I am sitting in the airport now waiting for my flight to board. Oh how quickly time has passed. It feels like I have just gotten back to Canada and I am leaving again. Of all my times leaving to go to a new place, I am feeling this one the most. I think that is partly because I will be gone for a entire year, but also because the past three months have been very enjoyable. Ever since I got back to Canada I have known that I will be leaving again, which has made the time spent with friends and family more special. I have enjoyed camping, fishing, a wedding, golfing, bbq's, visiting friends, renovations, and just being in the beautiful country that is Canada. Returning to my job has also been enjoyable. It was refreshing to be reminded that I really enjoy structural engineering when the workload is not to much.
All this has made leaving more difficult. I am very excited about the year ahead, of all the adventures and challenges ahead. But the most difficult part of moving is that the people you love don't stop living their lives. I will miss out on weddings, family gatherings, events in friends lives, and sharing in the memories of people I love.
As I reflect on this I am reminded of something a colleague told me when I was deciding whether or not to go to Uganda. He said that I shouldn't go unless I feel God is leading me there as I will need that reassurance when times are tough. So even though this is tough right now I am feeling encouraged that God is with me and He is leading me here. The goal of life is not to do and pursue everything that we think will make us happy. The end result of that is when we get what we thought we wanted there is still a feeling of emptiness. But when we go where God is leading there is joy in that place. Even if times are tough, God is there and he will give us peace and joy when we trust in him.
As I step out into this adventure I am excited about the future. Of the challenges and changes that will come. I want to thank everyone for the love and support. I am blessed again to see the loving community that God has placed me in.
I ask that you keep me in you prayers. I have two overnight flight over the next two days, so I expect not to get too much sleep. It will be stretching to engage with many new people over the next few weeks. Pray that God would open my eyes to the why I am going to Uganda.
If you are still planning to provide financial support, you can do this anytime from now until I return to Canada.
God bless you as you have been a blessing to me. Stay in touch and let me know what is happening in your life over the next year.
Matt
