Reflections

Birthdays often cause me to be sentimental and reflective.

Last week as I marked another year, my mind went back. Not only was July 9 my birthday, but it also signified 4 1\2 years I have been in Uganda. If my memory serves me correctly, I boarded a plane in Portland on July 9, 2010 for my first and what I thought might be only one year in Uganda.

I have been thinking of the lessons I have realized and the truths I have come to embrace, especially while living and serving on an island on Lake Victoria.

1. Jesus often does the unexpected. He is unpredictable, and frequently what He does is above and beyond what one can imagine. He works in ways beyond human understanding, with a depth of love and truth that is untraceable.

2. I cannot control results. As much as I think, as hard as I try, as much energy I exert, I cannot save a soul or meet the deepest needs of any human. I cannot permanently change, control or transform another life or soul. That is the work of Jesus alone.

3. My life is meant to primarily be a signpost, pointing others to the Savior. No ministry, or outreach or service should ever be about me. It must always be ALL about HIM.

4. Human need has many layers. Poverty is not as simple or as easily "fixed"as it may seem. It is often rooted in multiple and complex layers of cultural, social, historical, spiritual, economic factors and influences. Thus there are often not simple or quick solutions.

5. Programs and activities must never replace or supersede the building of genuine relationships with others. Ministry is about extending the love and light of Christ and that is often done through kindness, genuine care, and friendship.

6. Jesus loves people intimately, completely and unconditionally. For sure He has done this for me. But as I think about the small island I live on and how insignificant it is compared to the numerous places and countless people around the world, I wonder how God is mindful of the people of Lingira Island, Yet, over and over, He has shown His immeasurable love, grace, and kindness here - in this small, "insignificant" place.

7. Jesus is enough. He moved me to a small, remote island, halfway across the world from my home, my family and my friends, away from my comforts and securities to show me He is enough. No place, profession, person or pursuit can satisfy like Jesus does.

8. Joy surfaces in the most unlikely places.Unlike happiness, which is usually found in circumstances, joy is deep-seated and can grow and blossom in the loneliest, darkest, and most forsaken and forgotten of places. Joy is found in Christ and there is no place or circumstance where He is not present.

9. Cultures are rich. The world's many cultures are rich in history, expressions of art, music dance, of foods, holidays and festivals, of parables, proverbs, and stories. And Jesus delights in each one since He is the creative genius behind them. Yes, sin has tainted and corrupted them, but Christ is working to redeem them - so that their colorful diversity and creativity will bring Him praise once again, as they were designed to do.

10. The best and most important lessons are often learned outside of a classroom. What is written here are things that are not taught, they are observed, absorbed, and most often imparted by the Holy Spirit - the world's best teacher.

I am so, so grateful for these and other lessons and yet I know many more lie ahead. :)

I took in this beautiful plot of sunflowers on my birthday last week, which included attending Uganda's national agriculture show in Jinja. 

Closing a Chapter

 I paused outside the door for a few seconds. Tucking a few things under cover so they wouldn't get wet in the rain, I thought that after hundreds of times like this, this may be my last. I walked to my car amid the drops and the dark stillness. Most of Clatskanie was in bed, as they usually are when I leave work on late Tuesday nights or early Wednesday mornings.

  Today was my last day at The Clatskanie Chief, the local weekly newspaper where I have worked for almost 11 years, helping put together close to 560 editions. It seemed fitting that today (Tuesday), our deadline day, I worked on the last issue of 2009 and my final one for this chapter of my life.
 
 I remember back to the day in late July 1998 when I was interviewed for the job. I recall how nervous I was, what I was wearing and where I sat. Looking back, I admire my boss for hiring a pretty shy and very green young lady who was just beginning to emerge from her shell of shyness. Because of her patience and wonderful way of instruction, I have learned far more than a college journalism course or an internship at a larger newspaper could ever teach me.

 But, more importantly, God has used my job to stretch and grow me in ways I could not imagine. What I have gained personally, socially, emotionally and spiritually far outweighs the skills I have acquired professionally. God has used times of stress and seemingly insurmountable challenges, boring meetings, complicated school board budgets and tough stories to cause me to rely heavily on Him and in the process, strengthen my faith and character. It hasn't been all hard, though. There have also been times of joy, satisfaction, exhilaration and fun as I have worked with fun co-workers, interviewed interesting people, completed an engaging or informative piece and become acquainted with many in the communities The Chief covers.

 I am grateful for the skills and lessons I have learned at the newspaper and I believe they will prove useful in Uganda and wherever else God takes me in the future.

  Now that this week's paper has been put to bed, I believe I will head there, too. Good night, Chief, and thanks for the memories.

Preparing to "take flight" into a new adventure.