OUR HEARTS GRIEVE

It is with deep sorrow and heartache that we share the news that our dear friend Ruth Muga went home to Jesus last Saturday. Many of you who know us and have followed this blog know that Ruth was one of the most amazing African woman we have ever met and the founder of Bethesda International in Jinja, Uganda(1995) and cared for hundreds of Uganda's orphans.

The day we met her in 2003, she was permanently woven into our lives and hearts by God. She is one of the main reasons for our love and passion for Uganda. We have been working with her for many years and had planned to expand our partnership with her in the coming years. We were so looking forward to next month, when we leave for our 6 month stint to Uganda, and be reunited with Ruth and the kids. She has given her life to the children of Uganda and has transformed so many lives by her love, support, encouragement, devotion, and care. We are absolutely heart broken and still in shock due to the fact that it happened so suddenly. We spoke to Arthur, her husband, and he said he was holding up and was blessed by the people supporting him during this time. Ruth and Arthur were currently a family of 15 before Ruth passed. Most of these children have never known a mother or father other than Ruth, so please lift these children in prayer. I know there is a deep loss in the Bethesda families and the city of Jinja as Ruth was a mother and friend to all. Please be praying for all the Bethesda foster families, children, Arthur, and the Bethesda community as they navigate through this painful time. Please also be praying for the Bethesda Int'l. ministry, that the Lord will speak and reveal His plan for Bethesda Int'l's future. Once we find out more info we will update you with prayer requests and even ways to get involved by supporting Bethesda Int'l so that their ministry to Uganda's orphans can continue.

With a heavy heart but holding onto God's faithfulness and goodness!

Katie

****In 2003, on our first trip to Africa, we drove away from Bethesda and waved goodbye to Ruth and the children. Tears streamed down my face as I thought of all the orphans in Africa and the hard work ahead for Ruth. The Lord spoke to me and gave me this verse, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" John 14: 18. It is underlined in my bible with the date 6-05-03 & Bethesda written beside it. God has them in His hands, period. He will not and has never left them. Even though Ruth has gone to Heaven, He is right there by their side watching over every child, tending to each of their sad hearts right now. What comfort that brings me.

Our first family road trip!

Boy, summer is just flying by! I am so behind in blogging. I feel like we are running top speed everyday. We have been home for a week from our trip to AZ and now we're leaving tomorrow for Michigan on another road trip. Squeezed in there was the 4th of July festivities which I'll have to post about later or just send you to the Lorenzens blog for an update. We packed our car and headed to Tucson, AZ for a little mini family vacation! Jeff was speaking and attending a conference for work so we all tagged along and turned it into a little family get-away. We stayed at the Westin Hotel; 5 pools, water slide, heavenly beds, room service, swim up bar, a gorgeous place! We got to pretend we were living the high life for almost 2 weeks!! The kids sported the infamous "wings" and they started swimming from the get go!! They are little tadpoles, especially Fatu. No fear of water at all. We had a blast and at the end of our trip, we were able to visit Jeff's family in Phoenix!! A good time was had by all!!

Great view at the hotel!!!
Jeff and the kiddos!! O and F finally got to meet their cousin Kyle. As you can see, they loved each other from the get go!!
ROAD TRIPPIN'

F and Auntie Linda!!
the cousins hangin' out
the family :)

love this pic!
Uncle Brian and O enjoying the pool and mama's sunglasses
Grandpa B and O chowing on some wings!! We have to always remind O and F that we "don't eat the bones"...seriously!
Grandma B and F playing at the science museum!

The cousins first meeting

This picture says it all