What a Whirlwind...First Week of Concerts....First Week of Host Families!!!

     The first week with host families has been unbelievable! The kids have all been overwhelmed with the open hearts and homes of the individuals we have all been staying with. No belly has been left any less then over stuffed after each meal and the games have abounded. Below are a few examples.  For the boys the motor-less tractor worked well as race car, although it needed the entire team's effort to get it rolling.

We also had girls gathering in their tea hats for dinner! How beautiful!

With a new host family every three nights who knows what surprises we will have in the weeks to come!

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.

— Ephesians 3:16 

-Kathryn

A Blog Post by Henry Muguluma!

Our first concert was on January 21 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a beautiful and amazing African-American church in America with a pastor who is from Liberia, Rev. Dr. Seth Lartey. It was so amazing to so see how our new friends connected with Mwangaza, and even Africa.   For some, it was a celebration of God through song, music and dancing.  For some, it was just the children being themselves before the concert even began.  Dr. Lartey’s daughter helped served the meal prior to the concert and her mother, Mrs. Lartey, told the congregation that her daughter was amazed at how well disciplined the children were, and that she wanted to go to Africa!

It was a beautiful experience to see God bless us in so many ways with such a tremendous beginning  with the US Tour and we feel His presence with us.  God is at work.  Pictures soon to follow!!!

From Henry Muguluma

Assistant Tour Director

Next Generation Leadership Program Coordinator, ARM

The Joys of Working with Children

Children can be wonderful, and the group of them we have are no exceptions. I've had a couple great moments with the choir I would like to share.

The first occurred one morning as we were loading the drums in the van, with some of the boys helping the adults load up. One boy was having some trouble with a drum, when I heard another advise him, "put it on your head!" As I turned, I saw him carrying the drum to the car...on his head. It may have been a simple moment, but it put a smile on my face.

The second occurred one evening as we were about to go back to our quarters. As I was getting in my van to drive us "home," I was asked "Can we sing for you?" Of course I said yes, and then I was simply amazed by a full concert going on in my van. Just from what I heard that night let me encourage anyone who reads this to come see these children sing: you will be both blessed and amazed!

Transportation...and Rolling Concert Venue!

-Seth (Photo thanks to Caroline)

God Has Richly Blessed Us!!

Friday evening the rest of the team and children from Uganda arrived safely! Now we are 27 strong and preparing for our first performances to begin. Each day has been filled with new joys in rest, playing, and worshiping together...even the excitement of getting out the costumes for the first time!!

Today was our first day to begin rehearsal and the children's voices filled the church like angels singing. They truly bring glory to God with the words they sing and how they dance with joy for the Lord. We ask for continued prayers as we prepare for our first concerts!

Ephesians 5:8 

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of Light.

-Kathryn

They Have Arrived!

Last night the American team was thrilled to receive the first group of the Mwangaza Children's Choir. Though we did not make it to our resting place until the wee morning hours, our tiredness could not contain the excitement we had from finally getting together. Praise to the Lord for providing safe travels for our Ugandan teammates in His timing!

Today we took some time for rest and relaxation, as well as time to just get to know one another. The choir children had their first experience playing in snow -- and certainly enjoyed it! Best of all, we got to spend devotional time together and were all blessed by the choir's freedom in pouring out their hearts, praises and requests, to God. He truly has His hand on these awesome children and great things are surely to come.

First Snow Day!

-Seth

US Tour Staff Awaiting the Arrival of the Choir!

We are all here in the Advance, NC area preparing for the Ugandans to arrive! We are all very excited and filled with anticipation. Bobbi arrived on January 2nd from Washington State and the rest of the local team has gathered to make preparations for the arrival of our Ugandan brothers and sisters.

2011 US Team (Kathryn, Bobbi, Caroline, & Seth)

Although the choir is arriving latter than expected due to technical difficulties we are waiting on the Lord and we know His plan is perfect.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
 Isaiah 40:31