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.

a heart's preparation.

Friends,

I don't know if I have mentioned this yet, but I am actually moving locally here in northern Virginia just two days before I fly out to Africa. In addition to that, I will be saying goodbye to the people that have been my incredible family and mentors to me in many ways over the last year. (Being an Air Force family, they are relocating all the way to Alaska and start that process while I a out of the country.)

With that said, I spent yesterday packing slowly for Africa as I sorted through the emotions of saying goodbye to people so dear to me, anticipating a change in my home, and trying to focus on what there is in store for me in Uganda and all the encounters surrounding it.

I have been intentional about having quiet times to pray as I sort through thoughts and emotions of what is to come. There is a lot on my plate, and the weight will continue to be heavy over these next few days.

If you could please be praying along with me, I am praying for a supernatural peace, sense of truth and freedom, focus on the eternal things of the Kingdom, and comfort in resting in the arms of the Lord through every twist and turn. May God get all the glory in this time of surrendering so much of my comforts and security unto Him.

The song that's been speaking a lot of truth to my heart over the last week,

"With every breath, with every thought
From what is seen to the deepest part
I offer all that I've come to be
To know Your love fathering me

Father You're all I need
My soul's sufficiency
My strength when I am week
The love that carries me
your arms enfold me, till I am only
A child of God

With every step on this journey's walk
And wisdom's songs that the soul has sought
I give myself unreservedly
To know Your love fathering me"

Vineyard's "Child of God"