Returning

Last Saturday I made the long journey back to Bundibugyo. On the way back I had a lot of time to think about what was ahead and what I was returning to. I thought about how things would be different; some team members would no longer be there, some of my cell group students may no longer be at Christ School, my role would be different… but at the same time I was full of thanksgiving. What a gift it is to travel back to a place like Bundibugyo, a place that became another home, a place that you can’t help but be reminded of God’s greatness through its beauty. With a thankful heart I began to think about all that was to come. I began to think about what it was going to be like to reunite with friends and neighbors, to speak Lubwisi again, to wake up to birds chirping and roosters crowing and to fall asleep to the pitter patter of rain and the croaking of frogs, to walk in the dark, to sit with people, to play with children and hear their laughter, to cook from scratch, and to just live simply.
Now that I have returned, there will be a lot of readjusting, but at the same time the rhythm of life here is so familiar and is not easily forgettable. As I walked down the road again it felt like only days or weeks since I had done it last instead of months. There have been many warm greetings from friends and neighbors, each person saying “well be back,” their way of saying welcome back. Each person also asking about each of my family members knowing the importance of time spent with family. I look forward to each day knowing that each moment is precious and a chance to see God’s glory revealed. Each breath is a gift, both my own and to those around me. My prayer is that I would continue to appreciate each moment that I am given, that my eyes and heart would be open to seeing Jesus in the things and people placed before me, and with each moment , both hard and fun would bring increased joy, and glory to our Father.

I Arrived!!!

I have arrived in Uganda after a very long journey and mulitple nights of little sleep. The Entebbe airport has improved a lot since I was last through there. There is actually a real baggage claim now. As I stood waiting for my luggage I partly expected it not to be there since that has happened to me mulitple times. This time though I am happy to say that all three of my bags arrived. I was greeted at the airport by three of my teammates. It is amazing how even though I have been away for 5 months, it feels like I never left. Once I arrived at my Kampala accomodation I was greeted by more friendly faces from both the staff and more teammates. My next few days I will be trying to get over jetlag, shopping for the summer supplies, and starting preparations for the summer interns. Saturday I will leave Kampala and head back to Bundibugyo. Thank you for praying for my travels. They really did go as smoothly as could be expected.

And I Am Off Again

Two weeks in counting! On May 17th I will be heading to Philly for a couple of days before leaving on the 19th for Uganda. Time has gone by so quickly. I am leaving so thankful for the good times I have had in the last 5 months in Seattle and I will miss everyone. But at the same time, I am SUPER excited to return to Uganda. I will be in Uganda for about two months and then I will return to Seattle before I take off again. Even though I returning to many changes and some sad things will hit me once again, I am looking forward to those stretching moments. My desire for dependency on the Lord is great and I know that I can't get through even a day of life in Bundi without the strength of Jesus. I am already smiling as I think about what it is going to be like to see my neighbors again, to visit the pottery house, to be in the schools again, to reunite with team mates, and to begin new relationships. I know that it will not be an easy summer and so I need your prayers. Not only will I be responsible for my own time and schedule, but also the activities and schedules of 3 other people. With responsibilities comes the temptation to be prideful, self-sufficient, too caught up in reputation, a people pleaser, etc. Pray that I would listen to the voice of Jesus and trust the Spirit to lead. I will try my level best to update this blog with both the joys and struggles of my summer in Bundi and more specifics on how you can be praying.

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is A God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" Isaiah 30:18

"The way to serve God so that He gets the glory is to look to Him for mercy. Prayer prevents service from being an expression of pride." John Piper

Let the Good Times Continue!

Living in transition is not an easy thing, but the Lord always surprises me. While in Washington I have had so many good times and have been so blessed through each moment. I am learning that transition doesn't have to be scary. Instead of focusing on what it is going to be like fitting back into life in a certain place, I am instead just thankful that I get to experience many different places and people. Let the Good times continue!!