Tag Archives: Uganda

Routine and Grace // Return to Tororo

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.931_648834210369_2042157624842885991_nIt 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. 6tag_090116-151822I 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. 6tag_140116-194824So 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.  WP_20160204_12_23_40_Pro_LIMy 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. WP_20160204_12_25_37_Rich_LI 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. WP_20160204_13_14_27_Rich_LISo 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.

Meet Baby Helen

Many of you have heard, or now seen, that we have had a foster baby from Smile Africa Ministries living with us for the last month and a half.  Her name is Helen and she is absolutely adorable, as I’m sure you can see for yourself! We got the ok to go ahead and share some pics with you all, so here is a little bit about Helen so you can get to know her a little better, as you will be seeing more of her around here!

Helen is five months old, can happy scream and not happy screech VERY loudly, sleeps better than our girls ever did during the night, is super ticklish, and gets frustrated when stuck on her belly! She has a loving father and NINE siblings at home that I’m sure miss her very much. As they are unable to care for her at this time, we get the privilege of loving on her and sharing Jesus’s love with her.

Lillie has stepped into the big sis role pretty naturally, and both Gracie and Lillie love her to pieces, as we all do! We are super thankful that Tia Jia is also here to help love on her, and once again balance the adult to child ratio! We appreciate all your prayers for both our family and for Helen and her family as we continue this foster journey.
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