A New Sister

 This last Sunday Eli was invited to preach at a church in a village not far from us. The pastor of that church is a graduate of the theological training program Eli is running here in Adjumani. He and his wife are an amazing team and a shining light in that village. During prayer request time a young woman came forward with her baby boy. She was obviously troubled. Though she looked timid, her story began pouring from her lips and the congregation listened intently as she shared a difficult past of growing up without a father, turning to men and then witchcraft to try to find peace and satisfaction in her life. Her life has come to the point where she feels at a total loss and while staying with a friend who is a Christian, that friend encouraged her to come to this church and ask for prayer. This young woman who I will refer to as Kate, even brought some of the items she'd been using for the witchcraft she'd been involved in.

At one point, the pastorcut her off (her story just kept going...) and came face to face with her at the front of the church and asked her point blank, "Daughter, are you here today to receive Jesus and turn from this old way of living?" She said yes. So simple and yet so life changing. The pastor explained the gospel and then led her to pray and confess her sins and believe in Jesus. He also asked her to bring those witchcraft things to the front so the elders could take them outside and burn them. While this young woman knelt and prayed to Jesus for the first time, tears streamed down her face and I could visibly see the relief and peace she was experiencing.

After the service I looked for Kate and gave her a big hug and said, "welcome to the family of God!" As we began to talk I realized I had met her before but it had been a few years. She knew where I lived so I invited her to come anytime so we can pray and encourage one another in our faith.

She came yesterday. She looked tired and sad. We both sat under our mango tree with babies on our laps and she continued to share her life story. I ached with her. As I listened I felt like the Lord was telling me to give her another clear explanation of the gospel and what it means for her life now that she believes. I explained that life will still be hard. Our troubles in this world will never be over until we go to be with Jesus in heaven. But we have HOPE. We have hope that this life isn't all there is. This is our training period when God is teaching us and growing us and using us to be light and share with others the Good News of Jesus' sacrifice for us. We don't have to carry the heavy burden of our sins anymore. We don't have to be in chains as she had been. We are free and forgiven.

I also rejoiced with her when she shared that she was no longer having the terrible nightmares at night since Sunday when we chose to follow Jesus. What a beautiful answer to prayer!

It was getting close to sunset so I prayed with her and walked her part of the way home (as is the custom here.) I cannot stop thinking of this new believer. So vulnerable. Struggling. Alone. And yet as I reminded her yesterday. She will never be alone again. God is always with her.

I have been blown away by her story. How God can change such a broken life and make it new. We all are broken too until we embrace Jesus and all He has done for us. Please pray for Kate in her new life with Jesus.

More change

 This isn't the best picture but it was such a welcome sight for Eli and I yesterday. Saturday evening we put our three older boys on a bus to the capital and then arranged for a friend to pick them up and take them to the airport to fly to Kenya for school. This is the photo Isaac sent us Sunday morning after they were all checked into their flight. We are so grateful to the Lord for getting our boys through every step of their journey.

Meanwhile Eli, Carson and Judah and I are trying to adjust to the new normal of just the 4 of us at home. The house feels really quiet and I haven't had to cook since Saturday because we're just eating leftovers. As i move through the house a hundred things make me think of my big boys and my heart aches with missing them. I know we will all get used to this, it's just hard right now. We were just getting into a new groove back in Uganda life and now it's changing again. I keep trying to remind myself that change isn't bad. 

Allow the sad moments, admit it's hard but keep pressing on.

Our first week back

 

Just a few days after we arrived back in Africa, we were  reunited with our three older boys who came home to Uganda for their one month break. Coming back to Adjumani has definitely required a lot of adjustments - mostly to the heat - but has been so sweet in many ways.

After an 8 hour drive north, we arrived in our driveway, greeted by a group of men and women from our church singing, dancing and cheering for us! With many smiles, laughs and hugs we were welcomed back with such amazing love. Baby Judah was passed around and by day 2 he was given 2 Madi (local tribe) names: Opini (which means dedicated to God) and Anzo (meaning thanks and praise which is exactly what Judah means!)

