April 15, 2009
I hope all is well with you. I have not written for a couple of weeks. In some ways a lot has happened during that time; in other ways it seems like I am still waiting for things to happen here.
I turned 31 since I last wrote. It was not too big of a deal. I buzzed my hair so I could ignore the grey. The team came over for grilled pork which was nice. A few days later Tim and Angie took our family to a new swimming pool in Mbale. We were there on a nice sunny day so we could enjoy the pool even though the water was refreshing!
We had a nice Easter last week. I had been asked to preach in church. The sky was very grey when we arrived at church. During opening prayers it began to rain. This was only the second time since we came to Soroti that it rained on a Sunday morning. Since we have a steel roof, we sang a number of extra songs - the rain was so loud that we could not hear each other speaking, so we just kept singing. Eventually Pastor Francis decided I should begin preaching, hoping that people would be able to hear some of what I said…that rain stopped soon after I began so people could hear what was said.
In the afternoon we had our friends over for supper. We did an Easter egg hunt for the kids, then we ate. After supper we sat down and opened the 12 Resurrection eggs; they enabled us to share the story of Jesus’ arrest, death on the cross, and resurrection. I was greatly impressed how attentively everyone listened. Each one clearly heard the gospel message. Now we continue praying that the seeds planted will begin to grow in their hearts.
Last night we went and played Basketball with the Chinese; it was good to spend time with them again.
On Monday I met with some of the blind to discuss plans for the year. It was good to hang out with them again. We really want to try to reach each orchard beneficiary one more time to check on the trees again and to share God’s word with them again. The last round of follow-up was not very successful; hopefully this time we will have better success getting the people while they are home. (There is no way to notify them we will be coming.) The blind trainers also said they would like to get involved training other blind people again this year. They have not done that for a number of years. This would entail gather blind people in a given location to a sub-county office (the sub-county provides accommodation for the trainers and a classroom). The training would be at least 4 weeks (ideally it would be 4 months) so the blind from that area could be trained in discipleship, mobility, living (washing clothes, fetching water, cooking - which is challenging over a fire when you are blind). If more time allows they would also be trained in knitting, farming, and other vocational things.
Teaching…yeah, I am trying to be patient while things fall into place; however, things at the Bible College are not falling in line very quickly. I am about ready to start investigating new options. I will be leading the Timothy institute Monday in Otuboi. I am considering beginning this training other places as well.
Finally, things on the home front are settling in. Our new house is beginning to feel like home. We are almost finished unpacking, some of the plumbing and electrical kinks have been resolved, and we have met a few neighbors. I have been working on a sandbox and am nearly finished building a grill. We also hired a daytime guard / gardener to be here while I am away. Mandy said she would feel more secure about things if someone were here. Honestly, I think John will have the yard looking much nicer than I ever would. He has worked for three other people who rented this house so he knows how to do things, plus I do not likely investing a large amount of time in the yard.
I hope all is well. I will try to write again in a week or two - hopefully by then I will be busy teaching. Until then, let us live up to what we have already attained
Shaarda's Story - It's God's Story! Life & Ministry in the village of Obule, Uganda. 1 Thess. 2:8
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Back in Soroti
March 26, 2009 
Today I asked Lydia if she is happy to be back in Uganda. She said yes. She said she likes Uganda because she doesn’t get shots here. Way back in November Lydia got her 5 year old shots at the doctor in MI. I guess that is something she wont forget. I cut Grace’s hair now too (Lydia’s was cut Sunday because she was too sweaty). Grace thinks she looks like a boy even though it is cut just above her shoulders. They have been really good. I am so proud of them. And Luka too. He slept 9 hours the other night and almost 8 hours last night. What a good boy!
Oh, Lydia was talking today about a diary but she was calling it a “diarrhea”.
April 5, 2009
Wow, we have been in Soroti for two and a half weeks and I am finding it very hard to find time to sit down and write. I love writing and sharing with everyone but the reality is I have a new baby and two other kids. So, I think this year writing will be to a minimum. But who knows, I still need my sanity right?
I am very pleased to say things are going very well and I am happy and thankful. The rains finally started which has made life much more pleasant with cooler temperatures. We have been very busy mostly because we moved into our new home. There are lots of boxes to unpack, sorting, and putting away. I hate undone projects so everyday I have to remind myself to only do so much. Having a baby keeps me in check. Luka always reminds me when to take a break and feed him. And I have to have time to cook for the family. I have been reminded how much time it takes to prepare a meal. There are also a lot of little details and fix ups that are needed around the new house. All in good time but right now I think it is frustrating Josh. He would much rather be doing ministry. It was very stressful this week when our generator and h
ot water heater did not work and both were worked on before we left in November and were suppose to be ready. Of course we had no power 3 or 4 evenings this week which meant too many candle lit nights.
