Obstacles and Victories

2 weeks left.
That's it.
Woah, time has flown by!

I wanted to be sure to give you a quick update before the next 2 weeks of my life gets crazy busy.

So, in regards to my last post I began to dig into Philippians and choose joy...the real kind of joy. The last month (or however long it's been) has been one of the hardest months, but one of the best months yet. Looking back at all the obstacles that have come up and different areas I have had to grow in I can confidently say it's been a month of brokenness, but out of that brokenness came a month of victories!

I've had the decision to either crawl into a hole in the wall and wait for time to pass until I board the plane back to the States OR press in even harder and allow the Lord to shape and mold me regardless of my comfort or feelings. I'm glad to say I pressed in with everything I had and am now a different person. A couple wise people that have far more years under their belt than I do all said this time here would "be good for me." Every time I heard that I always chuckled and thought "yeah, yeah but they're missing the point, it's not about me it's about the team in Uganda!" Little did I know!

Needless to say God has moved and not only in my life but in the team here. I've been able to walk with them and am so excited to say that I've seen God move in them, grow them, and bless them in different ways. It's funny because I've only been here 3 months but I am so proud of all of them.

Brent & Virginia relentlessly give all they have to the call God has placed on their family. Seeing them continue to give up their comfort, time, finances, emotion, etc. amazes me. And I've been so blessed as they've allowed me into their home and lives to come along side of them and pour into Uganda! 

Seth being only 22 and give up all the "comforts" that us young adults seem to rely on these days to devote his whole life to the Lord. I've been able to see him preach, teach, encourage Ignite students as well as allow God to mold and shape him along the way. 

And, seeing Kelly give up her heart unashamedly and with all that she has to the Lord has been the best thing ever to watch. I'm encouraged as I watch her continue to grow in her very deep and very personal relationship with the Lord. 

Sorry, I had to brag on these guys real quick. I'm just so proud of them! So, to wrap this up God is a big God. He is beyond faithful and so loving. I've had the chance to experience His heart and power through my times of growing pains, frustration, and obstacles and I couldn't be more thankful for a God who does what is necessary so I can learn to get everything I need from Him. And I love that I've been able to do that in Uganda. I'm blessed. Simple as that. 

Here are some random pics that I've managed to snap over the last month. Thank you all so much for following my time here in Uganda. For your support and prayer and constant encouragement. 

Real Life Generation (Youth Church)

Puddle Jumping!

Speaking at Ignite

Monkey Shooting!

Lunch while team shopping!

Quick read w/a Zebra named Josiah

GenAlive Prep - So excited!!

Changing My Focus

I've had a hard time lately being thankful. You might wonder how that's even possible while in Uganda. But, when you are smack-dab in the middle of growth that's literally changing habits you've had for years it's pretty easy to start focusing on all the things that go wrong, irritate you, or just plain feel bad.

So, it was recommended to me to start writing down the little things that I'm thankful for throughout the day; the little gems in the dirt that we so easily look over. I've done this one time before and I was eager to start back up again. It changes the way you view your day and eventually changes your attitude and heart towards the situation you're currently in. So, if you find yourself in a hard position or having a hard time just being content with the TONS of blessings God has already given you then I dare you to try this. Use your iPhone, notebook, or hand for the matter but keep an eye out for the little, practical things that are hidden blessings from God.

So, I thought I'd share with you some of the things I've written down as this last week has rolled on.


*Disclaimer: Some are cheesy, silly, and some will be a bit deep. That's the joy of doing this :)

I'm thankful for:

1. The fact that I'm in stinkin' Uganda, Africa!

2. Seth's continuous excitement for life. It tends to rub off a bit.

3. For a friend that let's me text her in the middle of the night with the random thoughts I have during my day.

4. For the support of my wonderful youth pastors.

5. My pretty, purple iPhone case!!

6. When God speaks clarity, instruction, and encouragement into my current circumstances.

7. Friends that tell you the gut-wrenching truth because it's totally needed.

8. Laughter - that includes other people's funny laughs too!

9. Coke that's super cold.

10. Good, sharpening, constructive conversations with people.

11. The always faithful, peace giving God I serve. Seriously, He blows me away.

12. Pumpkin bread with chocolate chips in it :)

13. Windy days at the beach with a coffee milkshake enjoying Jesus time that literally brings me to tears.

14. Being able to serve at Youth Passion - even if it was just stapling and paper clipping.

15. God enabling me to bless others while here. One of my favorite things to do!

16. All the "car chats" I get to have with Virginia on the way to wherever we are going.

There you have it from Uganda :) Enjoy!

