The end is near. My time in Uganda is rapidly drawing to a close, and I have to say that it's pretty strange to pack up the last two years of my life. My clothes and other things not worth bringing back to the land of plenty are walking home with friends. The "last hoorah"s have been planned. The goodbyes have started.
This whole thing is bittersweet. On one side, I am so ready to go home. To see friends and family I've missed so much. To get back to "comfortable" life. To have a conversation and know I've been understood. But then I think of all the precious people I've come to know and love here. Women who have become good friends. Kids who make my heart smile. Girls who simply radiate Jesus. Young men who have let Him get a hold of them and who will not be silent. The simple truth is that most of these ones who are so dear to me, I won't see again this side of heaven. I am reminded of this fact every time I see them, and they are well aware of it, too.
Which is why I'm so very thankful that this is not the end. I will see my Ugandan brothers and sisters again, even if I never make it back to Arua. And when I do see them, it won't be just them; we'll also be face-to-face with Jesus. As much as I've truly loved worshipping with them here, I can't wait for us all to praise Him when He's physically with us. Oh, what that day will be like!
And, as I think that though, God reminds me once again: this is only the beginning.
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the Throne,
and to the Lamb."
Revelation 7:9-10
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