Happy New Year!

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve last updated everyone. As the ministry’s year came to a close, I took some time to relax and refresh for the start of this new year. It has been so nice to spend more time home and exploring new places. I celebrated the holiday season in ways I never have before. This was the first Christmas I spent outside my childhood home and I would be lying if I told you I didn’t miss it. However, I have a great family of friends here that made me feel so loved on that day. Part of me still feels as if Christmas didn’t even happen with all the sunshine and absolutely no snow. Having all four seasons in Michigan has made it feel as if time doesn’t even pass here since the weather typically always remains the same.

Starting off the new year I took one last opportunity to explore the beauty of Uganda. I needed this place more than I knew; it was just so peaceful. Many animals were roaming all around. You could look out and just see land for miles and miles on end. Living in the city you do not get views like this anywhere. I just can’t even give words that are worthy of explaining the true beauty. Sometimes as I’m sharing fun things like this with people at home, I forget how unordinary it is for them. Whereas for me, it has become the new normal. Monkeys cover the roads, beautiful waterfalls and lakes surround you and even elephants are right outside your car window. The beauty in God’s creation will never disappoint. I am beyond thankful for these experiences that I would have never guessed to have but am now calling home.

As this adventure came to an end, we were entering time for elections here in Uganda. Leading up to elections the country had been extremely tense, no one really knew what was going to happen next. The country is in a place where they really want change. During election time rioting and some violence is typical. However, prior to this election rioting broke out worse than they had seen before. This created much suspense leading up to the day of elections. However, as always, God is good. Elections were so peaceful it was as if they weren’t even happening. As much as people wanted change, they weren’t willing to risk taking any more lives due to rioting.

During this time, it is best to stay away and stay inside. That is exactly what I did. It had felt as if I was in quarantine again just this time, I was by myself. The current president had shut down internet access for the entire country for over a week with social media access is still being blocked. This made being inside sooo boring. Yes, there are many times internet goes in and out here however, if it ever happens you go outside or run those errands you have been putting off. This time I just had to remain inside. Communication with one another here is 90% online. This left us with phone calls being the only source of communication. I never thought I would be living in a world without texting again but boy oh boy it is so inconvenient. Not talking to friends and family back home was also very difficult but luckily, I was able to warn them of this possibility to lessen the stress of going MIA during this uncertain time.

To say I am thankful this time has passed is a huge understatement. We have been praying for these elections for months and months. God has provided exactly what we needed when we needed it most. It was another one of those uncertain times where it became difficult to plan for the future, unsure of what the outcome was going to be. But praise God we have had peace to move forward. With the new year finally here, we are all headed back to the office ready to start off this new year of ministry. As thankful as we are to have the set back of elections behind us, we do still have restrictions in place due to covid that hinder what use to be our normal way to operate. No matter the restriction or setback we come in contact with we believe the truth. God has a plan and purpose for us this year.

Please continue to pray for Uganda that there will be peace all throughout the land. Pray for the ministry as we start off another year. Pray for direction as I’m looking for a new place to live. Pray for approval of my visa. Pray for the relationships that I have formed here. Pray for provision with my finances. Pray for my car. Pray for safe travels for all who are coming back to Uganda. Pray for wisdom and trust for our staff. Pray for protection and good health as I move around each day. Pray for submission. Pray for deliverance for those struggling with addictions. Pray for healing for those with covid. Pray for your community. Pray for your family and friends. Pray for lives to be transformed.

With much love and many blessings,

Lexi Dingman