Lafage Oct 2020

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Dear friends and family,

This reassuring verse can speak to everyone, even more especially at this time. It holds extra layers of significance for me, personally, now and though it is difficult to find the words, it is time to tell you why.

Back in May, Rafiki Village Uganda was in lockdown. Only runs for food and supplies in the one designated truck were allowed. I was fortunate to accompany David Kumpe on some of those trips to our local small town and market so I did not feel as restricted as some of you may have felt. In addition, the opportunity to work with some of our resident Rafiki children on art, music, computer, and gardening projects—some of my favorite things—was a real blessing.

Gardening fun during lockdown

Sunday May 17 was special since the missionaries and our Auntie Edith received special local government approval to attend the small traditional “introduction” (prenuptial) ceremony of our Auntie Esther and Teacher Nicholas. A joyful day for all of us. That very night I felt ill, was driven first to our local doctor and then to the foremost private hospital where tests revealed a cancerous lung tumor.

Traditional Introduction ceremony

God spoke to me immediately with the verse above. Was His plan for me to face scary treatment, or perhaps just to prepare to leave this life? In either case, He would enable me to bear testimony to my faith in His plan for welfare and not for evil, for a future and a hope. 

I prayed and weighed the options: stay in Uganda (heart answer), or go back to Paris (head answer)? Access to the best possible health care—free of cost through the French medical insurance system—brought me back to Paris on one of the first emergency repatriation flights in mid-June. 

So now I am in outpatient treatment at the Curie Institute. The team of specialists here repeated the tests then started me on the same type of treatment as the Uganda doctors had predicted—but may not have been able to carry out. Side effects were severe at first but are manageable now. Further tests in early October will indicate whether and how the treatment is working.

Waiting in Paris

God is definitely holding me up. Family, friends, church, and especially Rafiki leadership have all been totally supportive. But a big chunk of my heart remains in Uganda. The days are long as I wait for the next test results but also take steps to use this time wisely within the restrictions that are in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

He knows the plans He has for us. Please pray for continued peace for me, and for strength and energy for the Rafiki Uganda staff and missionaries who are managing all the Village work.

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