Fellowship Update: Pam Arrives in Uganda

For full disclosure, it is with some hesitation that I enter the blogging world. But, alas, here I am!

I have been overwhelmed by the support of my friends and family as I begin this adventure. I would be silly not to take you up on the offers for prayer, and I am blessed and humbled by those who have shared a desire to hear about my journey. So, here we are! I hope this blog will provide a window into the work of justice that God is doing in the world.

A few short days ago, I traveled to Kampala, Uganda, to begin my one-year Legal Fellowship with International Justice Mission.

My first flight left Phoenix at 6:30am, so I began my traveling journey with only a few hours of sleep. As I settled into my seat on that first flight, I felt extremely exhausted. My mind was racing—questioning my packing choices, worrying about my airport arrival, desperately trying to shake that I-forgot-something-important feeling. In the midst of this, I opened my devotional book for a few moments to just sit and breathe. The reflection was on Psalm 27—words that are so familiar, and yet so easily forgotten by my heart.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the defense of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

…One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek—that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.”

It was a sweet and personal reminder from the Lord that I am not alone, that I have nothing to fear, and that my utmost goal is to dwell in the presence of the Lord. My fears (big and small) fall away in the presence of my God, who is my light, my salvation, and the defense of my life.

After about 30 hours of travel, I arrived safely in Kampala. (Other than frantically removing a few pairs of shoes from my checked bag so that it would meet the weight requirement, the travel was without incident!) In the next few days, I will be settling in to my new home, and I will begin work after that. I am living in beautiful apartment complex with several other IJM interns and fellows. As the last to arrive in our intern/fellow group, I get the benefit of gleaning all the practical tips and wisdom from those who have already been here several weeks!

As for prayer,

• Good health
• Transitioning into a new job, and a new culture and community
• Strength and vision for the IJM team in this busy season