The Book 0f Jasmine

From the time I could write, I remember my Mom always had me send a “thank you” for every gift I received or write an appreciation note to those who impacted my life, big or small. At the time I didn’t understand why my mom had me do this but I am so grateful that she instilled this act of kindness in me!! Till this day, I love writing thank you cards/notes, appreciation letters, showing people they matter and giving people their "flowers" while they can still appreciate them. And even though my handwriting isn’t the best at all, I am so glad that I do not allow this “weakness” to stop me from giving these notes of gratitude to those around me! The same is true with giving gifts. I love giving gifts; especially random and unexpected gifts! I personally will not give a gift that has no meaning behind it. It is always strategically planned out, very detailed and a lot of times personalized (one of a kind). I love to listen to people, hear their testimonies, and lear...

“A person's heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 I absolutely loved everything about Australia; the people, the weather, the beautiful mountains/trails and my life in Australia was truly amazing!! Since November of 2019 my plan was to extend my time in Australia to stay for the Hillsong Conference in July. I was so adamant about staying and told everybody who would listen!! Then the first week in February came… and God instructed me to go back home and even gave me a specific date to leave, March 11th . I am not gonna lie I was so confused and very sad because it didn’t make any sense at all to leave, even though I was seeing how God was bringing this season to an end. After a few days of fasting, praying and crying, I ultimately died to my will and accepted what I heard. I had to trust that God knew what He was doing. So, still not 100% certain why I was leaving, I booked my ticket back home but I am so glad I did!! Literally I got bac...

Wow I can't believe my time in Uganda is quickly coming to an end. As I look back over these past 3 months, I am at lost of words and in awe of who God is. This experience has definitely increased my faith and trust in God. I have grown so much, gained so much knowledge, was definitely challenged but I am leaving with a new mindset, eyes wide open and have truly been forever blessed and impacted by this entire experience. I am definitely not the same Jasmine that came to Uganda in June and I see the transformation as I read my journal entries. I now know clearer the plans that God has for me, discovered true purpose and have so much joy 🤗 There have been so many phenomenal experiences! I wrote about many of them in previous blogs but here are just a few highlights: One of my goals was to meet people of other nationalities and I have gained so many lifelong friends and places to visit around the world. Gained 2 Godchildren and decided to sponsor a baby (that is my shad...

This past Sunday God blessed me to gain another Godchild!! This time it is a sweet little girl who turned 1 today! She just arrived at Watoto a little over 2 weeks ago and the first time I saw her I knew there was a special connection between us but she definitely did not feel the same way lol She instantly cried when I touched her arm or even came close to her.  When I found out that I was going to be a Godmother again, I was ecstatic and humbled. Especially when I found out that it was going to be this sweet little girl that I was drawn to the first day I met her. Knowing that she is so new, very sensitive and never had been to church, I had no idea what was going to happen. So I went to see my Goddaughter on that Wednesday and she was not having it. She screamed the entire time that I was holding her. So I prayed.  I saw her on Friday and at first she cried but she eventually let me hold her and when I put her down she looked up at me and gave me a big smile 😍 Th...

I can truly say coming to Uganda has been one of the best decisions I have made thus far in life! God is sooooo good! I am having the time of my life! I am so glad I listened to that still small voice, left everything behind and went to where I was called. So much has been revealed, I have grown tremendously and God is continuing to show me His plans for me. Now I know exactly what I want to do but I'll share that at a later time. Just please pray that God will open the door that He wants me to walk through when I return back to America. Just a few updates of what's been going on since my last post: On Thursday the 17th we (the volunteers) had the pleasure of taking the big toddlers on a field trip to the zoo with the nannies! To see the animals from their point of view was simply miraculous! I had 2 girls that I was in charge of and they were absolutely the best. They were so calm and collective and they really enjoyed all the animals. So pleased that Watoto giv...

"T hen Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." Luke 18:16 Wow I cant believe it is the half way mark of me being in Uganda! These definitely have been the best weeks of the year so far and some of the best weeks of my life! God is truly faithful and I know that God has definitely placed me here for such a time as this 😊 Just thinking about going back home brings me to tears, so I'm going to try to stay in the present time lol So much has transpired over this last month and a half and the biggest impact for me is seeing how the children have developed. One girl that Baby Watoto rescued about 2 weeks ago was very shy and didnt say anything or smile when she came. I always would talk to her and try to interact with her but she would just stare at me. Well this week I saw her and she was laughing, having fun and interac...