In 1992, I had a dream. In the dream I had a newborn named William Andrew. It was so real I woke up looking for the baby. I literally asked Bill in my groggy sleepy state, “Where is the baby?” He said, “In the crib.” He of course was referring to Aaron. I said, “No, not … Continue reading 26 Years Ago
Summer Song
There is something magical about porch sitting, and it really doesn’t matter whose porch I am on, they are all enchanted to me. Today the carpet of grass is silver with dew, the wet dirt is deep red from summer rain. The green extends to the edge of a forest. The morning light is … Continue reading Summer Song
Refuge for the Refugee
A Refuge is a place of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger or trouble. Segmenting the word, we see the prefix re- means again and the Latin root is fugere which means to flee. Therefore, a refugee is one who flees again, to a safe place, sheltered from pursuit, danger or trouble. How many … Continue reading Refuge for the Refugee
Father’s Day Tribute
As a bit of a tomboy as a child, I considered myself a Daddy’s girl. Still do. I took every opportunity to traipse through the woods with Dad. Creek walking. Fishing. Wave riding. Canoeing. Trail riding. Wildflower hunting. Jeep riding. Hiking. Camping. Bird watching. Bike riding. Rock hounding. River rafting. Tree climbing. Sliding rock swimming. … Continue reading Father’s Day Tribute
Bearing Fruit
I have been wanting to update you on my most recent trip to Uganda but I hit the ground running when I got home and have just now gotten the time I needed. The conference was focused on literacy again this time. When the ALI (Advancing Leaders International) team went in January, we decided to … Continue reading Bearing Fruit
Rainstorm
The trill song of a bird rises above the gentle patter of the rain. It is a subdued wake up song. A rooster crows in the distance, barely heard over the sound of the drops echoing through the forest. The steady pouring of water pounds on the ground and the bushes. The smell of the … Continue reading Rainstorm
It’s Cool in the Furnace
When I was arriving at the tiny airport in Arua, the president of Uganda was preparing to leave. Our paths overlapped for a brief moment. To give perspective on the small airport, luggage is transported from the plane a few hundred yards away, to the driveway of the airport in the trunk of a car. … Continue reading It’s Cool in the Furnace
African Ingenuity
I am amazed at African ingenuity. It is never truer than in a refugee camp. Things I throw away at home become useful items here. A Walmart bag is turned into a kite. A water bottle becomes a car, and a soda can a truck. These are only some of the things kids do with … Continue reading African Ingenuity
You Might Live in a Refugee Camp if you…
Have to walk miles to get water for your family’s daily needs. Get food from the UN to feed your family for a month. Live under a tarp while you gather materials to build a home. Wake in the night with nightmares of things you saw on your escape from war. Wonder where members of … Continue reading You Might Live in a Refugee Camp if you…
Are You On Mission?
The man at the desk asked me, “Why are you here? Are you on mission?” “Yes,” I answered, “I am.” He wrote, ‘On Mission’ at the bottom of my Ebola Screening form, and sent me on my way. It is a standard form they fill out at each airport here because there are neighboring countries … Continue reading Are You On Mission?
Michelle's Mosaic 