Time is fleeting {a life update}

The morning sun filters through the trees and illuminate the dandelion whisps. The world comes to life as bird song floats on the breeze. Our puppy has me up and out early these days (yes! we got a golden retriever puppy in january. he's 8 months old now. stay tuned, i'm sure he will get his own post). And while my quiet time isn't so solitary anymore, I am forced to be more present. 

Our family is in transition yet again, though we are grateful we don't have to move this time! Transitions always make me more reflective, so I needed to write. Also, the world is absurd right now. An election year. An assasination attempt on a former president. My firstborn spending his summer working at Delanco Camp in New Jersey. A friend calling to tell me about a scary diagnosis. A couple new jobs. Starting my counseling practicum in the fall. It's a lot. 

My mind swirls... How is Caleb old enough to spend a summer away from us? How has our country gotten to the position we are in? How will all of my various roles and responsibilities fit together this year? How does God invite us to navigate suffering? And how exactly do we slow the onslaught of time? And then my mind returns to Ann Voskamp's words: 

“This, this is the only way to slow time: 
When I fully enter time’s swift current, enter into the current moment with the weight of all my attention, I slow the torrent with the weight of me all here. I can slow the torrent by being all here. I only live the full life when I live fully in the moment…. 
Weigh down this moment in time with full attention, and the whole of time’s river slows, slows, slows.” 

I slow time when I give this moment my full attention. I turn off auto-pilot. I put down my phone. I single-task, instead of multi-task. And 'Cease endlessly striving for what you would like to do and learn to love what must be done.' -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 

I long to live a quiet, ordinary one-piece-life. Where all the pieces are woven together. Where my spirituality and family, work and play are all intertwined. As we sit in ordinary time in the liturgical year, I am practicing gratitude for what has been given and all that lies ahead. It will be beautiful, even when it is hard, because God is a good Maker and a kind Father. 

a puddle of glory in a busy day

the girls are napping. the birds are singing in the trees. I have a steaming cup of chai in my hand. and the soundtrack to my days is playing quietly in the background. my soul can breathe in moments like these. it's like a puddle of glory in the middle of my day.

I don't always savor these moments, or find them, or create them. often I miss them because my eyes are full of my phone, or because the to do list is too long and who can afford to stop? and it takes work- stop, steep the chai, turn on the music, put down the phone. but when I don't pause and savor I am essentially throwing the gift of this moment into the face of God. He graciously gives us all things. and I am too busy to receive.

there are moments when I am getting things done, enjoying this season of part-time ministry outside the house, and then there are others when I am losing my mind at the two-ness of my two year old and fuming as I make four lunches before school. part of me thinks I can just run with it. and then there are moments like this when I realize I might not be fully recovered yet and need to slow down and let Him keep healing my heart. and it's good and necessary to listen to what our souls need.

thanks for joining me on this journey. it feels really good to write again.

are you able to find moments in your day to pause? what does that look like for you in whatever season you find yourself in? 

**also, have you heard of Zachary Bruno? Dawn light is the soundtrack to my days and it's amazing how quickly music can change the tone of your day.

Staying {here}

Farewell to Silja (far left)

Transition. It never gets easier. And it doesn't necessarily have to be you who is leaving in order to feel the effects of transition. Two families on our team are heading back to the states for 6 months, and four families will be arriving/returning in the next two months. We are one of two families on our team who are staying through this summer without getting on an airplane!

Staying means we get to welcome. But staying also means we have to say goodbye.

We just had a farewell brunch for a friend from my Friday Bible study. We have had those moments of exchanging gifts, speaking truth into one another's lives, affirming what God did in our friendship, hugging and praying over her. It has been bittersweet. And as I reflect on the 9 months I've known her, I see God's goodness in bringing the friends I need at just the right time. He knew I would need Silja just as much as she needed me. And He knit our hearts together bit by bit every Friday as we opened the Word and prayed. And now I know if I ever need a place to sleep in Finland I've got one.

