Crazy as it seems, we are now about a third of the way into 2025. Maryland had bone chilling weather in March, so I am sure with spring’s arrival, there were smiles as your thoughts turned to Easter and planting your gardens.

The east coast of the US typically enjoys a greater shift of seasons as a bounty of spring flowers bloom across verdant green hills, but here in Africa, we also enjoy the budding of new life in our gardens.

Early in the month, we had our first EVER pineapple maturing in our garden and mid-month, we transplanted trailing lantana and mounds of yellow gazanias from our garden started in 2023, to the entrance of Hope Community primary school up the road. Getting our hands dirty just seemed like the right thing to do and it was fun to share plants we had grown ourselves.

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3-Month Tourist Visas

Because we are using  3-month tourist visas, we need to leave the country every three months,  for the renewal process. We chose to take a short break to recharge at the same time. We opted to head to Brussels, Belgium. We often use Brussels Air to fly home, so it was an uncomplicated way for us “to hang a few days” while we did our visa reapplication. You may not be aware of it, but the country of Belgium produces the finest chocolate in the world. As two chocolate lovers, we did not need more of an enticement!

Because it is spring, our break happened to coincide with the tulip blooming season in the Netherlands, Belgium’s neighbor. We had heard all about the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam.

His Artistic Skill

It was THE best decision we made on that trip! We totally enjoyed lingering in the gardens. Reminded of the wonderful gardens back home. Longwood Gardens, Sherwood Gardens and the National Arboretum are all just a short drive from our house.

We have not experienced anything like the sensory overload we did at Keukenhof Gardens. Acres and acres, garden after garden of every kind of flowering plant, we had never seen before. There are over eight hundred varieties of tulips, not to mention the crocus, hyacinths, daffodils, irises, lilies, and roses. All manner of flowering trees and shrubs form the backdrop for each garden designed in a way to highlight the best of each grouping.

Every year, the caretakers/designers create new gardens with new bulbs…..over seven million of them! We actually had to take a long lunch break to recoup from the fatigue of all we saw! Crazy!!

Needless to say, we were delighted. Back at our hotel, as we thought back on our day, we were impressed with the enormity and beauty of it. Our minds simply could not process it all.

Varieties of Tulips

We have shared before how creation reveals God’s beauty and leaves us in awe of His artistic skill. God has formed these landscapes for our enjoyment. Filled with gratitude when…. we see this kind of beauty, when we slowdown in our hurry-up, anxious world.

After walking in the gardens one thing struck us. There are Hundreds of varieties of tulips. Some are huge, (bigger than a hand) that sit top 2 1/2′ stems. Others are petite little things, not much taller than a crocus. There were plenty of multicolor or unusually hued ones, as well as those with fringe around their petal edge. Added to this, are ones that look like puffed-up parrots or even a woman’s twirling skirt. Really crazy varieties and differences!

Beautiful Diversity

The amazing variation we saw there in the tulip gardens can echo as a picture of God’s People across the globe. We all share an equally wonderful diversity.

Even within various language and cultural groups He’s created so much physical variety, temperament differences, and growth requirements among us too.

We have found this beautiful diversity as something we treasure in the small study groups we have been building in Uganda. Each group is unique and made up of individual members with their own “flair” that make the groups so impactful. As each group has grown more comfortable and progressed in their study skills of the scriptures, different passions and/or insights manifest.

Some trainees are more outgoing and exuberant as they ask lots of questions. Others are more timid. But as we’ve watched them grow it’s been encouraging to see how God has orchestrated each group and how well they playfully pit themselves against each other working together, gleaning more from our times. I think we will now “see” the Keurkenhof Gardens displayed afresh in our different study groups as they continue to grow and bloom in their understanding of the Word.

Our Next Phase

Regarding our future plans and the next phase of our Uganda Mission. God has clearly answered our prayers. His direction actually felt a bit like DeJa’Vu, like when He first opened the path for us to live in Kiburara two and a half years ago. His answer was simple and unexpected.

Previously we shared that our full-time work would end in August, and we had been praying about a “part-time” option that could split our year in Uganda and in the U.S.

