I’m biting the bullet with another personal update (here’s the last one…from last June. Ayayay).
Perhaps it’s ironic to have a blogger who doesn’t enjoy talking about herself even in conversation. But here we all are.
Ready for the latest?
Back to Uganda for the first time since leaving.
I write to you jet-lagged, but in the happiest of ways. Just days ago, I was looking out over the misty hills of western Uganda, or passing a chimpanzee while in the car, or receiving bear hugs that made me cry.
My husband, John, is an executive with Engineering Ministries International, with which we’re missionaries–and that took us to Uganda in the first place, where we served as a family for 5.5 years and raised our kiddos.
EMI provides engineering, architecture, and construction management for organizations that show the love of Jesus to developing countries–so hospitals, schools, water projects, etc. (Want to join our personal newsletter list? Message me here!)
John was attending their annual conference for their directors around the world, so I joined him.
Can I tell you it was phenomenal to conduct days-long trainings at Refuge and Hope where I used to teach? Or share a pot of African Ginger Tea with friends I haven’t seen for seven years? Or help my friend Missy with communications for her women’s shelter? Or hand stacks of Bibles to my friend Olivia for those who can’t afford it?
Friends, my heart is full.
Leaving Africa the first time was extremely painful for me. And after some hard years here in the U.S.–though not without great beauty and purpose–visiting Uganda again kicked up some of the old questions my heart struggles with. I’m a different person now, of a more deep and muscular soul. But the price has been high.
Still, I continue to trust the God who’s had every one of my days written in his book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16)–the one for whom not a single molecule in the universe goes rogue.
He’s creating beauty here. And I don’t want to miss it.
Three new books on the way!
So yeah, this happened! If you’ve been a fan of Permanent Markers: Spiritual Life Skills to Write on Your Kids’ Hearts–or hey! even if you haven’t–maybe you’ll be jazzed to hear about my next three titles on the way. (If you’ve read the book, I’d love you to leave a review on your bookseller’s site!)
Releasing September 2025 (save 15% by preordering!): Deliver Us from Meltdowns: And Other Real-World Prayers for Parents
I loved the challenge of writing 65 prayers based on all the oh-so-real moments of parenthood, from potty training to teen dating. My goal was to weave in deep theology with laugh-out-loud humor we can all identify with.
Releasing Spring 2026: The Cool Mom: Putting Anger on Ice When Life Boils Over
I’ve spoken and written on mom anger for a long time–and it carries the power to transform the room into a confessional of sorts as moms realize how common it is. Welcome to the Fight Club.
But I’m convinced how we deal with conflict in our homes is directly linked to how we show our kids the Gospel–i.e., how God dealt with his conflict with us, sending Jesus because he loved us that much.
Releasing Fall 2026: Another book I can’t tell you about until the contract is inked.
This is to say–it’s generally been a very fulfilling (and at times exhausting-in-a-happy-way) year in my career. Alongside editing another book for a client, I’m writing regularly for FamilyLife.com and Focus on the Family, as well as telling the stories of God’s work around the world through Converge, a church-planting and missions organization.
The kids.
As you likely know, my oldest currently serves in the U.S. Marines, doing things I could tell you–but then I’d have to kill you. But some of my favorite moments in any week are our long conversations on the phone, as part of a relationship I hoped for, but wasn’t sure would happen after tumultuous teen years. We wish we saw him more, but we’re quite proud.
My second son has officially launched (yes, I’m that old), living in Arkansas and shoring up cash and residency for in-state tuition. He hopes to start school this fall toward possibly becoming a therapist. He’s our kid with several learning disorders–so despite so many personal challenges, he’s thriving.
Again, we just miss the tar out of him.
My daughter, though still in high school, schools online with a state program allowing her to graduate with her associate’s degree. She’s a coveted babysitter, and manages to be both passionate and compassionate. I’m excited to see who she becomes.
And God’s been so kind in maturing our youngest son a lot this year. He’s also switched this year to the same online program as his sister, and can I just say it’s pretty great to have my teenagers home? Joining the basketball team encouraged him to step up the personal discipline (this kid is bonkers about the NBA).
Even more, he’s been volunteering most weekends this winter at a local Christian camp that is a perfect place for all that energy. Immersion in that environment brings out the best in this kid-magnet of ours, and he’ll be working there all summer.
Nicaragua, otra vez.
Next month, I’m headed back to Nicaragua to speak at a retreat for missionary women and see our dear friends there, also working with EMI.
Along with leading worship in church, speaking is one of those loves I hadn’t even really discovered until a few years ago. I love connecting with women in this way.
I graduated therapy (yee-haw!).
I mentioned in one of these updates my genetic and situational struggle with depression and anxiety, and have found so much healing through Christian counseling and EMDR.
After an attempt to get off medication, turns out I’m a much holier version of myself with this form of biochemical assistance, for which I’m grateful.
All in all, looking my mental health in the eye has helped me not only love God more with all of me, it also helps me love others so much more richly, and hopefully even love you better as I write.
Keep getting real, friends.
Thanks for being faithful (or semi-faithful) readers–so many of you encouraging and inspiring me. I’m grateful for the ways you lean into the awkward right along with me.
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Here We Go: Another Personal Update
