Update At Last!

My Dearest Friends and Family!
First of all, let me just apologize for the extended delay in communicating with all of you. Since the last time that I wrote we have covered the books of Acts, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and this upcoming week we will study 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. So time is really flying by and its hard to believe how much we have covered of the New Testament. We won’t finish it before the end of the first trimester, which ends around 16 of December, but early in the second trimester the New Testament will be completely covered. The school continues to be very challenging, but so enlightening and inspiring at the same time. As a school we have been learning to stick together as we go through these nine months of growing in God’s Word together. As in all group situations, there has been some friction amongst us, but that develops character so I praise God for it! Personally, I have been stretched to understand and appreciate the East African Culture more. Not that I have achieved these things, but God is developing them in me and it is a very humbling experience. Because of this, my worldview is also changing and that is exciting for me. I don’t want to live with a closed, small mind, but rather with an open and understanding approach to the world. So I praise God for these things. Also, I must mention how amazing God’s grace truly is. I don’t know how I am able to go from one book to the next as we do in this school, intensely looking into each. It takes such a toll and I honestly feel like I should and would be burnt out if this were anything other than God’s word. But with each new book, I am given the endurance, strength, and desire to press on. In the past there have always been days where I would wake up in the morning and not want to get out of bed to avoid the day’s challenges. Something is happening in my time in SBS. There hasn’t been a single day where I have desired to escape the challenges of the day, avoiding the challenges that will come with the day. I am not saying that my challenges are not great, they are huge, but the grace of God is upon me. Every morning I wake up somewhat early, often tired, and go to spend time with God. Of course there are days when I don’t get my time alone with God in during that time slot, but that has been the trend. I can’t explain how this is possible, there is nothing inside of Becky Lawrence that is capable of overcoming the giants each day brings. The only explanation I can come to is that the Lord’s strength is sufficient for me and by Him, I am conquering the impossible!
As I have mentioned before, this school requires serious spiritual warfare. Last week Wednesday, one of my fellow students from Northern Uganda received the news that his ailing father had passed away. Funerals in Africa are a very significant event that puts financial stress on families and if people aren’t careful it can drain someone’s spirit. (There is time of gathering of family, mourning for the dead, burial, and many other things that require life to be put on hold for the family). Amazingly our fellow student’s father who had denied accepting Jesus as his Savior his entire life, just before he died surrendered his life at Jesus’ feet. For that we had much reason to rejoice. But for him to leave during the middle of the week missing lectures, study times, intercession, worship, etc. cost him a lot. We have all come to realize how important it is that we pray especially for our families, that all attempts of the enemy to distract us with worrisome or disheartening news from them is cancelled. So that would be one of my prayer requests: please hold up my family: their protection from the powers of darkness that attempt to steal, kill, and destroy as I devote this time in my life to growing in God’s Word.
During the upcoming break between trimesters in December I am planning to travel with my Kenyan friends to neighboring Kenya. I am not sure exactly what will happen during the two weeks off, but I am planning to return to YWAM Athi River, where I spent a month of my DTS outreach to visit with old friends and spend some time serving the base again. Many people here ask me if I am going home to the U.S. for Christmas and to be honest I really wish that I were. How I would love to come home for a few days, see my family, friends, eat American food (how I miss it!), rest, and relax, but my heart, lack of money, and time tell me that I must remain on this continent! For many of you, I know that Christmas letters and/or cards are an annual ritual…please let me encourage you to send me yours here in Uganda. I would absolutely love to hear from you as individuals, even if just in brief. It really touches my heart every time a letter/card/note comes in the mail from my loved ones.
Other things to report: My digestive problems are still happening, but it is improving so thank-you for your prayers…please keep them coming! The seasons are changing in Uganda from rainy season to HOT season. Its not humid, but the sun gets intense and the heat does likewise. There is a refrigerator and gas stove in the complex where I stay, so I really enjoy cooking for myself, but even more for others. Some common things I make are eggs or omlets, scuma wikki (spinach finely chopped and steamed), and diced carrots. Today, after church in a neighboring village, I went and bought some meat in the market. The butchers here don’t use gloves or refrigeration, but just have the meat laying out and cut it right infront of you on a large stump, weigh it on a scale and put it in a plastic bag (only if you purchase the bag that is!). While he was cutting the meat, a piece landed on my foot and I was reminded of how far from home I really am. But with that meat that I washed thoroughly, boiled, then boiled again I made a beef-vegetable soup for my fellow students and staff. It turned out quite well and I enjoyed making it. Other than cooking in my free time I jog, sometimes go to town (Jinja), visit with others, take a nap, or go to a peaceful place where I can rest my mind. There are also opportunities to fellowship and mingle with others on the base throughout the week with various events, the majority being meals.
Well I am writing this right before I go to sleep, so I must wrap this update up. Thank-you all soooo much for your prayers and support. I continue to be so blessed in ways that I cannot explain, but know they are in part because of those who are lifting me up in prayers. I am truly honored that so many of you have chosen to stand with me during this time while God equips me with the knowledge of His Word, preparing me for the life of service in the ministry of making Him known to the world as He has called me to. May God be with you and become more real to you each day! Take care and God bless you!
In the Mighty Hands of God,
Becky <><

Sorry for the Delay...

Hello everyone! Sorry that I haven't written on the blogpage for so long. Internet access is very limited and complicated here. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am doing well and hope to make a new post with more details this weekend. I love you all and am so blessed by your support!