hardship and the love song of a Savior.

I had aspirations to make this blog informative, picture-filled, and full of life and story of my experience in Uganda. That may still happen.

But the truth is that I’ve been struggling to reflect, get it down on paper. And I am starting to realize that’s because God has been doing a lot of work in my heart post-Africa to help me see the work of His hands that He demonstrated to me while I was there…

I’ve been home for less than two weeks, and in these two weeks I have simply felt ‘stripped’… Stripped of a schedule, stripped of my VA family and mentor, stripped of my home, stripped of life consistencies like my health and car, stripped of a special relationship to me… I thought I felt alone and out of my comfort zone in Africa… and I counted on coming home for a sense of peace, comfort, and healing from that… And it didn't play out that way for me.

And God has MORE in store for me than comfort.

He is MORE than that. His purpose is bigger than making me feel good.

These days I feel like nothing stands still long enough to lean on or count on it being there when you turn back around. But God says,

“Kate, I know the plans I have for you… Plans to prosper you and harm you… I work everything according to my good and perfect will… I will never leave nor forsake you… I am the way, the truth, and the life… Remember that I sent my Son to the cross for you, that you will always be forgiven and in this never-ending love relationship with ME… I am the same yesterday, today, and forevermore… I am your Rock, lean on ME with all you are… The world will not defeat you, as Christ has overcome the world… You are my child, and I love you…”

It is the love song of the Savior.

Though the storms waters rise, and all I want is the shore… Somehow, though my vision is blurred and my legs seemingly broken, I will look to Him and will walk for His glory.

As for reflecting on Africa, it is still my hope to share those stories with you. I am beginning to realize God may have wanted me to have this "lens" of life perspective to look through before I half-heartedly poured out the story on paper when I just wasn't simply ready... Whatever the days bring, may the King get all the glory.

my farewell to America.

Myyy word.

It's here.

The days that I have been anticipating, trying to wrap my limited human mind around, with hopes that I could somehow prepare more for my time in Africa. The Lord alone knows what is in store, and appropriately I am joyfully relying on Him as the ultimate provider. There's such a peaceful sense of freedom in really letting go of my own control and surrendering it unto the God who is sovereignty and omnipotent. And I know that if I do cling to something... God has a clever way of teaching me to rely on Him. So pray that I surrender the first time around ;)

So AFRICA. I fly out at 10pm. No promise of contact back to the states until perhaps July 13 when I'm in Kenya. But I'm contemplating holding out... Really diving into the full experience of being disconnected from the comforts and connectedness of the United States... And really embracing God's encounter for me in Africa.

Well friends, it's about time that I say farewell. I am super excited. Fly tonight, London tomorrow, fly tomorrow night, AFRICA Wednesday morning!

Yayyyyy! :)

Well, America... See you in three weeks!

Uganda... Get ready for me to fall in love with you :)

Friends and family... I count you as blessings, will miss you, and look forward to sharing this journey with you.

God... It's me and You.

Let the journey continue........

declares the Lord.

God has each of us on a journey. A journey has character. It is unique. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end.

God tells Jeremiah, "For I know the plans I have for you."

God set me on my journey long ago when He formed me, when He placed me in certain circumstances, when He used everything and everyone around me as well as His spirit to whittle away - as a fine Creator does - all that was, is, and will be me. The journey of my life has had valleys, and it is has had great mountaintops. And I will praise the Lord forevermore for all that He has done according to His good and perfect will.

Next step of the journey: Uganda.

You're reading this because you know that I am taking a journey to Mbale, Uganda, with my travels starting on June 29. There I will be working as a willing spirit to be both hands and feet, serving whatever and wherever I am needed. I've been soaking in wisdom from the organization I am traveling with, diving into the provided reading materials, watching a DVD showing exactly where I will be.

But there is only so much to be known, so much to expect, so much to specifically hope for.

Do I know not? Expect not? Or hope not?

No. I just do each of those things in specific ways.

While I do wish to be safe, my biggest prayer and heart's desire is not safety. My prayer, expectation, and hope is this: That God be glorified in it all.

God has a plan for me as I head to Uganda for two weeks to do His work. I know not what it is, and so I simply pray for a willing spirit, an open mind, and sensitive and moldable heart. I walk in faith.

I have a plan for you, declares the Lord.