Other than all of that, I love our new home! It is fun making it into our home (I think it is a women thing). I like all the extra space we now have. I love all the trees, flowers, and shade. I look out our windows so thankful for the beauty. Each day the birds are singing in the trees so pretty. It is different being in a new house and down the road from Tim and Angie. Not bad just different. Josh and I prayed through our home the first night we slept here. It is something we have never done together but know it is great to do. It sure brings a lot of peace knowing you have invited Jesus into every room in your home.
The kids are doing GREAT. I am so thankful prayer and answered prayers. Luka has been sleeping through the night for two weeks now. What a good boy! He is happy and bring a lot of joy to our family. Grace is even doing well (even with all the change). She has a cute new hair cut. She has been carrying around four pictures of her grandpa and grandma Shaarda and aunts and uncles that they sent her. That reminds me that she misses them. She also talks about the time when she ate at grandma Beutes and had chicken soup with crackers in it. It is funny what they remember and meant something to them. Grace sleeps with a bed full every night. She puts her pictures, two little Bibles, a ball, phone, and her blanket under her pillow. I guess that comforts her. Lydia continues to be easy going and joyful. She was sick last week when we moved in the house but thankfully that stomach bug seemed to pass quickly. We were praying with the girls one night and they both had several “boo-boos” to pray for and Lydia said, “God has a lot of work to do.” We were walking down the road the other day and talking about Jesus being in our hearts. Lydia said I want Jesus in my heart! So there on the Lira Road she said her little prayer all by herself and asked Jesus to live in her heart. Praise God! Here is something funny, Grace loves to tease Lydia at times and the other day Lydia was mad at her and she told Grace how mean she was and stormed off. Grace looked at Avalien and said, “That was funny.” What else about the kids? Luka has real tears now (just incase you wanted to know Mom S). The girls sleep well most nights but other nights seem to have a lot of trouble I think with dreams. I wish I knew if it was the malaria meds or not. We will keep an eye on it anyways.
Today is Josh’s 31st birthday! We had a party yesterday. Complete with grilled port steaks, potato salad, fruit salad, and cake. Our team came and celebrated with us. The girls and I made Josh a giant chocolate chip cookie. Angie gave him cinnamon rolls. I guess we all know what Josh enjoys. He is now sitting on the porch with Luka sipping a Mt. Dew (they have them in glass bottles here). So he should be happy.
We went to our church today. I was very happy to be there. Their singing is simple but nice and Francis’ preaching is good. I am thankful for the truth he shares from God’s Word each Sunday. They are having a shower for Luka next week.
April 7, 2009
Lydia started school this week! Karen, a friend from college, is on our team for the next ten months and so was willing to teach Lydia every morning for a couple hours. Lydia seems to love it. I think she really likes the one on one. It sounds like they are having fun too. I am a bit jealous but usually when I am I am sitting in the rocking chair feeding Luka and realize there is no way I could handle home school right now. Karen and I are very happy with our chose of curriculum so far. I can thank Rebeka for that.
Side note, Luka got over 13 mosquito bites on his arm the other night. We think it is because he rolled up against the bug net. Poor guy. Don’t worry grandma we put him in a different bed so he can’t rollup against the net anymore. We are taking good care of him.
Today I asked Lydia if she is happy to be back in Uganda. She said yes. She said she likes Uganda because she doesn’t get shots here. Way back in November Lydia got her 5 year old shots at the doctor in MI. I guess that is something she wont forget. I cut Grace’s hair now too (Lydia’s was cut Sunday because she was too sweaty). Grace thinks she looks like a boy even though it is cut just above her shoulders. They have been really good. I am so proud of them. And Luka too. He slept 9 hours the other night and almost 8 hours last night. What a good boy!
Oh, Lydia was talking today about a diary but she was calling it a “diarrhea”.
April 5, 2009
Wow, we have been in Soroti for two and a half weeks and I am finding it very hard to find time to sit down and write. I love writing and sharing with everyone but the reality is I have a new baby and two other kids. So, I think this year writing will be to a minimum. But who knows, I still need my sanity right?
