I Could Write a Book, Part 2

One of the greatest lessons I have learned overseas is that activity does not equate godliness, nor is "success" an automatic outcome of busyness.

It's been a tough lesson to learn and I am still "revising" - constantly reviewing - it, as they say here.

Over and over, Jesus takes me back to verses like John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." 

Or to Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Or Jeremiah 17:7-8: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream."

These verses don't explicitly speak of rest, but they do emphasize abiding in Christ and drawing on His strength for lasting fruit and fulfillment of His purposes. For me, this means periodically taking time away for rest and refreshment.

In my last post I wrote about traveling to western Uganda for the funeral of one of our dear secondary teachers. The following weekend, God blessed me with a few days away with sisters in Christ on the opposite side of the country, in the Mbale area. This get-away had already been in the works and the timing could't have been better.

Sipi Falls, eastern Uganda.

Like western Uganda, the eastern region is also mountainous, with cooler temps, and lots of trees. We stayed near Sipi Falls (pronounced "sippy"), a series of three beautiful waterfalls. We did a lot of resting - reading, talking, eating, laughing listening to music, and coloring. Yes, I admit, I love coloring, and recently re-discovered adult coloring pages of flowers or encouraging sayings or geometric patterns. My friend April and I call it our "coloring therapy." :)

I took many, many photos of the stunning foliage and was happy to find among other fine flora, the familiar dahlias - one of my favorite flowers from home.

Isn't our God creative?

We stayed in cute little bandas...

...ate scrumptious meals and enjoyed tea-coffee-banana-cake time each afternoon...

...and made new friends. Meet Ranger, a lovable "host."

Sipi Falls and Sipi River.

Loved this bridge, which we crossed on our hike to the falls.

The views were stunning!

A "tourist" sign.

A delightful field of sunflowers bid us farewell as we headed homeward.

Sisters in Christ - April, Stacy, Lauren, and me, Ruthie.

I came away from our "holiday" weekend feeling more refreshed and renewed. Sometimes getting away from the grind is indeed necessary to give us time and space to reconnect to our Creator, be reminded of His love, and to refocus on His purposes for us.

Need a holiday? ;)

The Lesson of an Apple

I haven't written in this space in more than a month, and there are many reasons why, which could fill a couple of blog posts. I soon hope to be back on a more regular basis. :)

In the meantime, I want to share a brief lesson I learned this morning - from the gift of an apple.

After nearly a week and a half away, I returned to the island on Monday, and though I enjoyed my recent adventures (more to come on those!) truthfully, it was good to be "home" - to my peaceful and beautiful island.

Before crossing the waters from mainland to the island, a visit to a Jinja supermarket is always in order - to pick up the "essentials" like coffee, toilet paper, soap, and niceties like apples.

Apples are kind of a delicacy here since they are not grown locally and are brought in from the farther and cooler, mountainous regions. They are sold in the supermarkets and by pound are considerably more expensive than other tropical fruits. However, apples remind me of my American home and the yummy fruits grown there. :)

Since Monday, God had put a particular fellow staff member, Peace, on my mind. I had bought two apples in Jinja and God was prompting me to give her one. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were super busy with classes, exams and other activities at school that I didn't get around to the request. But this morning, on Thursday, God reminded me of His directive - give Peace one of my apples. The prompting grew stronger and I knew I couldn't let much time pass before I obeyed.

Sometimes when I feel prompted or convicted to do something, I run through a gamut of questions - "What will I say?", "Will they think I am silly?", "What if I am hearing incorrectly?". But obedience by faith means acting even when you don't have the answers to your questions.

I walked into the kitchen where Peace works as our cook. I placed the apple on the cupboard. "This is for you," I said.

"Oh, my 'best,'" she said, meaning apples are her "favorite."

"Thank you...you made my day," she said sincerely and gratefully.

Made her day? I didn't know the gift of a small apple could make someone's day, but God knew. God knew apples were among Peace's favorites and that she needed some encouragement. I had been clueless.