Don't be too fooled by this smiling face. The hardest part of our transition back has been the heat. But we are thankful that we are all getting sleep at night and so thankful for our solar system which powers our fans through the night. 

Jumping back into life was like we never left. Back to cloth diapers and washing by hand.

Day 2 we also spotted our first snake back where the boys were working on their motorcycles. Thankfully it's not poisonous and Isaac used his new knowledge from an interim trip at school to save the snake and simply transport it somewhere else OUTSIDE of our yard.

Carson remembers a lot about life here. He quickly reconnected with his old friends. In this picture Judah is joining Carson and Jonah playing under the mango tree.

The #1 thing Isaac and Evan were looking forward to was riding their motorcycles again. The 3 big boys went on a 3 hour ride in the bush and found some mountains to climb with spectacular views. They've also jumped back into evening soccer with their friends.

Everyone has been so excited to meet little Judah and of course everyone wants to hold him. He's learning to be passed around. Tomorrow that will really be stretched as we return to our wonderful church family for our first Sunday service since we've been back. Eli's been asked to preach, so yes, we're definitely jumping right back in.

Isaac, Evan and Joshua will only be with us another 2 weeks before returning to school so we've been trying to soak up the time we have with them. They've been so thankful to spend this school holiday home in Adjumani.

We'd really appreciate your prayers as we continue to adjust back to life here. We've already been amazed at so many ministry opportunities. Our friends here comment that we seem fresh and younger looking. :) I do agree that our time stateside was the rest and refreshment we needed so now we'll be tapping into that energy for all that God has ahead of us.

 

Here are some ways you can be praying for us:

1. Pray for Eli as he checks in with each of the TEE centers and begins the diploma program. The diploma program will require a lot of added work.

2. Pray for Eli to have the chance to do his 8 weeks of research for his PhD so that he can finally complete his dissertation and complete this degree he's been working on since 2017!

3. Pray for health and safety. The heat has been oppressive and this area has so many mosquitoes.

 

Safely in Africa

On March 22 we set out from Charlotte and had 3 flights to get us to Kenya. The boys both did amazing and it was the smoothest, easiest trip we've ever made!

We will be in Kenya for a few days to pick up the three older boys from school for their month long break and then we will all head home to Uganda.
 

As you can see, Carson is already feeling right at home.

Judah is also adjusting to his new surroundings and especially the warm weather. We'd love your prayers that we can begin sleeping better at night. The jet lag has been a beast so far!

Uganda Bound!

We are thrilled to report that as of March 8 our little Judah has a passport of his very own! This was the last step in our process to get back to Uganda. So on March 22 we will fly to Kenya to begin our next term on the field. We are so excited.

I haven't been active on our blog during these months of home assignment but I hope and plan to be more consistent once we're back in Uganda.

For now I will share a few steps of our travel itinerary so you know what we'll be up to the next few weeks:

March 23-29: Arrive in Kenya and pick up our three older boys from school. 

March 29- Head to Uganda as a family of 7 and return to our home in Adjumani

Please pray for health for the whole family as we travel and for us to adjust well to the heat (100 degree days!)

Eli's Quick Trip Back to Uganda

 Eli took the boys back to RVA at the end of January and then made a quick trip up to Adjumani, Uganda to see friends and check on the TEE program.  Here are a few photos of the adventure!

The boys and I had a really smooth flight until we reached Kenya.  I had visa trouble so the boys went on ahead to RVA while I worked on the Visa issues.  Instead of traveling immediately to Uganda, I had the privilege of staying in Kenya for a few days.  

I stayed with Jon and Amie Cross, SIM South Sudan director, and enjoyed a wonderful gathering on Sunday with many of the SIM families in Kenya.  Unfortunately, we shared more than a good time and some sort of violent flu spread through each on of us.

I finally arrived in Uganda and the first order of business was getting the truck up and running in order to drive to Adjumani. 

When I arrived in Adjumani, I was still a little sick to my stomach.  My friends immediately said they had a local remedy so they got a dried root, broke it into little sticks, and made a bitter tea from it.  I had only one cup but it was very effective.  Stomach issues gone!

