Living in a fallen world, sometimes it can be hard to see the good. In my short time here, I have already learned so much about God, myself, and humanity. The mission field can be daunting because there is always something more to do, someone else to love, somewhere else to be. The work is 24/7. The mission field is also a beautiful thing because the hand of God is always at work. I find myself being more sensitive to and more aware of emotions, both mine and others. This awareness is challenging and rewarding.
Galatians 6:7-9 says, “Do
not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
I know the Lord brought me here with a purpose, but it’s not always easy to clearly feel or see that purpose. It’s very easy to get consumed in all the details and overwhelmed by the challenges that it’s hard to take a step back and look at the big picture. I would like to tell you three brief stories about recent moments I’ve experienced that have been encouraging to my soul. These times were moments that God knew I needed to refill me.
1. In the evenings, when everyone has turned in for the night, I have much free time. I didn’t have a lot of lesson planning yet to do, since I just received the curriculum this afternoon. (Side note: We have a staff/teacher meeting today, so MAYBE I’ll finally find out what/when/who I’m teaching :). ) I like my alone time sometimes, but I love to be in community with people more. I live in a row of houses with both missionaries and Ugandans. Many nights, I sit out on the porch with the Ugandan neighbors, and we spend time fellowshipping and getting to know one another. Through our time, one of the gentlemen said something that really stuck with me. He said, “This time you spend with us is very special to all of us because missionaries don’t normally do this. Most of the time they retreat into their homes and spend time alone or with their families. We really appreciate the time you take to talk to us, so we can learn from each other. The Lord blesses us through you being here.” WOW. Thank you, Lord, for the words I needed. I often struggle with knowing what I have to offer to these people, but this was confirmation. I am grateful that the Lord brought me here in this season of my life, when I have the freedom to simply just be in community with people. I am grateful for the personality that God gave me, and I am learning more and more about my special gifts.
2. Public transportation in the country is quite time consuming, and depending on the day, exhausting. I loaded the bus in Lira to get back to Karuma (think greyhound/coach style…then scale it back about 5 notches because remember, this is third world). The bus captain (not sure what to call him, but the man that collect tickets, explains rules, keeps order on the bus, etc.) begins talking. Thankfully for my sake, it was in English, but all the Ugandans must not have been English speakers because they were pretty much breaking all the rules as he spoke: not more than one person to a seat, keep all limbs inside the vehicle at all times, no smoking, drinking, etc. As mentioned in a previous post, my travel to Lira was interesting, so while he talked, I kept praying that my first bus experience would go smoothly and be uneventful. The Lord answered my prayer better than I could have expected: the bus captain asked us all to bow our heads for a prayer for our travels. I began to look around to make sure I heard him correctly. Was I really about to hear a prayer to God, not Allah, on public transportation? Everyone went immediately silent and all heads were bowed. This verse came to my mind: Phil. 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Amen.
3. As many of you know, I have a feisty side, but I am also a lover. These kids have made their way into my heart in a special way, and I love them so much. On the other hand, many of them already know how to push my buttons and drive me crazy – ha! As a society (stereotypically, so obviously, there are outliers), Ugandans are extremely polite and relational, but they are not affectionate. I come from a fairly affectionate family, so often times, that how I express my love. The kids definitely know my love for affection, and I can tell that they love the pats on the back, squeezes, hand holding, hugs, kisses, etc. BUT, most of the time when I move towards them for some lovin’, they shy away. Or in most cases, literally run the other direction. It can be hard to continue loving on them, when often, there is no reciprocation. The other evening, as I was walking by an orphan home, the kids were all shouting from inside the house, “Auntie! You come! Jimmy says he wants a goodnight hug!” What?! I’m game for this breakthrough. Naturally, as I walked into the house, everyone ran and hid. I chased them all down and gave each kid a hug and a kiss on the forehead. It was like pulling teeth, but I wasn’t about to leave any child out.
These kids often do much of their loving expression through writing notes. I love these notes for two reasons: 1. The (new) teacher in me knows it’s good practice for them to write English. 2. What girl doesn’t love receiving love notes?! A few days later, I received two notes from children in that house. (Clarification: These are the literal notes. I take no responsibility for grammar or spelling problems…I teach science, not English 😉 )
One girl wrote:
“Dear Banana,
How are you today? I am okay. I am happy for giving me a hug these evening. I would like to be your best friend. My favorite sports are jumprope, hide and seek, and football. I hope God will guide you wherever you are. I love you. I hope we will be friends. Keep on smiling.”
One boy wrote:
“Dear Banana,
I am 8 years old. I am so happy this evening for giving me a kiss. I am happy to be your new friend. I hope we are going to be best friends forever. I am going to P1 these year. I love you very much. I have my favorite verse in the Bible. Luke 11:9. I hope we will stay friends always. I will always pray for you.”
Need I say more?
Praises and Prayers
+ Caught wind that the Patriots lost!!!!
+ & – Getting lots of encouraging notes/emails/texts/messages from y’all…they really keep me going! I love the being in the bush, but I am also really starting to miss parts of home. I feel out of the American loop, so I appreciate ANY/ALL updates on your lives 🙂
– Got the books and curriculum for my science courses, now let the lesson planning begin. This is intimidating to me, so pray that I can lead and teach these kids in a fun and efficient manner; that the Lord will guide my words and ideas, especially with the cultural and language barriers we have. Pray the Lord will keep my stresses low.
– It has been easy to get distracted and lose focus as I get tired and overwhelmed. Pray that I continually seek God and am filled by his Word.
Lots of love from Labolo!
Ageno, Inc. 