Reflections on a Month Back in Uganda: Change, Challenges, and Trusting the Process

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been back in Uganda for a whole month already. So much has changed, and even more continues to unfold in unexpected ways. Coming back after eight years away has brought a mixture of excitement, challenges, and, most notably, a few difficult decisions.

The most difficult of all was sending someone away who had been pivotal in setting up DOEF here. This was someone I was very close to, someone who had been with me from the beginning of the journey. Parting ways with them was heartbreaking, but as I’ve learned, sometimes we have to make hard choices for the greater good of the work Yahweh has commissioned us to do. When someone or something becomes a stumbling block to that purpose, we have to trust God’s plan—even if it’s not easy.

It was a tough moment, one I didn’t expect. Yet, I am thankful that it happened early in my return. Now, I can move forward without the weight of that unresolved issue, and we can focus on continuing the ministry and making the most of the time and energy that we have.

There have been other adjustments as well. Things I had forgotten about during my time away, like the intense heat, the food, and, oh yes, the mosquitoes! But beyond the physical discomforts, there are the cultural differences that I’ve had to re-acclimatize to. One of the biggest shifts has been the pace of life here. In Uganda, things tend to move a lot slower than in the West. What might take an hour or two in Canada can stretch into a whole day of waiting, negotiations, or just plain “taking things as they come.”

It’s been a lesson in patience for me. It’s easy to get frustrated when tasks take longer than you expect, but it’s also a great reminder that life doesn’t have to be a race. The constant rush of the Western world can be exhausting, and here in Uganda, I’m learning to slow down, breathe, and give more room for grace in both the process and in myself.

Another adjustment that has come with this new phase of DOEF is the need to re-register in Buikwe District. It’s a bureaucratic step that holds up our work in the community for now, but it’s also part of the restructuring process that will ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible in the long term. In the meantime, I’ve found solace in staying busy—writing grants for clients in Canada, at least ensuring that I’m not idle while the administrative process plays out.

September also brought a bittersweet goodbye to Sandi, a dear friend and key part of our work. Saying farewell was hard, and now, I find myself feeling a bit isolated at times. I miss the camaraderie, and there are days when the language barrier makes me feel a little distant. My team and I all speak English, but when they’re together, they naturally revert to Luganda. I don’t blame them, but I do find myself needing to push myself harder to learn the language so I can better connect with them.

Still, I’m thankful. I’ve reconnected with some wonderful friends from my past time here, and I’ve also met new people who have become a source of support and encouragement. My team, though small, is full of heart, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication and friendship.

As I reflect on this first month, I’m filled with hope and anticipation for what the next months will bring. There are challenges ahead, but I know that Yahweh has a plan. The changes are part of that plan, and I trust that He’s guiding every step of this journey. I’m learning, growing, and leaning more into His strength, and I can’t wait to see how He will continue to work in and through the community here in Uganda.

Thank you to all of you who have been walking alongside me in prayer and support. Your encouragement means the world. I’m excited for what lies ahead and looking forward to sharing more as this chapter unfolds.