Team Gulu Christmas Party - What an adventure!!

I am noticing that any conversation or meeting here starts with complimenting and thank yous. Kinda like buttering you up....and it is very detailed and heartfelt. I am so used to straight to the point talk...oh boy. I always have to be "reminded" when someone else starts the process. I kinda feel like I should start it since I am the "leader" or "boss" or whatever....Simon always gets to it though so it helps me out.

Out of that I realized some neat things about Team Gulu and how they are so special to me.
First, Mary is the closest friend I have here...and by close friend I mean that I can go to her for anything. I know I have close friends at home to talk to through things but Mary is someone I can go to here. She is so honest, kind and open...and godly!! I really admire her and am so glad she is my friend. Her family makes me feel so loved and welcome.
Second, Simon truly does take the time and effort to protect me from any big or small thing that may come my way. He truly has a kind spirit and has an amazing relatinship with the LORD that it is almost like Jesus is right next to him at all times for him to go to and talk to. He has a very teachable heart.
Third, Pato is the most patient, calm and peaceful man I have ever met. I have never seen or experienced him losing his cool. He is very mild yet still passionate. When you hear about Jesus being with the children I picture Him to be much like Pato. Laughing, loving, listening, calm....but stern and absolutely respected.

Then this is the next thing I realized...I am SOOOOOOOOO grateful God healed me on my personal history with men. There was a lot of junk that hindered a lot. But since freedom in Christ is such a reality in my life I am able to have these amazing godly, brother relationships with men who are so part of the ministry God has lead me to and I absolutely love and adore them with all my heart. Praise Him for ALL things!!!

So our Team Gulu Christmas party....
We went to Diana's Garden to eat dinner. Before eating though, we shared encouraging thoughts with one another. It was sweet.
Then we ate.
Then we went to Acholi Inn to get sodas and hangout....and to let Simon and Pato go swimming....for the first time. It was special!! They never went swimming before and definitely had a great experience. It was so adorable to watch two grown men experience something they would have experienced as a child in my culture but were JUST getting it now. They acted like they were 8...it was sweet. It just reminds me again of how much the war stole childhood. Instead of jumping in pools they were running from bullets and machetes.

We had a great time of fellowship. It was sweet.

Now we will be apart for two weeks. Pray for everyone's travels, time with family, and work that still needs to be done on our "time off".

Praise Him!!!