Afterward I was overwhelmed by thoughts of God and His care - for Peace and for me, for the smallest details which go often unnoticed by others, and for inviting me to be part of what He is doing in our world.

I don't share this lesson for a pat on the back as I was rather dense to what God was up to. But I want to illustrate the importance of simple obedience and how God wants to bless us as He blesses others through us.

I learned a few things this morning - don't ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit, don't despise the smallest gifts, and don't miss a chance to extend a blessing to another person.

What is Cool About Living in Uganda

I read the following blog post yesterday and couldn't help but smile as I read. Uganda is a beautiful, hospitable and diverse country, and there are so many great things about living there.

Some of these "perks" I have tried to describe to my American family and friends, with limited success.

Enjoy and maybe you'll even be convinced to visit me some time. ;)

http://www.fortheloveofwonder.com/blog/21-best-things-about-living-in-uganda

Hosting Angels Unawares

There is a definite ebb and flow to life on the island. Something like the waves of the looming lake, which lap the shores or sometimes rock the boat.

My absence here is because life has been "flowing" a bit faster lately with activities at the school, but also in hosting visitors at SHIM.

Regina, Dr. Terry's dear wife, spends quality time with David and Johnathan.

Each year, we host between 40-50 people at our ministry compound. Some come for a night, others come for several weeks or several months.

I still find it amazing how our small island attracts people from all over the United States and around the world. Is it the peacefulness? The ministry? The island people? The banana pancakes? :) (As the breakfast chef, one of my favorite foods to prepare for guests is the ever-popular banana pancakes. ;) Or is it a combination of all of the above? Maybe.

But I think God does something in the hearts of people who willingly cross lands and oceans to visit a remote island - to witness the work God is doing there. And as they witness, or better yet, become involved, they invest their hearts. And where your heart is, there your treasure is and vice versa.

Once you've given your heart to a place and people - you are often drawn to return.

Such is the case with Claudia, a neuroscience major, who returned this month for her third consecutive year. Dr. Terry, a S.C. professor of social work, has made seven trips to Lingira, over the same number of years. This year, four members of his dear family joined him, including three who had also visited in 2010.

Advising the SHIM staff in setting "measurable outcomes" is Dr. Terry, back.

For some, they are "newbies." Last week, 15 people from the Mercy for Mamas organization spent a packed 24 hours on the island - teaching and encouraging women in two island villages and conducting pre-natal clinics.

Delaney, a math major, is dedicating her summer to building meaningful relationships on the island, and seeing how she can encourage the local teachers and students in their grasp of math skills - one of the more challenging subjects for our rural youth.

With a degree in visual media, Dr. Terry's oldest son, Matthew, spent much of his days filming and taking photos of our dairy project for a soon-to-be-released short film.

His wife, Bailey, an occupational therapist, spent quality time with some of the more needy, vulnerable, and often-neglected of the island - the children with special needs. She worked one-on-one with several and was instrumental in helping to form a much-needed support group for the parents of these little ones.

Delaney and I watching the US vs. Germany World Cup game.

Time and space do not allow me to share all of the ways our visitors have blessed us at SHIM, but especially those of the islands. They have helped to lighten burdens, brought joy and encouragement with listening ears, kind words, new stories and plenty of fodder for laughter. They have helped us see and fill in "gaps" in the ministry, some of which we lack time or energy for, or the right skill sets.

I personally have been encouraged and incredibly blessed by such dear people who give of themselves in substantial and sacrificial ways. I have truly met amazing people and built special friendships among them.

Each person and team that visits brings their own perspectives, skills, heart passions, backgrounds, and goals. But each makes an impact, and God, in His glorious sovereignty, weaves it all together in the continuing story He is writing of the islands.

The islands and their people were created to sing His praises and I am so thankful for the many and diverse people He draws here to "teach us to sing"!

