I left Uganda on a high. In my journal I called Uganda my redemption month. Africa was not exactly what I thought it was going to be and as the saying goes, the third time is the charm. Uganda became my charm for Africa. We had an awesome time as a team as well as with our ministry. Things started slowly but we found a way to make ourselves useful and helped build and paint a playground for a children’s home (Please visit the Potter’s Village web site at http://pottersvillage.org.uk/ and check out this great ministry). On our last day in Kisoro, Uganda we found out that our week long camp that we were headed to in Kampala had been canceled. Alright God, what is going on? Well what we didn’t realize was how much we needed a rest. Here and there we have taken a day but never have we had more than two or three days time. It was much needed, thank you God! The week of Ireland flew by and then we headed off to Kiev, Ukraine. We had a nights rest before our 9 hour train ride to Odessa then next day. This month we are working with street children and helping out with english classes. So far so good! The things that I am working on right now and need prayer about are post race plans, learning to enjoy these last few months with my amazing family, last minute finances (still about $1000 needed before heading home), and a ministry for next month. Thank you all for your continued support as well as your prayers! Much love, Auston 　 　
From Uganda we traveled back to Nairobi, Kenya for the fourth time. This was supposed to be a day and a half but because our bus was 7 hours late we had only time to rest and get last minute African souvenirs before our 2AM flight to Ireland via Turkey. Our flight from Istanbul was overbooked so we left a few lucky ones behind and arrived in the nice green country of Ireland! There were 5 squads and many alumni here for a The Awakening conference. This was a three day conference to awaken our hearts, meet other racers, worship, and get revived. I loved it but had a hard time with Ireland. This is the first time on the race that it reminded me of home. It was almost as if God was preparing for what home might look like in a few months. I learned more than anything this week that I have to continue seeking Him even when things are good and bad and even when you feel you are being pushed in a thousand directions! When I think I have finally gotten “it� (whatever it may be) I can fall quickly! Good thing God is always there picking me up and wiping away the dirt from my knees.
I am currently writing about the fact that I have nothing to write about. It is not that I am not doing anything or that God is not speaking. How do you put into words everything that goes on in day, much less a week, or even a month? In the last three weeks, I have left Uganda, traveled to Kenya, spent one week in Ireland, came to the Ukraine, and now settled in a flat in Odessa. This is only the traveling part, I mean there is the whole concept of what we did in each of the places, the things I have done, the spiritual aspect of ministry and what God is teaching me, my responses to these things or the lack of them etc. A lot can happen in three weeks that is for darn sure!
So now that I am out of Africa and with semi-stable internet, there is no excuse for not posting more about what is going on! So here it is- loud and clear and for all to read…I am well and doing great! There have been some ups and downs these last few weeks but what I have learned is that this is good for growth. Yes, a little lame, but it’s legit.
