Humility—A Relational Game Changer

“I’m thankful for the ability to give life, to pursue hearts, to honor God as we sacrifice time, self, energy and finances to see the next generation of young Ugandans believe that God is their Father and is worthy of their lives.”

Those are the words I effortlessly wrote in answer to a question in a cross-cultural debriefing book I’m utilizing.

In our thirteen years in Uganda there were multiple benefits as well as many stressors on our minds, emotions, bodies and family life.

In all the examination I’ve done lately of our time at New Hope Uganda, I often get bogged down remembering the stressors we lived under. I relive negative emotions as I review, analyze and scrutinize events and disappointments we experienced. There are times when looking back becomes overwhelming and I have to step away for a short time from the process. In it all though, I’ve found that trudging through memories, even when painful, helps illuminate numerous opportunities and successes we had in impacting lives—despite our shortcomings. I’m thankful. And I want to express my thanks to God for the unique treasure of living cross-culturally among people whom we now consider family. 

In fact, the question following the one I answered above asked how I would choose to express my thankfulness to my Creator in response to the cross-cultural life I lived in Uganda.  I choose to express through writing. Writing helps me often gain understanding and peace.

With regrets and disappointments come a reframing, by His sovereignty as I humbly go to Him, of both the past and the future. Sometimes the mistakes made glare and sting, but God’s forgiveness and ability to make something out of nothing bring hope and a laying down of missed opportunities and failures. Some would call it letting go and letting God—letting Him speak to me of His ways coming to pass, even when I can’t seem to comprehend or see all the good that was actually wrought through trial.

At first my “Thank You God,” may not appear to align with traditional-type praise, but His work through difficult experiences yields His good—in me and others.

Thank you LORD for the rejection we experienced by the young one who hated us for crossing her will. We now see that the rejection we felt was minuscule compared to what orphans carry in their hearts, but feeling it opened our eyes and hearts to the very real hurt felt deep, deep within by those to whom we had come to minister. There was no opening of her heart afforded us. We could do nothing of our own power to cultivate restoration. Every time I saw her my heart sank, then quickened, as You drew me again to prayer, the only activity that made headway toward positive change. Change did not quickly appear. I learned to truly rely on Your promise that You hear prayer and act for good. Now, years later there is vibrancy and life in our relationship because of Your faithful nurturing of her heart. But, if I hadn’t taken my hands off the situation and accepted the call to pray, such would not be. In all of it You intensified my understanding that You are the Savior and I am not.

Thank you God for our “accident spot” which reminds me each and every time we pass it to offer up thanks and praise to You for our lives. When we approached the corner and saw the massive, speeding charcoal lorry on our side of the road I quietly said, “God.” Our lives were truly in Your hands and in that moment I was calm and Geoff was able to steer us mostly out of a worse accident. That was Your miracle work. Still, it overturned on us, dumping most of its overloaded contents onto our windshield, trapping me, breaking Kevin’s leg and lacerating his face. You brought friends from many places to the site in record time with just the tools we needed to pry out my legs (though we hadn’t asked for the iron bar they brought, they said they heard us speak the request!) You gave Geoff adept Luganda to communicate effectively, so much so that one of our Ugandan friends marveled that Geoff was speaking it so well and clear. But, my anger got the best of me when I looked up, bloodied face, and still trapped to see a random onlooker taking my photo. I yelled at him which alerted Geoff, who took the man’s phone and threw it far across the road. It was not our most stellar moment, nor was it when once at the local hospital I firmly and impatiently directed the health care personnel exactly how to start my IV. But, God Your forgiveness is always at the ready and even now humbles me when I think back to our accident. So many more stories within this one could be shared. You never fail us. I learned that regardless of the circumstances You ARE faithful and sovereign. It was not our time to die. I will not fear death for you are LORD over all.

The faithful return of irises and peonies each year speak of your faithfulness and sovereignty over all your creation, as well as the touch of splendor you give to your creation.

New life and restoration are clearly seen in what you’ve made God.

Thank you God for the girl who lied to us repeatedly and even accused us of not loving her, when we quietly took her aside and asked her if we could walk alongside her when we suspected she was pregnant. Months later, when the pregnancy was obvious, she remained estranged from us. 

The lies and rejection hurt, but I was determined to forgive despite my hurt and anger. I relentlessly prayed for four months to You God to help me let go of bitterness and forgive. Sometimes it seemed like a cement blockade that would never wear down, but You worked a miracle in my heart and I forgave her. The next time she came to our house I spoke honestly, lovingly, and forthrightly of my love for her and forgiveness of her deceitful and rejecting behavior even before she expressed regret for her actions. The relationship is restored. I’m thankful that I learned in that situation that though forgiveness is hard for me to extend on my own, when I come to You God asking You to help me, You heal my heart.

And, thank You God for the young lady who angrily left New Hope stating that she didn’t need anyone, who within six months was pregnant, unwed and being beaten. Two more children and one more abusive man later, she lives as a single mom trying to make a way through the struggle.

Now, years later our relationship has been repaired. The journey has taught me faith and hope and to respond to Your invitation to relentlessly pray with expectation for life-giving change despite what situations look like on the surface. Growth, maturing, and focus in a current relationship of mutual respect has forged a platform of Your mercy and grace.

Furthermore, how can I ever forget to thank You for the severe disappointment of a young man’s seemingly wasted life? Theft, lying, deceit, arrests, and multiple scams utilized to siphon funds off the unsuspecting cultivated distrust and suspicion. With multiple children birthed to various women— all while refusing to return home to family and friends who were begging him to return, there is perpetuation of the orphan crisis, the very crisis which brought him to New Hope Uganda all those years ago.

