Sweet Mary

As some of you know, I have been very eager to meet with the single women of the church I attend. As a single women, I believe God knows we need special encouragement, and I so wanted to be His representative to spur on hope among His girls this year. I am VERY happy to report I was able to meet with one such woman this past Sunday.

Her name is Mary, she is studying law, she has such an amazing heart for the Lord, and I am very proud to call her my friend. The first Sunday I arrived at church, I met Mary in passing while visiting with Pastor Dongo in his office. I knew right from the start there was something different about Mary. Although quiet, she was not shy to be honest about her life, her struggles, and even to ask me how I have patience to wait upon the Lord for a husband. Everyone is Uganda, or at least everyone I've met, has such a hospitable, inviting spirit, but not anyone had greeted me with such authenticity. I knew in my spirit that I needed to know this girl! So, I asked for prayers from yall for an opportunity to meet with her outside the church atmosphere. I invited her to lunch and was amazed by God's provision!

Upon visiting I found out that Mary had been praying with Pastor Dongo for a friend that she could share her heart with for quite sometime. She is very particular about her friends, desiring relationships that draw her closer to the Lord and encourage her walk with Him, and therefore she has few. I am honored that the Lord saw fit to take me across the world to be such a friend for Mary. And only in His divine wisdom would He know how desperately I would need a friend of my very own in Uganda who could hear my heart and listen unbiased as I shared my feelings and thoughts about my experiences.

Out of desperation for love, Mary has been gifted with a wisdom about relationships that many lack. She is able to see past my 'muzungo' status, which always signifies wealth, to instead appreciate the nearness and comfort of a kindred spirit in Christ. During our time on Sunday, she took me to her home, where she cried tears of joy as I was the very first visitor, EVER, she brought to see her place. Funny enough, it reminded me a lot of my humble little home I lived in by myself. It was simple, as my garage apartment was, but it was her home and she was proud to have a visitor. After praying together and giving thanks to the Lord, we went to have lunch at my favorite restaurant, La Bistro. Yes, it's a French Bistro in Uganda, and I love their pizza!!  Over the course of lunch we were able to share struggles and encourage one another. It always amazes me when I am able to find people who I can connect with at a heart level, and this meeting was especially unique as we are strangers from two different continents!

After lunch I took her back to my 'home', the hotel room, and we continued to talk and laugh. Funny story! Mary was seated at a restaurant in town looking over the menu when she heard an American request a 'hotdog'. She was horrified, assuming the person was about to enjoy a local dog for lunch, and abruptly left the restaurant convinced that some of the dog might get mixed in with her meal. After telling me the story, she asked, 'Jenna, do people in America really eat dogs?' I couldn't stop laughing, and even now as I write, I'm laughing!!!

So, that's the story of sweet Mary! Please pray for her as she faces daunting circumstances, as do most Ugandans, everyday. I am amazed at her perspective on life...as she would say, 'without excuses'. She has depended on the Lord, and with His blessing, she will graduate from law school in November!!