Uganda, Uganda, Uganda...Need I Say More?

A month has flown by and the thought of my blog has just now arisen.  If that doesn't hint at how busy I've been then please re-read the sentence again and sit on it until you get it :)

Part of me is unsure of what I should put on here. So much has gone on that I'm at a loss of where to start and where to end. So, I'm curious to see if I can make this blog detailed, exciting, and yet still short enough to read in 5 minutes. So far, it's not looking too promising!

I love it here.

Despite...

the humid weather

crazy driving

getting a bad sunburn that made my skin feel like it was going to melt away

or moments of culture shock

...all that bubbles up is the immense joy I feel when I think of how honored I feel that God sent me here for a season to serve such wonderful people. The team I get to be apart of as we see the islands of Lake Victoria receive Christ, the youth of Uganda dramatically changed, and 2 year long projects completed is incredible. 

They bless me.

Their willingness to serve amazes me.

Their humble hearts teach me.

And their support is priceless.

I'm happy to say God is moving! Who would've thought?! Kidding, I'm only kidding :) I don't think I have enough time to sit here and type all the things He has done. So, let's see if I can put it all into a nutshell.

People have received Christ

Filled with the Holy Spirit

Young people are rising up to become great leaders

Ignite students continuing to grow and be impacted

My relationship with Christ grows deeper and deeper everyday

My passion for the youth has only grown

I'm slowly discovering a new meaning when it comes to boldness

Feeling weak or "small" truly is His time to be great and strong!

Basically

I serve a BIG God

He amazes me

I can't believe I get to have a relationship with Him

I'm more in love with Him now than I have ever been

On a lighter note I have killed lots of spiders on my own, learned to live with ants and geckos, am still in love with food, am still peeling from a 2 week old sunburn, and am enjoying the craziness that comes with Uganda! Actually, things that I've grown up with have thankfully prepared me for these 3 months.

For instance

 - my brother's crazy driving

 - my many hispanic friends I had growing up and being the only white person at their homes

 - my love for food

 - my crazy hair

 - and the fact that I'm a walking ice-box in the states so I can handle the heat here

God is good! I am absolutely loving it here. Couldn't love the team I am serving with more. And can't wait for the next time I get to indulge in a delicious coffee milkshake I've recently discovered!! Until next time my friends!

28 Hours of Travel

Welp, the journey has officially begun! Although...in my opinion, the journey truly began once I found out that I had received the, "Yes," on Uganda and God had begun the prep to get me ready. So, quite honestly, I'm glad I made it :) After 5.5 months of prep it feels pretty nice to be able to be at my destination.

Traveling was great! I had many words given to me that God would place people all along my trip to help & guide me. Sure enough He did! It was actually kind of fun to experience it.

For instance:

1: I traveled with a group of people my age the whole time!

2: I sat with a gentleman that shared his peanut butter cookies with me (my favorite)! And ended up moving to the seat in front of my so we both had 2 seats to ourselves.

3: In Belgium (where I was running late due to a my flight being delayed in Chicago) I was in an incredibly long security line. The security line next to me just "happen" to open up and I was the first in line & first of the group through security.

....there was a long ways to get to my next gate. So, as I followed the signs through halls, around corners, down stairs and more long hallways I walked into another big area where I was hoping my gate would be.

4: Right as I stepped foot in a man that worked at the airport was right there and asked which flight I was on. After telling telling him, he told me to get on the shuttle that was leaving in a few minutes. I had time to sit & relax and watch everyone else run, looked freaked out, and worry that we weren't going to make it.

Then...I made it to my gate and the flight was delayed...haha!

5: And to wrap up the God moments I got to sit by a girl my age on my flight to Entebbe (who I didn't get to talk to much due to language barrier), but we both relaxed, laughed, and watched movies. She was great!

6: I arrived at the airport, purchased my visa, was happy to see my luggage had made it, and sighed a sigh of relief because I did not have to go through customs!

So, I made it! I'm jet lagged, but happy to be here. Excited to get to know the Earwickers and serve along side of them. I'll post more later. In the mean time, thank you for praying, supporting, & encouraging. I appreciate it more than you know.