To date, we are still walking in a level of separation from this young man. There has not been confession, repentance, or restoration on his part, despite our expressed love for him. This heartbreak is a current professor teaching my scarred heart to truly let God be God over one who will not allow others into his pain. This walk of prayer and hope for his life strengthens me in reliance on You God, who sees and knows the hearts of all men and desires them to come into a life-giving relationship with You. I know Your love for him goes phenomenally deeper than I can imagine. Your love humbles me.

The beauty of this newly opened peony in our current yard is brilliant, but pales in comparison to the beauty of God’s love for each one of us.

Thank you for the times my words were misunderstood by others. Sometimes it was by Ugandans, sometimes by the British, and sometimes by other Americans. I learned to humbly not seek my own defense or put up an endless string of words of explanation. Again, to let go and trust Your hand Lord to bring the truth to bear in Your time, even if at all. Being misunderstood doesn’t always destroy relationships, it merely gives insight for the next inevitable encounter. Difficult interactions reveal that we are all in need of Your forgiveness and mercy.

Yet, for the times when misunderstandings and a misread of motives HAVE destroyed relationships, also, Thank You. You see the bigger picture that is veiled by our wounded hearts. So, yes, thank You for that year when so many failed to see clearly and instead left bitter, angry and with an appetite for vengeance.

Each and every time vengeance rears its ugliness there is again opportunity to breathe deep and revisit the forgiveness that You’ve enabled me to extend even though in a wounded state. I’m still learning humility and forgiveness. Thank You for the opportunities to release myself to You. In hindsight we can see things we could have done differently and from that comes a honing and improvement in the execution of this Kingdom walk.

In release comes growth and a deepening of my relationship with You.

Thank you for my multiple (too numerous to list!!) cultural faux pas which sometimes were simply laughable, but other times brought division, hurt, pain and misunderstanding. I was required to daily maintain a humble stance toward my fellow staff, the children to whom we ministered and my own family. How many times did I have to speak my acknowledgement that I’d done wrong and ask for restoration of relationship? I’ve lost count. To walk in humility is a miracle act for my heart desires the opposite. As I look back at my mistakes and blunders I see the same challenges of my proud heart shining these days— in America. No matter where I am, the lesson of humility is a journey never complete. “Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked turn from his way, and the unrighteousness man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” I’m still learning this lesson and still reminding myself daily to return to the LORD for mercy and pardon.

Without those years of daily, dire need to seek forgiveness for my sin, I might not be as keen as I am now to perpetually desire to make things right. I will never be above needing my LORD’s help with forgiveness, for I am still an imperfect, proud human needing daily realization of His perfection and ability to heal me in the midst of relationship with other humans!

Above all let me remember LORD that Your thoughts are not my thoughts and Your ways are not my ways. Yours are higher, I seek to rise to You. Thank You that when I draw near to You and ask for help, You are always willing to draw near to me and give the help I need.

How could I ever go a day and NOT say THANK YOU? These and many more hard experiences have deepened my reliance on You and my faith and hope in Your ways. Thank You.

Thank You LORD for this time of looking back. It has helped me realize how much change You’ve brought to my heart. You’re clearly in the business of changing lives. Thank You.

This Time

There is a movie I watched many years ago, but occasionally it still haunts me. And of late, in this unexpected circumstance we humans find ourselves in worldwide, the theme disturbs me.

The film is driven thematically with giving the ultimate sacrifice of self in the most extreme way possible—death. 

I awakened a few nights ago with “Seven Pounds” which stars Will Smith, interrupting me. Immediately my mind questioned, “am I giving enough of myself.” “Enough.” What amount is enough? What effort is enough? What energy is enough? Who decides what is enough? Is anything I give ever going to be enough?

In this current global season, in which we are almost all curtailed in our physical, in-person interaction with others, numerous sources encourage us to not let this time be wasted. Spiritual leaders challenge us to see this God-given moment as an opportunity to go deeper and give ourselves to Him. Even I have started a number of times to write blogs with the intention of encouraging us to not fritter away this time, but instead utilize this time to go deeper in relationship with God.

The thought is good, and should definitely be explored. But, on its heels comes the clamoring pressure to make sure I am giving enough of myself to the time I’ve been afforded. Suddenly, the pressure to maximize distorts genuine motive to simply seek God and rest in His presence.

The sweetness of having more time to read and study the Bible, to pray, to listen to what God has to say gets muddled up with me asking if I’m giving enough time for such during this unprecedented opportunity of worldwide slowdown.

So, I want God’s wisdom on it, not my self-induced pressure to maximize every moment, possibly wrought with wrong motives.

And yet, even with possible misplaced motives I know from experience that God’s Word powerfully gives peace, wisdom, strength, joy, focus, purpose and security among other benefits. And that should be enough for me.  Spending time during this unusual season of the corona virus “shelter in place” to read and study God’s Word means it will sit deep in me and direct who I am, how I think, how I react and how I thrive in the months and years to come. I want to be moved by God’s Word most of all, so I am going to give time to letting his word mold and shape me.

In the future when struggles or pressures come, I want to have a deep well of His truth to draw instantaneously from within me. 

So, now is the time and for that I am grateful. 

I don’t want to worry if I’ve given enough, I want to simply be thankful that I have this time to sit at His feet and listen to His truth. I don’t want to ridicule myself if I spend less time on one day than another. One step at a time. One day at a time. I don’t want to cave to pressure to reach some self-prescribed or other-suggested amount of depth, but I desire to give myself to just spending time with Father God.

I pray you also are able to spend time with Him, to rest in Him and to go deeper as He directs you.

—Mary

7 miles

The week here in Denver has been beautiful. We’ve soaked in some sweet T-shirt weather while refinishing the deck, washing windows and preparing the garden for planting. 