Friendship as a missionary is tricky, and hard, and painful. But it is also necessary and beautiful. I need local friends, I need friends back home and I need other expat friends. My life is richer and more beautiful because of these relationships and each one adds a unique dimension to my life. My rag garland (pictured left) is a daily reminder of friends I've said goodbye to, but who have added so much beauty to my life. And as I stay the garland will only get prettier!

Sometimes staying means doing the hard work of building community, even when you would rather curl up in a blanket and read a book. Sometimes staying means saying the hard goodbyes. And sometimes staying means being the welcoming committee (which is, by far, my favorite!).  It is my prayer that I {we} would never grow weary in doing the good work of building relationships, just because it's hard and the goodbyes are painful. I want a tender heart that that loves the people He has placed in my path- whether they are here a week or stay forever.

Sometimes I'm the leaver. Sometimes I'm the stayer. So grateful for the One Who never moves. Watch this.

Linking up at the Grove on the topic of "staying".

Two Whole Months

Where do you even begin when it's been almost two months since your last blog post?!

Do you try to catch up? Do you share just the highlights? Do you ignore all these things and just pretend that two months is no big deal? Do you give all the reasons why you have been too busy to blog?? Do you stumble all over yourself apologizing and making empty promises to do better this month?

What do you want to read after a blog absence?

The Last Two Months {by the numbers}

• 1.5 - pounds Baby #4 has gained (generally babies at this stage go from 1 lb to 2 .5 lbs)
• 5:00- the time Elizabeth has been waking up recently
• 2- the birthdays our family has celebrated in the past two months
• 60- the number of people who have come to our house for a meal, a small group, a prayer meeting or coffee.
• 4- the number of overnight guests we've hosted the past two months.
• 45x2- the number of lunches I've packed
• 1- the number of Bible studies I've taught
• 228- the number of diapers I've changed (low-ball estimate)
• 48- the number of loads of laundry 
• 121- the number of times I've read "Are You My Mother?" to Elizabeth
• 85- the number of beautiful pregnant or new mamas I worshiped with yesterday in the slums

So there you have it. Blogging has just taken a back-burner to life. And that's the way it should be. I'm tending the hearts He has entrusted to me. But have no fear, what He is working into my life will make for some great posts in the future {when I can sit and write uninterrupted, or, you know, when I can think two consecutive thoughts}. 

What to do when your life looks mostly like this:

toddler in my lap. baby bump (due August 1). grilled cheese. watching Backyardigans.

I may have been sent to Uganda, but my everyday probably looks a lot like yours, perhaps with better weather.

We are all called to go into all the world and make disciples. Most days I can do that from my living room, or my laptop. You might do that through your bank account, your prayer closet, or your neighborhood playground.

If you are anything like me, though, it doesn't always happen. I don't gather my kids around the Bible everyday. I don't pray for them like I should. I can rush through a whole day cooking, chasing, resting... without ever glancing in His direction. This is why I needed the word "tend" this year. I need to be intentional. I want to tend my little flock well.

I've discovered there are a few things I can do daily that help me remember that I am a "sent one":

• Stay in the Word, especially the Gospels. Even if it's just one verse to cling to for a whole week- write it somewhere you will see it. And keep clinging!
• Ask Him what He wants you to tend today. I've given up on living a "balanced" life- ebb and flow is much more realistic. And as I ask Him what to tend He gives me His assignment for the day (and it's generally way more do-able than the list I have in my head)- some days it's baking for my people, other days it's reaching out to other missionary women. Sometimes He reminds me to tend to my husband, and occasionally He says "Let Me tend you today". And when I accept His assignment I don't have to feel guilty that I am not being all things to all men every moment! Hallelujah! Such freedom in obedience!
  
