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.
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