Monday, May 10, 2010

Patience

I’m having a difficult time being patient as I count down the weeks until I leave for Rwanda. I’m ready to smell the smells and see the sights. I remember what it was like driving in Uganda from Entebbe (where the airport is) to Kampala. Although it was different, it wasn’t as shocking as I thought it would be. People were on their way to work or school, walking or riding a bike. Women were carrying fabric or food on their head. Children were walking without shoes, dressed in their school uniform.

Maybe I didn’t find it quite as surprising as I expected because God planted Africa on my heart many many years ago. Deep down a part of me was prepared and ready to experience all that Africa had to offer. I feel like I am putty being molded into the person I was born to be.

In a strange way, I miss the smell of burning garbage. It’s not a smell I am excited to return to but it’s a part of Africa that’s just there. I’m ready to see beautiful brown faces who “ohhh” and “ahhh” at the sight of a Mzungu, especially one with blond hair who will let them play with it. They are so innocent but have experienced so much more in their short life than most Americans will ever see. I’m ready to shake hands with people and make life-long friends. I miss the layer of dirt that was left of my skin after a long day outside. I’m ready for things to be difficult and out of my comfort zone. Only then will I rely solely on God.

This spring in Oklahoma has made me think of the rains we experienced in northern Uganda. Purongo Hills school was on a hill and we could look out over the African plain and see the clouds rolling towards us about 3:00 every day. By 3:30 we were drenched and looking for cover. By 4:15 it was over and the sun was back. Children were playing. Women were beginning to prepare dinner before the sun went down. It’s just a part of the rainy season.

I’m very eager to be in the school. The students are the future. One of them might find the cure for cancer or AIDS. I’m fortunate to be going to a country where education is important. I’m excited to teach the kids anything and everything to prepare them for the world.

I’m ready to walk with God and grow in my faith and I’m ready to fall back in love with the continent I hold so dear to my heart.