Looking forward.

Got to have a long conversation with Mary today. Refreshing. I miss that lady.

We told the boys before I left that we would all take a family vacation this summer since we didn't take the boys with us to Uganda AND we've spent so much time apart. Mary said that Jonah's been reminding her that we said that. SO, we are trying to figure out a place and time to go. It's exciting to think about getting away to a place that is NOT Uganda. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate all that I have been learning about Uganda and how it's become my home away from home. BUT, it's going to be nice to spend time together as a WHOLE family. Any suggestions?

Slow day in Uganda. Had to walk into the yard at 5pm just to say that I had gotten out of the house today. The presidential inauguration was today so we stayed close to home to avoid crowds, protests, and any nonsense that might be occurring in the city. I enjoy the peace and quiet that I'm experiencing but I look forward to the chaos of my home--all the boys talking to me simultaneously, jumping, wrestling...you get the picture. Can't wait.

By the way, my webcam has some weird effects...I randomly implement these when I'm skyping with the boys. For example....

I know...I'm really cool!

New Creation.

In the last few days our Jonah has expressed an interest in making Christ his Savior and being baptized. He has been asking questions for awhile--it's neat to see how understanding has unfolded in his heart--AND that God will continue to work to mold him into the person He wants.

We have imagined this time for awhile. I'm excited but wish I was there to speak with him face to face. It's been good to talk with him over Skype and Mary's been talking with him. Mary and I have tried to strike a balance between talking frequently about following Christ with our kids while still allowing them to arrive at the place of salvation in their own time. It can be a tough balance to strike. Praise God that He works in spite of us!

My prayer for Jonah (I read this today):

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeaurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the work of His vast strength.
Ephesians 1:17-19

The big move.

I've been in Uganda for 5 1/2 weeks. We spent one week at the babies home and then 4 1/2 weeks at the Bridge Africa guest house. Time for the next chapter. Moved to the Baptist Mission of Uganda today. The straw that broke the camel's back is that the guest house didn't have water for 3 days. So I packed up....
It was actually sad to leave a place that I had developed such a routine in. Oh well, I have the next 3 weeks to develop a new routine before I head home. The saddest part was saying goodbye to this fan. It is capable of blowing your face off...it's awesome.

The gardner at the BMU planned a very special welcome for me. He built me a giant bonfire to say "hello". Ok, so he was just tidying up the property but look at the size of this fire. This would be a no-no in the city back home. Perfectly fine in Kampala. People are burning stuff all the time.

Check out the shirt that I put on Gideon today. He's my little buddy right now. Where I go, he goes. Good to spend this time with him. Also ready for him to have some mommy-time as well...just as much, I would like some daddy time with the other boys.

Blog Fatigue

Today was a good day! Got out and about...no sitting around the house today! We're all exhausted. Don't really know what to blog about today: I bought some groceries, I ate some food, I washed some clothes...mundane stuff.

BTW, just found out that Thursday has been declared a Ugandan public holiday for the inauguration of the president. One of the families is scheduled to have a court date on Thursday. Praying it won't affect their date or ours.

Having to make some decisions today about staying at my current guest house or moving to a new one...pros and cons for both. Will decide tomorrow. Here's where I'm thinking about moving to:Just drank a Coca Cola Light in a bottle..very good. (also ate a twix)

Come home from our day out to no power in the house...came back on just before putting G down for bed. Hope he sleeps better than he did last night.

Got to meet some more IMB missionaries today.

Ok, so always something to blog about!

Special Occassion Double Dose

It's not often that you get to celebrate two big days in one! Today is May 8, the day that Abram James Droddy entered the world. I am so thankful for this little guy. He's our only Louisiana-born kid..and I still remember that day so clearly. I remember the 8-day stay in the NICU and how tough that was. I remember how people always used to ask if he ever cried. He was such a sweet, pleasant baby (they don't ask that anymore, btw!).
Now, he has so much personality, especially as he tries to keep up with his big brothers. And CAN YOU BELIEVE HOW BIG THIS KID HAS GOTTEN IN 5 WEEKS-I mean, granted, it's been 5 weeks but c'mon, this guy is HUGE!

He's still not too big for some daddy hugs and I can't wait to give them. Hopefully soon. Until then, I'll keep calling and skyping and downloading pics that Mary sends. Look how huggable this guy is!

Can't forget Mothers's Day! I'm so thankful for my Mary. She is a wonderful wife and excellent mother. She is totally outnumbered in our house-o-boys but she holds her own. What a godly example she is to these fellas. Glad she and I get to herd these guys through life together. Thanks to our friends for helping the boys honor their mother while I'm away.