Culture Stress

It's a lot like what everyone said it would be.

I became extremely homesick and overwhelmed by even the smallest of tasks. I did not want to leave our house. I cried-A LOT. And the tears helped me to heal. I prayed-both for my family & friends back in America and for myself. I needed God's comfort more than any other time in my life.

Missionary friends were my saving grace, as they would listen to me tell stories of home, vent about frustrations of living in a new place, ask questions, and vent some more. They all reassured me that they had been there at one point or another and that it was normal for me to be experiencing those thoughts and feelings.

On top of that, it hit me when I was in the middle of my 1st trimester of my second pregnancy. I was so sick that I could hardly will myself out of bed to care for my 9 month old daughter. It was bad. I was sick, depressed, and so exhausted. I slept many hours on the couch. I can't even tell you what we ate for those 6 weeks, because I didn't cook and we didn't have much to snack on, but somehow we made it through.

Thankfully, I'm coming out of "it". I am feeling happier these days and seem to be able to accomplish tasks on my "to do" list. I feel confident to drive around Fort Portal to do shopping and errands and am slowly getting things done around the house before baby #2 makes his/her entrance!

As far as pregnancy goes, I'm in my 14th week and am feeling MUCH better than before. I have energy and my appetite back. Even so, energy only lasts so long...and it is a very late 10:00 pm. :)

So, I'm off to bed on this Thursday night, feeling good about waking up to the sunlight and finding what tomorrow has to offer.

Life in Fort Portal

We are enjoying our new life in Fort Portal and are learning new things daily.

Specifically, we have learned:
-not take for granted when we have power and rejoice when the power is on and praise God when we can have a hot shower a few days in a row!
-to appreciate washers and dryers more than ever and are thankful when the internet is up & running (after days & days of working to get it set up)
-that we are amazed when something actually works the first time
-that finding parts to appliances and other household items is nearly impossible here

Aimee Jo has been setting up our home, cooking meals, and taking care of Anaiah. She LOVES being a stay-at-home mom. She's been attending the ladies Bible study on Saturdays, which Cheryl is teaching on the book of Acts. It has been good for her to study and pray with the ladies from church.

Andrew has been busy with accountability meetings, Bible studies, community service, fire fighting training, hospital visits and other ministry opportunities that arise. He is learning about how to minister in this place, which is so different from ministering in America. He is speaking the truth and is always praying for those he is helping.

Anaiah is growing and learning everyday. She brings much joy to us with her smile and slobbery kisses. She makes us laugh and amazes us with her new found abilities. And the most adorable thing is her singing and dancing during praise time at church--it's GREAT! She continues to stay strong & healthy, which we are most thankful for.

We miss our families & friends very much, which is to be expected. We allow ourselves to feel sad, cry, and pray to God for comfort & peace, and then press on.

All in all, things are going well.

God is Good...all the time...all the time...GOD IS GOOD!!