Now it's certainly been a while since my last post, my teammates and I just returned from two weeks out of the country. We traveled separately in Spain and came together for a conference, and spent almost two full days in Istanbul, Turkey during layovers, and BOY do I have a lot to share. I'll keep it to one thought for now though.

I've been trying hard not to focus on the things we don't have here in Uganda, but to be thankful for what we do have, and in going to Spain I felt a little guilty for being thankful for so many things. But the more I practice thanksgiving, the more I realize it IS possible to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess 5:12) and the more I uncover "the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Phil 4:12). And, like Paul, I'm noticing the dichotomy and realizing that all is gift.Whether I miss marshmallows and chocolate chips or have marshmallows and chocolate chips, God is still good.

Our lights have been out for a few days in our house in Kampala and we've only just got it fixed. Occasionally in Uganda our power shuts of completely for a few hours at a time, and like death, it's always at an inconvenient time according to a human perspective. But, while I am so thankful for lights and power, I discovered that I am also thankful for the tranquility that comes from a candlelit house, and I'm thankful for being prevented from internet distractions and 'forced' to read books and accomplish physical work. Here are some more dichotomous examples from the past few weeks:

35. lights
36. lights out, candlelit house
37. internet capabilities
38. poor internet which allows me to spend more time reading and being with people
39. snow! the coolness and freshness of the atmosphere in the Spanish mountains
40. warmth! I actually yearned for Kampala's weather after a few chilly days in Spain
41. physically blending in to a culture
42. physically standing out
43. taking a break from Uganda, stepping aside and taking a breather
44. returning to Uganda! I am excited! My vision renewed and my heart refueled and ready to love again!

To name a few.