Training camp. Uganda. Wow – it’s been an incredible week. I am currently sitting beneath the moonlight typing this blog and listening to the crickets chirp outside in 80 degree weather (the coolest it gets, ha!). We departed from New York on Friday and flew to Cairo, Egypt and had a 9.5 hour layover. While in Egypt, the airport offered us a free hotel stay or to see the pyramids and free lunch, so of course we chose the latter. We also saw the Nile River while touring the city, which was so cool! In Egypt, we visited a perfume shop, a papyrus shop and they showed us how to make papyrus paper and lastly, a clothing boutique. I’m so glad we had an adventurous layover and we made some fun memories together as a team before we began training camp.
We arrived in Uganda on Sunday morning at 4am. Thankfully we were able to sleep for a few hours after breakfast at 7am. Our typical routine goes something like this:
7AM – Workout
7:30AM – Breakfast
9 -11/12PM – Class/Ministry Session
1PM – Lunch
2/3PM – Class/Ministry Session
4/5PM – Sometimes Outreach
6PM – Dinner
7PM – Class/ Ministry Session
The days go by slow and fast. We have a lot of information packed into our sessions and they are so so good. We are learning so much about the Lord, His love for all His children, and sharing His Word. Our teachers are nothing short of amazing. They all have so many fun stories about the Lord and how He has moved in their lives. I am very blessed to have each of them in my life and for the Lord choosing them to lead me over the next year.
At first, I was nervous about having our training camp in Uganda with a group of 20 people who I just met. I was fearful that they wouldn’t like me and that I wouldn’t fit in. I was worried that I would be homesick and crying to come home as soon as we landed. But, none of that happened. Actually, the exact opposite is what became my reality.
Every person on my team is no longer a friend to me. They are my family. Every person has such unique gifts and talents that blend so well with our team, and I am thankful for every single one of them. We have already experienced a lot of growth as individuals and as a squad, and I am expectant and excited to see how much more growth we experience in the next 11 months.
Okay, so I know you’ve been craving a good ole’ Ugandan story, so here it is:
A few days ago, I met a sweet newborn (4 weeks) baby named Almirah and her older sister Dina. I sat next to Dina and talked with her for an hour or so on her porch and played with her sister. I went and visited them again the next day and a few women came over to talk to me and we all chatted for 30 – 40 minutes and I also met Almirah’s mother. The mother could easily see how much I enjoyed playing with babies and asked why I didn’t hold her baby. I told her that I didn’t want to hold her baby without asking her permission and that I would also need to wash my hands. She responded and said, “You no need ask for permission. Anyone can hold my baby. And no wash hands either.” When I asked why I didn’t need to wash my hands, she explained that in their culture it is seen as rude when someone washes before caring for a child because in their eyes it says that “that person” thinks they are better than everyone else.
This was such an interesting cultural encounter for me. I am so glad that I didn’t wash my hands and I also had the opportunity to tell her about America and how it’s polite to ask permission and be clean before holding a baby. After holding the baby today, her mother invited me to go with her to their home to help change the baby. The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child,” is a true reality here. I was delighted! This was my first time visiting a Ugandan home.
Their home was very simple compared to American homes. It has four beds, 2 against each wall and the room was a small rectangular one bedroom. It smelled like tea and fresh jack fruit, a common fruit in Uganda. In Ugandan homes, it is respectful to wear long floor length skirts and to take your shoes off by the front door when entering. Also, each guest is treated with a hot cup of tea as well.
So far, I LOVE Uganda. This country is rich in community and love for people. Everyone we have met so far has been more than welcoming in conversation and inviting us into their lives and sharing their stories with us. We have already made so many sweet memories of meeting new friends, praying with them, inviting them to church, worshipping together, sharing about Jesus’ love and helping when given the opportunity with projects and daily life.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey for the next 11 months. I feel peace being here and am enjoying following the Lord’s will for my life. I am continuing to fundraise while I am abroad so that I can continue to partake in ministry and am $3,956 away from being fully funded. You can donate above or contact me to be part this journey with me through prayer, financial giving and/or helping with a fundraiser.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and I pray blessings over your life!
God Bless!
– Tori
