went to WR 122 where people read their papers to the class - however I could barely keep my eyes open, let alone listen to what they were saying (I was starting to wear down).
I ended the school day in Chemistry trying to finish up some lab write ups. Eventually, I found the power to focus and just get them done. I handed them in and said, "peace out".
And now I am all done! - with high school anyway. I can't wait to see what God has in store now. :)
*This was part of my small adventure today, I just thought I would share.*
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
the little things
Well...where do I start? How do I even begin to describe this place and all the things that we have done and seen and heard and smelled and touched? It's literally impossible. However, I can attempt to rehash some of the most precious moments from today...(to be honest though, they are all AMAZING!)
This morning started out a little before 7am...I woke up and ran downstairs to see the sunrise. But, of course, I missed it again! Elicia and I were up before almost everyone and even got to go pound on the door to wake up the "freaks" (chuck and Justin). Breakfast started later today and Emma (a boy - our driver) was on time (that never happens) despite the rain and thunder.
We headed out to Ssenge first thing today, for the last time. Chuck and Maswaa went to working on the roof right away and powered through all day...whether the trusses fit or not didn't seem to matter to Maswaa. He just wants it "tip it straight" and for Chuck to look at him. But they got them up. (Chuck was praisin' the Lord!)
While the roof was being worked on everyone else reformed a human chain and we tossed the rest of the brick pile on down the line...brick-by-brick. The boys were a great help. They are such hard workers. We also had a few extra hands, some of the guys from the Kampala house came and helped. And we finished the pile before snack time.
After snack/break time there wasn't a whole lot to do...other than finish putting up the trusses on the roof, but only a few guys at a time can do that. So some of the boys went for a drive with Lutiya (the guy who started African Hearts). They love driving around!! Elicia wasn't feeling too hot so she spent the afternoon trying to get some rest and watching the action from the front "patio" and talking to boys as they bustled about.
I had the awesome opportunity of learning how to cook chapate (similar to tortillas, but better!) with Moreen (an absolute saint and the most amazing woman ever). She is a great teacher and is incredibly patient. I am not a good cook, but it was fun to spend time with her and learn something new and Ugandan :)
At one point, once I was done cooking, I went outside and played soccer with some of the boys - they made goals with the safety net from the trampoline (they are so creative and don't waste anything). Of course they are all much better than me and go easy, but I still suck. During our game though, two of the little neighbor girls from the end of the driveway came over and stood by the net. I went and said "hi" to them and they instantly clung to me and wanted me to hold them. I happily lifted one into each arm and walked towards their mother who was at the "house" (it is more like a small storage room made with brick and has a tin roof and plywood door).
She was all smiles and giggles when we arrived. The girls were also grinning from ear-to-ear. Neither the girls or the mom spoke hardly any english, so it was extremely difficult to communicate with them. Fortunately, I did learn the kids names (but I cant pronounce them or even really remember them) and was able to just hang out with them while the mom cooked lunch (jack fruit) in her "kitchen"/3-sided shed. I decided to run back to the house and grab some candy and jewelry for the family. Before I left though the mom graciously gave me one of her jack fruits, I tried to decline but she insisted.
When I returned I gave each kid (there were four - a set of twins 4 yrs old, a 3 yr old and 9 yr old girl) and the mom a necklace or bracelet along with some starburst and other candy "sweets". They LOVED it!! One of the necklaces was a cross that said "Jesus Loves Me" and I told them that. Later I heard the mom tell another girl that the necklace said Jesus. It blessed my heart as she said it with a huge grin (missing a front tooth) and excitement beaming out of her.
This part of the day was by far my favorite. The boys even came and played for awhile, along with several other children from the village. It was blast. I didn't understand them and they didn't understand me but we enjoyed each others company.
Before I left I was playing with the girls and spinning them around, they were cracking up!! It was hilarious. I even set one down and she started spinning herself around. She was laughing, falling and having a bawl. Her mom couldn't stop laughing! It was brillant!
I departed with many hugs and smiles and "thank yous". I walked away with 3 avocados and a filled heart! Moments like these are what I am here for. Trying to show who Jesus is by simply loving those around me. I don't even have to speak the same language because, through Christ, I can speak with my heart and my actions. God can, will and does use anything we give Him. Even candy and pictures (they love having their picture taken!!).
There were several other moments that were gifts from God today but I won't blab on about them too. However, they did include: taking pictures with and of the cooks (making funny faces), jumping on the trampoline with the boys, eating sugar cane and talking about life, running out of gas on the way home and saying some very bittersweet goodbye's. These people hold such a special place in my heart and I am going to miss them terribly. Especially sweet sweet Moreen.
I wish I could better capture the Glory of God shining down on this trip and even through this place. Yes, there are some dark and sad scenes EVERYWHERE and yet I find a great sense of joy here and through the people. The simplest gestures can light up their whole world. It's unimaginable and unexplainable. But I love every moment.
