In just ONE week, it'll be a one year anniversary of us touching ground back in America. That means as of today, and me typing this blog, i've been back in my "home" country for the last 358 days- with the exception of hopping the border into Mexico a couple of times. It hasn't been easy, in fact, I feel like I've had a harder time transitioning back into America than I did moving to a country where I didn't speak the main language, everyone looked a lot different than me, the food was unfamiliar, and I didn't know anyone. But- I don't want to focus on the hardships of this last year-- even though there were a lot of them for me. I want to focus on what that the Lord has done, what he's shown and taught me, and what the Lord is doing through my life now.
I don't regret my time in Uganda. I don't regret resigning from "my career," and I don't regret giving away all of my possessions except for what fit in 3 roller suite cases, a backpack, and my guitar(s). I miss everything about that season in my life. I miss walking on red dirt roads, praying my old broken down car would start, serving daily in new places like childrens prisons, slums, and on the track where prostitution was huge. I miss going to places I had never been, the uknown everyday, and finding similarities with people my age who came from very different backgrounds. But I know that the Lord has me here in America for a time such as this, and I sometimes have a hard time believing all that the He's done this year alone. The miracles I've gotten to be a part of, and the work of HIS hands that I've seen are all truly incredible.
Now, here I am back in America a year later. I've made new friends and am close with people who I didn't know even existed when we stepped off the plane and back to America. I live in a beautiful city that I didn't even know existed in my own country, or a place I didn't even think I would ever live in. In a summary, I guess I could say that my time in Uganda helped me realize I need to be in "full time ministry" and I know it's only the Lord who could've orchestrated all of this. I've learned that it's not about where you live, but it's about how you serve and where your heart is.
Give everyday your best, and make them most of every opportunity, learn to be present in the moment and don't spend too much time planning for the future.
Love who is in front of you, and build the kingdom of God together.
Never stop worshipfully and reverently fearing God.
Never stop hearing and following his voice. No matter where you are, what your bank account says, or how many "friends" you have.
We were made for such a time as this.
What a special season my time in Uganda was and what a special season my time in SoCal now is.
I can only imagine how many more countries of beautiful people there are in this world that I have yet to meet and serve with.
