*This blog was written by the wonderful Josie Huss in the final week or so of our time in Bugiri. My apologies for not having it posted earlier. There were some technical difficulties involved along with a touch of forgetfulness. Sorry Jo-Jo.*
Uganda Do It
With only a few days left, I’m trying my hardest to savor each moment that we have left here. As I try so desperately to take it all in, I can’t help but wonder how I’m going to explain this place to my family and friends at home. After thinking for about a week and a half, the only word that really seems to describe my experiences here is, “beautiful.” Truly from the moment we open our eyes in the morning to the moment we close them at night, this is the most beautiful place in the world. We have beautiful African women cooking a buffet of foods daily, a flawless schedule planned out for each day, silent, uninterrupted prayer and worship, translators translating from Lugandan to perfect English, children insisting on calling us “mzungu” which really means “white person,” oh and we’ve also had perfect health. What can I say? We’ve been blessed with perfection. (: All sarcasm aside, this trip has really been TIA worthy.
We really are blessed to wake up in such a naturally beautiful place. Looking back, my fondest memories take place simply sitting on the porch and looking out at the wandering cows, goats, and chickens, talking to the armed guard (trying to at least), having three or more children fighting to sit in my lap… half of them without pants on, and just relaxing. I thank God for the women who sit in the courtyard cooking and cleaning for us and their servant hearts. The fact that every person you visit with gives up their chair instantaneously, insisting that you sit in their place is something you can’t find in America. The pure joy that the children get from a simple “mzungu” smile. The way that God teaches you in unconventional ways. It’s all so beautiful.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned here? God is in charge. I think I speak for all of us when I say that His plan is greater and it WILL be put into action. You never learn the lesson that you expect to learn. God has taught me his healing not through miraculous “I am healed!” moments, but with actual medicine. I mean that’s why he created it, right? I’ve learned how to cope with things, ration my food, make my bed (kind of), overcome my fears, listen, and most importantly, I’ve learned about my character.
I could write pages and pages of the lessons I’ve learned in the last 20 plus days, but I could never express the true change that each of us have experienced. All I can say is that it’s all in God’s hands and he is so unbelievably perfect in every way.
Saying that this is the most beautiful place in the world is an understatement. Uganda is one of God’s greatest creations and I thank Him for each and every experience that has come our way. This month has changed our lives forever with memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.
