African Muzungu

Say the above words out loud.... do you pronounce each differently? Do you pronounce two, but not three the same? Or do they all sound alike? Are you looking at me like I'm nuts right about now? If you're wondering about why I would even care, one answer lies in a story told today: A missionary to Central America had a mechanical issue with his car. He brought in a mechanic to look at it, and in explaining the problem thought he said in the local language, "My car won't start, so can you add these points." What he really said was, "My car won't give birth, so can you add these bananas!" Least to say, he was known from then on as the man whose car just refused to give birth. This just goes to show how slight changes in pronunciation can be at best hilarious, and at worst offensive. The point was made today that all of us will always (and already do!) have our own personal accent. The goal is to make that accent as understandable and pleasing to the p...

Seeing as the past 3 weeks at SPLICE were so intense (mostly spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally), the past couple of days have been a welcome reprieve. That's not to say they haven't been busy too, just a nice change of busy! Highlight of today: I sent in the money for my tickets!!! Barring further obstacles and delays, I will be leaving Colorado Springs on May 29th! I've also decided that it would be beneficial for me to attend MTI's PILAT program starting March 28th. This 2 week program is designed to help language learners acquire multiple languages more quickly and efficiently. Since I had received some training in that area during my time at Moody, I wasn't sure I wanted to invest the time and money, however after talking with the teachers of PILAT, as well as my fellow MTI team members who had just completed the program, I was convinced that it would greatly expedite my language learning and communication once in Uganda! Linguistics and...

Today was our day for Sabbath. It couldn't have come at a better time. The past 2 weeks may not have been as physically taxing, but they definitely took more emotional and spiritual energy than I'm accustomed to! As I sat/laid all afternoon in a golden field of grass surrounded by towering mountains and life-infusing sunlight, I have never rested so well before. I had another 'aha' moment today. One that I don't know why I've never realized before, but perhaps I just didn't take the time to think it all through. Before when I thought of Sabbath, I equated it with simply physical rest. Today in my 'aha' moment I learned that it isn't just about physical rest by the ceasing of work. It's about spiritual rest in the company of my Jesus, emotional rest from the upheaval of life, intellectual rest from the spinning thoughts of my overly-active mind, and social rest in the company of those I love. In the place of all of those 'rests' please...

Yesterday we were talking about the differences in the way each of us handle conflict. Many of us knew pretty quickly which way we leaned, but many of us also had 2 different ways of conflict when we're in low or high stress situations. Teddy Bears and Owls are more concerned about the integrity of the relationship, and may sacrifice what they know to be good, right, and just in favor of maintaining the relationship. Sharks and Turtles value the issues of what is good, right, and just and may put the truth over relationships. I believe I tend to be more of a turtle and tend to choose "forgiving and forgetting" over confronting or engaging in conflict. Each of these styles has their strengths and weaknesses, and a godly community is characterized by all involved using the strengths of their style to deal well with conflict while recognizing their weaknesses and relying on others to help them in those areas. Teddy Bear (accommodating style) For those who fall into this ca...

I've just completed my first week here at MTI in their SPLICE program! This picture of my SPLICE handbook was taken with my Slice Kodak camera! I'll just let you imagine the confusion and fun that can take place with the similarities in names :) As I get ready to head into my second week, I would ask for your prayers for continued sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading , conviction, and encouragement. I've been to missionary seminars before, and received the benefit of so much knowledge and learning, but this week has been much more about living and transformation. Just because of the very nature of transformation, this process is very difficult. All the tears and frustration is all worth it though! As I watch the Lord shape and fashion me more into the image of His Son, I'm so grateful for the times of laughter and rejoicing that are mixed in with the hard looks at who I am, and how far I am from who I want to be. I think the single most life-changing concep...

The past couple of months have brought so many plans, changes, and more plans! I was told at the very beginning of my deputation (fund-raising) to expect the unexpected and to fully embrace change, disappointment, and things not working quite the way I planned. In the process of making plans, and holding them with an open palm, the Lord has shown me time and again that His ways are perfect and even more beautiful than I could imagine. The latest plan and consequent change was for my anticipated departure date. Having reached an acceptable level of support to buy my tickets, I made plans to leave for Uganda on February 23 rd . I was all set to buy my tickets from my travel agent, but didn’t feel quite right about it. I decided to just put my tickets on hold and wait for a bit longer. I assumed at the time that this unease was due to some concerns about travelling to Uganda so soon after their general elections on Feb 18 th . I had however investigated the issue and hadn’t found i...

I finally have a departure date!! I don't know if you could tell, but was definitely a joyful shout! :) After meeting with the Tentmakers board on Monday, we have decided that I will be flying to Uganda with Morris and Aida Ogenga when they head back after their trip here in Jan/Feb. That means that I will be leaving the US on February 23, 2011! Looking back on this past year that I've been on deputation, I see so many things that the Lord has taught me, and I'm so grateful for my time here. Every day I've longed for my ministry in Uganda to begin, but I've also learned so much about life, myself, and my God that I know will be invaluable to my life in Uganda. I know that the Lord's timing is perfect, and now with my departure in just over 3 months I'm starting to get really excited! The number of things that I need to settle now that I know when I'm leaving is slightly overwhelming! Moving to a different country can sure be complicated, but I know it...