**Prayer Request**
Health - haven't felt the best today. And Virginia isn't feeling good.

BIG Blessings - WOAH

Now that you all know a brief outline to how God has directed me to Africa I figured I'd devote a blog post to a few BIG blessings God has poured out during the last 5ish months. Mostly, I'm writing this blog simply because I want to :)

Let's start in order...

Blessing #1
Through the journey of handing out support letters and talking to people about donations I've been amazed at the support that has come in.  Some completely unexpected support has come my way and to be quite honest it has completely shocked me. Being able to grow in relationships with certain people after having a set aside time to share our hearts with one another is indescribable. I'm a people person. I love people. So...this aspect of the trip has been such a fun trip to ride through.

Blessing #2

My mom is wonderful. She is someone that I don't have words to describe how much I love her. She has been my sounding board, encouragement, and point of growth.  Seeing her grow with me through this process has made my heart smile. I couldn't be more thankful to have a mom that fights for me, prays for me, and laughs with me. She alone has blessed me beyond measure!  When you read this mom, I want you to know how wise and beautiful I think you are. I am so grateful for you willingness to hear the Lord and to be a continual & constant vessel that pours into my life daily. I would not be the person I am now without you fighting for me. I love you so much!!

Blessing #3

My Jamie. My wonderful Jamie. She leaves me speechless. God brought her just at the right time. During the time that God began to stir a hunger to not live a life of mediocrity. Jamie, when you read this, I want you to know how special you are to me. You are my best friend, someone I know always has an open ear, and someone that I simply click with. I couldn't have asked for a better someone like you. I am so thankful for the time, energy, tears, and late nights you so gladly give & invest into this relationship. You are amazing.






Blessing #4

The Lord has so graciously & strategically placed a family in my life that quite frankly has been a direct blessing from God. I have been blessed with a Dad, teachers, supporters, listeners, "Teena" time, and a family that comes along side of my mom and covers me. I've had the privilege to go through the funny and sometimes slightly stretching growth that comes with having never had a dad around. Larry, you bless me. Thank you for your dad support. It means the world to me. I'm left in awe of God at how he has placed me on your heart and the willingness you've had to take me in as one of your own. Teena, Teena, Teena, you are incredible. Thank you for listening to me, dreaming with me, supporting dad growth, and being one of my best     friends/sister/step-momish people. I love you Hultmans!

Blessing #5
One last blessing was the chance I was given to go to Generation Unleashed. A youth conference that literally rocks your face off. I don't care if you are a youth pastor or jr. high student, God moves.  Pastor Danny and I both agreed it would be a good idea to get a deposit before I head over the Uganda. But, with fundraising and my job situation changing it was seemingly impossible. With one simple prayer and a willing heart of another, God totally provided. Let me just say I was left speechless and came back changed!!

And to all of you who have read this blog thus far. Thank you. I'm excited to begin giving the nitty gritty details as I start this wild and crazy adventure of mine.

Sweaty Palms

A month flew by and before I knew it I had mustered up the guts to meet with my wonderful youth pastor, Jamie Schulz. I'm sure I had other reasons too...but, I knew it was time to throw out there the idea of Uganda.

I was stinkin' nervous.
        So nervous...it took me until close to the end of our time to finally blurt it out.
                   You know when you open your mouth but nothing comes out?
                                  Yep...that happened to me too many times.

Needless to say I blurted it out there and to my surprise she was 100% on board. Jamie encouraged me, brainstormed with me, and dreamed with me.  I left feeling excited and so blessed. And that's where it began.

I talked with Jamie's husband, my youth pastor, Danny Schulz. We made a plan and began going down the list of people we had to talk with to get approval. Those few weeks were the most thrilling, outrageous, and slightly agonizing weeks I walked through. Having to wait for that last approval was like pulling teeth. I felt like it couldn't come fast enough.

And there it was.

I woke up in the middle of the night to an email.

The answer was yes. 

I can finally sleep!

I was stunned at how fast God opened doors to make this trip possible. And was equally in shock that I, the girl who is afraid of any sort of insect, was traveling to Uganda. But, in my spirit...I knew this was right. I had heard from God, I could hear His heart for this trip, and I am going. 

My life will never be the same.

And I couldn't be happier.

All the last details came into place like dates and a few extra decisions. But the final cherry on the top was my conversation I had to have with my boss at the time. I was going to ask him if I could take a leave of absence. 

Quick background on my boss.

I knew Larry at my previous job, then moved to my current job to work for him. 

