Living it out.

I had no intention to write my news letter quite yet but as I am sitting here at my kitchen table eating dinner after a long but successful day I can’t help but put my thoughts to paper (or phone).

When I went on my first mission trip I completely fell in love with every aspect of missions. I love the people you get to build relationships with, the long tiring hours of miscellaneous work, and serving day in and day out. I love it all, the good and the bad.

On my drive home from the office this evening I was maneuvering around a giant pot hole, just about to come to a place where I always see these sweet little kids. They are always competing to see who can roll the tire fastest or chasing one another with sticks. Their joy radiates and never fails to make me smile no matter how good or bad the day may have been.

But it wasn’t until I made it around that giant pothole I finally realized I am actually living in this beautiful place. This isn’t just a short trip like the others but my home is here. I am living out my dream. I have always looked up to missionaries and the work they do. I can’t even put into words the amount of joy I feel when I see those kids playing each day after work or the beautiful hills that surround the city or the culture that welcomes everyone with open arms or believe it or not even the potholes that cover the roads. Because these are the things that remind me of where I am and what a blessing it is to be here.

What an amazing feeling it is to look back and realize that person I looked up to is now who I am. How great is our God for providing a way for me to get here, even though I myself didn’t see the path.

This past month we have finally been able to get back to working from the office. It has been such a blessing to get out of the house. However, so many of the people who serve with us have not been able to come in due to transportation still being closed in some areas and triple the normal price in the other areas. With that being said we have been filling those gaps with the few of us around.

What a joy it has been being able to help out other departments and experience first hand the work they do. I have learned so much during this time. I have been able to be more intentional building relationships with those I don’t always see or work with often.  

As I’m sitting here finishing my dinner while listening to a podcast on Leadership I can’t help but thank God for where He has taken me. I am living a life much better than I could have ever imagined.

When was the last time you took a step back and reflected on where you are? Maybe you are like me, living out your dreams but have failed to open your eyes to really see how far you’ve come. Don’t get me wrong, I know how great of a blessing it is to be here and I know for certain this is where God intends me to be. What I failed to see is the transition from where I was dreaming to be to where I now am. God had a path for me to get here all it took was for me to follow it. I dreamed of world missions, how exciting it would be to emerge myself into a culture I wasn’t familiar with. I had no idea it would be Uganda but God did and He did not disappoint.

As you step back and reflect on where you are in life and how far God has taken you, don’t forget to look at who you are inspiring. Who are you encouraging to follow their dream? Who are you speaking life into? Who are you assisting to live out Gods calling? Because now I have the opportunity to inspire and encourage those who are exactly where I was many years ago. Remember this when you are in a place of uncertainty, asking God why He has you where He does. Sometimes the seasons we are in seem scary but we have to trust the bigger picture. Who knows, it could be leading you to accomplishing your biggest dreams.

Pray for families to come together. Pray for me to find community here. Pray for my visa to get approved. Pray for protection over this nation. Pray for protection over our homes and vehicles. Pray for our elders. Pray for the leaders we are developing. Pray for peace. Pray for guidance with what is next for me and the ministry. Pray for community. Pray for authority. Pray for love. Pray for the church. Pray for good health for all.

With much love and many blessings,

Lexi Dingman