So I went to Africa. Masindi, Uganda exactly for a medical missions trip with PMI. Shameless plug- check out www.palmettomedical.org for more info about the awesome things that are still at work there and to get involved! I was lucky enough to travel with PMI and many of my classmates to serve the people of Masindi in a place where medical care is scarce and unsanitary. The level of need- physically, emotionally and spiritually- is undeniable and incredibly affecting. It was an absolutely amazing experience that my feeble words will never be able to fully explain. Hopefully some of journaling will let you in on just a taste of our time in Uganda and what an experience it was!
Here are excerpts from my journal from traveling to Uganda and then the first day there. Please ignore the rambling as most nights I was writing this still jet lagged and exhausted. Day Mmoja (Swahili for one)- 14 May
Finally in Masindi and up for 36 hours! The drive from Entebbe (where we flew to) to Masindi was beautiful, scary, sad, hilarious all rolled into one. It is so beautiful and green here- just stunning. The hotel is very nice and I sort of feel like a sort princess sitting here surrounded my a mosquito net. A still kind of dirty one, but a prince none the less. We saw the most interesting things on the drive- beautiful scenery juxtaposed with shantys and huts and the big cities where painted stores lined the streets. (One of our guards later explained that this was quasi- company subsidised housing). I was so fascinated by the hand painted fronts that looked exactly like the logos. On there roads there is basically no traffic enforcement- you're just supposed to know the speed limits. So many times I thought we were going to hit someone or get hit ourselves. Driving here is a terrifying experience even with a policeman in the car. The best thing was the kids- riding along they would wave at us, amazed at our white skin. We stopped for a "stretch break" on the 5 hour drive which quickly turned into loving on the kids time in Kampala. They ran up to us- huge smiles on their faces just to see us. Their clothes may have been threadbare but they were rich in joy. They clamored around us, wanting us to take their picture and giggling when we showed the. When was the last time I had that much joy? I cant remember, until today. I'm beginning to think that whole luggage thing (my plane side check in got left with 7 others because the plane was too heavy) is a good form of discipline- to focus on where you are in the present and to not worry because the Lord will provide, as he did with generous and gracious friends loaning me scrubs. Can I look back on my suitcase being left by the plane with joy knowing its discipline to teach me about how I rely on material things and knowing the jokes we would make about it. I can only hope that this is how I approach other aspects of my life- to roll with the punches with contagious joy in my heart. Also, when its dark on the road where there aren't lights and your driver is falling asleep- sing Disney and showtunes and it will most definitely keep them awake!
Beautiful African Sunset
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