Uganda has been called the “Pearl of Africa,” and when I stepped off the plane onto the tarmac, felt the warm sticky breeze and saw the green hills, I felt that the saying was true.
Or maybe I was just so glad to be on land that anything looked good to me after two days of flying, a nine hour layover in London, and a baby crying in the cramped seat behind me on the plane. My desire to connect with you all and let you know how things are must be pretty intense because I’m running off four hours of sleep in 36 hours. 🙂
And you know how slow dial-up is….well imagine ten times slower than that. Yeah, dedication!
T. S. Eliot has a poem that says
“And what you thought you came for Is only a shell, a husk of meaning, From which the purpose breaks only when it is fulfilled If at all. Either you had no purpose Or the purpose is beyond the end you figured And is altered in fulfillment. There are other places Which also are the world’s end, some at the sea jaws, Or over a dark lake, in a desert or a city—But this is the nearest, in place and time…”
I think I have begun a journey that holds more than I planned for, in which I am the recipient so much so of God’s sweet and generous blessings, that my “agenda” or what I intended to give will be wiped from my lips in awe and in the kind of humility that comes from witnessing something greater than yourself.
I am already so endeared to 2 girls who cook and clean for Dr. Lynn. Ok hold up–I know you’re thinking–what Dr. Lynn is black and she has slaves 😉
Believe me, I felt really weird today and kept trying to clumsily pick up dishes and, and mentioned that I do know how to do laundry, etc. I’m still not completely comfortable with the idea of having someone do something for me when I am perfectly able myself. I started thinking about it and asking them questions and realized that they are really happy here, that for them, this is part of their ministry, along with being a job that provides for them in a country where jobs are scarce. They sing while they cook cabbage and I am utterly enthralled with them, and this place.
(other than the fact that I’m being viscously attacked my a mosquito as I write this–don’t worry mom, I took my malaria pills)
This afternoon I sat on the porch of this gorgeous house, staring out to Lake Victoria, the umbrella shaped banana trees, the tiled roofs the color of Arizona desert, smoke, clay, sun, the smell of vegetation and Harriet humming softly over a pan of fried onions and peppers.
Seriously the pineapple tastes so good here I’m wondering if we even have the same fruit in the States.
I am soaking it all in because I know that when I go to the north there will be dry streets and IDP camps where people are dying. The disparity between the south and the north is so striking and so far between.
Tomorrow I get orientated at a crisis preg center where I will be helping out in May when I come back to Kampala after we leave for Rwanda for 3 weeks. I’m seeing how God plans our lives out so that everything we touch and do is used. Next week I’ll be Dr. Lynn’s Admin assistant at the trauma counseling training we are putting together. I know, you’re thinking, there must be some mistake….Sarita, being logistical and detail-oriented. I tried to tell her, it wasn’t my “gifting” if you will, but then I realized it would be just another opportunity to learn and to serve in an area I’m not comfortable with which, will ultimately mean growth. That sounds really mature doesn’t it? 🙂 Yeah it’s strange, I felt such an attitude adjustment when I met Dr. Lynn and saw how much stress she is under and met her wonderful staff and I just wanted to help in whatever capacity, even if it isn’t exactly what I wanted to do in the first place.
Ok so the battery is running out on this computer and the electricity is out, so I am literally sitting by the light of my LED flashlight, happy to be here, but wishing I could share it with everyone I love.
So surprise, my SIM card didn’t work so I had to get a new one so I have a new cell #
011 256 782265525
I leave you with this verse I was reading that pretty much encapsulates the feeling I have right now and in hope of all your dreams yet to come true:
“You have given me my heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips, for you met him with rich blessings and you set a crown of fine gold upon his head. He asked life of you and you gave it to him.” Ps. 21:24
ps–will try to get pictures soon..not as easy over here, as you can imagine
