What's Up, Mzungu?

(One of my favorite greetings I have received on a consistent basis walking through Mukono town..."What's up, Mzungu?" Just makes me smile.)

Ok the infamous task of attempting to write an update on all of the things I’ve been up to here in beautiful Uganda.

Last weekend IMME took a trip down south (5 hours or so – CRAZY dirt roads that it literally blows my mind we drive on…potholes the size of the Pacific Ocean…not kidding) to Rakai – and specifically the little rural village town of Kibaale. We were visiting the Kibaale Community Center – a mission set up and run by a team from Canada (yes, Christa, Canada!). They are sponsored by a private school up there and are very blessed with funds. They have a school with about 800 students from the surrounding villages (some walk 2 hrs to school), a medical clinic, and a farm. One of the things I thought was so cool was the ways they are working towards self-sustainability. For example on the farm they are experimenting with different projects to earn some money for the center. They have cows and chickens right now and are thinking of building a fish pond. The team was so nice and it was great to see the ways God has blessed the missions and is so at work there. Oh, and one of the guys, Sean, works in the communities around fixing and digging wells! I had a great conversation with him and he gave me some sweet ideas of ways I could get involved after I graduate – who knows! Most of the IMME group went on a hike up a “mountain” of sorts – it was awesome. Once at the top we could see Tanzania! (About 14 miles away) It was so beautiful – there just are not words. We had a great time just relaxing and enjoying time with one another. I am so grateful for how close I have gotten with the other IMME students. We went to church in the town and it was wonderful. It was a very simple newly constructed brick building with wooden benches and full of brothers and sisters on fire for Christ. The service was incredible. They had two men playing drums and multiple choirs that came up and blessed us with songs…I could have stayed there and worshiped with them for eternity. I can’t wait until every tongue, tribe, and nation is united together worshiping our Lord.

Another quote from Ragamuffin gospel:
“The gospel of grace calls us to sing of the everyday mystery of intimacy with God instead of always seeking for miracles or visions.”

I am definitely trying to do this while being here. Truly every morning is a new day and God continues to be SO faithful. I am so grateful to be here.

“The deeper we grow in the spirit of Jesus Christ, the poorer we become – the more we realize everything in life is a gift. The tenor of our lives becomes one of humble joy and thanksgiving.”

Lunch the other day was amazing…just a beautiful time of fellowship with a few Ugandan ladies I have gotten to know and one of the USE guys. We had so much fun talking and laughing and I was reflecting on God’s wonderful treasures he has created:

Their brilliant smiles
Cast light into my small heart
Each time I see them

Such genuine warmth
Is exchanged in their greetings
Each time we pass by

What are we missing
Back at home with just a nod
Each time we rush away

We are too busy
To stop and greet a brother
Each time they are there

Now that the neighborhood kids are back in school its brought a whole new light to our walks to and from school. When we pass by groups of kids walking to/from school we greet them and then as we pass hear them bust up laughing and saying things about mzungus (that’s us..white people). It’s so cute, and so funny. We have met several and hope to continue getting to know them as we journey together.

I’m continuing to learn SO much. Classes are going really well – they are challenging my world views and ideas about salvation and Christianity and missions and way of life. It’s awesome – but definitely a lot to be thinking about and trying to work it all out. I’m journaling a lot and plan to continue working through most of this when I return to the States. For now, one foot forward is the way to go. I’m loving every moment of this.

Hope you are well. I love and treasure you and am praying for you!