January 31, 2015

January 31, 2015

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him; to all who call on Him in truth.” -Psalm 145:18

As you all know, we came to Uganda for Christmas and planned to remain here for a few weeks in January. The car needed repairs, we had shopping to do that can’t be done in South Sudan, and we really needed a break (most missions organizations recommend you leave every few months to do all of these things, especially to avoid burnout). While here we had some trouble meeting people and building relationships – it’s hard to get out of the house with a 2 year-old and a car in the shop! So at the end of those 3 weeks, I (Amy) was still feeling pretty lonely! I prayed that God would bring some godly women into my life who lived close, and who speak the same language!

Justin planned a really sweet birthday celebration for me on the 12th, and that evening Ezekiel came down with a pretty bad case of croup. The next morning we went to the ER as he was showing signs of labored breathing and we spent that night in the hospital. Exactly two weeks later Ezekiel was declared “healthy” and ok to travel. But during the past two weeks we’ve moved to a different part of town – closer to the friends we have made, Ezekiel has spent a LOT more time with a new friend as he recovered, we’ve had some much needed quality couple time and I feel restored and prepared to return to South Sudan! We even got to meet some people who are thinking of coming to Lohutok to translate the Bible!

In the midst of all of this, we had a follow up appointment with the doctor for Ezekiel 1 week ago. We brought his favorite toy, Elroy (the ONLY toy that he's ever really gotten attached to). The doctor would listen to Elroy's lungs, then Ezekiel's. Ezekiel feels comfortable with him. Thirty minutes later Elroy was nowhere to be found. I thought maybe some boys in the waiting room had taken it, one of them had tried to take another one of Ezekiel’s toys (which became quite a scene) and later kept bursting into the exam room while we were talking with the doctor. We went home with no Elroy. Every time we put him to bed, Ezekiel asked for Elroy. So every night we prayed that God would bring him back. Today we went back for another follow up, and WE FOUND ELROY!!! I am so thankful for sweet mommy moments, to teach my son about God's faithfulness and tender care for the things that are important to us - even his night-night toy. Tonight as I put him to bed, he said "Thank you, God... God loves you! Loves you!"