Update

 As my time to leave for Uganda draws nearer, I have been working out a few details concerning my trip that I think you all should be aware of. First, the biggest obstacle I face is the travel itself. With COVID and political instability, getting to and from Uganda is a mess right now. I can't even begin the process of getting my visa yet as a result of the pandemic. Please, please, please pray for God to open up a big, wide door for me to get through when the time comes for me to leave. 

Secondly, I've learned more about what exactly I'll get to be doing once I arrive in Uganda. There is a local ministry in Kampala (the capital of Uganda and where I'll be staying for the majority of the time) called Wakisa Ministries. Wakisa Ministries' primary goal is to help and support teen girls in crisis pregnancy situations. Beyond Uganda and Wakisa Ministries have partnered together in the past, giving me the opportunity to serve with them and gain practical experience in this field, which I have felt called to for years. I also desire to gain practical experience in evangelism and will spend some time with another local ministry, Every Nation Kampala, learning the in's and out's of sharing the Gospel in Uganda. Despite working with these two other ministries, I will still be affiliated with Beyond Uganda and serving under their jurisdiction. However, they have made it clear to me that if I ever feel called to serve with another ministry, they will support me in whatever ways they can. After about six months in Uganda, I will reevaluate what exactly it is I want to be doing long term in Uganda and base my next six month off of that. 

I will be making return trips back to America. However the frequency of those trips will be determined by multiple factors, such as ease of travel, my visa requirements, and just my own personal mental health. 

To conclude, I ask that you begin praying for God's provision over this whole situation. There are many complications that make this move much more difficult than it would have been in previous years. However, God has never let me down before and I know He will guide me as I continue to follow Him.

The link below is of a webpage where you or someone you know can donate/keep track of my fundraising progress. 

Proverbs 16:3-Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. 

https://www.classy.org/campaign/abbys-internship/c309837

We Live by Faith

Sometimes I almost feel sick as I realize what I’m about to do. Sometimes I think to myself, am I really doing this? Then the sickening nerves diminish, and I reassure myself, yes, I really am doing this. I don’t know what my life in Uganda will look like. Sometimes I try to imagine it, but then I’m reminded that I can’t hear all of the sounds, smell all the smells, or feel the different temperatures that I’ll experience when I’m really there. I can’t imagine it. And I’m glad. I’m glad I don’t know the future, because if I did, would I still go? To be honest, I’m not sure. Life in Uganda is difficult and often times I forget that as I dream about the amazing things I’m going to experience. Thankfully, I can stand here in ignorance and pledge my life to God and the calling He’s given me without any fear. One day it will be hard though. One day I’ll cry myself to sleep. One day I’m not going to have enough energy to get out of my bed in the morning. One day I’m going to say something rude to someone I love and regret it terribly. One day I’m going to wonder if it’s all worth it. And I pray even now that I will respond to that question with an enthusiastic YES! 

So, am I scared? Yes. Am I nervous? Yes. Do I sometimes wonder if I’ll even last ten days there before running back to America with tears in my eyes? Yes, I do. Will I still go despite these fears? Of course. And I pray daily that God will be my strength, because without Him, I have no doubt that I won’t last a second. He is the One who has gotten me this far and I know He will get me the rest of the way. 

2 Corinthians 5:7-For we live
by faith, not by sight.