Oh Uganda. This was such a difficult month for me. I really learned to lean on the Lord as my strength and guide. My mental health was not in a good place and I really really wanted to come home. I took a week off of ministry to reset my mind and have time with God. My team was so so supportive. I learned how important community is and to bring them in on the things you’re struggling with, because they really do want to know how to be praying for you. Had I went home, I wouldn’t have had the experience I did. What kept me going was these kids. Wow. They were wonderful. We had different areas of ministry to choose from, Kids, Manual Labor, and Community. I chose kids. I don’t normally enjoy children’s ministry because I like to think I don’t know how to interact with them. I wasn’t raised in the church, so I don’t know all the Bible songs, games, or activities. I usually let someone else who is strong in that area take the lead and then I follow. But for some reason I felt the Lord push me to say yes to them. It was so exhausting. Being in the sun for about 8 hours straight, using all you have in your voice, and not having a translator calls for frustrating times. You can either allow those things to come in the way of making an impact on those kids OR you can take what you have and make it beautiful. The PE team made it their priority to love them, push them, encourage them, but most importantly we mentored them. They would get comfortable with one of us and share the most heartbreaking things they were struggling with. One of the girls asked if they could go home with us. P6 class didn’t want me to leave. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but they were my favorite. I will never forget my time at LightForce Primary School and what those kids did to me. But another person I will not forget is a man named Bob. He was the head teacher of the school and made it his priority to love and encourage us when he didn’t have to! A man with character, who is humble, wise, and caring. On the last day we were there, I saw him sitting outside while the kids were playing. I sat down next to him and rested my head on his shoulder and was crying. He grabbed my hand and said, “Lauren, we must stand firm in the Lord. That’s the only way we can be sure to get through each day.” Now every time I read my Bible and see the words, “stand firm” I am reminded of Head Teacher Bob.
Below are some of my favorite photos from my time in Uganda. The last one is Shelby, Myself, Emilie, and Michael with Head Teacher Bob in the middle.
