sorrowful yet always rejoicing

“We are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.”

2 Corinthians 6:10

 I realized it’s been almost four months since I updated my blog and it hasn’t been for lack of things to write about!

As I’ve been reflecting on life and ministry and all that these past four months have brought, this phrase of being sorrowful, yet always rejoicing popped into my mind.

   

 I think it encompasses what has been doing on in my life and the lives of those around me.

I went home for a month in May to take a much-needed break from work here in Uganda and to reconnect with some dear family and friends. 

While I was away, I receive the heartbreaking news that one of our beloved boys in our sponsorship program had passed away suddenly. Paul was a healthy, lively ten year old who was playing soccer at school and dropped to the ground and they weren’t able to revive him.

   Unbelievable sorrow.

In the midst of processing that immense heartbreak some beautiful and amazing things have happened as well.  

 Annet and I were able to watch our first sponsored girl graduate from her training course in catering! This young woman has come a long way from her own heartbreak of watching her mother die five years ago leaving her and her three younger siblings total orphans. What a moment of rejoicing!  We are so proud of this  beautiful young woman with a bright future! 

At the end of July, a huge milestone happened in our ministry. Thanks to generous donations, two new houses were built on the Dorcas Widows Ministry land! We were able to have a dedication ceremony and move two of our widows and their families into the homes! This was a dream realized long before I even joined this ministry and I had the privilege of watching it become a reality.  

More rejoicing!

The women holding the pictures of the families that
donated the money to have these homes built!

What an emotional and intense four months it has been and those are just a few of the stories that have been happening.

Life will continually be a series of sorrows and joys and I am realizing more and more the importance of clinging to the Lord for my ultimate hope. He has a plan and purpose for everything even when we don’t understand.