Haha... Some of you already know the whole story, and some of you may read the title and think, "what?! How could Geof go back to Uganda without you? I bet that is so tough! Why did that happen?" and were eager to read through this post. Geof did not return home to Uganda, but our Sovereign Father in Heaven beautifully orchestrated for him to at least take a trip to Kenya! Our Neighbor! Here is how it went.
SUNDAY - Cameron Lane, a good friend from church who has a huge heart for sharing Christ in Arkansas and around the world, was talking to Geof about his last-minute trip to Kenya with The Hanna Project. They were talking about food, weather, snakes, hyenas, and sleeping in hammocks. Cameron turns to Geof, "Man! You should come with us! I could talk to some people and see!"
MONDAY - Geof can't stop thinking about going to Kenya and tells Cameron he's in if the details can work out. Geof answers a few questions from the Simmons in Samburu (missionaries in Kenya) about his tribe and his desire to come on the trip. The Simmons are working with an unreached people group in Kenya who are just now encountering the truth of Christ. If Geof were from a tribe in Uganda that has had major problems with the Samburu people, it could have possibly caused some friction for these brand new believers. The Simmons replied, "Great answers. He is welcome to come."
TUESDAY - We find out that Geof's airplane will be provided for as a blessing, Geof is approved to be gone from work for two weeks (another reason to praise God for Chick Fil A!), and Sam McVay (16-year missionary to Spain, and current Director of Mobilization for Free Will Baptist International missions) approves Geof for the trip and the plane ticket is purchased.
WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY - Lauren runs around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to gather supplies and gifts for the missionaries in Kenya and organize all of Geof's paperwork for the trip!
FRIDAY - We finally finish packing and get in bed around 1:20am and then get up to meet Cameron and Krista Lane at 4:40am in the Hobby Lobby parking lot and they took off from Little Rock airport at 7:50am!
SUNDAY - Cameron Lane, a good friend from church who has a huge heart for sharing Christ in Arkansas and around the world, was talking to Geof about his last-minute trip to Kenya with The Hanna Project. They were talking about food, weather, snakes, hyenas, and sleeping in hammocks. Cameron turns to Geof, "Man! You should come with us! I could talk to some people and see!"
MONDAY - Geof can't stop thinking about going to Kenya and tells Cameron he's in if the details can work out. Geof answers a few questions from the Simmons in Samburu (missionaries in Kenya) about his tribe and his desire to come on the trip. The Simmons are working with an unreached people group in Kenya who are just now encountering the truth of Christ. If Geof were from a tribe in Uganda that has had major problems with the Samburu people, it could have possibly caused some friction for these brand new believers. The Simmons replied, "Great answers. He is welcome to come."
TUESDAY - We find out that Geof's airplane will be provided for as a blessing, Geof is approved to be gone from work for two weeks (another reason to praise God for Chick Fil A!), and Sam McVay (16-year missionary to Spain, and current Director of Mobilization for Free Will Baptist International missions) approves Geof for the trip and the plane ticket is purchased.
WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY - Lauren runs around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to gather supplies and gifts for the missionaries in Kenya and organize all of Geof's paperwork for the trip!
FRIDAY - We finally finish packing and get in bed around 1:20am and then get up to meet Cameron and Krista Lane at 4:40am in the Hobby Lobby parking lot and they took off from Little Rock airport at 7:50am!
Some pictures provided so far by the Simmons to the Samburu and the Hanna Project. All can be found on their Facebook pages!
The Simmons Shared about the Projects On the Trip: "We have a number of projects for them including a feeding project, installing soccer goals to minister to the youth, evangelism opportunities, laying out an airstrip, and some building stuff."
Why we believe God orchestrated it perfectly for Geof!
This last minute trip was a gift from our Sovereign Lord. It could have probably only worked out for Geof! He is a Ugandan citizen which allows him to freely enter Kenya without pre-applying for a travel visa and paying a fee. Additionally, he was there last year and already has all the necessary vaccinations.
What about re-entering America? Will he have any problems?
Nope! Sometimes people do have their green cards taken away because they have been away from American for so long and the immigration officers suspect that the green card holder has abandoned their residency in America. Geof will only be gone for about 2 weeks and we have been assured by an immigration attorney that he should be fine to re-enter America.
Final Thoughts...
It seems each step of the way the Lord has our paperwork process with immigration delayed. The last time we mailed out a newsletter to everyone we were expecting Geof to soon pass his citizenship test and then be approved for citizenship, attend a swearing in ceremony as a new citizen of the USA, and then make our plans to return to Uganda to continue our work there! We were not expecting him to pass his test but then not be approved. He was not denied, the case officer said she needed to show his case to her superiors and they would get back to us about the documents they needed to make a final decision. It has been over two months now and we continue to wait.
And I will NOT wait for that paperwork... I choose to wait upon the Lord! This was pointed out to me last year as we were struggling during the wait to come to America. I shared a lot about our process in a 3-post series last year you can see here on our blog. God encouraged me through some incredible Bible studies, devotionals, and people with His Truths! Those who wait on the things of this world will become weary. But those who wait on the Lord will be strengthened!
Again, we continued to be encouraged in the fact that we are waiting while the Lord is acting. He is sovereign over it all and we choose to lean into His presence in the midst of what feels like a struggle for us.
And we continue to be encouraged as we hear of how Frontline is FLOURISHING! Average up to 70-80 boys per week! Recently a young girl was discovered in our programs (it is extremely dangerous for a girl to be on the streets) and our team was able to secure for her a place to stay off of the streets. We are thrilled to continue sending support over to them. We are also grateful that many of our living costs here in the states have been provided for us and we are able to save money for some major projects that we anticipate upon our return to Uganda... when the Lord wills it! Thank you for all of you that contribute!
And I will NOT wait for that paperwork... I choose to wait upon the Lord! This was pointed out to me last year as we were struggling during the wait to come to America. I shared a lot about our process in a 3-post series last year you can see here on our blog. God encouraged me through some incredible Bible studies, devotionals, and people with His Truths! Those who wait on the things of this world will become weary. But those who wait on the Lord will be strengthened!
Again, we continued to be encouraged in the fact that we are waiting while the Lord is acting. He is sovereign over it all and we choose to lean into His presence in the midst of what feels like a struggle for us.
And we continue to be encouraged as we hear of how Frontline is FLOURISHING! Average up to 70-80 boys per week! Recently a young girl was discovered in our programs (it is extremely dangerous for a girl to be on the streets) and our team was able to secure for her a place to stay off of the streets. We are thrilled to continue sending support over to them. We are also grateful that many of our living costs here in the states have been provided for us and we are able to save money for some major projects that we anticipate upon our return to Uganda... when the Lord wills it! Thank you for all of you that contribute!
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