Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

– “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost*

Going #UpCountry (Again)

 

“Up Country” is what folks here call northern Uganda. It’s a wild, open, and fascinating part of Africa.

Right now, thousands of South Sudanese have come into Uganda escaping the fighting in their home country. 

We’re leaving Wednesday (we’re nine hours ahead) for a “a survey trip” to the refugee camps. We beg 

for your prayer support. 

Internet reception will be spotty but we’ll try to give updates on Twitter and Facebook at #UpCountry.

Come join us on the Journey!

 

“Don’t get on the plane with any regrets.”

Advice from a veteran missionary as we prepared to leave the U.S.

A Prayer for Packing

Lord, we’re going on a trip

To a place we’ve never been.

Help us to pack carefully.

Guide us in what to leave in

As well as what to leave out.

 

Fill our hearts so full of your love

That any jealousy, regret, or bitterness

Would never fit in our luggage.

Teach us to leave behind the baggage

That so easily weighs and slows us down. **

Finally Lord, help us pack the essentials.

Along with flashlights and mosquito nets,

Help us have love and patience.

Two qualities that transcend language.

Grant us listening ears and open hearts.

On this trip.

This journey.

This safari*** is all about You.

Not us.

Go with us.  Before us.  Over us.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

________________________________

* My two favorite American poets are Robert Frost and Bob Dylan.

**Hebrews 12:1:

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

***Safari is the Swahili word for “journey or trip.”