We have been living in Jinja, Uganda for three weeks!

It feels like we have been here for months, but it has been three weeks. We have already moved to a different home closer to town. The home we thought would be a great fit for our family on the banks of the beautiful Nile was too far out of town for our family and very isolated. As we are just starting here in Jinja, we are building community and that is hard to do so far out of town. We praise God for finding us a home in town that we feel safe and more comfortable in.

This week we have been working on hiring security staff and ensuring our compound is safe and secure for our family. I told Rocky it feels like we are starting a business just in securing our home. So many things to think about. But with that, we get to employ 5 Ugandans and they can better provide for their families. Barbed wire was installed last week around the wall of the compound (this is to deter thieves and is very common) and we are getting a German Shepard puppy that will be trained as a guard and family dog. Once the kennel is built we will bring the puppy home! We are also learning how to make dog food.

Lastly, we are hiring a company that provides a manual alarm button, similar to a panic button. It's a monthly service, and upon pressing the button, armed guards will arrive at our gate within 10 minutes. 911 is not a service here, so that helps bring us comfort in emergent situations.

God has been so faithful and has given us a peace that can only come from Him. We are so grateful. The boys are slowly starting back to school this week. We are still getting settled here making home. Beds are being built for Lucas and Caleb, then they will get into their room and be more settled.

The missionary community here in Jinja is amazing. We have felt so loved and welcomed. We have been invited to dinners, volleyball games, flag football, church, bible studies, and so much more!

Please pray for health and strength for our whole family as we adjust to new daily rhythms, culture and climate.

Pray for peace and steadiness, especially when moments of transition feels heavy and uncomfortable.

Pray for wisdom and discernment as we build relationships and hire security staff.

Lastly, unity and protection over our family, especially over the children as they adjust.

Thank you for praying, supporting and loving our family. We are so grateful for you!