Moving Pictures with Sounds! (i.e. Videos!)

There's just a way a video can convey so much more than words and photos even combined.

My friend and fellow missionary, Melody Warford of Stone Soup Media, visited the island earlier this year, spending several days at Shepherd's Heart and filming the various missionaries and projects. What she did with the information and footage is truly amazing!

The mission field requires many people of diverse skills and I feel blessed that Melody shared her gifts to help proclaim the incredible things God is doing on the islands.

The first video focuses more on what I am involved in on the island, and the second is more about the overall ministry of Shepherd's Heart, the ministry I am privileged to serve in.

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

Adventures in America!

When you walk with Jesus, life is an adventure! The amazing thing is that Jesus doesn't send us on ahead - alone into unknown territories, to "figure things out" on our own. No, He is with us each step of the way. So, you may feel like you are venturing into what is strange, different, unfamiliar, difficult or stretching, but you are never, ever alone. And, if He is with you, everything is okay.

God showed me this throughout my time of preparation to leave Uganda, traveling 30 hours, and now readjusting to being back in America. When I needed a suitcase, He told me He'd take care of it. And, He did - providing a quality bag for a very reasonable price from a friend. When I didn't know how I would get to the airport, He prompted good friends to take care of all of the arrangements and I had the incredible blessing of being escorted by two good friends. When I "needed" coffee and water on my layover in London, God provided them free of charge - a funny story, but I was again assured of His presence.

These may seem like small things, but for a single woman, they meant so much.

Upon arriving back in the states, I spent an amazing two weeks with my dear sister in Pennsylvania. During the first week, I tagged along as much as possible around the Bible school campus where she lives and works. This included a Sunday trip to New York City to watch the students present a service - very fun!

Summit students presenting a service at Times Square Church.

Leah and I in Times Square Church during our evening walk. The city was amazingly bright at night with all of the illuminated signs and buildings.

The ice skating rink and the Christmas tree being assembled at Rockefeller Center.

In the second week, Leah and I ventured on a 1700+-mile road trip. In the space of four days, we traveled through 10 states - Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio -  through some beautiful country and reconnected with some amazing people. I had the blessing of visiting 10 different people whom I first met in Uganda and many who had been on the island. I thank God for His protection and the great weather we had for most of our journey.

The Wolfer family graciously hosted us during our time in South Carolina, for a great time of fun, food, fellowship, and lots of laughter. :)

How amazing to reconnect with Delaney, center, in SC after having the blessing of her presence on the island this past summer. She was an awesome tour guide, showing us around the beautiful campus of the University of South Carolina, and great company for a fun evening afterward. :)

The stunning USC campus.

After two nights in SC, we headed north again, this time traveling a bit west. A stop in Marion, North Carolina gave us a chance to see the Wise family - Mark, Michelle and Josh, whom I first met in Uganda. We enjoyed a delightful lunch before hopping back on the road, headed north for Ohio.

Leah drove most of the many hours on the road. There was a weird correlation between my driving and her getting sick. Weird. ;)

Traveling essentials: Triscuits and gummy bears, as well as chicken nuggets from Wendy's and lots of cups of coffee. :)

Driving through Kentucky on Wednesday evening. We passed through some beautiful country and by so many tourist and historical sites. But, because of our tight schedule, we had to just keep driving. :(

All of our driving, however, took us to more amazing people, like my friend Mindy, in southwest Ohio. We crashed at her place on Wednesday night and had a wonderful time reconnecting. 

This stop in Ohio also yielded my first visit to a Chick-fil-A. It was a delicious success!

We saw more snow on the ground in Ohio than anywhere else during our travels. Thankfully, no snow fell while we drove.

Beautiful Ohio farmland.

We joyfully returned to Pennsylvania on Thursday night, grateful for our fun adventure, but glad to be back "home" and our own beds.

