Uganda trip

Welp! I skipped to 2011, and I wrote letters to friends and family each night while I was on a mission trip in Uganda.

So, trigger warning: white savior, savior syndrome in general, more fundamentalist Christian stuff, daddy issues (earthly and heavenly) - really this is a guess because I haven't chosen an email yet. There are twenty of them, and I don't want to read all of them. So, I'll read a few and pick my fave. Feels so gross.

Okay, I picked the very last nightly email I sent from Uganda. Honestly, it was the only one I read, but I think you'll get the gist of where I was in life.

Context:

I stayed three weeks in Uganda. Travel to and from the US was solo. I met my bio father there and spent two weeks with him on HIS mission. Then, I spent my last week with a lovely family (dad was a pastor, and the mom ran a connected (to their home) kindergarten). I wrote to the folks who sponsored (I sent out sponsorship letters/requests) me every night. My childhood's best friend's mom is the one who wired $1,500 to buy a separate local pastor a truck.

I feel that's sufficient.

Off to the races...

Family,

I’m wrapping up my last night here in Uganda. Words simply cannot express this blessing. E v e r y single aspect of this experience has spoken to my soul in an inexplicable way.

Today was my last day with the baby class at Sanyu Kindergarten. My goodness... At one point I found myself sitting on the little table while little Denis was holding my hand. He was exploring my hand and arm as if he had never seen a human before. And every stroke of his tiny fingers felt like pure love being injected into my veins. I could have sat there forever. I almost started crying right there in class (I’m holding back tears now just thinking about it). The love that is flowing out of me and flowing toward me is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.

I spoke with Pastor James tonight. He’s the one who is about to receive a truck from a beautiful heart in the U.S. He was expressing his gratitude and said something I didn’t expect. He said that he and his family thought there was something peculiar about our visit. He said Westerners don’t usually want to go to the villages. He thought it was peculiar (he kept using that word) that we loved them enough to go to his village and help find water. He said he saw Christ in us. He, then, understood why we were different.

That is the highest compliment I could ask for. (Actually, the biggest compliment EVER was when my dear friend told me that I made her want to know God... her words... I could never make anyone want God) But, that is what this is all about. To God be the glory. There is nothing about ME that would make me want to come to Uganda. There is nothing about ME that would enjoy living the life of a Ugandan. There is nothing about ME that would strive to help people I’ve only met for seconds. But, it is CHRIST IN me that makes this possible.

Godfrey and Eva have been the most beautiful hosts I could ever ask for. Eva today told me that I was simple. I never thought I’d take that as a compliment, but I’m so thankful she thinks so. They both told me that I am tough, that I’ve handled Africa very well. Eva is still not convinced that I was not scared to come here. I say all of this because you know me... I’m not tough!!! I don’t like to sweat. I LOVE indoor plumbing!!! I am a spoiled American. But, I will boast in my weakness and let Christ show His strength through me. I am so blessed that He stooped and decided to use me. This trip has opened my eyes.

It’s so funny... for a couple months now, I’ve been praying for God to give me eyes to see His people the way He does. I had no idea how beautiful He thinks His people are... how much He loves His people... how He longs to bless them. I had no idea... now I have a little better grasp, and I anticipate that every trip will give me a deeper understanding of this love.

Thank you again for all your love and prayers. I would not be here if it weren’t for each and every one of you. Each of you has contributed to this mission. Your love has made this new vision possible. I am so honored to be here extending your love to the people of Uganda.

Godfrey, tonight, said that I am an ambassador. I had never thought of it that way, but I guess I am. I am an ambassador of Christ and you. I am the face the people see, but they know that I talk to you every night. They know their stories are being heard. They are praying for you. They have invited you into their homes, literally. Pastor James and Pastor Godfrey have invited anyone to come and stay with them. I promise you will never be the same.

God is so good. I never thought I would be going home with the perspective I have now. I will think twice about every dollar I spend, every glass of water I drink, every ounce of food I put on my plate, every life that I touch. Or at least I pray I do... it’s amazing how quickly you can jump back into the American life. Please pray that we are ALL changed by this. That we ALL will continue to think of the Ugandan people. That we ALL begin to see God’s people as He sees them. That we ALL remember this experience and allow God to use it in our everyday lives. To God be the glory!!!

Truly His,

Michelle