I am very pleased to say things are going very well and I am happy and thankful. The rains finally started which has made life much more pleasant with cooler temperatures. We have been very busy mostly because we moved into our new home. There are lots of boxes to unpack, sorting, and putting away. I hate undone projects so everyday I have to remind myself to only do so much. Having a baby keeps me in check. Luka always reminds me when to take a break and feed him. And I have to have time to cook for the family. I have been reminded how much time it takes to prepare a meal. There are also a lot of little details and fix ups that are needed around the new house. All in good time but right now I think it is frustrating Josh. He would much rather be doing ministry. It was very stressful this week when our generator and h
ot water heater did not work and both were worked on before we left in November and were suppose to be ready. Of course we had no power 3 or 4 evenings this week which meant too many candle lit nights.Other than all of that, I love our new home! It is fun making it into our home (I think it is a women thing). I like all the extra space we now have. I love all the trees, flowers, and shade. I look out our windows so thankful for the beauty. Each day the birds are singing in the trees so pretty. It is different being in a new house and down the road from Tim and Angie. Not bad just different. Josh and I prayed through our home the first night we slept here. It is something we have never done together but know it is great to do. It sure brings a lot of peace knowing you have invited Jesus into every room in your home.
The kids are doing GREAT. I am so thankful prayer and answered prayers. Luka has been sleeping through the night for two weeks now. What a good boy! He is happy and bring a lot of joy to our family. Grace is even doing well (even with all the change). She has a cute new hair cut. She has been carrying around four pictures of her grandpa and grandma Shaarda and aunts and uncles that they sent her. That reminds me that she misses them. She also talks about the time when she ate at grandma Beutes and had chicken soup with crackers in it. It is funny what they remember and meant something to them. Grace sleeps with a bed full every night. She puts her pictures, two little Bibles, a ball, phone, and her blanket under her pillow. I guess that comforts her. Lydia continues to be easy going and joyful. She was sick last week when we moved in the house but thankfully that stomach bug seemed to pass quickly. We were praying with the girls one night and they both had several “boo-boos” to pray for and Lydia said, “God has a lot of work to do.” We were walking down the road the other day and talking about Jesus being in our hearts. Lydia said I want Jesus in my heart! So there on the Lira Road she said her little prayer all by herself and asked Jesus to live in her heart. Praise God! Here is something funny, Grace loves to tease Lydia at times and the other day Lydia was mad at her and she told Grace how mean she was and stormed off. Grace looked at Avalien and said, “That was funny.” What else about the kids? Luka has real tears now (just incase you wanted to know Mom S). The girls sleep well most nights but other nights seem to have a lot of trouble I think with dreams. I wish I knew if it was the malaria meds or not. We will keep an eye on it anyways.
Today is Josh’s 31st birthday! We had a party yesterday. Complete with grilled port steaks, potato salad, fruit salad, and cake. Our team came and celebrated with us. The girls and I made Josh a giant chocolate chip cookie. Angie gave him cinnamon rolls. I guess we all know what Josh enjoys. He is now sitting on the porch with Luka sipping a Mt. Dew (they have them in glass bottles here). So he should be happy.
We went to our church today. I was very happy to be there. Their singing is simple but nice and Francis’ preaching is good. I am thankful for the truth he shares from God’s Word each Sunday. They are having a shower for Luka next week.
April 7, 2009
Lydia started school this week! Karen, a friend from college, is on our team for the next ten months and so was willing to teach Lydia every morning for a couple hours. Lydia seems to love it. I think she really likes the one on one. It sounds like they are having fun too. I am a bit jealous but usually when I am I am sitting in the rocking chair feeding Luka and realize there is no way I could handle home school right now. Karen and I are very happy with our chose of curriculum so far. I can thank Rebeka for that.
Side note, Luka got over 13 mosquito bites on his arm the other night. We think it is because he rolled up against the bug net. Poor guy. Don’t worry grandma we put him in a different bed so he can’t rollup against the net anymore. We are taking good care of him.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Deep Thinking
April 2009
Monday Tabitha was sick and I realized how much I love her and need her. I don’t think I can explain to an American mother why I need house help unless you have lived on the mission field. (I am not just a lazy or spoiled mom. Although, I am grateful!) If I miss one day with sweeping, laundry (especially diapers), or doing dishes I have a mess on my hands. Yes, I could do some of it (not laundry by hand!) but somehow I can’t get it all done with a baby, kids, meals, market, ministry, team, communicating…rest. Anyways, I am thankful for Tabitha and she is thankful for a job.
