Life as we know it..

   It's been a few days since I got home from Kampala Uganda. It's as if it were a dream, lasting only a short amount of time. My thoughts are consumed with the people I met. They took a piece of me with them. It's always an adjustment coming back from things like Africa.  So to say the least it was incredible. 

    Africa has always been my dream. I've always loved everything about it and had a heart for people. I like to think that I can change the world. But then I realize all of the needs throughout Uganda alone and it only gives me drive. Because I can not change the world but with each person I encounter I can at least be a light. A light that shows them the beauty of our Father in Heaven dwelling inside. He's the only good in me. I want to be His hands and feet. I've sat in the houses of people who are just trying to survive and keep their kids fed. I've sat down and cried with a woman who is HIV positive, a widow, pregnant, an orphan, and jobless. Sad thing is there is a 1000 other stories just like hers. But maybe I was there for her this once to take the time to sit down and listen. She's one of the 1000 stories I'm trying to prevent because essentially what it boils down to is education. She is only 20. Two years older than me and has had a full life with two husbands and soon to be three children. But when I wake up she's all I can think about. Don't get me wrong, I had the time of my life. I don't think I've ever laughed so much. But in a place like that God just breaks your heart. Their joy is contagious though. If I close my eyes for too long I begin to dream of the busy dirt roads, full of the "African massage" (or pot wholes) boda's flying around everywhere making you extremely nervous, and big brown beautiful eyes starring up at me with hopeful smiles. 

 People with life and joy are found around every corner. Anytime I saw another mzungu I wondered what their purpose was for being there. Which then made me think of why I was there. To be honest with you, I would love to spend the rest of my life serving those beautiful people. But I have to think of what HE wants for the rest of my life.  My friend Deb asked me if I thought I would live there one day and I told her I didn't know but I will be obedient whether I am here or there. We serve such a great God, in the times of good and bad. I'd get on a plane tomorrow if I could. 

  I finally got to meet my girls. The girls that have held my heart and carried it around everyday. The girls that are a blessing. And the girls that I love dearly. Spending time with the OYE girls was perfect. As I was talking to the girls it began to rain extremely hard drowning everything else out but the giggles of the children playing outside. Rain has constantly been a reminder of God's faithfulness as he replenishes the earth. So as I stood, staring at what I had worked so hard for, our Savior made me stop and admire Him, making me thankful for this gift. They are a gift. And more than I could have asked for. 


Chanley