Christina NOT in Uganda

Well I've been home for just over a week now and it's so weird! After about a year of being gone I'm back in the U.S. and I'm already working and getting into a routine. I'm actually kinda sad about working and stuff so fast because it seems like it erases everything I've done for the last year. I don't want to move on yet (now or ever actually). I'm just not ready to be done with Africa... at all. I'm missing it so bad already. I know... it's only been a week, but I just want to be a part of life there. I never wanted to be one of those people that come and go, but that's me. I'm praying that the Lord gives me some clarity on what is next and I'm hoping that it has something to do with Uganda.
I'm really trying to not sit around and be sad all the time, but some days it's hard. I've already gotten to see lots of people and I have plenty more to see still. It's so great to see everyone, but it really does seem like I never left. It'll probably hit me how long I've been gone when I head down to Florida in a couple weeks to spend time with Stacy, Jeff, and baby Owen. I can't wait to meet my new nephew (stacy is my BFF)! It's been so sweet to be able to spend time with my family. Kayla (4) and Alexandria (2) are hilarious! Alexandria remembered me!! I did NOT think she would at all, but the morning after I got in I went downstairs and just sat on the bottom stair and waited for her to notice me, so I wouldn't scare her. She looked up and immediately her eyes got huge and she yelled, "TT!! Nana, my TT here!!" And she ran to me and gave me a big hug and kiss. It was so special! :)
So saying goodbye... not fun... not something I'm good at. Given the fact that I'm pretty non-emotional, my last day was SUPER emotional. Without going into to too much detail, saying goodbye to Francis, Lino and the Ackers were both really difficult for me. Of course it was hard to say bye to other people, but I really invested a lot into these guys. The Ackers made me feel like a part of their family... I spent Christmas day with them and my birthday... they are awesome. Of course, all the time spent with the Ackers was much because of their soon-to-be-son, Lino. Being a part of this kids life is something I thank God for everyday. He's like my little brother... seriously, I love the kid. And then there's Francis. I couldn't ask for a cooler guy and a better friend. He made me comfortable and we had fun. The Lord is using his ministry in the lives of lots of people.
Anyways, I met Lino and family for lunch, then we went back to their house. They had stuff to do, so Lino and I watched a movie and I gave him his presents. I made him a scrapbook of the last year and bought him a couple of goldfish (which I realize sounds weird... but you have to know the kid). Then Lino went to play some basketball while I went to say bye to Francis. I hung with him for a bit and then told him bye, and then had like 30 minutes to compose myself before having dinner with Lino and the Ackers and saying goodbye to them. So I spent the evening with them, finished watching my movie with Lino and then told them bye and went home. I was all packed, so I got to go right to bed and sleep away my sadness. Getting on the plane was so hard for me. Yikes. Enough of that.
So now that I'm home I'm working at my parent's store. I'm doing marketing and public relations for them. So far I've sent out an email blast and set all that up for them. I've created a presentation for them. I've created an advertisement for the newspaper and got in contact with someone about getting them a booth at the county fair to take orders for the store. All in all, it's not too bad and it's something that I'm fairly good at. I don't like that I'm not in "full time ministry" as in, I don't like that I'm not working at a church right now. I met with Pastor Christina for lunch (pastor at the UM church I worked at) and we got to talk about Africa a lot which was nice. She's been to Kenya so it was nice to be able to talk about some things and she knew exactly what I was talking about.
I don't know what's next for me... that the big question that everyone is asking. I'm waiting on the Lord and trusting that I'll have an idea of what's next soon. God is a good God and I'm excited about whatever lies ahead.
My family is throwing me a welcome home party this weekend, so I'm excited to see more peeps. That's about it for me. Bare with me as I adjust to life back here. Pray with me. Pray for Uganda. Pray for my friends and family there. Pray for my friends and family here. Pray for Lino. Pray for patience and discernment.
Much love home slices!