Well after 4 weeks of training, flying, and traveling all throughout Uganda, I am finally home! I cannot even begin to describe what just happened in my life. All I know is that there is a hornet’s nest that has been stirred up in my heart for the oppressed and seeking justice for them is now burned into my soul.
There are definitely going to be more entries and I will try to get them going based on the specific days they occurred to keep them short and fun to read so be sure to keep checking back.
Before we left Uganda, the missionary hosts we were with (amazing people!) challenged us to come up with 3 adjectives to describe our trip. One word each, no phrases, and something other than “awesome” and “good.” (By the way, if you have been on a trip or are going to, try this exercise with the group. Very beneficial!)
In doing this, I came up with CHALLENGING, INSPIRING, and REWARDING.
CHALLENGING — I have never in my life been challenged spiritually or emotionally like this before. Reading scripture about the injustice in the world, sitting down with children who have lost all brothers and sisters from war, families who have nothing but the clothes on their back. Spiritual attacks like nothing I have ever encountered. God rocked my world in Uganda and even before I left training camp in New Jersey. Quite the experience.
INSPIRING — What I saw in Kampala and Gulu has changed my life forever. It has inspired me to not “change the world” like any naive person might think about doing but rather suffer alongside these people, bring Christ’s love to them.
1 Peter 2:21 — To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.
As a disciple of Jesus, we aren’t called to just sit by and worship Him every Sunday and pray to Him in the morning. We aren’t called to be nice to everyone we see and praise Him in the good times and bad. No – we are called to suffer like He did IN ADDITION to the above. To be with the poor and the oppressed, to be with the broken and needy, to shower the world with the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
REWARDING — Sitting with the children of St. Mary Kevin’s Orphanage and Boarding School and then hearing stories from displaced persons in Gulu was by far the most rewarding experience of my entire life. God opened my eyes spiritually and physically and in this my life has been changed and I believe my calling has been redefined to not just a “calling” but rather a biblical mandate. Seek justice for the oppressed, follow in His steps and suffer with others.
So be sure to check back and read about the experience. I will try and get stuff up ASAP!!
Thanks so much to all the prayers and support!! COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!!!
(by the way, if you live close by or will drive to me, free lessons to anyone who wants them… as long as you buy the balls…)