Nearly three weeks ago, we arrived in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. We checked into a hotel "temporarily" (the quotes will make sense in a moment) and began to find our way around. People are lovely, welcoming and we have gained a great new community. Introductions and offers of help abound.
We are also letting go of some things. Our focus on time and being productive and efficient. The fact that a "to do" list here is more aspirational than realistic. The need to be flexible and accommodating even when that really important appointment that was so difficult to secure gets changed or cancelled when you are in the car and on the way. To tomorrow. Or next week. Or "some other time very soon." The surprise of gratitude when plans actually turn out as intended or a task is accomplished as hoped. The challenge of expressing your point of view without any outward show of discouragement or frustration. Most importantly, we are letting go of the idea that we are in control. In reality, WE are the newcomers.
No story illustrates this better than renting our new home. Scott found a great apartment when he was here last fall. Negotiations were completed and we were waiting for the contract to sign. The deal fell through as Scott was headed to the airport and another tenant moved in. Miraculously, that tenant decided to move out, so we signed a contract and put a deposit down on that very same unit. The entryway to our building is shown below.
The problem? The current tenant is still there.
He is moving out February 1. Nope. So we wait. We get different move-in dates. He will absolutely be gone by February 5. No. Our agent is working on our behalf. We wait. An encouraging phone call this weekend confirming he is moving out at this very moment followed by a visit on Tuesday to find him still there. In the meantime, Scott is working from the hotel lobby, we are washing our clothes in the hotel sink and finding places and people to make furniture, lamps and the things that will make the apartment our home. But all of that is for a different post. We welcome your prayers for a timely transition. There's much life to live and we're ready to get settled.
In the meantime, we wait.
God is in the business of details. Excited to hear how all things work together for good...🙂
Jeff and I are on your team! Looking forward to following you here. 💜
God Bless you! Playing fast and loose with time would be a huge challenge for me. 😝 Can’t wait to see how you bring it all together. Love you friend!