• Surround yourself with other women in the same season of life. And encourage each other in your mission! It has been a blessing to join a weekly Bible study targeted at pregnant mamas in a nearby slum. Not only do I get to minister by my very presence at this Bible study, I am in their same season of life. It is good for me to be reminded of the vital ministry we have to our children and future generations!
• Don't compare! You are uniquely sent wherever you are. He didn't send anyone else. Embrace your role and your season and make disciples! {totally preaching to myself as I wish I could be a tad more productive these days}

What season are you in? What does disciple-making look like for you?

Celebrating Community

we're four months in. we've already got a two year term under our belts. we made friends that first term {amazing friends} some of whom are still here. and so when we returned we knew people, we were coming back home. so why was I feeling so lost?

goodbye lunch with Vanessa 2013

remember that time I met my BFF online {my side of the story here} {and her side}? and we ended up spending every Thursday together for the first year? and how even now from Canada to Uganda our hearts still beat to the same rhythm? we knew her term was only two years.  i knew she wasn't going to be here when we got back. goodbyes stink, even when you do them well. but it was still sad to face reality on this side. she was the one i would text in the middle of the day when my kids did something hilarious. or the one I could call late at night when I needed prayer. and I miss her.

and so in some ways I felt like I was starting all over. and then as I thought about it God brought to mind all the lovelies who are still here and the new friends I am beginning to make. and God reminded me- if He was able to do it once, He can do it again. He has friends in mind for me. and He also reminded me that loneliness is ok if I allow it to push me closer to His heart. and that He is here. always.

Oasis ladies, new teammate, old friend, new friends

and then there was the moment I heard BIG NEWS that this lady was moving from Indonesia to Kampala! and i wondered if we would become friends. and we met for coffee. our boys played. and then we decided to start meeting for weekly Bible study with two other ladies who were new to Kampala. and friendship began to blossom. we meet at our favorite pizza place for Ladies Night Out {with kids, when any one of our husbands are traveling}. and our boys say "That was the funnest night I ever had" and "I never laughed so hard I couldn't breathe before" and "I really like that family".

but it's still hovering around the surface til that one day we got real and discussed our core issues and it tumbles out that we. need. each. other. and walls come down. and text messages start flying. and we discover we may have just found what we are looking for.

Two great posts that have really encouraged me lately:

• That One Best Friend
• Ask. Offer. Connect.

Celebrate {in}dependence

I'm over here joining the party at The Grove. Waving my flag... can you see it? It's the one in the middle. Yep. The white one.

I'm celebrating freedom this week. Not the independence type of freedom, but the upside-kingdom type of freedom... freedom {in} dependence on Him!  And it is such a relief.

He has been extending me {and you} an invitation to the promised land- a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of security, a land of peace and joy... this is what sanctification looks like: a life wholly possessed by God.  He longs for us to cease striving, to give up our independence, to surrender all. He is calling us to just breathe and live in love with Him, right here.  All that He asks is for us to love Him, to walk in obedience to Him and to hold fast to His hand.  He does all the rest! He even causes us to desire Him and gives the ability to obey!  It's all Him!  Hallelujah!

A few truths I'm learning to celebrate since attending Thrive Retreat:

• Truth #1: He just wants me to walk with Him in love, holding fast to His hand- to do the things I see Him doing, to heed the small prompts of His Spirit, and to only take up what He lays upon me each day. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

• Truth #2: I am His temple, the place He has chosen His name to abide, His dwelling place. And so all that I do in this body can be my offering. I can rejoice in all to which I put my hand.

• Truth #3: He wants to enlarge my borders- He is the God of freedom! Within His walls I am absolutely free to do whatever I please, because He is within me. My delight in His gifts brings joy to His heart.  Even my care for this "temple" {self-care, rest, exercise, healthy eating, getting a shower} ministers to Him.

• Truth #4: Service then becomes overflow of the heart. I want to please Him, because I adore Him and enjoy Him. He fills and fills as I allow Him to take care of me and then my cup runneth over! Pure gift.

• Truth #5: Since it's all Him, I can ask for help. I need Him and I need others. Dependence is good for me and good for community.