Before flying out to Oregon on Saturday afternoon, I had one more full day with my dear sister on Friday. Some dear friends treated us to a day at the spa at The Hotel Hershey, an early birthday gift for Leah and a nice change from four full days of intense travel. We had to get used to walking around in bathrobes, but enjoyed a delightful and restful day of swimming, a delectable lunch, and pampering with manicures and pedicures. :)

In our very comfortable robes at the spa.

Our fun Friday ended with a surprise birthday party for Leah, hosted by her wonderful housemate Bethany. So many people came out to celebrate Leah and the blessing she is!

It was with mixed emotions that I boarded the plane in Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon, sad to be leaving my beloved sister behind, but looking forward to seeing my parents and so many dear friend and family members on the West Coast. 

I believe my adventures in America have only just begun, but I am so far very grateful for God's protection, provision, and the incredible people and blessings He has put in my life. I'm looking forward to what else is in store - only God knows! :)

Helping You Help Me

Hi y'all! I am writing this blog post from beautiful (yet, too cold) Pennsylvania.

I safely arrived stateside on Friday and am thoroughly enjoying being back on U.S. soil. :) I am in the midst of a two-week visit with my beloved sister and then will head west on Nov. 22.

My sister Leah and I. Leah is one of my most favorite people in the whole world and I'm loving being with her, after almost two years of being apart.

I am still adjusting to the time change (8 hrs. difference) which means I am sleeping like a rock at night, but then am also feeling sleepy throughout the day, but it is improving. Like I said, Pennsylvania is cold - about 40+ degrees different. Oh, and my home area of Portland is expecting a half foot of snow today! Yikes! I don't think I am ready for "winter."

Thus far, my transition back has been smooth, but it is possible there will be some bumps ahead. Fellow missionary friends shared the following videos, which I think will be helpful in helping you to know how to help me in this time of furlough. Though the missionary who made the videos is serving in SE Asia, there are still a lot of similarities in that culture and the one of Uganda.

Happy viewing!

The first video is entitled "The Stare," which describes the blank look a returning missionary may assume when faced with a perceived overwhelming situation.

So, I couldn't seem to upload some of the videos to the post, but here are some links:

• Learn the "secret" truth that missionaries are actually "normal" people, here. :)
• Learn some good questions here to ask me to find more about what has been happening in my life during the past two years.
• In the nearly five years in Uganda, I have developed new "normals," which can be far different than the normals I used to have in the U.S. Learn more here.
• Yes, there is such a thing as "reverse culture shock," which may cause returning missionaries to bring into tears in a cereal aisle. Seriously. Find out more here.

The truth is, we all need grace. Every day. Thank you in advance for your grace and patience with me as I readjust to American life. :)

What If?

Sunrise seen from the top of Lingira Mountain.

What if the sun’s rays were not warm and consoling?

What if water was not cool, refreshing, thirst-quenching and life-giving?

What if fruit was not sweet and good for you at the same time?

What if kittens were not soft, cute and cuddly?

What if the earth did not have gravity? (What a mess it would be!)

What is music was not inspiring, motivating, comforting?

What if ears were only for decoration and not for hearing?

What if the world was only visible in grayscale?

What if the waves of the seas and oceans did not keep within their bounds?

What if the sun rose only twice a week?

What if there were no clouds to shield us from the sun?

What if the stars had no order, how would sailors navigate?

What if lips could not talk, sing, whistle, or hum?

What if hugs were painful, rather than warm embraces?

What if a smile was difficult to produce?

What if there were no seasons?

What if raindrops were heavy like stones?

What if birds did not sing?

What if we did not have memories and only “remembered” the current second we are in?

What if laughter was not healing?

What if light did not pierce and scatter darkness?

What if mountains were not high, waterfalls were not breathtaking, valleys had no end, and rivers ran neither upstream nor downstream?

What if there was no beauty, no love, no grace, no joy, no peace, no serenity?

What if lies were truth, evil was good, wrong was right, and injustice was accepted?

What if there were no such concepts as forgiveness, restoration, transformation?

At times we may doubt the evidences of God’s love, but each day He surrounds us with these gifts of love and grace – because He is good and loving and awesome.

