Bye Mzungu

I’m not exactly sure how to put into words the end of this trip…so allow me to simply process.

“Bye Mzungu” had a different meaning than it has this entire trip. Indeed, it was goodbye. As I walked down the familiar path towards Buwanbo from the girls school, the same kids came out and said the same thing they do everytime: “Hello Mzungu. How are you? I’m fine. Bye Mzungu”. I hated the fact that the sweetest of this statement has somehow warn off. Can you imagine, everyday being told, “Hello White person”. For some reason, it started irritating me this time around…and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because it’s a slang term, maybe because they have nothing else to say, but for some reason… today’s “Bye Mzungu” brought a smile to my face. Yep, I’m ready to fly “home”…wherever that may be.

Jinja ended well as I went to the Cornerstone retreat. It was so great to see some of my sweet Rwandan friends at the conference. I didn’t know who would be there, so to walk in and see their faces made me so happy! They of course, were happy to see me too, but were bummed I hadn’t made it to the school this trip… next time. Next time. The retreat included a lot of “meetings” which I conveniently missed to spend time with Kate, but always made it for the meals J It was a sweet way to end my time here in Uganda, being at a GORGEOUS resort with the people I care about.  Friday evening, we had a Christmas party filled with Christmas carols and laughter. I was able to be in the group with all the teaching staff, which literally made my heart sing – I was able to speak into their lives, encourage them to continue on and thank them for being such an amazing support while in Africa. Then, they put me in charge of leading “Angel s we have heard on high”. We had a blast. Each group performed that evening, and I may be bias, but I think ours sounded the best and had the most fun!

Saturday, Kate and I went to breakfast, ran errands , and said goodbye. It was so good to see her and just “be”. Lots of laughter, singing and chillin’. Then, I took a boda to the retreat, ate lunch and then loaded the van. I had started feeling really sick again and a small group of sweet friends prayed over me. I knew the ride back to Matugga would be brutal if I didn’t’ feel better. The beginning was rough, but little by little, I began to feel better. Again, I have NO idea why God has allowed me to be sick for so much of this trip, I have really tried to keep my faith and spirit up, but it’s been hard. My last night was filled with packing (didn’t take long and was so awesome to see the small amount of stuff I actually brought for myself) and then playing with Sarah’s kids and having a very deep heart to heart with David and Sarah! They are precious and were able to really open up to me because we have become so close. All I can say is, please pray for them. Pray their hearts would be encouraged. Pray for encouragement for them. Pray for wisdom as the parent 7 kids. Pray for financial provision as they have taken on 4 kid that are not their own and have no help from the parents. Pray for Cornerstone staff. Their hearts were heavy, but after hours of talking and tears, we ended in a precious time of prayer. I absolutely LOVE this couple and wish I could introduce them to all of you…maybe one day. They did tell me to send their love and greetings to my friends and family, so you are loved, greeted and prayed for by an incredible couple in Matugga, Uganda.

Sunday, I had a relaxed morning and then went for a long and intense walk, knowing I’d be sitting for the next couple days. We had lunch at their house, then loaded all 10 of us into the Toyota. Yep, a 5 seater, filled with 10 of us! Sarah held Esther and Danny, Dave drove, Perez, Brian, Grace and I had our butts o the seat, while Hannah sat on Brian and I held Joy. It was SO fun. We went to church, ran a few last minute errands and then headed to Cornerstone’s main office. They were having a huge end of the year party with all the college students, so we ended up staying. I got to see 6 of the precious S6 graduates. It was the greatest send off. Again, surrounded by those I have come to love and then the gift of seeing ‘my girls’. Then, we loaded the car, sang Christmas carols and drove to the airport. The goodbye was quick once we arrived, which was a bummer…but I was able to take a quick of David and Sarah sending their thanks to those of you who have helped with feeding the neighbors. Link:

The airport was hot and stuffy. I’ve literally sweated all day, so talk about an uncomfortable 24 hr period. I packed some wet ones thinking this may happen… so we’ll see. Which brings me to sitting in 34J (window seat).

The Trip is Over!

I can honestly say…I can’t believe it’s been 5 weeks and yet it feels like so much longer. What a whirlwind of a trip. I have learned and seen a lot. I have had a lot of time to process. I have had major ups and major downs. I have fought an infection for 5 weeks. I have been able to invest and bless one incredible African family. I have been able to hold babies, have heart to heart with HS aged girls, I have laughed hard, cried hard, and prayed hard. Flying back into the unknown is not so scary…I’m more confident that God is going to bring the right job in the right time. Christmas music in the background makes me excited to see my family, have COLD weather, and enjoy this Christmas season. (as does the Amsterdam airport with Christmas trees, music and the chill that hits you as you walk off the plane)

How is THIS Christmas going to be different this year?.... I’m still working on that one.

But for now, I’m praying when I arrive, my doctor will figure out what is going on inside me, as 5 weeks of being sick has really taken a toll.