The Invisible Thread

My Beautiful Family - Sister Leah, Mom Bonnie, and Dad Fred.

They say “home is where the heart is,” which means “home” can be any number of places.

For the first three decades of my life, “home” meant one place, where I grew up, where my family lived. But, the last seven years have broadened my definition of “home,” to more closely match my opening sentence. Where your heart is, is where home can and will be.

Last Saturday, Jan. 21, I returned to one of my “homes.” Landing at Uganda’s Entebbe airport in the wee hours of the morning, the sweet smell of charcoal fires and the warm moist air greeted me. A short two-hour drive (compared to the four to six hours it can sometimes take), brought me home to Jinja to the Peterson family. They welcomed me back with open arms.

The phone calls, message, and hugs from friends here have let me know I was missed – and I missed them as well.

This week I spent three days with my Shepherd’s Heart ministry family during our annual retreat. I relished the time for hearing testimonies, for reconnection, more hugs, and missed conversations.

The dear SHIM Family (minus a few dearly-missed members).

I savored my three months in the U.S., in my other “home,” and thank God so much for the connection times with family, friends, churches, and supporters. And, to be honest, having easy access to sour cream, American cheese, and Taco Bell wasn’t bad either. ;)

I left the U.S. feeling refreshed, renewed, and reminded that I belong to several homes – where I came from, where I am, and a third – where I am going. I was incredibly blessed as folks throughout my time in the U.S. welcomed stories and reports about the ministry in Uganda, and offered encouragement and support for myself and my teammates in Uganda.

Sharing at The Bridge Church in Longview, Washington - one of my greatly-loved home churches.

While America and Uganda often seem worlds apart, I sensed an invisible, but real thread tying the two worlds and homes together – a love for God’s work and His people. I was amazed as I listened to people, with tears in their eyes, expressing their desire to be part of what God is doing in the islands. I marveled at how people who had never nor may ever visit my second home would feel compelled to listen, pray, and give toward the work.

It is a miracle in how God unites His work and His people around the world. As children of God, we have the blessed privilege to witness and join this global vision and plan that began before time and will likely continue after many of us are gone.

And, knowing God holds and weaves the “invisible thread” brings me much joy, an abiding peace, and an eager anticipation for what is ahead.

Professional family photograph taken by the talented Jennifer Selberg, http://www.capturingcreationbyjenniferselberg.com/

As far as I know, only one of my messages was taped, but if you are interested in listening, you can go here and look for "Don't Give Up" shared at The Bridge Church on Oct. 30, 2016.

Back to the Familiar and the New

My first sunset back on the island.

Two weeks have passed since I stepped foot again on Ugandan soil.

For those who thought I had fallen off the face of the earth because of my silence here on the blog; have no fear, I am still here. ;)

I enjoyed a very blessed furlough, Nov.-Feb., and I am so grateful for the special times I had with my dear family and friends, and the amazing opportunities to share about the ministry here.

In the 14 days since my return, I have had a grab-bag mix of emotions – excitement about my re-entry and being reunited with my Ugandan “family” and friends here; blessed relief at finally reaching my destination (after my customary 30-hour trip extended into four days); some uneasiness and anxieties as I reorient myself again to the island and school life; refreshment and replenishing at last week's ministry staff retreat; so missing home and the dear people I left behind; readjusting to the heat, the humidity, the dust, the insects, the litter, the lines, and the sometimes laborious ways of life here; but having a perpetual gratefulness to my God who is so faithful to show His abundant love and grace on a daily basis.

A few days after my arrival, I joined the SHIM family for our annual staff retreat. With the theme of “Appointed to Bear Fruit” (from John 15:16), it was a great way to kick off 2015 as a ministry and as individuals. A mix of teaching, fellowship, rest and fun filled each day's schedule. I was grateful for this time to help me transition back into life and ministry here.

Most of the SHIM family at our annual staff retreat. Sadly, we were missing a few members who were not able to be with us or who had to leave early.

On Saturday I journeyed across the waters back to my Ugandan “home” - the island. Friends had already helped to set up my room, even making up a bed for me. :) On Monday, I resumed my classes at the secondary school and continued through the week. I am happy to see many returning students and a number of new faces as well, even among the teachers. God blessed us with three new individuals to help fill some gaps on the staff.

New teachers and school alumni Danze and Sarah bring with them a familiarity of life here, a deep love for the school and the island, and an even greater love for Jesus and a motivation for others to know Him. My heart is full as I see these young people with such an earnest desire to “give back” to a place that was so formative for them.

This week I have been reminded of one of my favorite scriptures:

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” - Philippians 1:6

God is continuing the work on the islands, at the school, in SHIM, in me, and in you. And He won't give up until it is finished. What a blessed assurance.

I thank God for a new season and all that He has in store for this year.