Q&A: Part 2

 Here are a few more answers to things you've been wondering about. 

Q: When will I be able to see you again?

A: In short, 2023. If all goes as planned, I will be in the states for a few weeks in February/March 2022. However, this time is intended for a one week school intensive. If the person that asked this remembers who you are, then I may see you on that trip. It is easy to say now that I won't do much travel and I'll try to keep it simple. I suppose next year, we will see how successful that is. Certainly in 2023, I will be around for minimum of 5 months and will try to see as many people as possible. 

Q: What's your favorite dinner out in Kampala?

A: Hmm...That's a good question. I made a pizza at home last week and that was quite delicious, better than anything I've had out in a while. There is a place that makes crepes and I enjoy going there. There is a good pork place that I love to go to with some friends from church. There is a coffee shop that uses coconut milk and chocolate to make a dairy free German chocolate latte. That is a great spot to meet a friend for a chat. I suppose the favorite place depends on the purpose and what I want to get. 

Q: What one wish do you have for people on planet earth?

A: At the risk of sounding so cliché, I want people to know Christ. Especially with the way things have been the last 18 months, I can't imagine how people have survived and stayed reasonably sane without the hope, grace, and peace of Christ. 

Beyond that, I'd love for people to have joy and peace that surpassing understanding. The kind of joy that is deeper than happiness and beyond circumstances is incredible. Even last week, I was discussing with some others and the topic of peace that surpasses all understanding came up. Only with Christ does it seem possible to have peace in situations that make no sense. 

Q: What is daily life in Uganda like?

In many ways, daily life is a lot like other places. Getting up, work, try to keep up with personal responsibilities, repeat. 

There are some differences as Kampala is still a developing area. The electrical infrastructure is such that the power often goes off when it rains. I'm thankful to have a battery back up that keeps most lights and outlets powered in these times. When it rains, it is common to have some flash flooding across roads. (If mom tells you a story about this, know that I have only ever seen that happen when she was here. It is not common for it to be that severe. Sorry, mom!) To be honest, I don't fully understand this. It goes away in less than thirty minutes when the rain stops. As many people travel on foot, by bicycle, or boda (motorcycle taxi), the city comes to a bit of a stop when it rains. As I write this, I nearly left to visit the AIM office and buy some supplies for South Sudan members. But the rain seemed minutes away. I'm so glad I waited as the skies opened up within just a few minutes and I would have been driving in quite the downpour. I suspect the sun may be out this afternoon and it may look like it never rained by evening. 

Perhaps, some of you can follow up and ask me specific questions about daily life. I find after a few years here, there are probably things that are different but I accept as normal/typical.

Q: How is the Holy Spirit working in your life?

A: Whew. He is stirring things in me for sure. I believe I'm definitely called to a season of learning. The thing about learning is that it is typically to prepare you for something to come. I waiver between excitement about this and being antsy about it too. I'm trying to continue to discern if I'm meant to be here, serving in Uganda. Last week, I was reminded that God is more concerned about our relationship with Him than what we do for Him. (Thanks, friend!) I must believe that the Spirit is providing the excitement for school and learning. It seems unreal that I would be so excited about such an endeavor that I had previously not considered. I also believe the Spirit is calling me to abide. Certainly, this is something for everyone. However, more and more it feels like a pivotal point in ministry and abiding with Him is one way to be able to gain discernment for decisions. 

And some of you have asked for pictures of Waffles. Here she is behind me, backed into a corner, trying to stay safe from the rain outside. 

Q&A: Part 1

When you joined my Facebook group, you had the opportunity to ask some questions. 

I will use this space to answer them. In no particular order, here we go.....

Q: What is the purpose of your ministry? What are you doing there?

A: This is a very valid question and sometimes it changes without good communication. Actually just about 10 days ago, it can be public that I am serving in a new way. Now, I get to serve my local church here. I will be taking on different projects and administrative needs to support the pastors at my church. I am really excited about this opportunity and they are too! At the same time, it is a huge adjustment to go from a mixed nationality setting at the AIM office to being one among all others. I believe it will be an adjustment for everyone. They will need to have discernment in what to ask me to do so they can better use their time. I will need to be bold and still sensitive in suggesting things. There is also a small Ugandan organization that sends Ugandans as missionaries to other places in Uganda and Kenya. They have asked for my help as well. 

Occasionally I also get to organize supplies for our AIM missionaries in South Sudan. I'm not a shopper by heart but it is so fun to shop and get them things that will better enable them to be equipped for life and ministry.

The other part of my time is spent with grad school courses. I am so excited to be learning more in a MA in Ministry Leadership program. Next year I also aim to get a graduate certificate in organizational leadership. 

Q: Where will you be spending most of your time the next two years?

Let's see.....two years from now is August 2023. Most of my time will be in Kampala spending my time as described above. If I am able to proceed with the graduate certificate next year, I will make a short trip to America in February/March 2022. This will be about 6 weeks. I will return to the states about one year later (Spring 2023) for my next home assignment. This timing is really specific. Selfishly, I'm trying to plan it around being able to go to my graduation for my MA. 

Q: How have your daily activities been altered by the current spread of the virus?

Uganda recently had a notable increase in cases. This can be noted by looking here. This caused the president to declare a 6 week lockdown from 18 June - 31 July. Public transportation was stopped and private vehicles could only move around with a special pass. I learned I'm capable of walking 13 km/8 mi in one day to see friends and do a couple errands. Religious places and schools have been closed since 6 June most recently and remain closed until further notice. 

Church is on Zoom. 

I work from home. 

Curfew is 7pm - 5:30am. 

Public transportation is now at 50% capacity. 

Private vehicles can move again.

The dance continues: seeing friends based on who is comfortable with what while balancing the restraints of curfew and the fact everyone is still trying appropriately get their jobs done. 

Q: What are you planning to do next? Did you think you would still be in Africa?

The first time I accepted a position with AIM was in July 2014. God provide both in big ways and in fast ways. In January 2015, I moved across the Atlantic. Honestly, I'm not sure I had any idea what to expect. In some ways, I view it has one term (2-2.5 years) followed by home assignment at a time. At the same time, practically one needs to start planning ahead. I can't plan what is next on the last day of home assignment. At minimum, I have to have confidence in what is next before each home assignment so I can appropriately plan on this side of the ocean. 

The world has changed; I have changed. I have had some days where I wonder if something new is to come after this term/home assignment. I have also had moments in meetings or with friends where I can't imagine doing anything else.