We're Back From Uganda!

Hello friends and family! I just returned from our trip to Uganda this past Wednesday night and it was AmAzInG!!! I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to go and so appreciative of everyone that helped me raise money for my expenses. For all my blessings, I am eternally grateful.

Funny how my life has come to this point. Five years ago I would have never imagined our family would be involved in work in Africa and adopting from Uganda. But my faith is in God and I believe with all my heart that His ways are good and always best. I've learned to follow the Holy Spirit's promptings and to rely on Him - even when it's not part of "my" plan.

Photo Credit:
Justin Becker

I think we sometimes get so comfortable with our lives that we forget that there are hurting people around us and abroad that we can be a blessing to, and in turn we are blessed. I believe we are all called to "step outside of our box" and to reach out to others. That doesn't always mean in a third world country, either. There's lots of hurting people here in our own town. If we just take time to search out needs, there is always an area that we can be of service in. I think doing for others is also a valuable lesson to teach our children, as well. Today's kids are brought up in a take-take world and not many are taught to give, and to give sacrificially. So much true joy can be found in doing for others and taking our eyes off of ourselves.

I was so scared the first time I went to Uganda. I cried and didn't want to go, but I knew God was calling me. So many "what if's" kept popping up in my head and before I knew it, I was making my calling about me and not about Him. Going to Uganda had nothing to do with me and I had to be humbled and realize that I was going to do God's work. People keep telling me that I'm brave and they are proud of me for going when in reality, I'm not. My strength totally comes from God and He has taken away my fears. This second trip to Uganda is a total testament to that.

Photo credit: Justin Becker

It will take me a while, but I'll gradually add pics and videos from our trip here on my blog. If you've ever thought about going on a missions trip but a thousand excuses come to your head, please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. If He has called you, He will equip you and provide a way for you to go. The experience can be truly life-changing and you never know who you might be robbing a blessing from by you not going. Go with God!