Him and his wife, Teena, are people I have grown very close with.  

At the time of this conversation he was my boss...

....but, now I don't call him my boss, they are family.

(Rabbit Trail: turned into a bigger blessing than I knew it would).

And as excited as I was to share the news I was beyond nervous. It felt like torture to keep all of this from them, but there was no need to ruffle any feathers before I had all the details.

Before I knew it.

The day came.

It was funny. 

I was awkward, they new something was up, & I waited all night to spill the beans.

But - when I did... 

It was the best conversation that was had since Uganda was brought up.

There was a mix of sweaty palms (me), some excited screaming (Teena knew that Uganda was a dream), and even some teary eyes. It was a conversation I'll never forget. One that God strategically orchestrated that has shaped the trip and even who I am. 

With no doubt in their minds I had my job when I came back.  I left their house astounded.  And came home with tears in my eyes happily telling my mom about not only my job, but also about this new dynamic to our relationship that was birthed. 

So, there you have it. God poured out blessings upon blessings. And I still enjoy reflecting on those couple short months seeing how God moved and His master craftsmanship at display in my life. 

5 Short Hours

I have always wanted to go see & visit Bend, Oregon. Why you ask? Well, quite a chunk of important people have lived there for a large duration of their lives. People I call my youth pastors, people I have served along side of for the last few years, and people I happily call my friends.

...Plus, I've heard it's beautiful and doesn't emit a smell that Nampa so graciously slaps you in the face with.

The same day that God woke up me up early (previous blog post) is the same day I found I had the chance to pack some things and head on over.  After a quick conversation, and a day of waiting to confirm, I woke up on a Friday morning excited to see a place that has shaped the lives' of many people I hold dear to my heart.

Later that day I drove over with my youth pastors and another friend of mine. It was fun, for many reasons:

1. I LOVE road trips
2. I was with my youth pastors
3. We laughed a ton! Talked about ministry, marriage, heard funny stories about their best friends who live in Uganda
4. And of course, we ate! My favorite :)

We traveled there to participate in the ALS Walk (google it if you don't know what it is).  So, the next morning we woke up, joined tons of people at Westside Church, threw on a blue shirt to show support of Steve Stern (who has been diagnosed w/ALS) and joined the army of Team Stern!

This was the day. The day I will always remember. In the whirlwind of meeting new people, eating pancakes, laughing, & walking in the ALS Walk God began to flood my thoughts & heart with the deep realization of how much I truly love His people. While we made the march as Team Stern, I saw all the people that have joined together and couldn't help but feel a deep love for each one of them. It was like a strong wind came & knocked off my glasses. But, instead of picking up my old ones, I picked up glasses that saw people through the eyes & the heart of the Lord. 

I remember talking to Pastor Jamie expressing how much I love people. I began envisioning these people come to realize how much the Lord deeply & earnestly loves them...and I would assume some of them have no idea of that truth.

I was done for after that.

We drove home that same day (yep, it was a short trip). Which means, I spent 5 solid hours with the consuming thought about my heart for God's people. Somewhere along the lines the idea of missions and God's heart intertwined. And the only thought that kept pulsing in my heart was,

...what if?

What if I traveled to another country longer than a 2 week mission trip?

What if what I was dreaming was actually just a small portion of God's bigger plan?

What if I decided to pick up and go serve Brent & Virginia in Uganda?

Think of all the people.

Sometimes when I have dreaming sessions with the Lord I can visually see multitudes of people receiving the love of Christ.  People that have never understood their worth & value begin to experience God's consuming love for them.  I see the people I pastor now and dream that those are the ones that are helping me to spread the gospel. 

Multitudes. 

It rocks me every time.

...ok, now to get back to my story. 

I spent 5 short hours dreaming with God. Dreaming about all the, "What if's." I was stirred. And yes, I was tired. But, I came home different. A short, 2 day trip left me beckoning for more. I felt like I was at the edge of the ocean with giant waves of God's heart, dreams, & plans continuing to wash over me.  Except, what I really wanted was to be out there, surfing the waves of destiny. 

I didn't go to a church conference. I didn't talk to the visiting missionary from Uganda much. And to be honest didn't talk about ministry with many people.

I was simply being overtaken by the voice of God. So sweet and yet so clear.

God is big. 

I was ready to do big things.

To be a vessel in reaching the nations.

...I just wasn't sure when, where, & how yet.