My Story

The story begins a few months ago when I was sitting in church at The River. Our pastor was excitedly telling of a new partnership our church was forming with the village of Kapelebyong in Uganda. For teh next few years, The River will be working with this village (by sending people regularly) to build relationships, provide supplies and support the people of Oditel, Kapelebyong. The goal is for the village to become self-sustaining and be able to reach out and support other villages. The people sent from our church will be helping in the areas of agriculture, education, income-generating activities, widow & orphan care, and pastoral equipping.

I was taking notes and pondering how this would affect my family. Immediately, my mind went to Jason, my adventurous husband. With his love for people, generous attitude, and hard work ethic, I knew that such a mission trip would fit him like a glove. Selfishly, I wondered if I would "let" him go. Hmm.

Then a "thought" came to me that I can assure you was not my own! I almost laughed aloud at the feeling of "YOU are going to go to Uganda". I began to write in my journal how humorous that was to me. God would not send me! Nothing against Uganda, but, I have become rather wimpy over the years. I do not like to be hot & sweaty, I do not sleep well anywhere, and I am a very picky eater.

I kept my funny "thought" to myself until a few days later when Jason approached me. He said these words that made me stop in my tracks and shake in my boots, "I feel like God told me taht YOU are supposed to go to Uganda". Aaaah!

So, I will be heading to Uganda, August 11-21. For the last few months, I have been warming to the idea, buying a plane ticket and asking God to show me why He would send me. I compare my feelings to the contestants that have just learned they will be on the show, "The Biggest Loser". I am hopeful and fearful and doubting myself and my ability to handle the hard work that lies ahead of me. I see God as Jillian who can't wait to get me to "the ranch" so He can ge a hold of me :) I am believing this experience will be a game-changer for me and that is exciting. Also, I turned 40 in July and you are supposed to do something big and life-changing that year, right? Consider this to take the place of a marathon for me.

I am thinking I will be serving in the area of widow and orphan care. Recently Payton told me, "I am excited to be able to share my mom with some kids who have never had a mom or dad". Priceless! I expect to fall in love with the people I meet, to shed many tears for/with them, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the people in Kapelebyong.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I promise to keep you posted!