Wednesday, October 23, 2013

We're BAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We’ve been here for a little over a week and WE ARE SO GLAD TO BE BACK!!!!!  It was a “quick” trip, though it took more than 24 hours in total to reach our house. But as we flew, so did the time! 

As I sit here trying to create in this space I find myself getting greedy. Just one more picture, just one more thought . . . and as I try to add to the little I first put down, the internet crashes for more than one hour. I should have been happy with a couple of pictures and a few words, at least to just get the word out that we are here, safe and happy. 

Now I wait, not knowing WHEN the internet will allow me to actually find success with this post! 

In our first days back, we have been blessed by hugs, smiles, greetings and visits!!!!! And in between all of that we are trying to organize! Being away from home for almost a year makes for a huge organizational process when the reunion with the house finally happens!!!

The kids started school this week and are loving being in a class with other kids. They ride their bikes over to the secondary side, return home for lunch with us, and then finish up by 4 p.m. The afternoons are filled with laughter as our compound fills up with kids, bikes, footballs and impromptu science experiments complete with explosives!

Poor Sam, though he's very happy to be back with us, he is in the midst of studying for his PLE (Primary Leaving Exam) which spans two days in early November and contributes to the determination of what his future will look like. He has been studying diligently in the living room despite the noise of frequent visitors, and amongst late night suppers with other families. We covet your prayers for his academic success. We want him to know that God is with him through this time and always.

I have interspersed organizing and reorienting myself to the lengthy process required for cooking anything worthwhile, with sweet visits with my favorite young ladies. I cherish the times I have had to sit and talk and laugh, share and pray with the three that I am closest to, AND with the others I also love so much!  The David Family hosted us for a goat feast last Saturday night and also treated me with a yummy birthday cake!

Before the internet crashes again, let me just say we live a great life and are thankful to God for all the opportunities He has given us!!

Enjoy some pictures from our first week!
This photo is a perfect representation of how love and joy, hugs and smiles were a part of every welcome back greeting we've received since arriving back home last Monday!  Kakande is in the blue shirt. The girls who stayed in our house report that Kakande asked EVERY DAY during the recent months if Uncle Geoff was returning "today"!

We were so excited to see Sam, Irene, Abby and Emma!  The whole family arrived on the motorbike and we enjoyed laughing and sharing stories from the past ten months!
Though I celebrated my 50th birthday with a party in Long Beach. My actual birthday occurred in Uganda. These are our pictures from that day!  I love these three kids soooooo much!!! So easy going with all the changes we've experienced these past few months!
My miracle husband and me!  Praise God we BOTH survived my 50th birthday!
Sam and Kevin are so happy to be together again! When you ask Kevin what he missed most about Uganda he replies without hesitation, "SAM!"
A rainstorm should NOT be a deterrent to a good game of football! Acacia did a good job of  controlling the ball!
The grass can be a little slippery and discarded tire tubes can be a distraction, but Kevin keeps up with the football anyway!
What a joy to see Kambo again!!! It's all smiles when Kambo is in the house!
Kakande--a frequent and well-loved visitor to the Britton household!