Good morning and happy December!
For most of you the leaves have turned and fallen to the forest floor as they anticipate the coming snowpack. For others, the frost has come and the snowflakes fallen have nestled in their rightful place as wintertime reaches. And for few, those of us nearer the equator and southward, the moisture has settled, the days are rising in warmth and the sun ever shines. Either way, no matter what the weather brings, the holiday season has arrived. I’ve begun to smell the aromas of roasting turkey and the sweet scent of cranberries; the fleeting smell of pine and warmth of spices. I feel the holiday spirit in my soul. What a magical time of year.
December 18th will mark one year of my time in Uganda. Maybe you are thinking what I’m thinking too:
what?!
Surely time has come and gone all too quickly, but I have been overwhelmed with gratitude as I practice giving thanks for each passing moment and each passing month.
Reflecting on the coming of one year, I recently wrote to a group of women:
It’s hard to believe and incredible to see the way the Lord has moved. Truly I know, with the assurance and peace I felt in the call to Uganda and having that same peace remaining in my soul this day, that the Lord’s will is being done here in Uganda and in my life. It is all a part of His intricate plan, a Divine Destiny. There are no words to describe the wonder and the awe. Our God is so good and so merciful. He is worthy of all our praise. I feel now more than ever that I’ve experienced deep in my soul the satisfaction and fullness of Jesus’ abounding love and, as it has been summarized, man’s chief end in life:
to love God and enjoy Him forever.
Imagine the eternity coming if this is the satisfaction and the fullness now. Our God considers us. He sees our hearts deepest desires and is ever gracious to us as His Spirit moves and our hearts begin to reflect His.
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I ended the month of October and began November alongside my mama and aunt. I soaked in our time together as we sat and shared stories and pictures of the months apart, traveled to new and distant places, experienced a wildlife sanctuary and beheld giraffes and elephants at sunset, adventured through markets, ate traditional homemade Ugandan meals, and snacked on my favorite American cravings: Oreos. Oreos. Oreo. Yum.
As the year wraps up, I wanted to recap just a few of the beautiful and memorable moments here at Father to the Fatherless Uganda in 2021. In lieu of an incredibly long email, I have opted for a newsletter to highlight in brief that which has come to pass.
As we move forward and prayerfully enter 2022, we know God will continue to work in mighty ways here in Uganda, at Father to the Fatherless, and in the lives of so many. Truly, we recognize our humanity and our position: the goodness of the Lord will sustain and surpass us even in our failings for this is His work, His holy ground, and the sanctuary in which He dwells.
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I am ever in awe of the overwhelming support and love I’ve received in preparation to come and serve in Uganda and during my time here so far. Thank you for intentionally choosing to pray, to encourage, to give, and to walk alongside me as I walk alongside others. I hope this email finds you well and the peace and joy of the Lord saturates you and those you love this holiday season.
As always, for more pictures, more stories, more contemplations, and more information about my journey here and opportunities to partner with me, checkout my blog:
And my Instagram:
Happy holiday season and warm greetings to you & yours.
With love & gratitude,
Maama Colo
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