We’ve realised that this may well be the last time that we write to you from our house in Arua. It feels strange to say that, but the chaos of the open suitcases and piles of books and games that surround me, are a constant reminder that we will soon be on the move.
We wanted firstly to thank all of you who have replied to our previous email. We are always so encouraged and often overwhelmed by your loving responses to our news and were really lifted up by so many of you sharing stories of how God has worked in your lives when plans haven’t worked out quite as initially intended.
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| We've been so grateful for this compound (garden) that the Sharlands found for us. It's been such a blessing to us and various friends and neighbours. |
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The last few months have been pretty steady here. Tom has continued to work at the Diocese, visiting the health centres and preparing handover documents. We’ve continued with school and spending time with both local and ex-pat friends.
Tom had to go up and down to Kampala a few times in relation to getting his work permit and we were all finally able to get passes for the rest of us last month. We were initially hoping to do this in February and had planned to go away to Fort Portal in the west of the country, after attending immigration in Kampala. It felt like a long wait to have a holiday, but we actually felt like the eventual timing of our week away was perfect. Creating a separation between the continuation of ‘normal life’ in Arua, and then entering into a period of transition, as we returned with six weeks remaining.
Our holiday was a (relatively) restful time in a beautiful part of the country. We both love mountains and the sense of peace and stillness that comes from being surrounded by them. The boys needed a bit of persuading to enjoy the uphill hikes but came round eventually. Amara loved seeing various species of monkeys in Kibale forest but didn’t understand why she couldn’t climb out of the sling and go and play in the boiling water surrounding the thermal springs!
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| Sunrises! Easter Sunday morning and over the crater lakes of Fort Portal. |
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We’ve been focussing over the last few weeks on ‘leaving well’ in all aspects of life here. Tom finishes work on the 16th June and is currently visiting each of the 6 health centres and Kuluva hospital for one last time. We’re prioritising time with our ex-pat friends, making special memories and enjoying time together. We’re also making sure to acknowledge local friends and staff and say goodbye well over the next few weeks.
The boys have become increasingly emotional in their different ways, as they come to terms with how little time we have left here. We are so thankful for the various friends that God has blessed each of us with and it feels hard to say goodbye to people we love dearly, who have loved us so well, as we’ve navigated cross-cultural life here. |
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| Verity enjoyed the opportunity to serve at a children's programme during the local school holidays ; looking up at stars and monkeys in Fort Portal |
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We’d appreciate prayers for peace around the decisions we will have to make as soon as we return to the UK, in regards to work, schooling and housing. We have tried to push some doors from here but have felt that we should pause and be patient in trusting that God has a plan for when we return. This has felt hard to do at times but it has challenged us again to listen to God and seek his plans and trust in His perfect timings.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers over the last few months. We feel so privileged to be so well prayed for and are really grateful for you all.
We’ll be in touch again when we’re back in the UK!
Blessings
Verity, Tom, Ezra, Eli, Simeon, Joel and Amara |
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Prayer points
- We’d be able to leave well- giving time to everyone who needs it.
- The Diocese would find the right successor for Tom’s role.
- Safe travel down to Kampala on June 29th and flying to the UK on July 1st.
- Wisdom and discernment as we try and work out where exactly to live on our return and apply for school places for the four boys.
- Grace with each other and unity as a family as we all process our different emotions in relation to leaving Arua and starting the next phase of life in Sheffield.
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We’ll be in touch again when we’re back in the UK!
Blessings
Verity, Tom, Ezra, Eli, Simeon, Joel and Amara
