January both dragged on forever and flew by. I couldn't wait to be here (in Uganda) but I also needed time to be there, preparing and still ministering affectively. We had an amazing community worship service. There have been plenty of good times with the youth too. I know I say this all the time, but I LOVE my youth kids so much! One of the Sunday nights in January I set up prayer stations for youth group. It was such a lovely time of worship and growth. Seeing my kids talk to God, surrender to Him, worship Him, and pray for our brothers and sisters around the world really blessed my heart. It was a beautiful time of worship for me too. :)
Looking back from this side of the Atlantic, January was hectic. I spent the last two full weeks of the month being quite sick. I don't get really sick often, but when I do, I do it right! So miserable. Thankfully I have lovely people in my life who helped care for me by bringing soup, cough drops, and even a vaporizer. It was nice to slow down a bit for a change, but I was a little panicked because I still had so much to do before coming here. The last weekend of the month was the youth winter retreat. Thankfully, I was feeling about 80% better by then and we had a great weekend. Did I already mention how much I love my youth?
Just a day and a half after the retreat, I flew to Uganda. Both flights were wonderful, mostly because they weren't jam-packed. I had plenty of space to NOT sleep. Man, I wish I could sleep on planes! On the upside, I've recovered from jet-lag pretty quickly because I was more than ready to go to bed by the time I got to the Hopson's house.
Anyway, the flights were perfectly timed and not only because I got off the plane in London and was able to run to make my next flight with no problems. The timing of the day was perfect. It was night over the Atlantic, but the sun rose as we approached Ireland and Scotland. And the second flight was nice and bright as we cruised over France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, and the Mediterranean. The sun set just after the sea kissed the shore of Libya into Egypt. Flying over the Nile river at night is always incredible. It's teeming with life... lit up on both sides, nearly all the way through Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda. This continent is so amazing, even in the dark of the night. Small wildfires blazed in some places, little villages were visible only by their tiny fires, and the cities just seem to be misplaced.
A lot of my flight time was spent thinking through and processing how to deal with only being here for two weeks. I've only ever been here for year-long stints. Two weeks just doesn't seem like enough. I was reminded yesterday that this coming week is my only full week. How is that even possible?!
The moment I stepped off of the plane, my whole body and mind shifted gears. The familiars sounds and smells were so comforting... along with the sweat rolling down my neck. Relief came over me and my eyes filled with tears. I quickly stifled the tears so as not to draw attention to myself or creep anyone out, but I was overcome with the emotion of being here. 3 years is a long time to be away from somewhere so dear to me. All but one bag made it, but nothing could crush my spirits. (the bag came today, btw.) I dealt with that quickly, and went outside to find my dear friends who had come to get me. The reunion was very sweet.
Everything has felt so natural and familiar. My Ugandan-English has come back without any problems and I love talking to people. It has been a HUGE joy to be greeted by so many people I love so much! Even my favorite boda driver (motorcycle taxi) came and met me on the road one day as I was walking. He just wanted to greet me and find out why I'd been gone for so long. Others who I hadn't thought would remember me so much have been more than happy to welcome me home. The phrase, "eh! You have been lost!" has been heard too many times to count and I love it! I've also heard, "you are now Ugandan" many times just because of the number of times I've come and gone. Everyone knows you can't stay away once you come. :)
Staying with my dear friends has been an amazing blessing and comfort. I feel so at home here. The reunions at the Center of Hope have been nothing short of fabulous as well!! Lots of screams, big hugs, and laughter have ensued and I still haven't even seen everyone. My African mom from South Sudan cried, "my daughter has come home!!" I can't accurately describe the joy in my heart these days. There are so many people to see and my schedule is about to get a little bit hectic, but I'm so excited!
I would appreciate prayers as I minister to the youth at the Center of Hope this week. They don't have good English (or any at all), as they say, but I'm up for the challenge. I miss teaching ESL! They are new to the Center which definitely works to my advantage. We will get to know each other and how things are going at the Center together. I can't wait. I'm not yet sure how many nations will be represented in this group of youth, but the Center looks a lot like "all the nations" these days. With over 600 students from probably 15 or more different countries, it's very exciting times.
