Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
-Colossians 3:1-2
How to begin... First off, I honestly can't say thank you enough for all of your prayers. The last week I spent in Gulu were so incredible, and God gave me the ability to live in the moment and really invest in what I was doing, and in the people. I gained a Ugandan family, I deepened relationships with classmates, and I just had an amazing time. Gulu will always have a special place in my heart, and it has been one of the highlights of my whole time here. I stayed with one of the families in the Watoto Village and felt so at home and so welcomed. I am so grateful for their kindness and hospitality. We had great talks, played games, the girls braided my hair, and it was so fun to be a part of their family for a few days.
Coming home to Suubi did crazy things in my heart. I realized how at home I feel here, and I realized how much I'm going to miss it. And also, not staying in the same house as the other internationals made me realize how much I'm going to miss them as well. The countdown to coming home home continues, as my heart is also so ready to be home. There is such an interesting whirlwind of emotions going on inside of me, from longing for home to the little pit in my stomach when I think about leaving. Change is not easy. Coming here was not easy, and leaving will not be easy. If God was not unchanging, I don't know what I would do. But He is! He will never change, in the midst of everything this life brings. I have learned how truly important it is to keep my mind and heart set on Him and on Heaven. I would fall apart if I wasn't standing on Him as my rock, my foundation, my stronghold, and my refuge. He is the only thing that is constant, and I have learned to cling to that truth. When the winds of life start blowing all different directions, He is my stake in the ground that I can always hold on to and rely on. His promises never change. He is perfect in every way, and I have so much peace when that is what I focus on.
With just over three weeks left until I come home, my goal is to continue to take one day at a time, like I have from the very beginning. I want to embrace everything God has in store for each day. I want to be available for Him to use me in whatever way He can.
I'm ready to be home. I get so giddy and excited and can hardly contain myself when I think about stepping off the plane and finally being home. But again, I know God has much more in store for the last three weeks, and I don't want to miss it. Please continue to pray for me to keep living in the moment. Prayer is so powerful!! And please also pray for all the transition coming up. I appreciate all of you so much. Thank you for praying for me and standing with me during these months. I can't wait to see you all!