We have a new exciting opportunity that gives us that flexibility. While we don’t have the details hammered out, we know that Paul will assume leadership of a faith-based NGO (501(c)(3)), already established in Kiburara. It has functioned at a base level for a number of years, but has so much potential, with in-country Ugandan leadership and employees. Our hope is to develop and build on that foundation with strong Ugandan’s taking the lead. 1 Corinthians 3:10, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it.

All of this is brand new and very little is in place now, but we know that our mission statement aligns with theirs. We can see ourselves building this Mission together. In their articles of incorporation, they state “the Corporation shall endeavor to do Christ-Modeled good in a world of Gospel needed service, by working with Indigenous People to Implement Sustainable Services, Business, and Self-Sufficient Education”.

A Sustainable Ugandan Based Organization

As more specifics become clear (and we raise capital) the goal is to create a sustainable Ugandan based organization. There’s a variety of initiatives the group could pursue from agriculture to animal husbandry or vocational training.

A huge plus is that there is an established well maintenance program, called “Well Clubs”. These “Clubs” maintain wells for clean, drinkable water to thousands of people in 18 locations. They have also started growing a goat herd to “reward” villagers who commit to the Well Clubs.

We would never have imagined being part of such a venture if God hadn’t so clearly laid it in our laps! We expect the how, what and where will be made clear as we continue to walk in faith, so stay tuned! We have seen the Lord do amazing things with our gifts & talents when we are willing to let Him direct us! We welcome your prayers as we complete our two years commitment with CGM and as we ease into assuming this new mantle.

http//:www.upwithuganda.org                                  Walking in Trust

In the timeless classic Great Expectations, Charles Dickens wrote, “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold, when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.”

I imagine many of you have experienced days like this lately, because, let’s face it, that’s the quintessential  March weather in Maryland! Cold and rainy one minute, warm and sunny the next—each fleeting moment hints at the warmth to come and the awakening of nature all around us. Flowers are blossoming, competing for attention—crocus, daffodils, forsythia, and, of course, the cherry blossoms that hold a special place in the heart of the DMV.

A Birthday Adventure with a Twist
Paul recently celebrated his birthday in mid-March, and as we always do, we sought a memorable way to mark the occasion. This year, a quote from Anne of Green Gables captured the spirit of our March adventure: “Nothing seems impossible in the spring, you know.” The words of L.M. Montgomery echoed in our hearts as we set out on an adventure that was both challenging and exhilarating.

We ventured to Fort Portal, nestled at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, leaving an hour before dawn to meet our guide for a novice trek. Confident from our regular walks, we believed we were well-prepared for a day of exploring a new corner of western Uganda.

But it didn’t take long before we realized that our preparations, though strong, weren’t quite enough. What began as a hike quickly turned into a climb—steep rocks with few footholds, an intimidating trail that demanded more strength, more grip, and a deeper resolve than we had expected. Our shoes were slipping, and our muscles were tested in ways we hadn’t anticipated. Could we really make it through?

Overcoming Challenges Together
We leaned on one another—each of us helping, encouraging, and finding creative ways to navigate the tricky terrain. Step by step, we persevered. Reaching the summit was rewarding in more ways than one. Not only were we treated to breathtaking views, but we also had the chance to witness the local mountain villagers—moving with remarkable agility up and down the same trails we struggled with, like billy goats.

This one-day adventure was a powerful metaphor for what we’ve experienced in the past month. It reminded us of the importance of community, of leaning on others in times of need, and of trusting the guidance of those who know the way. Much like our journey on the mountain, these last few months have involved navigating uncertainties, leaning into God’s wisdom, and relying on our team.

What’s Next?
As we approach the end of our “full-time” chapter in Uganda this August, we find ourselves at a crossroads. We’ve been seeking God’s direction and reflecting on what the future holds. We’ve sensed that there’s still work to be done here in Uganda, but our commitment to family back home means it’s time to rethink our future plans.

After our trek, we asked a couple of close friends—people who truly know our hearts and our mission—to join us in focused prayer. Their support was invaluable. Not long after, options began to emerge, and we are now considering a plan that would allow us to divide our time more equally between Uganda and the U.S.

Making such decisions isn’t easy. They affect so many people—especially our family and friends. But in the midst of our own uncertainty, God’s timing and encouragement have been striking. One particular day, when I (Mary), felt overwhelmed by the weight of this decision, I received a video call from my sister Penny. Her words and prayer were exactly what I needed, lifting my spirits and reminding me of God’s peace.

