Uganda: Day ---

I had to take my last post down because I shared too much about a ministry. Two days go by team left to head home, it was emotional a tiny bit. You'd think byes would get easier, but they never do. I met up with Darya and her mom and we headed to our guest house. Our shower shocks us here and they lost their luggage. I thought it was a very appropriate Ugandan welcome. On the way to the village the next day our bus driver decided to get his van washed and we were behind schedule, again another warm welcome to Uganda. 

We arrived at the village and went to the pastors house, the nicest house in the village but what Americans would consider partially homeless- no running water, kitchen outside and the power flickered sometimes. As we visited I knew it was getting closer to seeing Brenda N. and Martin, I rested on the couch then woke up to what seemed to be 100 children outside the door just stopping by to welcome the muzungus to the village. I went outside to say hello, only getting more anxious to see our kids! 

We finally loaded up and headed to Brenda's home to pick her up for a sleepover, we got out of the van and started looking around when out of the coroner of my eye I saw a bright orange shirt running full force my way. It was Brenda was her bright smile and tears in her eyes she welcomed us to her village, she showed us her school, then showed us her bedroom. 

Next it was martins turn, he ran up and greeted us. We were officially in Uganda with our kids-- they'd grown a few more inches and looked happy, so happy. We headed back to the village and ended up staying at the pastors house. I of course, was scared for awhile and then got over it because it as my official welcome to Uganda. That night we played uno, talked about America, drank hot tea and had Ugandan cupcakes while waiting for dinner to be served. 

Right as we started our 5th game of uno we heard worship coming from outside the window and Darya and I wanted to join, so Brenda led us outside. The kids who live in the orphanage, had started their own worship service. We knew the songs all thanks to Mwangaza and after they finished we wanted to do a couple more so Darya led one, I led one and then Brenda led one- as I watched her lead worship to a group of orphans that she considers family, I held back tears because this is what tour did. This is what tour does, what ministry does- it raises youth to be leaders and that's exactly what she is. A leader, a strong and powerful leader. 

Last night staying in the village I was uneasy, but knowing that Brenda N was in a bed beside me I had a peace of knowing that everything was going to be okay. I woke up this morning to her arm wrapped around me and her face pressed into my back. I have missed her cuddles. We got dressed, had breakfast and headed to meet Loyce and Wilber. We ran to them instead of them running to us this time, Wilber wouldn't let me go and right after I met his dad, we did our special walk that we always do. We loaded into the van and shouted 'RED VAN' for old times sake. We were able to have lunch together and then it was time to say our byes... Again. 

This time saying bye was different, it wasn't as hard as the first time. The first time saying bye literally felt like my heart stopped beating. The first time was a honest moment of heartbreak, knowing that those moments of tour would never come back-- but this time we were  stronger. We were all stronger, there weren't many tears this time just bright smiles saying "I will see you soon" -- I was told by all 4 that they expect to see me when I move over here. They are strong kids, such strong kids and knowing that they are loved and cared for makes my heart rest easier. 

This past month has been nothing but transition after transition. It's been good, but sometimes I just want to take a break- Uganda is overwhelming within itself, but on top of saying bye to my kids, gaining more family (my team), saying bye to them and then joining other family (Darya/ARM) my heart is full, so full and yet so confused. 

I miss my kids, my miss my team, I miss leading, I miss cuddling with my kids at night, I miss my momma, I miss my cat, i miss my friends, I miss my family, I miss people I met last week, I miss someone who makes me laugh all the time, I miss driving, I miss jeans, I miss clean hair and perfume- but I know that in two weeks I am going to miss this. This moment right now of sitting on a tile floor in Uganda, while the bats makes their bat noises outside, I am going to miss the chaos of riding down the street, I am going to miss my bug spray smell and brushing my teeth with a bottle of water. I am always going to miss those kids and I will always miss my team. Each thing changed me and I am thankful for that. 

Thank you Jesus for this season, thank you for loving me and thank you for opening my eyes to things that are 'overwhelming' -- I can only imagine what you think when you look around this country. 

A country of beautiful people who get it.