I went to Gulu Independent yesterday morning for testing. NO WORMS. PRAISE JESUS! I do however have an intestinal infection/bacteria. The medicine is working wonders, and I am not having any more intense stomach pains. God is so good.
I've been reflecting on Philippians 4:3 “I ask you my loyal companion, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel”
The word struggle is what stands out. A lot of people have been thanking me for my struggles here, but even after the lack of water or poor health, I am not struggling. I'm not living in the bush, but rather a town with a food market and medical care. I can afford medical care. So many of the Acholi people that I work with or interact with in town are literally struggling to survive. When we don't have enough work for our ladies, they don't get the income for the month that is necessary for the livelihoods of their families. I'm thankful for the distinction and clarification from God. I am seeing what to struggle looks like. My tiniest fraction of hardship here has giving me so much more understanding for what Philippians 4:3 means. Shared understanding of struggle in the Acholi culture is key. As a people they are relationship based - "helping" them looks completely different than our American egos tend to depict - we are to stand with them during the hard times...enduring the same hardships...forgoing luxuries or what's comfortable. This last month and half has been much harder on me than I anticipated, but the blessings that the Lord is providing are incredible. He is so faithful.
Certainly Africa doesn't need me...but I wouldn't be who I am without Africa.
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