Weddings, and Babies, and Birthdays OH MY!

Previously, I had promised to write about my dear friend Shannon's beautiful wedding in December. I was so blessed to be able to attend this sweet ceremony, and meet Shannon's now husband, Andy. Shannon met Andy on a trip to Australia in summer 2003. I remember her calling me that summer asking if I could come to Australia. She told me that she was having an AWFUL time, and had not hit it off with anyone. A couple weeks later, after meeting Andy, Shannon was singing a COMPLETELY different tune! When she came home, she gushed about the cute boy she had met in Australia. Now, 6 years later, that CUTE boy is her husband. God is so good, and His plans for us are so perfect! During the rehearsal, Andy and Shannon decided that they would like to have Shannon's dad come up and say a prayer over the couple. As we were rehearsing, Andy said, "I would love for the whole wedding party to gather around us, and lay hands on us as we pray." As we practiced that part of the ceremony, Andy said again, "Yes, this is what I like! Friends gathered around and praying together." It brought tears to my eyes, and I immediately knew that Shannon had truly met the one God had for her. Shannon has such a beautiful heart for others, and I was so glad to see that Andy shared that heart and passion.

Shannon and Andy at their rehearsal dinner
The bride and I
Just before the ceremony..so exciting!
"Shandy" leaving the reception!

The wedding was just before I flew back to Uganda. I was a little emotional about saying good-bye to everyone, but I was SO anxious to be with Ruco again. It just feels like my right arm has been cut off or something when we are not together! ha! We have been through so much together over the last couple of years. God has allowed us to be more bound together than ever because of all the challenges, tough days, and distance from our family.

My very best friend and I!

After getting back to Uganda, I was busy right away! A donor had given SP some recently translated Bibles for me to distribute in the Karamoja region. It was such a fun day! Churches organized a day of celebration where all of their congregations came together. We were able to fellowship together, and believers in each church received their very own copy of a Bible. Everyone was SO happy about receiving a Bible translated into their own heart language. Not only that, but the Old Testament was JUST translated last year, so many people were saying, "I am seeing the Old Testament for the very first time!"It was such a sweet day, full of joy and tears.

One Church in Amudat receiving Bibles for the very first time!

So joyous!

This lady shared with me her salvation story...so beautiful.


One little girl shared with me that she was saved in November. I was also saved as a little girl, and was able to encourage her to keep walking with Jesus!!

Handing out some Pokot Bibles

Last week, Ruco headed off to the DR Congo with SP. I stayed at home in Uganda..but missed him terribly! While gone, he missed the news that we are now officially "Aunt Kristi and Uncle Ruco!" I received a phone call last week that my brother and his wife, Ashley, delivered a healthy baby boy-Noah! He is sooo cute and SO chubby! I can't wait to meet him and love on him! Welcome to our family baby Noah!

My baby brother is a dad! Crazy!

So sweet, and looks so much like his daddy to me!

Ruco thankfully came back on Saturday, and I loved being reunited AGAIN! He was just in time for us to celebrate his VERY SPECIAL 27th birthday together. I will have to post pics of his birthday, and the bday boy soon!!! I am so thankful for him.

Lastly, I have been busy organizing and planning what the Ministry Program will look like this year in Karamoja. We will have not just one, but four women's groups!!! We will also have a children's outreach every Saturday, a radio program where the gospel will be shared over the air waves, and 30 -40 Bible Storytelling listening groups set up throughout our region! God is so good, and I am so excited to see what he will do with the Ministry program in Karamoja, Uganda this year! Will you also join me in praying for SP-Uganda: for our programs and staff members...that God would especially find favor in us, and bless our endeavors!!!

We love and miss you all dearly! Hope to catch up with you all individually very soon! We are also praying for you!!