Kevin and Toby worked hard this week at washing all the outside windows

But, not too long ago a very wet, sticky, deep spring snow blanketed the metro area.

Sometime last week, around the corner, the boys built a giant wall. But, to me, in these present COVID-19 times? It looks like a giant toilet paper wall. 

And another giant toilet paper wall was built later in the afternoon back at the house. Notice my African kids have flip flops on as they work with the snow! 

 On one of those snow-laden days Geoff and I headed out to pick up some things for a little home improvement task.  Not too far from Lowe’s we saw a man walking in the wet, slushy street due to impassable sidewalks layered high with snow thrown by the plows. As cars approached he knew he was going to get mucky wetness sloshed onto him, so he jumped into deep snow to try the sidewalk. We couldn’t watch that and not do something. We both said at about the same time, “We need to give that guy a ride.” So, we slowed, lowered the window and hollered out, “Can we give you a ride?” Big smile, “YES! Thanks!” And over the piles he bounded into the back seat. 

We asked where he was going and though we didn’t recognize the cross street, he said it connected to the nearest main street. Off we went and along the way we found out he’d only been in Denver for 3 days. “Why?” We queried. “I needed a new start and I figured this was the place to try. I have a friend here and she said there were jobs, so I thought, ‘why not?’ So here I am.” Silently we entertained the reasons behind why he would need a new start. Are we harboring a criminal? A struggling drug addict? A delinquent father? A runaway husband? We decided to ask a few more questions.

“So, where did you come from 3 days ago?” 

“Mobile, Alabama. I’m 22 and have been in customer service and a few other jobs, so I thought I’d get out and try something new. Matter of fact, I was just coming from a job interview. I’m hoping to get something soon.” He began listing the types of jobs he’s done and highlighting what he’d like to do—I think he was hoping we’d have an opportunity for him. Ha! Ha! Of all the people to get into a car with, we are NOT the ones with abounding job opportunities at the moment!

We didn’t get very far into the conversation before I wanted to ask if he’d found a church yet, but before I could, he asked if we went to church around there anywhere. This was an encouraging development. We told him about where we’ve been going and shared why we have enjoyed it, but then lamented that because of the new injunctions in place regarding limited meeting sizes (this was a couple weeks ago) the church wasn’t currently meeting. I worried about him not getting plugged into a good group of people right away due to the coronavirus situation, so I handed him Geoff’s NHUM business card and told him he could call us anytime.

He got all excited about Uganda and asked us a few questions. We loved being able to talk about, "home" with someone eager to listen.

A few miles more and we were still driving. It was a bit farther than we originally guessed. Whatever cross street he’d thought he lived on didn’t seem to exist. 

He didn’t lack for conversation, including how great the bus route is along Smoky Hill, the street we were on. Contrasting Aurora’s public transport system against Mobile’s he has found Aurora’s to be excellent. Something those of us with cars know nothing of. I mentally counted my blessings.

Quite a few more miles down the road we turned left and into his apartment complex. His polite, friendly demeanor lasted throughout the entire ride. “Yes, ma’am. Yes, sir” was the norm, after all he’s from Mobile, Alabama, where people still speak with respect to their elders.

I noted the crowded parking lot and the numerous apartments built close together. I mentally counted more blessings. 

Just before we dropped him off he mentioned that he’d walked to his interview that morning. We were shocked! We had no idea how far down Smoky Hill we’d gone, but we knew it wasn’t just two or even three miles. 

It was such a pleasant encounter we hated for it to end. As we drove away Geoff reset the trip counter. 

Heading back east on Smoky Hill, we passed two miles, four miles, six miles . . . The end of our journey was the Lowe’s parking lot, near where we'd started. The trip counter registered almost 7 miles. SEVEN MILES.

Our new friend had walked SEVEN MILES in the slushy snow and ice to get to a job interview. He was not delinquent. He was truly hungry for a new start and whatever it took was his M.O. If he was addicted to anything it was his passion to make a new way in a new place.

It is a severe understatement to say we were stunned. Humbled. In awe.

My one regret? We didn’t ask for his contact information. Although we know which apartment complex he lives in, we don’t remember the exact apartment. 

I pray that he contacts us and we can get another installment in the quest for a new friendship.

FEELS LIKE A DREAM

The other night I woke up feeling like I was in a dream. I tried to discern what was real; were the things I dreamt reality or surreal? Honestly, the past few weeks have felt like a dream… 

As a culture our reaction to the current happenings seem dream-like, or more appropriately, nightmarish. Today I spent time talking to a woman managing a local store about hours being cut and potential job loss. How would people, and not just a few, but masses, cope with sudden loss of income?  Here in Denver, and I am sure as well where you live, stores are closed, services are cut, restaurants are only take out or delivery and the local police said they would not be booking people for “minor non-violent crimes". Wow! That's the perfect storm--people who don’t want to cook, who have lost their jobs, with no opportunity to go out to eat and have the promise of no jail for theft. I guess we better lock things up. It just feels like a dream…  

Then, for the Brittons, a year ago we were living happily in rural Uganda where life is so different. (You can read more from Mary’s latest blog post to get the big picture  http://brittonsinuganda.blogspot.com/2020/03/britton-current-events-or-case-of-bored.html ) As recent as three weeks ago here in Denver, we attended basketball games, Acacia ran the concession stand at school, our Uganda practicum plans were in full swing, kids attended classes, church was “normal” in the usual location and the news actually talked about a variety of things. Then suddenly, there was a tragic suicide at our kids' school, statewide schools, churches and businesses closed, people made panic runs on groceries and rampant fear consumed. It just feels like a dream… 

Today as the kids, Mary, my parents and I have all just been around the house, it has given me much time to think and meditate on how we really don’t have any clue as to where this is all going. Normally some direction is discernible, a feel of how things are going to turn out, but now I feel completely at the mercy of happenings around me--out of control. It just feels like a dream…

Now, jump to the book of Revelation. Imagine John’s situation described in chapter 1, verse 10. “I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet…” He goes on to write some wild stuff about lamp stands, bowls of incense, plagues, and descriptions of Jesus that sound more like science fiction. Sounds like a bizarre dream doesn’t it? But let’s be honest, in the midst of this dream-like narrative there is a powerful message of a King who is coming. A King who holds all the world and it’s kingdoms in his hand. A King who promises to judge, reward and reign over His creation. 

