How do you start writing about a subject that is so emotional to you? Where exactly does one start when it seems there is no beginning or end to the story?… a story that is engraved on the heart. I know that I cannot possibly convey the fullness of it all. It overwhelms me to even try.

 

This part of the story is a mere continuation of my Africa experience. While the physical story began last year, I am of the belief that it was in my heart all along, just waiting for the time God wanted to reveal it to me. Reveal it, He did.

 

My experience this year came from a different perspective. This year I was the team leader. As a mom of six and grandmother of eleven, I am pretty much in mom mode all the time. This trip was no exception. I felt like a mother duck with 22 ducklings to watch out for. Forget the fact that most of these “ducklings” were full grown adults and one was older than me – I took my responsibility very seriously. I was determined not to lose one of them on another continent! Lol!

 

I am happy to say that they all made it home safe and sound!

 

But I digress.

 

My trip started on April 24th. I flew to Washington, DC where I met with part of the team that evening. Our adventures started right there at the airport as we waited for 2hrs for the hotel shuttle. It was windy and cold as we stood there thinking the shuttle was “almost there.”

 

We tried out our team word “flexible” right from the get go! I thought we were saving it for Africa, but apparently God wanted us to try it on for size right here in the US.

 

It was fun to meet so many people so quickly! I had talked to these folks on the phone, through email and Facebook and texts – now to actually see them and hug them was totally awesome.

 

Some personalities made a lasting impression from the first minute.

 

I was waiting for some of the group to get to baggage claim and knew that they were on the way. I was watching closely (remember, I had not met these people in person) for a couple that was to be coming through the door any minute. Nothing. I watched and waited and finally a couple breezed through and walked right past me (I had told them where I was) without so much as a glance. She rushed straight to the restroom and he followed her in that direction, so I figured it was not them. After a few minutes, I got a text from him that said, ” Can you see me?” I was a little freaked and said, “No, can you see me?” Yes,” came the response. By this time I felt like I was in a horror movie, being watched by a crazy man. About the time I was breaking into a cold sweat, a man’s voice whispered in my ear ” you’ll be tired of me by the time this trip is over.” I almost peed my pants!

 

That was the moment I met Bobby (and his sweet  and totally sane wife Adrienne a few minutes later). I never did get tired of either of them.

 

Right after the horror movie scene came the – frantic, everyone coming at one time scene. It was fun and fast paced.

 

 

We met with the rest of our team at the airport the next morning at the gate for our Africa flight. Once again, it was like meeting old friends.

 

We had a very long flight and most people slept a good bit. I however did not sleep one wink. If you know me at all then that doesn’t surprise you.

 

We flew into Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and then on to Uganda. There are no words to tell you how wonderful it felt to be back on that red African soil. It felt like home.

 

Abus, the bus driver from my last trip, greeted us. It was good to see a familiar face waiting for me as we made our way out of the airport. Relief washed over me as I saw his big smiling self.

 

Now for the bus ride to Jinja!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have not read about my Africa trip last year, please do. You can find it in the archives under the Africa heading in the sidebar.

I have so many random thoughts going through my head right now. Most make no sense at the moment. I fully believe they will develop into complete sentences and rational thoughts at some point.

 

I want to blog about Africa, yet my brain is on overload. I have so many things I want to share, so many pictures I want to show you. Processing the many things I experienced is no easy task – especially with so little sleep and so many demands on my time and energy. I hope to get it all together soon!

 

I got home yesterday late in the afternoon. It was late by the time I got to bed and then had to be up at 3:30 a.m. to get to the church to register Isaiah for the Fall semester of Timothy Ministry. I woke up before the alarm went off, but was totally confused as to where I was. I woke up wondering if Henock or Masti was going to be driving me and was I going alone or with the whole team? Then I realized that I was in my own bed in the USA. Weird to say the least.

 

Since my brain is mush, I will leave you with these for now…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just for kicks…

 

Prepare yourself for “togetherness” with someone on the plane trip! LOL!

 

Get ready for “dirty” – that’s what you will be while in Africa.

 

Get set for long days and possibly nights (if you’re not a great sleeper).

 

Get geared up for sweet little hands grabbing your hands (and your fingers and clothes and hair etc. LOL).

 

Plan on some good African food for your belly.

 

Prepare yourselves to be changed.

Expect beauty and grace from all of the African people.

 

Anticipate a lovely accent that you will never forget.

 

Savor the sweet smiles those children will willingly share.

 

Be ready to play, sing, dance, create, snuggle, laugh, cry, pray, teach and learn.

 

Allow yourselves to be filled with grace overflowing so that you can share it with your team members when they need it most.

 

Be ever ready to share the love of Christ.

 

Expect some snotty noses wiped on your shirt, skirt, pants – hands! LOL!

Plan to be thankful that it is not pee or poop – it could happen!

 

Expect ice cold showers and know that after the initial shock, you will relax and say AHHHHHHH!

 

Prepare to switch seats with your “fearless leader” if she gets anything other than an aisle seat (turns out she is not so fearless in tight places).

 

Expect plans to change –flexible is our “special” word! LOL!

 

Be the hands and feet of Jesus.

GO.BE.LOVE

You are most welcome

(that will make sense to you very soon – trust me)