Okay to get to the point now, so I had Angie’s house help Grace come for a couple hours to help me. She came to our new home and said how nice and big our house is. All day long that struck me. Here is a woman who lives in one room with four children and I have a “mansion”. I prayed about it and for the first time admitted I am wealthy. I am wealthy! Would Americans say I am? Probably not. I have always compared myself to them and evaluated myself on those standards. But the fact is compared to most of the people in the world I am very wealthy. Think about it, as Americans we need closets, cupboards, garages, attics, basements, storage units… Why? Because we have so much! So much stuff and yet we think we need more. We are wealthy. Too wealthy. Most of my neighbors here have one trunk to keep all of their things in. People here have had to flee their home with only what they could carry. Most people don’t have anything to store because they have no money for their next meal. Yet, how often I complain and get crabby when I don’t have what I think should be “essentials”. Like when; the power is out here, or we don’t have water, our van doesn’t work, or I don’t have good food. Are my neighbors complaining? This is how they live everyday. They aren’t essentials unless to so many in the world.
Wow, what do you do with all that? It is reality and I live amongst it everyday. I am a wealthy American living amongst the poor in Africa. I wrestle with this so much. It is nothing new for me. In my prayer time I came to the conclusion that I can’t live like them and I am have been very blessed (and don’t even deserve it). I prayed that God would give me a generous and selfless heart and that He would help me be responsible with all He has given me. That is my prayer. I want to glorify God with all I have. God help us as we live in an unfair, sinful world. May we, especially the wealthy, use our resources to bring honor to your name.
Okay another deep thought. The other day I was looking at my kids and thinking about all that some people in Africa and other countries have had to go through. I had to force myself to really think about it because it is so hard. But the fact is that many people have had to see their precious children be killed, kidnapped and made soldiers, tortured…even babies. I can’t even begin to fathom that thought of my kids suffering like that. Or for that fact them watching their parents killed either. So often we don’t want to think about this or know about it because it is so awful. But maybe we should have to sometimes. It is too easy for us to not want to know. But it is really happening right now in our world! In Africa, the Middle East, and so many other places… People are dying and hurting. And we are sitting comfortably not knowing about it. I decided I needed to repent. For myself and for all of us who don’t want to think about it. (Not that we don’t want to do something but feel helpless.) We need to be praying. Calling out to God on their behalf. Remembering them. I don’t always understand my neighbors or people here, but I also don’t understand all they have gone through. What does it feel like to be desparate, to see a loved one taken or killed, or to in war? I needed this wake up call. I needed to repent of my not wanting to think about it and not praying about it. I realize this is heavy stuff and some of you may think I am crazy, but God taught me something when I looked at my kids that day. No one deserves the evil that is happening in this world. I will never understand it. I have to go to God. He is the only one who can take it all and give me hope.
Monday Tabitha was sick and I realized how much I love her and need her. I don’t think I can explain to an American mother why I need house help unless you have lived on the mission field. (I am not just a lazy or spoiled mom. Although, I am grateful!) If I miss one day with sweeping, laundry (especially diapers), or doing dishes I have a mess on my hands. Yes, I could do some of it (not laundry by hand!) but somehow I can’t get it all done with a baby, kids, meals, market, ministry, team, communicating…rest. Anyways, I am thankful for Tabitha and she is thankful for a job.
Okay to get to the point now, so I had Angie’s house help Grace come for a couple hours to help me. She came to our new home and said how nice and big our house is. All day long that struck me. Here is a woman who lives in one room with four children and I have a “mansion”. I prayed about it and for the first time admitted I am wealthy. I am wealthy! Would Americans say I am? Probably not. I have always compared myself to them and evaluated myself on those standards. But the fact is compared to most of the people in the world I am very wealthy. Think about it, as Americans we need closets, cupboards, garages, attics, basements, storage units… Why? Because we have so much! So much stuff and yet we think we need more. We are wealthy. Too wealthy. Most of my neighbors here have one trunk to keep all of their things in. People here have had to flee their home with only what they could carry. Most people don’t have anything to store because they have no money for their next meal. Yet, how often I complain and get crabby when I don’t have what I think should be “essentials”. Like when; the power is out here, or we don’t have water, our van doesn’t work, or I don’t have good food. Are my neighbors complaining? This is how they live everyday. They aren’t essentials unless to so many in the world.
Wow, what do you do with all that? It is reality and I live amongst it everyday. I am a wealthy American living amongst the poor in Africa. I wrestle with this so much. It is nothing new for me. In my prayer time I came to the conclusion that I can’t live like them and I am have been very blessed (and don’t even deserve it). I prayed that God would give me a generous and selfless heart and that He would help me be responsible with all He has given me. That is my prayer. I want to glorify God with all I have. God help us as we live in an unfair, sinful world. May we, especially the wealthy, use our resources to bring honor to your name.
