NEWSLETTER: July 2016

Where did the "summer" go?!

Hello and greetings from my kitchen table in Kampala! I realize that the term summer isn't very accurate. More or less I'm wondering what happened to June and July. I have noticed how strange it is to refer to seasons. I've barely passed the 18 month mark since leaving the states, yet "seasons" are seeming more and more like a distant concept. In various conversations one may refer to fall or winter. Then in just a moment I realize those terms aren't very valid in a place that is less than a geographical degree from the equator. Anyway...... I like to write these as if I'm in the middle of a conversation with each of you and I hope that's ok and that you are able to jump into the conversation with me. [If you are in a hurry, skip to the end for prayer points and news for the future. Also, know that more thoughts and pictures will be coming to my blog in the coming days.] So June and July will be over in a matter of hours..... June started off with a whirlwind of a move and ended with a trip to Rwanda as I joined some fabulous friends that were leading a Visiting Orphans trip. Those fabulous friends came to Uganda afterwards and we started July with a glorious trip to a national park to observe majestic animals in their natural habitat. Then July turned into a reality check as I went back to work which seemed strange after such a unique schedule through the move and the holiday time with friends. Just when I thought I was getting into a good rhythm again, I was stuck down. [That's unnecessarily dramatic wording.] It turns out I had malaria again, ironically almost one year exactly to the first time I experienced this less than desired aspect of life in Africa. A couple days later I returned to the clinic to receive an additional diagnosis of bronchitis. So, it was a solid 6-7 month run of good health but the last few days have definitely been spent doing sickly activities such as watching movies, sleeping, and trying to be receptive of friends doing things for me such as cooking and cleaning. It was a challenge to be on the receiving end. However, it was an indescribable blessing to see my friends come by my side to help me. The good part is that if you can have a little bit more patience, then you will really get caught up on a few things. I've had plenty of time to think and look through some pictures/notes and I will be posting some blogs in the coming days. A few quick prayer points: -continued health for me as I rest and impatiently wait to be at 100% again -PRAISE for friends both current and newest that have helped me the last few days -pray for peace and safety in South Sudan. This young country has experienced some turmoil in July. -pray for wisdom and discernment for AIM leadership as they make decisions regarding AIM personnel that have been serving and seek to start serving in South Sudan -praise and thanks for an indescribable time with friends. It was a perfect mix of needed and good conversations; showing them pieces of my life here; and making fun new memories with shared experiences. And now for the news for the future: When I moved in June, a rent agreement had to be signed for the new place. Such a document needed a timeline. I can still see my friend's face as she turned to me and asked how long the rental agreement should be for my place. We both knew the gravity of the comment! (read that last line picturing me with a giddy grin of excitement) In that moment, I agreed that I would come back to the same position for another term after home assignment***. So...that's the news! I've decided to continue to serve with Africa Inland Mission for another term. Both myself and those I live life closely with here are very happy about this decision. Let me know about life and happenings in your corner of the world and how I can be praying for you and your family!!! With love from a full heart and tired body, Katherine ***Home assignment (HA): this is a time for missionaries to spend time in their passport country. Typically this was referred to as furlough. However, AIM uses home assignment because it really is another type of assignment. The assignment is to rest, to spend time with family, to visit friends, to spend time with supporters, to rejuvenate, etc....and return to your assignment on the mission field with an overflowing cup so you can continue to pour into others and further the Kingdom. When the time gets closer, I will share more about what this time will look like for me personally. Oh! One request that I have for each of you: Please slow down a little bit! I think there's been enough babies born, marriages, moves, and other notable life events since I left. I would appreciate if you would slow down a little bit or I may not be able to catch up on everything. Many thanks!