Waiting for the one(s) I love

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Returning from America to Uganda without Julie, Emma & Grace is always a lonely experience. Leaving my family and friends is hard enough, but returning alone and spending three weeks without my beautiful wife and 2 amazing daughters is almost enough to make me question why I am here and is this really what God is calling me to do. It can be lonely and tiring when you are so far away from the people you love. And, I can be pretty pathetic without Julie taking care of me.
However, I am not completely alone! First, I am comforted daily by the One who will "never leave me nor forsake me." The times when I am most lonely and isolated seem to be the times I draw most heavily upon the Lord. He certainly sustains me and keeps me as I try my best to serve Him with faithfulness and obedience.
Second, I was extremely excited to return to Uganda to be with Judith and Elijah. Even though they have only been part of our family for 5 months, it felt very strange being away from them. All of us missed them terribly and I felt fortunate to return to have quality time with them. Since I have returned, I have tried to spend as much time together as possible. Elijah has grown so much, he is now a big 5 month old. Judith has been a wonderful daughter to me and mother to Elijah. She has worried about me eating enough and has cooked numerous meals trying to keep me well fed. Even as I have been terribly sad at being away from Julie, Emma & Grace; I have been blessed by my time with my newest daughter and grandson.
Third, I have returned excited about the work ahead. there is so much to do and the Lord has opened many doors of opportunity. It feels really good to be back where God wants me and pushing into the next frontier, South Sudan! The work has started, lives are being transformed, and God is being glorified. This is great!
But, I'm still lonely.
The good news (for me) is that Julie, Emma & Grace leave America TODAY! They will be here in my arms in roughly 24 hours. While this is not good news to many of you who are undoubtedly sad at the thought of these amazing females being away from your presence for at least another year, to me this is great news! I love that I get to serve the Lord together as a family. The ministry is not the same without them.
And, I'll surely be less pathetic now that Julie is back to take care of me!

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