NEWSLETTER: Wiffle Ball Wednesdays and Some Numbers

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Greetings to all -  Much time, many travels, and multiple cancellations have happened since I last wrote. The time passed quickly, the travels kept me busy, and the cancellations have brought both disappointment and blessing. Wiffle ball* Wednesdays The last four Wednesdays I have had the joy of playing wiffle ball with my friends, well, family really. (We were basically family before now so that is still the same.) Wiffle ball Wednesday was certainly not on my list for this time in the states. One of those Wednesdays was "supposed to be" with family in another state. Another one I would have been on the road. Another one would have been preparing for another presentation on ministry. And one would have been the highlight of a mini-trip with friends. Instead of these supposed to things, I try to focus on the blessings. What a blessing that the weather has allowed this somehow impromptu tradition.....though it is worth noting we have played in 80 degree (26C) weather and 50 degree (10C) weather as well as some light rain and the warmth of the bright sun. I try to focus on the laughs we have throughout the game. It is a blessing to have this space to be outside and enjoy what God has created for us. The picture below seems to really dictate how life is so easily compartmentalized these days. The sun, the light, is focused on dormancy of life. The trees that are striving to survive and waiting for spring to come just as people around the world are waiting for restrictions to be lifted so we can bloom. The pine trees are a blessing and beauty year round. It is easy to miss them with the light focused on another place. I'm thankful that finances are not a concern for me during this time. I'm thankful that I know all the essentials of everyday will be provided just as we know those pine trees will stand tall with their branches out everyday. With these two struggling for our attention we still have to focus on what is in front of us, the grass. We have to get through the grass to get to each of these. What do you have to get through each day? What responsibilities are always there in front of you just as the grass is in front of the trees? And let us not forget the beautiful sky. Let us look up to our Lord who will always be there through the passing time and lack of travels out of the house. Our Lord is never cancelled and is always there just as sure as the sky being there. May we remember to seek Him during this time of uncertainty and great refinement. *Wiffle ball info....sometimes I forget I write to a wide audience and perhaps not everyone knows this term. Think of American baseball but played with plastic ball and bat. Compartmentalizing what life has become these days. Also - this is where all the fun is had with wiffle ball (and recently kickball).

What now......in numbers? Well....I'm sure you are wondering what the plan is now. Let me present to you some numbers to summarize 1 - One day at a time: It seems America and the world are changing by the day. Different states allow different activities. Time will only tell when more travel is allowed and when more aspects of "normal life" are also permitted.  2 - Two times I have been able to join my family for video calls. It certainly isn't as exciting as being together. However, I'm rather impressed that we have figured it out. 3 - Three countries need to have the right lack of restrictions for me to get back to Uganda. My return scheduled for the first week of May has been cancelled. Once America lowers travel advisors and Uganda opens borders, I will be looking at options to return. The third country is needed as there needs to be a layover in between. 7 - Seven states is where I made it to lay my head at night before all the travels came to a halt. A few more were on the list but those trips were cancelled. 10 - Ten times I was able to talk to groups of people about life and ministry in Africa. 172 - Days away from Uganda. Okay...I haven't been counting this daily. I just counted it now. Myself and friends have been counting down knowing I would be gone for 6 months and 4 days. Some tears have been shed as it became official that this is now getting extended. X - The unknown number of remaining days in America this year. The unknown can dominate so easily. What I do know is that I'm thankful for how you have provided and prayed for me during this time. I appreciate those that have opened their homes for me to stay. I appreciate those that have expressed interest and appreciation in the ministry of AIM. I appreciate those that have listened on the hard days and laughed with me on the better days. Thank you! Many thanks to each of you! Be Well and Love Much, Katherine Top picture: View from where I spend time these days. We had fun with the chalk mural a couple days ago and it is still there.  Prayer Requests:  Thankfulness - For so much that has been provided for me during this unique time.....friends that have opened their home to me and strived to provide what makes me feel at home too. Family - there was a week of cancelled visits. Thankful for some video calls that have connected us at while state lines keep us apart. Pray that logistics work out so we can see each other again while I'm in the states. Pray for peace of mind and spirit during the waiting. It is hard to plan when I don't know when I can go back to Uganda. It is even more difficult to be extending the time away from my friends and my home.  Uganda - restrictions on travel including no use of cars and a curfew have made life in Uganda very different for nationals and expats. Please pray for those that don't know where their next meal is coming from, those desiring to provide for the former, and everyone in between. My heart longs to be back at home with my friends and working to help others spreading the Gospel.   Personal refinement - pray that I would clearly know what God is asking of me during this time. Pray that I would have eyes opened to all that He has provided and ears open to what He is teaching me through the waiting and the unknown.  A semi-spontaneous trip to the zoo and I was able to pet a kangaroo a day before so many places started closing.