We've been here in Uganda for five full weeks now, and I can now say that I truly feel like I live here. Things I used to find strange or hard are commonplace, like ten chickens hanging upside down off of bike handlebars; herds of cows roaming through the streets; standing in the back of a pickup truck as it dodges bikes, trucks, and pedestrians; children freaking out either in fear ("they are fearing") or excitement when they see us; eating some form of potatoes at every meal; the power going out wherever and whenever it wants to; being greeted by the sweet ladies at Alpha hotel (where we are staying) every time we return; doing laundry by hand; walking to the church a lot (takes 40 minutes); team time every night; being eternally dirty and much more.
Many other things have come along with the feeling of being at home here, like all of my issues, doubts, frustrations and crappy attitudes. Living in serious community will drive you crazy and make you grow SO MUCH at the same time, especially for a girl who wouldn't mind being shut in my room all day and doing everything for myself, by myself. We've been studying the book of Acts together, and when comparing the community spoken of in the early church to the community we're experiencing, there isn't much of a difference. We study the Bible together, eat together, pray together, share each other's stuff, worship together, and serve people together. Daily.
I've heard it said that the more you know, the less you understand. I couldn't agree more right now. I feel like I am continually learning more and more about the different ways God works, about His character, and about how to live like Jesus. But even though I can now see a bigger picture, it's like every piece has gotten blurrier and I'm in the process of figuring everything out, piece by piece. I used to know what I believed- or at least I thought I did- about things like the sovereignty of God, prayer, faith, healing, and others; but seeing and experiencing life here has changed some of that. Amidst all of the confusion and wrestling with God, certain things haven't changed. The basics, the foundation, the simple realities of Jesus and the transformation He brings to people have only become much more beautiful and glorious to me. And in the end, that's all that matters. I may never understand a lot of things, and that's okay.
Oh, we're going to Kenya for a few days in late March for debrief with all the other Africa teams! 20+ hour rainy season bus ride adventure, here we come. Pray for us.
Still have so much I could say. God is so good.
