journeys-page

Dear Church Family, As I reflect on the journey of my life, from the warmth of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the snowy embrace of Grand Island. I am reminded of the varied landscape that God paints for each of us. Snow was a concept I only knew from pictures and stories. In sharing my story, I aim to convey the beauty of embracing new experiences, the challenges of adapting to a different climate, and the gratitude that fills my heart for the seasons of life. Growing up in the Congo, a land where snow is nothing more than a distant dream, I never imagined that I would one day find myself surrounded by the glistening white landscapes of Grand Island during wintertime. This year, the snowfall seems more abundant than ever, blanketing the streets and rooftops in a serene white coat. It is like an adventure beyond my wildest dreams, nothing short of magical. The cold, crisp air and the hushed stillness of a snowy morning are lessons in patience and appreciation that I am still learning to navigate. Our boys, on the other hand, have embraced the snow with unbridled enthusiasm, turning our front yard into a playground of snowmen and snowball fights. Their laughter echoes through the frosty air, a reminder of the joy that can be found amidst the chill. I must confess that I am still adjusting to the idea of venturing out to play in the winter wonderland. It seems that the novelty of snow doesn’t discriminate, and whether you were born here or not, we all share in the delight and occasional frustration that it brings (the slick, the freeze, the melting… and so on…) One humorous observation I’ve made is that I initially assumed those born in snowy regions would be immune to the cold’s effects…lol… However, as it turns out, we are all in the same boat, shivering our way through winter and bundling up in layers of warmth. And even canceling church services… lol. It’s a reminder that no matter where we come from, the shared experience of weathering the cold brings us together in a common bond. Yet, in all these contrasts, I am grateful for God’s creation and the diversity of seasons that shape our lives. While the winter months bring challenges, they also pave the way for the beauty of spring. Each season holds its own magic and wonder. As we anticipate the melting of snow and the emergence of new life, I find myself eagerly looking forward to the gardening season. So, my journey from the Congo to Grand Island has been a direction of contrasts, from a land without snow to a place where it blankets the world in white. Through it all, I am reminded of the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Let us embrace each season with gratitude, finding joy in the uniqueness of our journeys and the shared experiences that bring us closer as a church family. Blessings & Yours Truely, Anny Kapundu