Unexpected House Guests
This last weekend we have had the privilege to host the Ironside family. They are a gifted couple with four fantastic boys and due to some unexpected circumstances, they had no place to sleep last Friday night. Their house was ready but all their furniture was buried in their container under African “paperwork.” The great news though is that they finally did get approval to unpack Monday morning and several of us were able to help them unload. While we had invited them to come crash with us a week or so ago, we never expected they would actually need a place. We had a ton of fun though and it was really special to see how Jesus connected us with all of their boys as well as with Kevin and Pamela. We are hoping that once the dust settles from moving in, there will be continued opportunities for serving Jesus alongside each other. In light of missing several of our closest friends as well as our nieces and nephews, we considered them a tremendous blessing from Jesus. He always expands our “families.”
The other interesting news is that we got a new Swahili teacher. Mwalimu (teacher) David came Monday and passed the “torch” on to our new Mwalimu Jared. He is a young Kenyan who is studying at the University here in Kampala. It will take us a little while to transition but he seems to know his stuff and we are excited, trusting he is from Jesus. Tuesday morning was terrific and and he pushed both of us in fresh but helpful ways. We are thankful to Jesus because we feel like we have acquired a rudimentary foundation of simple sentences with basic vocabulary. Sunday (two days ago), we got to attend a village church an hour out of Kampala amidst the sugar cane fields. Much of the service was in Swahili and to our delight we were able to understand bits and pieces. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever! Amidst the celebration though, we realize it is a dangerous place to settle. Please be praying that Jesus can use Jared to move us to then next level of language proficiency for Kingdom purposes.
We would also like to request pray for our close friends John and Erica Rinehimer. They leave the States very soon and will be arriving in Uganda on Nov. 20th. We cannot wait! If the Lord brings them to mind, please pray for their final days packing up with good byes and then their actual move. We are grateful.
Thank you again for being part of our team.
4 comments:
I am glad that you were able to spend some good time with new found friends. My mom was just telling me that John and his wife are coming. Somehow when he called her he was able to connect me to her and they had a nice conversation. Anyway, you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as well as John and Erica. God is good! Thank you so much for what you are allowing HIM to do through you!
He, he!! I remember doing that but at night and on a weekend. The 'other' key was with our househelp who were up in Kibera all weekend. I don't know how we got in-we tried but were not successful in breaking into the servants' quarters.
...Sometimes the most challenging things in Africa have nothing to do with wild animals and creepy things... Charity
Billy and Jo, we think of you often. We are praying for you as you learn a new language. Praise God he is helping you all. Not much longer and our new baby boy will be here! Pray for us on that.
Billy and Jo- miss you guys bunches but know you are in His hands! We love you and are praying much for you!
Post a Comment