Dear Family and Friends,

We were hoping that we would be writing our April update from Uganda; but, alas, that is not the case. We were preparing for a mid-April departure date- getting our newborn’s passport, setting up doctors appointments, packing, preparing the kiddos for goodbyes, visiting with family and friends, etc… and then a couple of weeks ago, we were notified that our arrival to the field was postponed until July/August. Our mission’s committee and team decided it would be best to onboard a new family (us!) at that time instead of this month due to various changes on the field. Although this additional delay was somewhat unexpected and disappointing, we trust the Lord’s timing and the wisdom of the team and the committee. By God’s abundant grace, we truly do feel like we were able to take this all in stride (okay, for the most part) without it “taking the wind out of our sails.”

It’s becoming clear that these types of bumps in the road and delays are to be expected in foreign missions and especially when trying to get to the field. We are learning to be flexible and patient throughout this process. Our family’s unofficial motto of ‘Trust God and roll with it’ has become repeatedly forced to be put into practice. As our children have been learning the hymn “Trust and Obey,” it has become somewhat of an ‘anthem’ for us, particularly the line “What He says we will do, where He sends we will go, never fear only trust and obey…”

Though our desire is to be on the field, multiple blessings come from our departure being delayed for which we are thankful. First, it gives our newborn time to grow and get additional shots that will be helpful for our time in Uganda. Second, we will be around for the birth of two nephews or nieces and a brother’s wedding that we would have missed. Third, it gives more time for the possibility of finding someone willing to go over with us and help with childcare and daily activities as we settle into our new home! Fourth, it gives us time to get additional experience and training that will be helpful on the field. Fifth, we will have more time with family, our church, and friends (though with this last point comes the difficulty of repeated goodbyes).

We will continue to do what we can here in the States to prepare for our work on the field. Travis completed 2 out of the 3 trade classes he was taking and will be finishing up the third soon. He continues to serve our church as an elder and learn what he can before the field. He will also be helping part-time at Camp Sankanac where we are currently being housed as they head into their summer camp season. We just found out that we will be able to stay in the house we are in until we leave, which is a huge blessing! Our children are all doing well. Though the changes can be difficult (especially on little minds and hearts), they have handled it better than expected. Thank the Lord!

Do be in prayer for the OPC’s Foreign Missions Committee and our team in Uganda. We aren’t the only ones experiencing a ‘roller coaster.’ They too, are experiencing many changes and are in need of our prayers. We still eagerly look forward to the day when we can serve there alongside our OPUM team. We are thankful for the support and encouragement we have gotten from so many. The OPC has always shown great care and concern for us, for which we are grateful. It’s comforting to know that so many, within and outside of our denomination are lifting us up in prayer.

In Christ,

The Emmett’s

Praises

  • Our fourth child had a safe and healthy arrival and he is already growing like crazy.
  • We have had sweet time with our family (biological and church) and friends.
  • Pastor Julius was installed as the organizing pastor of Nakaale Presbyterian Church.
  • Another family that we will be serving with safely arrived in Nakaale in early Feb.

Prayers

  • Salvation for our children.
  • Wisdom in planning and packing.
  • Smooth travel and transition to the field.
  • Comfort and peace as we say goodbyes to loved ones.
  • For wisdom and encouragement for both the OPC Missions Committee and the OPUM as they navigate multiple changes on the field.
  • That the church plants in Nakaale and down in Mbale would continue to grow/thrive.
  • For elders and deacons to be raised up from within the congregation of Nakaale Presbyterian Church.