Fast Trip To America and Back!

Its update time again!

I would say this update is a unique update, but I find myself saying that just about every time. The mission field is unique. Being on the mission field made me realize my reliance on constancy and structure had to change. That just isn’t a huge part of this job. But the things you get to do as a missionary is far beyond measure. The places you go, the people you meet and the opportunities you have are only things God could provide.

As I am writing this, I’m on my way from America traveling back to my sweet home in Uganda. This is the 18th airplane I have been on in the past 8 months. Crazy right. I have always loved travel but put it on the back burner pursuing what God was calling me to. Then one day I looked up and saw the fruit. He led me to an office job that I absolutely love in Human Resource and added traveling all around the world to it! God is in control.

This is the shortest trip I have been on; it was exactly three weeks. Full of fun, family, adventure, love and so much support. Not so much sleep but that’s what the long flights home are for, I guess. I had the opportunity to fly to Washington state for the first time with 5 other family members. After 14 years my grandma finally said yes to flying (with some convincing (me traveling 23 hours home)). We went to reunite her with her last sibling alive of 6, her 90-year-old brother. A blessing is the only thing that can describe the experience this was. There wasn’t a single day that went by without thanking God for making this trip happen.

There was this overwhelming joy that came from every conversation. As my grandma’s brother would say, “It’s all about family, family is what is important. We lookout for each other and love one another.” That is why this trip was so enjoyable because it was filled with so much love. That resonated so deeply with me not only in my direct family but with all of you. Being on the mission field it so peaceful and joy filled when I know how many people are praying for me, encouraging me and always there for me. This is what God calls us to do. To love your neighbor as yourself just as the good Samaritan represents in the bible. If you haven’t read this story, I strongly encourage you to. It displays a beautiful image of what loving our neighbors as ourselves truly looks like. (Luke 10:25-37)

While in Washington we went on so many fun adventures hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding (yes, me. The one who is scared of horses) and so many other beautiful places. We were able to drive to Oregon to see my brother who I haven’t seen in over 5 years. It is always fun to see where family lives and what they experience every day. If I had to say the best part of the trip, I’d have to say it was spending time with family. I could sit and listen for hours and hours as my grandma and her brother reminisced on old times and all the stories they had. Being so far away from family has taught me to value the minutes not just the days you see family. Waking up at my uncle’s house was just like waking up at my grandma’s house. The similarities that her and her 6 other siblings had are incredible. The bond they had and still have is just out of this world. The value of family is deeper than I knew possible.

Times like this is what encourages me to keep going on the mission field. It reminds me when I’m working with young adults or single young parents that I might be the only family they have. Some might not understand what family is or what benefits come from a family. But God left us with the best gift. He made us all His children; one family centered around His love. As exhausted as I am traveling back to Uganda I am so encouraged and refilled to enter the mission field again. I hope you all know how big of a role you play in my work here in Uganda. Sometimes being on the field for an extended time can drain you and you can lose endurance to keep going. Your love holds encouragement. Your encouragement holds endurance. Endurance is what leads to the multitudes. Thank you for all you do!

Now it’s time for me to sleep. By the time you read this I will be back in my Uganda home.

Please pray for me as I transition back to Uganda. Pray for my family I have left behind. Pray for my workplaces and community we serve. Pray for my home church receiving a new pastor. Pray for my parents. Pray for safety and good health. Pray for Gods will to be done in my life. Pray for my home. Pray for my car as it needs fixing. Pray for finances. Pray in thanksgiving for all God has been doing. Pray for wisdom in whatever discissions you are making. Pray as God leads you to pray.

With much love and many blessings,

Lexi Dingman