Tis the Season of Gifts!
Merry Christmas! Hope you are having a wonderful time this season celebrating that Jesus Christ was born! It’s been so fun to share the Christmas story here with Ugandans and make some memories of celebrating this holiday in Africa!
As it’s the season of gifts I thought I’d take time to recognize a huge gift I’ve been given this year. It’s a gift I feel I’ve been unwrapping for the past 4 months. I keep receiving great blessings from it. It seems to be an endless pit of smiles, laughter and encouragement. From our first memory of laughing at a blown out tire, to chasing mice in Cambodia, to releasing lanterns in Thailand, to celebrating Thanksgiving in Vietnam up to singing Christmas carols in Uganda; these five individuals have made a lasting impact. I’m so thankful for the gift of being part of the Hungry Youngsters.
It’s such a blessing to fill time walking to and fro hearing about the ways they are seeing God in every place we visit. There have been so many moments of celebrating the growth of recognizing more of who God has created us to be. These individuals have challenged me, comforted me and taught me new things with each experience. These teammates have celebrated with me, we have laughed to tears, we have seen hard things and we have rejoiced in ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities. Through feedback, bible studies, prayer, daily life, adjusting to new countries and eating strange foods; I’ve enjoyed each moment to Race with them.
Just to give you a gist of those I’m traveling with…
Andrea is hailing from Ohio. She is our treasurer, not labeling her in that,but it does describe well that she is always on top of the ball. She always flocks to loving the children so well, practicing her future mom skills. You’d be surprised in meeting her that this is her first time abroad since she brushes off difficulty with her steadfast strength. She and I share the love for the outdoors and get rejuvenated by beautiful creation we see. Her jokes keep us laughing no matter how many times they are told.
Carli is one of our three Texans. But don’t let that fool you because she has been around this world and back again. Every day we discover a new talent she has as she knits away or picks up the piano and plays a few songs. She desires to learn and know more about various cultures. Her confidence is a contagious batch for me to grow from. Her discernment, compassion and grace has touched many people we have encountered.
Chase is also from Texas. He is shocking us each country by the strides he takes to grasp more of who God is molding him into. It’s so fun and encouraging to witness him embracing this race to learn new hobbies and gifts. He is Mr. Fixit and which has come in handy for broken fans we have encountered. Although he is a great hunter, don’t let that confuse you with the grave compassion he has and how he has a soft heart to make his life about serving others.
Megan would say she is from Arizona, but she is a fellow ‘move-a-lot-child.’ Her motherly care for children demonstrates the love God has for us. She has great insight and perseverance. There’s no injury or sickness that has distracted her from this Race. Her flexibility and encouragement has been key during the race always maintaining a positive attitude. We’ve established we would have been friends in high school which makes me smile!
Scott, is, surprise surprise, from Texas. This dancing machine keeps us singing as he sings any and every song to be our radio on long transportation trips. He keeps questions of the Bible fresh as he keeps it as a steady topic of conversation for our team. He has incredible wisdom and discernment. He strives for honesty and has kept me on my toes of being authentic and genuine with myself throughout the race.
So, I know this doesn’t do justice to who they are but it’s a brief explanation of those who I have the privilege to travel with and the amazing gift I have from being on this team. As I hear them speak, see them build relationships with those we meet and as they step into who God created them to be I’m blown away by the privilege it is to race with them. They’ve made this Christmas enjoyable and exciting!
Merry Christmas from Uganda!
