Letting My Hair Down...

Welcome to the rainy season!!

Excited to report that we have power AND water. WHAT?! Don’t ask….just be grateful…we must have done something right. Ha.

Lately, I look back at my days and ask myself “What did I do today?” I know I spend time with people and work…but really…the day goes on with so much stuff that I can’t even think of how much we actually do. I know we make a difference and shed light and love but exactly how? Well, just be being around.

My study this morning (I am doing a study on spiritual gifts) talked about how we all minister to people and lead people to Christ. We don’t all have to have the gift of “evangelism”. We lead people to Christ by our own specific gifts God has given us – serving, preaching, leading, etc. I knew this stuff but it was good to go over it again. Just last night I was saying to the Foresters that I never “lead” people to Christ, but because I’ve been in their life somehow they saw Christ and wanted that relationship. That’s kinda leading…but not the “You want Christ? Let me teach you how.”

It is good to have Simon back, though he wasn’t his normal self, we ALL appreciated his presence. There is something to him that brings people together….or maybe just our team is so close that one missing is totally felt. Anyways, everyone was pleased to see him. Parents even gathered to share their condolences. On our way home I asked him if realized we no longer are just ministering to people at Tegot but rather, we are now family. He agreed. Sweetness.

I let my hair down.

Literally.

The older girls, Aol, Sharon, Irene, etc., and I were sitting and laughing – primarily at me. I laughed with them…I mean who can’t? I then moved to sit with Isabella who was sitting by herself when someone started playing with my hair. We talked about how I wish I could get away with the short hairstyle they have. Well, I took my hair out of the holder and showed them what it looks like down. A bunch of the girls from my previous group and then some came over and started playing with my hair: smoothing it out, flipping it, braiding it, twisting it and just admiring it. (some boys too!) I have to say I wasn’t thrown off – my kids at PCLA would play with my hair, too. We talked, laughed and I just sat there getting my hair done a bit. Unfortunately, we had to get going….but the best of it all was when Aol was walking away heading home. She turned around and yelled (which is SO weird for her) “Christine!” to which I replied “Yes?” She then said “Bye!” waved and smiled. Might not be a big victory in the normal day to day things, but for Aol and me – it was. She has been on my heart a lot and I really want to minister to her. She is so kind, quiet, humble, obedient and reserved. I want to know what is going on in her head. I want her to know she is loved, beautiful and worth dying for. For real.

Ok, I am sitting in our living room with Ashley talking to her family on Skype – we both are sitting in the same room. Know how? We have real chairs, tables, shelves, dishes, good water….we live in a real house now. I am grateful that she “made” me spend money to get furniture. It feels nice to live in a house. I get excited. I am periodically laughing at her and her conversations…haha. I still believe that her mom and my mom need to be friends…they are so similar and cute. Both are addicted to our blogs. We both have the best biggest fans.

Ashley just promised that we are getting artwork on the walls….oh boy.

I have been thinking a lot lately of how to be Christ like to people with boundaries and respect. Stella has been really crossing boundaries and being disrespectful to my wishes. She comes super late, unannounced and recently left me a letter asking for school fees. It really bothers me. It makes me think that she has been nice to me for deceiving reasons. I can’t stand lies. Anyways, I asked Mama Miriam and Mary and they advised me that I have a reason to be concerned and need to set boundaries and be honest. I just have no desire to continue the relationship. I don’t want to be unChristlike to her, but I just feel she isn’t respectful and is deceitful. Pray for me on this.

Before the rain, we stopped over to get guac (which they gave to us for free since it was the last of it for the day and it was closing time – thanks Jessica!!) and then went to get some ice cream. Ashley is a bad influence on me….sheesh! : )

I again am excited for church tomorrow. The topic is continuing on how to love Muslims for Jesus. Very interesting. It is definitely making me think a lot and seek God’s face in it.

On that note, please pray for me and my focus. That I seek God in everything, be content where I am, serve faithfully, and love endlessly. I just can’t tell right now if what my heart is saying is from God or not. I don’t want to jump into anything…I want to go when called…be when asked…

I have an opportunity to possibly go to Sudan in two weeks with another missionary….pray…

Found the best cookies in Gulu for 2,000 shillings…YUMMY!!