Moments later, I received a call from one of my daughters—a true gift! She shared that she had been praying about our situation and processing things with her friends, who had been a tremendous support. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any more timely, another close friend from home called, offering her insight into how God often shifts our direction when we’re willing to walk through new doors. She shared how saying “yes” to God’s leading had completely transformed her life and ministry over the past two years.

As if that weren’t enough, I received a final video message from another daughter, offering her full support and trust in our decision, no matter where it leads us. In those few moments, I felt lifted up, not just by my family and friends, but by the hand of God Himself, carrying me through what seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. It was like being helped over one of those massive mountain rocks!

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We Need Each Other
I’m sure many of you have had times in your life when you needed others to help shoulder a burden or climb over an obstacle you couldn’t move past on your own. From the very beginning of creation, God knew we’d need each other. He created Eve, a counterpart to Adam—not just for company, but to share in the journey of life, step by step. That’s how we tackle life’s mountains—one hand, one step at a time.

Ongoing Ministry and Progress
Here in Uganda, our journey continues. We’ve been holding three Bible study groups each week, and it’s been incredible to see the growth and progress within each meeting. The men’s group, the girls’ club, and the baking club are all building deeper relationships with one another and with the Lord. Each week, we make incremental progress, moving forward with the help and support of one another.

A special thank you to all of you who helped us purchase Bibles for distribution—thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to distribute 75 Bibles to our study group participants and a number of emerging leaders training with Pastor Moses. Your contributions are making a lasting impact.

Psalm 95 ⁴  In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. ⁵  The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

 “Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you!” It’s a simple children’s Valentine rhyme, but one that many of us know by heart. February is the month to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and we’re no exception. This year we pressed into that idea of appreciating those we love here in Uganda too…not only sharing why we do it but also sharing by example.

  In the last 5-6 years birthdays and anniversaries have begun to be recognized and celebrated more widely in Ugandan villages. But Valentines Day wasn’t on the radar, until we explained the holiday to our partner Pastor Moses.

  It’s difficult to have ‘couple time’ away from the busy life that surrounds them in our village of Kiburara, but we asked Moses if he’d consider doing a “western thing” to surprise his wife Sarah and he eagerly agreed! Arrangements were made at a hotel (an hour away), to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

We were so blessed to see how they enjoyed each other’s company in a setting just perfect for sweethearts.

  At the first of the month, we began 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Coincidentally, both our church in the states and here in Uganda were doing it. It was sweet to have prayer partners in both places. We took a break from the fast portion for our Valentines Day celebration, but overall, the 21 days of focused, dedicated prayer and fasting, helped us center on God. It was a real refreshment for us.

  This focus, combined with the story of Saint Valentine shaped our prayers this month. Saint Valentine was a physician and a priest during the early church persecution under Claudius II. Claudius, at the time, was conscripting soldiers for the Roman army. Against the emperor’s orders, Valentine would secretly marry engaged couples so the man wouldn’t have to go to war. He did it to save lives but when he was discovered, he was jailed for his faith and for this “rebellious” acts. Legend has it that on the day of his execution, St. Valentine wrote a note to his jailer’s daughter, whom he’d healed of blindness. He signed the note, “from your Valentine,” before he died.

  When Jesus spoke to his traveling band of disciples, he best captured what Valentine stood for: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

  The reason I focus on this faucet of love and the power of love is because of a significant event that took place this month…. just a few days before, Valentine’s Day.

  We’ve seen lots of enthusiasm teaching inductive bible study this year. Several of the emerging leaders are now exploring the Bible more thoroughly, strengthening their understanding of the Word.

  One of our groups in the village of Kanara has really grabbed hold of the inductive method we’ve been teaching. We have LOVED meeting them weekly to hear them process through the scriptures together. We’ve been with this group since last fall, and we enjoyed getting to know them.

  What we didn’t know until Monday prior to February 14th, was that these students didn’t own Bibles! You see, we asked them to do homework and to bring it to class. We wanted to make sure they grasped the concepts. When class ended, we were disappointed that only one person had done the homework. It seemed strange to us because many in the group were teachers.

