-The seasons in Uganda are dry and rainy, there is no such thing as spring, summer, fall or winter here.
-I work for two ministries here. As a structural engineer for Engineering Ministries International. And as a house uncle for Doors Ministries. I never planned to work for a ministry.
-I raise support from friends and family to cover my salary and other expenses. I always thought I
would support myself through my job.
-I live in a house with a Ugandan man (another uncle, Joseph, started a month ago) and four Ugandan teenagers. I never thought my first parenting type role would be with teenagers or Ugandans. It is a joy at times and it is very challenging at other times. I hadn't ever thought about how to raise kids or disciple before, but I am constantly thinking about it now.
-I was called into the head teacher's (principal's) office last week to discuss of one of my boys behaviour at school because she told me that I was the parent. In the mornings sometimes I get asked to sign homework slips for the boys under the heading parent's signature.
-I cook on a charcoal stove, take cold showers, wash my dishes with soap and piece of rice sack, wash my clothes by hand in a basin.
-The power is on more often than not, same with the water, but it is not surprising or worrisome if either if off.
-I ride my motorcycle each day to work, on the left side of the road.
-I get called by various names throughout the week, some familiar, some that I never knew existed. Matt, Matthew, Matty Matt, Uncle Matt, Mukeka (the Luganda word for floor mat, the boys call me that sometimes), smart phone (some of the younger boys calls me that because I have a simple phone that cannot do much more that make phone calls. They think I should get a smart phone), Muzungu (white person)
-My fiancee is from USA. If you haven't heard yet I am engaged to Ashley, who also works at Doors. You may not have even heard that I was dating someone. We have been engaged for about a month now, we dated for a little less that two months before that, we had been friends for about a year. We are going to get married in Canada this December, then return back to Uganda and live here until God brings us somewhere else. It has been exciting to see how God has brought us together and how the paths of our lives are converging. It has been confirmed to us in numerous ways that this is from God. Ashley is a wonderful gift from God. I couldn't be happier share my life with anyone else.
Most of these snapshots are things I never saw myself doing. If five years ago I could have seen what my life is now, I would not have believed it. Sometimes even now I don't comprehend how different my life is. But I am content with my life. I would not change it, not because my life is so exciting or happy, though it is at times. My life is also hard and challenging too. I wouldn't change my life because my life is full and abundant. This is the life that Jesus promises us he came to give (John 10:10). I have peace and joy even when life is difficult. I am walking through life with Jesus, I would not have it any other way. I pray that when I look at my life five years from now I can say the same thing. God has been so good to me.
Prayer Requests:
-That
God would give me love and patience for the boys that I live with. Last
we at EMI our devotions were on 1 John which talks a lot about love and
Sunday the sermon was about loving according to the bible. It has been
convicted for me that I don’t always have an attitude of love for the
boys when I am frustrated. It has been exciting to see God changing that
attitude already.
-Wisdom
for myself and Joseph on how God would have us lead our house. It is
beyond my experience so God needs to be directing us and giving me
wisdom. I am thankful for Peter, one of the uncles at another house who
has shared a lot of wisdom and insight with me as he has lived in a
similar place.
-At
EMI our office has a very full workload and we have a family that is
suddenly leaving next week due to a family medical situation. This
doesn’t surprise God but his workload will be spread to people who are
already busy. Pray that God gives the strength and efficiency we need
and that we wouldn’t lose focus of him during the busyness.
-Ashley
and I have really enjoyed growing closer in our relationship. It has
been exciting to see God clearly leading us together and preparing us
for this season of life. We also feel like God has given us an
opportunity to shine his light to the people around us through our
relationship. Some of our community has not seen what a healthy
relationship can look like.
-Ashley
and I are trying to plan a wedding in Canada from Uganda. We aren’t
very particular about the details, but more desire to celebrate with
friends and family and glorify God.
