Normal is Never Predictable

It is early morning here in Arua. The electricity has not quite yet come on so we have a candle lit which seems much warmer than the computer screen. Compared with the rest of Uganda, including Kampala, Arua’s 18 hours of electricity a day is fantastic. We have found it to be quite regular, coming on a little after six in the morning and then at about midnight, our fans shut off. Different, yes but slowly becoming our new normal.
Of course, even after only our second week in Arua, we are quickly learning that our “normal” is never predictable! Part of the mystery of Africa is its’ unpredictability which has a way of fostering a strong sense of the providence of God. We have seen His hand at work over the last week and want to praise Him for His faithfulness.
Part of His kindness these early days “home,” has come through the generosity and hospitality of the broader missionary community here in Arua. They are of all different nationalities and denominational backgrounds, all working in various areas of training, translation and development. We have been invited over for numerous meals and even a pair of birthday parties which have already bonded our hearts with these like minded people. Having only known them for two weeks now, we feel humbled and challenged by their gracious self-giving and readiness to love whomever they can. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!
Setting up a home in Arua has been another opportunity for God to express His goodness. There have been typical frustrations with hanging curtain rods, figuring out security lights, and haggling with local vendors over the price of clay pots but these have been balanced by new experiences of figuring out what to do with your trash when there is no garbage truck or how long do you heat your milk to pasteurize it but not scald it. These finer tensions have a delicate balance of humor and frustration but more often than not, they result in laughter and memories.
The joy of getting settled has been interspersed with several divinely appointed conversations which we really praise Jesus for as well. Whether learning about what roads are passable in southern Sudan from a veteran development worker or making introductions with the Church of Uganda bishop for this West Nile diocese, we sensed God working in our relationships these days. Thank you for praying. Our friend Felix, whom played a big role in our testimony and whom we got to spend time with several weeks ago in Kampala, came through on Wednesday of last week and we had several hours talking, strategizing, and praying over what God might want to do in southern Sudan. He was a total surprise but we felt so encouraged by God bringing him along, even if it was just a reminder to us that He has plans of hope. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!
Out of one conversation with a missionary and his wife, Kurt and Hanna Zander, we got invited to travel to Congo this coming Monday (5th) for several nights. It has turned out, they only had one seat left so Billy is going along to explore some of the work another mission organization has done in training pastors in northeastern Congo. As expected, we have been concerned about Joanna being here alone but we both have a peace about going forward. We would request prayer though for security in Jesus as well as His experiences and relationships for both of us while we are apart.
We believe these are sacred days and the Presence of God is so real there is a mixture of humility, excitement, and wonder what He is doing. Whether or not He is working in the hearts of Africans, we know He is in ours. Thank you for being such a part that. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!