From Home....to Home

Change is not something that comes easily to me. In fact, I usually resist it with great fervor. For example, in June my grandparents announced that they were replacing their back screen door. Pretty inconsequential, right? Not to me. This screen door has been there for as long as I can remember. The handle and lock are extremely hard to maneuver, and I have many memories of fighting with it in order to either lock or unlock it ☺. But, even though it has caused me problems throughout my childhood and adult years, the house wouldn’t be the same without it. So, I protested its removal. My grandparents listened to my cries, but decided to go ahead with their plans anyway. I didn’t know exactly when it was being done, but one day I came home and found, to my surprise, their door in my bedroom! My dad had helped replace it, and they all took pity on me and decided to give it to me ☺. There it has stood next to my bed for the past several weeks. My dad has told me that he’s going to get rid of it now that I’m in Uganda…we’ll see
My lovely door:



Anyway, one of God’s great ironies in my life is the fact that He has directed me to countries and peoples far from home. Each transition has brought with it much change. The past weeks have been both difficult and wonderful. I have been able to spend time with many friends and do some fun things (go to movies, pick blueberries, go out to coffee, etc.) I’ve also gotten quality time with my family—my parents, siblings, grandparents, niece & nephews, aunts & uncles, and cousins. Some of the time I wasn’t able to enjoy myself because I was consumed with thoughts of my departure, but mostly I was able to relax and make some cherished memories.

Meeting high school friends for dinner at Mcmenamins :)



















Sister Time

My Grandparents










Family Beach Trip--Lincoln City






My wonderful niece and nephews!



On Monday morning, the day I left, I woke up early and was unable to get back to sleep, overwhelmed by the thought of leaving. I went into the living room where my dad was and he asked if he could pray for me. I sat next to him as he prayed, touched and grateful for his words, and I felt a deep peace come over me, settling my nerves, calming my thoughts. This was what I had been preparing for, and it was time to go.

At the airport, I checked my bags and then met my sister Karen and her kids in the food court. Kim & Ty and their crew showed up a bit later, and we all moved down to the waiting area near security. The kids quickly took over the play structure and looked like they were having a blast. We took many pictures and held on to those last few precious moments. As I was going through security, Anne and Kelly arrived. I was sad that I wasn’t able to hug them goodbye, but glad to see them one last time. I put my carry-on through the X-ray machine, choking back tears and hearing many small voices crying out, “Goodbye Kate!” After I was through, I walked up close for one final look and wave, and then I cried my way to my departure gate. They were already boarding, so that provided me with a good distraction.

The plane soon took off, and we were on our way! When I left for Uganda the first time in November 2007, I remember being incredibly nervous and thinking to myself, “What am I doing?” This time, however, my thoughts were, “Here we go again, God!” My flights were long, but uneventful, and 23 hours after leaving Portland, I landed in Uganda. All of my luggage arrived (yay!), and as I walked out of the airport, my friends rushed forward in a loud, embarrassing greeting ☺.

Wednesday was a day of reunions. It was so fun to reunite with so many friends! My co-workers had decorated the reception room at the office with many signs of welcome. They even designated me a new office to work in ☺.






My new office :)






I have been surprised by how normal it feels to be here. In some ways I feel like I have never left, and it has been easy (thus far) to slip back into this life. The welcome I have received has been even warmer than the first time I came. People are so glad to see me and grateful God has brought me back. I am looking forward to getting back involved in ministry.