The Mercy for Mamas team heads back to the mainland after their island visit.

"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2

Because of Them, Part 2

“Dear Dad, Since we've been in Africa, I have found that little in my formal education or professional experience prepared me to love, live, and work with Africans. But growing up in our family, the things that you and mom instilled in me…those are lesson and life skills that I use here every day.”

I recently read of a missionary’s account of his work in Somalia, including the above excerpt of a letter, written to the missionary’s father living in Kentucky. Like the author, I feel much the same way about my own parents.

This is the second post in a little series I entitled “Because of Them.” Click here to read the first entry.

I am not sure one can ever fully prepare for the culture, experiences, changes and challenges one encounters on the mission field. Yet, on many days and on many occasions I have gratefully thought of the things my parents instilled in me as I was growing.

My parents and I as I prepared to fly back to Uganda in August 2011.

 - Like being patient and adaptable. Since our family was notoriously known for being nearly the last ones after every service and function, we learned to just wait and not complain. If you wait long enough, any situation is bound to change – sometime. J

- Finding joy in what some might consider menial tasks like washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, and even dusting (ugh). Interestingly enough, a lot of a missionary’s time is consumed with the “mundane” everyday tasks. My sister and I were taught to do them well, often, and with a good attitude. The one time we were split up for dish washing duty because we couldn’t keep from arguing, also helped us learned how to work well with others. J

Leah waves goodbye to me on my first day of kindergarten.

- Being social with all age groups. As I mentioned in the first post, we were involved in ministry as a family – and from a young age. We learned to interact with different ages and with people in all walks of life. I learned each person has a story and inviting them to share their history is a way of showing care and concern.

- Showing simple, but important, courtesies like smiling, saying please and thank you, writing notes of acknowledgement and appreciation, responding to and returning messages. Also, asking forgiveness and making restitution when necessary were also stressed.

- Listening to and showing interest in others – making people feel important. My parents have a gift for making others feel significant and special – whether it’s giving a needed listening ear, offering a word of encouragement or praise, or lifting up one who is down. By the way, listening is a very valuable skill. If you cannot listen to others, then you may not have a right to speak. When entering a new culture, it is better to enter as a learner and a listener.

- Eating just about anything and everything put before us. As children, we were not permitted to complain if some food served us did not suit us. Grin and bear it, and above all, clean your plate! Food was not wasted in our house. If you put it on your plate, then you better finish it. Since I now regularly consume food that is “non-American,” I appreciate the reinforcement of eating with a grateful and gracious attitude.

My cool parents and up and coming "scientists"
during a visit to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry).

- Planning and being organized. My mom is a gifted organizer and planner. I remember well the lists she had before we left on family vacations - everything from food lists to detailed packing lists. We never regretted having to follow those thorough records. Though I am not as naturally an organizer as she is, I sure have learned to be over the years.

- Cleaning and de-cluttering! Clutter was like almost a curse word in our house. Anything that did not have a place did not deserve to stay around. Sorry, Mommy, I still battle my “pile-it” programs. ;) But whenever my clutter becomes too much, I think of you and what you would tell me – “Get rid of that clutter!” (In case you haven’t personally noticed, clutter seems to have an effect on one’s brain and the ability to think clearly. When I reduce the clutter in my work space, I accomplish so much more.)

Sisterly love - and it continues today!

- Considering others. Always think of the other person - put them first. When dividing the pie, give others the larger slices. This was something encouraged and instilled in us from before I can recall.

- I read recently that one quality which almost always guarantees job success is being conscientious - “Wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly.” My parents are conscientious in the seemingly small and unnoticed things and when it comes to the “more important,” like their care for people, and doing a good job, but above all, in their walks with Christ. If one cannot be trusted with the small and few, one should not be entrusted with the large and many.

