Sunday in Uganda

May 31, 2015

   I woke up to bright light spilling through the windows. I was hot and slightly sticky underneath the coverlet. The mosquito net was still in place around me. My head throbbed - I hadn’t slept much and I knew I hadn’t had Diet Coke in many hours. I looked at my phone and saw a 5 minute old text from Peter and Kate. They were already downstairs. I sent them a quick message telling them I needed 10 minutes. I jumped up, threw on fresh clothes, washed my face and brushed my teeth. I put on sunscreen and threw a Cliff bar in my bag before running outside.

  Africa is much less terrifying in the daylight. I could see everything. The red clay roads were beautiful against the deep green vegetation. Everything is run down and the streets are hectic. The climate is warm and humid.

We made it to church. The branch met in a nice little building with fans and air conditioning. The people here are beautiful. They have long, hanging slender arms and bright smiles. Their little children ran up to me and gave me high fives. Their eyes were shining and I instantly fell in love with them.

I was surprised at the strength of the testimonies that we heard in church. It took all of my will power to fight exhaustion and be attentive, but I listened. One young man said he was leaving on a mission next week even though his mother may pass away soon. “God gave my mother life. So I want to serve Him”. Powerful words. I hope to be that steady and consecrated throughout my life. No excuses, just willing to serve.

Relief Society was interesting. Most of the women there were new converts. The President is an American who is here with the Peace Corps. I could tell that she was working hard to keep the little Relief Society together and was grateful that she came all this way to serve in this corner of the Kingdom.

After church, Kate and Peter let me stay with them the rest of the day. I was so grateful….so, so grateful. That is so important. People shouldn’t be left alone in a new place. I learned that in Taiwan and didn't want it happening here. Interaction is a need; just like sleep, water and oxygen. Being with them worked wonders for my psyche and my perspective. They are good friends.

In the evening, we had dinner with our driver (Alfred) and his family. It was wonderful to just talk with him, his wife Edith and their two boys. The boys played with us and eagerly ate their french fries. They loved the attention of the foreign visitors. They got some money from their dad and had their faces painted like superman and spiderman. Darling. Some characteristics are the same wherever you go in the world. Happiness, play, laughter…. we just sat there and enjoyed food with our African friends..and it was marvelous. and lonely tonight. Tomorrow will be even better; I’m excited for all it will bring.