Slowing Down and Member Care

 There are always seasons in ministry when life slows down and we just have to sit back and see what the Lord brings next. To be honest, I sometimes struggles with these seasons, because I am such a doer. Although, since Covid I have learned to appreciate the quieter times. Throughout the month of June I found myself asking God what more can I do. Lord, I want to be used by You here! Who do you want me to share with, encourage, visit? And many days I am still waiting for those answers, but in the mean time, I am thanking God for each day that we are called to serve Him here in Gulu.

Our church family is very important to us, and so when Pastor Jimmy and Phionah asked us to look after their boys while they had to travel across the country for a burial in the village, we gladly obliged. Val, my friend, and an amazing Sunday school teacher decided to join us for home-made pizza one night. And I'm super glad that I just found a vendor who sells pepperoni. :)

Moses has been preaching a lot more frequently.  He and Pastor Jimmy are working through the Book of John.

I think this sermon was one that I particularly needed to hear this month, because life isn't about what I do, or how much I can accomplish. It's about staying rooted in Jesus, being connected to the Vine, and being a part of God's story.

I was absolutely delighted to be called back into the classroom for 2.5 weeks. I was teaching Bible class at a local educational co-op. We had great discussions about making the right choices and choosing to honor God through our actions, speech, and attitudes.

Lesson Prep time

For the protection of the children, I don't have their faces here... they have just run out to grab their lunch. I don't know if I could ever be a 9-5 teacher, but I sure do love being in classroom.

Our dining table often looks like this as Moses uses every Bible resource he can find to put together a one hour sermon. HIHI... I don't know what my African husband will ever do if he is called to preach in North America.

Last week I fell really sick. I ended up going to this tiny clinic to find a British doctor who could help get me back on my feet.  In reality, it's been 9 days and I am still trying to get back up. Thankfully it is just a good old fashioned cold now. Sadly, I think Moses just caught it this morning. He's in bed now.

One of the things I do for self-care is attend a ladies Bible study on Thursday afternoons. It's always a good time of fellowship, prayer, laughing, crying, and being in the Word. On top of that is the bonus of a hot cup of tea and a delicious treat. We always make sure to celebrate each other.

This month we also got to celebrate Pastor Jimmy!

I led the group through an entertaining round of charades.

This year was one of those few times that I didn't feel like celebrating my own birthday though. Usually I make a big deal and give people plenty of warning. But my physical body has tired me out lately. I can't shake this GERD and coughing, and adding the flu to this doesn't help... so I just told Moses all I wanted for my birthday were some cushions for the bench on our front porch.

But, in a very sneaky way, Moses pulled off a surprise Birthday party that I'm surprised I had the energy to attend. I had been in bed the whole day. I thought a friend was taking me out for a simple brownie in the evening, and it turned into a huge dinner party.

Happy Birthday to Me!

At a wonderful restaurant, friends gathered for games, stories, laughter, a meal shared, and then many stood up and gave a speech as to what they appreciate about me. It's quite a humbling experience.

I must mention these two ladies as well. Janessa (in the middle), a fellow Canadian, and Sarah, from Australia, are two ladies that I get together with maybe once every 6-8 weeks for a craft day.  Usually that's when I have time to make a load of birthday cards, or Thanksgiving, or Christmas cards. They are always much craftier - making wall hangings, painting, creating house designs, but I just make cards. :) It's another way for me to look after myself, but also pour myself out. I used to feel guilty about needing time with "home" culture, even though I love Uganda so much, but I now believe it's a normal necessity and I'm going to embrace it.

Thanks for checking in on us this month!