July 2026

I totally understand how some North American kids are already dreading the though of heading back to school. The days are just flying and we want the summer months to remain. Well, here in Uganda, it kind of feels like summer year round, although right now we have a lot more rain, but the days pass by in the blink of an eye. 

This month, the kids and I dove deeper into the story of Joseph. His story is always inspirational to me. He was truly a man of integrity, and God blessed his footsteps.

Every other Saturday morning I can hear the children's laughter and voices as they begin to gather two hours earlier than the designated time. They are so excited to play games, hear a Bible story, pray together, and share a snack.

Our big Zoro peacefully hangs out with us as we sit around a bonfire.

My birthday mail has started arriving. 21 pieces so far!

My favourite gift is that Mom promised to write me a letter every day for 50 days. I can't wait for them to arrive. Apparently 33 of them are already on their way!!

Usually every January is dedicated to being a month of prayer and fasting at church. Well, this year, another two weeks were added in July. Monday to Friday, from 6 AM to 6 PM, and then we would meet at church to pray together and break the fast.

It was encouraging to see pray with a large number regularly. We prayed for University Community Church, personal needs, unreached people groups, Gulu, and Uganda.

One thing we love doing is celebrating others!

Neriah is like a grandchild to us - Happy 4th, sweetie.

We celebrated with those who are near and dear to her.

University Community Church has outgrown it's current rental space. The building committee has been put together and the team is off to a good start to make a permanent structure happen.

Moses is the vice-chair, and I am the treasurer for the church construction team.

Another birthday was held on a Sunday night at home. A young neighbour, named Joshua, turned 16 and we honored him with a small celebration because he is so helpful to us. He assists with the Saturday kids club, he helps visitors find our home, he helps organize tea for the 60 kids who come to Sunday school, and he's helpful around the compound. He has helped us to feel at home in our neigbhourhood.

The men were excited with the music and the pork.

Joshua was truly humbled by this celebration.

A dear friend baked me a "cheesecake" in her airfryer!! 

It's the little things that make you smile.

Prayer meetings continued.

Bandit is growing a little more every month. He still loves to chew EVERYTHING in sight.

Why does my hair always look nice on a day when I'm going nowhere?

Isaac - a man of prayer

Tabitha - a woman who prays

Wrapping up our prayer time together

Church family is so important to us. We thank God for calling us into a pastoral role to these beautiful souls in Gulu.

One Friday night, after prayers, a group of girls begged to come home for another slumber party. So, spur of the moment, we cooked supper together, played games, and laughed until 3 am.

The competition was fierce.

Who knew you could play "Spot It" for hours.

Then, just a few hours later, it was back to another Saturday with the kids.

Joseph was in captivity and the children were captivated.

Trust God. Do good. Be faithful.

I love seeing Sarah use her creative skills.

She sure made the bedroom come alive at home.

My Noah's ark collection is back on display after being in a box for a few years.

Time of Confession

While going on road trips, it is not uncommon for vendors to surround the vehicle and you shop through the window. You can get so much - cold water/soda, oranges, tamarind, mushrooms, ghee, smoked fish, chicken, goat, or gizzards on a stick, honey, roasted cassava, bananas, and more.

The vendors risk their lives sometimes to gain a customer.

I found Bubble Tea in Kampala. Yeah!!

Moses thought it was interesting that a lady has taken over a bus stop for selling her roasted maize.

Oh, Kampala. On city streets you can find a herd of cattle. And the battle of waiting continues.

A lawyer in the making.

Hanging out with friends who love photo bombing and selfies.

Celebrating another birthday boy.

Butterflies. If God created over 18,000 species of butterflies, imagine how much more He cares for you and me and knit us in our mother's wombs. He transforms our lives.

University students - o ya!

Moses is on the board of directors for another Christian NGO that is building a Bible school here in Gulu.

Moses handles all the women in the house with ease.

Let the good times roll!

You are always welcome to come home for game night, too!

Two weeks ago we were in Kampala. I called my one of my besties there and told her I was around, so she cooked my favourite food of hers! Chiroco, AKA lentils. Did you know that Esau gave up his birthright for a bowl of lentils? Not even meat. :) That's how good they can be.

Moses and Mike wrapped up a sermon series with an open Sunday for Q&A. Anyone can send questions in advance via a WhatsApp platform, or even ask during Sunday. The questions lead to deeper understanding and a greater knowledge of God's Word.

It keeps the preachers on their toes!

Moses' snack the other day - fried cassava chips with gnut (peanut) paste and cayenne pepper on top.

Thanks for checking in on our crazy lives.