We’ve been in the city since Saturday evening; feeling the highs and lows of enjoying the good life while realizing that it’s not all you imagine it to be while you’re in the jungle. Saddest of all, for me, is the lack of good internet connection this time round - one of my top reasons for coming to Kampala is to research things long overdue (by internet), download new songs, and get online chats with friends . . . .I’m frustrated that none of that has been able to happen.
But in the meantime we have been enjoying great food; Chinese and Lebanese, for example. And David has begun the endless errands of Kampala. Making relationships at the Ministry of Education has been particularly important, though replacing shredded tires and buying groceries are high up there too! Naomi got her chipped tooth fixed, beautifully, by a Canadian dentist that has been in Uganda since before I was born. God provides amazingly. I will post pictures of her new face; she is so happy, the big gap in her mouth was really bothering her.
I am also doing a lot of reading and thinking. I just finished the book on contemplative ministry by Mark Yaconelli and wonder ” how can we apply that here?” Things always look simple in theory but complicated in application, especially against cultural norms. I am also reading several books about feminism, women, and the failures of the church. All of this is simmering around as I contemplate how to encourage our Ugandan women and girls through the muck and mire of valuing themselves, seeing God’s value for them, and living with unfair assessments and treatments by the men and often the churches, around them.

The highlight of my time here has been a wonderful conversation with my good friend, Dana, catching up on the news of her three little ones and sharing my own life. We just passed the two year anniversary of our entrance to missionary life, to Ugandan life. I realize that in some ways I feel ready to be done, instead of to be just beginning. I am sad how much of my relationships at home I am missing. Sad that two of my best friends babies are growing fast without my hugs. Sad that I am not there to see the gestation of my longest friend, to see her glow, in person. And aware that I am not cultivating these friendships well, that I am having trouble loving people well across the miles and that perhaps I risk losing some of what I hold most dear because of my life here.

And even here, relationships are hard in these conditions, as they are hard, always! Pray particularly this week for David and I to love each other well despite all the stresses. Pray for good times of talking and hearing each other, of truly being present to our children, of loving into our extended family and friends who are so sorely neglected by us. Most of all, of course, that we would be available to our Lover who longs to meet with us and to heal and help our hearts.