It has been awhile since we posted in this space. We were home in Ohio for a few months and now we have been back in Tororo, Uganda for about three weeks. We are settling back into a family routine and I’m realizing just how much I crave some sort of routine after lacking one for a bit.It was sooo good to be home with family, especially as we were able to support family on both sides that were experiencing trials, hardships, and health declines. I definitely treasure the time that we were able to spend with my Grandma and help care for her, as she went home to heaven a few short weeks after we had returned to Tororo. I could tell at the end of our few months in Ohio, that I was ready for routine and ready for our own family space again. So here we are settling in. Getting back into our own kind of flexible, bound to change daily routine. I just had a talk with Dustin last night about establishing a bit more of a routine. Remember, I’m craving routine right now! So we worked out some plans to give Dustin a bit more space to work, time allotted for home school activities, time to spend in the community, or have others over to our house, and definitely time to enjoy each other as a family.
Flexibility is definitely key here in Uganda, and I feel like I am growing into a more flexible person, but I still struggle at times with pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Trying new things, with new people, when my safe little bubble feels so comfortable. God is growing me. He is growing all of us here. My word or phrase that I have been thinking about since the new year has been BLESS. I want to bless others with the gifts, and talents, and resources that God has given me, alongside continuing to count the many blessings He gives daily. I want to love well with Christ’s love and let that be evident in my interactions with others. As a missionary friend recently told me, our hearts will now continually be torn between Tororo and home, but I do know that wherever we go, God is present. He was with us in Ohio and He is with us in Uganda. His love abounds daily and He gives us the grace that we need for each moment. So while this post started out all about routine, it’s also a lot about growing in flexibility and receiving grace daily. Of being stretched beyond our comfort zones and meeting new people. Of loving each other well and making for ourselves a sweet and safe home here in Tororo.
May you experience God’s blessings and presence as you are stretched and seek to bless others. Our daughter Alisha and husband Brent Justice are in Bundibugyo, Uganda on mission assignment. So Uganda has a special place in our prayers. Will keep you in prayer as well.