I didn’t know exactly how to start this blog out; so I looked up the word ‘depart’. When reading its meaning there was also a lengthy list of synonyms. Words similar to depart like abandon, escape, exit, retire, vacate, retreat, evacuate…..many synonyms. None of them aiding me in a search for a single word describing what we are about to do.
Michelle and the kids are probably over the Republic of Sudan right now…on their way to Dubai. I saw them off as they caught their first flight back home. The girls had an emotional day at school yesterday, saying their goodbyes; so today was a day of sadness…and excitement. Africa has had our kids for the past five years, and our kids will always have Africa. But now they are about to begin a new season, the next chapter, a fresh start to what may be the most important years of their lives.
I’ve learned a lot concerning relationships since coming here. In 2013 we came to Uganda alone. Only knowing one Ugandan family, the Kaggwas. Since then, many of the relationships we’ve built are stronger than anything we’ve ever known to be possible. Much of this has to do with our equally yoked purpose here in Uganda. Serving and working in Africa is not for everyone. The benefits are few, the gains is little and often you walk away with nothing. So when God introduces me to people who truly understand what we’re passing through I expect to hear God speak through those people. And He has. It’s been very rewarding and it’s allowed me to see people differently.
Mukisa Wycliffe, forever an African Folkestad, for the time being will stay in Uganda. He’s been with us since November of 2016, so parting with him has been hard. The process of his adoption was a rats nest. We will pray and wait for that door to open. Until then, he is attending primary school at Calvary Chapel Entebbe and apart of a faithful organization called Asifiwe Ministries. http://asifiwechildcare.org/ Wycliffe wasn’t meant to leave Uganda just yet, and he is in great hands. We’re excited to see what God will be doing with him the next time we meet in Uganda.
When we plant a seed, we expect it grow. Right? But when should it grow? Well the American in me wants it to grow RIGHT NOW! Sometimes we plant seeds and trust that someone else will water them…or put work into it.
I am still here…in Uganda. We decided it would be easier for Michelle and the kids to get back to Oregon while I transferred our house over to new renters, handed off all our possessions, and watered the seeds that I’ve planted. Two ministries have really taken off.
The Kirugu Aquaculture Farm – This farm is located within the village of Kirugu where we started our ministry. The farm has grown into an educational attraction. Students and farmers from all different levels have come to soak up the work we’ve poured into this farm.
Tuzimba, African Earth Construction – An engineering and construction ministry that promotes using African resources and God given ingenuity to design and construct structures that are more affordable for the average Ugandan.
I will continue to help these ministries grow. More information concerning this will come later. But, at this second, it’s 2:48am. I’m done. Sula Bulungi, Mukama aku mukisa. Good Night God bless you. Jason
Folkestads In Uganda 
That is such an incredible story. Blessings to you all for this hard work and accomplishment!
I continue to be amazed at all that your family has accomplished there in Uganda. What a blessing to have been able to visit, to have seen you all with my own eyes, and to get a first-hand understanding of what life has been like for you all there. Certainly your mission was not for the faint-hearted. May God continue to bless your family, wherever you are… may God bless Wycliff, and to raise him up to be a young man full of faith. May the Lord bring a great harvest from all the seeds He has helped you plant and water, in Uganda.
Great post Jason…. You have an amazing family. Looking forward to seeing you again one day soon. If there is anything I can do for Michelle and the kids…anyway I can help in the transition…please let me know or encourage Michelle to call me (541) 218-4452. Blessings….Mark
On Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 4:54 PM, Folkestads In Uganda wrote:
> The Folkestads in Uganda posted: “I didn’t know exactly how to start this > blog out; so I looked up the word ‘depart’. When reading its meaning there > was also a lengthy list of synonyms. Words similar to depart like abandon, > escape, exit, retire, vacate, retreat, evacuate…..many synonym” >