To Gulu,
Today I am writing you from Canada. Just a few weeks ago, my life completely changed when I found out that I would be living and working in Uganda for a year. And this is a story of how it all came to be...
A few weeks ago I was on internship, trying to figure out where God would be leading me with regards to my next stage of life. I was praying a lot, as I felt lost about my future: Was I to stay in my hometown? Was I to move a few cities away? No, God had a better plan for me. My mom had sent me a link to a Facebook post by World Embrace, as they were looking for a Children's Ministries Director. I had to think about it for a few days, as accepting this position would be a big decision that would truly change my life. After spending a few days in prayer and worship, I was finally able to message the organization’s president, Reynold, about the posting. A few days passed again, and I got a reply asking for a video chat. Finally overcoming the challenge of time differences, we were able to have an hour-long conversation via video feed about a week later. Turning off the chat feed, my Internship Pastor came running in, asking me if I was heading to Africa. With tears in my eyes and a big smile, I told him that there was a 75% chance that I would be going. From then on, every time I met with my Internship Pastor he would ask: "What is the percentage of you going?" I would respond with a smile and would never say over 90%. However, on my last day of Internship I was finally able to say that there was a 95% chance that I was going to Africa. Literally, the next day that 95% chance went to 100%. Elizabeth, the Communications Director, e-mailed me to say that they would love for me to join their team. It took me a few days to respond to this message, as I was beginning to doubt myself, thinking that I was crazy to move to the other side of the world. But with several deadlines looming, I forced myself to make a decision by April 16th. Sitting at Starbucks – again, with tears of fear and excitement – I replied to Elizabeth, telling her that I would love to come and join the team! I texted my parents right away, but I did not want to tell everyone as I wanted to announce it at my graduation.
That night, my class got together and shared an object that represented something that happened over internship. Due to several reasons, I bought a picture frame, signifying that I was able to have a sneak peek of God's bigger picture. I announced to my class that I would be going to Africa! My best friend wasn't happy that I kept her in the dark, but she was happy for me. When I got back to the school, I was able to share the news with a few close friends that are not in my class, and with some of the staff. The timing could not have been more perfect: an announcement was made at my graduation that I was officially going to Uganda in the fall, joining World Embrace as the Children's Director.
To think that my journey started off with a Facebook post! These blog posts will give you some insight into my preparation for, and my journey to and from, Gulu, Uganda.
For more information about World Embrace, check out their
website: https://www.worldembrace.org/
Facebook: World Embrace
Instagram: @worldembrace
With Love and Prayers,
Shelre
Today I am writing you from Canada. Just a few weeks ago, my life completely changed when I found out that I would be living and working in Uganda for a year. And this is a story of how it all came to be...
A few weeks ago I was on internship, trying to figure out where God would be leading me with regards to my next stage of life. I was praying a lot, as I felt lost about my future: Was I to stay in my hometown? Was I to move a few cities away? No, God had a better plan for me. My mom had sent me a link to a Facebook post by World Embrace, as they were looking for a Children's Ministries Director. I had to think about it for a few days, as accepting this position would be a big decision that would truly change my life. After spending a few days in prayer and worship, I was finally able to message the organization’s president, Reynold, about the posting. A few days passed again, and I got a reply asking for a video chat. Finally overcoming the challenge of time differences, we were able to have an hour-long conversation via video feed about a week later. Turning off the chat feed, my Internship Pastor came running in, asking me if I was heading to Africa. With tears in my eyes and a big smile, I told him that there was a 75% chance that I would be going. From then on, every time I met with my Internship Pastor he would ask: "What is the percentage of you going?" I would respond with a smile and would never say over 90%. However, on my last day of Internship I was finally able to say that there was a 95% chance that I was going to Africa. Literally, the next day that 95% chance went to 100%. Elizabeth, the Communications Director, e-mailed me to say that they would love for me to join their team. It took me a few days to respond to this message, as I was beginning to doubt myself, thinking that I was crazy to move to the other side of the world. But with several deadlines looming, I forced myself to make a decision by April 16th. Sitting at Starbucks – again, with tears of fear and excitement – I replied to Elizabeth, telling her that I would love to come and join the team! I texted my parents right away, but I did not want to tell everyone as I wanted to announce it at my graduation.
That night, my class got together and shared an object that represented something that happened over internship. Due to several reasons, I bought a picture frame, signifying that I was able to have a sneak peek of God's bigger picture. I announced to my class that I would be going to Africa! My best friend wasn't happy that I kept her in the dark, but she was happy for me. When I got back to the school, I was able to share the news with a few close friends that are not in my class, and with some of the staff. The timing could not have been more perfect: an announcement was made at my graduation that I was officially going to Uganda in the fall, joining World Embrace as the Children's Director.
To think that my journey started off with a Facebook post! These blog posts will give you some insight into my preparation for, and my journey to and from, Gulu, Uganda.
For more information about World Embrace, check out their
website: https://www.worldembrace.org/
Facebook: World Embrace
Instagram: @worldembrace
With Love and Prayers,
Shelre
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