Post Uganda (2/2)

To try and fit what we did in Uganda and what I learned there to a mere blog post seems nearly impossible. Though our trip there was short, our days there were long and even in my own journaling of what we did during our time there pages have been filled with stories about people we met, like Susan Blessing who though she is HIV positive has amazing faith and trust in a good and merciful Savior, foods we ate—I really do miss posho and beans!, funny stories about the missionary kids and their obsession with the topic of kissing, and many, many accounts of how God is working in Uganda and using the Hurleys there.

Tiffany already covered the gist of how we spent our time there. We did a little construction on a new house for a widow in the village where the Hurleys live, spent the night in Luwala village, helped at a huge youth conference, hung out with the Hurleys and helped do some house chores, helped put on a pretty big VBS, went on a Safari (got stuck in the mud!), and finished off with a little more construction on the new elementary school set to open in February.

Before, during and after this trip to Uganda I have seen so clearly God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. Everything was and is in God’s hands and in His perfect plan. It was seen in classes in college taken, reading Ann Judson’s biography, Desiring God posting a blog about Katie Davis, my dad letting me buy the “Dispatches from the Front” DVD series from Frontline Missions, CCAC reading “Radical” by David Platt together, and many other events. His faithfulness was seen in how people gave to us so generously financially and showered us with prayers and encouragement. Even in how both Tiffany and I ended up going on this STM could have only been because of Him. During the trip He was faithful to sustain us physically—no one got sick or injured save a few scrapes and bruises! Despite the intense schedule, especially at the youth conference (think Mt. Hermon on steroids), we were able to participate and serve well and with good attitudes!

God is still faithfully using this trip to allow opportunities to share the gospel with others as I tell them about why I went to Uganda, to deepen my affection for Him and the Word, and He has planted in my heart a love for the Hurleys and the Ugandans.

I read this passage during a crazy thunder and lightning storm we experienced prior to the game drive of the safari. I think it adequately sums up all that this STM has been.

Praise the Lord!I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.² Great are the works of the Lord,    studied by all who delight in them.³ Full of splendor and majesty is his work,    and his righteousness endures forever.⁴ He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;    the Lord is gracious and merciful.⁵ He provides food for those who fear him;    he remembers his covenant forever.⁶ He has shown his people the power of his works,    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.⁷ The works of his hands are faithful and just;    all his precepts are trustworthy;⁸ they are established forever and ever,    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.⁹ He sent redemption to his people;    he has commanded his covenant forever.    Holy and awesome is his name!¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;    all those who practice it have a good understanding.    His praise endures forever!--Psalm 111

Thank you all for "striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" with us!