I apologize for my lack of blogging, but I have been on quite the emotional rollercoaster. If you have been following my blog posts, you know that I recently dealt with a huge bed bug problem and some sickness. I was bug/sickness free for about a week and low and behold those lil buggers (no pun intended) came crawling back. I started getting bit again and soon enough I got sick again. I actually think I was getting sick due to the bites. That seems to be the only logic reasoning. I talked to the staff members of my program right away and they told me I was not allowed to stay with my host family until the problem was solved. I spent 3 nights sleeping on campus until the exterminator went to my host home and sprayed all my stuff real good (or so I hope!).
This past Friday was my last night sleeping on campus. I woke up early Saturday morning to head into the capital city, Kampala, to meet up with Watoto Ministries. My good friend and I were going to visit my grandparents' sponsor child. When I woke up Saturday morning I heard news of a family emergency back at home. My family is everything in the world to me, so hearing this news was not pleasant to say the least. I began thinking to myself, "You have got to be kidding me! Bed bugs, sick, no sleep, and now this?!" I was very angry and very upset, but I turned to God and put the situation in His hands. I prayed and prayed and said, "God, I know you are my comforter and I surrender my life to you. I am not angry with you for these struggles, so help me to grow closer to you through these times." I prayed healing over every situation in my life and thanked God for all the blessings despite the obstacles.
I truly believe Satan runs in frustration when you can find peace in Christ among the trials the enemy tries to tempt you with.
Anyways, at this point I was a wreck. While I focused on God, I still had thoughts of disappointment and worry. What was happening with my family at home? Will this bed bug situation ever be taken care of? What if the bugs have spread through my whole house here in Uganda? My family has very little and these bugs could potentially force them to leave their home. Is that my fault? I felt horrible because I hadn't been spending time with my host family because I have a 7pm curfew. Was my family upset with me? ...All these emotions began to flood my mind.
My Saturday continued and I hopped on a taxi with my friend to head off the Watoto. During that time, I fully surrendered everything to God. There was nothing I could do in any of the situations I was experiencing. At that moment, I was on my way to visit with an orphaned boy and his orphaned siblings. Who was I to complain and be angry with all that was happening in my life? I realized I am blessed beyond many measures and at that moment, I chose joy again. My heavenly Father was right beside me through everything. My dwelling place is in Him, and in Him is love, joy, and peace. It turned out that Saturday was one of my favorite days in Uganda thus far. My visit to Watoto far exceeded my expectations and on our way back home, my friend and I had real chicken and real French fries! Praise God!
I once heard a quote that says, "Where ever you are be all there."
I am here in Uganda, so as I look past all the complications I have been experiencing, I have decided to be all here. It's time for me to embrace all God has for me and keep my eyes fixed on the prize- the overflow of love and joy and excitement my Father has in store for me. In doing so, I have taken a couple of leaps and bounds in terms of cultural embracement.
For starters, when my friend and I went to Kampala, we took a taxi all by ourselves! We're big girls now. I have also began helping my host mother cook on a regular basis. I've moved past peeling potatoes and onto slicing onions and tomatoes! Go me! I am beginning to eat like a Ugandan, or trying to. Last night for dinner I dumped my fish sauce over my cooked bananas and ate all the sliced pumpkin they gave me. It wasn't the most appetizing, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I no longer screech when I see a cockroach. In fact, I even kicked one out of my room without going to fetch my younger brother for help. I was very proud of myself in that moment. Finally, the most embracive thing I have done is get myself a weave! Against my mother's wishes, I went Sunday with a friend and sat on the floor for 7 hours while they yanked and pulled at my scalp. In the end it was worth it..so long as my hair doesn't fall out in a few weeks!!
Coming into this study abroad experience, I never thought I would be facing the obstacles and challenges I am. I thought I would have trouble with communication and every day western life depravities, but never the things that have been thrown on my plate (and no, I'm not talking about the food!). Overall, though, I think the biggest challenge has been keeping my eyes fixed on the Lord through all of this. It would be so easy for me crawl in a little ball crying and letting out all my angry emotions. I chose not to take that route. I chose Jesus, and He has yet to let me down. I believe God rewards those who seek His face. He never said that following His will would be easy, but He did say it would be worth it. If I were offered a plane ticket home right now, I wouldn't accept it. I have a purpose here and I am experiencing the goodness of the Lord in ways I know I couldn't at home in the states. Where ever I am, I need to be all there. I am in Africa. I am in Christ and Christ is in me, so let's do this thing! I say yes to everything God is doing in my life. Together, there is no obstacle we can't over come. This is a 4-1 battle. It's a battle against myself, my Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit against one enemy, and through Christ, I already claim the victory!
"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again rejoice." Philippians 4:4
This verse doesn't say to stop rejoicing in hard times. It doesn't say to take a break from worshiping. It says to rejoice, and just in case you forget, rejoice again. It's time to continuously rejoice and be present where ever I am. I have about 3 more months in Uganda and I'm all strapped in and ready to take on the rest of the ride.
I am incredibly thankful for all my friends and family that have been with me along the way thus far. Your prayers have been such a blessing. I pray all those blessings would be returned to you! I will be heading off to my rural homestay this Friday in Kapturwa, so one the return I will inform you all on that stay! Until then, may God be with you and always remember...
Seven Second Version!
Umm...Where ever you are, be all there! Jesus rocks! Duh.
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