Simon, my church friend, went on a mission trip to Kampala, Uganda approximately 6 years ago. He went with specific motives as well as the desire to serve. What he was not expecting was to fall in love with the Ugandan woman Agnes, who interpreted for them during the trip.
Their courtship transpired over the next year via skype, phone calls, and letters. At the end of the first year Simon made another trip to Uganda to BE CERTAIN he was hearing correctly.
A resounding "YES" was the result of their reuniting. Simon returned to the United States to began preparing for his marriage and move to another continent. He had a few details to iron out:)
Have I mentioned his fiance Aggie had five children. At our last shared meal together at Guthries on Bailey Cove, I applauded Simon for giving me great hope for my life as a single mom of five children that any man would ever love me.
Within the next year or so, Simon left his job at UAH, said goodbye to family and friends and headed to Uganda to begin this new venture as a missionary to serve alongside his new wife Aggie. Thank goodness for internet as we all vicariously celebrated their marriage here in the states as well.
This past September Simon, Aggie, and their newest family member Ivy came to Huntsville to spend time in the states. It was Aggie's first trip to the US. We had their family in our home for a meet and greet. It was an opportunity for the missionaries to share some of what their ministry needs are and give people an opportunity to support them. I decorated a wall of my living room to honor their arrival.
That day around 30 people, a great percentage of the crowd college and school age kids, heard me make the following comment and question:
"Simon, you are part of a crazy love story. You go on a mission trip, fall in love, return to the states, court overseas, leave your job, marry a black women with five kids, and move across the ocean. I equate your faith to that of Noah. That's the kind of faith I want these kids here today to have. Now that you have followed God, what have you heard from him since you've been in Uganda."
Simon answered with another beautiful part of the story that filled in the blanks. You must read this with Simon's Australian accent or it won't be the same. He said, "You know, I sponsored a kid through Compassion international for ten years. When I heard about that first trip 6 years ago, I wondered if it might be an opportunity to meet my child. It turned out to be the same location so I signed up. Meeting and growing to love Aggie was easy but getting past the sheer magnitude of five kids was something I had to work through with the Lord. I felt as though God said, "Simon, you have been faithful with this one child for ten years and now I am giving you five! So I kind of feel like they're my trophies."
Now I get to be a part of the love story....
When the Lord called me to go on this mission trip, there was alot to work through myself. How much sense does it make to the average person for a single mom of five kids to lose two weeks of pay from her part time job, pack up, find childcare for 15 days for those remaining home, and raise support to go share the love of Christ with the people of Uganda. As I continued to question the Lord, argue with the Lord, and try to literally stuff the thoughts and desire to go, the Lord reminded me of my comment made the day the Paechs were in my home. When I said, I want my kids to have that kind of faith, the faith like Noah and you. The Father said, "Pam, I want YOU to have that kind of faith."
So friends, I leave August 15 for Kampala, Uganda to serve alongside a wonderful team of folks through Life's Journey Church. My sweet friend Amy has added a paypal button to the side of my blog for any who might financially partner with me to help fund this trip. I still have a ways to go to complete my fundraising for this trip. Will you too be a part of a faith like Noah's to help carry the good news and go and make disciples of all nations.
If it's not a good time to give financially, can I count on you to pray? Specifically pray for healing from a sinus infection and restored strength as I prepare to go. Also, tomorrow we get our shots to travel. Pray for no adverse effects.
Below is a video highlighting the ministries that Uganda Journey is involved with. Please take a moment to get to know the Paechs and enter into their world for just a few. You will be blessed. I
promise.
With love and appreciation, Pam
Pam, what a sweet love story and how wonderful that you are going to be going on this trip. Thrilled for you. Can't wait to hear the results. Love you. Renee Parris
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a beautiful write-up, Pam. We're so honored, thank you! I forgot about some of those things, like what you said at Guthries that day (I clearly remember now!), and that question you asked at the meet & greet at your place. It's amazing to read this story through someone else's eyes & ears - sometimes it's easy to not see your own story, I think - or for it to kind of fade with time. We all have a story, and one that God is still writing. I think anyone who lays down their life as a living sacrifice for God will have a beautiful and amazing story that others will see and talk about and remind them about.
ReplyDeleteYou know I even read that part that you said to read with an Australian accent with one (in my mind). I guess it was more like Steve Irwin or Paul Hogan's (called "ocker" in Australia, equivalent to redneck in the U.S. *chuckle*).
It was great to have you here, Pam. Thank you for the conversations we had - you're such an encouragement and Godly woman. "Never abandon this way of life!" (a line from a song I have)
Lot of love in Him,
Simon & Aggie (& Ivy (& Tribe!))
Thank you Simon! The encouragement has gone both ways now. I am blessed!
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