Yesterday I went to bed feeling somewhat frustrated and fed up. The planned meeting with Benson from Gulu seemed to be unlikely to happen, none of my emails to research ethics team members at the two Ugandan university departments were being replied to, and the day seemed to be somewhat lacking until a coffee shop treat for four from Acholi Quarters later in the afternoon. My prayer therefore was that today would include some sign of reassurance, something that would just confirm that all is on track, and God has it all in hand (which I deep down know He has, but sometimes the head needs reminding!).
Well, that prayer was certainly answered!
I decided that even though I wasn’t able to meet Benson this morning I’d still go to the same coffee shop, and use the internet there whilst Rozzie went for her ‘test and fly’ PCR. And what do you know – Benson had managed to sort everything that had threatened to prevent the meeting, and was there after all!!! And not just him, but also Ruth his wife, and Francis and Tricia from ILA. What a beautiful moment – walking into the coffee shop, expecting to just sit and work alone, and end up surrounded by wonderful friends who are so dear to me. Coffee-shop special moment number 1. Thank you Lord!
The conversation with Benson included chatting about the research for my PhD which is very much focussed around the work of ILA. He was so supportive and enthusiastic about it – it was a fab discussion. And when I mentioned about the issues re getting hold of Gulu University, he immediately knew who to turn to. So as a result of that meeting, I’ve now got loads of links into Gulu University, and am no longer a ‘cold caller’. Another prayer answered in a massive way.
But God didn’t stop there. Rozzie and I went for a bit of a wander before transferring to a different coffee shop for our date with the Acholi ladies. And as we got back to the place where we were being picked up ie outside the coffee shop of the morning blessings, a Ugandan guy noticed us, remarked loudly ‘No way’ and then called out my name! It was Martin, a Ugandan friend from Mbale who used to help me with sorting out all the local logistics for teams, and who I haven’t seen for about 6 years. And seeing him left me speechless with delight, what a wonderful surprise!! We had a gorgeous 10 – 15 minutes together, just catching up, reminiscing, and marvelling at the smallness of this world. Another beautiful gift from God, and coffee shop special moment number 2.
The third coffee-shop special moment was the time spent with the Acholi 4-some. Harriet and Miriam do so much to liaise with me re the programme work in Acholi Quarters that we support, and whenever I come over I try and make time to treat them to a bit of time out. Today was that treat, but this time we also included Mercy and Hope, two older teenagers who looked after Harriet’s younger children when Harriet was seriously ill a month or so ago. It was so good to be able to include H&M in the treat, and just a lovely time sitting around chatting, laughing and creating memories together. All the better as the time also included a zoom with Steve (CRED Trustee) and his wife Jane who are currently on a year out in Zambia with CRED Partner programme Chisomo. It was a lovely time as Uganda and Zambia shared stories, compared experiences, and enjoyed hearing about life beyond the here and now.
What a special day it has been. God has spoken into it in so many ways, reassured and encouraged, and, thankfully, lovingly met me where I was and guided me forward, rather than waiting for me to get my head sorted and move to a different place to meet Him.
I know not every day will be so straightforward, and I know that today hasn’t worked out quite so well for everyone as I have had the fortune to experience. But for today I say ‘thank you Lord, thank you so very much!’
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