A Story in Photos...

This isn't going to be a typical blog post...but the past month hasn't been typical either! Lots of people have inquired and are eager to hear about how life has been on this side of the world. Long story short, it has been fabulous!

Growing up, Mom used to always tell me that a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is a story in pictures (and just a few added words).

Mom came to visit the first week of July!

She was able to finally meet Eric and get a glimpse into our life in Uganda.

We introduced her to my Ugandan church family...

and later that week, the girls threw a surprise bridal shower for me.

Eric and I took Mom to Ndere Cultural Center to give her a different look at the many cultures that inhabit Uganda and East Africa.

Then, it was off to Kenya--final preparations for the wedding!

 Finally, on July 15, it was the wedding of the year...

and we spent a few extra days in Mombasa for our honeymoon.

We returned to Uganda and were warmly welcomed by the ICD family.

It has been a beautiful season here but we know it is just the beginning of an even more beautiful journey together.  Thank you for your support and prayers--it is a comfort knowing that we aren't facing this life alone and that there is a team of supporters that are daily lifting us up to God as we now begin this adventure of serving and glorifying Him together.

Much love to you all, from Eric and Melissa

Scratching the Surface...

For most of the evening I have found myself staring at a blank computer screen.  I have started to type several times only to find myself reaching for the delete button.

I don’t know where to start.
I know that I need to blog—after all, God has me on the most amazing journey I could have never imagined.  Why not write about it, right?  If only it were that easy. 

It has been nearly a month since arriving in Uganda.  The moment I stepped off the plane and smelled the distinct and familiar Ugandan air, I felt God reassuring me that this is the exact place He intends for me to be.  Before leaving Raleigh, fellow international missionaries warned me that this was going to be an emotionally bumpy ride.  I heard their advice and prepared for the road ahead as best as I knew how.  But how does one prepare for that which you know nothing about?  God had given me a glimpse into my new life, but there were so many details yet to be revealed.  

A typical day here begins with a devotional and prayer time with Pastor Raphael and his wife, Ms. Allen.  Afterwards, I have a short walk to school, where I teach three students who have recently begun attending.  Most days after school, I have a friend come by the school to tutor me in Luganda (the language spoken here in Busega). Then, several nights each week, there are Bible studies at church.

On the surface, the days here do not seem too exceptional or overwhelming—it is similar to a typical work day in America.  However, the days and the tasks are anything but ordinary.  I will try to explain…

My days begin with a very special time of prayer with two very special people.  This couple is, no doubt, anointed by God and they are exceptional spiritual leaders—to myself, their children, the surrounding community, and the local church that they pastor.  Sometimes, our time together in the morning is brief.  We may update each other on how we are feeling spiritually, pray, and be on our way.  I am happy to say that most mornings are not that way.   Our time together is precious.  We discuss scriptures, open our hearts with one another, share our burdens, and lift each other up in prayer.  I am so blessed to have these wonderful followers of Christ by my side on this journey.  I am thankful for their genuine friendship, their encouragement and advice, their sincere hearts for loving me, and their enjoyable sense of humor.

Next is my walk to and from school.  I imagine it could be easy to overlook the blessings and opportunities God reveals during my short walk, but that would also be disappointing.  Truth is, God is beyond time.  He is using my morning and evening commute to shine His light in the darkness. 

At first glance, you may see a painful life of poverty.  You may see devastation, neglect, and hopelessness.   But despite the outward appearance, God is here. It is along this orange road that little ones stare at my unfamiliar skin tone.  Maamas quickly wave hello and boda drivers take second looks.  My grocery shopping is done here and God is helping me build relationships with store owners as He softens their hearts and draws them to Himself.  Ministry can be accomplished in a variety of ways.  God has shown me that showing love to His people is most effective and He is giving me plenty of opportunities to do just that.  I look forward to my walks every day.  There is always someone new to see and familiar faces fill me with joy.

