NEWSLETTER: July/August 2017

Hi. It's me, Katherine. I'm still around. Living in Uganda. 

If I had sent this a month ago.....

Would you believe me if I said I started this newsletter over a month ago? It's true. I did. In late July, I knew what I wanted to write and so I started a few things but then somehow....the business took over and now it is the 31st of August. The subject was going to be "Christmas in July". I had it all worked out. Mid July one of my friends at some visitors and they were gracious to offer some of their luggage space to bring a few things to me. At the end of July, after a few weeks of working from home, I started going back to work at the office. The first day back I walked in and on my desk was a gift of chocolate, dark chocolate. Ironically it arrived the first day that I stayed home and had sat there an entire month. Then, two days later I return for a few more hours at the office and there are five cards on my desk; mail is always very exciting!! So I had this Christmas in July theme to use. Since the subject was going to be "Christmas in July," I thought you might enjoy looking back at this videofrom last year. 

BUSIER
I'm definitely busier these days. The end of July and beginning of August was filled with preparations for our conference earlier this month. Around 100 adults and 50 children descended upon Kampala. The time together was refreshing for so many. For me it was lovely to finally put faces and people to names that I had been emailing and hearing about. A speaker came from the UK and he really invested in the lives of our members. 

Now that conference has finished (other than a few small lingering tasks) it would seem that some of my time would be freed. However, another event is just around the corner. We will host Short Term Forum here in Kampala. This is for those all throughout AIM offices that work with short termers. We will spend a week together to find ways to improve different aspects of the program. Since it is here in Kampala, I will be doing most of the logistics for those that are attending, about 20.

One of our essential leaders in the office has also gone on home assignment this week. Each of us will help to cover while she is away. So this has landed a few extra things on my desk as well. Although, only time will tell how much this will effect me. Some of the things I will take care of could easily be very minimal over the next few months...or I could really feel the added load as some my default to me while she is gone.

TOP PICTURE: Found on google. The words I came across sometime in the last couple months and they really resonated with me. For all the sayings that turn to platitudes, this one actually comforted me.

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Left: Just before Conference, I realized I was working from both sides of my desk.......maybe I was busy. 

Right: Opening session of conference........it was great to finally have (almost) everyone together after so many emails and all the planning.




A quick snapshot from the birthday celebrations.

HEALTHIER I'm also definitely healthier these days. I've been back at the office full time and it is great to be back with others. The first weekend after going back the office was questionable. I even let my mind wander to the possibility of malaria.......whatever it was...passed through in a few days and turned out not to be malaria. For that, I am very thankful. As per usual with me, it is safe to say that I didn't realize how sick I was until I started feeling better. With each step toward health I thought I was great again until I improved even more. It is good that I'm physically healthy again now, especially since this week has been emotionally trying. One friend left for home assignment and two others moved to a different country. I know the plan is for the first friend to return early next year and that is a huge blessing and comfort. The revolving door in missions can often lead to some friends getting out and going in different directions like the couple that moved this week. OLDER I've also officially reached a new year in life. The actual day did happen with some meetings but ended with a nice surprise at home. Since I had been away from home for conference and meetings, one friend gave another friend my spare keys. So I had a few extra decorations at home that weren't there when I left. More celebrations followed the next weekend. A couple great friends treated me to a meal at one of my favorite restaurants and we enjoyed a movie afterwards. Interestingly, we watched the movie at another wonderful friend's place who is not in Uganda. Since she couldn't be here to celebrate, it was kind of fitting that she unofficially hosted. In the middle of that, when I went to the office after conference week, there were five birthday cards waiting for me...and one more showed up today. Through the business, with the blessing of health, and even though I'm older, With love and gratefulness for all your support in each way, Katherine

Prayer Requests: First ones are now old but we can give thanks as they have since happened:  perseverance through the next few busy weeks as we have our regional conference and hand over responsibilities with people coming and going in the office pray for everyone that is coming to conference - fruitful conversations, times of rest, encouragement for all, and safety with countless travels before and after For now... the ability to prioritize: now that I'm healthy and really diving in to personnel matters, there is much I want to accomplish. Some things were on the back burner because of conference and so there's a little catch up to do also. pray for my friend that has just gone on home assignment: that she would not wonder about things here and be able to rest and be present with friends and family over the next few weeks pray for understanding of culture: I'm actually going to a baby shower for a friend from church. I'm both excited and curious as to how it will be compared to my western concept of this event. pray for health in all aspects: physically, emotionally, and spiritually for me to seek our Savior for comfort in the absence of friends and for other earthly friendships to strengthen