Mukono Homestay - My African FAMILY!

There aren't words to describe this past week. I could try and describe my family, the 8 people, four sisters, two brothers, mama and dada. I could try and describe our home, the house, kitchen, chicken coups, banana and coffee plants, latrines, pigs, and a courtyard. I could try and describe how my walk is only 10 minutes away from campus down a dirt road, past a dozen kids who always yell "MZUNGU", the breathtaking view, or the store with a woman named Joan saying hi. I could try and describe how incredible my family is and how they've welcomed me in with more than open arms. Or, I could try and describe what I'm feeling, what I've learned and how this experience has impacted me.

But, the thing is there are not words to describe life. This is my new life here. It's changing me, impacting me and influencing me more than words can begin to describe. I can't say I love it--it's one of the hardest experiences I've been through. I can't say I hate it because how can you hate something you haven't experienced, haven't given the chance to stand up for itself? This my new reality. I look at my mama who cooks, cleans, cares for the kids, and works as a teacher and I see this joy, a joy so deep and rich that it's contagious. I look at my dad who works 4 or more different jobs to pay for school fees, food, electricity, and I see this man who loves what he does, who is proud in what he's accomplished. I look to my older sister Irene who is waiting to see if she gets the points she wants and will be allowed to stay in the school she is in. I see my other sister Miriam, waiting to go to school until they can find money to pay school fees. I see my youngest sister Catherine stick to me like glue, love my headlamp, and shyly just wanting to me with me. I see my brother, my second shadow, Isaac, babble to me unceasingly in Luganda, bring me toys, play with my watch, necklace, earrings, build things and say "Ready, ready?!" for me to watch. I see a home. I see a family. I see a lifestyle that is so incredibly different than what I'm used to, yet at the same time exactly the same.

I'm at this point of brokenness, of loving and praising the privilege of process. That's right, I love process haha. This trip, for the first time, has allowed me to be okay with not being "there" this undefined point that we're always trying to "get to", not having forcing myself to move forward. Here, in Uganda, in my family I can be where I'm at and I'm loved deeply because I am simply there. Being away from my support system, I can let things affect me, let them stir in me, and be okay without needed to explain or define them. I find my heart being softened, my joy returning, and finding strength I never knew was in my heart. I'm able to love people because I really want to, ministering out of rest, and genuine love.

Who knew that a Fanta could taste so magical? Who knew that having a baby drool, snot, fart, and pee on you could be so hilarious.?Who knew that making cootie catcher could be such a connection point? Who knew that I would become so immersed in Spanish soap opera, Mara Clara, first translated into English then dubbed over in Luganda so I hear a fourth of the English and my Mom translates another fourth so I really only catch about half of what's happening? Who knew that it was possible to sit in a Church service completely in Luganda and still feel the gentle peace of the Lord? Who knew that Uganda is a magical place.?Who knew.

"It is a repeated finding that perceptual responses are influenced by the individuals expectations. To an extent not usually recognized, perceptions reside in the perceiver, not in the external world." -Edward Stewart.