Okay another deep thought. The other day I was looking at my kids and thinking about all that some people in Africa and other countries have had to go through. I had to force myself to really think about it because it is so hard. But the fact is that many people have had to see their precious children be killed, kidnapped and made soldiers, tortured…even babies. I can’t even begin to fathom that thought of my kids suffering like that. Or for that fact them watching their parents killed either. So often we don’t want to think about this or know about it because it is so awful. But maybe we should have to sometimes. It is too easy for us to not want to know. But it is really happening right now in our world! In Africa, the Middle East, and so many other places… People are dying and hurting. And we are sitting comfortably not knowing about it. I decided I needed to repent. For myself and for all of us who don’t want to think about it. (Not that we don’t want to do something but feel helpless.) We need to be praying. Calling out to God on their behalf. Remembering them. I don’t always understand my neighbors or people here, but I also don’t understand all they have gone through. What does it feel like to be desparate, to see a loved one taken or killed, or to in war? I needed this wake up call. I needed to repent of my not wanting to think about it and not praying about it. I realize this is heavy stuff and some of you may think I am crazy, but God taught me something when I looked at my kids that day. No one deserves the evil that is happening in this world. I will never understand it. I have to go to God. He is the only one who can take it all and give me hope.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
First Days Back
March 25, 2009
We have been in Uganda for a whole week now. On the one hand it is amazing how quickly time passes. On the other hand, it is amazing how much time it takes to get back into the swing of things. One major adjustment has been the heat. All the Ugandans have been complaining about the heat as well - a true sign that it really is hot. Angie said her thermometer read 115 this week.
Another brake on our settling in has been the fact that our new house is not yet ready for us. As a result, we have not yet unpacked any of our luggage. We are just trying to make due with whatever we had hear, while also living around the pile of boxes and luggage in our dining room. The new landlord did give us a three month discount for the inconvenience, which told me a lot about his character. They have been working there ever since we got here and they keep telling us by Friday it will be ready for us to move in; although, some outside work will still be completed over the next month or two.
I was also quite disappointed to see how little progress there has been at Bethel Bible College. Because of this situation, I decided to get back to basics this week: connect with the Vine. Jesus promised in Jn. 15 that if we stay in Him, we will produce fruit. Ultimately, whether or not the Bible College grows is not the issue. The issue is leaders being trained, missionaries being sent, lost people being saved, and Christians growing in their faith. Therefore, I have focused my time this week, not so much on the Bible College, but on asking God to use me to produce fruit. I have been seeking more of His presence in my life.
On a much lighter note, our kids keep us smiling. Soon after our arrival Lydia mentions how nice it was not to have to wear tights. However, as the temps kept climbing, she decided she liked snow better.
On our way home from church Sunday Grace pointed out a chicken crossing the road ahead of us. I absent mindedly asked, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” Lydia answered very seriously, “Because it did not want the people to catch it for dinner.” Yup, we are back in Uganda. I am glad to be hear. I know God has called us here. I am just wondering (in a positive way) how He plans to use us this year.
We have been in Uganda for a whole week now. On the one hand it is amazing how quickly time passes. On the other hand, it is amazing how much time it takes to get back into the swing of things. One major adjustment has been the heat. All the Ugandans have been complaining about the heat as well - a true sign that it really is hot. Angie said her thermometer read 115 this week.
Another brake on our settling in has been the fact that our new house is not yet ready for us. As a result, we have not yet unpacked any of our luggage. We are just trying to make due with whatever we had hear, while also living around the pile of boxes and luggage in our dining room. The new landlord did give us a three month discount for the inconvenience, which told me a lot about his character. They have been working there ever since we got here and they keep telling us by Friday it will be ready for us to move in; although, some outside work will still be completed over the next month or two.
I was also quite disappointed to see how little progress there has been at Bethel Bible College. Because of this situation, I decided to get back to basics this week: connect with the Vine. Jesus promised in Jn. 15 that if we stay in Him, we will produce fruit. Ultimately, whether or not the Bible College grows is not the issue. The issue is leaders being trained, missionaries being sent, lost people being saved, and Christians growing in their faith. Therefore, I have focused my time this week, not so much on the Bible College, but on asking God to use me to produce fruit. I have been seeking more of His presence in my life.
On a much lighter note, our kids keep us smiling. Soon after our arrival Lydia mentions how nice it was not to have to wear tights. However, as the temps kept climbing, she decided she liked snow better.
