Saturday, February 27, 2010

Oliyo from Bundibugyo



We are thankful to say that WE ARE HOME!

Thank you for praying for our transition to Uganda. The Lord has
answered your prayers in mighty ways.

In the three days that we have been in Bundibugyo, we have met all of
the team, started unpacking and settling into our home, signed in with
the local coucilman for the village, played outside, and visited the
Saturday market.

While at the market today, I was both grateful and in shock that this
is now MY market, these were MY neighbors, and we now LIVE IN AFRICA.
It is both humbling and awe-inspiring to know that this God's plan for
us. I am curious to see how he changes us and uses us here.

And we are grateful for your prayers. Praise God with us for:
~Travis enjoyed learning medicine and spending time with seasoned
missionary doctors at the African Christian Medical Dental Conference.
~During those two weeks in Kenya, the kids and I got over the 9 hour
time difference and got into the African rhythm of life. We even saw a
few types of monkeys at our housing!
~ ALL our LUGGAGE MADE IT! Thanks to the Myrhes and Scott Will, our
many bags made it across the border with no problems. Even the double
stroller that we accidentally left at the guesthouse somehow made it
with someone to the Myrhes who were traveling a few days behind us to
Uganda.
~In the last minute of packing all our stuff in our new truck and
preparing for a 9 hour trip over uncertain roads, GOD PROVIDED a
precious black lab PUPPY! We considered calling him Max as we were
certainly at our max for life changes, but have decided upon "BOWTO"
the Lebwisi word from "friend." He is a sweet little one who loves to
be right with us and the kids adore him! He has been especially
positive for Lilli as she is getting over her fear of dogs and is a
wonderful blessing for her to focus on during all of these
transitions. Having this "gain" makes the other losses of familiar
things not feel so hard.
~Travis is living out his lifelong dream of driving a LandCruiser
through the bush of Africa. He skillfully navigated the crazy,
crowded, and unmarked roads in the city of Kampala and over the rutted
and muddy road to Bundibugyo. The kids were cheerful and Aidan
miraculously slept most of the 9 hour bumpy ride. We are so glad that
drive is behind us for now!
~We have been graciously welcomed by the team and are enjoying getting
to know them better. What sweet fellowship!
~We are healthy! Hallelujah!

Again, thank you for praying us here.
We will keep you posted about how to continue to pray specifically.
Until then, please join us in praising God for his faithfulness.
All our love,
Amy and the Johnsons

9 comments:

  1. Boy oh boy, praise God for all of those amazing demonstrations of His love for you in the midst of so much change. Beautiful! I look forward to your blog posts so much. And we'll continue to pray. :)

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  2. So glad to hear that you got a puppy! That always made a huge difference for us and for our kids. Praying that the Lord would be gentle with you as you transition, that your cooking skills would grow with creativity and laughter, that the bugs would be held back as long as possible, that you would laugh more than you cry and that the team would surround you with love and understanding. You are in good hands... both heavenly and humanly.

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  3. You guys are amazing! Keep the posts coming. We are praying for you and wishing you health and happiness. You're an inspiration! Visiting you guys is on our wish list!

    Paul, Julie, and Andrew

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  4. Wow -- it is amazing to hear from you in Uganda! (Yay for the Internet!!) It brings tears to my eyes to think about you serving the Lord there and faithfully obeying His call, bravely with your 3 little ones. I am excited for you guys, and I am praying for you guys!!! We had dinner tonight with Keith and Lori Hoekman at our church missions conference -- so cool that you guys know each other!! Love hearing from you and praying for you.

    Kate (Augustine) Haber

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  5. Welcome Home! You made it!
    I believe Botu is also the name of the hero dog in one of Jennifer's books...

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  6. You don't know how happy we are to read this. Praise God!

    -Brian & Kassie

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  7. I've been praying for you all, and will continue. Thanks for posting, if you can, keep it up, it is so good to have a window into your lives.
    Wendy Allison
    (mom to former Bundi team mate, Matt Allison, wife of Brad Allison, incoming WHM chairman of the board, and new sister-in-law to Amy's friend Cathy Reynolds Strassner)

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  8. Wonderful news!!! I am so happy to hear of all the answered prayers and added blessings!!! I miss you, sweet friend!
    Lots of love,
    Mary

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  9. SO GLAD TO KNOW YOU ARE THERE!!!
    I still have your kids on my voicemail.
    We have all been praying you there...
    and will not stop:)
    Keep us posted.
    Love from CA.
    Katie and Co.

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