The past few months have been a whirlwind of travel across North America, providing us with invaluable opportunities to visit churches, connect with supporters, and share quality time with friends and family. I wanted to give you a glimpse of the places we’ve explored and the wonderful people we’ve had the privilege of spending time with.
Our journey began in mid-September when we flew into Virginia, where we stayed with Hannah’s sister’s family. Catching up with them and spending time with our nieces and nephew was wonderful.
Having previously lived in the northern VA/Washington DC area, we were thrilled to reunite with numerous friends and supporters, including Love Church, one of our supporting churches. During our two Sundays there, we had the chance to share about the work EMI is doing throughout the world.
Next, we jetted down to Charlotte, NC, to visit Hannah’s brother Josiah and his wife Emily. Spending a delightful long weekend with them in their new home was a true blessing. We then flew to Colorado Springs, CO, to visit the EMI US and Global office, an essential trip as we had joined EMI during the COVID period without previously visiting the US office.
After 2 days in Colorado, we boarded a flight to Vancouver for a few days, where I had the honor of being a groomsman at the wedding of one of my best friends from high school. Our time in Vancouver was a joy, exploring the city and attending the beautiful wedding ceremony.
Following that, we hopped on a train to Seattle, spending four days with close friends and exploring the city’s sights. From there, we flew to Santa Ana, CA, to visit Calvary Church of Santa Ana, a long-time supporter of my family since my grandparents moved to East Africa in 1946. We had the privilege of meeting with their missions committee and pastors to share about our work in Uganda.
Our journey continued with another flight to Dallas, TX, for quality time with my brother’s family. After a few days, my parents and sister joined us from Minneapolis so that we were able to spend time all together as a family. From there, we drove to Minneapolis, where Hannah attended the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) annual national conference. She was able to attend a number of sessions and make connections with other people in her field, as well as take some course to help her prepare to take the licensure exam this coming year.
Following six days in Minneapolis, we flew to Corning, NY, to participate in Victory Highway Wesleyan’s annual Reach event, emphasizing local and global missions. We had a great time as we engaged with the kids’ ministry and shared information at our booth in the church lobby. After twelve days in Corning, we returned to Minneapolis to spend Thanksgiving with another supporting church and my family. We cherished our time at Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls, where we participated in various activities and shared updates about our mission in Uganda.
The journey continued with a flight back to Corning, where Hannah’s sister and family visited for the Sparkle festival. We then drove to Cleveland, OH, to spend time with Hannah’s extended family, including her Grandma, aunt, and cousins. Along the way, we also connected with friends from Uganda.
Throughout our travels, we have been struck by the many differences between our life in Uganda and life here in the US. Being part of two distinct cultures has been an incredible experience, mirroring the diversity inherent in God’s creation. Our journey has deepened our faith, emphasizing the beauty found in the rich tapestry of different traditions and backgrounds. It’s a reminder that our ministry is not just about design and construction, but about building bridges between cultures, embodying the unity found in Christ.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of the ultimate bridge-builder who transcends all cultural boundaries. Christmas is a time to reflect on the gift of God’s Son, uniting us under His love. Just as our experiences showcased the beauty of diverse cultures, Christmas underscores the profound truth that God’s plan encompasses every corner of the world.
Undoubtedly, the past few months have been exhausting due to extensive travel and a lack of routine. However, the experience has been a tremendous blessing, allowing us to connect with numerous people and explore remarkable places. Your prayers, messages, and financial support have been a source of strength and encouragement throughout this transitional season.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us. Your support leaves a lasting impact, not only on our lives but on those we serve in Uganda. May this Christmas season bring you joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.