Me and Leah a few years ago. Note that Leah's arms are crossed - 
I think we had just finished a "sisterly spat."  ;)

- Being truthful, open and transparent. One of my childhood weaknesses was lying and I remember more spankings for that sin than for the others I committed. (I was a stubborn child and often deserved more discipline than my sweet, often-innocent little sister, who wisely learned from and thus avoided my frequent mistakes.)

- Open and honest communication was encouraged and cultivated in our home. Sharing our joys, disappointments and needs only strengthened our familial bond, as we learned to laugh, cry, and stand by one another through thick and thin.

 “I took for granted so many of the everyday things that I did and learned growing up. But it’s now very clear to me that God intended me to be your son (daughter) in order to prepare me to live among the people of the world.

“You trained me in ways that few people are trained and you gave me what college and seminary never could have given me. I just want you to know how much I value and appreciate our family heritage.”

The above words which the missionary author used to close the letter to his father could also be my own. This list of what my parents taught and instilled in me could go on for pages, but I have captured the highlights.

Children and young people, listen to your parents and the people God has placed in your life. You never know how God is using them today to prepare you for tomorrow.

Parents, keep up the good work of raising your children in a biblical way to love, serve, and follow Jesus! You are shaping future Christians, leaders, teachers, pastors, missionaries, mothers and fathers.

Whoever you are, do not despise nor neglect any interaction with another human being, of any age or station.

No investment in another person is “small” in the kingdom of God.

Because of Them, Part 1

My beautiful family - Christmas 2012, in one of our last family photos. From top left, clockwise, me, my sister Leah, my dad Fred, and my mom Bonnie.

Inevitably the question is asked, "What do your parents feel about you being in Uganda?"

I usually answer with a big smile and say, "My parents are my biggest cheerleaders!"

And, it is so true. Apart from God, I wholeheartedly believe I would not be in Uganda if not for the incredible love and support of my amazing parents.

I first met them when I exited the womb in July 1980 - 14 months after they married and a couple of years after they first met - in downtown Houston, Texas. I love telling the story of how God connected my dad, a reformed-hippie, transplanted from Oregon, to my mom - a city girl from Southern California on vacation to visit mutual friends. It's a long and interesting story of how God led them on their respective spiritual journeys to that point in time. But that's for another telling. :)

Three days after they met, my dad popped the marriage question. And their lives haven't been the same since, and mine hasn't either. :)

Married in a simple ceremony nearly 35 years ago, they began their wedded life - serving others. Lending a hand to the less fortunate - the homeless, jobless, destitute - giving a hand up and not a hand out, as they used to say. I was born into this family and into this focus on ministry and investing in people.

These three emphases - family, ministry and people - continued to be reinforced throughout my growing up. When I was two, we moved from Texas to Oregon - to be closer to my dad's family. And when I was almost 9, we made the best move ever - transferring from the big city (near Portland) to my amazing small town - Clatskanie - a place I am still proud to call home.

Mommy and Daddy made a lot of sacrifices to provide the best for Leah and I. My dad at times worked 2-3 jobs at a time, primarily so my mom could proudly fulfill the "mom" role God had given her. After moving to Clatskanie, they opted to home school, realizing that was the best choice for us, though neither had a background in education. Yet, my most valuable lessons went well beyond reading, writing and arithmetic.

Yes, we can be crazy - it runs in the family. :)

I love that my parents still passionately love people. They are frequently the last ones at church or any gathering. Why? Because they find great delight in sharing life with the folks God has placed around them. I so admire their generosity and attentiveness to needs. One of my mom's ministries is sending out notes and cards to others. She has likely sent hundreds over the years - brightening many days for many people.

A visit to a new restaurant or a new town is not complete unless my parents have made new friends - with the waitress, a shop owner, or some lucky random person. :)

Though no longer involved in full-time ministry as at the start, reaching out to others remained an integral part of our family. Before we could walk, Leah and I were taken along on regular visits to the downtown rescue mission or to sing and share at nursing homes. These focuses continued as we grew - delivering food to low-income folks, serving lunch at the senior center, volunteering at the library. Once again, investing in others was a family priority - and it was something we did together. We persevered through challenges and setbacks (and the occasional family squabble! :) and rejoiced in victories, delighting in seeing change in those we served, as well as in ourselves.

