(Tete and I)
I packed the essentials (World Race essentials that is), deodorant, toothbrush, face wash, hand towel, a pair of church clothes, a shirt or two, pjs, a sheet, malaria pills, i-pod, and my bible. We were told we were going on an overnight to a village about 5 hours away to be a part of a crusade in the village Pastor Edward grew up. This is the World Race so we really had no idea the plan other than the fact that we would be doing the preaching so we best be prepared.
We left around 3pm on Wednesday and after countless hours and many stops to pick up more people and more speakers aka “machines”, we finally began our final stretch down a dirt road. Fast forward to 9pm, we are on this dirt road with more potholes than you could ever imagine. Our van packed to the brim with people, bags, food and machines weighed it down as it scraped and made its way down the road. It was eerie. We had no idea where we were, and no idea where we were going. It was one of those….”this is the World Race” moments, where all you can do is sit back and laugh.
Not too much later we arrived at the homestead we would be living on for the time we spent in the village. The grounds were absolutely breath-taking, the house not so much but it was ok because we had beds. It was late so after a quick meal of pasta and eggs we hit the sack and set the alarm for the morning, 8 am we would be leaving for our first seminar. Get ready to share.
Next morning rolls around, so much for 8am. We didn’t end up leaving till around 10. On our way to the seminar, we found out this “overnight” was actually going to be a four day event. “well guys, I hope you like my outfit because you are going to be seeing it on me for the next three days”. This was our thought since we had only packed for one day. Oh the joys of the WR.
Needless to say, there were many surprises to follow, many plans to be changed but best of all, God showed up. These last few days contained some of my favorite memories on the race thus far. Moments full of laughter and love, of time spent with new friends, in conversations of God, life and future dreams. It was an opportunity for us to become even closer to the people of the church we are serving with here in Mukono. Pastor Edward and Pastor Elijah, of Michael and of Edgar, Abbott, and Kenny, of Mama Harriet and her daughter Tete, of Eddie and of the people of the village who opened their homes and hearts to us.
This trip is coming to a close, two months left after this June. I have been to many countries, lived in many homes, met many people, I have had good and bad contacts but this month is in a league all of its own. Most contacts will try to make you at home, they do their best to make you comfortable. Many times the people you live with become family. Uganda and the people of this place are different. This time the whole church is family. I have felt such love and joy that I have never felt from any one group of people on this race. Sometimes when you leave a country you are sad, other times you count the days till departure, but this month will be different. It will be heart wrenching, but for the first time I can say without a shadow of doubt that I will be back. I can say this because these guys have become friends, just as I know I will be home soon to see my friends in the U.S. I know soon I will come back because this country has become a second home to me, with friends who are dear to my heart.
Until Next Time
Love You Guys
Love Annalisa