I was able to enjoy the delicious Adjumani Cuisine including the silver fish.

I found that our pets were in great health.  The dog was especially protective on the compound and he loves barking at any person/cow/chicken that happens to get too close to the fence.

We held a teacher training/gathering for the 16 TEE teachers.  It was a great time to hear how the centers are going, pray for one another, and seek ways to improve the work we are doing.

While we have been away, Rev. Anthony has started 3 other centers.  I was able to visit a few of the centers on Saturday when they had their gatherings.  I can't tell you how exciting it is when people start digging into the word of God and find the truth and hope found in scripture.

On Sunday I visited a refugee settlement for church.  It was a wonderful time celebrating that Jesus really does set the captives free! 

Bethany sent a special gift along with me for Yoyo.  She has cerebral palsy but this does not hinder her incredible artistic talent.  Here we are trying out the drawing game together.

One of the young ladies from our church in Adjumani was accepted into nursing school.  As I finished my time in Adjumani, I was able to drop her off at her school as we headed back to the capital.  

Africa Renewal University is the school that partners with us for the TEE program.  We visited the campus to update them on the progress of the students.  We are also working with them to offer a higher level Diploma course.  This is all very exciting!

We stayed in Kampala with Adam and Cori Willard, our AIM leaders.  It was fun to have Rev. Anthony along with me.  Here is a sweet moment when he watched a show with their daughter.

I spent my last night in Uganda with Martin and Tabea Auch.  They visited us in Adjumani and we have some very similar passions.  We spent a wonderful evening catching up.

As I headed out of Uganda, I couldn't help but capture this picture on a toilet door.

I am in the airport in Germany on my way home.  Bethany and the two younger boys tested positive for covid and have been pretty unwell while I have been gone.  I can't wait to get back so I can help out a bit.  They are feeling much better and non-contagious.

I could spend hours sharing the details of how God opened doors, shifted my paths, but ultimately accomplished more than I ever thought I would.  It is indeed a pleasure to serve the Lord as an overseas missionary.  I keep dwelling on the incredible joy God expresses (and we share in) whenever his kingdom grows.

October Update

 I can't believe it's been three months since I've written on our blog! But that is just a sign of how full life has been and I mean that in every beautiful way. In August we finally got to move into our home in South Carolina and two weeks later the three big boys started public school. It's quite a difference from what they're used to in Kenya but they've adjusted so well and we're really proud of how they've jumped all in - joining a soccer league, taking classes that aren't offered at Rift Valley Academy, attending youth group at our church, etc. They have grown a lot in these last few months - I think we all have.

We spent the month of September trying to develop some normalcy in our lives. The boys were in school, Eli continued with dissertation work, building projects at our home church here in Columbia, and touching base with his colleagues in Uganda who are keeping the ministry running.

Carson and I have been enjoying lots of play dates. I can't tell you how special it's been to reconnect with dear friends and for our kids to play together. It's been such a blessing. Carson is growing like a weed and constantly surprising us with how smart he is. He can remember Bible stories and re-tell them and his new favorite skill is riding a bicycle without training wheels!

We are still on target to head back to Uganda on Dec 31, just in time for the new year - 2022!

We have not been matched yet with another child so we're not sure if it's going to happen or not. We will wait for one more month to see what God has in store. We'd appreciate your prayers in our adoption journey because it's been a hard emotional road, especially for me. But we want God's best and are waiting to see what that is.

As always thank you for praying for our family and following us on our many adventures.

Do we really want to be tried by fire?

 

A week ago I was in my sister's church and the worship was beautiful but I wasn't ready for the first song we sang. I've copied the lyrics below:

Refiner by Maverick City Music 

If the altar's where you meet us
Take me there, take me there
What you need is just an offering
It's right here, my life is here
And I'll be a living sacrifice for you

You're a fire
The refiner
I wanna be consumed

I wanna be tried by fire
Purified
You take whatever you desire
Lord here's my life

There is more to the song but you get the gist. That one line stung "I wanna be tried by fire" and I reached over to hold onto my husband's arm. Neither of us could sing.

