June 26

When I looked at the last blog entry I wrote, it was 13 days until take off. Now its 13 days until we come home. I'm blown away. I really am just so thankful for this trip. I have learned so much over these seven weeks...more than I have any other time in my life. This past week we enjoyed a dinner out to Pizza Hut with our friend Isaac who has been with us for the entire trip. He has been the one to take us where we need to go everyday, make sure we have everything we need, etc. While eating our pizza, we reminisced about our first impressions of each other and how we felt when our team had just landed in country. Isaac told us the story of how he got roped into being our "go-to-guy". As we sat there until 10 pm, we all just realized more how much we have all grown together as a team, with Isaac being a part of it. He's more than just our "go-to-guy", he's our brother and our friend. That night at Pizza Hut was when things started to get real... we only have a short time left here in Uganda and we are so heartbroken to leave.We not only have bonded and built a great friendship with Isaac, but with so many other people here, especially around the church and Loving Hearts Babies Home. I have never felt so much love for people while on a missions trip than I do now for these people. A part of my heart is here forever. 

I have had the privilege of working in communications at Africa Renewal Ministries where one of my jobs is getting to write newsletters for Gaba Community Church. This week, I am writing about our team and our experience here. As I was writing my perspective, I felt my heart become sad-a good sad. I am sad to leave this place because I have had the time of my life and love these people so much. Here's what I wrote:

"My time in Uganda has been the most amazing experience of my life. I have loved getting to form many friendships with the people in the church and in other places too. I’ve experienced a lot of new things for the first time in my life, and they are shaping my life for the better. I will not go back home the same person. I would say one of my favorite parts of this trip has been just getting to know people, doing life with them, and hanging out with them. Whether it’s a zumba class or just working at the church, it has been so good to meet these people and learn from them. There are so many lessons I have learned and am still learning including: pursuing Jesus more passionately and leaning into Him as my one true rock, loving people no matter who they are, and the beauty of being generous. Since being here, I have seen God move by pushing me to go and be love to others and also by showing me how joyful people here are despite whatever circumstances surround them.  It is evident that God is the only thing that we truly need." 

I just wanted to share this with all of you. My heart is full. I must come back someday soon. 

Prayer Requests:

1. To be content here and soak in every moment of everyday, not focusing on the fact that we are leaving soon. 
2. Continued health and safety
3. For God to continue to stretch us, grow us, and lead us
4. For us to be bold for Jesus, knowing our identity in Him
5. For the people here-their life, health, situations...etc. That God would provide for them and reveal more of who He is to them