I'm overwhelmed today by His grace and goodness. And kicking myself for making this Christian life harder than He ever intended. Let's get this party started!

{The Scriptures inspiring these thoughts come from our daily reading in the Autumn Harvest Challenge. Deuteronomy 10:8, Deuteronomy 11:22-24, Deuteronomy 12:5-7, Psalm  44:8}

Stay tuned tomorrow for Celebrating Community!

What are you celebrating today? Leave a comment!

The Beauty of His Invitation

Come away, My beloved, to a retreat on the beach. away from the stresses of daily life. away from all the little people who need you. away from the Kampala traffic. away from online distractions. Come away. It isn't always possible to come away for 3 days by the sea, but Sabbath rest is always possible. {more on Sabbath rest and intimacy soon}

Come together. You were made for community. Allow your fellow travelers to lighten your load. Admit your need. Ask for help. It's often the quickest way to build trust and community.  "Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." -Psalm 34:3

Come unto Me. Not to serve Him, but to enjoy Him. The invitation is to intimacy, which can include working side by side, but doesn't always.  Enjoy Him. Maybe you need to plan a Play-date! "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good..." -Psalm 34:8  

Come often.  Daily quiet time is not enough. He longs for us to walk with Him, to glance in His direction throughout the day. Perhaps He is inviting you to pause three times a day, like Daniel.  "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." -Psalm 34:1

This past week I attended a "once in a career" opportunity for global women- a Thrive Retreat!  It was hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania- on the beach of the Indian Ocean.  Thrive Retreat is hosted on most continents every year for global women from North America to come and be renewed and restored at a very small cost.  It was such a blessing!

And now I have the opportunity to live out what He was working into me on retreat- Josh will be away for 10 days (October 25-November 3)! And so I will be leaning into Him intimately, and leaning on others for help- it's definitely not my comfort zone- but I know it will be beautiful.

Linking up today at the Grove!  The prompt this week is: beauty.

What is God's invitation to you this week?  Or do you have any tips for surviving your husband's business trips? I'd be grateful to hear your thoughts!

Rivendell: The Last Homely House

Rivendell: by Kelly Hallahan

It is often necessary when you are drowning in the details to step back, take a deep breath and get some perspective. Why am I here? What is the purpose of this work? Why are there so many dirty dishes?

I had some friends over last night to watch a movie, and as she was leaving one person asked about this painting. Another women shed tears of grief as she processed the fact that she had suddenly left all her friends, and was starting all over again in Kampala. And still another had come in to town from the village and commented how nice it was just to feel at home here. And I was reminded why I do what I do.  I am a people-gatherer.  I have a heart for hospitality.  I want people to feel connected.

This is a painting of Rivendell from Tolkien's The Hobbit. And it is an illustration of my vision for this home.

"And so at last they came to the Last Homely House, and found its doors flung wide... Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway. They stayed long in that good house, fourteen days at least, and they found it hard to leave...

...His house was perfect, whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or storytelling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all.  Evil things did not come into that valley...

...All of them, the ponies as well, grew refreshed and strong in a few days there. Their clothes were mended as well as their bruises, their tempers, and their hopes. Their bags were filled with food and provisions light to carry but strong to bring them over the mountain passes. Their plans were improved with the best advice. So the time came to midsummer eve, and they were to go on again with the early sun on midsummer morning..." -J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit.

University Ladies All-Nighter at our house our first term.

This is what I long for this house to be. I want bodies and souls nourished here. This is why I have dishes stacked in my sink- because I had a dozen women here last night. This is why I am studying Swahili- so that my East African friends can feel welcome here.

{If you are ever in Kampala and need a place to rest, I hope you'll stop by.}

Why do you do what you do? Would love to hear your vision in the comments!

Let Me do it...

Ni na jaribu = I am trying.

I feel like I'm drowning. I'll admit it, language learning isn't my favorite ministry activity.  I'm not terrible at it theoretically {on paper, when I have time to find the right word, put it in the right tense, and make sure I've got my pronouns straight}. But practically {verbally} I hate trying and messing up and feeling dumb.

