Not Alone

"There's a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious." 

C.S. Lewis

I can't think of better words than those above for this time in my life. My heart has been ministered to like never before in the past few weeks. I've been surrounded and uplifted by so many people, prayed over, loved on, and filled up. In the teacher world..."my bucket is full." From the Bible... "my cup runs over." 

My church in Iowa City rose to the occasion and now stands behind me in love and prayer and support. I'm thrilled to represent Jesus on behalf of them and report back about how God is using their faithfulness in Iowa to grow his kingdom in Uganda. It's exciting and hope-filled. Yet this is not something I take lightly...

commissioning service; June 30th, 2013

In the past two weeks, I've spent every moment possible with those dear, sweet ones who have made this year back in the States feel like home again. Those ones who have walked faithfully alongside me and beautifully let me in to their lives, as well. Friends who I've known for years upon years...and friends who I only just met but feel like I've known my whole life...those who have changed my life forever for the better. 

We celebrate life beginning (baby boy coming soon!) and life continuing.

She let's me be honest and speaks truth in return.

They show me Jesus.

She gives me one of the greatest gifts ever: laughter. 
And sends me out with the second greatest gift: a year's worth of letters.

I can hardly find the words to express my deep gratitude for their ministry of friendship to me. Life-giving, joy-bringing. It's the kind of happiness that fills me with seriousness and reverence. They are my people. And that's that.

be still my heart

I feel the weight of this privilege. Entering into relationships... being a part of this greater family... and being sent out for the sake of the Gospel. It's no small endeavor, and though some days it feels like the loneliest life I could be living, I know without a doubt that I'm not going alone. 

Christ goes before me.
I have a team to walk beside me.
And all these, plus many, many more, stand behind me.