Manry Family

Having returned six weeks ago to Uganda , and without a travel itinerary defining our horizon, I can write this update with mind and body in one place.  During the past six months we have been dislocated, emotionally, mentally, and physically: Lori and I apart 5 weeks during this time, our family bouncing between countries, states, and homes, and with the shadow of January’s tragic loss of Adam and Moses hanging over us.  Yet the presence of God was evident always.  Even when we questioned God, we were comforted that God was there to be questioned, and that he would listen and respond.  We look back and see Him in our steps:

In January we grieved in Uganda and in Oklahoma like we never had before the passing of two close friends and teammates.  During February, we hurt and healed among our family and church family in Michigan .  In March I went back to Uganda to communicate with my presence our family’s intention to return to our home and work in Uganda .  While I went to encourage my Ugandan brothers and sisters, it was I who left encouraged by them and the hope and faith they exuded.  We spent April together in Michigan , sharing many meaningful moments with Lori’s family and our Rochester church family.  We were blessed mid-month by a visit from Ida Bazonoona, a special lady and a close friend from Uganda .  Later that month we traversed the country to Mark’s family and home in Vero Beach , FL , a journey that also took us by close friends in Kentucky , Tennessee , and Florida .  In May Lori went to California to attend seminars at Fuller Seminary toward her MAGL degree.  We returned back to Michigan to drink in our last moments in the States.  Recounting all of the places and people with whom we shared life reinforced in our minds and hearts how blessed we are to love and be loved by so many wonderful people. We are continually fed by the new memories we created together.  Make sure your check out our 2007 Furlough photo album.  Videos forthcoming.

We look forward in anticipation as a family and with our team.  Next month we are expecting the birth of our fourth child, a little girl to join Luke, Connor, and Lydia Jane.  Please keep our family in your prayers as we experience anxiety and excitement so far from those with whom we so deeply wish to share this significant event in our family’s life.  A number of anticipated events draw us onward: The Hueys and Todds from Rochester , MI visit us at the end of the month to participate in our work and lives here.  Check out the Huey's blog at www.hueysandnews.blogspot.com.  At the beginning of September the churches of Busoga host a National Meeting of church leaders from our four sister missions in Uganda .  Later that month, Jason and Jody King arrive to begin their two year work with us.

In all these things the words of St. Patrick’s Hymn are realized to me: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me.  Christ below me, Christ above me.  Christ at my right, Christ at left.  Christ in breadth, Christ in length.  Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.  Amen.

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