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. 

Season of Learning

Continually,  I feel like I am in a season of learning. 

I'm not one to name seasons very often, if ever. However, more and more, my heart and mind feel that this is a season of learning. 

Some of that is practical. Finishing my undergrad degree was certainly a time of learning. During lockdown, I have finished one workshop and will do another soon. In the first week of August, I will participate in conference that is also online. For months, I have had such peace about continuing with formal education and pursuing a master's degree. (I am very excited about this!)

The thing about education is that it prepares you for something. I truly feel that God will use this time to prepare me for something. I'm not sure what that something is. Perhaps all of this is also about networking. If I was ever in a party setting, I would talk to the few that I know and then end up playing with the dog in the corner. There's something different about learning. When everyone is seeking more, conversations, even if digital, seem to be more meaningful. I like the ability to make connections with people that are like minded both in the present and also looking to the future.

Would you be praying about this season of learning? 

Locked Out

In school days there were versions of lockINs. These are times when the group would stay in a designated area. Some reasons for this are to prevent kids from getting into less desired activities. Sometimes the reasons are what is learned and gained from the (forced) time together. 

In 2020 and into 2021, so many people learned about lockDOWNS as governments tried to impose regulations to lower the possible impact of the coronavirus. I’m actually six days into a lockdown now. 

Today the dog is experiencing a lockOUT. 

She had a bath. Some designated time in the sun to dry off and the gate will be opened. Until then, ste will try to earn entrance with varying pitiful looks. 

Who’s there?

Throughout the day the door is usually open when I’m home. Sometimes, I keep the curtain pulled though. Today I caught a glimpse of the view from the outside when Waffles pokes her head out to check on the outside happenings. 

Deep breath, soak it in....

It’s been since early November since I was out of the city. Today, I was able to spend a couple hours in Kibale Forest. It is a national park in western Uganda. For as much as pictures don’t do justice to most situations, this one captures the moment well enough that I think I can take a deep breath just looking at it. What brings fresh air to your soul? Do you live in that situation or do you go looking for it from time to time? 

PS: there’s an animal in there. Can you find it? 

NEWSLETTER: Checking in from a new place

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Greetings to all -  May this message find you doing well. May you find ways to enjoy life no matter whatever stage of pandemic status your area of the world is experiencing.  Waffle Wednesdays Wiffle ball Wednesday season came to an end. It was a wonderful season played in sun and (light) rain. There were laughs, tiredness, fun, and more. As with all things, it didn't last forever and now it is Waffle Wednesdays. I can say this confidently because just a few hours ago I completed the first week of Waffle Wednesdays complete with some sausage. You may wonder the reason that Wednesday has gone from a family activity to a solo activity..... First - let's establish that Waffles can certainly be enjoyed in groups. I encourage you to do this with your family and friends as well as with me, especially if you get the opportunity to visit me in Uganda. My dog's name is Waffles. ;-) Last week I shifted to a new place and that's the main reason that the alliterated activity adjusted. Actually, today marks 8 months since I left Uganda. Goodness, that is hard to see in writing. As thankful as I am for all those that have opened their homes to me for one night or a few months, I made the difficult decision to get a place of my own for the short term. A friend helped me find a good place and and a few others helped me get what I needed to settle. Thank you! Way back in May.... I had the opportunity to go to a retreat for missionaries in eastern Tennessee. I encourage you to check out EdenRidge. This is an amazing place! They understand the need for space and nature and that's what they offer. All of this comes at a highly discounted rate to missionaries. For that reason I ask you to consider donating to them so they can continue their wonderful ministry. They might even have a donation matching opportunity now; though, I can't recall when that was ending. It was incredibly refreshing to be there and be in the Cumberland Plateau. I was able to hike 3-6 miles most days. One trail led to a great overlook that was great for contemplating all the topics. Top Picture Do the days blur and create a fog? I sure feel that way. A few weeks ago I woke up and mother nature certainly displayed the fog that I was feeling.  After a hike on a trail, I found a good spot to contemplate.

Starting waffle Wednesdays with success! I've really enjoyed spotting daisies and trying to capture their beauty from different angles.

Some Book Group (SBG): Round 2 - Week 3. What else is happening? Well....I'm sure you are wondering what the plan is now. Some Book Group (SBG): A few months back a friend asked if I would be interested in reading a book with a group. We would "meet" by Zoom once a week and discuss the chapter. The catch? Well everyone one else is on the west coast. For 8 weeks, we meet and I think only one night they caught me almost asleep as we finished our Zoom meeting. It was such an incredible experience that I thought I would do it again. Pictured above is the second group. I asked a few friends and some asked another friend which led to God orchestrating a really amazing group. I truly love it. Each week we have 4-7 people and we discuss a chapter just as before. Some would say I am leading it. I really start the meeting and loosely facilitate the discussion; though I've already accepted we won't finish within an hour. It is exciting to see how God directs our conversations sometimes in the depths of the chapter and other times on the rabbit (and deer sized) trails of off topic happenings. There's also school happenings. Yes, I wrote school. Earlier this year I started an online program for a degree in Leadership and Administration. I have completed 3 courses and and finishing and 3 in the next couple weeks. This term with 3 class has kept me rather busy. There's excitement in seeing how much I enjoy some of the classes and how they ignite desire in me to learn more on the subjects. Eventually, I will return to Uganda. Within the week of making the arrangements to get my own place and actually going there, I heard the rumblings of Uganda starting discussions about allowing those with work permits to return. Ironic. Yes, I know. At first I ignored it because I couldn't think past getting at least a few weeks at the new place. Reality is that my return will likely be on unique circumstances and not look like my other trips across the ocean. There are countless questions to be investigated about the process. It is a step in the direction of returning but that is as far as things have gone. There is still lots of unknown about the specifics of how and when this will happen. I am trusting God to work out the details and supply me with the peace for all the details I won't know. 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   Prayer Requests:  Thankfulness - For a place to stay and how great the details came together. SBG - this has been such a blessing each week. Please pray for the ladies in the group and for our conversations as we study our identity in Christ. 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. Please pray for when and how the return to Uganda will work out. God already knows the details! Uganda - restrictions have been lifted some. The curfew is still in place; however, life still looks really different there from when I was there 8 months ago. Please pray for the leaders there that are trying to make the best decisions for Uganda.  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.  Working on some school work. I discovered a junior loft bed works really good as a standing desk.

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.