holiday.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!!

I put up my first decoration this week...

(thank you Vanita, I love it!)

...and mailed off my Christmas cards!

 

Meanwhile Colt was back home decorating too!  

doreen.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for our sweet Doreen.  

She had her Endoscopy done today and we will have results from Kenya next week.  

Doreen is one strong kiddo, I sure do love her!

12 hours in a waiting room means I started a new book!  =)

keep in touch.

Several of you have asked for my mailing address in Uganda.

I would love to receive your mail at this address…

LAURA KELEY

PO Box 30867 Clock Tower

Kampala, Uganda 50315

(keep in mind it takes several weeks for a letter to arrive from the USofA)

(about 1/3 of my beautiful, crazy family.)

chicks.

We have BABY CHICKS!!!  

grasshoppers.

Just hanging out with our kiddos today -

fixin' grasshoppers... for lunch!

graduates.

Sozo Children had 6 beautiful graduates from Top Class

at the Kitende Modern Primary School graduation today!  

I was so blessed to be their "Guest of Honor" 

and couldn't have been more proud of our kids!

WDE

I'll miss watching the Iron Bowl today with this little buddy of mine.  

#WarEagleAnyway

family to family

Happy Black Friday!

This year choose an alternative to Christmas shopping by impacting a family in need. Family to Family is an avenue in which the children of Sozo deliver necessities to families in need and share with them the good news of Christ. When you give $25, each Sozo home buys necessities (rice, beans, flour, oil, sugar, salt, soap, and fruit) for one home in their community. Since there are 3 Sozo homes, this year we have a goal of serving 25 homes from each, totaling 75 families. Your gift will teach the Sozo children what it means to share the gospel and give to others, temporarily feed the hungry that otherwise would be without, and potentially make an eternal difference for those in need of hearing the Gospel of Jesus. 

To give, sign onto www.sozochildren.org, notate it "Family to Family," and sponsor a house in need, or send a check in to P.O. Box 382586 Birmingham, Al 35238. (If sending a check please notify us by commenting on this or by sending an email to info@sozochildren.org so we can keep count for the goal.)

100% of these gifts will go to provide for these needs. Help us reach the 75 family goal!

thanks.

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them,

is the true measure of our thanksgiving."

- W.T. Purkiser

THANK YOU...
to everyone who has made my journey to Uganda possible.  
I am blessed beyond measure!!

locks.

What a difference some hair can make!  

Check out Vanessa with her new 'do...

honor.

Not sure I'll make the best "Guest of Honor" 

at our kid's graduation ceremony this weekend... 

but I am beyond humbled by their request.   

I'm so proud of our kids - they are all much smarter than me.

 One day, they are going to change UGANDA!

"Your presence will make our function a colourful one."

(yes, quite literally)

ornament.

It's the 3rd week of November and no one is talking about Thanksgiving... 

or the Iron Bowl.  

I must be in a foreign land.

If you're like most Americans and this week kicks off your Holiday shopping 

(and Christmas decorating) let me make a subtle suggestion... 

Buy an African-inspired ornament to support my friend, 

Kelly Anne Lee!  

KA has spent countless hours making each of these unique ornaments and is selling them as a fundraiser to return to Uganda in the Spring!  

Like myself, she serves as a missionary with Sozo Children and raises 100% of her own support.

Ornaments are only $20 each and she has set a goal to sell 100!

Hand-rolled Uganda beads. Coffee beans. Africa.  

They are on the TOP of my Christmas wish list... buy yours NOW!

(e-mail me at: laurakinafrica@gmail.com if interested and I will send you more details)

stabler, party of 4.

I've waited a LONG time to post these next few photos 

and I still don't technically have the "go ahead'... 

but sometimes you just have to ask for forgiveness instead of permission.  

Probably one of the greatest days of life was the day my buddy, Colt Stabler was born.  This kid has changed my life in ways I can't begin to explain.  I keep rejoicing and praising God for him this week - as Thanksgiving approaches.  When I examine my "What I'm Thankful For" list - Colt is a the TOP! 

When I was home from Uganda a few months ago - Colt had some amazing news to share with me.  Since I can't SAY anything yet, I'll just show you the pictures and let you receive the news like I did!  =)

"Lala, it comes out in April!"  (Sweeter words have never been spoken)

The Stablers... family of 3, going on 4!

My sister is one of my heroes.  I hope to be half the mom she is one day!

"I thank my God every time I remember you.

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 

because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you 

will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 1:3-6)

circle.

I finished this book today - and HIGHLY recommend it!  

"Don't just read the Bible. Start circling the promises.

Don't just make a wish. Write down a list of God-glorifying life goals.

Don't just pray. Keep a prayer journal.

Define your dream. Claim your promise. Spell your miracle."

pearl.

Happy, Happy Birthday to Nancy Erwin!

I miss your couch, your fabulous jewelry...

 and the way you have brought this verse to life for me:

"When anxiety was great with in me, 

your consolation brought joy to my soul."

(Psalm 94:19-22) 

I love you, and I praise God today for our friendship!

dance.

Just another day in Uganda...

... we never have any fun. 

girl.

It's a GIRL!

Ashley, my best friend in the world, and her husband Joe

 are expecting a sweet baby girl in April.  

Please join me in praying for these two 

as they prepare to become first time parents.  

Jeremiah 1:5

"Before I shaped you in the womb, 

I knew all about you.

Before you saw the light of day,

I had holy plans for you..."

(msg)

luganda.

Sometimes you have to buy the app,

and hope for the best!

#IwishIwasBilingual

#TalkLugandaToMe

praise.

Kabalagala's "Women & Youth of Faith Group" 

is trying to buy their very own set of drums!  

If you know much about Africa - 

you know how amazing the PRIASE and WORSHIP is here!  

Our women have experienced salvation, restoration 

and healing in Jesus' name - 

and they LOVE to joyfully worship Him 

at each of our gatherings.  

I've decided to sell my new uHnaf Jute Tote Bags 

to raise money for this purchase.  

By selling only 10 bags, at $22 each 

we can  make this dream come true for our women.  

(pay for your bag now via the "donate" button on this blog) 

Please consider joining me by buying a tote 

and helping me spread the word!