NEWSLETTER: October 2017

8.Nov.17
Well this is just over a week late (in my mind). However since most of you are out of Africa, you are probably to high on the sugary treats from last Tuesday and possibly a little disoriented from the recent time change. So perhaps you didn't notice my tardiness. Although, I think a few of you have some sort of internal clock as you start to text me when I'm late.

MEETINGS
The month started off with a solid week of meetings. We had Short Term Forum from 1-7 October. On one day our group was as follows (by passport): 5 Americans, 4 Canadians, 3 Brits, 1 Hong Kong, 1 New Zealand, 1 Kenyan, 1 Ugandan, 1 Nigerian, 1 Swiss, and 1 Brazilian. Some of us are actively serving in Africa and the others represent different areas around the world that serve to mobilize people to come to Africa. Everyone there is involved in AIM's short term program. Other than the variety of accents, you wouldn't have know that most of us had never met and that we were so diverse. We were blessed with many good discussions, presentations, and fellowship throughout the week. All of this was a massive answer to so many prayers. [Note the picture below from when I presented about Central Region.]

THOUGHTS
This has also been a very reflective month. I've spent a lot of time processing the events of two years ago. If you joined me in this journey since then, you can get a glimpse of that time by reading a bit about what I call Iceberg Missionsand how plans change. I can't say for sure what led me to reprocess some of these events. But it did surprise me. I think too often we forget how specific events actually change us and have a lasting effects. I was reminded of that bythis article from Sojourners Blog and when reading it, apparently I was experiencing #3. So all of this has brought some lonely and very challenging days. However, a good friend reminded me that loneliness isn't just for expats, everyone has times of loneliness. But if you don't, then let me know how you prevent that!!

Another article that was shared from a colleague when she sent the last one, discusses how not to say the wrong thing. I highly suggest you read it, especially if you know someone that is grieving or afflicted by a difficult situation. 

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LEFT: If you look closely, you can see me standing at the front. This is when I presented at Short Term Forum.
RIGHT: Mummies, monsters, ghosts, and spider cookies from last week.

GOODIES Do know that October ended sweetly. The 31st was full of goodies....literally. That day I received an email from someone that is coming to visit our office later this month. The subject line of that email was "goodies"!! She was simply offering to bring me a treat. It was a lovely surprise and very generous of her to offer. I was also invited to a little gathering that evening of some families in the area. The host made sure there was both food for the meal and treats at the end that I could enjoy. It always warms my heart when families take me in whether it is for a few hours or a few years. There are some other good things...but really the planning just started in the last few days of October. However, if all goes as planned (ha!) then it should give me something to write about next time. But the anticipation and planning has sure been enjoyable. With love and gratitude for all you do for me, Katherine

Prayer requests:  Many thanks for a successful week of meetings.....from safe travel before and after to the discussions...it was a wonderful time together. Thanks for new friends to fill in the gaps while other friends are away Pray for the ability to enjoy the moments with others Pray for transitions....it seems this is a season of leaving as the list of friends leaving Uganda seems to keep growing Pray for patience and openness in the work place....recently I find myself in frustrating ongoing discussions and I just want a decision to be made Pray for courage to engage across the culture barriers Pray for ministry opportunities.....I've been wondering what other ways I can engage here outside of the office