Moving to Uganda meant a lot of changes for our family. Of course there are sacrifices at many levels. You give up every day conveniences. You get rid of earthly treasures that you've accumulated over a life time. You feel like an outsider because you are. There are many things, big and small. Being the parent of 3 teens, I am acutely aware of how different their lives are from their peers.
In many ways, I am grateful for the differences. Their lives are being used by the Lord. They've done more than most people ever get the opportunity to do. They've got stories that could last their entire life times. Obviously, I pray that they have more stories of serving God in this grand adventure because their book is just at the beginning, but already it's an interesting read.
Their life isn't even really like many other missionary kids. We don't have a community of missionaries that we serve along side. They don't go to an international school. They don't participate in ex-pat activities. They are the only "white" kids in their entire communities. They are the only ones that are "home schooled". They are the only ones that are in "secondary" school.
I know that God did not get surprised by any of this. He knew this would be their life before it ever began. When they are adults, they'll get to have other adventures and they'll eventually have people around them that they can relate to in a different way than they relate to all the kids at our ministry.
One thing I love is that God still provides some of the simple things that are necessary. Today, I have a perfect example of that.
Tyler needed braces. How on earth do you get orthodontic treatment when you live in a third world country? It's not like you can fly somewhere every 4-6 weeks for the appointments. And what about when you break off a bracket or the wire needs to be trimmed?
Great news! Right here in Uganda, there is a lovely orthodontist that is professional and well trained. Her facilities are modern, clean, and up to date. There's no AC or anything that "modern", but it is a fabulous office. Her bedside manner is wonderful and we loved her from the first consultation.
Today, Tyler got braces!!
The same day, Raegan got to have a little fun. If she went to public school in American, this wouldn't be possible, but here in Uganda, there are no rules. :) In addition to a great orthodontist, God has provided great hair stylists. We originally were seeing an Australian lady who did a great job on all of our hair cuts, but now she's moving. Her husband took a job with a ministry based out of Fort Worth, TX, so they're leaving this month. (Talk about a small world...they're moving to the town that I grew up in!!!)
Now, we're getting our hair styling done by a lovely American lady. Raegan had decided that she wanted a new style and to try some color just for fun. I sent a text message and our new friend said she had time to do it today, so we headed over there after the orthodontist appointment.
Now, Raegan has bangs and blue streaks!
Obviously the color isn't a necessity, but that makes it even better. I love that the Lord cares about the little desires of our hearts. He provides what we need and some of what we want. Right here in Uganda, we can find little things that break up the monotony, give us glimpses of familiarity, or just a reason to smile.
For example, we also had ice cream today. Not ice cream made from milk powder, but real ice cream!
In many ways, I am grateful for the differences. Their lives are being used by the Lord. They've done more than most people ever get the opportunity to do. They've got stories that could last their entire life times. Obviously, I pray that they have more stories of serving God in this grand adventure because their book is just at the beginning, but already it's an interesting read.
Their life isn't even really like many other missionary kids. We don't have a community of missionaries that we serve along side. They don't go to an international school. They don't participate in ex-pat activities. They are the only "white" kids in their entire communities. They are the only ones that are "home schooled". They are the only ones that are in "secondary" school.
I know that God did not get surprised by any of this. He knew this would be their life before it ever began. When they are adults, they'll get to have other adventures and they'll eventually have people around them that they can relate to in a different way than they relate to all the kids at our ministry.
One thing I love is that God still provides some of the simple things that are necessary. Today, I have a perfect example of that.
Tyler needed braces. How on earth do you get orthodontic treatment when you live in a third world country? It's not like you can fly somewhere every 4-6 weeks for the appointments. And what about when you break off a bracket or the wire needs to be trimmed?
Great news! Right here in Uganda, there is a lovely orthodontist that is professional and well trained. Her facilities are modern, clean, and up to date. There's no AC or anything that "modern", but it is a fabulous office. Her bedside manner is wonderful and we loved her from the first consultation.
Today, Tyler got braces!!
The same day, Raegan got to have a little fun. If she went to public school in American, this wouldn't be possible, but here in Uganda, there are no rules. :) In addition to a great orthodontist, God has provided great hair stylists. We originally were seeing an Australian lady who did a great job on all of our hair cuts, but now she's moving. Her husband took a job with a ministry based out of Fort Worth, TX, so they're leaving this month. (Talk about a small world...they're moving to the town that I grew up in!!!)
Now, we're getting our hair styling done by a lovely American lady. Raegan had decided that she wanted a new style and to try some color just for fun. I sent a text message and our new friend said she had time to do it today, so we headed over there after the orthodontist appointment.
Now, Raegan has bangs and blue streaks!
Obviously the color isn't a necessity, but that makes it even better. I love that the Lord cares about the little desires of our hearts. He provides what we need and some of what we want. Right here in Uganda, we can find little things that break up the monotony, give us glimpses of familiarity, or just a reason to smile.
For example, we also had ice cream today. Not ice cream made from milk powder, but real ice cream!
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