40 days and counting down

Today was a beautiful day outside with the warm sun and the cool Ugandan forest breeze, but my heart wasn't as beautiful, and frankly most things didn't go as expected.  I had in my head that I would do this and this, and it just didn't go like that.  

My main goal today was to get the proper permission for one of our students to go to an already scheduled doctor appointment in Kampala tomorrow.  He needs to go to receive the much needed medicines and tests.  However, getting the right letter took longer than expected as one very critical word was wrong on the first one sent to me by email, so it had to be done again by the only person in the doctor's office in Kampala and sent back to me.  I then went to print it and our 3 month old printer wouldn't turn on.  We couldn't get it fixed and finally went with plan C to get the much needed letter printed.  We then sent it to get a stamp from a government official but by the time our staff member got there, it the office was closed.  Fortunately there was a plan B and that worked, and the proper documentation was in the hands of the student's escort at 6pm.  

I'd like to say my heart and soul were at peace the whole time, and I stood firmly on the promises that I hold dear and know to be true.  However, I wavered and struggled to know that God had this and was more concerned for this student than I was.  He is mindful of me, even when I am not of Him.  He cares for even the smallest detail and often uses those details to strengthen my faith.  

Thank you for praying for us.  I pray you are encouraged that God is mindful of you!

Ways to pray for us:

• Pray for safety and favor for the student mentioned. 
• Pray for unity among our staff as we continue to figure out how to function during this time.
• Pray as we have several key people whom we need here on campus especially medical personnel.  
• Pray for a friend who had covid three weeks ago and is continuing to struggle with related health problems.
• Pray that God's promises will be the background music of our hearts.

41 days and counting down

 Father's Day on Lockdown and an update

Mark talking on the phone to Titus for Father's Day

Today feels like a reprieve as we rest and enjoy Father's Day.  As tomorrow will be the first working day after the announcement of complete lockdown, it will probably be busy with finding out what all this means, and how we will function for the next 6 weeks.  There will be decisions to be made and questions still left unanswered, but for now we rest, knowing there is nothing we can do or should do today but rest.  We have heard that the Covid task force in our district is meeting today and will have some directives for us in the coming days, but for now we rest.   I believe tomorrow some of the dust will settle so we just sit in the haze hoping tomorrow will be clearer.  

Earlier last week, I asked Mark if he wanted to go somewhere in our district for Father's Day since we couldn't go to Jinja due to the previous restrictions.  Fortunately he had said "no" - sine we could not have gone anywhere anyway.  So we made a big breakfast here and enjoyed watching a sermon of his choice.

Caralina and Rebecca are both here.  Caralina stayed for the summer hoping to spend more time in Jinja with missionary kids there and work on her online classes. So for now she is here at GSF working on classes.  When the first restrictions came out, Rebecca decided to come out here to sew and do projects from here.  We also have two interns staying on campus for the summer.  They and our two girls have been a blessing to have around.  

How to pray:

• Pray for Uganda's government leaders including our Buikwe District for wisdom and unity.
• Pray for clarity and unity tomorrow.
• Pray that each of us will know our role and what God has for us during this 6 weeks.
• Pray that we will know how to reach out to our community.

Thank you for praying for us and keeping up with Uganda and Good Shepherd's Fold.  

Amy

Day 42 and counting down

"God is our help and our shield,"  Mark reminded me as we prepared to go to sleep, "He will guide us tomorrow, but for now, we must sleep."  The President of Uganda spoke last night giving more measures which essentially puts the entire country on lockdown as the cases of covid-19 are on an upward spike.  It seems necessary but also very difficult on the entire country.  

Last night, I didn't want to even think of the ramifications for us and GSF but today is a new day and we are beginning to process what all this means.  It'll still take a few days, and even the president said some things will be clarified in the next few days.  But here's what we do know, and what we'd ask you to pray for.  

What we know:

• We will be here at GSF for the next 6 weeks and likely not leaving, and at this point there are only three of us on the leadership team (comprised of 22 Ugandan staff and missionaries) who are living and working on campus.  
• Cargo and delivery vehicles can move.  GSF has a cargo truck, and we work with someone else who has a delivery vehicle and so we will be able to send for and receive supplies. 
• Travel for medical care is allowed.
• Many of our staff will not be able to travel to come to work.

How to pray:

• For God's protection on Uganda and that the cases will reduce.  
• Wisdom regarding how to reach out to our neighbors and students.
• Wisdom for direction of the ministry during challenging times.  

We plan to keep an update here throughout the lockdown so check in regularly or follow us on instagram where we will post when there is an update.  

Amy