There were many highs and many lows. It was hard to stay in the moment. I learned a lot! But I also was surprised a lot :) My prayer is that I did some good and I may never really know.
Where do I begin (how trivial sounding :) ? The trip in and of itself was a journey of faith. I was trusting God that He was sending me and I was putting myself in His hands for each any every aspect of it (or so I thought). That is very difficult - even with the best of intentions and tons of prayer support.
Traveling solo is unique and some times lonely. But it is also kind of FUN! Especially when God puts little surprises in at every turn.
- My luggage was exactly spot on with the weight limit. My carry-on was inspected THOROUGHLY!
- They checked my carry-on for free - or so I thought until they asked for an additional fee just as we boarded.
- I met some really nice nurses who also were stopped at the gate. Then they waived the baggage fee!
- Once on the plane, I discovered I had checked the carry-on bag with my ever so important Malaria Meds! But - those very same nurses were carrying an extra supply! (Thank you God!)
- My seat-mate was a lovely gentleman from Scotland - going to Uganda to train at a Pastor's Conference. Three days later I "coincidentally", met up with the very same man at the Community Project that we visited in Luwero, to tour the facility and learn more about other Orphanage/School models. He was the guest speaker at the conference being held that week!
- I was headed to the village and Joseph's House project to sit "1 on 1" with each child with the hope of getting to know each one more intimately. They proved that they knew me even better because while I was there they threw me a surprise birthday party! with Roman Candle Fireworks for birthday candles and wonderful singing!
- When we went to the dentists office for a full day of exams and dental work, I was able to save the front tooth of one young lady that would have been pulled if I hadn't been there to save it!
- African time makes it difficult to make connections and I was worried that I would never make the appointments that I had scheduled. But in God's perfect timing, I made each one.
- On the final day I left God behind and was anxiously heading home - no prayer, no Full Armor...and I and my colleagues were robbed. God in His grace showed me that my material belongings were not the essence of the trip. On the plane ride home (while I was "licking my wounds") God providentially sat me next to a wonderful African Man who prayed for me and with me all the way home.