Some favorite things we love to do as a family - eat and talk. :)

Our family remains close because that was fostered from long ago. I have great memories of working and playing together, sitting and talking for hours around the dining room table, taking amazing family vacations, attending church and being involved in other related activities. There were few things we didn't do as a foursome, which contributed to our incredible closeness, a trait that remains today, even across the miles.

My parents aren't perfect and they will be the first to tell you that, but they have been open, vulnerable, and honest about their mistakes. They have fully embraced and stressed reliance on the grace of God. They have lived out and believed fully in keeping your focus on Christ - in every aspect of life.

My dad has frequently emphasized the idea that "You don't fit ministry into life, life is ministry."

I have learned and benefited from this philosophy and now embrace it as my own.

My parents are amazing and incredible people and I love them very, very much.

I have more to share about their indelible impact and influence on my life, but that is for Part 2. :)

My amazing parents!

Undeserved Blessings

 Me next to a replica of the Liberty Bell inside Wisconsin's capitol building in downtown Madison.

I know blessings usually are undeserved, which is why they are called blessings. But, I was the beneficiary of some recent blessings that I truly felt were undeserved and some caught me by surprise.

I almost started crying. Not sad, goodbye tears, but grateful tears. Thursday morning was busy as I took care of last minute details at home, weighed luggage and shifted items around to make sure all three of my bags were at or below 50 pounds. Then there was the hour or so drive to the Portland airport. Because I had three heavy bags and two heavy carry-ons, my dad dropped my mom and I off at the curb while he went to park. After grabbing two luggage carts, I looked up to see a man who had seen our dilemma graciously lifting the bulky bags on to the carts. He recognized a need and stepped in to meet it. I was so grateful that I almost began crying. What an unexpected blessing.

With the three check-in bags, I knew I would be spending a bit of money. Most domestic airlines are now charging for check-ins and the bag limit is usually 2, with the cost for a third considerably more. But between carrying my own things and things for others in Uganda, I had needed to pack 3.

When I mentioned to the kind ticket agent that I was flying to Uganda Aug. 12, she immediately worked on waiving the fees for my first two bags (hooray!). She then patiently waited as we weighed luggage, shifted items and then re-weighed. I was so, so grateful for her kindness and patience.

Madison Scenes: Top photos - inside the capitol building; lower left, the capitol as seen from a downtown rooftop terrace; lower middle, one of the many lakes around Madison; lower right, a five-piece brass band performing near the Capitol Farmer's Market on Saturday.

I met Amanda and Jessica during my first visit to Uganda, from October 2006-March 2007. They were living on the Lingira Island YWAM base and were neighbors to Karina and I since we all lived in the same building. We four American single gals made lots of good memories together. And they became very dear friends. I believe Amanda and Jess are a key reason that I did not suffer from much homesickness as expected and I enjoyed that first visit so much. Almost three years after I last saw them in 2008 (when I flew to Wisconsin for Jess' wedding), they hosted me again for a few days this weekend.

 Adorable Olivia - daughter of Chris and Amanda (She's even cuter in person!)

Food, laughter, lots of fun and good sharing and fellowship marked my visit here in Wisconsin. Oh, and did I mention good food - like fried cheese curds? ; )

Amanda and Jess love Uganda and the islands and are continuing to share that love with their husbands, families and friends.

I feel so refreshed after my time with these good friends and I am so very thankful for the undeserved blessing of special relationships. God knows what we need, and always bestows above and beyond what we could imagine.

At left - Me with Chris and Amanda 

Now I am excited to hop on a plane to Pennsylvania and visit my dear sister Leah for a few days. Yay! I will try and keep you posted on my further adventures! : )

What undeserved blessing have you received lately?

