Upendo Ministries

The trip is nearing an end, and to me, that’s so sad. I wish I could stay here for much longer. These people have made such an impact on me and my life. This morning we went to the storage hall and ate breakfast there. I was so happy that they had dates!! I brought a little bit of steamed vegetables to eat for breakfast along with goat milk.

After the truck was loaded, Joshua came with us and we went to the village church school we have. On the way, I started having an attack. That same pain lasted throughout the day, at some points getting worse. I was so sad because this was when we were going to do the lesson with the children and it was a more secure distribution.

When we arrived, dad helped me out and I had to hold on to him as we headed into the church. Flowers, shaving cream, and lots of other things were thrown on us. I had to sit outside for a little bit because I wasn’t feeling well enough to go in to church. Mom and I took off our shoes and walked into church. After a couple minutes and after the leis were given, I told mom I had to go out again. We sat out for the rest of service. Abram and Joshua were very caring and got water, chairs, and hot coals for me to warm my hands with.

After service, dad helped me across the road to the school. Someone brought me a chair and someone else moved the coals. The young people did a lesson about burdens, and I just sat on the side and watched. We taught them to sing “Hallelujah, Praise Ye the Lord”. They then did distribution which went so, so smoothly at the school. I saw Joshua with a little boy, and come to find out, it was Jeremiah, Bro. Hasroon’s son, who played with Ethan four years ago.

When they were about to start the families, I was getting weaker and I needed goat’s milk. Mom and I went back to David Villa with Uncle Babar to get the gifts for Brother Shahzad’s family and get goat’s milk. When we got back, I spent time with Jeremiah. After they finished lagging back up, we went to Bro. Shahzad’s house and I was so excited!

When we got there, we went through the gate and they’re were many people with rose petals and they began singing our favorite songs in Urdu. Once we got through that, they put leis around our necks, but that’s not all! After that, they gave us bouquets of flowers. I got a huge red-orange rose bouquet I’m attempting to dry before we leave.

We went and sat in Bro. Shahzad’s room. They had many pictures of our family in that room and his office. They brought us much food and were so sweet to bring me a cup of goat’s milk!! They also had a blanket on the bed and said I could lay down if I wanted to. I did end up using it because my stomach was getting continually worse. After food, we passed out gifts and that was fun! They are the sweetest people and their hospitality is so heartfelt. We have a lot to learn from them.

Tomorrow we have no distribution, but are going to go somewhere with Bro. Shahzad’s children! I still appreciate all the prayers and the privilege to be here in Pakistan!