John's dream in Revelation has deeper meaning…and that’s the same feeling I have right now; trying to discern between dream and reality means thinking deeper. Exploring what God wants us to capture from the current state of things. It may be as simple as reminding us that no matter how skilled or proficient we may be as a culture, no matter how well we design and program our comings and goings, we still aren’t truly in control. 

Proverbs 19:21 reveals, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”.

Can we willingly grasp that truth in the midst of all this uncertainty? Should we begin to humble our hearts to the reality that we don’t know what tomorrow may bring? James 4:14 tells us as much and adds on that our lives are as fleeting as a vapor. Our lives are at the mercy of the creator of the universe, the King of the dreams and the Lord over this world where we live. 

As God gives you more time at home as we socially distance, more time to think as we aren’t running around town, let’s not fail to spend time meditating on this dream-like state we are all in. Let’s all consider this King, the King of the dreams and what he is speaking to each one of us.  

-Geoff

“Britton Current Events” or “The Case of the Bored American Salesman”

***Heads Up! This blog is a tad raw!***

“Britton Current Events” has been the name of the game in this blog space for the past 13 years.  But, these days? I often wonder whether ANY of our “events” are notable? 

Currently, Friday night, the two youngest were dropped off at friends’ to enjoy a movie night and the youthful shenanigans that go on when 6-8 teenagers are together. Geoff and Toby carried on to some yums yums at Chipotle and then to REI to peruse outdoor equipment as a part of preparing Toby for activities by identifying needed items for his pursuit of an outdoor leadership degree over the course of the next four years at JBU. I’m home with the grandparents, having cooked a stellar (ha! Ha!) dinner of spaghetti and homemade bread. Why write about that?

How exciting is that compared to the stories of Uganda and her people which we’ve so often shared with you in this blog?  

What have our days become? How is our transition going and for crying out loud, WHAT are we transitioning to???? I can’t quantify or qualify an answer to that question most days, and the least I can say most of the time is, “I don’t know”. 

Hanging in limbo is what I feel quite often. And yet, from the core of who I am, I fight that. This is just “a season,” as so many have said to me. Heck, I’ve said it to myself. But, I don’t want it to be a season of nothing, NO-Thing, void, a holding pattern until “real life” shows up. This is life and I want to LIVE it!!!! But, honestly, Denver, for all its convenience and ease is B-O-R-I-N-G compared to the life we’ve lived the past 13 years. Yet, before I can fully engage here in Colorado, I must attend to the very real need for us, for me, to adequately process the loss we have incurred by leaving Uganda. And the depletion and loss I feel has so far hindered me from fully engaging the transition process in a healthy manner.

I recently rewatched, “Cast Away”. I cried. What a picture of intense transition, loss, and shattered hope, yet the final scene hints at new adventures and new love. In watching it I found myself shedding tears for the first time in months over the loss I’ve experienced through leaving all that had become a norm for me. Regardless of how challenging or stressful some cross-cultural situations had become, New Hope Uganda was still a place of thriving on so many levels. Here in Aurora, CO? What is my purpose? Big question, not even a little answer is formed in my mind. “Cast Away” seemed to open an emotional door that was jammed shut. When the tears came so did a bit of understanding of what I’ve experienced in leaving a place I’ve loved for so long.

Sure, the “excitement” of Uganda also presents its own challenges and stressors, but that seems so far away at this moment and looks so inviting. I wrote in my journal today, “I WANT TO GO BACK TO UGANDA!” 

But, do I? No. I am convinced that here is where we need to be at this time. Yet, being convinced doesn’t equate to contentment.

I’ve presented here a snapshot of how I’m processing our transition out of full-time work with New Hope Uganda and into American life. Prayers are VERY WELCOME as I desire to gain some healing and understanding of where I’ve been and where I’m going.

And, what about the second half of the title I’ve utilized at the top of this blog? The best way to describe most of Geoff’s days, unless he’s on the road traveling and speaking about New Hope Uganda, is, “the case of the BORED American salesman”!!!

For those of you who know Geoff, I ask you to picture him at a small desk in a cold, dark room without windows to the sunshine, alone and working solely on a computer—no face-to-face personal interaction, no mentoring, no teaching, no young person in front of him asking life’s difficult questions. Such sums up his days. Unless he is traveling and speaking to others (which he LOVES) about New Hope Uganda and how they can become a part of such a great work, he is in that small, lonely room. And that, my friends, is the picture of a bored American salesman. Salesman? Well, technically, that is what he’s doing...selling others on the ministry of New Hope Uganda. Of course, he LOVES New Hope Uganda, so it’s an enjoyable process, but what is stifling him is the required preparation time for a speaking event or meeting in which he gets to engage others in the beauty of New Hope Uganda’s ministry.

If all of the above makes us sound a bit down, then I’ve accurately communicated. The somber mood doesn’t hover all day, every day, but it certainly is something we have to fight much more than we’ve been used to in the past many years. 

I’m just being real, folks. And so, we ask for your prayers. Sure, contentment and doing all things without grumbling or complaining go hand in hand. We have a huge part to play in this; an increase in our thanksgiving level is on us. Yet, we’d love your prayers for us to experience God’s encouragement; we’d love to increase on the contentment meter. 