Alas, language learning isn't even the biggest issue. The biggest issue right now is that I don't actually have time to devote 9+ hours a week to anything extra.

We have begun sleep training Elizabeth {we can see the light at the end of the tunnel!} but that doesn't erase the sleep debt that has accumulated the past 8 months.  The boys are back in school full-time which is great- but now they come home with full-time homework.  I still have a baby around all day.  And Josh is still actively participating in ministry on campus.  Not to mention all our other duties for WGM Uganda.

I know some things have to shift to the back-burner when you're doing language study.  I just haven't quite decided which of these things can be released... my kids can't. my husband can't. sleep can't. dinner can't.

And then, He comes.  With an outstretched hand, He invites me to roll all this {the schedule, the fear, the to-do list, the expectations, the helplessness} onto His shoulders.  

And my spiritual act of worship is to just let go.  I can simply let Him do all my living, because:

"His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us..." -II Peter 1:3

In The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray there is a powerful discussion of the difference between living under the law and living under grace.  It is setting me free! Stay tuned for a printable when I have time to make it!!

But for now let me leave you with this short quote to whet your appetite:

"Grace undertakes to work our whole life in us, and actually give us the strength every moment for whatever the Father would have us be and do." -Andrew Murray

Linking up at the Grove 

It'll be quiet around the blog, and this blog, facebook and twitter while I focus on Swahili.  You'll still see me on instagram.  Hopefully I'll be back in action in October!  

Settle Your Heart

We are right in the middle of settling in.  One half of our bedroom is {un}settled, and the other half is settled.  We still need a bookshelf made to house all our extra supplies... but there are some surfaces that look exactly the way I want them.  The furniture wish-list is long, but the budget is short.  We have enough to survive, just not everything I want.  

I love setting up our home.  I enjoy the decorating and the organizing.  I like finding just the right spot for everything.  This is our first four-year term, and it's just the beginning.  I have time to make this house just what I want it to be.  But as we settle in there is this {un}settling thought that whispers in the back of my mind:

"You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away... -James 4:14

Ugh.  This world is passing away.  As much as I enjoy making our house a home, this world isn't my home.  

"{They}... confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.  And truly if they had called to mind the country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.  But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." -Hebrews 11:13-16 

{by the way if you haven't heard this song by Tenth Avenue North, do yourself a favor and go listen right now! It's on repeat here today}

And so, like Abraham, I must dwell in the land of promise as in a foreign country {thankfully not hard to do when you are actually dwelling in a foreign country}, dwelling in tents... for I am waiting for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  {Hebrews 11:9-10}

This letter, James, written to the twelve tribes scattered abroad speaks volumes to us global ones scattered around the world. Such sage advice: "Don't get too settled. Your life is merely a vapor, here today, gone tomorrow..." But..."establish {settle} your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand!" {James 5:8}

Settle my heart in Him.  As I settle in here in Uganda, I am so grateful for a forever home in His heart.  I plan on being in Uganda longer than this four-year term, but I can't know that for sure.  All I can do is put down deep heart roots in Him, so I keep thriving wherever He leads me.  And, for now, it is here.

Is there something in your life that just isn't what you wish it was- use it as an exercise in longing for your True Home.  kinda like the past 12 hours without electricity? or the unsafe roads? yeah, getting lots of practice!

**linking up today at velvetashes.com for The Grove**

Are you feeling settled or unsettled lately? 

Pray for those in Authority

Hindsight

Dear Kelly, you wrote this toward the end of your first term.  Well done.  You always were rather introspective.  So now, you're here- at the beginning of your second term and here's what you need to know. Your first term you played it safe.  

