Reflections–Stateside Furlough 2012

As I sat in the Denver International Airport on March 16th waiting for my flight to take me back to Uganda I reflected on all the events that had taken place the 6 weeks prior, while I was on furlough in the states. It had been a busy six weeks; traveling to 3 states, speaking to 3 churches, 1 university, 4 organizations, visiting family & friends, having 2 wedding shower, and somewhere in the midst of all that seeking out the Lord’s plan for life for the next year. There were times when I was mentally, physically, and spiritually depleted and then there were times of great emotional highs, complete joy, and Holy Spirit filling. One of my Holy Spirit days was when I was speaking to a group at Impact Christian Church, so much of what came out of my mouth that morning was God given because it wasn’t planned and people were moved. I love the ocean and the day my friend, Donna, and I spent at the beach and walking around La Jolla was such a refreshing day that recharged my “batteries”. Another joyous day was the night I landed at Fort Wayne Airport and I was greeted with big HUGS, smiles and tears by all my parents! Having “girl time” with my Mom, shopping and buying things for my upcoming wedding was a great time to connect. It helped me feel like she was part my Big Day even though she could not attend. Also spending time with my cousins in Nederland and my niece in Woodland Park was a great Blessing. Over the last several years I haven’t been a impact in their lives, so spending time with them at a school talent show, a choir event, hanging out talking about life, playing games, watching movies and just enjoying dinner together was very special for me. Life certainly had given me ebbs and flows on this trip, but through it all I thank God for being by my side.