A SYNOPSIS OF THE JOURNEY.

 Faith, Hope, and above all Patience amid a Pandemic. Tested, tried, and proved. Finally its MA Intercultual Studies. 

 "Should we move or not"? I asked my husband. His answer to this question was the beginning of our long journey. My husband looked at me and responded, Yes, because this is your season. With those words, and very sure that this was the direction God was leading us, wrapped up our affairs in Uganda and left to pursue a MA in Intercultural Studies at Wheaton College Graduate School.

He amazed us by going ahead of us, and opening extraordinary doors, giving us favor, and making it easy for us to adjust.

Transitioning from holding a full-time job to being a full-time student, holding on to my roles, mother, wife, and, most importantly, a child of God was not easy. I was ready to hit the road, though.  

 

ADOPTED TO A NEW FAMILY. 

We were soon adopted into a new family of close friends who went out of their way to make sure that we settled in an apartment, a school for kids and community. Special thanks to Auntie Linda, Bruns, and Amanda, who taught us the skills needed to live in the new land, spent so many of their resources on us, and loved us just as we were. They remain our family as long as we live here, and I hope they never get tired of us belonging with the (Once family forever family!)—the great community that we joined at Millard Covenant Community Church, warmly received, and loved us too. 

 

MY COHORT 

Of great importance at this point was my Cohort and Schoology, where I spent most of my hours. My cohort played a significant role in supporting me through my studies to finish well, and I owe them a deep debt of gratitude. The one and only Dr. Gallagher introduced a concept that has helped me all the way through. Instead of attempting to balance the many roles that I had, he helped me learn to create a Rhythm. I have spent so many years trying to balance life, and at any time, some areas would suffer. Creating a rhythm ensured that I had a schedule that I followed every day, helping me know what I was supposed to do and allocating time for things that matter. 

 

 I didn't consider myself quite a scholar and having taken long after my Undergrad, I was skeptical. My doubts and fears subsided when I met Dr. Susan Greener, who was loving, kind, and affirmed who I was and encouraged me to rediscover myself. She contributed to the shaping of my next steps, and I am thankful to God for her. 

A significant learning point was the ability to entertain and engage with thoughts and points of view without necessarily accepting them, among other things.

 

Grad School and Latent

During the orientation to Graduate school, I tested positive of Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). This experience traumatized me and left me emotionally low for weeks. Latent TB is a state of a persistent immune response to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens without evidence of clinically manifested active TB. Someone has latent TB if infected with the TB bacteria but does not have signs of active TB disease and does not feel ill. Thankfully, it's not contagious and, so my family was safe, and didn't experience any symptoms. It, however, meant was that I was going to be on a massive quantity of drugs for six months. 

 

Grad School and COVID 19 

Before long, COVID 19 hit the world, and within the twinkling of an eye, everything had changed. My husband was at the time visiting the project in Uganda, whose development we have been spearheading, and Oops! The travel restrictions found him there. How would I handle being in Grad school, homeschooling the children, and being a mum? I knew I had to upgrade my Rhythm; otherwise, I would crash. I studied during the night and taught the kids during the day. My sleeping hours reduced drastically; I forgot what it meant to get enough rest. My world was at a breaking point, and I wondered how I would continue to handle all my responsibilities. I was sure I was willing to keep pushing and go all the way. The four months my husband away gave me a taste of a single mum's life, which made me learn how to be independent, especially in the USA at a season. I couldn't receive any physical and the much needed social support as people were already going through too much. 

I have grown in my appreciation of single mums, including my mum, other single women in my life, and accord them lots of grace and respect.

 

The Edube's Rock

My Special thanks go to my fans Robert, Roy, and Bernice, who stood with me through thick and thin and made me believe that I could make it. One day I woke up to find my kids had made breakfast and written a note, " Mum, we miss Dad, but we know we can do this." It left me energized to continue. Robert was an endless source of support through my studies, and I always thank God for the gift in him; he works to bring out the best in me. We are partners and friends, and he remains my most significant source of the energy you see displayed out there. 

 

The community space.

I am thankful for so many people, but I will not forget Kay Robers of the Community space where Robert volunteered before leaving for Uganda. She called, texted, and reached out to us in so many unusual ways that I will never forget. God ordained her to bless us that season, and I know what it meant for us as a family. Thanks, Kay. 

Meet one who kept me missing home, my cousin Jane. Thanks for your love and yeah the kids know where to go when they need some spoiling.

What shall I say in conclusion? 

God has been faithful throughout the long nights, in this foreign land amid a global crisis. I am strengthened, encouraged, and glad that the Lord enabled me to run with endurance the race that was set before me, looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of my faith. 

I always wanted to do an MA  Intercultural studies and finally, this dream came to pass and all I say is Glory to God in the Highest. Amen 

Song of the season 

Through this season, I have learned a lot of things about myself, and I am day by day becoming a better disciple of Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for inviting me to this journey I am happy to continue walking with you. My answer is Yes, Lord, whatever you want me to do. Here I am, Lord. 

 

Every time I enter a new season, God puts a song in my spirit that pushes me through, and the song for this season has been by Hillsong United. 

 

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail, and fear surrounds me

You've never failed, and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made.