At right - Me with Jessica and Ben

Basins of Blessings

Outside the Smith home - basins set out to collect the rain.

Several times this week our senses were stimulated by familiar sounds and smells. But what we were about to experience had been long anticipated. And, as it began, we joyfully put out our basins to catch all that we could of this blessing.

After weeks without rain, God opened the skies of heaven and that welcome precipitation poured down, creating small rivers in the dry, hard soil, quenching the thirst of parched plants and animals, and replenishing our empty water tanks.

I couldn’t help but say excitedly as the rain came first on Sunday, “Yay, God! Yay, God!” as I did a little happy dance. Then it rained on Tuesday and again today, Thursday.

One of our largest basins collecting rainwater. It was nearly full after Tuesday's storm.

A couple of weeks ago we received a text message from the Ugandan Office of the Prime Minister which said it looked as if we were in for a long dry season, and food, water and pasture would become short in supply. Lately, we have been hearing reports of “skyrocketing” food and fuel prices.

The evening I received the ominous message, I read Isaiah 41:17-20.

“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys, I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.”

Rain has been an item of prayer here at SHIM and we are so grateful for God answering our prayers!

I have also been blessed in recent weeks by the "thirst" among the island’s secondary students for God’s Word. Last March Amanda and I began the “Bible Project” and with the support of our home church, Westport Community Church, we have been able to provide Bibles to the students. To receive a Bible, a student need only memorize and recite the books of the Bible in order. In the 2010 school year, I believe we presented about 30 Bibles. But, recently in 17 days, 33 students, both boys and girls, have earned their own copy of the Bible! Yay, God!

One evening, seven excited girls recited the books. A group of them gathered around me near their hostel. With beaming faces and broad smiles, they encouraged one another, and cheered when each one successfully completed the recitation. They were so enthusiastic, you would have thought I was giving away money!

A group of Lingira Living Hope students with their new Bibles.

I have been so blessed to see God's answers to our prayers, whether for rain or for the island students to respond to His truth and light. Thank you, too, to those who have prayed for these needs!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

I am counting my reasons...

...to be thankful!

 For the past four or five years, I have had a Thanksgiving tradition - to write 100 blessings for which I am thankful, sometime on Thanksgiving Day. I love the song "Count Your Blessings" and I find it very good to literally count my blessings, all of which are from God. So, here is my list of 100 Blessings for this Thanksgiving. (Note: Beyond the first 11 or so, the blessings are not necessarily listed according to priority.)

I am thankful for...