  One of the young men approached us after class for prayer because he wanted to study but didn’t own a bible. I had to ask him to repeat his request because I was surprised! Then I held the class from leaving and asked if anyone else needed a bible, EVERY hand but one went up. EVERY hand, all fourteen! To our shame, we had never asked if they owned bibles. We just assumed. We assumed because it’s normal in the U.S. that most of us have multiple bibles laying around.

   It reminded us of all the assumptions we’d made when we first arrived. We confessed our ignorance, apologized for not seeing and apologized again for thinking no one wanted to do the homework.

  Mary and I discussed the need on the drive home. We told Moses about the situation and asked if he could pick up new bibles for the class participants if we could find the money. He was eager to help (he also hadn’t known the situation). On Valentine’s Day, Moses picked up a box of new bibles for our class as a special gift of love.

  The next Monday, when we handed out the bibles, you would have thought we were in an Oprah or Ellen DeGeneres audience giving away cars! Everyone was jumping up and down, shouting and squealing as tears ran down their faces. SUCH amazing joy at being gifted their own copy of God’s Word! I think our faces may have mirrored theirs as we learned afresh the impact of DOING John 13:34

“…as I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

  This moment has resonated in our hearts ever since. After this epiphany, we asked how many other participants in our C.O.M.A. classes had bibles. So, now we are on a quest how to get bibles into the hands of these believers. Each of them loves God and wants to know about Him. They are hungry to “feed” on His truths.

  Because of the enthusiasm generated by our groups that can read, and are literate, we are now in touch with others who can’t read but are excited to learn more from the scriptures.

  In it all, two things have encouraged us. First, we’re encouraged by the hunger we see, (even with those who can’t read) for going deeper with their Savior and to know and understand the scriptures. And secondly, we’re sobered by how simple things like knowing how to read or owning a Bible can help mature a villager’s faith.

  Please consider helping us to purchase more bibles (they cost about $12 each). We will screen the recipients and thank you in advance! It’s our goal to get another 50 bibles to have on hand to give out to those who genuinely hunger to follow hard after Christ.

  Please email us if you would like to help at upwithuganda@gmail.com and keep us and the leaders here in prayer. We will need wisdom to know how best to navigate this evolving situation!

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We were overwhelmed when we saw this FB Post in early December from our ministry partner Moses Nkwatsibwe of Covenant Global Ministries

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to God for the lives of Paul and Mary Foster. They have exemplified remarkable humility, love, and parental care, by positively affecting so many lives in Uganda. Since their decision to live in Kiburara, Ibanda for two years, they have indeed challenged us with their unwavering dedication to serving God.

The younger generation has drawn valuable lessons from the example set by this couple, who have selflessly relinquished their comfort zone to live among us and serve our Lord Jesus Christ. 

They have been instrumental in helping disciple-making through various initiatives, including Paul’s weekly discipleship sessions with young men, Mary’s baking classes aimed at empowering women, and their joint involvement in COMA (Context, Observation, Meaning, and Application) Inductive Bible Study training. Notably, they have successfully trained four groups, including Kiburara-Ibanda, Kanara-Kamwenge, Kiburara Prison women staff-Ibanda, and Covenant Global Church Buloba. 

This week they were teaching at Covenant Global Church Buloba on their way to the USA for the Christmas season and reunion with their family. On Friday and Saturday, they taught on the Book of Titus. Papa Paul preached from this text in Sunday’s sermon.

Pastor Moses Nkwatsibwe

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Presto Cooker. Instant-Pot. Microwave. Fast Food. These brand names are a way of life for us in the USA. We force ourselves to slow down making a meal from scratch. Meals are quickly inhaled……..so lingering over a lovingly home made dinner and good conversation belongs to another era!

Over the last few decades, technology has birthed amazing advancements. Even as these have improved our ability to do more in less time, with their benefits, there have been some downsides. Stress levels, depression and chronic health conditions are going up! 

But, we’ve noticed that there’s a new “rebellion”, a push back, that is challenging us to slow down, enjoy, and yes, even to linger a bit. 

People have tasted the value of a slower way of life, sharing meals or doing life. They testify to both its health and relational benefits.

Here in Uganda, Paul and I have had to put this to the test. We, like most Americans, are conditioned to think “faster is better” because the MORE we can accomplish in a day the better. 