On the positive side of Britton news, today the five of us went hiking in Castlewood Canyon just south of where we live. The temps were in the 70s, the sun kissed us warmly all afternoon and we scaled heights affording us spectacular views. Days like today remind us of the beauty of God’s creation around us and we’re grateful not only to live near numerous hiking and climbing areas, but to have the gorgeous Colorado weather that beckons us outdoors! Looking up and out certainly emotionally boosted us all today!!! So, yeah, today was NOT boring!

ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS AS GOD WORKS IN US

As we have now passed from 2019 to 2020 I can’t help but look back. The Bible continually encourages us to remember and to reflect. Reflect on what God has done. In our house one of the ways we encourage sabbath, is with a saying we love to practice each week (we don’t always, but would like to). It goes like this…REMEMBER what God has done, REFLECT on what that means, what He has done helps us to ANTICIPATE what is to come and this leads to PRAISE.

It was 20 years ago that many of us were caught up in the unknown about Y2K, were you like us? Anyway, we are now 20 years past that nonsense and God is still seated on His throne and as Paul wrote to the Philippians that HE works in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). This morning I reflect on what He has done in the past 20 years. I have seen His hand working in so many people and situations around us. At the dawn of Y2K Mary and I had been married just 2 1/2 years, with no kids and had only begun thinking about Africa. Today, after living in Uganda for 13 years we are resettling in the U.S. with a new job (Vice President of Ministry Relations for New Hope Uganda Ministries), and we have THREE amazing kids who aren’t really kids anymore. We have seen countless lives changed by the gospel, healings, deaths, deliverances. We have experienced fear, excitement, jubilance and have praised God in numerous countries and continents. WOW! Look at what God has done.

In 2019 we had a family theme of “KNOWING HIM” based in Philippians 3:7-10. I am sure that at times our focus slipped from that goal, but it never left our hearts. He has continued to work in us for His pleasure. God has been faithful and we continue to say that without knowing Him, it is all vanity. Wherever we live, whatever job we are doing, whatever schools, sports, and friendships, it's all vanity without knowing Him and the power of His resurrection. He is the greatest treasure and knowing Him must be our desire.

Leaving 2019 behind and entering 2020 doesn’t mean leaving the focus of "knowing Him" behind; it's actually the fuel that leads us into anticipation of what is to come. Knowing Him and the work He is doing in us means knowing that we are created with a purpose…That purpose is to seek God and, as He assures us, to find Him (Acts 17). To know Him is to experience eternal life (John 17:3) and that means understanding our purpose all the more--an understanding that fuels the future and 2020. We now reset our focus; building on Knowing Him means that we understand that God works in us for His good pleasure. He was pleased to create us for Good works (Eph 2:10), that our good works, we as His workmanship, would represent Him in this broken world (2 Cor 5:20). 

This year we want to take our knowledge of Him, as He works in us, and become expressions of His goodness. 2020 will be a year of being “ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS AS GOD WORKS IN US”. As He works in us, we will be rich in good deeds. We will strive to represent Him to the best of our ability and by His grace all to the praise of His glory. 

Join us, the Brittons, in 2020 to know Him more and His purpose for us all. Allowing Him to work in us, that we would be people zealous for good works, representing the Love that knows no bounds.

Nineteen Years Post Y2K

Trying to pare down notable events of our 2019 is like trying to squeeze all the IKEA parts back into their original box. At the end of this tome may the stories of people, laughter, tears, and answered prayers reveal His sure hand on the Britton Family and New Hope Uganda. Hopefully the things I leave out remain as dear memories in this old brain and heart, and the things I include will both give you a picture of our life tale and provide you the occasional chuckle. 

Geoff and I welcomed 2019 in our usual way. We attempted to drown out the loud music and poor quality, double-digit decibel sound systems blaring overnight prayer events while we turned in early. The kids, however, whooped it up past midnight with their friends. They pitched tents and enjoyed “roughing it” in the wild of our back compound with other missionary kids from around Uganda. New Year’s Eve was the final night of a two day, two night soirée in which the boys showed their friends around Kasana and introduced them to our remote village, and also ate WAY TOO much junk food. (The sugar fest was compliments of so many of you who sent multiple boxes of American confectionary treats. THANK YOU (?!?!) for giving us insane amounts of what we can’t get in Uganda!!!!). 

Toby and the other MK boys trying to recreate a photo their fellow
female MKs had posted

Sweets upon sweets!!!!!

After New Hope’s annual 5-day envisioning conference in January, Geoff and I both taught sessions during the first Investment Year training. We LOVED interacting and encouraging the young adults in IY! What we miss most about being on the ground at New Hope are the rich relationships with the youth. We also miss our mentoring relationships!

Teaching the what, why and how of journaling to the IY group

Geoff interacts with both IYs and senior high students at a career day hosted by the Early Adulthood office

Once January turned to Feb the train which was headed toward a June furlough careened on greased tracks! There never seemed to be enough time to do it all—visit all the friends, keep up with homeschool, host visitors, attend the emergencies, make dinner in less than 3 hours (!), have that intense mentoring session or encourage the struggling, bare the heart to a dear friend and get enough sleep!! Geoff gave many 18-hour days focused on bolstering the Early Adulthood Office staff in anticipation of his upcoming absence. Almost everyday I sorted, cleaned, culled, reorganized or repurposed keepsakes, junk, practical bits and records in anticipation of time growing progressively scarce. Kevin and Acacia dug into their final semester of homeschool while Toby balanced a dual focus of school studies and making final memories with as many friends as he could. He gave both 100%! This translated into a lot of traveling around Uganda and many concessions of when and where he finished up school assignments! At this point Kevin and Acacia held out hope that they would return to homeschool after our planned furlough—a disappointment they’ve had to grapple with now that we’re staying in the states for an undetermined time frame.

