Pinch Me!

 

I have been in Uganda a week now.

I can't believe I was just able to write those words!  I am IN Uganda! 

 

Is it real?  Yes, it very much is.  I've dreampt of coming here for over 20 years now.  It's strange to wrap my head around things sometimes because it'll hit me that I'm actually here and then at other times it seems totally natural and normal that I would be here.
 

 

 I have to be honest that I haven't had much culture shock at all.  What I have seen so far of Uganda is exactly as I had thought it'd be.  There are a couple things that have surprised me though.  Like the egg yolks being white (that's just the eggs from town because the hens aren't getting the proper nutrition), hearing Michael W. Smith (intermixed with Ugandan "pop") in the town's thrift store, the availability of some food items and "white girl shampoo" that I didn't think would be easily accessible and that banks actually do run out of money sometimes!  One other thing I didn't think to expect is how generally quiet most Ugandan voices are.  I also think it's hilarious to see familiar sights from the states now and then... like Duck Dynasty T-shirts!
 

 

I am so very thankful for the family I am here to help because they have taken so much time and energy to teach me many things like how to get around, use money, dos and don'ts of the culture etc.  Their example in how they serve the Lord by loving His people is something I am thankful to be able to witness first hand and learn from. 

 

 

 Even just having been here a short time, I can see so very many ways that even someone like me can serve.  There is so much need!  I am looking forward to seeing some different ministries first-hand to find where the Lord would have me serve in my free time (I have Mondays and Saturdays free).  There are so many open doors that it can be a bit overwhelming.  I think I will start tutoring some kids after school as well.  I've already been able to do and see quite a bit (city life, village life, hospital and an Introduction), but there is so much more to see and learn of the culture.

 

Thank you so much for your prayers!  I have felt them answered in countless ways.  I have not had a single headache or ever felt sick, I've been sleeping and eating very well, no jet lag or culture shock and am settling in and getting to know how things are run and done here!  It can only be the Lord's strength since I am weak an unable to do any of those things on my own.  It's been a beautiful whirlwind of a week that I am still processing and I'm thankful for all that the Lord is teaching me through it all!



Ready?

Well I am just a few days away from going where I've always dreamed of going!  In a couple days I will hug and say a teary goodbye to my family and set off on a grand adventure to the land of red dirt!  I'm not sure exactly how I thought I'd feel right before leaving, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't this. 

 

I've already said many goodbyes to the dearest of friends who I am going to miss terribly... but I have yet to feel the emotion of leaving or shed the tears I have quite the talent of shedding.  *wink*

 

 

It's strange to hear of the upcoming happenings of my family and friends and realize that I won't be here for them.  Get-togethers, Dr appointments, upcoming sermon series, house projects etc.  There will be many changes and life will continue on here in the states without me.  My room is entirely packed up and mostly moved out.  My sister has wonderful plans as to how she will decorate the room after I'm gone.  My possessions for the next year have fit into 2 fifty pound bags... and that will be more than some of the people I will be living near in just a week.

 

The other day I realized that my "baby" sister will turn 4 while I'm gone and that fact made me remember that I won't be coming home to a baby, but a little girl!  She'll (hopefully) hit many milestones developmentally.  And while I want her to accomplish them, I'm also sad to not be around to experience and rejoice with her and the rest of my family. 

 

This certainly isn't a deep or well thought out blog post, but an honest one about what I'm feeling... or not feeling. 

I'm excited to see what the Lord teaches me over this next year.  There will be wonderful and joyful times, but I know without a doubt that there will also be times of struggle that God will use to draw me closer to Himself.