An Honest Moment

There are days or weeks as a missionary, or a foreigner living in a far away land, where things never go according to plan or desire.  There are moments when the culture of a country can drive you to your knees in prayer.  There a so many unexpected opportunities, requests, and challenges.  For the past few weeks I've been feeling kind of numb in purpose and direction.

I am so glad that I have had visitors with me from Canada, "village mates" you could say. It's been an honor to show them Soroti and the area that I love so much.  But it's also been hard because ministry has been slower than normal and I feel like I am not doing enough.  I am praying for the Lord to open more doors for trainings or schools to teach in here.  I am praying for greater direction... especially as I head into a time of work permit renewal and NGO paperwork.

I thank God that I am feeling stronger, and now I would love the ministry moments to equal my strength... but I also know that I need to take care of my self and rest.  I have been... trust me!!

Please be praying for:

1. Internet in Uganda... rates are crazy and services are failing.  I haven't had stable internet in house for a month now and it's harder for communicating.  Also, social media is now being taxed.

2. My purpose and vision in life.  As much as I love the ministry in Soroti, I sometimes feel that maybe the Lord is opening new doors for me somewhere else.

3. Increase in ministry opportunities.  I want to serve the Lord and His people here more!!  Honestly, I want to encourage the leaders here to do all that God has called them to do.

Thanks!

Celebrating life!

It's good to be feeling stronger once again, and most of my energy is back.  I think I am also refreshed by having company in the house and people to share life with in Soroti.

 Walking to the market.

Buying chapati or rolex (omelettes or rolled eggs in a chapati)

I've been surprised and blessed a lot these past few weeks.  Many people have been celebrating my life and I am humbled!

42 years!! I feel better than last year.

Every Tuesday for the past month I have been teaching crafts to nursery school teachers... seeing what can be replicated and created here in Soroti with minimal to no cost.  It's challenging and rewarding to see these teachers be stretched in creative ways.

One week we tried Paper Mache.... so fun and messy.

One behalf of a friend in Canada, I went to visit a Compassion sponsor child.  It's so cool to see two sides of the globe connect.

Ryan and Jalyssa have been with me for 6+ weeks now.  We do so much together... worship, cook, play games, teach, serve, learn, question, talk, work, and it's been a treasure for me.

Ryan and Jalyssa went out of their way to unplan all of my Saturday plans so that they could plan a surprise party for me.

Lots of fun and great friends

I shared this party with my neighbour Rose who was also having a Happy Birthday.

Who says I don't like to party?

The proof is not only in the cake...

It's in the dancing too!

It's very cultural to get water poured on you on your birthday.

Here are a few shots of life with the Brinks...

I took them on a "world tour" in Soroti and showed them our Tajmahal.  :)

Lale Landing Site - where we get our fish from

Driving around seeing village life

And getting garden soil from Ocholoi Rock.

4th of July celebrations were had at my friend Kerri's...

I'm glad the Lord has brought a few of us together to serve His people in Soroti.  

And the journey continues.