Mzungu Memoirs Disclaimer…if you are considering an extended visit to Uganda, be advised.  Uganda can change you, leaving an indelible mark on your heart.

This picture of Lake Victoria was taken from the top of one of the hills of Kampala.

Uganda, we will miss your smiles and laughter.  We will miss greeting you on the street.  We will miss your children.  We will miss your heart-filled worship with chairs bobbing overhead.  We will miss your pineapples.  We will miss your example of faith.  We will miss your mangos.  We will miss your remembrance of Christian martyrs.  We will miss your avocados.  We will miss your resilience.  We will miss your chapattis.  We will miss your resourcefulness and perseverance.  We will miss your bananas.  We will miss your reckless love for God.

Uganda, you are the “Pearl of Africa.”

Our final two weeks in Uganda were filled with goodbyes, tears, hugs and going-away events.  Our church prayed over us (twice), we were invited for dinner at a Ugandan woman’s home, and we had a going away party with eMi and some of our closest non-eMi friends.  Edward Olara, a worship leader, musician and man who exudes Jesus, blessed us by singing a few songs at our party.  I met Edward on a project trip to Lira (Northern Uganda) and we immediately became friends.  You can read more about Edward and his amazing story on his website at www.heartbeatministries.vpweb.com

We thank all of our prayer, financial and emotional supporters who have believed and had faith that God would work through us in spite of us.  We would not have been able to serve without all of you.  We are thankful for all of the prayers, the comments on our blog, the Facebook notes, the occasional letter (felt like Christmas when we received one), the package from Austin & Beth, the Texas Tech stickers from Lyndell & Sarah, the clothes and other gifts from Yahweh Sisterhood, the amazing package from the Boulder Valley Church.  We saw God’s hand when we wondered how we would pay for Caleb’s school fees, yet a special contribution came in.  Some people here call it a miracle that none of us was ever injured on the boda (we have not shared all of our experiences!)  We saw God work in so many powerful ways.

During our time in Uganda, we have learned more about God, the church, people and ourselves.  We are honored that God called us to come serve in Uganda and give Him all the glory.  We pray our service has helped to advance His Kingdom.

At this point, we do not know where God is leading us next.  I am spending a week in Zambia to explore the possibility of long term service with another ministry.  We would appreciate prayers for clarity and guidance.

I will then meet Heather and Caleb in Italy to visit Heather’s best friend, her husband and their three-year old daughter.  We will then spend several weeks touring Europe (spending some retirement money early) to rest, see some amazing architecture and natural wonders and enjoy time as a family.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1