On our way home from church Sunday Grace pointed out a chicken crossing the road ahead of us. I absent mindedly asked, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” Lydia answered very seriously, “Because it did not want the people to catch it for dinner.” Yup, we are back in Uganda. I am glad to be hear. I know God has called us here. I am just wondering (in a positive way) how He plans to use us this year.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
We Made it!
Dear Friends,
We have arrived! We cannot tell you how much your prayers meant to us. After packing 12 boxes, saying goodbye to our family and friends, flying almost 18 hours, and driving over 7 hours - all over the course of three days – we made it home and God’s peace remains with us. Many times in our journey we stopped to marvel at how God answered prayers. Checking into the airport went better than ever. An airport employee actually helped us with all of our boxes, all of which weighed the right amount. We all cried when we said goodbye in the airport so Lydia told Grandpa to tell Grandma some jokes on the way home to make here happy. Lydia gave Grandma her teddy bear named Lydia so that Grandma could take care of it and not forget her. Grace looked at us concerned so I explained to her that sometimes we are sad when we have to say goodbye and so we cry a little. Later she assured me it is okay if we are sad when leaving. Thankfully the girls were very excited to return to Uganda.
Both flights went better than we expected. Our whole family slept the whole first flight and half of the second flight. Josh even said the first flight felt more like 30 minutes than 9 hours. We had a 10 hour layover in London so we decided to splurge and get a hotel room attached to the airport. We were so thankful for a bed to rest and a shower to freshen up. We were all happy and ready to go again. Even down to the little things God was with us and answered prayers. The girls did great going through all the security checks (which can be a stressful point with kids, bags, and a stroller). Luka was happy and content. He has reflux quite bad and blows out of his diapers frequently, but we didn’t have to deal with either of those messes the whole trip. At one point in the airport I looked at our little international travelers wheeling their backpacks and I just smiled. I was so proud of them. It is a long way to travel and they did so well. Dare I say we almost enjoyed it this time? God is good!
We arrived in Uganda at 8 a.m., got all our luggage, passed through customs, and loaded the van where our driver was waiting for us. More answers to prayer! We spent the day in the capital city. We were tired by 4 p.m. but managed to stay awake until 7 p.m. There is a seven hour time change from MI to Uganda so we were concerned that the kids would have a hard time sleeping all night. Thankfully every one of us slept (some of us for over 12 hours). Praise God!
The following day we drove safely to Soroti. The kids did great with another long ride. They were SO excited when we arrived and they saw their cousins again. I haven’t seen much of them since they just play and play. They seem very happy to be back. Tim and Angie, Mandy’s sister and our team mates, blessed us with a wonderful welcoming. The house was clean and they had meals ready for us. It is good to be together again. It makes returning so much easier to have someone (family!) here waiting for you. Tim and Angie were also very happy to meet Luka. He gave them many smiles already. We also got to meet a few new team members that will be with us for the next year.
So, thank you for all your prayers! God has so clearly been with us. His peace is felt. He helped us in many ways. We thank God we are home safely. We told many people as we prepared to return to Uganda that we knew all would go well because we had so many people praying for us. Your prayers gave us so much peace and encouragement.
With all that being said, we still need your prayers. Today is Saturday March 21 and we have been in Soroti for three days now. Adjusting has gone better than we expected so far but we have a long way to go. Ups and downs are bound to happen. We quickly realized that we had forgotten how hot it is here. It is hot! Daytime temps are over a hundred degrees. Lydia keeps saying it is a HOT, sweaty day here. She decided she likes snow better. Heat really takes everything out of you (and can bring out the crabbiness in you).
Pray too for Grace. She seems to have the hardest time with change and stress. She doesn’t communicate it well so she has melt downs or gets upset quickly. She is having a difficult time at night. She gets out of sorts and doesn’t stay asleep. Last night Grace was crying and nothing we did helped so I asked if we should pray for her she said yes so we know she is troubled by everything going on. We are thankful that God is her comforter.
Thankfully Luka has been so good. Most of the time he just goes with the flow and happily coos and smiles. He has been sleeping very well, too. Last night we had no power (actually all day) and the girls woke up from the heat and all the noise, but Luka slept through it all.
We will be moving into another home next week, hopefully. We found this house to rent before we left. It is only a mile from where we are now. Our current home will be made into a guesthouse for all our visitors. Pray for us as we make yet another change. It may not be the best timing for more stress and change but we know it will be a great place for our family.
