Hi friends!

This past summer, I had the life-changing opportunity to embark to Uganda with Sozo as a 2016 Summer Intern. Reflecting back on the time I had there, I want to share this, which was in an update I wrote on the way home after spending two months in this place that I completely fell in love with:

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As I sit on a plane from Amsterdam to Detroit trying to figure out the time zone differences/changes (and only further confusing myself), I feel like I have a million different thoughts going through my head. From the busyness and mental to-do lists I'm creating for myself when I get back home to attempting to reflect back on each little moment from this summer, I am just overcome with emotion. I wish there were a way that I could express into words everything I want to communicate and all that I've experienced, but I think all I can say is this: we serve a good, good Father. I am different because of what He has allowed me to experience this summer. The people I've met and loved have truly changed my life, and the last couple days saying goodbye were some of the hardest I've experienced (which I know is a good thing). I've never felt more like I'm living out God's call and His will for my life than I did this summer, and something I'm starting to realize is that it's not just because I was in Africa. My relationship with Him and passion for His people isn't based on any geographical factor - I don't have to be in a certain place of the world to experience the Lord's presence, which is true for all of us. I think instead, it's a result of living on purpose, being intentional, having strong community, and saying yes to His call. I know that this transition home will be anything but easy for me, but I ask for prayers as all of our team tries to integrate what we've learned this summer back into our daily routines and live lives that better reflect the Father's heart. As much as I wish I could simply drop everything and stay in Africa the rest of my life, I know the Lord is sovereign and that He is sending me home now with just as much purpose as He did when he sent me away this summer. I am confident that it was no accident that I spent the last two months in Africa, and what I know will keep me going is the assurance that I will one day be back. One thing I've been continually reminded of this summer is to truly be present wherever I am and in each moment. The Lord knows far better than I and His timing is greater than my own - so to trust in that and to truly find peace and fulfillment in Him is all I can do and all I need.

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I know this just gives the tiniest glimpse into how the Lord used this place and these people to completely change my heart this summer, but I wanted to share it because for me, it shows how faithful He is - even a month ago, I had no idea that I would this soon already have another opportunity to travel back to Africa. I am thrilled to have the chance to go back to Uganda this December & January for three weeks! Through this journey, the Lord has revealed to me His ultimate sovereignty & His unrelenting love for His children that He so desires each of us to have as well. As I prepare to venture back to this sweet country, I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting myself and this team through prayer or financially, and know that it truly means the world.

Nkwagala Nyo,

Jennifer

"But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely." - Galatians 5:22-23 MSG