1. God - my Saviour, Heavenly Father, Redeemer, Creator, Healer, Provider, and so much more!
2. Salvation - a gift I can never repay, but one that causes me to live and love in gratitude.
3. God's Word - that encourages, convicts, teaches and exhorts me.
4. My loving, supportive and encouraging parents, who above all, pointed me to Jesus
5. My beautiful, talented and ever-so-sweet sister (who will be celebrating her birthday the day after Thanksgiving).
6. The opportunity to live and serve here in Uganda. It has been such a blessed experience.
7. My fellow missionaries - for their example, dedication, friendship and support.
8. The entire SHIM family - as diverse as we are, we share a united vision for transformation of the islands.
9. My wonderful friends and family back home who support me with their gifts, as well as prayers, counsel and encouragement.
10. My special church family at Westport Community Church.
11. Wonderful friends who have blessed me with their steadfast love and friendship.
12. Sunsets - Like the gorgeous one outside my window.
13. Wonderful advances in technology that allow me to keep in touch with folks around the world, like Internet, e-mail and Facebook. :)
14. Music - that lifts my spirit, encourages my soul and points me to Jesus.
15. Seasons - though they are not so evident here in Uganda. :)
16. Rain - such a precious gift here.
17. A place to sleep, eat and live that is comfortable. No, it doesn't have running water, but is that a necessity? ; )
18. God's faithfulness throughout my life.
19. The lively worship of Ugandans - I love it!
20. Coffee - every good morning begins with coffee. :)
21. The beauty of Uganda - it's so green!
22. My five senses.
23. The way God has shaped me - for His service!
24. The students of Lingira Living Hope Secondary School - they completed their third term today.
25. The dedication of the Lingira Living Hope teachers - to their students and their God.
26. The shepherds (pastors, elders and others) that God has placed over His flock.
27. My big sister and mentor, Karina (Thomas) Smith, whom I have known since age seven and who has been a big influence in my life.
28. The rest of the Smith family, too - Andy, David and baby on the way!
29. New life - spiritually and physically.
30. Chocolate - God did a good thing when He created chocolate. :)
31. Past experiences, which God has and is using today.
32. The church - the body of Christ where I find fellowship, encouragement and a place to worship God.
33. Solar power - which enables me to use my computer, have lights and keep my chocolate cold. :)
34. Rainwater - a huge blessing, especially when it is caught in one of our tanks.
35. Smiles - what a beautiful enhancement of a face. :)
36. God's creation - from the most fragile flower, to the most majestic and interesting creatures, to the bounty and diversity of trees, clouds, and so much more!
37. Past heroes of faith who inspire and challenge me by their examples.
38. God's forgiveness, which enables me to walk in freedom from guilt and fear of judgment.
39. Drinking water - pure, fresh water to quench the thirst!
40. Laughter - that brightens our faces, lightens our burdens and is good for our health. :)
41. God's sovereignty that works all things together for good to those who love Him.
42. Macaroni and cheese - that traditional American food that is a delicacy here. :)
43. Those who are enduring and have read this far.
44. God's promises - which He always keeps!
45. God's provision - I have not lacked for He knows my needs!
46. Order and structure - that keep this earth turning and enable other spheres of our lives to continue running.
47. Our Founding Fathers and others who established America as a Christian nation.
48. Young people - I love their energy and enthusiasm, especially when they are using them for God!
49. Prayer - to share my heart with God and to hear from His.
50. Health - a true gift from God.
51. Encouragement - which comes in various forms and from many sources. :)
52. Great authors like A.W. Tozer, Elisabeth Elliot, C.S. Lewis, and so many more!
53. That I am halfway through this list! : )
54. The blessings God has poured out on Shepherd's Heart International Ministry (SHIM) this year to enable the ministry to continue and accomplish some big projects.
55. Faithful sponsors who enable our students to go to school.
56. God's goodness, which He pours out on me, whether or not I deserve it.
57. Miss Amanda who has been a great roommate and friend!
58. Light - because it would be terrible to always be in the dark.

An outdoor Thanksgiving feast? Yes, please!

