The past few days, I’ve been feeling the separation that living in Bundibugyo brings. Separation from family as they all have dinner together and talk about the twin boys Tony and Rachel are expecting and the new house Scott and Emily will soon be moving into. Separation from friends as they gather from 3 different states to spend a weekend together. Separation from the seasons I’ve known my whole life as I have a suntan while emails from home mention snow. Separation from high-quality and easily accessible healthcare as I wait another few weeks before returning to
Despite feeling the distance, I wouldn’t describe myself as being homesick. I am content here in Bundibugyo and pleased that God has placed me here at this time. After nearly 4 months here, I am amazed at all that I’ve learned and the level of comfort I feel with daily life. The moments when I pinch myself and ask “What have I done? What am I doing here?” still pop up (as I'm sure they will throughout the next 2 years) but they’re becoming less frequent.
And for the moments when I feel the separation, I run to Romans 8. I like the variation that the Message brings to this passage that I’ve grown so familiar with:
“The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture…None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us.”
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