Life by Grace Alone

I remember the potholes from our trip to Uganda six years ago. They are far worse than any I have experienced in this country. If we suddenly had such a problem here everyone would be obsessed by them. Politicians would rise or fall depending on how they promised to deal with them. In Uganda it is just normal life. Also normal life is no electrical power because it is being diverted to another country and this is a source of funds for the Ugandan government. Although most of the time there is power it is impossible to know how long and how often there will be no power. For those of us used to the amazing reliability of our western utilities, adjusting to this on again off again life style seems very difficult. I also remember the beautiful singing voices of the Ugandan women and how much they yearned for a key board and a sound system. I would tell them if they had these things they might rely on them too much and not sing as well. Steve has mentioned the incredible balancing act th...

This is probably not the title for this post. I'm sure there will be many waves he will have to endure by the grace of God in the month or so he has over there. From my very personal viewpoint it feels like smooth sailing because I should be able to talk to him regularly. He left on Monday, August 15 and the first time I could talk to him was Friday, August 19. That was the longest 4 days of my life. He did not have his own phone then. He was using the phone belonging to Al Tricarico, one of our missionaries. On Saturday he tried skyping me. ( Is that the right terminology?) He could see and hear me but I could only see him. I gave him a few goofy video kisses, and then was rewarded with the sight not sound of his laughter. I have wondered over the years if the reason he has had so few colds has anything to do with how much he laughs. I'm glad the absence of the audio and my goofy kisses could produce such a wonderful sight. Later when he was visiting a South African couple ...

Six years ago Steve and I went out to eat for what I thought was going to be an ordinary meal. In between bites of take two choices, he informed me that there was a need for pastors to go to Uganda to teach at the Bible college in Mbale and he thought he should volunteer. I told him I would stay home and faithfully pray for him. Uganda was very far removed from my comfort zone. When Steve shared his desire with the elders they were adamant that I should go as well. On my birthday, September 14 we flew to Uganda. As the plane lifted off the ground, I was still uncertain how well I would fare during the three weeks in Africa, but I was thrilled at the thought of our six days in England. England had been a dream destination for years.When the time came to leave Uganda, we left people we cared about, and carried with us memories we treasured. We hoped for an opportunity to return. The opportunity has come for Steve to return. I need to remember that God is providing me with many opp...