Monday, August 11, 2008

a new hope

it’s funny, when i was preparing for my trip here to Uganda i never let myself get too excited, or too scared or nervous. i was just ready. i didn’t know exactly what to expect, i just wanted to be here and doing whatever was in store for me. and now i know that i was right to not allow myself that excitement because if i knew then how amazing it is here i wouldn’t have been able to function properly with all that anticipation.

it’s that good.

and i’m really gonna struggle here to put into words how utterly incredible the women of Suubi really are. i got my first chance to meet them all at once yesterday during the Sunday meeting. the energy in that small room was overwhelming! they were just so happy and appreciative to be with one another, and SO thankful for Light Gives Heat, and our time here as volunteers (they told us again and again-AWESOME!) i’m getting really spoiled here by all this love i’m getting from the people! kinda hard to keep up with them, but i’m doing my best to pay it back. maybe this is cliché but it’s just unrealistically humbling to be shown such a welcome and so much appreciation…and to see such joy and hope in people who are living in pretty prominent poverty. again, i struggle to describe what it feels like. just get here and you’ll see. and maybe that’s how this will work-i’m gonna get so filled up with this love that it’s just gonna come pouring back out onto everyone i meet. at least i hope for that, and hope is what this is all about…
thanks for reading this and being a part of it all…

7 comments:

dschulz said...

John-John,
Very proud of you son...

I'm looking for a day-by-day description of your stay. I'd like to be able to "see" with your words. You are one incredible writer, so give it a try...

Love you much
Kisses
Momma

Karen said...

John!
It is great to hear your words on the out pouring of love that you are feeling from those around you. I look forward to hearing much more about your visit. What is the night sky like there in Africa? Love to you nephew!! Aunt Karen

tigger1972 said...

Hi John!!!
I am a friend of your Aunt Karens from work and have been introduced to your mission work in Africa through your writings. I look forward to following you through Africa with your updates in your blog. I wish you the best in your mission and the contributions you make to that nation. I once had a pen pal from Africa when I was in grade school and lost touch when I started a family. I hope all your ventures continue to be filled with joy and your passion grows for the day to day help you are providing these women.
Sincerely,
Tammy(Karens Friend)

Grandma said...

Dear John: Enjoying the writings of your adventures in Africa. The internet is a great way to keep in touch at these times. The pictures, your Mom sent were good and it looked to be pretty there. What is the temperture at this time of year? Take care. Love Grandma S.

Stevi-lynn said...

Hey.... I was out there in April
I know what you mean by not knowing how to put what you are seeing and feeling into words, and you will not for a while after you get back.
all I can say is just let it be as it is and it will come. you being there is a lot for them, you already show your love by trying.
-Stevi-lynn

Crystal said...

Hey ~~~ Love your blogs. Keep them coming. It really is inspiring to visualize what you are doing over there to help!! It's awesome. Uncle Boyd says to be careful and be safe (don't pet the big kitties :) Love ya
Aunt Kay!

Karen said...

John!

What a treat to read your blog about feeding the children! Rain in Africa and being a redhead celebrity. Missed you at our labor day bash at the farm. Saw you on the ol' family video when you were a young whipper snapper frolicking with the energy of a boy full of the joy of living!

Keep living it and writing of it! Love you from afar under the same moon!