Last week we had the incredible opportunity to stay in the village with a family. Naturally I jumped at the opportunity to stay with Kadenge's family because he is pretty much my Ugandan son. I don't think I actually understood how crazy the week was going to be. Me, Jessie, 5 kids and our mom stayed in a house approximately the size of a small hotel bathroom and all slept together on 2 mattresses on the floor.
On the second night Jessie got a little sick so she went back to the Jesus house for the night which left me alone for the night. I was initially slightly completely terrified. I don't really know why or what of, but something about being the only mzungu in a house of Ugandans that only slightly know any English was frightening to me. So I slowly walked back to my house dreading the night… when it hit me. This is exactly what I had dreamed of when the Lord first called me to Uganda for the summer– walking down the streets of a village after a long day or work to have tea and hang out with kids and a family. I don't think I have ever had a quicker attitude change.
I jumped over the ditch, went behind the store building, and turned left- grabbed a seat on a bench between 6 year old Nadia and soon-to-be 4 year old Kadenge. 8 year old Mirembe sat down with 1 year old Peter and 12 year old Primo roasted some maize on the fire. Mom boiled some water and served me a nice cup of tea. We laughed and danced- not really sure what was being said back and forth, but just enjoying one another's company. After tea and maize, Kadenge, Nadia, and I laid down and listened to the I LOVE YOU lullaby (courtesy of my dear sweet Momma) as we drifted off to sleep.
When morning came, it was all still real. I was really in Uganda- living with a family- helping make morning tea- making sure the baby gets his bath- getting the kids ready for school- strapping the baby to my back- carrying a kid on each arm- and walking down a dirt path to be greeted by 50 more excited and adorable African children.
It was a straight up Dream Come True Uganda.