I am thankful, blessed, undeserving and blown-away that I get to serve God in this way. He is doing a big work in me, on my heart and through my team.
Thank you all so much for your powerful prayer, excellent encouragement and staggering support. We love you all!
This morning started out a little before 7am...I woke up and ran downstairs to see the sunrise. But, of course, I missed it again! Elicia and I were up before almost everyone and even got to go pound on the door to wake up the "freaks" (chuck and Justin). Breakfast started later today and Emma (a boy - our driver) was on time (that never happens) despite the rain and thunder.
We headed out to Ssenge first thing today, for the last time. Chuck and Maswaa went to working on the roof right away and powered through all day...whether the trusses fit or not didn't seem to matter to Maswaa. He just wants it "tip it straight" and for Chuck to look at him. But they got them up. (Chuck was praisin' the Lord!)
While the roof was being worked on everyone else reformed a human chain and we tossed the rest of the brick pile on down the line...brick-by-brick. The boys were a great help. They are such hard workers. We also had a few extra hands, some of the guys from the Kampala house came and helped. And we finished the pile before snack time.
After snack/break time there wasn't a whole lot to do...other than finish putting up the trusses on the roof, but only a few guys at a time can do that. So some of the boys went for a drive with Lutiya (the guy who started African Hearts). They love driving around!! Elicia wasn't feeling too hot so she spent the afternoon trying to get some rest and watching the action from the front "patio" and talking to boys as they bustled about.
I had the awesome opportunity of learning how to cook chapate (similar to tortillas, but better!) with Moreen (an absolute saint and the most amazing woman ever). She is a great teacher and is incredibly patient. I am not a good cook, but it was fun to spend time with her and learn something new and Ugandan :)
At one point, once I was done cooking, I went outside and played soccer with some of the boys - they made goals with the safety net from the trampoline (they are so creative and don't waste anything). Of course they are all much better than me and go easy, but I still suck. During our game though, two of the little neighbor girls from the end of the driveway came over and stood by the net. I went and said "hi" to them and they instantly clung to me and wanted me to hold them. I happily lifted one into each arm and walked towards their mother who was at the "house" (it is more like a small storage room made with brick and has a tin roof and plywood door).
She was all smiles and giggles when we arrived. The girls were also grinning from ear-to-ear. Neither the girls or the mom spoke hardly any english, so it was extremely difficult to communicate with them. Fortunately, I did learn the kids names (but I cant pronounce them or even really remember them) and was able to just hang out with them while the mom cooked lunch (jack fruit) in her "kitchen"/3-sided shed. I decided to run back to the house and grab some candy and jewelry for the family. Before I left though the mom graciously gave me one of her jack fruits, I tried to decline but she insisted.
When I returned I gave each kid (there were four - a set of twins 4 yrs old, a 3 yr old and 9 yr old girl) and the mom a necklace or bracelet along with some starburst and other candy "sweets". They LOVED it!! One of the necklaces was a cross that said "Jesus Loves Me" and I told them that. Later I heard the mom tell another girl that the necklace said Jesus. It blessed my heart as she said it with a huge grin (missing a front tooth) and excitement beaming out of her.
This part of the day was by far my favorite. The boys even came and played for awhile, along with several other children from the village. It was blast. I didn't understand them and they didn't understand me but we enjoyed each others company.
Before I left I was playing with the girls and spinning them around, they were cracking up!! It was hilarious. I even set one down and she started spinning herself around. She was laughing, falling and having a bawl. Her mom couldn't stop laughing! It was brillant!
I departed with many hugs and smiles and "thank yous". I walked away with 3 avocados and a filled heart! Moments like these are what I am here for. Trying to show who Jesus is by simply loving those around me. I don't even have to speak the same language because, through Christ, I can speak with my heart and my actions. God can, will and does use anything we give Him. Even candy and pictures (they love having their picture taken!!).
There were several other moments that were gifts from God today but I won't blab on about them too. However, they did include: taking pictures with and of the cooks (making funny faces), jumping on the trampoline with the boys, eating sugar cane and talking about life, running out of gas on the way home and saying some very bittersweet goodbye's. These people hold such a special place in my heart and I am going to miss them terribly. Especially sweet sweet Moreen.
I wish I could better capture the Glory of God shining down on this trip and even through this place. Yes, there are some dark and sad scenes EVERYWHERE and yet I find a great sense of joy here and through the people. The simplest gestures can light up their whole world. It's unimaginable and unexplainable. But I love every moment.
I am thankful, blessed, undeserving and blown-away that I get to serve God in this way. He is doing a big work in me, on my heart and through my team.
Thank you all so much for your powerful prayer, excellent encouragement and staggering support. We love you all!
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