{HOMESICK}

Pridefully, I have worried the past few days that people may think that I left Uganda early because I was homesick. I have worried someone might think I am a "quitter." I have worried someone may think I was weak.

While none of these things are true, I did fight being homesick on a daily basis while being in Uganda. There were some days that I thought my heart might just burst because I missed those I love, so much.

Then, I was on my way to America and found myself in the middle of a breakdown. Unfortunately, it was the first of many.

When I have looked at girls in shorts that should be considered underwear, I have missed the modesty of Uganda. When I have been shivering when it actually isn't even cold, I have missed the perfect temperatures of Uganda. When I have heard Americans complaining and words of unthankfulness, I have missed the contentment of Ugandans. But mainly, when I think of the many people I grew to love so much, I miss them.

I guess you could say, that while I sit here in my air conditioned American home.... I feel a little homesick.

In the midst of this new type of homesickness, I was asked a question that made me laugh: "where do you live?" I didn't even know what to say.

"Well, I am staying at my parents house, but I am moving to a new city in a few weeks, but I have to be in Raleigh some and......"

In this limbo of life, amongst so many changes, it feels hard to even pin-point what home is.... yet still, I feel homesick.

..............................

2 Corinthians 5:1 says, "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands."

In the past few days I have meditated on the fact that while I have been able to call Elizabeth City, Raleigh, Florida, and Uganda all my homes, none of them are home. This life is just temporary. 

Am I living that way? Am I living for eternity? 

Am I comfortable in this world, or am I living in a way that shows others I am living for somewhere greater. Is my daily goal to add to the Kingdom, or is it to people-please in this temporary home. 

Today, I am thankful for this strange feeling of discontentment. I am thankful for the reminder that I wasn't made for this place, but somewhere greater. Today, I am thankful for the reminder this is just my temporary home. 

xoxo, 

Jordan 

A Message From America

Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I am in America.

Two years ago over a cup of coffee, the founder of API and I dreamed about what it would look like to serve the API team in the states. This was after a short-term trip to Uganda where we realized that my career goals not only would serve API well, but also was something they had been praying for, for years.

That led to me moving to Uganda. I am able to see the many ways God used me there – all Glory to Him. While I served the people of Uganda, I also was working on bringing the ministry to the states. After much prayer, we (the leaders of API) have decided it would be best if I began my ministry here in the states, effective immediately. As we are looking forward to expansions that are happening in API, such as our plan of building a school for street children, we see the great need of forming sponsorship in the states.

Also, we are ready to open another children’s home, but need the majority of our current children to be sponsored, before we bring more in. I am excited about finding sponsors so that more children can be removed off the streets and placed in a loving home.

The needs here are vast, and I am so excited about getting to work! If you would like to learn more about the ways I will be serving in the states or if you, your organization, ministry, or church family would like to get involved – I would love to talk to you about how that can happen.

I know many of you have supported me financially along this journey, and this is significantly earlier than my expected return date; but the ministry is growing and changing so quickly. We couldn’t have known how things would work out, and that the situation would dictate my early arrival. I am very excited about my continued work with API from the States. I can’t begin to tell you what amazing things this ministry is doing, but the needs are great!!!

I am so thankful for the support, prayers and encouragement you have all provided me and know will continued to be provided for me. I look forward to sharing about my experiences in Uganda and inform you of the big things God is doing there!