Lastly, pray for the ministries here. Especially pray for clear direction as we continue to minister here. Things change a bit when you are away for awhile and we want to make wise decisions. We pray God will lead us and use us where and how He wants.
We will keep you informed as much as we can as we adjust back to our lives here. The updates will most likely be put on our blog if you want to read them. Thank you again for praying for us! God is faithful and true.
We have arrived! We cannot tell you how much your prayers meant to us. After packing 12 boxes, saying goodbye to our family and friends, flying almost 18 hours, and driving over 7 hours - all over the course of three days – we made it home and God’s peace remains with us. Many times in our journey we stopped to marvel at how God answered prayers. Checking into the airport went better than ever. An airport employee actually helped us with all of our boxes, all of which weighed the right amount. We all cried when we said goodbye in the airport so Lydia told Grandpa to tell Grandma some jokes on the way home to make here happy. Lydia gave Grandma her teddy bear named Lydia so that Grandma could take care of it and not forget her. Grace looked at us concerned so I explained to her that sometimes we are sad when we have to say goodbye and so we cry a little. Later she assured me it is okay if we are sad when leaving. Thankfully the girls were very excited to return to Uganda.
Both flights went better than we expected. Our whole family slept the whole first flight and half of the second flight. Josh even said the first flight felt more like 30 minutes than 9 hours. We had a 10 hour layover in London so we decided to splurge and get a hotel room attached to the airport. We were so thankful for a bed to rest and a shower to freshen up. We were all happy and ready to go again. Even down to the little things God was with us and answered prayers. The girls did great going through all the security checks (which can be a stressful point with kids, bags, and a stroller). Luka was happy and content. He has reflux quite bad and blows out of his diapers frequently, but we didn’t have to deal with either of those messes the whole trip. At one point in the airport I looked at our little international travelers wheeling their backpacks and I just smiled. I was so proud of them. It is a long way to travel and they did so well. Dare I say we almost enjoyed it this time? God is good!
We arrived in Uganda at 8 a.m., got all our luggage, passed through customs, and loaded the van where our driver was waiting for us. More answers to prayer! We spent the day in the capital city. We were tired by 4 p.m. but managed to stay awake until 7 p.m. There is a seven hour time change from MI to Uganda so we were concerned that the kids would have a hard time sleeping all night. Thankfully every one of us slept (some of us for over 12 hours). Praise God!
The following day we drove safely to Soroti. The kids did great with another long ride. They were SO excited when we arrived and they saw their cousins again. I haven’t seen much of them since they just play and play. They seem very happy to be back. Tim and Angie, Mandy’s sister and our team mates, blessed us with a wonderful welcoming. The house was clean and they had meals ready for us. It is good to be together again. It makes returning so much easier to have someone (family!) here waiting for you. Tim and Angie were also very happy to meet Luka. He gave them many smiles already. We also got to meet a few new team members that will be with us for the next year.
So, thank you for all your prayers! God has so clearly been with us. His peace is felt. He helped us in many ways. We thank God we are home safely. We told many people as we prepared to return to Uganda that we knew all would go well because we had so many people praying for us. Your prayers gave us so much peace and encouragement.
With all that being said, we still need your prayers. Today is Saturday March 21 and we have been in Soroti for three days now. Adjusting has gone better than we expected so far but we have a long way to go. Ups and downs are bound to happen. We quickly realized that we had forgotten how hot it is here. It is hot! Daytime temps are over a hundred degrees. Lydia keeps saying it is a HOT, sweaty day here. She decided she likes snow better. Heat really takes everything out of you (and can bring out the crabbiness in you).
Pray too for Grace. She seems to have the hardest time with change and stress. She doesn’t communicate it well so she has melt downs or gets upset quickly. She is having a difficult time at night. She gets out of sorts and doesn’t stay asleep. Last night Grace was crying and nothing we did helped so I asked if we should pray for her she said yes so we know she is troubled by everything going on. We are thankful that God is her comforter.
Thankfully Luka has been so good. Most of the time he just goes with the flow and happily coos and smiles. He has been sleeping very well, too. Last night we had no power (actually all day) and the girls woke up from the heat and all the noise, but Luka slept through it all.
We will be moving into another home next week, hopefully. We found this house to rent before we left. It is only a mile from where we are now. Our current home will be made into a guesthouse for all our visitors. Pray for us as we make yet another change. It may not be the best timing for more stress and change but we know it will be a great place for our family.
Lastly, pray for the ministries here. Especially pray for clear direction as we continue to minister here. Things change a bit when you are away for awhile and we want to make wise decisions. We pray God will lead us and use us where and how He wants.
