What a whirlwind this last week has been for us. This past monday I woke up early to take my Physical Therapy boards, pack 5 bags and head off with my mom to London to meet Derek.
What a funny set of emotions throughout the day, anxiety for boards, frustration trying to fit everything into 5 bags, relief the test was over, fear for the results, excitement for a trip with mom AND to see Derek, and a funny realization that this was not just a fun trip.. this was in fact the initial leg of my MOVE to Uganda...
The time in London was such a gift. We were blessed to stay with one of Derek and my friend's family who has a B and B outside of London. It was a beautiful home and they were so gracious toward us. It also was just such a treat to see Derek again and know that this truly was the last of our extended time apart... we know would finally live on the same continent :) Of course, our time in London went by far too fast. I think this was because the end of our trip in London meant saying goodbye to my mom, which to me meant really leaving. This dreaded goodbye was faced with lots of tears, promises of Skype calls and a countdown to an August visit. It became real that mom couldn't pull of a typical "Friesen" surprise to pop in for a weekend anymore. But as my mom kept reminding me, this is truly a sad-glad moment. And it truly is... this is the moment we have been waiting, praying and preparing for for the last 3 years.
3 years ago today marks the day I landed in Uganda in 2009. We did not plan the dates to be identical, but I think God thought it would be fun. What a full circle we have come in those last 3 years. And I think what strikes me as we fly to Uganda, is the faithfulness of God through each step of the last 3 years. There have been incredible memories, very trying times, a lot of prayers and a few more debated decisions. And yet, in a time which did seem to often feel 'unsettled,' we look back to see Gods hand in each step of the way and are thankful that HE sees the whole picture when I just see one spot. Even now, as we are just arriving, there is a peace that we are right where we ned to be for now. In the midst of missing family and friends, that peace is worth more than anything.
And so, today begins a whole new journey for us as a couple. We now have a home, our dogs, our jobs and our calling. We feel blessed for the opportunity to be in Uganda and feel even more blessed to be surrounded by Friends and Family who support us in every way. We are so aware of the gift it is to have your love and encouragement in our lives.
I am sure this blog will be filled with stories of cultural adjustments, work stories, high points and low points. But we trust in it all you will hear our hearts that feel so grateful that we serve a God who gives strength to the weak and hope to the hopeless. We are so grateful to work along side of incredible people in Uganda, the mamas who are truly heroes and their babies who are little fighters. Thank you for joining us in this journey.
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