We’re happy to be touching base with you from Canada! We
have been missing Uganda very much. The memories of our dear friends there is
fresh in our minds and we really miss our daily interactions with them. This
transitioning thing is a challenge but over time we know we will manage!
We also wanted to thank you for your prayers for us
regarding our flight home and everything surrounding that. Our greatest concern
of course was Seth being so terribly sick the day we left. We were able to get
the right medicine for him before we left and his fever was under control
before we headed out for the airport. His diarrhea? Bless his heart, he never
had any accidents along the way but we did need to RUN to the bathroom in the
Entebbe airport during security checks and all other line ups (extensive in
international travel) more than ten times. But miraculously as soon as we
boarded the plane his stomach slowed down and he had no more emergencies during
the journey. He was a real trooper and never complained! And another miracle to
report is when we went through London although they allow liquids of any size
for babies, when they saw Seth’s antibiotics in the diaper bag they said, ‘This
medication needs to have a label on it listing the patient’s name, the doctor’s
name and the prescription, otherwise we can’t allow it.’ We explained that in Uganda they don’t do
that and that had an infection in his blood and after a small conference they
allowed it through!!!! The alternatives would have been horrendous so we are so
thankful!
So now we are in the middle of the bridge… the space between
two destinations… between two scenarios within which we live out our faith. And
we’re finding, though it is unique, it is the same on the bridge as it is at
both ends; living out our faith is still the main thing! We’re seeking god for
grace every day to finish well in our hearts with Uganda and to begin well here
as we wait for what he has next for our family. We really appreciate your
prayers right now. Being between jobs is certainly not Mark’s favorite hobby!
Thankfully in this season the kids are doing great! Seth and Jodie are really
enjoying reconnecting with their cousins and little friends in Canada as well
as ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles’ who have been so caring of them every time we’ve seen
them. And the cold weather doesn’t seem to be daunting them. They want to be
outside every day. They bundle up appropriately and out they go to hike, play
at the park, slide, or make snow angels. That’s been really great for me and
Mark. Little Meggie is teething seriously so you can pray for her as she
battles through the nights… she wakes a lot and is quite frustrated.
For now we will sign off with praises and prayer requests
and a few observations at the end to make you smile.
We’ll be keeping you posted! God bless!
Mark, Sarah, Seth, Jodie, and Megan
Now, for a few observations!
You know you’re back
in North America when……
Ø
The
strongest smell in your shower is your shampoo.
Ø
The ants
actually do come marching only two by two
Ø
It is
possible to consider taking your coffee in a to go cup if necessary
Ø
All of the
dirt on your body is self-generated
Ø
You hear
two beeps outside your house and get halfway to the door before realizing no
one is ‘at the gate’
Ø
You climb
in the passenger side of the car to drive. (Don’t get caught doing this. It’s
very embarrassing to climb out, walk around and get back in.)
Ø
You look
around for the baby’s mosquito net before realizing she doesn’t need one.
Ø
You can
look out your window and hear nothing (Seth said, ‘Look out there, Mom. Even
the smoke is quiet!’)
Ø
No one
stands uncomfortable close to you in the check-out line (personal space is a
foreign concept in Uganda)
Ø
The sparse
pedestrians cross the road mostly in the crosswalks
Ø
You have
to pump your own gas (but you don’t wonder if you got cheated)
