Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Late November...feels like Early May

Time has stood still for us.  We departed the US on Sept 11th and its now Nov 29th.  Where has the time gone?  It feels like we just got here.  I've realized how much the change of seasons causes my mind, body and spirit to progress through the calendar year along with reality.  But all is different here, when the weather the the exact same every day.  Its absolutely beautiful every day!  I love the sunshine and the rain.  I love the mild temperatures and the brisk mornings. (All Ugandans say that its freezing outside if the temps fall into the 70s.  They all come to work dressing in ski coats, scarfs, hats and sometimes glove...no kidding!)  Truly,  we are enjoying the weather and atmosphere of Uganda. 

However, I look at my calendar and realize that time has moved at an American pace while I've been adjusting to the African pace....very slow and easy.  Everything takes twice as long to complete.  Everyone moves twice as slowly.  Time has drastically slowed.  All together though, I'm enjoying it.  The new pace has caused me to slow down and think, reason, pray, read, sleep, talk, and really listen to those around me.  Its been good.

So here I write, only my second entry since we arrived. ( I had plans to write every Friday....still do.  Just may be awhile before I meet that goal :-)

November has been a RE-settling month.  We found our own home to rent and moved in at the first of the month.  Its a perfect peaceful place for our family.  Its a little off the main road and out of the hustle and bustle of Ugandan commerce.  Jim's work commute is about 20 by car and 15 by boda (motorcycle) or his bicycle.  The construction on  our home began 9 years ago (we like to think that the Lord was preparing it for us when Bradley was born), but was just finished this month.  We are the first people to every live in it.  Its 3 bedroom 2 bath with a living, kitchen and dining.  We also have a room outside (called a boy's quarters) and a guard house (with small sink and toilet).  Our guard, Joseph, lives there full time.  He works from 9pm-6am every day and does a little yard work in the daytime hours.  He just began to plant a garden for us yesterday!  We also employ Resty, our "house-help."  She comes 5 days a week and works around the house.  To understand the entirety of what she does and how much she works, you'll just have to come visit!  She is amazing!  It blows my mind to believe she has so much housework every day (in addition to what I do), that she could work full-time, but she does!  We are so thankful for them both!  God has appointed them for our home and ministry.   They have been vital in us settling and sustaining our life here.  Thank you Lord!
Jim's work has proven itself fruitful.  EMI was ready and waiting for us to arrive and put him right to work.  He's already been out to visit several current projects in Lira and Jinja.  He has also been to Martyrs University to sit on a design review panel for students as they presented their projects.  And needless to say, Jim has already made himself acquainted with our entire neighborhood (president of HOA, Mayor of Kajansi town, president of Rotary, most neighbors and their guards).  As well, he has become the ambassador of our village to the US Embassy.  Anyone surprised?  People her are. They say, "how can Jim have only been here for 2 months and know so many people?"  I don't know, I'm just along for the ride :-)  And its quite an adventure.
 Oh, and by the way, same for the kiddos.  They have made so many new friends.  Bradley is out now on a play-date (they have a real trampoline, so its an honor to be invited to this particular house :-). The girls are have already babysat for a neighbor and are planning our next party!  Not much has changed in their worlds, just the side of the world they live on.
 Jim and Bradley took a "boys" trip to the equator on the motor bike.  We have one car and the motor bike.  Jim drives it to work most days and I keep the car for grocery shopping, school, and play dates.
 What is it with kids and umbrellas?  Julia spent the morning in the rain-just living a dream of hers :-)

As for me, I've plugged in to a wonderful women's bible study (studying James).  Its mostly neighborhood women.  What a great connection and wonderful community of help!  They made meals for us a we moved and pray for us daily.  I've been very fortunate to find such great friends so quickly! Outside of bible study, I've found myself busy with home school and settling our home.  I've completed our 150 photograph wall...all of the pics taken from May to August, full of our prayer partners and supporters.   Its in our dining room and gives us a great reminder every day of the team God has placed us on!  We love it - We love you!  Go team!
Just a few more pics...this is the view outside of our kitchen window.  I watch the guys balance on 2x4s and just pray.  They've got skills!
Yeti Brown Jose!  The best guard dog ever - or not!  He sleeps through everything, but barks all day at passerbyers. His new best friends are Joseph and Resty.  They play ball with him and I think they've been feeding him posho and matoke at lunch time.  
Jim, never quitting on the Broncos, even if it means watching in the middle of the night. 
And the beginning of a large collection of photos - "Things Balanced on Bodas"