Monday, July 23, 2007

Friday's journal

It is Friday tonight and I have not been able to post my last few journals. I have to try to make it to an internet café where I can attach a USB device in order to upload the journals that I am keeping on my computer. It has been an eventful few days.

Thursday I decided to take a journey on my own. I asked how to take a taxi from the primary school to the church where the high school currently meets. So after meeting at the primary school for prayers and watching some of the teachers, I ventured over for lunch. I must note that as my supporters, you played a major role in the meal the students were about to partake in. The main reason I wanted to go over to the school was because through the support of my friends and family I was able to buy a meal of meat (beef or fish) matooke (bananas that are somewhat like a thick mashed potato when prepared) and rice. The students there were overjoyed by the meal. They usually eat only rice and beans or maybe rice and a peanut sauce.


Today we went shopping at the African village. We spent about 2 hours shopping for different items. My big item was an African drum. I wanted one for so long, but was only able to take a small one home last time because my luggage was too small. I knew that my purchase might not fit in my bag, but I tried anyway to no avail. Fortunately for me Pastor Dongo rescued me from having to leave my purchase behind by bringing me a bag to take the drum back in. You might be asking me why I needed to pack it up today since I am not leaving for another two weeks. Earlier tonight, my friends (Julie, Degna, and James) left for their return journey home to the U.S. Since I can’t carry 4 bags by myself through customs, I asked them to take it since they are three. It was difficult to watch them leave. They are so dear to my heart and they were my comfort being here. Lucky for me, I still have my friends from Texas and Georgia here to keep me company. It makes me wonder if I could really leave everything behind to do work out here in Uganda for a few years. Do I really have the personality to survive? This will be the biggest challenge for me on my trip to find out more about myself.

In spending time with the students and teachers here, I often wonder what I have to offer to them. They are so rich in their hearts. Pastor Dongo wants us to come and help the teachers, but they have much more difficult jobs than I have in the states. When I hear them pray to the Lord, I hear their hearts and often am embarrassed that I don’t have the faith and love for my God and Savior in the manner in which they do. I think that I am more blessed by being here with them than what I can offer to them.

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