The Journey Continues

Although my journey in Uganda begins on Friday morning when I leave America on an airplane, I feel as if this journey has been underway for many years and this is simply the next phase. Allow me a minute to explain. In 8^th grade I distinctly remember watching a documentary on the turmoil inside a war-stricken country in Africa. The young boys were kidnapped, brainwashed, and trained to be soldiers who then returned to their villages temporarily for the sole purpose of wreaking havoc. They were forced to mutilate, amputate, and murder their siblings, parents, neighbors, and friends. These were and are boys. Not teenagers and men. Boys. It is beyond my ability to imagine my almost 5 year old nephew being taken into the hands of such evil men and being trained to perform such horrific acts. As if this is not enough, the girls and women were also kidnapped and brutally raped.

We often become numb to such stories of brutality as we are so far removed and often feel powerless in the face of a crisis so daunting. However, the Lord softened my heart for His people in Africa on that day and even at that young age I knew that the Lord had called me to eventually go to Africa. Not because of what I can offer these people, but because of what I can learn from them as they have persevered through this devastation and most importantly the healing and hope that I know my Lord can give to these precious people.

Now, seven years later, these tragedies are still rampant in Africa and my burden has only intensified as the Lord has faithfully led me exactly where He wants me to be. His provision, guidance, and peace are more than evident to me and through these means He has repeatedly confirmed His will for me. While my family and friends might be concerned over my safety, I would not want to be anywhere else but in the will of God and I rest in knowing that He holds me in His hands.

Please pray that I make all my connections and that my luggage arrives in Uganda with me.

Note: Whether or not you think that this post was well thought and put together, I assure you that the posts to follow will be much more scattered and accompanied with many more typos! So please bear with me as I try to keep you updated throughout the summer. Thank you for all your prayers and support! :)