Katie Nalem: Recapping and Redirecting

"The Lord saw her"

Nalight -- her left ear is rotting away

Such simple words. Jesus saw a widow who lost her only son; a statement of fact. But those words have touched me this week. He saw Peter, James, and John. He saw Levi, the tax collector. Amongst the hustle and bustle of the crowds, fishermen, and a million other needs, Jesus saw them.

Today marks six months for me! I'm celebrating by eating M&M cookies -- you have no idea how excited we get about American food! I thought I'd share a few things that I've learned so far:

God: He knows. Sometimes I struggle with the poverty and illnesses that run rampant through this country. But God knows, He cares, and He loves these people more than I do.

Pasweeda has jaundice like I've never seen before

Missions: It's not about coming to save the world, because Jesus already did. It's not about solving all the problems, but teaching the locals sustainability. Throwing kids in orphanages is not always the best answer. There are situations where they are needed, but many times they end up hurting the community instead and giving parents or relatives "freedom" from responsibilities. The idea of the mzungu as the savior has penetrated into many of the minds here.

Lillian enjoying some tea under the tree

Myself: I heard a woman say this week, "I'm so excited to come to Africa where I can make a different and such a huge impact in just a few minutes." She was excited and just off the plane, and I'm sure my thoughts were similar in May. However, I've found that I don't talk as much, listen more, and grow more myself as I am the one who is impacted by these people. I never want to act like the one with all the answers, because I don't have them.

Thankfully, there is still so much for me to learn. These lists are not finished. I'm constantly learning more about God, ministry, and myself. I never want to pretend like I've got it figured out.

Probably my favorite picture ever. Rebekah being herself!

Ambassador Institute got a boda!

The past few weeks I've been praying for Jesus vision -- I want to see like Jesus does. I see men, women, and children that are just starving for love. I've learned to go slower, just sit with women and take tea, even if they're speaking in Karamajong and one of the only words I remember is "abebe" (pronounced ahh-bay-bay!)...which means cockroach. Really, I don't normally talk about cockroaches on a regular basis! I've learned not to be annoyed when the children attack me as I'm on a mission to go somewhere, but to yell "duuka!!" (run!) and collapse on the ground with 20 children in laughter when we reach the jackfruit tree.

Silas is so big now!!

Life isn't always glamorous. I've had mango worms twice and just got my first jigger this week -- if you want a nice Google search, try those! I get peed on regularly, especially in Masese, sometimes multiple times a day. I have guys harass me daily, something I'm not too fond of. But at the end of the day, it's just life. These small annoyances do not shadow over the joy and peace that the Lord has given me here. Each day, each moment, is filled with the love of God.

There are days when I deal with a little girl who's ear is rotting with gaping wounds and a 16 year old that was drunk and killed her 2 month old baby. There are days when everyone is sick and poor and starving and I'm drained. There are days when my friends in Bible study answer all the questions correctly, but still say they are not "born-again" because that life is too hard for them. There are days when I cry out to God to the point of tears. But even on those days, God is not far. God still loves. And for that reason, I will continue to love Him and love those around me.