Ceasing the Moment

The past few weeks have been rather fun.  I've been living off the map a little - crashing in homes all over Ontario, going without a phone, and enjoying quality time with many great people.

On Tuesday I was supposed to meet some people for lunch.  Thankfully I was able to quickly update my FB at a Tim Horton's wifi hotspot.... so I received a message that because theie house was up for sale, I had to meet these people at a restaurant.  I arrived early and sat outside waiting.  About 10 feet away was an elderly couple humbly handing out Gideon New Testaments and Book of John Scriptures  They were situated between a very busy restaurant and a popular store to buy snacks and drinks, across from a public high school that was just dismissing for lunch hour.  I was amazed to see teenage boys choose to receive the Word of God, but every girl turned it down.  

While sitting on the steps of the restaurant, I decided to pray for these youth who were receiving a copy of God's Word in Canada.  One young man walked past me, with a smile on his face.  I heard him say "Wow! I now own a Bible, and I'm an Atheist!"  I started to pray right away.

"Lord, may he not just own the Bible, but read it and come to know YOU through it."

While home, I've not only been catching up with people, I've been able to share with a few churches and groups about what God is doing in Uganda.  I am so encouraged to know/see that so many people are praying for me and walking this journey with me!

Out of Uganda... for a short while

Every missionary I know has those days when exhaustion takes over, cultural frustrations become too many because patience is worn thin, and they just long for a break.  I took my chance for a break, and so right now I am back in Canada.  I had a Global Outreach Mission conference in Europe at the end of September, so I decided to keep going and visit my family for Thanksgiving.  I'm so glad that I did!  I am feeling refreshed, excited, and truly enjoying God's glorious fall colours. 

 It was so great to meet with other missionaries serving God's people.  A few families came from Africa, one from Japan, but most were European and it was refreshing to swap stories of what God is doing around the world.  Please pray for GOM and all the missionaries they send out around the globe.

 The worship with inspiring! Hymns brought to life.

 One afternoon of fellowship and hiking in the mountains.  What a glorious God we serve!

Throughout the conference most of us were interviewed for Christian radio.  I have no idea who will hear my stories of how God is using me in Uganda, but I was truly blessed to hear how God is using other faithful followers on the mission field.

Please pray for the president of Global Outreach Mission - Dr. Brian Albrecht - he has a big task of overseeing the workload and passion for the mission.

 I was super happy to host Beckie and Ruudy (colleagues from Uganda) in Canada.  Ruudy is from Soroti... and it was his first time ever in Canada.  The CN Tower was a must see.

 Worshipping with my Mom and Grandma!

 I had to show Beckie the most famous thing about St. Thomas - Jumbo the elephant.

 All of my nieces and nephews were excited about their new soccer (football) uniforms. :)

 My family has been through a lot of loss in the past year, and I took some time to see the gravesite.

 Miniature horses - who wouldn't want to get some horse hugs!!

 Cheering for the Jays!  That's when I know I am patriotic about Canada!

 We haven't had a family photo in years!  And this is the whole crew!!

 The original six - Dennis, Brian, Mom, Dad, Rick, and me. I'm one lucky girl!

 Hanging with my nieces and nephews in God's glorious creation!

 Mixing my Ugandan family with my Canadian family.

I love my brothers.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

A quick glance into life and ministry in Soroti