He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. “For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world. 1 Samuel 2:8
Back to the real world... What is the "real world" anyway? Who's world is real? Is their world any less real than mine? If I have learned anything from my time in Uganda it is that the "real world" is not America, or Africa or any other country...the "real world" is His world, all of it and God is enough!
I went on this trip expecting to share the word of God, expecting to make a difference in the lives of the people and children of Uganda, expecting to "change the world" as we say it. I expected to poor out my love to these less fortunate people. Realistically I learned that my expectations were only to make myself feel good. To say I went to another country and helped the poor makes everyone feel good right? I found that this list of expectations I had about my journey turned out to be nothing more than me being selfish. I expected these things, I wanted to feel good about my deeds, I needed to help these people who had so little, because I felt bad for them.
Let's just say my expectations for this trip went right out the window the day I arrived! My luggage was lost and I only had the pair of shoes that were on my feet. I was frustrated to say the least...besides, these were not the shoes I was planning on wearing, my village shoes were in my suitcase!
I went on this trip expecting to share the word of God, expecting to make a difference in the lives of the people and children of Uganda, expecting to "change the world" as we say it. I expected to poor out my love to these less fortunate people. Realistically I learned that my expectations were only to make myself feel good. To say I went to another country and helped the poor makes everyone feel good right? I found that this list of expectations I had about my journey turned out to be nothing more than me being selfish. I expected these things, I wanted to feel good about my deeds, I needed to help these people who had so little, because I felt bad for them.
Let's just say my expectations for this trip went right out the window the day I arrived! My luggage was lost and I only had the pair of shoes that were on my feet. I was frustrated to say the least...besides, these were not the shoes I was planning on wearing, my village shoes were in my suitcase!
No luggage, no TV or electronics, at times there was no electricity and no water...and yet God is enough! My heart had changed, my expectations had changed, my purpose for this journey had changed. I knew I needed to let down my guard and follow His will for me on this trip! When I let go and gave it all to God, is when I finally saw Him working through me! Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
All those expectations I had about me helping the poor and changing the world dissolved into friendships and relationships with the adults and the children of Uganda. These people did not need me to feel sorry for them, God was showing me that I needed them. The people of the Wakisi village showed me joy! They may not have had clothes or shoes, but they had God and God is enough! Here I was complaining about luggage and shoes and the children standing before me had neither. I knew God was working on my heart. I saw in these children God is enough! It was no longer about lost luggage and shoes, it was about seeing these children who had nothing still sing songs of praise, still pray and thank God for the things they did have...they showed me that God is enough! Although I only saw a portion of this large village I saw the smiles on the kids faces, I saw them shouting praise, and humbling themselves. I didn't teach them, they taught me.
I was also able to visit an orphanage several times during my time in Uganda. The babies in this orphanage showed me joy! These babies stole my heart immediately! These small babies sang and clapped their hands with me as we sang. Being able to see a child go from a sad look to laughing and giggling as I tickled her was priceless! Again I was reminded that these children did not need me to feel sorry for them....because God is enough! They just needed me to love them and hug them and show them affection. And I could do that! I was happy doing just that! I may not be changing the world, but I was able to love on the children, pray over them, and build relationships. During our devotion time someone said...it's ok to be Andrew! (Thanks Greg!) This trip has opened my eyes to that. We as followers of Christ each have an important role in God's plan, whether it be big or small, we are all making a difference!
Loving on the babies from the babies home and holding them, making them laugh; playing volleyball with the children in the villages, talking and truly listening to these children (even if I didn't understand them), this is why I was here. God showed me that He is enough! And although we may have our own expectations and plans, if we give it all to Him he will take us on a journey we will not forget.
I just wanted to also thank the Segners for taking such great care of our team! Kari and Jason you have inspired me to be a better person, to be humble in all that I do! Seeing Christ work through you and your family is powerful, I have never seen a family so humbled and so Christ driven. Time and time again I watched as you poured out your love to our team, to the children in the villages, to the drivers who took us places, to the guard at the gate...your family inspires me to be more Christ like. Thank you a million times!
I can not wait to go back to Uganda and see what surprises God has in store for me!
Yvonne
