Are We Excited?

All of us newbies who will be going to Africa

We leave for Jinja, Uganda to serve at the Amazima School on Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. This past week we have filled out lists every morning of all that we needed to do, rushed around all day trying to get everything done, and collapsed in bed at night, thinking what more do we need to do tomorrow. We have attended church on Sunday and the Bible Study on Wednesday night, eaten at local Mesquite restaurants, slept in our bed at home, cleaned the house and washed dishes, loaded up our weekly supply of reverse-osmosis-treated water, and completed all the typical, daily chores for the “last time.” We have said goodbyes with smiles, laughter, and tears.

This past month we celebrated Christmas just with our children. We sold our car to our daughter. We loaded more boxes in the storage unit. We gave away another unnecessary piece of furniture to the thrift store. We celebrated Thanksgiving at the house of Denny’s sister, like we always have since we came to Nevada, and told everyone even though we would not be back for Thanksgiving next year we would be back for Christmas.

This past fall we went to Atlanta for training. We met three other amazing couples who will be going to Uganda with us. We saw Kelly and Danlyn again, the couple who hired us and is in charge of the house parents at Amazima. We were told of the amazing ways God has worked in the students at the school this year. We were instructed on what to bring and what to leave behind, on the importance of thanking and affirming those who mean so much to us, and on the absolute necessity to protect and preserve each other in our marriage, doing the best we can, with all of our shortcomings, to share Christ’s love and grace.

We met new friends in Mesquite. Pastor Dan Rhoades of Community Christian Church sat down with us and we talked about the journey God is leading us on. In love and kindness, he welcomed us to speak at his church and share with the congregation what God was doing at Amazima and how we were going to become part of it.  In true generosity, the congregation gave us an offering to support our needs in Africa. Even more, Pastor Dan went on to write about us in his regular article for the local newspaper.

We were treated to a fabulous tamale dinner and blessed with an incredible silent auction and fun baked-goods live auction by our dear friends in our church. People we see every week. We talk casually with them. We smile and give them hugs when we greet them. We pray for them; they pray for us. People who are part of our routine, yet when presented with this anything-but-routine path that God is calling us on, showed us how truly special they are, how God has filled their hearts with charity and kindness, and how quickly they are to show God’s love and mercy.   

We visited old friends and family in Iowa. People we cherish and love deeply. The ones we ache for and will miss terribly.

This past year we have done everything with our eyes on the upcoming Wednesday morning. All of our decisions have been made in light of knowing we will be spending two years in Africa. All of our prayers have been focused on thanking God for this opportunity, listening to God for direction and understanding, and trusting God with all of our fears, concerns, and frustrations. Africa has been the focal point of all of our plans – what do we want to do before we go, what might we be able to do when we’re there, and what might it be like after two years. Our conversations have invariably discussed Africa. Where are you going? What will you be doing? When do you go? 

Now the day is here. Are we excited? More than you could possibly know. We cannot wait to get to Amazima and begin the work in front of us. We cannot stand, however, the thought of not being with all of those who mean so much to us. This past year has brought home to us how many incredible people we have in our lives. We thank all of you so much. Our hearts are breaking at the thought of being separated from you, but know that you are going with us in our thoughts, prayers, and hopes. God bless all of you. Thanks be to God for all of you. Without you, Wednesday morning would not be possible.

Our next report will come from Africa . . .