When we have done missions trips in the past: Ecuador, Paraguay, Crow Nation- we have gone with a specific plan and with host missionaries who understood both the local cultures we visited and the middle class American culture we briefly step out of. This trip is different. In the past, our ministry was built around our Supreme Court Jesters juggling show. Here I have yet to practice, much less do a show. This is in no way a complaint, but God is stretching me in a unique way. Here I am out of my comfort zone in a way I never have been before.

My contributions have included helping prepare 38 orphans for nap time, playing with the same 38 kids out in their yard, and one very enjoyable hour helping to grind corn for the animals that the children's home operates in order to provide eggs, milk and meat for the kids. (Joseph and Gladys believe strongly in "going from dependence to independence." Most of their food is provided through their own on site farm.) I enjoy helping in these ways, but I don't always feel like I'm doing enough.

This is where the real sense of being out of my comfort zone kicks in. I'm out of my comfort zone because I'm doing less. I am a doer. I like to keep busy, and here in Uganda, there is a lot of time not-doing. A lot of time is spent conversing, waiting, playing. Sue is much better seeing the little things that need to be done with the kids than I am. I miss little opportunities frequently.

In the evenings we hang out on the porch of our guest house, and inevitably,the neighborhood kids come over. Some of the adults, too, but from more of a distance. Rose has been amazing playing hide and seek with these kids, running races up and down the street, and just generally interacting with them. Perhaps that's our primary purpose here-to be good neighbors. And that's not a task that always involves doing. To be a good neighbor is to play with kids when we have the chance, to grind corn if it lends a hand, to blow bubbles for three year olds who like to chase them and try to catch them. If that's our mission, I'm okay with that.

On a different note, please pray for a child here named Paul. He is a lot older than the kids in the preschool home: probably 10 or 11. He was found starving in the street when he was brought to Agape House. Much of his behavior seems autistic-like. While he is doing much better here at Agape, we're told, being in a toddler home is not the best placement for him (although obviously light years better than starving in the street.) I sat with him for lunch yesterday, and spent much of this morning holding his hand and walking with him around the yard. I don't know why, of all the kids, he's the one that is so heavy on my heart. please pray that he gets into a special needs program here. These are almost nonexistent in Uganda, but that is Joseph's goal for him. Thank you for remembering him.

Finally, we have begun to plan a couple local outreaches using our juggling and illusions if culturally appropriate. Ah, my sweet, sweet comfort zone!