January

I never intended for it to take this long to tell of my adventures with Ethan! He left almost a month ago! All I can say is that January has been waaaaay too long! So glad we've only got a few days to go. You know, it seems like every year that I'm away, January seems to be the "downer" month. Not sure why that is. Even though it's my birthday month, and the excitement of a new year, every year that I've been in Africa, January has been the "ugh" month for me. Either a bit of homesickness sets in after the eventful holiday season, or REAL sickness comes, or I'm faced wth a big decision, or have a big change to make, or something. This January has stretched on for what seems like an eternity! But it's all good; I'm ok, I'm healthy again,( I pray I stay this way!) and thankful, and have joy....but I just want this month to be OVER!

But you know it hasn't been all dumpy. I've had some absolutely wonderful conversations this month with friends and people that God has brought along my path. I mean WONDERFUL! He's been at work, even though I haven't been at my best. He's ALWAYS at His best, and working in us and through us, even though we don't feel up to it! The Spirit totally works in us and intercedes when we can't. I've learned that this month! I had the pleasure of hosting some friends, Heather and Greg, from the UK last week. Ethan and I met them on safari in Uganda! They are traveling for 3 months around Africa for their honeymoon, and are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro this week! They've been to 6 different continents, and are getting ready to just up and move to New Zealand in March! We had some great talks about life, traveling, God, love. The Lord continued what He started in Uganda for real. And the week before, I hosted our friend Joe, from Kosovo. I'll tell you more about my new friends later! And pics too!

Also had some great dinner talks with two friends this week that are nonbelievers, and definitely doing some searching. One lives here, and is confused about many things, and asking some great questions about whats going on and how God fits in everything. He is one person that I would NEVER have thought would be open to what God is trying to do in His life, but of course, God likes to surprise us. :) I have been praying for this person everyday for a year now, and I can totally see the breakthough coming. :) The other friend also works here, but is getting ready to make a big move to Atlanta. She's not sure what she thinks about God, and is also asking some really great questions. She's excited about the move, but really anxious too about reintegrating back to life in the States, and also life with her new fiance, another friend who we both met over here. I love it when you can really see God working in and through people that don't even realize it yet! It's gonna be a great day when they do finally realize it! A day of rejoicing!

Anyway, it's been BUSY month. So sorry to be behind on blogs and many emails to you. I'm trying to plan an outreach service day for our school/community now, and visit some schools to arrange some b-ball matches too and build some new relationships there, and work on accreditation stuff for our school. A LOT going on this month, and a LOT of GOOD stuff! I'm soooo excited that a K-town friend from church, Chris, is coming out here on Saturday to help at our school for a few weeks! It'll be great to hear another accent like mine for a change. :-) All my friends from Bridge to Rwanda, who have been in the States for 2 months are now back, so it's been a busy season of catching up, and fun talks, and GREAT conversations with new folks too. I count those conversations more than anything else! :) And on top of everything, I've been trying my darndest to get well and beat these pesky parasites too! I usually don't have to try so hard to get well, but they've been pesky and persistent, that's for sure. But I'm back now! And ready for whatever February brings! I just want January to end! Thank YOU for all your prayers for my health, for my kids, our school, and for more conversations like the ones I've been blessed to have this month!

Peace!