Perspective

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I think we can all agree that the World is crazy right now. Not just America, not just Uganda, everywhere! Anxiety and depression seem to be at an all time high. People have lost their jobs, others are waiting in limbo hoping they still have a job. And most people who do have jobs, have had to make drastic changes to their days. Not to mention losing loved ones.

As it may be for many of you, I’ve been feeling the weight of these stresses, too. Living through a pandemic, away from family/friends, and in a third-world country has been interesting to say the least. NGOs are taking a huge hit through this pandemic. With lockdown, we’ve had to change our procedures on how we give our support. School has been out since March, and not planning to resume until maybe February 2021 – the government promised work to be given via newspaper, radio, and tv, but all of those cost money which most families do not have.

We’re living in a state of unknown. Times are crazy, and there is nothing we can do about it. I’ve fallen victim of viewing myself as the victim. I often think to myself, “Why is this happening to me?”, “Why are they not listening to me?”, “Why am I being treated like this?”, etc. I’ve been convincing myself that all of this is happening to me. That all of this is happening because of what others are doing to me. I know, you can say it, I’m acting like a selfish brat!

I just got a library membership at a local library, here in Jinja. It’s wonderful! The selection isn’t what I’m used to in the States, but it’s magical none the less. I started reading “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis. There was a chapter in that book that really hit me. She challenged people to change the perception on how they view events in life. Rather than thinking of why these things might be happening to you. She challenged the reader to ask the question, “What if these things are happening for you?”. 

When I read that question, I think I breathed my first long breath in a long time. It almost immediately lifted a weight from off my chest. 

The Lord has my back, and the Lord has your back! …. If we let Him. 

Changing my perception of life is not just a quick fix. It’s going to be a process. I will need to keep reminding myself of this time after time. 

I was talking to my wonderful parents (yes, I may be a suck-up) about this the other day. My strong handsome Father mentioned, “It seems like we’re being asked to listen, huh?”. Well, Pops, you did it again – it’s true. The Lord wants so many of us just to listen to Him. To stop thinking for ourselves, to stop doing, and just be. Easier said than done, am I right?! This “unknown” life is really driving me crazy. I sit here with my planner open, just craving to fill it up with plans…but I can’t, because I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring.

Thankfully, I can sleep at night, knowing that tomorrow is a new day. The Lord is in-front, behind, and with me at all times. That is what helps me sleep at night, because if I didn’t know that, I think I would have truly gone mad by now.

I may never know exactly what the Lord has planned within all of this chaos, but I’m willing to bet that I’m going to walk out of this stronger than ever. And it’s during this time that the Lord is going to show us His power. It’s just like Paul’s letter in 2 Corinthians 12 – Paul was given a thorn in his flesh (also referred to as a messenger from satan) to torment him. He asked the Lord three times to take it away, but after pleading the Lord responded by telling Paul that he doesn’t need to take the thorn out because His grace is enough. It’s true! His grace is enough.

This is the season I’m currently in. As much as I want to sit in bed all day, sipping on cold mango juice, and watching Netflix go in-and-out (bless Ugandan internet), I know that’s not the answer. The Lord is making me stronger. I feel it. He’s working in me and through me and my community.

My prayer is that this might encourage some of you. If you’re feeling weighed down by the current stresses of life, know that the Lord is bringing you through this season for a reason. He never brings us through things we can’t handle.

I also, want to thank all of you for continually praying and supporting me financially. I am so blessed to have a support team so many miles away. I believe that it’s because of your continued prayers that I’m still here, fighting to find the light in this darkness. You guys rock!

With love,

Kendall Rose

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On another note, ’tis the season for giving! I am working with The Street Child Project to raise money for holiday baskets. I have started a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising enough money to make 50 baskets as well as aide in the transportation of reaching all of these families. Each basket costs $40.00. We have already raised enough money for 21 baskets!! If you are in a place of giving, please consider giving to this cause to help us reach our goal of 50 baskets. Click here or on the photo below to donate now. Thank you for your consideration!