Webale Kwejuna

Today my twin nephews, Sam and Elias, turn one year old. Even in the short two months I’ve been away, they look so much bigger in photos. I’m told they take a while to warm up to new people and like to crawl around the house together. They’re cruising around furniture which probably looks a little funny since they are still so small but before too long they’ll be running to catch up with big brother, Ethan.

For many reasons, I’ll never forget the day that they were born. In the weeks leading up to their birth, I struggled with being far from home as Rachel was in the hospital and I heard updates from my Mom about her pre-term labor. I was sick and struggling to function here. Eventually the decision was made for me to go back to the U.S. for a month to get good medical care. And the day I flew out of Kampala, I was getting text messages from my brother as he and Rachel were in the OR and the boys were born.

Now, a year later, it is hard to believe all that has happened. Sam and Elias fought hard and they are now chubby, healthy boys celebrating their first birthday. I’m back where I started—in Uganda—after a similar fight for life. It can be overwhelming to try and process all that 12 months have brought. But with each “anniversary” of a big event, I take a moment to think about it and praise God for sustaining me through the past and bringing me to this point.

Today I am thankful for two sweet boys and their perseverance in the fight (as well as their parents’ perseverance!) to survive. Webale kwejuna (thank you for surviving), Sam and Elias! And webale Yesu for bringing yet another anniversary, another reminder of your sustaining love, another opportunity to be thankful for where you’ve placed me today.