307; number of days spent in East Africa the past two years.
As we come to the end of our time here in Uganda a rush of emotions and thoughts come crawling back into my mind. I’m thinking about the very first time I stepped off the plane on September 13, 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya confused as to what I just signed myself up for. I’m thinking about how after one day of being in country my leaders told me that we were headed to the bush for two weeks. Without showers, living in tents. Strange the things that at first seemed so scary are the best memories I have. I’m thinking of Sheila, Monica, Esther, Jao, Eunice, Beatrice, and the many others at the IDP camp living in tents because they fled from their homes to safety. I’m thinking about the time we killed a goat, or the time I prayed healing over a little boy and watched God do a miracle. I’m thinking about doing worship outside under the stars, and receiving so much from the Lord at one time, I fell to my knees. I’m thinking about the memories that I made with my community, my best friends now, and how God so richly blessed me. I’m thinking of the pain, the heartache, the struggles, and the freedom I found on my very first trip to Kenya.
Esther and I in Kenya, October 2010
Next, I’m thinking of my battle to say yes to the calling, the calling of leadership. It took me a year but I finally said yes. Now, bringing my thoughts back to leader training camp on January 13, 2012. The very first day I was there, I wanted to run home, knowing there wasn’t a chance I was going to make it through. I’m then reminded of the strength that the Lord gave me and when I couldn’t do anymore, He was right there to help me. I’m thinking about how Uganda was literally the darkest place I had ever walked, but the Holy Spirit and I grew so much closer because of it. I’m thinking about the numerous bus rides we took, country to country, waking up covered in dust hoping everyone is still able to breathe. I’m thinking about the very first hot shower I took after 6 weeks of bucket showers and how I may have shed a tear or two. I’m thinking about hiking for 5 hours in the middle of Kenya to get to our location for the upcoming month. I’m thinking of the times we walked 10 miles a day to tell someone about Jesus and watch them give their lives to Christ. I’m thinking about the identity crisis I went through, and how I started the trip as Lizzie and ended as Sara. I’m thinking of the Angels that would worship with us in Tanzania and of Baby Bryson who would pee all over me and all I could do was laugh, change him, and have it happen again. I’m thinking of the final moments at debrief in Atlanta when I watched my team worship for the last time, knowing that they were going home completely different people, and I had helped be a part of that.
Baby Bryson and I. April 2012
And now, I’m thinking of the past 3 ½ months. It wasn’t easy saying yes to the calling again. I had told my family and friends that I was going to be home for the duration, and that I was starting school. But, that clearly wasn’t what the Lord wanted me to do. I had a rough summer and my parents didn’t exactly want me to leave again, but I knew I had too. I’m thinking about how when I found out I was going back to Uganda I freaked for a minute and then knew this was exactly where I needed to be. I’m thinking of how when I showed up to meet my co-leader, Glennykins, at Starbucks at the beginning of August how excited I was. I’m thinking of how showing up at training camp on August 25, 2012 I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I’m thinking of how when I first met my team they were the craziest mix of people ever thrown together, and all we could do was laugh. I’m thinking of the 31 hour bus ride we took to get from Nairboi to Lira and how many gallons we all sweated. I’m thinking of the time we all got kicked and slapped by the little children at the schools but laughed and took it like champions. I’m thinking of the night we worshipped in the rain for hours. I’m thinking of the three weeks of hell we went through as a team only to come back so much stronger and better because of it. I’m thinking of Tony, and how I got so attached to him, and now I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again. I’m thinking about the time our hearts were crushed when we found out we were leaving Lira three weeks early and how many valuable lessons we learned when we found out we were staying. I’m thinking about the Alpha staff and how every time we come back from being gone, even if its for 20 minutes, they always greet us with a huge “WELCOME BACK” and smiles that can brighten anyone’s day. I’m thinking of how this team has found their voice and their heart for worship and listening to the Lord in all situations.
Tony and I November 2012
Finally, I’m thinking about how tough it will be to close this chapter of my life, and how bittersweet it will be to get on that airplane. I’m going home in 14 days. I’m starting school, and I’m overjoyed. I know that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be and exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. My missions field is still there, it’s just changing locations. And to end all of this, I’m thinking about how through everything, God’s grace has always been enough.
-Sara.