But I found myself holding on to every word of that song. My heart was straining. It wanted to sing it and mean it. I looked around at all the people singing it so normally as if it was no big deal to be TRIED BY FIRE. I mean, hello? Did anyone else realize what they were singing? What they were inviting God to do??

That was a week ago now and I'm still processing and unpacking that song and what God is trying to teach me in this season. Honestly, ever since our adoption fell through and I found myself on the opposite side of the world from three of my kids with no home to go home to, I have battled with anger, doubt, bitterness and a whole lot of confusion and disappointment. 

Yes I still go to God's Word every day for hope and encouragement. Eli and I keep praying about all the things that weigh on us. We've been comforted by so many friends along the way. But for me personally, I feel like I've just barely been hanging on.

"One day at a time" has been my theme.

And then that song.

It put it all back into correct perspective for me. Yes I do want to be tried by fire. If it means being refined and more like Jesus wants me to be. If it means my family is where we need to be for Him to work and teach and mature. YES! PLEASE!

Why did it take me almost 2 months to realize this? I don't know. But I tear up as I am reminded how much God loves me that He pursued me through these heavy weeks and brought me that song when I was ready to hear it and mean it. 

I wasn't able to sing that line a week ago. But guess what? Over the last few days that is the song playing in my mind and I've even been able to say the words.

Lord, I sure don't like being tried and tested. I sure wish I could stay far away from the fire. But if that's what it takes for your glory to shine. Then I want it. 

Visiting friends/family/supporters

 I realized this year that our supporters, the team who have financially kept us in South Sudan and Uganda now 14 years, have become our family. So as we drive around, living out of a red Honda Civic, we get to reunite with the dearest people on earth. Some we've known since high school, some we're related by blood, and some we're meeting for the first time face to face!

We know not everyone gets to halt everything and drive around the United States visiting all their loved ones. So we are trying to embrace the beautiful scenic road trips, picnics at rest stops, late night talks with friends and all that these travels entail.

Enjoy some of our highlights so far. As of today, June 4, we've made it as far west as Idaho where we will park for the weekend.

Such a great article from "A Life Overseas"

 

How to Make Missionaries Cry: Ask Them How Their Vacation is Going

by AMY MEDINA on JUNE 2, 2021

Imagine this scenario:

You get up at 5 am on a Sunday morning. You wake your groggy teenager, who protests loudly and grumpily enough to put everyone in the house in a bad mood. You rush around to get everyone out the door by 6 am so that you can make a two hour drive to arrive at church at 8. When you arrive, your five-year-old pitches a fit because he doesn’t remember this church and is scared to go to another new Sunday School. You hiss bribes and/or threats into his ear, because you are on display and need to make a good impression.

But you put on your happy face and start shaking hands with everyone in sight. You’ve visited this church before, so you remember a few names, but many more of them know you. You wrack your brain to recall names, jobs, children as 26 people greet you. You are ushered to the front row to be ready for your seven-minute presentation, which took you hours to tweak since you’ve never previously given one that is exactly seven minutes. After the service, you are taken to an adult fellowship class where you are asked to give a 35-minute presentation. During these presentations, you are expected to give a public account of how you spent your time and your money during the last three years. 

After the service, a friendly face shakes your hand and asks you, “So, how is your vacation going?”

And you want to cry or howl or kick something.

Honestly, friends, this is one of the most demoralizing questions a missionary on home assignment ever gets. They know you mean well. You are probably thinking, You get to be away from the grind of ministry! You must be enjoying the advantages of home! 

But what they hear is: Wow, you get a six month vacation every couple of years. Must be a pretty cushy life. And that’s discouraging. Because a home assignment is a far cry from a vacation.

This is what is important to know: Missionaries have two jobs. One job is the one you are familiar with–their cross-cultural ministry. The other job is to build and maintain the partnerships that keep them in that ministry. 

Both jobs are incredibly important. A healthy missionary has a strong team of supporters behind them, and while overseas, maintaining those relationships is a part-time job. This looks like: Creating newsletters every month, sending out prayer requests weekly, maintaining a robust social media account, writing dozens of personalized thank you notes every year, answering supporters’ emails, buying gifts for supporters, and creating videos or filling out questionnaires, or joining in on Zoom calls. That’s on top of full-time ministry and navigating a cross-cultural life. 

