Ever since I was thirteen, one of my biggest dreams was to live in Uganda for a whole summer when I turned eighteen. With that being one of my biggest goals, it was hard for me to depict from my own desires, and God's desires. I just kept telling myself that this trip was my desire and I have to wait for the "right time." But when I started having sleepless nights from thinking about it SO much, was the point when I told God that if this is really His will, to have my dad (who was totally against this at first) come to me without me mentioning anything to him and confirm to me that this is what I need to do. And literally a few days later, that exact thing happened. This was HUGE guys.. I'm my dad's only daughter, and definitely a daddy's girl, so letting his little girl go halfway across the world for longer than two weeks was a total act of God. So from that moment on, I knew for sure this was God's will, and I started planning.
At the time it was the beginning of July, so I didn't know how this would work out. My family had planned out the whole summer, and I just couldn't bail on them! Plus planning a two to three month trip to Africa in just a few days was not going to work. I knew in my heart that summertime was not the right time, but when exactly was the right time? This was holding my planning back because I didn't know when I was supposed to go. Then my dad suggested that I should go for the months of late September - November. Ummm.. yeah no. The first few months of my senior year?! I thought he was crazy. But what do you know.. That was actually the perfect time for me to go! Being homeschooled defintiely has its perks.
And now here I am.. In Africa for almost a whole month already! I sometimes still can't believe this is really happening. Being here without a team is SO different, and it definitely took me a few days to get used to being on my own in UG. It's a totally different experience.. But I love it. From riding a boda (motorcycle taxi) to driving on the roads here and cooking on a charcoal stove, this trip has been filled with many firsts. Most of the days I'm covered in dirt and sweat, but I wouldn't trade that for anything.. Because that means I'm actually here, doing what God has called me to do. And let me tell you.. I have never known this much joy. The joy you get from doing something God made you to do and LOVE is indescribable. One of my dreams has become a reality.. And I am reminded of that every single day.
I am so happy to be here, but my heart is continually broken for what I see around me. The hurt and need of this country is real. I want my heart to be broken though. I don't want a numb heart. I want God to break my heart for what breaks His.. Because that's how He uses us. But even though there is so much brokeness here, I've come to realize that one of the biggest lies about Africa is that it's a place full of great danger and disease. Think about it.. You never really hear anything good about Africa on the news or media, it's all bad. (Especially right now.) Yes, there are dangers here, just like any other place in this world. But Uganda is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Not only because of the tropical scenery, but because of the people.. That's what really makes everyone who comes here fall in love with it. I meet people here all the time that have close to nothing, yet they want to give you what little they have with such a joyful heart, and expect nothing in return. People are always rejoicing in the Lord; singing and dancing their hearts out. If you are at church and you're not dancing and yelling, they look at you like you're one of the most boring people ever. They set an example of how our God deserves to be worshipped. I could go on and on about how wonderful this country is, but I'll leave it at this.. If I made a list of good and bad things about Uganda, there would be far more good than bad.
I am so thankful that God has brought me back to this country that I fell deeply in love with five years ago.. A lot of the time I feel like I need Africa more than Africa needs me! Seriously.. I don't even know what I would do with myself if I was never to return. This small country has a huge piece of my heart.. And it always will.
Uganda - you have been my greatest adventure yet, and I can't wait for this next month in your beautiful land! xo
