Trip 1.

So about a year and a half ago, I took my first loooooooong flight to the other side of the world to meet the country I had been dreaming of since I was 14. Huh?

Yup. Dream come true. Even if I had planned the trip myself, I could not have made it any more perfect. I got to meet kids that stole my heart. I made pipe cleaner glasses till I couldn't rip them apart anymore. I fell in love.  I experienced a country that I had only heard about. It was incredible.

But. I had to leave. But. I had to say goodbye. But. I had to kiss the cheeks of little faces I had only begun to get to know. Talk about breaking my heart. As I sat in the plane that was taking me back to the US, I cried. And cried. And cried. My poor travel partners. Those poor flight attendants. It was probably halfway to Khartoum did I finally pull it together.

If I had to put that trip into a neat little box, and tie it off with a nice little bow, I would have described it as God pouring out gift after gift onto me. He didn't have to send me to Kampala. He didn't have to let me see the incredible ministry that was going on in this country. He didn't have to reveal to me over and over again that He forever keeps His promises. But He did. He did over and over and over again.

I can’t describe the feeling of seeing a brand new church with kids all around being built in a community that was once ravaged by the LRA. What?? I can’t explain what it was like to watch people proclaim their love of Christ as the rose up out of Lake Victoria. Huh??? And I don’t know how put into words the look in the eye of the care givers at the different homes I got to see. Ummm?? Luckily that’s not my job. I was just lucky enough to see it all.

I knew deep down I would see that place again. I knew I would one day walk through that rich red dirt, where the smiles of strangers were so quick to be shared. And. I felt that my heart would again be reunited with the people I love. And I cannot wait for the 5^th to hurry up and get here. 

And I'm going back to get it.

I'm Going Back!

Im going back to Uganda!! WHAT!?!?

Me and the Ging (the roommate) head out to Kampala on October 6 and we’ll be there for the whole month! What?!?!? How did that happen?!?! When did that happen?!?! What?!? Yup. It’s happening. For reals. Your mind is blown, right? Mine still is.

If you know me at all, you would know I have been dreaming up ways to get my butt back to Uganda since the day I got back to the states… from leaving Uganda. I know, rough. Well. It’s actually happening!! We bought our tickets. Our insurance. Our anti-malaria medication. And got a house sitter, so we are set to take off in less than 15 days! But who’s counting …

Our month in Kampala will be spent with the people I have come to love, hanging out with kiddos, sewing, and getting a better look at what is an incredible country. Last time I was there, the people I met were a part of something that had been planted in my heart years ago, and it will be a dream to live it out again.

I am so incredibly thankful I get to walk out this adventure with the Ging, she keeps me grounded, and who else listens to my chatter as well as she does? We’re going to be staying in an apartment Eddie found for us and it is BEAUTIFUL. So thankful for everything he’s already been doing for the two of us. I can’t wait to see him once we end our 28 hour ‘day’ of travel.

Anyways. Pray for us. Think of us. Get excited with us! I’m praying expectedly. Praying I will see the Lord work wonders and miracles, things I could only dream of. He is able! He is already doing it! Stick around and see how my brain processes this country, and read-a-long with the aftermath, which will easily be the hardest part. I’m going back!

.Heather.