Sweet "Deserts"

 

As a family we just finished traveling deep into the Chalbi desert in Northern Kenya.  We wanted a little break from life and ministry in Uganda, but no matter where we went, we continued to see God working in our lives and we were so very grateful. Spending Christmas and New Year’s in such a remote place gave us a lot of time to ponder all the lessons we have learned throughout 2020. 

Crossing the border into Kenya, we were excited about the adventures ahead of us, but an hour down the road we ran into vehicle troubles already.  Hmmm, we crossed 2020 with excitement and mission direction too and just a few weeks later the world went into lock down.  Moses and I had had tickets booked to go to a missions conference in South Africa, and were hoping to maybe have a few days of honeymoon there, but when borders closed we stayed put in Uganda and entered 5 weeks of not even leaving the house/compound.  We were grateful for good health while reports from around the world poured in of people struggling with or dying from Covid 19. And what a fantastic way to get to know your new spouse so well… we prayed, sang, listened to music, wrote, studied, played games, cooked new recipes, trained a puppy, watched chickens and rabbits grow, and just cherished each other’s company.

As we traveled further down the road, the old vehicle started crying in pain.  The journey had been going so well, but then all of a sudden, as we were climbing a hill, the engine over heated and smoke poured out of the radiator.  And then throughout the rest of the journey, it would slowly heat up and remind you that things weren’t the same any more.  It reminds me of the baby we lost in April.  Having a sudden miscarriage caught us both unaware and happened at a time when we were excited about the things God was doing in our lives.  We were happy, healthy, exercising, and seeking God’s wisdom on how to serve in the midst of a pandemic.  And just like the rest of the journey, whenever we climbed a hill, things started to heat up, or if we turned too quickly or hit some rough roads patches, the back shocks would cry out.  And so, throughout the year we were reminded of our loss.  We named our precious gift “Quintin” (because we lost it during quarantine) and occasionally that name would cross our lips.  We started praying about adoption or thanking God for the children we have in our lives already.

Our journey north was delayed by three days as we checked into a garage to make the vehicle run a little smoother.  It didn’t really help, but we were forced to come up with other activities to do while mechanics tried to figure out the issues.  Museums and malls were visited that were never on the list of things to do.  Our goal was to make it to the Chalbi desert – to Dukana town – so that we could have Christmas with our dear friends Rachel and Eddie Andersen.  I think about all the things we stopped to do this year that we didn’t originally plan on accomplishing either, but because of lock down requirements, we couldn’t proceed with our end goal.  We have a heart to preach, teach, disciple, and fellowship with people, so that they can grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  But when churches, schools, and groups were no longer able to meet, we found other activities to fill our time.  We have loved reaching out more personally with friends and donors.  And wow, we have loved praying for those who support us in doing God’s work here in Uganda. We have started learning Spanish – for personal development, and we have taken time to edit and translate various curriculum programs.

On the fourth day of our trip, half way on the map, we were refreshed by some new company.  We picked up an enthusiastic man of God who needed to travel to Dukana, so that he could get back to work as a DJ on the radio that reaches out to many of the northern, remote, unreached people groups.  This man helped with the driving and encouraged our spirits.  Half way through our year Moses and I shifted to a new location and our spirits were also refreshed as we felt rejuvenated in our calling to serve the Lord together and we’ve made some new inspirational friends and potential ministry partners.

Marsabit town was our last glimpse of normal civilization before we sloped down the hill into fields of black lava rock and entered the bumpy dry hot roads of the Chalbi.  45 minutes into the desert we hit a bump that took apart some rods at the back of the vehicle.  Seeing the damage below, we began to think in creative, none “mechanic” types of ways to tie the broken parts, but within moments the Lord brought a heavenly angel in a truck full of tools.  The Lord is good.  A mechanic was just passing by and freely fixed our minor breakage.  We didn’t see another vehicle for the next 3.5 hours.  Moses and I have often prayed that we could be an encouragement to people in the moment as well.  Even though we are new to Gulu town, we have helped foreigners who are stuck abroad to look after their property or belongings in Uganda.  We have met with friends in times of crisis.  We have tried to be a breath of fresh air to people in a desolate place. 

While driving over the hot sands, Moses’ stomach began to have as many issues as the car.  We had to move slowly for two reasons now and we often pulled over so that he could feed the ground with the meals he had collected down country.  Five hours into the desert we finally reached Kalacha town.  A nomadic village I had been to before.  It was comforting to me to know that we now had more friends to help, refreshments to drink in, and the hope of knowing that we could be towed the last 130 km into Dukana town – our Christmas goal.  Once again I was reminded of the people who have surrounded us in Gulu, making the transition more exciting and peaceful.  I was able to join an awesome women’s Bible study group and make friends amongst the artist community. Moses has been playing sports with the local men and building relationships.  So refreshing to know that we are together on this journey of life and missions. 

It was midnight (on Christmas eve!!) when we crawled into Dukana town… on to the AIC (Africa Inland Church) mission station and were welcomed into the arms of our sweet friends.  We had arrived – safe and sound and the fellowship was warm and pleasant.  I look forward to the gates of heaven, when the Lord welcomes us into His arms of love.  I also look forward to days of travel and border/health freedom.  I am grateful for the saints who travel with us through this journey of life and I praise the Lord for His constant presence over smooth and bumpy roads.