There were reasons for this like having two small boys, and not wanting to burn out right away.  Mission accomplished.  You didn't burn out.  And you're back for round 2- not everyone can say that.  And you're here with a baby (don't hide behind her).  But also don't drag her all over creation in the name of "not playing it safe".  There is a healthy middle ground.  You got a lot of things right your first term

• You welcomed well.  You made LOTS of people feel at home at your place.
• Your kids don't hate you were eager to return to Uganda.
• You still love your husband.
• You didn't neglect the Lord.
• You were available to help people when they asked.
• You kept your champions well informed

But this time, take some risks.  Do something you're not sure you're good at.  Love somebody who is different from you.  Really love them.  Say yes to something that scares you.  Engage with the culture more. Really learn the language, any language.  

So here we are, second term, do the crazy thing.  

"the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." -John 1:14  Other translations say "He pitched His tent among us..." or "He moved into the neighborhood..."  It's more than just coming for a visit or getting a stamp in His passport.  He became a citizen.  He walked the dusty roads with people.  He sat around the coffee shop and listened to people's stories.  He ate their food.  He read their books.  He spoke their language.  He probably would have ridden on boda-bodas and sat in traffic jams.  And if I am really here in Uganda to imitate Jesus, and love like He loved- then so far- I've pretty much failed.

view from a distance.

I confess that I've taken the easy road on most days.  I work out in my living room, not jog on the street.  I invite people up to my house, not visit in their homes.  I drive with the air-conditioning on and the windows rolled up.  I don't make time to open the Word with the one Ugandan who is in my home every day.  I shop at the grocery store, not the market. 

I love my small group of university ladies, and I meet with them at their hostel.  But that is one victory out of many failures.  And I begrudged going down to the hostel a time or two.  

Missionaries aren't perfect.  We may be commended for leaving homes and families... but if we haven't engaged in the community and culture we've come to- I wonder how much that sacrifice blesses Him (to obey is better than sacrifice).  I do believe God {in His grace and mercy} has used me this first term, but there are a million ways I avoided being used.    

I'm grateful His mercies are new every morning.  I'm gonna need them this year of living in Love.  It's definitely going to be a year of stretching; as I allow His life to fill this skin of mine in 2013.  I'm not exactly looking forward to the heart surgery He will have to do, to get my life to look like His- but I am confident of this: He who began a good work in me, will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).  And He is able to take this heart of stone, and put in me a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19)!

Helping your Family Make the Transition

"...Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

Be joyful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

...May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!"  -I Thessalonians 5:13-18, 23-24 The Message

A Quiet Life

"...make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders..." -I Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV

As I sat on our balcony I could literally feel my soul take a deep breath.  Everything within me expanded and heaved a sigh of relief.  We are so grateful to be back here.  It's a curious feeling to have a strange land become yours.  But that's how it feels.  We loved being in the states with family and friends.  We needed to reconnect with our home church so they could truly send us.  And yet, it almost feels like we were never gone... we've stepped right back into our home and life here... and it feels good.  

We will have to find a new normal- we've never had a baby in this place before.  I will need to lay down some tasks I carried when I had whole days alone while the boys were at school.  But these verses have really spoken to me as I pray about my role on the field- making it my ambition to lead a quiet life, to be faithful in only what He calls me to, that my daily life may win the respect of outsiders.  

And so I will wash dishes and change diapers for the glory of God.  I will embrace the everyday sacred. And I will faithfully carry out all He lays before me.  

How is He calling you to serve Him and expand His kingdom around the world?  Does it feel big or small?  

here. settling in.

it's 3pm on a Friday afternoon... and all is peace and calm... it's actually a little creepy.

Elizabeth has had two good naps today.  The boys have occupied themselves.  We had a friend over- so sweet to meet in real life instead of on facebook.  I baked cinnamon toast cake and baked oatmeal (so we actually have some type of breakfast here tomorrow).  I made dinner in my own kitchen last night.  we slept.

I think we're finally settling in.  and it feels good.

Sadly, there were some things I failed to pack, that seriously were at the house and just didn't make it in the suitcase.  Like peppermint extract.  You know how Christmas looks desperate around here if I don't have my peppermint!  And my oven thermometer.  fail.