Also, continued prayer for safety on the roads and health would be wonderful. Thank you to all who have supported and who continue to support this trip! I am SO grateful to be ministering here for this time. Webale nyo! (Luganda for "thank you very much!") And asante sana!! (Swahili) Feel free to facebook creep, as I am able to update that much more frequently. :)
Just a day and a half after the retreat, I flew to Uganda. Both flights were wonderful, mostly because they weren't jam-packed. I had plenty of space to NOT sleep. Man, I wish I could sleep on planes! On the upside, I've recovered from jet-lag pretty quickly because I was more than ready to go to bed by the time I got to the Hopson's house.
Anyway, the flights were perfectly timed and not only because I got off the plane in London and was able to run to make my next flight with no problems. The timing of the day was perfect. It was night over the Atlantic, but the sun rose as we approached Ireland and Scotland. And the second flight was nice and bright as we cruised over France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, and the Mediterranean. The sun set just after the sea kissed the shore of Libya into Egypt. Flying over the Nile river at night is always incredible. It's teeming with life... lit up on both sides, nearly all the way through Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda. This continent is so amazing, even in the dark of the night. Small wildfires blazed in some places, little villages were visible only by their tiny fires, and the cities just seem to be misplaced.
A lot of my flight time was spent thinking through and processing how to deal with only being here for two weeks. I've only ever been here for year-long stints. Two weeks just doesn't seem like enough. I was reminded yesterday that this coming week is my only full week. How is that even possible?!
The moment I stepped off of the plane, my whole body and mind shifted gears. The familiars sounds and smells were so comforting... along with the sweat rolling down my neck. Relief came over me and my eyes filled with tears. I quickly stifled the tears so as not to draw attention to myself or creep anyone out, but I was overcome with the emotion of being here. 3 years is a long time to be away from somewhere so dear to me. All but one bag made it, but nothing could crush my spirits. (the bag came today, btw.) I dealt with that quickly, and went outside to find my dear friends who had come to get me. The reunion was very sweet.
Everything has felt so natural and familiar. My Ugandan-English has come back without any problems and I love talking to people. It has been a HUGE joy to be greeted by so many people I love so much! Even my favorite boda driver (motorcycle taxi) came and met me on the road one day as I was walking. He just wanted to greet me and find out why I'd been gone for so long. Others who I hadn't thought would remember me so much have been more than happy to welcome me home. The phrase, "eh! You have been lost!" has been heard too many times to count and I love it! I've also heard, "you are now Ugandan" many times just because of the number of times I've come and gone. Everyone knows you can't stay away once you come. :)
Staying with my dear friends has been an amazing blessing and comfort. I feel so at home here. The reunions at the Center of Hope have been nothing short of fabulous as well!! Lots of screams, big hugs, and laughter have ensued and I still haven't even seen everyone. My African mom from South Sudan cried, "my daughter has come home!!" I can't accurately describe the joy in my heart these days. There are so many people to see and my schedule is about to get a little bit hectic, but I'm so excited!
I would appreciate prayers as I minister to the youth at the Center of Hope this week. They don't have good English (or any at all), as they say, but I'm up for the challenge. I miss teaching ESL! They are new to the Center which definitely works to my advantage. We will get to know each other and how things are going at the Center together. I can't wait. I'm not yet sure how many nations will be represented in this group of youth, but the Center looks a lot like "all the nations" these days. With over 600 students from probably 15 or more different countries, it's very exciting times.
Also, continued prayer for safety on the roads and health would be wonderful. Thank you to all who have supported and who continue to support this trip! I am SO grateful to be ministering here for this time. Webale nyo! (Luganda for "thank you very much!") And asante sana!! (Swahili) Feel free to facebook creep, as I am able to update that much more frequently. :)
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