Okay so apparently I'm a slow processor of all sorts of things such as feelings, decisions, and reality checks...
I say this because I've just sent Jean, a WGM VIA, on her way back to the USA after her 6 week ministry and time as my roommate. She did some pretty amazing stuff while back in Uganda, and I'm so thankful she was able to return here after her previous 3 years in ministry. Now she is headed into grad school and next steps for her life. You can read about her ministries in Uganda by clicking here.
But as I'm thinking about her departure, I also am realizing that -EEK- I too will departing Uganda this year (in December), and it is nearly the end of August! Time is FLYING!!
I was encouraged to already order my airplane tickets, so today I began the emailing process with our trusty travel agent (who gets us missionary discounts, PTL!). I made a comment to some of the missionaries that it felt so early to be ordering the tickets, but they were a little surprised I'd not already done so. So, apparently, I'm slow on that HMA plan.
And yet how can I plan for Christmas and those months in the USA when I'm still in the first week of the new school year?! My mind is divided- focusing on the classes I teach and the youth I'm ministering to, and trying to think & plan ahead.
Divided minds happen for a lot of missionaries, who have to transition their lives between ministry in their field to ministry in their home nation. It can be confusing and -well- who likes goodbyes?
As I mentally & emotionally process these next months and how to manage them, as well as managing and planning my travel and speaking schedule in the USA from Jan. till June, I definitely ask for your prayers.
But I also wonder, how will I get around? Last time I was in the USA, I had an amazing car available to me, Praise Jesus! But this time... well, I need a plan.
So, if you're praying with me/for me about my HMA time from Dec. (just before Christmas I'll fly out and spend the holidays with my Mom and part of my family) till the summer, will you also pray for the Lord to provide a good vehicle at a low cost? I don't know about you, but I suspect that since last winter the US had such mild weather and even an extra dry/hot summer, it could well be that the 2013 winter- while I need to be out on the roadways- will be a bit rough. It may not happen, but I'm praying I can have a car which would manage it all well.
If you know anyone with a car they might even lend me during my months home, please contact me. And thank you for your prayers as I take this reality check and get "clued in" to how quickly time is passing!