But other things did make it that already have it feeling like home: stainless steel french press (gotta have coffee even if you don't have power!), my command center calendar (seen here), my Willow Tree figures, my happy yellow flowers... and much more.

If you are planning to move overseas, let me encourage you to find any Facebook groups for expats in your area- we have already bought a bookcase, a pack n play, an entry table, and a chair from people in Kampala just through these type of groups!

Here.

at the airport checking in

We are exhausted. And relieved. God has faithfully carried us to our home in Uganda.  All the work of the past year has paid off.  And we are here.

I can't wait to see how my One Word {here} will unfold and inspire me on this side of the ocean.

The kids all did great on the flights.  There was never a moment when we couldn't distract Elizabeth from launching into a full-blown meltdown.  She slept snug in the sling, so I even caught some rest without worrying that I would drop her.  The boys watched a million movies.  During our six-hour layover in London we busted out the Legos and the boys played happily, found the play place in Terminal 5 (near Gate A6 if you need to know~ also, bring socks for your kiddos in your carry-on so you don't have to "borrow" socks. gross. lesson learned), and Caleb finally slept.  Flight 2 was fine as well.  And all our luggage arrived in Entebbe!  We are so grateful.

Some things I'm thankful for right here:

here.

driving on the left side of the road.
scent of smoke lingering on the air
walking into my own home
a cool breeze rustling the curtain
hearing the birds outside my window
East African coffee, brewed in our french press
because the power was out.
warm welcome. big smiles shining from dark faces
baby taken up into the arms of our night guard.
she didn't cry.
the sunset over this city.
6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. miracle.
bouncy play gym. given by sweet friends.
boys happily reunited with toys

Basking in Him

Soaking in the Son: Ephesians

For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. Galatians 5:6 AMPLIFIED

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT

Hands On Bible for Kids :)

Soaking in the Son has been so good for me!  Just one week in and already He is transforming and challenging me. I read Ephesians today in the New Living Translation, because my son's Bible was on the coffee table waiting for me when Elizabeth woke at 5am.  And I finished up Galatians yesterday in the Amplified Version- I love all the explanatory words! Such emphasis!  

So, we got back from vacation Saturday night and had a full Sunday of ministry and goodbyes. Our sweet girl did not sleep much at all on vacation  change of scenery- so I'm exhausted and have caught her cold. This is usually cause for crankiness, laziness, huffing, etc... but Jesus is calling me to so much more! I'm sure I won't do it perfectly, but He is challenging me to live a life of love, not drudgery, not duty, but love!  And as I do the things love does, like nurse this babe all.night.long. or rise at 5am, those sacrifices become a pleasing aroma to God!!!  Hallelujah! 2am feedings can be redeemed, as I offer them to Him (and her) as a love gift. I've got long way to go, but I am resolved to put off the old, tired, cranky self and put on Jesus today!  

When You're In The Lions' Den...

I don't know about you, but there are days when I feel like I've been thrown to the lions.

In the middle of transition, as we are packing up our lives for four years, saying goodbye to all the people we love, getting up with a baby countless times a night... these days can feel dark, and dangerous.

He has called us here.  And so I don't want to run away- I want all He has for me here, in this day.  But the enemy... he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour... and I feel his hot breath on my neck.

Thankfully, God knows how to deal with lions!  And He is teaching me what to do in the midst of the lions' den.  He wants me to fix my eyes on Him, and not dwell on the lions circling.  He can seal the lips of lions.  And He can deliver me.

Here are five things to focus on when you feel like you're in the lions' den {from Daniel 6:26-27}

1. He is the living God and steadfast forever
2. His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed.
3. His dominion shall endure to the end.
4. He delivers and rescues.
5. He works signs and wonders in heaven and earth!

Whatever your lions' den may be today, He is with you and will rescue you!  

Leave a comment and share how you survive the lions' den!