Toby and his friends Godwin and David. This time he didn't have to travel to them, but they came all the way out to our village to see Toby!

Toby and Abraham, his best friend (since they were 5 years old!) 

It took quite a lot of maneuvering, but we managed to pull off a TOTAL surprise for Geoff's 50th birthday! I wasn't sure how it was going to succeed, but just before people were scheduled to arrive, one of our David Family boys seriously hurt himself, requiring us to take him to the local hospital. The crowd gathered while we were gone and we got back right on time!!! (The boy is fine now!!)

The crowd required Geoff to wear a crazy "Birthday" hat. 

So many people came, the crowd spilled out onto the veranda 

In January and February I was also sorting through my emotions of a cancer diagnosis given to my mother just prior to Christmas. Geoff graciously rearranged some finances and scheduling to make it possible for me to SURPRISE my mom with a three-week visit in February and March.  

Before they took me to the airport we met Nabukeera in Entebbe, where she attended university and together we celebrated Geoff's birthday. (I flew the day after his surprise party.)

I REALLY surprised my mom--so much so she had to sit down!!  https://youtu.be/PhTCJeUwaYY  

 I was able to accompany her to many of her early radiation appointments. Notice I said, “accompany” not “drive her”—that is because my mother insists on DRIVING EVERYWHERE herself. The woman is amazing and at 79-year-old she makes ME tired!! (She’s still working at least 20 hours each week!)

Mom, my high school friend Dianne, and me. It was therapy to be with my mom AND see my good friend!!!

So many families at New Hope took care of my family while I was gone. We miss the New Hope community SO, SO much! And, my mother has been cleared of cancer—hallelujah!  

In March Kevin turned 15!

He was two when we arrived in Uganda! Where does the time go? As I almost daily think about his 13 years of growing up Ugandan, I pray for his transition to the American culture. 

In April some missionary kids on Spring break from boarding school invited Kevin and Toby to Jinja for a night of hijinks. Sending Toby and Kevin off with a driver, who went the looooooong way around, turning a 3-hour journey into 5-hours was a point for patience, prayer and fodder for their, “only in Uganda,” memories. Also not to be forgotten is their return home on public transport—4 hours and many taxis made for some tired boys—thankfully Toby is adept at navigating around Uganda on public transport. One thing we miss about homeschool is the ability to adjust the school schedule to accommodate life’s unusual adventures! Just before the boys went to Jinja, Geoff and I went northeast to Kumi district and then to Kapchorwa and a few other districts visiting friends and taking a “photo safari” of our beautiful, unique Uganda! Along this particular route we were given, by the family of a coworker and friend, a live turkey. Have you ever had to consider which hotel to choose based on whether or not there was a safe place for a live turkey to sleep? (We knew “safe” to be important because we had previously lost gift fowl in precious encounters with roaming nocturnal wildlife and didn’t want to go through THAT again!!!!! Well, actually, when we couldn’t find the turkey first thing in the morning, we did have a bit of hope that it had disappeared and we wouldn’t have to worry about it pooping in the back of the van. For better or worse, we found it.)

Our final full month in Uganda was a daily emotional roller coaster. The seemingly brief 31 days of May brought many losses: we held numerous "last" dinners with dear friends, sold our car to fellow missionaries, and Geoff led/taught his last Father Heart Retreat with the IY students! 

Dinner with the Katabazi family--great, longtime friends! We will always remember being awakened at 2:30 a.m. in the middle of a torrential rainstorm. Seems Aunt Noelia was ready to deliver and needed to get to the hospital ASAP. We hadn't been in the country very long and Geoff wasn't sure where he was going!!

Dinner with our first Kasana neighbors, the Muwanguzi family ...Oh, the stories!

The final packing of our house made real to me our leaving the ministry we’d loved for thirteen years. Later in the month we enjoyed a family reunion for David Family. We had a great turnout of alums!!!!

Uncle Mulu and Senyonyi are all smiles at the reunion!

Three dear daughters from David Family who came to the reunion also came by the house for a special visit.

The timing was perfect as we got to say good-bye to many dear ones we don’t normally see. Following the reunion we had a special dinner and pow wow with our three Ugandan kids, Nabukeera, Sam and Lydia. We shared and talked of their futures—it does my soul good to see them growing and maturing! 

L to R Sam, Benita, Benja, Nabukeera, Beckham, Lydia

The EYO members surprised us with a goat roast and special evening of appreciation for Geoff's involvement and leadership in the EYO outreaches

We had numerous visits with dear ones who stopped by before we left. 

Kambo, Nabukeera, Moses and Sam join us at the table--unplanned, but oh, so welcome!

Close friends of the kids surprised us with a sweet visit on our final night.

Former fellow staff, from India, just happened to be in the country just before we left and we were able to share a quick visit and hugs.

Sweet, dear young lady from David Family who blessed me with an impromptu visit

IY girls who stopped by for special hugs!

Our last Sunday. It was so difficult to say good-bye to the church!

They prayed a special blessing on us

The very last weekend, just a few days before we flew out of the country, we had to put our sweet doggie down. One of our David family alums is now a vet and we were all together in a private place behind our school banda as we watched her go. It was too much for me, I took my tears into the house while Geoff and the kids dug a hole for her and planted her favorite fruit tree, a jackfruit, over her burial spot. I still get teary when I see her picture or think of her. Saying good-bye, to dear people and sweet pets, is NOT easy—oh, the emotions! 

Dear, sweet Bubbly, snacking on cassava she stole from the David Family compost!

