Yes, I'm in Uganda

So I was quickly initiated back in the Ugandan culture on my few days back. I was immediately reminded of where I was upon exiting the airplane. I went from Switzerland and London where temperatures were warm and in the 40’s to Uganda where it was about 80 degrees upon exiting the plane at 10 pm, not to mention temperature controlled rooms to “I hope the fan blows enough cold air to cool me down”.

Secondly, I was reminded of the rules of the road…meaning that there really are none except for the police are always right. I guess those rules I made for my classroom have come back to haunt me. (#1 The teacher is always right. #2 if the teacher is wrong, refer back to rule #1) I think in one day of driving in Uganda, I’ve experienced more frustration than the 2 plus months spent in the States.

Lastly, this morning I had to get up early to wash my bedsheets. Let me rephrase that…hand wash my bedsheets and blanket because they were so dusty. Not my favorite thing to do, but much needed.

I’m sure there will be more realizations of what it means to live in Uganda, but that’s it for now. Funny thing is I’ve been here two days and still haven’t had any Ugandan food…been eating out a lot with friends and the team from Calvary. Weird though.

Back in Uganda

My time in the U.S. has come and gone and for much of the time there I felt a little lost. It was almost like a feeling of being displaced. I had "homes" to stay at, but nowhere really felt like home. Much of that might have been not really being in one place for very long, but I believe a lot of that was because though I have much in common with Americans, I'm not much of an American at heart these days.

As my plane took off from London to Entebbe and I saw lots of mzungu going to Uganda for whatever reason, my purpose in life (at least in this season) seemed to be blooming again. I felt like a foreigner when I was in London and Switzerland, but as I touched down in Uganda everything came back in no time. I was home.

I am ready to start this next journey of my life here in Uganda. I think God has huge things to show me this year and to use me in some mighty ways to help the people of Uganda draw close to him. Stay tuned for more.

Spoiled in Uganda

With all the teams over the summer seeing where I live and what my life is like, I felt like I was a little spoiled. After all, I'm supposed to be a missionary and yet, I have a bed more comfortable here than what I had when I was in the U.S. I have a flat screen tv (though it's only 24") and a Wii game system. I have internet in my room even though it's sometimes slow and sometimes not on. I have a stove and oven; I have hot showers. In a nutshell, I'm pretty blessed if not spoiled.

Last night, I went to a friend's house. She is working for a mission agency and they have their own compound for missionaries. She's living with one roommate in a 3-4 bedroom house. They have a huge living room and kitchen (my living room and kitchen together could fit in their kitchen). They have a washer and dryer! They are eating American food every night (though I guess I could do that if I wanted to)

Suddenly, I don't feel spoiled anymore. However, I do admire those missionaries that are in a remote place without all the comforts of their native lifestyle. I'm not sure if I would survive. It's difficult enough to just be in Uganda with all the things I do have. So please pray for those that are really sacrificing for the gospel.