It’s hard to believe we are preparing for our 6th home assignment trip back to the U.S. and it’s hard to believe we’ve been in Uganda for more than 10 years. With those years has come some lessons learned, both on the field and while we’re traveling around the U.S. There are some things we have recognized about ourselves and about our family, friends and supporters over the years of our relationship.

First of all, to be 100% honest: home assignment isn’t a vacation or break! We are NOT traveling to and around America for a break from life and ministry in Uganda; we are traveling in order to report and raise support FOR our life and ministry in Uganda. We don’t refer to it as “furlough” because that suggests rest. It is not a vacation. Traveling to so many different places, staying in other people’s homes, eating too much food and drinking too much coffee is not relaxing. And while we are very thankful for the opportunities that traveling to America affords us (reconnecting with churches, friends, and family), it is often more stressful, more exhausting, and we feel more foreign as we visit so many people and places. It is an important part of our mission work, and we have learned over the years of travel, there are things we (and you) can do to help this time not be so stressful for our family, and other missionaries.

We are blessed to be loved, cared for, and supported through all of life – whether in Uganda or traveling around America. THANK YOU for asking good questions, asking us what we need or want while we’re traveling, offering your homes for us to rest, seeking opportunities to get to know us better, and helping us relax while we’re traveling. We see you and appreciate you! But we also know from our experience, and from the experience of others, that some of you WANT so desperately to bless, encourage, and help, but may not know how to help. So, HERE are a few ways you can help missionaries feel loved and supported while they are in their home country…

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