Christmas in Uganda

Last December, seven of us packed up everything we valued most and stuffed it into eleven bins. A lot has happened between that day and today. Most of which hasn't made it to the blog due to life that happens between computer sessions. But looking back, this has been the most physically demanding, socially challenging, emotionally stretching, faith testing, satisfying, joy filled, blessed year of my life.

Yesterday I said to Tyler, "We sure do live an exciting life." He said, "Yeah, we won't have many regrets when we're older."

When someone is living in the center of the will of God, there will be no regrets. Whether that's being the odd one struggling in a high school classroom or walking barefoot down a dirt road in Uganda. When you know what God's desire is for you personally, there is freedom and satisfaction just in pure obedience.

We haven't doubted the call on our lives, but I will speak for myself in saying I've gotten weary in the well doing. The Lord sees and knows and cares. Sweet seasoned missionary friends of ours called us last week- practically begging us- to join them for Christmas. It just so happened that all of our Ugandan friends left to be with their families. To be brutally honest, in my own heart, I have felt like... we are a missionary family... we're supposed to be struggling and uncomfortable... we are not supposed to indulge in anything that is not ministry related... 

Well, we went to be with our American friends and their family for Christmas and stayed in their guest house for five nights. We rested. We sang in English. I sat through my first Bible study in a year. We baked gingerbread men, and read Beranstein Bears. We talked about Jesus. We played soccer and frisbee and grilled hot dogs. We enjoyed warm showers, chocolate pie, loads of coffee, and a long overdue date with just Ty and me. Not a present was exchanged or expected or even questioned. It was an absolutely refreshing time with our big-little family, sweet friends and The Lord.

The day before we were about to leave, I said, "Wanna go on a safari before we go home?" These missionary friends of ours, Keith and Lisa, have been in Uganda for 12 years. They've got a lot of wisdom regarding ministering to Ugandans. They also know a lot about where all the coolest stuff is. We had no idea we could go on a safari for almost the same amount it would cost for our family to go to the zoo in Rochester! Lisa gave us a map, I packed some water and PB&J's, and we were on our way at the crack of dawn.

We were in the car for 15 hours. We have six children under ten years old. Not one complaint. (Except when Abigail thought we would all be killed by the giant elephant.) It was the best day I can remember... ever.

There is a time for everything. We're back home now. Tyler saw our friend Godfrey in town yesterday. He is a motorcycle taxi driver, but his motorcycle was stolen a while back. He's had no work. His wife was bitten by a snake and was in the hospital on Christmas. They can't pay for the hospital bill. She is doing okay, but they haven't eaten in three days, and their two week old baby is now suffering due to the lack of milk from mom. We don't hand out money to people who beg. Tyler had to pry all of this information out of the guy. Tyler's pocket change payed for Godfrey's rent and food until he comes to our house for work on Monday. I sat behind Godfrey at church this morning... hands lifted up in praise to God while his wife stayed home with a swollen leg and a hungry baby girl. He praises the Lord because God is good no matter what the circumstances look like to us. We don't see the eternal. After church, we drove Godfrey home and I asked if we could come in to pray for his sweet wife, Beatrice. They were so nervous to have us white people in their home... a ten foot by ten foot room with two chairs and a mat on the floor. We brought them rice, beans, sugar and prayer. Beatrice knows no English, so Godfrey translated Tyler's prayer for her to understand. And can I say? This kind of thing makes all the not so glamorous stuff in life all worth it. When for a moment, we see Jesus working through His body. And we, the ones who look like the "givers" of the story, are the ones most blessed. It truly is more blessed to give than it is to receive.

'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the 

least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Matthew 25:40

So... life continues. It's not easy here in Africa, but is it anywhere? Jesus didn't promise that days wouldn't be long and tiring and people wouldn't go hungry. He promised not to leave us, and that He would be our strength. He asked us to shine the light of Jesus on this dark world, and we just keep going. Because really... where else would we go?

...In Your presence is fullness of joy... 

Psalm 16:11