A beautiful African Sunrise greets us as we head out on the long drive to Kampala. As if to say everything will be ok. It’s such a beautiful scene outside my window. The sunset is accompanied with a green and yellow landscape. A light mist still lingers among the trees before the Ugandan heat drives it away. Little huts are scattered across the land, smoke rising from the fires of mothers cooking their breakfasts. So many goodbyes have been said and a lot of tears have been shed. It feels a little unreal to leave a place that has become home and people that are family not knowing when I will return, but I trust the Lord. I know my times are in his hand. I know that this was the perfect time to be here and the perfect time for our departure. I don’t know exactly what lies ahead and this year is full of uncertainty. It’s hard to believe that 5 months have come and gone and it is already time for us to leave. So what do I know? I do know my God is faithful. So that makes me excited for what is ahead. As Heather and I move on to Nepal we are open and willing to do whatever He has for us there. Our desire is to spend some time in the remote village, Swara, sharing the love of Christ. Although this is our desire we want what the Lord has for us. Which might mean staying in Kathmandu, and helping out with whatever is needed. This might include things like babysitting, spending time at a girls home, cleaning, and organizing a possible new office. We are leaving Nepal sooner then we had originally intended to, and our trip to India was unfortunately canceled. That is life for you! To quote Pastor Chuck, “blessed are the flexible for they will not be broken.” That has kind of become a life motto. We will be coming back to the US at the end of this month. Thankfully the Lord has provided new nursing travel assignments for both of us starting the end of February. (3 month contracts to work as temporary staff at a hospital) Heather will be back in San Francisco and I will be back in LA for at least 3 months. We are sad to split up the act again, but are so thankful for the time we have been together serving the Lord. It is really awesome to have had my sister here to serve with and just be with. I am so grateful for the wisdom the Lord has given her and how we both learn from each other. Keep praying for us as we head out into a new environment. We are heading from a blazing hot summer into Nepali winter. Tuesday’s weather is a high of 57 and we have been living in the high 90s. Although we are looking forward to some cool weather, pray we don’t get sick from the weather change. Keep praying for our friends in Soroti and Midigo. I will list a few other prayer requests at the end of the blog. We really appreciate all the prayer and support we have received from all of you. God has really done a lot and I know it is because of prayer!
As 2017 is just beginning, my goal for this year and every year is simply this,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2
I pray that this would be your goal also as we begin this new year. I would encourage you to lay aside the things in your life that may be keeping you from walking strong. Lay aside things that are keeping you from fully surrendering to the Lord. It may seem like a huge sacrifice, but it is worth it. And if you really believe that God loves you, (as Heather talked about in the previous blog post) you will be able to trust him where ever he takes you. You will know that his love is a redeeming love and a love that wants what is best for you. It is a love that surpasses knowledge and with it comes perfect peace and sweet contentment no matter where you are or what your situation is. This my friends is worth more then all the money in the world. It is the one thing that satisfies the human craving for more. My prayer for all of you comes from Ephesians . The book we studied together as a family in Uganda.
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:14-21
I will sign off with a reminder that was looked at last night from our last devotion together.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, – Ephesians 6:10-18
Love to you all,
Courtney
PS Here is a list of prayer requests
🔹The Nurses and Midwives will remember what we have taught them
🔹The hospital would continue to grow and to be self sustaining
🔹The church to flourish and keep preaching the word
🔹The new school of ministry that is starting up here
🔹In Midigo pray for the refuge situation, for unity in the church, and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit
🔹Traveling mercies for us
🔹Wisdom and grace for whatever is ahead
🔹A smooth adjustment and no sickness