59. A very happy and blessed Thanksgiving celebration - with good food, good fellowship and a great focus on God and all of His blessings.
60. That I am not somewhere where it is cold and snowy. : )
61. Mashed potatoes - let me just say I hope they are included in the wedding feast in heaven. : )
62. Popcorn - another heavenly food.
63. Photographs - capturing special moments and people!
64. The color blue - it is just beautiful, what more can I say?
65. Colors overall - our God is so super creative to come up with so many different colors.
66. Chance encounters - which are actually ordained by God.
67. Older Christians who are still enthusiastically and passionately serving Jesus. I met one today and I was truly blessed.
68. Eyes - Windows to the soul. They can tell you a lot about someone and are beautiful, too.
69. Frogs - cute creatures and some of my favorites.
70. Hymns - We sang a few today as part of our celebration and I was so blessed to sing my heart out and reflect on the words, after quite a few months of not singing them.
71. Hot showers - a rare treat here. : )
72. Different nations, races, cultures and tribes - God created and loves all of them!
73. The opportunity to learn new things and especially to learn from others.
74. Blogs - I am blessed, encouraged and inspired by the blogs I read which are authored by my Christian friends.
75. Boundless Webzine - I have often been encouraged by this ministry. (Visit http://www.boundless.org/)
76. Old friends, and new ones, too.
77. Memories - special treasures of the past.
78. Ice cream - my favorite dessert!
79. An education - not an opportunity every person has.
80. Rice - my favorite food! I think God designed my tastebuds for Uganda. : )
81. God's protection - something I too often take for granted.
82. Puppies and kittens - pretty much any baby animal is cute. : )
83. Hope - In God's promises and in a glorious eternity.
84. Computers - they make my job much easier.
85. Rest - for recharging.
86. My grandparents - though they are all gone, I cherish the memories of time spent with them, and the heritage they left.
87. Holidays - a time to celebrate, remember and be with family and friends.
88. Mistakes - and thankful I can learn from them. :)
89. Quiet - what it is right now while everyone else is in bed. : )
90. Soap - what a dirty world this would be otherwise.
91. Freckles - I have 'em and I like 'em. : )
92. Gifts - to be able to give and to receive.
93. The privilege of growing up in the small town of Clatskanie. : )
94. The blessing of being homeschooled.
95. That God created me to love words.
96. Wafers - one of my favorite Ugandan desserts (hazelnut flavored is the best). : )
97. The assurance that God knows my past, my present and my future.
98. Thirty years of life.
99. Undeserved kindnesses - from God and others.
100. That I have 100 reasons (and more) to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

A 2010 Thanksgiving sunset

Smelling My "Roses"

 Just as it is good to take time to stop and smell the roses, it also good to take the time to be thankful you have roses to smell.

  So, here are just a few things for which I am presently thankful.

- Visitors - In recent weeks we have been blessed with three teams of visitors to the island. Each visitor brings their own talents, personality and heart for the people of Uganda. I have been blessed by the fire and motivation that these short-termers have - they help to reignite me! They bless both the SHIM staff and the people of the island.

Lizbet, a visitor from S. Carolina, and me at the top of the island.

- What the visitors bring - Our visitors have been quite generous as they have carried things from home, fulfilled special requests (like bringing us chocolate chips and duct tape), and sharing their goodies, such as Hidden Valley ranch, A-1 sauce, chocolate and coffee creamer. : )

- Ranch and coffee creamer - It's amazing what these do for food and coffee, respectively - so yummy!

- Water - We are now entering the dry season, which means we won't get as much rain as during the wet season (Go figure!). So, I am having a greater appreciation for the water we do have at the base. And, I am also grateful for the dear Ugandan man, Musabe, who faithfully brings us lake water each morning and then purifies part of it for bathing and drinking. Our water is some of the best-tasting in Uganda!

- Cold Water - Yes, with plenty of sunshine, we can run our solar, and in turn run our little fridge, so we can enjoy cold water - a special treat.

- The Internet (when it is available) - My Internet modem has been down for about a week, which I find rather frustrating since the provider took my money for the month, but didn't bother to restore my service. So, I am grateful that Andy has been graciously sharing his Internet modem. And, not having easy access to something sure does make it seem all the more special when I do get it.

- Peace - One of the reasons I love the island is because it is peaceful. (Visitors have beeged to differ because of all of the animal noises, but I guess I have become accustomed to them.) I do find island life quite peaceful and fairly relaxing.

Dear friends, the Smith family, on the boat.

- Friendship - Karina was just remarking this morning how a number of years ago when we were friends back in Clatskanie we couldn't have imagined we would someday be working together in Africa. Only God could have orchestrated this and wove together our paths. I am also thankful for Amanda who is a "steady eddy" and whose laid-back, people-person personality balances out my go-get-em, task-driven personality. I have also enjoyed forming friendships with our visitors who come, and don't stay quite long enough.

- The folks back at home - I certainly wouldn't be here without my dear family and friends who have so faithfully supported me, prayed for me and encouraged me. I am very thankful for all of you!

 I know I have many, many blessings which I could list out here - but these are just a few that have been at the forefront lately. Blessings to you all!