For most of the evening I have found myself staring at a blank computer
screen. I have started to type several
times only to find myself reaching for the delete button.
I don’t know where to start. I know that I need to blog—after all, God has me on the most amazing journey I could have never imagined. Why not write about it, right? If only it were that easy.
It has been nearly a month since arriving in Uganda. The moment I stepped off the plane and
smelled the distinct and familiar Ugandan air, I felt God reassuring me that this
is the exact place He intends for me to be.
Before leaving Raleigh, fellow international missionaries warned me that
this was going to be an emotionally bumpy ride.
I heard their advice and prepared for the road ahead as best as I knew
how. But how does one prepare for that
which you know nothing about? God had
given me a glimpse into my new life, but there were so many details yet to be
revealed.
A typical day here begins with a devotional and prayer time with Pastor
Raphael and his wife, Ms. Allen.
Afterwards, I have a short walk to school, where I teach three students
who have recently begun attending. Most
days after school, I have a friend come by the school to tutor me in Luganda
(the language spoken here in Busega). Then, several nights each week, there are
Bible studies at church.
On the surface, the days here do not seem too exceptional or overwhelming—it
is similar to a typical work day in America.
However, the days and the tasks are anything but ordinary. I will try to explain…
My days begin with a very special time of prayer with two very special
people. This couple is, no doubt, anointed
by God and they are exceptional spiritual leaders—to myself, their children,
the surrounding community, and the local church that they pastor. Sometimes, our time together in the morning
is brief. We may update each other on
how we are feeling spiritually, pray, and be on our way. I am happy to say that most mornings are not
that way. Our time together is precious. We discuss scriptures, open our hearts with
one another, share our burdens, and lift each other up in prayer. I am so blessed to have these wonderful
followers of Christ by my side on this journey.
I am thankful for their genuine friendship, their encouragement and
advice, their sincere hearts for loving me, and their enjoyable sense of humor.
Next is my walk to and from school.
I imagine it could be easy to overlook the blessings and opportunities
God reveals during my short walk, but that would also be disappointing. Truth is, God is beyond time. He is using my morning and evening commute to
shine His light in the darkness.
At
first glance, you may see a painful life of poverty. You may see devastation, neglect, and
hopelessness. But despite the outward appearance, God is
here. It is along this orange road that little ones stare at my unfamiliar skin
tone. Maamas quickly wave hello and boda
drivers take second looks. My grocery
shopping is done here and God is helping me build relationships with store
owners as He softens their hearts and draws them to Himself. Ministry can be accomplished in a variety of
ways. God has shown me that showing love
to His people is most effective and He is giving me plenty of opportunities to
do just that. I look forward to my walks
every day. There is always someone new
to see and familiar faces fill me with joy.
As I walk through the school gates each day, I never know what I am
going to encounter, though I am guaranteed to be hugged by some of the most
beautiful children I know. Three of my
kiddoes have just joined the school in February (Alpha, Peace, and Jessy). Before that, neither of them had ever been in
school, nor had they been taught any form of language. All three are struggling to understand this
new environment and have no idea what is now expected of them. What is worse, they don’t have a language by
which to explain to them the concept of school and the reason behind all of the
work we are putting before them. I have
spent a lot of time with each of them over the past month. We have had our ups and downs, that is for
sure. We are currently dealing with some
behavioral issues and there are days when I am not sure God has equipped me
with the level of patience necessary for this area of ministry. There have been several days when I have
simply run out of ideas and energy. I
have nowhere to turn except to God. It
is my daily prayer that He help me to see these children through His eyes. Without fail, His faithfulness prevails and I
am able to see myself in each of them.
Once, I was rebellious. I was
being swallowed by my sin and God loved me anyway. He loved me to life and that is exactly what
He is calling me to do with these babies—love them and lead them to eternal
life with Him.
After school, I have been blessed with the sweetest (and very patient) young
man named James. He is a dear friend of
the Kajjubis and has taken on the task of tutoring me in Luganda. Learning the language and ‘becoming a Ugandan’
has been a goal for me while doing ministry here. Unfortunately, I had no idea
how hard it was going to be! James is
great and we have a good time together—probably more fun for him, laughing at
my utter confusion and mispronunciations.
Most days I am very motivated and eager to learn as much as
possible. But to be honest, there are
some days when I really wish that it was not so difficult and
time-consuming. Some days I wish there
was some magical button to push and ‘Poof!’ I will be fluent in Luganda! Then reality comes swooping back and I have
to ask God for more patience again.
This whole ‘depend on God’ thing is becoming a common theme in my life.
I had a feeling it would be.
In my short time here, I have begun to discover God’s plan for me, but
I feel like I have only scratched the surface.
Days are filled with joy, freckled with frustration, and illuminated by
God’s presence.
There is so much more that I want to share, but the words just aren’t there
yet. For now, please know that God is doing
an amazing work here in Busega. Amidst
the pain and poverty, He is transforming hearts and lives. He is calling me to
deeper dependence on Him and is molding me into the woman He desires me to be.
I pray that my heart and my life will be clay in His hands.
I pray for the people of Busega, to take hold of His hands that are
reaching down to them, offering abundant life. I pray that God’s will be done here.
