It’s hard to believe, but this is my last blog post that I will write while on The World Race mission field. I plan to blog a few times throughout December after I return home to finish out the year with some reflections, observations, summaries, etc. I’ve heard your cries of protest from afar, so don’t worry. You haven’t seen (read) the end of me (eye roll).
During our last week of ministry in Uganda, we visited a new church and led Sunday School for about 60 kids. Before the service started, we were invited to have breakfast with the pastor and his staff, as is their tradition for guests. We ate boiled eggs, watermelon, bananas, and white bread with people from four different countries: Uganda, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
For my teammate’s birthday, we went for a small hike to a waterfall in a town called Kisiizi. Although the waterfall was beautiful, it holds a gruesome history. In the past, women pregnant out of wedlock (including rape) were considered cursed. Their brothers tied their limbs together and pushed them off the waterfall to their death. The memorial’s statue was hard to look at, to say the least. We also stopped by natural hot springs and saw more than just the water (aka naked locals bathing). Riveting.
One afternoon, we went to a bible study with a church called God’s Embassy. The meeting took place outside underneath a tarp tied with twine to large sticks. For seating, there were two tarps and a few benches. However, a joyful and welcoming spirit was palpable when we arrived to strong singing, clapping, and loud drumming. We rejoiced with the members when the pastor shared a testimony of how God provided the funding for the future building’s roof!
After 10 months of varying ministries, I did not think that I would experience a new ministry opportunity. However, we were asked to talk to a group of middle-aged women about hygiene. Amidst the topics of teeth brushing, hand washing, and showering, I got picked to speak about feminine hygiene. I was reminded of the time when God stretched me in washing women’s feet in Bolivia. Just another step in growth, I guess.
Despite a few giggles and pauses to collect myself, I got through my brief tips. Fortunately, the women were understanding and even asked questions afterward, so clearly they were interested. In addition, we gave them each a stick of deodorant. I thought that a demonstration would be somewhat insulting, but we saw it was necessary after some people started rubbing it on their necks and hands.
One event that we were blessed to attend was the commissioning of the school that we helped to paint. The bishop and priests led a ceremony of blessing, gratefulness, and celebration. Our host, Amanda Johnson, received a gift of a live goat on a twine leash and a handmade container weaved with “Amana Johnison”. Afterward, we joined in a big dance party with the students and ate with the attendants.
We returned to the Shepherd Centre to hang out with the street boys. A few of us played in an official soccer game. As a defender, I didn’t make any outstanding plays. Overall, I was thankful that I didn’t injure myself considering the obstacles on the field. Throughout the game, we had to avoid holes, dips, goats, goat poop, cows, cow poop, and three women walking with baskets on their heads. I managed to dodge everything except an enormous, wet cow pie that I slide in. My shoes (and teammates) suffered because of it.
Kiki, one of the American women we’re staying with, is in the process of adopting a baby boy from Uganda. The baby’s birth mother was mentally ill and raped by a local man. After she gave birth, the man attempted to sacrifice the child. Upon failure, the baby was abandoned and taken by an orphanage. Although delayed in some areas, he is growing healthier each day. Kiki was able to bring him home, and we got to meet Handsome, the name he was given at the orphanage.
Our team left Rukungiri and drove to Jinja, the location for our Final Debrief with the entire squad, coaches, mentor, and alumni squad leaders. We will be staying at a hostel called Adrift for the last week of the Race. Then we fly to Washington, D.C., on November 21, where I will be staying for a few days with a friend. I will return to Minnesota just in time for Thanksgiving!
As I said earlier, I will continue to blog in December to wrap up this amazing experience. I am also planning to host an event for all the people who have supported me in any way throughout this journey. My general plan is to share an overview of the year with pictures, videos, and stories. Hopefully, there will be food and giveaways as well. Details to come.
Thanks so much for all you’ve done to support me this year!