And when home assignment (or furlough, or deputation) rolls around, that’s when this second job kicks into their full-time job. Home assignment looks like: Speaking at a different church every Sunday, meetings every day, lots of phone calls and emails. Preparing presentations, because each church wants something different. Lots of time on the road traveling. Following partnership leads, initiating relationships, hosting dinners and dessert nights. 

You won’t hear a lot of complaining. Missions must be a team effort by everyone in God’s Church, and missionaries feel incredibly privileged to be the ones that get sent out. Building those partnerships is vital and they are an incredible blessing that feeds the missionary’s soul.

But being on home assignment is a job, it is usually exhausting, and it is definitely not a vacation. In fact, many missionaries would say that coming stateside for home assignment is the part of their job that’s the hardest. Though it’s called “home assignment,” it doesn’t usually feel like home. The constant travel, feeling on display, and helping their kids navigate so much transition can be wearying. Missionaries often look forward to getting back to their lives overseas so that life won’t be so crazy! That means that when someone assumes they are on vacation, it’s disheartening. 

So what should you say to a missionary on home assignment? 

Hug them. Tell them something specific you enjoyed about their presentation. Mention something that stood out to you from one of their newsletters. Reassure them you are praying regularly for them. Ask them the non-spiritual questions. 

And if you really want to make their day? How about, I hope you’re planning a vacation while you are on home assignment. Would you like to borrow our cabin for a few days?

When Life Gives you Lemons...

Most of you know that we headed back to the States a few months early at the end of April to hopefully adopt a baby boy who was due to be born May 6. He was born healthy and safely but his mama changed her mind and decided to keep him. As you can imagine we've been a mix of feelings. So thankful this mama feels empowered to parent this precious boy but sad that we don't have a new little Fader in our family. We've also been very confused, asking ourselves why God would have us go through all those crazy months of wrapping life up in Uganda to come back early for no apparent reason? We know we can't always understand why God orchestrates and allows things in our lives - especially the hard stuff - so instead of trying to figure it out we are attempting to "make lemonade" or make the most of our situation.

1. We have so enjoyed this very precious month with two of Eli's siblings and their families - attending sports events, getting to know our nephews again, and living life with family we don't usually get to share this much time with.

2. And now we have decided to take this opportunity before settling back into our SC home, to travel around the country seeing supporters and friends while we're more flexible and only the 3 of us. Isaac, Evan and Joshua will join us in the States in early July when their school year finishes in Kenya.

 We're so thankful to Eli's brother who is letting us use their van while we're in the States this year!

This is the road trip we're attempting over the course of 4 weeks! We'd love your prayers for safety on the roads and good catch up times with everyone we see along the way.

A cross country road trip wasn't exactly what we thought we'd be doing this month (since we thought we'd have a newborn) but we are trying to hold our hands open to whatever God has for us. I've been reading a book that is putting words to all my thoughts and feelings lately. It's called "It's Not Supposed to Be This Way" by Lysa Terkeurst. So this summer isn't turning out how we though it should or would. And we believe God is saying, "Not yet." But it's not over. We're waiting to see what He has in store.

Dreaming of all of my favorite things

 

#1

Today I was hanging my two loads of laundry on the clothes line and it suddenly hit me that in 2 weeks I won't have to do that little chore any more! I'll get to use a dryer! That train of though led me dream about all of my favorite things that I'm looking forward to enjoying during our time back in the States.

   

#2 Amazing Parks - this is actually the one right by our house in South Carolina

#3 The neighborhood pool

#4 Libraries

#5 Our beautiful home in South Carolina

#6 Aldi and other wonderful grocery stores (clean and organized!)

#7  AIR CONDITIONING! Ya'll the heat is getting to this almost 40 year old!

And best of all...

Our family!!!!

And our church family, Hope Church in Columbia, SC

We leave Adjumani in only 10 days and fly to the States in 13 days!

The Countdown had definitely begun!