Running In Slow Motion

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June proved to be an exciting month for us. Our friends Heather and Braxton came to visit from Florida and stayed about 3 weeks. It was nice to have people from our home area to talk to and take in the ministry. So many times we have imagined sharing this experience with close friends, so to have them visit was up-building and needed "friend therapy". We were blessed to enjoy another safari together, along with some other friends Natasha and Andrew from the states who we met here in Kampala. Uganda can really just be indescribably lovely; it's hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes. The following pictures don't quite do the beauty justice, but it's a small view of what we experienced. And yes these are pictures we really took!
Steven, myself, Natasha, Andrew, Heather, and Braxton enjoying a boat cruise down the Nile. 


At the top of  Murchison Falls nearly getting pushed over by the powerful gusts.

The King himself! From just 5 feet away we got to observe true "catttitude". The same lazy, seemingly indifferent nature of a house cat. 
My dream came true of seeing this rare beauty watchfully perched on a ledge at ruins of an abandoned hotel. Leopards are known for their cautious and coy nature, so to come so close to one is a gifted experience. For a moment I felt like we were looking each other straight in the eyes...One day we will live in peace as friends, until then we will admire from a distance. 
Happy elephant swinging his tail as he marches on by. 

The peculiar nature of giraffes is so amusing and interesting. It's like they run in slow motion.

All praise go to Jehovah God for the diversity and beauty he has created on earth. It's because he loves us that he's made so much for us to enjoy. Being in these settings bring us closer to Jehovah. We find that we really need breaks to stop and appreciate the perks of living in Africa. Overtime the challenges can exhaust us and the energy we expel is seemingly impossible to regain. But Jehovah truly gives "power to the tired one and full might to those lacking strength..." and " those hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary...” (Isaiah 40: 29,31) He indeed gives us the power to keep running...even if we too, seem to be running in slow motion. 

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 29, 2016 at 10:45 AM

    Hi there! What amazing experiences you seem to be having!! You're writing and pictures are so encouraging! My family is in the very early "contemplative/praying" stage of trying to become need-greaters. Right now, my husband, two daughters (13 and 15) and I are pioneering in S. Florida but want to find a way to serve where the need is greater. Your blog is super encouraging but I am so curious how you ended up in Uganda? I'd love to hear the story??? Any advice for those of us early in the planning stages?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Niki July 29, 2016 at 11:37 AM

    Hi Kathryn! Thank you for appreciating. Jehovah will surely grant success to your zealous desire to reach out. We choose Uganda for several reasons. The first step was examining the yearbooks and the country totals- ratio of pub to population and percentage of increase. We wanted to serve somewhere where there was actually a great need not just based on convenience or popularity. From there we took the countries with highest growth and greatest ratio and researched each one by one. And prayed prayed prayed for direction. With that Jehovah pointed to Uganda and we took the leap. We get lots of inquiries like yours and are happy to help others reaching out. We've compiled some helpful tips. If you want more information, please feel free to email me at nikihiggins1@gmail.com
    Jehovah's blessings to your family!

    ReplyDelete
  3. DaGenesterAugust 24, 2016 at 5:41 AM

    Hello! Thanks for this! I saw your IG from a post by our friends JenDeBu! :D We visited Uganda in 2009, and we feel you guys are in an awesomely beautiful place! Love the pics of the animals - looking out and seeing the slow motion runners in herds is quite a treat!!

    Keep up your hard work. It isn't always easy, but Jehovah will continue to bless you! ("tell me something I don't know", right? :D) Much love from your brother and sister in Tucson, AZ

    -- Gene n Carmen.

    ReplyDelete

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