Our last photo with Medi, who kept our compound in order, and Jesca, who kept our house clean for the past 13 years!!!!! 

The morning we left numerous people came by to say good-bye.

Of course, I HAVE to include a picture of Kakande! He came running to tell us good-bye!

Just 4 km down the road we HAD to stop the car to give special hugs to our close friend Irene! Tears on all of our faces!

And not too long after stopping to hug Irene, we saw Uncle Jonnes by the side of the road!!! He gave us some final blessings and sent us on our way!

On June 4th we spent a last day with Sam and Nabukeera. After dinner that night the kids walked home to the guest house and played around in the streets, taking photos together. 

The next morning we all had brunch with Jay, Vicki, Jennie and Elizabeth Dangers. They drove us to the airport where we could barely hold it together. It was, perhaps the last time we would fly out of Uganda together with all five of us Brittons! Tears, prayers, hugs over and over again.

There were very few smiles as we gave hugs. Sam held onto Toby for a VERY long time.  

Finally the time came and we walked off toward the terminal. So. Very. Difficult! 

Praise God for the Dangers who loved on Sam and Nabukeera after we left. 

We landed in Denver on the 7th, not sure we were yet ready to be Americans.

The boys were excited about doing yard work (??!??), but they were ready to start at 7 a.m. I had to give them a quick run down of American etiquette ... NOT before 9 a.m. Before the clock chimed 9:01, they fired up the lawn mower and weed whacker!

Regardless of where we were in our heart-transition, our bodies got moving only two days later as we drove  with Geoff’s parents to Telluride for nine days of hiking, exploring, biking and resting. Geoff and I were still recovering from Malaria, which we got the final week in Uganda, so the altitude kicked us just a bit! One day we popped over to Ouray and explored an old mine and the historic downtown. If you’re ever in Ouray, CO, go to Maggie’s Kitchen for the BEST burgers EV-ER!

A fun part of Telluride was having to take the gondola to the nearby grocery store. Seems we only needed cream and green onions that day!!!!

I think it's definite therapy to take a family vacation with the grandparents!!!!! And a gondola ride in the beautiful mountains of Telluride is icing on the cake!

Though we were still recovering from Malaria (!!!) we were able to unwind a bit and enjoy hiking!

On June 19th, we celebrated Toby’s 18th birthday by going to one of those movie theaters where you recline and they serve you drinks, snacks or even a full meal. Oh, America! The excess!

I hid a surprise birthday gift for Toby, from one of his best Ugandan friends, in our luggage. He was very surprised and thrilled to receive it!

And the very next day we saw Front Range Christian School for the first time! A staff member, who later in the year would turn out to be Acacia’s discipleship group leader, gave us a thorough tour of the school. We were impressed and very thankful to be so, since we had chosen the school only by what we saw on the internet!!!!! 

As soon as the tour was finished we drove out of the parking lot and off to California. 

Acacia took the craft kits FRCS gave us for our road trip and immediately made goofy glasses! We were on our way!!!!!

I drove the “night shift” in which we met torrential rains, road construction and roads lacking lane lines! At one point when everyone else was asleep, I thought I had veered onto the wrong side of the road as it appeared a semi was headed straight for us. I pulled off into the dirt only to find it was an optical illusion due to poor visibility. On reaching Long Beach we were all pretty wiped out, but still started three weeks of visiting friends, family, churches and supporters.

Every furlough, it seems, we make our way to the Cheesecake Factory with our friends and supporters Tom and Arlene. (Unfortunately, she wasn't feeling well that day.)

Feast your eyes on a table of global Aunties!!! We couldn't believe we all pulled it off, but we had lunch with Allison, Katie and Constance, none of which abide on the same continent! Having these kinds of constant, long-lasting relationships weighs emotional anchor for us!

 The very next day we took Toby and Kevin down to San Diego to be a part of an evangelistic basketball camp organized by a young pastor couple we’d met in Uganda. The boys have great stories of their few days there, but the best is when Toby was baptized by fire on the San Diego freeways! It went like this . . .The pastor said to Toby, “You can drive? Here, take my keys (tosses keys) and car (points to car) and follow that guy to the beach.” Toby and his passengers quickly jumped in as the other car was already moving. He followed the car as best as he could, but it was moving pretty fast through city streets and then onto the freeway! If he lost the guy in front of him he had no idea where he was or where they were going! The first time on a Southern California major artery and he had no time to think anything about skill or safety, but just keeping his eyes set on Mr. “Quick to Disappear”. I have no doubt that his present good driving skills have everything to do with said baptism!!!

One of my three sisters came to spend time with me while we were in Long Beach and was excited to take me shopping. She had grand ideas of helping her fashion-less, missionary sister get some up-to-date threads. Oops. Disappointment. I found a packet of socks that I liked—that was IT! I’ve always found it hard to jump right into the current fashion once back from Uganda. Clothes styles are simply not appealing to me until I’ve had some time to get used to the American environment.

We made an overnight trip up to Fresno to see Geoff's sister Lisa and her  daughter, Nicole and husband Will.

Back in Colorado, we hosted good friend, John Morton. Geoff took the kids camping down near Mt. Princeton. Fun and also a lesson in what to NOT forget when you go camping. Seems we know how to survive the Ugandan bush, but have forgotten how to camp in America! 

John, Toby and Kevin in St. Elmo

The first night it rained heavily, but sunshine in the morning made for great hiking!

And speaking of getting used to the American environment, getting the kids ready for school was a cultural adventure!!!! Banange! I’m glad we didn’t have to do that these past 13 years! 