Today, take note of the Creator's gifts to you...you'll run out of numbers before you run out of gifts to count.

Preparing to Say Goodbye

This evening's sunset. Just think - without the sunsets today we would have no sunrises tomorrow.

When I volunteered to teach at the island school four years ago, I didn't count on something.

Having to say goodbye. When I was younger, I hated change and I hated goodbyes. I have changed some since then, but they're still not my favorites. Why should a good thing come to an end?

Now, as the secondary school enters its third term and the days march toward the end of another year, our graduating class has reached the beginning of the end of their studies here. Today they started their final exams and by early November, they will have finished and will begin leaving the school.

Many of these graduates joined the school four years ago, as I was starting my second year of teaching and serving on the island. I have watched them grow and feel as if I have grown with them. They are no longer the small boys and girls of 2011 - they have become beautiful, handsome, smart and wise young men and women.

Because of the nature of the islands and how far away the students' homes are, it is unlikely I will see many of them again. I will have to rely on an occasional phone call to hear about how they are doing.

It is hard to let go. I didn't bargain for this as a teacher, a mentor, and as a friend.

Separation has been a hard lesson for me while here in Uganda. But lessons are for learning and God has taught me that this world is truly not my home, and He is preparing a much better place for His dear children.

That special place, better known as Heaven, will be a place free of separation. No more goodbyes, farewells, or "see you laters." Sometimes my heart aches for that time and that place. And, with the more goodbyes I have to say the ache seems to deepen.

In the meantime, part of my heart goes with each of these amazing students. I wish I had more time with them, but I am thankful for the time God gave me, and I hope that someday we will have all of the time, not in the world, but in eternity.

Would you join me in praying for these young men and women as they do their exams? I really want God's grace, courage and peace to be upon them. Thank you.

Some of the amazing young people I get to work with! Back row, from left: Zaitun, Suzan, Celestine, Benjamin, Michael, Dick; front row, Petra, Scovia, Derick and Joshua. (I usually tell them to smile, so am not sure why they are so serious here.) Celestine, Benjamin, Petra, Derick and Joshua are among this year's "graduates."

My "Summer" Break

(So, I realize it is now October, but this is a "catch-up" post. I wrote it a few weeks ago, but didn't finish it as other things came up. If you want to know more about the "others," see my last post.. :) )

I put "summer"in parentheses because we don't have seasons like summer, fall, winter and spring. We have two - rainy and dry, which alternate throughout the year.

Oh, I should note that we do occasionally have "winter," like when the the temps drop below 75° and people are wearing jackets, complaining about the cold, and clutching cups of tea. Yes, I admit, I have become one of them. :)

After 5 weeks of "holiday," (Aug. 1-Sept. 8) school began "again" in that we started our third term. While the rest of y'all in the States were just starting your year, we are more than halfway through our ours. That is because Uganda kicks off its school year in February, while you are halfway through yours. Confused yet?

So back to my break...

It was fun and it was full, and despite ending with a nasty case of malaria, it was overall quite enjoyable.

In mid-August, to conclude her time in Uganda, Delaney and I ventured to Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda's oldest and largest park, spanning more than 5,000 kilometers. It was amazing, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring. We saw some incredible creatures, like giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, warthogs (okay, so warthogs are not really incredible, but they are odd looking critters), plus many types of birds.

A stately-looking giraffe. We saw a ton of these spotted fellas - I'm sure some of them were gals, too. ;)

A "cool" African tree.

The falls itself was also amazing, as well as the sprawling savannas and the endless rolling hills dotted with those African-type trees that you usually see in those cool wildlife documentaries. (They are even cooler when seen in person!)

At the top of Murchison Falls.

I shared a number of photos of our trek in this post and a couple of videos here, so will share only a couple of them here.

After sadly seeing Delaney off in mid-September, a few days later I headed east, accompanying one of our island students back to her home in Sironko, near Mbale, about 5 1\2 hours from the island. It is amazing how far students will travel to come to school!

