Be Our Guest

our sudanese friends are often showing us hospitality, inviting us to their homes, gifting their harvest, and giving out of the fullness of their heart. with thanksgiving approaching, we wanted to give them a chance to be our guest, to say thanks, and to share our traditions with them just as they have for us.

we started early with preparations... caleb had the unpleasant task of killing the chicken. but don't let his face fool you into thinking he felt any sympathy for our soon to be dinner.

he was rather proud.

everyone cooked their favorite thanksgiving dishes: green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and even apple pie! the morning was busy with plucking feathers, peeling potatoes, cleaning counters, and decorating table tops. oh, and we officially kicked off the season with some christmas music, giving us an extra pep in our step. i even wore my happy holidays shirt for added spirit. this is my rolled out of bed look. ok, maybe its my everyday look.

once our guests arrived, we played UNO, jumped rope, and some took a turn on the swing.

the boys played a serious game of basketball.

we ate, and ate some more. we taught our moru friends the song, "i've got so much to be thankful for." then we all made thanksgiving hands and shared with everyone what we were thankful for.

all around...a great thanksgiving with friends! oh yeah, our group photo. i think the bunny ears are a nice touch.

Okari

sitting in church this morning, i was reminded of how much i love this community. though i understand only a word or two from the sermon, i try my best to follow along with my bible. i mumble through the hymns, sometimes picking up on the last word of each line. for a moment, i am tempted to feel out of place, but quickly become aware of my unpretentious surroundings. the mud walls and thatch roof echo songs of praise and the people of okari smile and greet me as if i was their long-time friend returning home. 

  

 

my favorite part is the end of the service. we follow one another outside and form a sort of greeting circle, shaking hands, saying hello. then we all huddle to sing as the drums beat in the background. 

thankful today for worship and fellowship with believers, no matter the language.

First Day, Hooray!

 

monday was the first day of school! liana and gaby arrived bubbling with excitement and eager to start the day. gaby even came dressed in his finest :)   

liana and i baked a peachy pumpkin crisp in celebration of the first day, or halloween, or maybe just because. we’ve had an abundance of pumpkins here, and it almost feels like the fall season...minus the cool weather. 

later liana and gaby carved pumpkins. 

some of us went to scott’s house for his “celebrate the harvest” party. we ate pumpkin cookies and pumpkin bread, taught his friends some random songs like “father abraham,” and laughed.

Reunited

and it feels so good! my heart leapt for joy when the tiny figures below cleared into view. what a rush of excitement and emotion to see my teammates again. so happy to be back and catch up. feeling welcomed, loved, and peaceful. 

Rest In Uganda

i arrived in uganda this morning. what a beautiful country! the cool, wet weather welcomed me as i arrived in entebbe. sitting on the porch, i see lush green mountains in the distance, and it brings peace to my soul. my ears tune to the songs of birds, though briefly interrupted by children laughing and playing in the streets. music and drums play in the background. as i sip on black tea and warm lentil soup, i take it all in. 

"open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see that the Lord is good. blessed are those who trust in Him." psalm 34:8


thankful for a place to rest, for a shower after days of travel, and for beautiful uganda. tomorrow i go to apply for my sudan visa. please pray that everything goes smoothly, and i am still able to leave on tuesday as planned.

Friends In High Places

two of my dearest friends came to colorado this weekend. besides the obvious pull of scenic attraction and outdoor adventure, they flew all this way just to bid me farewell! we did our best to cram the most fun into the short span of a weekend, and i think we succeeded. in the photo, we are at the top of pike's peak...14,110 ft up! i could lie to you and say we hiked our way to the top, but most of you know me well enough to agree that's highly unlikely.

heading back to florida today with a mix of emotions. feeling loved yet missing friends. excited to see family again but sad to say goodbye in just a few short days. 

Training in Colorado

three weeks in and i am exhausted...yet renewed at the same time. training kicked off with 45 missionaries and their children, preparing to spread the gospel all over the world.  what a blessing to be living in community with people who share similar passions, fears, and failures. we've discussed values, conflict styles, expectations, stress, transition, embracing joy and grief, and facing cultural differences, just to highlight a few. 

i have learned that difference is a good place to start, not only cross-culturally but within my team. God is teaching me to serve out of my weakness and depend more on His strength to be my sufficiency. this training has been so beneficial in revealing to me the reality of cross-cultural struggles and also the greatness and power of God to use me despite the obstacles. this is just a glimpse of what i am learning, as there is so much to still process. i appreciate your prayers as I continue my training. 

click on the links below to know how to PRAY for me or if you would like to pledge monthly SUPPORT. 

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