See? We managed to find some new clothes for the kids, just in time to take "1st day of school" photos. Of course, there was a lot of goofing around in between shots!

cross country meet, Washington Park, Denver

Once classes started they fit right in. It was the first time ever the kids had the opportunity to join organized sports and they loved it! We loved it, too, because we met a LOT of new people as we attended sports events. There’s also something called, “P3 hours” at FRCS. Parents sign up to volunteer for various events. Each parent has to give 30 P3 hours in the school year. So, we jumped right in: Geoff drove the van for the girls’ volleyball team; I received attendees (and their entrance fees) at both volleyball and football games, and Geoff learned how to keep the books during the volleyball matches.

Acacia and teammates listen intently to coach's instructions.

Toby gave 150% to learning American football!

Also in August, Geoff and I started our sabbatical which had to be creatively balanced with all the above, and more, school activities. 

Geoff, Toby and Acacia volunteered to represent FRCS at the annual Littleton Parade

In September, we kept on the same course. Here we are in our 50s having to manage, for the first time—when most of our contemporaries are finished with this stage, all the demands of getting kids to and from school, to and from sporting practices, meets and games; buying enough food to keep them fed through the day while they’re at school; and keeping track of a schedule that seems to change each and every day.  I also joined the Mom’s In Prayer group which meets once a week. It has helped this introverted newbie get to know some lovely and dedicated believers!  Our sabbatical focus added a life coach to the mix in September, and we found ourselves somedays happily diving into the process of evaluating our past 13 years, but other days I was literally so tired I just stared at the walls and thought, “well, maybe I should do something, ... nah.” Geoff seemed to keep moving much better than I did. He enjoyed being on the computer surfing around the kids’ school website learning all the new stuff. Not me. I mostly did nothing, wondering if I’d ever find the energy to move forward.

Meanwhile, we were also in the throes of cleaning up our home in Pueblo, which had been a rental these past 13 years, but was destroyed by our renters. So many friends rallied with us to get it ready to put on the market. It was a lot of work, more so for our friends who had aimed to get it cleaned up before we ever landed in the states. However, it was such a task that it took more time and manpower than any of us had imagined. Once on the market we had offers right away and were able to close on it just days before Geoff and I flew to Uganda for a two week visit. We are thankful it sold so quickly and are happy to have it behind us! While Geoff and I were enjoying Uganda and our beloved people there, the kids were finishing up their football, volleyball and cross country seasons and taking themselves to and from school each day. The grandparents took great care of them and the kids took great care of the grandparents. 

In Uganda, Geoff and I attended the wedding of a young man Geoff mentored for many years, 
and the university graduation of our dear daughter Nabukeera.

The happy couple are seen here arriving at their reception. They smiled all day despite heavy rains throughout!

We took Nabukeera out to her favorite restaurant after the graduation ceremony!

In between those two book-end events we packed up some more of our house items and visited as much as the days and nights would allow. 

Having a little fun with the son of our dear Jesca (R), who worked with us for all of our 13 years!!

We also spent a special family day in Kampala with Nabukeera, Sam, Lydia, her kids, and Wilber who met us for lunch.

It was so much fun to spend the day together in Kampala, just us and our kids!

An added treat was catching up with Wilber!

 I could go on for three more pages about the joys of our time in Uganda, but suffice it to say it was good for our soul and we’re grateful to God for providing us the means to go!!!

Just one week after landing back in the U.S. Geoff’s mom awakened us in the night saying she needed to go to the ER. She ended up hospitalized for a couple of days and it reiterated to us that our decision to stay here with them is the right decision. His dad is also having some significant health challenges and we believe our being here has proven very helpful.

Beginning in August we had visited a number of churches near our home in Aurora, and finally settled in October on, “The Way,” which is about ten minutes from the house. It is small, about 120 members and is a good fit for our family. We love the Bible teaching, great worship and friendly, committed believers. The pastor’s wife grew up in Tanzania, so she has blessed the kids with her genuine interest in them and their well-being!!!

Last month Geoff began discussions on what involvement with New Hope Uganda Ministries here in the U.S. might look like. With fall sports over, the boys turned their attention to basketball. Toby and Geoff visited Colorado Christian University, John Brown University and North Greenville University with a side jaunt to see his sister Linda and her husband Jan in Alabama. 

Jan, Linda, Toby and Geoff in Alabama! It had been three years since they'd seen each other

We celebrated Thanksgiving in the states for the first time since 2007, in Pueblo with Geoff’s cousins and their families. 

Thanksgiving 2019!

The next day Acacia turned 17!!!

Acacia flies over to give Grandma a hug of thanks for her birthday gift!

Just a few days after her birthday, she took the test for her driver's permit. We're looking forward to another driver in the family!!!

Now that we’ve entered the last month of 2019, Geoff’s talk of possible work with NHUM has quickly parlayed into official online meetings, setting plans for travel beginning in January and taking the position of VP of Ministry Relations. Toby returned to Colorado Christian University, this time with me, so that I could see it and he could get a better feel as to the normal tenor of the campus. He will make a decision in the next few weeks between CCU and JBU. One thing I know, he will not be living with us everyday come next fall, and that’s starting to hit me hard. I know many of you have already been through this stage—it’s not easy, that’s for sure!

As soon as the kids’ finish their final exams on Friday, we will celebrate Christmas with Geoff’s parents. Early the next morning we drive to California. This will be the first time since 2007 that my family and I will be with my mother and sisters for Christmas!!!

We thoroughly enjoyed decorating for Christmas a couple weeks ago.

And, we’re looking forward to 2020! I can’t believe Y2K was 20 years ago! We didn’t even have kids when Y2K took us from the 19s to the 2-0s. 

What will the next 20 years be like? I’m thankful God knows and I don’t have to figure it out. With His faithfulness and goodness, provision and wisdom, I don’t need to figure it all out. I only need to yield and trust Him.

Woohoo! What a ride!