Right now I am sitting at an internet cafe in Tororo, Uganda. The keyboard is sticky, the internet is slow, and the screen in foggy. All I want to do is pour my heart out. I have so much to say, but the lack of time I have is forcing me to be brief. Yet again. 🙁
I will honestly say that I have been and still am feeling slightly unsure of this whole experience. Saying that it’s been easy would be a lie, while saying it’s been hard somehow doesn’t seem right either. It’s been a rollercoaster. A continuing turn of events. A story with many plots. A mountain range with several peaks. Its been an adventure filled with countless ups and downs.
Giving up American comforts was exciting at first, but when the hard times roll around, all I can think about are Chipotle, my best friends, my family, my BED, my dogs, my car, the snow, the lack of cock roaches. This longing for familiarity has crept into my mentality more often than I’d like it to. It’s made me aware of the fact that of the thousands of people I see everyday, only 11 of them are muzungus, white people, like me. I’m a minority for once in my life and I know, first hand, that it’s a challenge.
But I live for challenges! That’s who I am! Its when that reminder comes into my mind that my low suddenly climbs. Higher and higher. I can never seem to avoid the slap in the face when I examine my life: Reality. What’s real right now is that not only am I loved, cared for and comforted by my 11 new sibling everyday, but also by everyone at home. What’s real right now is that it’s not about me. What’s real right now is that my dreams have come true, for I am in AFRICA! What’s real right now is that I have a powerful Father that has been waiting for me to grab his hand so that he can go through this crazy journey with me.
I wouldn’t be the first to admit that sometimes I get the urge to punt the obnoxious rooster that wakes me up, too early every morning, across Africa. But then again, sometimes I have the urge to hug that stupid rooster, for I am so thankful that he woke me up to experience the amazing things I’ve experienced.
One of these amazing experiences was when we climbed to the top of a mountain just to soak up God’s masterpiece.
One of these amazing experiences was when I got to see how much I meant to a stranger.
One of these amazing experiences was when we met more muzungus and enjoyed an American dinner at their “palace”.
One of these amazing experiences was when I held on for dear life to the bota (motorcycle) driver as we raced through the laneless, bumpy roads of Uganda lit only by the moon.
One of these amazing experiences was when I had the privelage to SEE, with my OWN eyes, God heal a blind man’s eyes.
TO BE CONTINUED 🙂
