Wow! I cannot believe it has been one month since I left everything I have ever known to embark on the amazing adventure God has called me to. I am still waiting to wake up to my alarm clock screaming at me, as I look out my window to see if I need to defrost my car, and crawl out of my bed in my tiny apartment. But this is real. I am in Uganda. Wow!
This month has been amazing. I have grown so much, and fallen more in love with this country. I have opened my heart to some beautiful children, and my life will never be the same. I have embraced the "honeymoon" stage of culture shock, as I am fascinated with everything that surrounds me.
I love the different encounters I have around here. It cracks me up when people ask me where I am from. When I say, "Idaho" they give me the craziest look. They do not believe Idaho is apart of America (Sorry guys. Looks like it is apart of Asia after all... *ehem* New Heart). I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked if I know of their friend in New York. My favorite was this: "How is Arnold doing?" Who the heck is Arnold?! I found out he lives in Florida. I don't know him. Other times, Ugandans will ask you if you know a celebrity. It is fun to mess with them, and say you have never heard that name. "WHAT?! You do not know Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie?!" No. The name doesn't ring a bell. "They are only the most celebrated couple in America!" That is nice. I don't follow sports! These truly make me smile.
However much joy has filled this month, I must admit, it has not been easy. God continues to challenge me, as he stretches me beyond my comfort zone. On more than one occasion, I go to my room and pray, "God, I cannot handle this. Please just tell me exactly what to do!" I am not saying that God wouldn't tell me exactly what to do, because I believe He is capable of doing just that! However, He knows me well. He knows that I would simply do exactly what He told me, and I would not grow in the situation. I am the kind of person who hates asking for help. Not because of pride, but because I HATE feeling as though I am a burden on someone else. I do not like interrupting people's busy schedules to unload more problems on them... MY problems! Just to add to their own! I have always been like that. And God is continually working on my heart. He continues to give me situations where I have to go to others. He gives me situations that are beyond my own ability, and He gives me wonderful people to turn to. I have made some great connections with missionaries and locals. I also have a wonderful support group back in America, who will help out to the best of their abilities. With such wonderful people in my life, God is teaching me to let go of my anxiety. He pulls me out of my comfort zone, and that brings me closer to His wonderful Throne.
I'm glad that you are enjoying the ministry and I hope and pray that you keep going with joy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Feraol!
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