We will keep you informed as much as we can as we adjust back to our lives here. The updates will most likely be put on our blog if you want to read them. Thank you again for praying for us! God is faithful and true.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Goodbye
The time has come again to say goodbye. We had a wonderful four months in Michigan. Our main task while we were here was to visit supporters and raise our support for the next two years. We were able to speak at all 18 of our supporting churches. We were so glad we could share with you our lives and ministry in Uganda. We were touched by your encouragement, love, prayers and generosity. We also visited about 50 individual supporters. What a blessing to reconnect with all of you. During this financially challenging time, we did not know what to expect raising support, but we praise God that His people still give! We are truly thankful.
We are grateful to everyone who blessed our time on home service. Georgetown CRC provided a beautiful home in which to live. The hospitality house allowed us to relax and enjoy our stay; it gave us stability and allowed us to have routine. Hudsonville Christian School and Miss Klien welcomed Lydia and gave her a great first time school experience. Thanks for making it special for her. Many of our supporting churches helped us with other needs. Supporters helped, had us over, and gave generously. We appreciate your love. Finally, we are thankful for all the help and love from our family. We were blessed by all of you.
Now as we prepare to head back to Uganda, we go with all of your support and prayers. It is hard to leave. We have fears and sadness BUT we know you are with us. Your prayers, love, and encouragement strengthen us and remind us of God’s calling in our lives. We look forward to being with our team in Uganda, seeing our friends, and continuing the ministries there. We are thankful God is in control and has good plans for us. So with much anticipation we return to Uganda knowing God has work to do and wants to use us.
Pray for us:
Praise God for the birth of Luka.
Pray for God’s comfort and peace as we prepare to return to Uganda. As the time comes closer we have experience some worry about taking our kids far away and fear about flying. We know Satan likes to attack us at our weak points and make us worry, but we also know God is our Father who cares for us and protects us. We can trust in Him. Pray for God to be near us.
We will be flying March 16th to 18th, then driving to Soroti on the 19th. Pray that everything goes smoothly as we travel. Pray that the kids do well with the long flights and layovers. Pray for our health and safety.
Pray for us as we adjust back to our life in Uganda. May we have God’s peace and strength as we adjust to the 7 hour time change, hot weather, culture, and separation from family again. Pray that the kids do well with it all. We will also be moving into a different house when we return to Soroti so pray that all goes well.
Pray for our families as they let us go again and adjust, too.
Thank God for a great home service and the support He provided.
Pray God blesses His work in Uganda. Pray that students will come and that Bethel Bible College will advance this year. Pray for His leading and wisdom as we serve there.
We are grateful to everyone who blessed our time on home service. Georgetown CRC provided a beautiful home in which to live. The hospitality house allowed us to relax and enjoy our stay; it gave us stability and allowed us to have routine. Hudsonville Christian School and Miss Klien welcomed Lydia and gave her a great first time school experience. Thanks for making it special for her. Many of our supporting churches helped us with other needs. Supporters helped, had us over, and gave generously. We appreciate your love. Finally, we are thankful for all the help and love from our family. We were blessed by all of you.
Now as we prepare to head back to Uganda, we go with all of your support and prayers. It is hard to leave. We have fears and sadness BUT we know you are with us. Your prayers, love, and encouragement strengthen us and remind us of God’s calling in our lives. We look forward to being with our team in Uganda, seeing our friends, and continuing the ministries there. We are thankful God is in control and has good plans for us. So with much anticipation we return to Uganda knowing God has work to do and wants to use us.
Pray for us:
Praise God for the birth of Luka.
Pray for God’s comfort and peace as we prepare to return to Uganda. As the time comes closer we have experience some worry about taking our kids far away and fear about flying. We know Satan likes to attack us at our weak points and make us worry, but we also know God is our Father who cares for us and protects us. We can trust in Him. Pray for God to be near us.
We will be flying March 16th to 18th, then driving to Soroti on the 19th. Pray that everything goes smoothly as we travel. Pray that the kids do well with the long flights and layovers. Pray for our health and safety.
Pray for us as we adjust back to our life in Uganda. May we have God’s peace and strength as we adjust to the 7 hour time change, hot weather, culture, and separation from family again. Pray that the kids do well with it all. We will also be moving into a different house when we return to Soroti so pray that all goes well.
Pray for our families as they let us go again and adjust, too.
Thank God for a great home service and the support He provided.
Pray God blesses His work in Uganda. Pray that students will come and that Bethel Bible College will advance this year. Pray for His leading and wisdom as we serve there.
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