The Adventures of Sticky- Steven + Niki

The last few weeks have been swift! We had a brilliant assembly entitled “Imitate Jehovah” here in Mbarara with an attendance of over 400.  All warmly welcomed 5 friends to the best way of life as they got baptized. As a member of the first aid team, I'm thankful for a perfect view of the baptism pool! I basically just stand around in case someone slips and bust their head. Thankfully no head busting occurred. A real blessing from Jehovah was the special meeting for the pioneers in our congregation. We enjoyed an encouraging program that felt as if it were specifically prepared by Jehovah God himself. Being with our fellow pioneers, some excellent balanced spiritual people, lifts us up and keeps us going. As you can see we are mostly foreigners. Yasu and Hiroshi from Japan are pictured here. (There are other Japanese as well, but they have gone home for a few months to work.) To the delight of all, Harry and Lydia just came back from working in the UK. The 6 of us all live ...

"So I recommended rejoicing, because there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat and drink and rejoice; this should accompany him as he works hard during the days of his life, which the true God gives him under the sun." Ecclesiastes 8:15 . On Tuesday January 5th, 6 guys, 1 girl and a raft made of plastic set off on an epic journey to battle the white water of the famous Nile river.  . The rapids put up a fierce and mighty fight as the team paddled with all their strength.  The white water which was greater in power seemed to be the clear winner.  However where the team lacked in might they made up for in courage and sheer  gallantry.  . A t last a winner emerged. Although bruised and battered the team victoriously conquered the rapids!  :) . We had the privilege of sharing this momentous expedition with some of our favorite friends from Japan Hiroshi and Yasu, who als...

Today we celebrate 6 months in Uganda. We have had a very exciting few weeks. Here are some highlights with some scriptures from Isaiah setting the theme. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, The one proclaiming peace, The one bringing good news of something better..."  - Isaiah 52:7  A few weeks ago we set out to hike up a nearby mountain. To bring that "good news of something better" to the people there. We crossed the river to make our way up the mountains.  Teaching people as we journeyed up. Our group at the top. Built a little something to show we were there and then jumped for joy because we have the best life ever!  “I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.”  -Isaiah 48:17 It was a great blessing to attend the Pioneer Service School December 7-12. The 6 day course teache...

 Last week was simply splendid. We traveled west to Kabale, Uganda for our second time. This time we came early so we could help deliver some parts on the meeting in the tiny congregation. The congregation of about 20 people use the Runyankore ( jw.org/nyn/ ). Most everyone there speak and understand English, so whenever they get visitors there is the option to give meeting parts in English or in Runyankore. For us, we know very little of the language so Steven gave a part on Thursday and the Sunday discourse in English. The friends seemed to really enjoy it, and the local brothers were happy to have a break. For me, I got very brave and assisted my missionary friend Andrea with a demonstration Thursday in the local language! I said very little because I know as much as a toddler, but I tried! Here is a clip below…   Andrea and her husband Clinton are amazing! Being with them was one of the best times we have had in Uganda. We admire their zeal and determinati...

We often rejoice in the simplicity life in Africa offers. We both were sick with colds week before last, and for the first time pretty much ever we didn't feel a pressing need to push ourselves to resume normal activity before we were feeling good. Back home we, especially Steven, had many responsibilities. His job only allowed so many sick days, and for me I didn't get paid if I didn't work. With that we often exerted ourselves before ready, took the medicine to cover symptoms and dragged ourselves out of bed! Here... not so much. We still have many responsibilities, but not as many urgent or immediate. Africans by culture have a very laid back attitude about all things. "Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, I'll get to it... eventually. " Running late? No need to rush. "This is Africa..." Sometimes that's very frustrating when you come from a "I want it NOW" culture, but when embraced it's quite nice. Our language teach told us there is...

With The Eyes Of Your Heart Little one the unspeakable Has been placed before your eyes So much happening Too much to realize A hurt so deep Words are not enough So you keep it all in Trying to be tough You've seen things You never should have seen Been places You never should be You've known pain The heart should never feel Your worst nightmare Became something real You feel alone and unloved Unwanted wherever you go But there is one who cares He cares more than you know He can be your God and Father Your best friend He promises a life of joy Life that will not end So come into his arms He'll wipe away each tear No more reasons to cry No more reasons to fear When you're lost He'll show you the way He'll help you to believe In something better than today He'll replace your nightmares With only happy dreams A hope for something real Our eyes of faith can see When...

It's mind blowing... 4 months... What?! We've been so busy it feels like it was August, then we blinked and it was October!  Life is good and full. I had a few rough days where I felt terribly homesick. There was crying. My first good cry. (Poor Steven, gotta love that guy)... After a few days of being in that dark space though I emerged feeling stronger and determined. We have some great people here that have really been understanding and loving. Also an amazing support system back in the states. Along with you incredible people, we have seen Jehovah really be that loving father. I love this scripture at 1 Peter 5:10 "But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness...will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you." This experience has been excellent training; and training is not really working unless it hurts a little! In our years in theocratic service and especially now we...