Eastern Uganda is another stunning part of the country, with its hills, the Elgon Mountain range, lots and lots of green scenery, and of course, many warm and friendly people. :)

Tracey, far left, and her gracious family in front of their home.

I enjoyed the gracious hospitality of student Tracey's family and also visited some folks with island connections, like the dear family of Pastor Philip, the one who started the fellowship group in Katonga. That small weekly gathering yielded many new believers and 13 baptisms last summer.

Pastor Philip, center, his wife Harriet, far left, and their beautiful family.

Two days later and a four-hour journey home - in a packed car, on a packed taxi, and ending with a boda ride, I was back to Jinja - my mainland "home" when I am not on the island.

A couple of hours later, I was back on the road, but to Entebbe to pick up a friend who was returning from furlough. It was great to see her again after two months.

Interspersed with some rest, some work, and some house-sitting, I also had the chance to visit other friends. Julius, our talented farming guy, excitedly showed me the improvements to his mushroom-making endeavor, while his wife served us a delicious lunch. 

Ruth and Julius in front of their Mayuge home.

Julius showing his mushroom "house." They grow out of the plastic sacks!

With an impending storm, I left Julius and Ruth's place in Mayuge, also in eastern Uganda, and boarded a taxi for the nearby Bugaade. The dark skies opened and poured down torrential rain, making me thankful I had not taken a motorcycle for the trip, and that I was not sitting near one of the vehicle's leaking windows. :)

Upon reaching the town center of Bugaade, Fauza greeted me with a hug and a smile. I hadn't seen her since last November when she finished at the island secondary school, leaving as one of our 2013 top graduates. For nearly three years, I also enjoyed meeting weekly with Fauza at the school to study the Bible.

As is customary for visitors, I was served food - a steaming cup of tea - perfect for a rainy day - and half a loaf of soft brown bread, which I was expected to consume by myself. After only two pieces, since I was still full from Ruth's lunch, I asked for help from Fauza and her cousin, with whom I had been chatting.

"But, Madam, that is all for you. You are supposed to finish it," Fauza insisted.

I carefully, but not rudely, tried to explain that I simply could not finish ALL of the bread she had placed before me. Thankfully, the mountain of bread was not the center of our conversation, but rather the challenges that had kept Fauza from entering a new school, specifically having to do with spiritual warfare. Coming from a predominantly-Muslim family, Fauza had her share of encounters with witch craft, which is commonly intertwined with Islam here.

Asserting her position in Christ, Fauza has and is recognizing that the Creator God is indeed more powerful than Satan; however, remaining firm in her faith is important, especially when her family believes otherwise. After sharing Scripture and a time of prayer, I reluctantly left, knowing it would be some time before I would see my young friend again.

A cold boda ride, another taxi ride, concluding with a bus trip returned me to Jinja again, thankful for friendship, hospitality, and God's gracious provision and protection.

Before I knew it, it was time to return to the island and begin thinking about the new term. The Sunday after my return, my friend Justus and I witnessed the baptism of 9 new believers, following a Sunday service in the new church in the small village of Dubai. Located on the back side of Lingira, Dubai has mostly been just a pass-through to get to the other villages, though at one time it was a bustling place of trade, which earned it its name.

Church in Dubai - praise and worship under the mango tree.

Celebrating the joy of baptism with a new believer.

No longer forgotten, Dubai now has a church, which was birthed after evangelism efforts earlier this year. Each week, believers from Dubai, as well as three other villages gather under a large mango tree to praise and worship and study the Word of God.

I have come to realize that there is no "forgotten"place or "forgotten"people to God. He knows each and every corner and each every heart. And His love and light can find and penetrate each one.

I am grateful for that full and fun (yes, I did do other work, too!) "summer" break. I think God knew I needed it before entering an intense school term. He knows best what we need, doesn't He?

Sunrise at the ferry landing on the Nile River, Murchison Falls.

The impressive Sisi (see-see) Falls in eastern Uganda.

"And, my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19