First, let me tell you about the engagement :D
Two weeks ago Justin, my boyfriend at the time (hehe) landed here in Uganda. We were so excited about two weeks together full of service, fun, and travel. The second full day Justin was here we went with a small group of people to a restaurant along the Nile River where someone was bungee jumping. Justin, myself, and one of the teenagers, Eric, from GSF took a walk down to the banks of the Nile. Little did I know I was helping set up the perfect moment for an engagement hah I asked Eric to take a picture of Justin and I, and then when I turned around, Justin was down on one knee with a gorgeous ring proposing!! It was the most beautiful site, along the banks of the Nile River. I was so excited!! It has been so amazing that 10 months ago I met a man and talked about missions to African in our first conversation. Little did I know that God was weaving together an incredible path that would lead to an engagement in Africa less than a year later! It has been evident from the beginning of this relationship with Justin that God had brought us together and is directing our path.
Justin and I were able to have many adventures during his two weeks here. It was so so nice to actually take some time away to explore Uganda and enjoy a few days with away from the clinic. I absolutely love my work here, but a few days to reenergize really does the body good :)
ATVing
We were on a ATV Safari one night through Ugandan villages and along the Nile. We were able to see so much more of village life and the dam along the Nile River. We finished the night with a true Ugandan meal at one of the houses in the village. It was a fun adventure with many people from GSF.
Safari
This was a quick but amazing experience! We jam-packed three days full of animal and nature seeing craziness! haha Justin and I traveled with another engaged couple- Casia, another missionary at GSF, and Michael whose last name is actually Pearson (just like Justin!) So we referred to ourselves as the Pearsons during out travels :) We were able to see some many of God's amazing creations! Rhinos, giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, baboons, chimpanzees, and a lion!! It was so humbling seeing God's creations all living in harmony as God created... Elephants, hippos, and warthogs all right next to each other down by the water. God is so creative! So many colors of animals, such beautiful creatures! We were also able to hike up Murchison Falls, a massive and powerful waterfall along the Nile River. So beautiful!
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding....
Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
that a flood of waters may cover you?
Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go
and say to you, ‘Here we are’?...
Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
when they crouch in their dens
or lie in wait in their thicket?
Who provides for the raven its prey,
when its young ones cry to God for help,
and wander about for lack of food?
(Job 38:4, 34-35,39-41 ESV)
Murchison Falls
In front of all the hippos! There were tons!
During the hike to the top of Murchison Falls
We saw a lion!!! We were soooo close
The mom and baby were not shy... they ran feet away from us as we waited for the ferry
Besides just getting to spend time with Justin, the biggest blessing over these two weeks was watching Justin love on all the little kids! It was so wonderful to just sit and play with the kids. He quickly shared my love for each and every child here...so much so I think he would have packed a few if he could have gotten away with it! God definitely used this time to grow our desire to do longterm missions together! I am very excited to see everything that God has in store for us down the road.
Seddie, an adorable 4 year old we loved on a lot!
Being overtaken by toddlers!! They all wanted some love.
Seddie having a serious conversation with Justin :)
I am so grateful for everything I experienced over these past two weeks. Its been a time of rest, rejuvenation, adventure, growing together with Justin, and growing towards Christ. Thank you for all the prayers, thoughts, and well wishes towards Justin's trip here and our engagement. So thankful for such amazing support!
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
(Philippians 4:4 ESV)