As I walk through the school gates each day, I never know what I am going to encounter, though I am guaranteed to be hugged by some of the most beautiful children I know.  Three of my kiddoes have just joined the school in February (Alpha, Peace, and Jessy).  Before that, neither of them had ever been in school, nor had they been taught any form of language.  All three are struggling to understand this new environment and have no idea what is now expected of them.  What is worse, they don’t have a language by which to explain to them the concept of school and the reason behind all of the work we are putting before them.  I have spent a lot of time with each of them over the past month.  We have had our ups and downs, that is for sure.  We are currently dealing with some behavioral issues and there are days when I am not sure God has equipped me with the level of patience necessary for this area of ministry.  There have been several days when I have simply run out of ideas and energy.  I have nowhere to turn except to God.  It is my daily prayer that He help me to see these children through His eyes.  Without fail, His faithfulness prevails and I am able to see myself in each of them.  Once, I was rebellious.  I was being swallowed by my sin and God loved me anyway.  He loved me to life and that is exactly what He is calling me to do with these babies—love them and lead them to eternal life with Him.

After school, I have been blessed with the sweetest (and very patient) young man named James.  He is a dear friend of the Kajjubis and has taken on the task of tutoring me in Luganda.  Learning the language and ‘becoming a Ugandan’ has been a goal for me while doing ministry here. Unfortunately, I had no idea how hard it was going to be!  James is great and we have a good time together—probably more fun for him, laughing at my utter confusion and mispronunciations.  Most days I am very motivated and eager to learn as much as possible.  But to be honest, there are some days when I really wish that it was not so difficult and time-consuming.  Some days I wish there was some magical button to push and ‘Poof!’ I will be fluent in Luganda!  Then reality comes swooping back and I have to ask God for more patience again.

This whole ‘depend on God’ thing is becoming a common theme in my life.   I had a feeling it would be.

In my short time here, I have begun to discover God’s plan for me, but I feel like I have only scratched the surface.  Days are filled with joy, freckled with frustration, and illuminated by God’s presence.

There is so much more that I want to share, but the words just aren’t there yet.  For now, please know that God is doing an amazing work here in Busega.  Amidst the pain and poverty, He is transforming hearts and lives. He is calling me to deeper dependence on Him and is molding me into the woman He desires me to be. 

I pray that my heart and my life will be clay in His hands. 

I pray for the people of Busega, to take hold of His hands that are reaching down to them, offering abundant life.
I pray that God’s will be done here.

An Update:

It has been a little while since I last posted an update on my move to Uganda, so this is what has been happening recently:

Earlier this summer I came across a ministry out of Alabama called Lifeline Children's Services.  They work heavily in domestic and international adoptions. Another part of their ministry includes a Deaf school in Uganda.  After several closed doors with other Deaf schools in Uganda, I had a really good feeling about this one.  I contacted Lifeline and talked to one of the directors that oversees their ministry in Uganda. I went through an interview process and during several conversations with Lifeline, I was able to ask questions. This helped me get an understanding of where they stand, missionally, spiritually, etc.
From a distance, this school looked and sounded like a great fit.  I wanted to be confident that this was the place God wanted me, so in September I had the pleasure of joining a ministry team from Kansas on a trip to Uganda.  We served at Busega Community School for the Deaf (BCSD) for one week.  I met the pastor and staff at the school and fell in love with them and the students. 

Going into the trip I wanted to be very intentional about prayerfully seeking God's will and direction.  He made it very clear to me that BCSD was the place for me.
Once returning to Raleigh at the end of October, I began working on the next-steps of planning my return trip to Uganda.  That included researching and creating a monthly budget; meeting with Lifeline and Journey Church to discuss details, logistics and timing; and continuous prayer.
The new school year in Uganda begins in February.  Therefore, that is the target for returning full-time.
I am currently focusing my time on building a team of ministry partners.  This includes financial supporters and spiritual supporters.  My spiritual support team understands that this ministry is a product of God's call and that Christ is at the center.  They love Jesus and strive to make Him famous both here and in Uganda by committing to pray for God's will and restoration of hearts.  Financial supporters believe in what God is doing in Uganda.  They understand the Great Commission and recognize that God has uniquely qualified them to participate in His ministry through financial support.  They commit to faithfully serve and worship Christ through their giving.
I believe that God is doing amazing work in Uganda and I would love to have you as part of my team to win hearts for Christ.  If you feel lead to join either of my ministry teams, please let me know.  Together, we can share Jesus with deaf children in Uganda and watch God change a nation.

This is a summarized account of where God has lead me up until now.  The process is far from over.  There is still a lot of work to do and I promise to keep pressing on in order that these Deaf children in Uganda know and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  I believe that God has a plan for each of their lives.  I trust that, even through their pain, God has been with them and will continue to be with them. I love these kids and it is reassuring to know that God loves them even more. 

Thank you for following my journey to Uganda and thank you for selflessly partnering with me through prayer and financial support.