Before I begin the stories of Africa….I must tell a story….
About six weeks ago I received an email from a young bloggy friend named Piper….
Here’s what it said:
Good morning from Texas, Linny! 🙂
As I’ve been spending some sweet time with my littles this morning and preparing to embark on our search for some shirts and ties for those precious Ugandan wedding guests, something came to me. I can only believe it was from our Sweet Lord. I simply could not get my computer up and running fast enough to email you about it!
A couple of years ago I “accidentally” purchased a bulk quantity of badge clips to make pacifier clips for our daughter. I completely misread the quantity when I ordered them. Oops! But this morning, I am convinced that purchase was not an accident after all, but rather a sweet provision from the Lord.
So as I was getting up and moving this morning the Lord brought to mind making boutonnieres for each of the boys (and corsages for any little ladies that might be in attendance, too). My first thought was how impractical (and potentially dangerous) it would be to have all of those pins around precious children. BUT, God IMMEDIATELY brought to mind the almost 500 badge clips I have sitting in a box upstairs!!
And wouldn’t you know it that Hubbs just happened to give me a sizable gift card to Hobby Lobby for my birthday last month that I am MORE than happy to use to purchase the flowers to make them?? God is SO good!!
So, if you’re interested and have the room to transport them (I would think we could get them into several gallon sized ziplock bags (or maybe even vacuum pack them), I would be completely honored to make them for your trip. Just let me know your thoughts when you have a chance.
Well sweet friends….I could hardly email Miss Piper back fast enough.
I was excited beyond belief and even as I type now my eyes well with tears.
How faithful God is….and no, He didn’t forget about anything.
He moved on Piper’s heart and Piper responded with joyous excitement!!
His Hands, His Feet
{I asked Piper to send me pictures so I could write a blog post,
since they were not being shipped directly to me, but another team member was receiving them.}
When I first read Piper’s letter I was struck with her sweetness{!}, and the generosity of her time,
her birthday gift card and her enthusiasm on top of it all!!!
Such selflessness!!
and
such a love and concern for the forgotten treasures of Kampala, Uganda!
His hands, His feet.
I suggested Piper gather some friends {to share the joy of this beautiful project of love}…
friends that would pray for the boys who would be wearing these to the Wedding Feast….
and boy-oh-boy….
Check it out!!
Beautiful corsages…
lovingly made by these ladies…
who willingly spent their time….
to minister to street boys…
orphaned on the other side of the world…
Boutonnieres
And in the end there were
442 boutonnieres
and
16 corsages {to be exact}
lovingly thought of by a lady named Piper
who upon hearing God whisper the idea to her,
joyfully responded,
and rallying some friends,
willingly shared all that she had
so a whole bunch of precious treasures on the opposite side
of the world…
will see, once again,
God’s love in action
His Hands, His Feet.
Thank you so much Piper and friends!
You guys so totally rock!!
How amazingly beautiful is that??
I actually wrote this post a few weeks ago…knowing that you all would wonder where the beautiful flowers that the street boys wore had come from….
And wanting you to see someone who was His Hands loving the orphans from their own home….
Last night I woke up in this European city, unable to sleep…
I found Dw on Skype {since he is so many hours behind us} ….we were able to type back and forth….
I so needed to “talk” to him, because I had woke up and was crying and grieving…
there is so much emotions tucked away…
I do believe that telling you the stories will help me process it all….
So now that you know where the flowers came from…
The stories will begin…
Piper is Sweet! Happy that you are home, but I'm Praying for your heart…that is hurting & broken for what you left behind. And, for the pain you experienced. I.Love.You. ~ Jo
Can't wait to hear stories from your point of view and see your pictures. 🙂
Everything you have written in the last couple of weeks has made me bawl my eyes out, even this. Such a wonderful thing that Piper did! But so many mixed emotions. I told my husband that I wanted to go to Uganda someday (really I meant like next flight out but no need to completely freak him out)! Slowly but surely I can see his heart opening. I really hope you realize how far reaching your work is Linny. Because of your blog God has been changing my heart, my husbands heart, even people at my office have been talking about orphans and asking about your trip since I talk about the issues now whenever I can. I can tell by the comments that I am one of MANY. I hope that adds some level of comfort to the many other feelings I'm sure you are experiencing. I'm sure God will begin to reveal all the BIG things that will happen for good because of you sharing your experiences, planting seeds etc. Thank you.
Oh Linny,
My heart stirs and aches as I read your Uganda posts so far. Oh how I want to be His hands and feet for the orphan!!!
My mind keeps singing the lyrics from Matthew west song as a prayer to my Lord:
Father break my heart for what breaks yours
Give me open hands and open doors
Put your light in my eyes and let me see
That my own little world is not about me
Still praying for you and the team.
Love Lisa K, WA
Piper's wonderful gift, reminds me of your husband's sermon posted on your church's website…"Miracle in Your Hands". I'm praising our Lord for Piper and her friends! To God be all the glory!
Wow, those are incredibly beautiful! Can't wait to see pictures.
Again, "only God" could have put all this together. He is our awesome God who cares about the smallest detail and then prompts His children to take care of it. Praise you Jesus; I love You.
They are beautiful and brightly coloured, it's wonderful how it all came together with His leading 🙂
I am sorry that you are grieving, Linny, I pray that He will let you know what exactly He would like you to do, for our peace comes from Him.
What an incredible gift of generosity by Piper and those who helped. It brings tears to my eyes. Thinking of you and praying. Lova ya
Be still my heart!!! They are so cute!!
I cannot wait to see pics and hear stories!!
Wow! Those are beautiful. What a lovely gift gift and blessing to the kids.
I'm so looking forward to reading more about your trip and seeing pictures.
Linny and Piper and ladies – these flowers are beautiful – what a wonderful – God Inspired – provision.
That is an amazing story!! I simply cannot wait to see photos and hear all the stories:)
beautiful God…beautiful daughter of God.
What an absolute precious thing for Piper and her friends to do. So selfless. My Goodness! The flowers were gorgeous!
I cant wait to see the pictures of all the boys and sweet little girls all decked out and sporting some really big smiles.
Wow! Our God is an Awesome God! Kudos to Piper for listening and working and to you for doing all you do! Precious!
Linny-
God has shown me so much through your heart for the orphan. I look forward to a word coming from Him with your blog post. Thank you for sharing your heart!
The corsages/boutonnieres were a huge hit, Piper and gang! If you could have seen how proud all the boys were when they were pinned on and if you saw the looks on the faces of the little girls you would be thrilled. Something small in size was ginormous to the street children who received them! Thank you for blessing them and just wait til you see the pictures of the boys all dressed up! Thank you Linny for allowing me to join you – it was the opportunity of a LIFETIME!
It is such a sweet reminder to look back over our days and all those little "accidents" that are really just beautiful pieces of Gods plan.
Brooke Annessa
http://www.theannessafamily.blogspot.com
I Love this story and beautiful corsages. This is amazing, do tell us stories of Africa!
So amazing! I love them and can't wait to see the pictures. I hope that you are getting a bit of rest after your journey and lots of lovin' from those sweet treasures of yours! I can't wait to hear your stories!
I can't wait to see more pictures and hear your stories of your adventures. I have been following your blog for awhile and am amazed at your story. Thanks for bringing us along with you.
tears. . .