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ganda!Greetings From Uganda Once Again!
Sorry for the delay in writing this update. I know that many of you have been fervently praying for me. Throughout the weeks that I spent in Kenya I was completely safe at the YWAM base I was staying at. Not yesterday, but the previous Sunday I took a bus back to Uganda from Nairobi. A Kenyan friend of mine made the over twelve hour trip with me to ensure my safety. On the trip I was able to see some of the effects of the recent conflicts such as displaced persons gathered in open lots, burned cars, looted shops, and burned buildings. But God’s protection was around us the whole way and late that night we finally arrived back at the YWAM base here in Uganda. I was so thrilled to be back that once walking through the gates of the compound I found myself almost running! I had come two weeks late for classes that began for the second quarter of the school. I delayed returning to class the first few days as I was driven out of my room by ants, rested, and relaxed. But by Wednesday I was back in class. I missed five or six books during the time I was away and I am still trying my best to catch up. It is very challenging though because as I try to work on past books, the class moves on to new books. There are less than two weeks left now before we have finished the New Testament, have our oral exam, and dive into the Old Testament.
Things have been quite different for me since I returned from my extended holiday in Kenya. First off as of last week, I am an aunt for the very first time to a beautiful baby girl Reese Marie. This makes for difficult days like today when I can’t stop thinking about the idea of being home to be with the new baby and parents. I also feel that God is doing something new in me. This quarter of my School of Biblical Studies is different that the last. Last quarter I spent so much time on my studies and turned down so many opportunities to develop relationships with others, have fun, relax, or even do ministry. I realize that my studies are important of course, but I really feel God calling me to find a balance between studies and life. In spite of how long six months appears to be at times, especially when I’m homesick, it will go by quickly. And before I know it, these nine months of the lecture phase will be over. I don’t want to complete these months and only have good grades and head knowledge to show for it. I am coming to realize the importance of also making time for relationships with others, with God, and even a little ministry. If I don’t, it is hard for me to apply what the Word is teaching me and application is the most important part of my studies. So this is my goal and challenge for these next months. It won’t be easy finding a balance, but I am really going to try hard. Just the thought of having more of a life along with the studies brings more joy and hope to my heart.
Thank-you so much for your continued prayers and support. The safety and security I experienced while in Kenya was surely done by the power of prayer. Please continue to pray for desire for me to continue on in this school and to press on through the hard times...especially missing home! God’s blessings to you all!
-Please continue to pray for Kenya as the turmoil continues in the nation. Thank-you!