It is extremely hard to believe that we arrived in Rukungiri, Uganda only 2 days ago. So much has happened since then, and I feel so at home, that it feels like we've been here forever. It is even harder to believe that our team has only been together for a week.
It feels like I've lost the concept of time, because within one week, I have experienced more of life than I think I ever have in my 19 years of life. I travelled all by myself, bonded with people I had never met in a way that only God could have orchestrated, I crossed the ocean for the first time, stepped foot in Europe, sat on a plane in Sudan, walked in Ethiopia, almost missed a flight, and after 24 hours of travelling we landed in Uganda, the place I've dreamed of being for so long. I then experienced an 8 hour bus ride to Rukungiri that I will never forget. Not only because it was insanely bumpy and windy and the road rules are, well, not exactly the same as at home…but also because for 8 hours, I barely took my eyes off the world outside the window – Africa, in all its beauty, moving past me. Living out your dream come true is an inexpressibly amazing feeling.
God has given me a heart for this place since I can remember, and since middle school, I have wanted to go to Africa, to play with African children, to hold African babies, to walk through an African market. And yesterday, all of those things happened, and I have never been so filled with joy. Rukungiri is wonderful. The scenery is incredible, the people are friendly and beautiful, the kids are adorable, and the town is fascinating. Experiencing such a different culture is so incredible and I just feel so humbled that God has chosen ME to come with this team to this place to bring His Kingdom here. We start our ministry at the boys' school on February 4th, and until then are getting settled, working with the church on little things, and just getting to know this town, our neighbours, and each other. We are also super blessed with the housing that has been provided to us – it is a home away from home for the 16 of us, and the worship and excitement and ministry that has already happened just inside of here makes me beyond excited to see what God has planned for us in this town. He is SO GOOD.
Love, Marie
