Uganda and Virginia

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 opportunities even though I will not be leaving Virginia. The main reason I stayed behind is to be available for my soon to deliver daughter as well as to be here for my 4 year old granddaughter as baby Henry rocks her world. If the baby does not turn, my daughter Jess will have her second c-section.

Many times in our almost forty years of marriage we have been separated for a few days here or there usually because of church business or visiting parents. We have never been a part for a straight month. Already his absence seems to have created a heaviness in the air. I want Steve to return to a wife better able to love him well. I want to not just mark time while he is gone but I want to redeem it.

Steve's plane left Dulles airport last night (Monday, 8/15) a little before 9:00 est. for the flight to Heathrow in London. He decided to spend the 12 hour layover in London at the airport partly because of his anticipated exhaustion and also because of the unrest in the streets of London.
He should now be up in the air on his way to the airport in Entebbe, Uganda.

Shortly before we left for the airport, Steve received an e-mail informing him that someone would meet him and the pastor and his wife coming from New Zealand. They would all stay in Entebbe Wednesday night and travel to Mbale Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon Steve will present the seminar on marriage he has prepared for the churches. Pray for Steve as he travels, tries to rest, and adjust to his duties. Please also pray that I use my time well as we wait for the arrival of Henry Lamson.




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