HP

Years ago (like 11 or so) a dear missionary family at New Hope Uganda hosted their fellow English friends for a visit. Word was the man of the couple had worked with HP for years. Anticipation and excitement settled in at the thought of receiving expert IT assistance in the days before our wireless “bush” internet was reality. Imagine my surprise when I learned he didn’t work at THAT HP, but another very familiar to our UK friends. His expertise was in HP Sauce. . . .an icon of British culture, named after London’s Houses of Parliament. 

As we’re on sabbatical I am often drawn back to our early years at New Hope while I work through the book, “Returning Well.” The above, and MANY other memories frequently overwhelm me at the years gone by, the challenges we faced, the victories we enjoyed and now, the unknown future. 

When Geoff and I went to Uganda last month to attend both a wedding and graduation of young adults dear to us, we also spent two weeks visiting the children and staff of New Hope Uganda. It was a very rich time as we received beloved friends at our house on site and spent most lunches and suppers in the homes of friends. But, being there without the kids was hard. Seeing their friends without them brought so many emotions. Our hearts continually camp out in two areas of the world!!!

Geoff with dear friends, Paul and Keith

In the home of our first Ugandan neighbors, the Muwanguzi family!  

Prior to leaving for this visit, it had become very clear to us that staying in the Denver area, specifically with Geoff’s parents, is what we are to do for the foreseeable future. Being on the ground in Uganda in October enabled us to announce this decision to the staff and children of New Hope in person and to answer their questions regarding what the future might look like for us. 

The decision was a long time in coming, yet so difficult to make reality. James 4:17 urged us to get off the fence and state our commitment to remain in the Denver area for the next season. “He who knows what is right and does not do it, for him it is sin.” Squarely aimed at our hearts, this verse made reality what we knew was to be. It is right for us to stay here in the U.S., to live with Geoff’s parents and be here for them as needs arise. Also, it makes sense for the kids to be able to finish out their high school years at Front Range Christian School instead of after this year returning to Uganda for only one more year (Kevin and Acacia’s senior year) before then again returning back to the U.S. for university.

Acacia played on a volleyball team for the first time this year. She amazed everyone at her ability to pick up the sport quickly and be an asset to the team.

Kevin started cross country with a bang. It's a perfect sport for him and he improved with each race, including going with the team to State for the first time in FRCS history!

Toby fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing American football and learned a lot during the season.

In many ways we are content. In many other ways I search for contentment.

HP.  But, I am not talking about London’s Houses of Parliament. Recently, as I was again contemplating where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going I got a little stressed. So, I began to pray. “May I trust Your hand, Lord, over all. May I not fret over House, Home, Place or Purpose. I lay it all at Your feet.”

HP. House, Home, Place and Purpose. Each one has occupied an area of prominence in my heart during the past few months.

House. Living in someone else’s house speaks to me of an unsettled state. It’s not the type of nomadism I long for. And when it seems to lean a bit more permanent, well then that is a whole different kind of animal. And yet, I know this is where we’re supposed to be. However, when we add in the reality that we honestly wouldn’t be able to afford another place right now, even if it wasn’t a time for us to be close at hand for Geoff’s parents, pressure begins to rise. Yet, God isn’t asking us to do anything about a house except for live here for the moment. And so, I need to rest in that directive rather than let what isn’t being asked of us gnaw at me.

Home. In its essence, home is much more than simply the place I physically live, but the overlap gets confusing. This house of Geoff’s parents isn’t mine, but I live here. It is not my home, but my people are here and so we ARE home. The longing for a place, a house to call our own and then to again build home with my people pulls at me. But, that is not where God has us right now.

Place. Oh, so closely related to all of the above!!!!! Place has been Uganda for the past 13 years. Denver feels so temporary, but still God calls us here. We’re trying to fit in, but some days we just don’t. My heart has intense loyalty to Uganda, but loving family IN-PERSON is a blessing we’ve missed while in East Africa. Be still my heart and be content where God has you. So many conflicting emotions!

Purpose. This one trumps all. Regardless of where the House is (or whose it is), or our ability to make where we are Home, or which Place we find ourselves, Purpose ideally directs us, giving solid design to each day. Clear understanding of purpose, real purpose, only comes from God Himself—our creator and designer. And in these months of sabbatical seeking His purpose for us has frequently been our focus. We’ve progressed in our understanding of how the past 13 years feed into the next season, but we still have so much to process. Not having a job to go to or a set schedule or demands on us by others in ministry has left us feeling aimless some days. But, knowing that this season is foundational to the next one helps alleviate creeping guilt over doing “nothing.” 

One day this past week I freaked out about money and starting searching for registered nurse refresher courses. I thought, “I HAVE to do something to contribute!” But, as quick as I got on the computer and looked around, even sending out an email requesting info about a course, God reminded me it is not time yet to be off of sabbatical—I need to trust Him with timing, money and complete provision.

Regardless of the acronyms or the times of perceived “aimlessness” in our lives, God remains present and is faithful to us, His children. He is the author and finisher of our faith. These truths lead me.

Thanks for your prayers on our behalf. We need them. Sometimes I just want sabbatical to be over, but deep down I know He’s not finished with me yet in this season.