We start off this year very different than any other year in Pader. On January 10th, we marked 6 years since we came to Uganda. And on the very plane that brought us from Heathrow Airport in the UK to Uganda, we traveled together with our dear colleague, Tom Edom. For nearly 6 years, we traveled through life's ups and downs in Pader with Tom - sharing daily meals, fun, wisdom, perplexing situations, worship, personal growth, our adoption story, and so much more - and became more than a team. We became like family.
Just previous to his departure, we had the great delight of receiving a very special visitor - our dear friend Vicki. Vicki spent one week in Pader, which coincided with Tom's last week here. It was a great honour to have Vicki come from so far away, and a truly wonderful visit. It will get its own post soon!
But we got to do something special with Tom the day before he left. For those of you who know Tom, you'll know that ever since he was a boy in England, he has loved sailing. So each time Tom went to Kampala, he joined his friends he met at church and went sailing on the weekends. We got the chance to see, for the first time, the sailing club where he got so much refreshment, and see him in his full kit!
Tom, if you're reading this, you are still missed. You are dearly loved. We bless you in this new time of your ministry back home. And we look forward to seeing you again, whenever God may allow it.
Inspired by your love of sailing, receive this blessing (yes, it's Irish, but close enough, right?).