Homeward Bound

Many of you have asked me to share more about my recent trip to Uganda.  I have so much in my heart that I'm not even sure where to begin.  I will start by sharing a journal entry I wrote on the flight home.

"Really, how do I unpack it all?  On the surface it was great, we had fun, saw beautiful and unique sights and explored amazing adventures.  The adventurous spirit thrilled me.  I loved boating across Lake Victoria, wind blowing across my face, as I sailed that same great lake I had read of David Livingstone discovering.  The quaintness of the boats and fishermen, the busy, smelly markets and the people all intrigued me.  The city was bustling with activity and trade and the buildings were colorful and dotted with humorous signs.  Riding in the van was a matter of faith, as anything goes when it comes to driving rules.  At times the bustle and squalor left me feeling depleted but overall the experience left me feeling alive and free.

On a deeper level, I know God did much more than just give me a fun filled week with my girl and our friends.  My heart is forever changed, as He stirred within me a new depth of compassion.  The poverty, greed and injustice we witnessed are really incomprehensible to our western minds, but amid all the evil, are beautiful people with welcoming smiles.  We saw it in even the most destitute facilities we visited, where the children would share the little they had and look out for each other.  These children living in circumstances, intolerable and unimaginable, captured my heart.  Their sad eyes have held me hostage.  To each and every one I would whisper, "You are loved.  Jesus loves you.  You are special.  He has a purpose for you...hope in Him.  He is your Savior."  But at times I couldn't see the hope as I listened to the stories and looked at the reality of the circumstances they face daily.   I was forced to cling to what I know is true about the mercy and character of God, His words and promises.  I know that He cares for these children much more than I ever could.  I know that He brings beauty from the ashes.  He will turn mourning into dancing.  His mercies are new every morning.  He works all things out for good.

I go home, changed and ready to be an open, empty vessel for Him to work through, however that looks, whether it is fund raising, praying, supporting or being there on the ground.  My prayer and plea is, "Here I am, use me."

I also want to commit to pray for the mother's of the precious children.  Some have had their children stollen or arrested, others have willing given their children up.  As a mother I can only imagine the pain and circumstances that would drive a mother to surrender her child to facilities I feel so inadequate, yet so many believe this is a better life than they can offer them.  The family unit there seems so broken down...beyond hope, but God can restore and He is faithfully watching over the least of these.  I must believe this, I must cling to faith, hope and love, for without it my heart couldn't bare knowing what I now know of these.