However, part of God’s plan for our personal growth here in Africa, has been to value simple, uncomplicated daily tasks. 

Life here in Uganda, rolls day to day, most often filled with activities unencumbered by mind-cluttering technology.

Instead of a microwave………here in the village our friends cook over charcoal or wood. Instead of lining up at a drive through restaurant in town, we walk to the market buying fresh tomatoes, onions, pumpkin or yams. If there are enough shillings, we even buy a live chicken or goat. 

Here, families come home to clean, peel and chop the vegetables and prepare the meat. They begin their meals hours in advance, setting fires then letting the coals settle boiling the water or roasting the meat. 

While their food cooks, often they’re grinding corn or millet before making it into porridge or posho bread. Or maybe at the same time they’re checking on another side dish cooking on the charcoal stove next to the first. There is NOTHING “presto” about cooking here!

While all this takes considerably more time than we are used to, this is how life happens in the village. Slower, more difficult, like gardening an acre of land………armed with only a large metal hoe!

The beauty we appreciate, is that in the midst of a harder and slower way of doing life PEOPLE and relationships have time to incubate and grow! 

Our morning walks take longer as we stop and chat with friends and neighbors. We pray for those who are hurting, we laugh together and share life, even learning many new gardening tips from our neighbor’s. We have found that we can support and encourage one another and lingering with little village children—ALL because we have time. 

A life of “less” can be difficult, but less STUFF means you cannot push yourself to achieve more and more and more! 

Here, you work hard and do what you can, but you don’t get lost in the flurry of activity as easily as in the states!

So, how has this helped us “achieve” our mission to disciple, teach bible study, mentor marriages and encourage friends to follow after God? 

Actually, this is the very vehicle that the Lord has used to help us slow down. Our friend’s example has helped us, we have had to make adjustments, to take the time we need to spend time with the high school girls, or men and women in the village who we otherwise wouldn’t be connecting with. They are helping us as we are shifting and helping them to pivot with their time.

These weeks since we’ve been back have been full but not in our usual Gaithersburg, Maryland kind of way. 

We returned to an empty home with Moses and Sarah on sabbatical in South Africa. So things here were very quiet. We spent two weeks unpacking and resettling before a large team from the States arrived for their two week mission trip. 

Initially Paul and I had the host and hostess roles and we learned much about what goes on “behind-the-scenes” when Sarah and the other helpers host a team! 

We were certainly happy to help but also relieved when a few days later Grace (Moses’ eldest daughter) arrived to take charge. 

Because we weren’t part of the team’s activities, we had a ringside seat to observe. This team, like many others, had lots to do, and places to see and people to meet. When you have limited time on these “short term” missions trips, you try to fit in all you can…….and  maybe a little more if you’re an American. 

As the team moved and ministered, in significant ways, we got to watch. As we did, the Holy Spirit reminded us that not everything is achieved at the full speed. 

We could TRY to do EVERYTHING these faithful saints were doing, but we’d be burned out and exhausted. Our ministry pace, the one God has called us to is different. Ours is a slow, “Crockpot”, kind of simmer as opposed to an “Instant Pot” boil. It’s a daily strengthening of friendships, serving, taking time to know people, their struggles that they wrestle with and then love them. 

It’s the kind of ministry Jesus had with his small band of disciples that lived with Him over three years. He loved, He invested, He challenged and sometimes corrected. 

We are blessed that over our lifetime , we have seen the value of this kind investment in “people building”. We’re blessed that here in Uganda, our Father has placed us in a culture that fits with what He’s taught us to value above our “achievements” and fast paced life. He keeps growing us even as He takes our efforts and increases them to His glory! 

Our induction bible studies continue as we move to another village called Kanara. The men’s fellowship continued while we were away on furlough, and these men are going deeper in support and prayer. We’re now praying, and getting counsel about beginning married couples mentoring. 

Mary is also considering a drawing class at the secondary (High) school. There she would be engaging more teens and hopefully “drawing out” the gifts God’s placed in them. 

The Lord encourages and challenges us regularly, that we are on mission living lives that make Christ seen and heard to whoever and wherever He leads us.

Blessings to all of You!!

Paul & Mary