What does a spicy burrito have to do with me going to Uganda?

Back in late March, while I was preparing for my sermon, I received a phone call from my Rector, who I respectfully refer to as FJ. He mentioned that our Bishop had discussed partnering with OneChild and the Diocese of Kigezi (our sister church in Uganda) at a meeting. The Bishop asked attendees to pray about sending a representative from the San Joaquin Diocese to work with OneChild, which would also involve a trip to Uganda just six weeks later.

The first words out of FJ's mouth were, "I am not sure if this was the spicy burrito I ate for lunch or the Holy Spirit speaking, but you (Dolores) keep popping into my mind when I think about this Uganda opportunity." He gave me the little information he knew about it, then asked me to pray and let the Bishop know ASAP.

One day during Lent 2024, I unexpectedly realized how much I resisted life. I decided to spend the rest of Lent practicing letting go of trying to control my life and being open to whatever life brings, whether good or bad, easy or hard, beautiful or ugly. With this in mind, I prayed about going to Uganda and gave the Lord three specific prayers for everything to fall into place: First, I needed to get time off work. Second, I needed healing for two minor health issues. Third, my husband and kids had to be on board.

I'm happy to report that they granted me the time off after speaking to my supervisor and manager. I am so grateful for my co-workers who jumped in and took my shifts. Dealing with health issues hasn't gone smoothly, but that's okay. I realize that I may have to deal with them on this trip and that the Lord is with me even though I am not entirely well. Thankfully, my husband understands the responsibilities of being a Deacon, and he is my biggest supporter. Gratefully, all of my kids gave me the thumbs up.

The purpose of the team I'm traveling with is for some members to visit the children they sponsor. Others will provide soccer balls, jump ropes, and other playground toys for children on Buvuma Island. We will also travel to Rwanda to assist two Bishops in exploring sites to expand their OneChild ministries. Additionally, some of us, including myself, will be actively observing and learning about the various developmental aspects of child sponsorship in Uganda so that I can report back to my Bishop.

Maybe it could have been the burrito FJ ate, but more likely, this was God's idea, and the burrito was just the agent.

I hope you continue to journey with me to Uganda.

Deacon Dolores

For more information visit: www.onechildglobal.com