More and more like family

The last several weeks have been… stressful. Many of us have been sick at some point for several days. Ian and Josiah had to make an unexpected trip to the States for medical needs. Stephan left last week to return to the States after working here for 4 years. We’ve had some visitors come in and some teammates leave for vacation. So much craziness can kind of put some emotions on edge, too. But through it all, I have seen a new side of my teammates, a side that looks more and more like a family. Any time someone has needed anything, someone else usually meets or exceeds it for them before it can even be asked. I am very thankful for the team here, and I know my life is richly blessed because of them. I feel like I have so much more that I need to and want to say about this, but I don’t have the words right now. I’m sure it is something that will continue to grow, which means that I will probably have more to write about again later. Here is a picture of our entire team taken in September:



I feel like I have grown closer to some of my students, too. They aren’t just students and teammates; they’re family. Yesterday Jonathan had his birthday party; tomorrow Emily will have hers. Next week we are having spirit week at school. It’s pretty much just an excuse to dress up; the idea resembles homecoming week, just without the homecoming part. That should be fun; I’ll post pictures of our week and goofy outfits. Here is a school picture we took a few weeks ago:


Speaking of family, I really appreciate the prayers of everyone back home. Our team appreciates your prayers as well. I’ve begun to struggle with homesickness some, but I have no doubt that your prayers are helping me. After I talked with a few people at home and asking for prayers specifically about beginning this stage of culture shock, I have been able to tell a difference in my outlook on things. I miss home, but things are good here overall. I get frustrated with various things here, but I have no doubt God called me to be here this year. I begin to stress about what is next, but I know God will show me when I need to know. Your prayers build and renew that confidence within me. I could not be here without your support. Your prayers and encouragement mean more to me than I can begin to express. Thank you.

Thanksgiving

Clearly I’m a bit behind as indicated by the title of this blog. The last few weeks of November were crazy busy and there was a lot going on. We had Thanksgiving at the Shero’s house. Laura had the place decorated very nicely. We all brought a couple of dishes and a dessert, so we had quite a big feast. We ate most of the typical Thanksgiving foods—sweet potato casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls, green bean casserole, carrots… and had many pies and cookies. We did have chicken instead of turkey, though, but it was good. Before we ate the Thanksgiving Day Parade from last year was playing on the T.V. After we ate, some people put together a huge puzzle while others watched an old football game. Later we watched a movie. The whole time kids were running all over the place playing all kinds of games. I think I saw 3 or 4 Spidermen at one point. We had a few visitors, including Julie’s parents, the Longs from Kampala, and two girls from the States who have been finishing up a study abroad program in Mbale. Mostly we spent the day eating, relaxing, and just hanging out with each other; it was a very enjoyable day.