We are all wrestling through a crazy combination of thoughts and feelings as we try to process the last 2 weeks of our lives. Here's some initial thoughts from team member Rusty...
I signed up for this trip for a couple of reasons. The first and foremost was wanting to go on an adventure with my wife as we celebrated our two years on the trip. I wanted to be there to support her as she stepped into this trip with some fears and doubts. I wanted to be her cheerleader and encourager. The second was that I was eager to get back to Uganda. I had been there before for about two months and learned a lot while living there. Finally, I wanted to travel again. I love to travel and see new places, meet new people, and see what the Lord is doing in others lives.
Having traveled quite a bit, I didn't expect the Lord to shake me up much through this trip. I kind of went in with the attitude of "been there, done that," or as our team coined the term "been there, pee'd that." But, I felt like I know what it was like to see poverty, I know what it feels like to be uncomfortable, I know what it is like to learn how to reconcile with people that you are traveling with 24/7! So why is my heart hurting so bad right now. I am not sure that I saw something that really stuck out that moved me. I am not sure if I am just romanticizing the re-entry process. I do know that I have come back with a ton of questions. What were you trying to show me? Did I miss something? Have I listened to you to get me to where I am today in my profession or have I tried to control it? What do I do now? Why am I always thinking that you have something bigger for me?
I talked with a guy who said to me "Welcome home and welcome back to reality." "Reality?" I couldn't even tell if I was offended or not. Does that insinuate that I was living in a make up world for the last two weeks? I could understand living at an "all inclusive " resort for two weeks and then coming back to "reality," but what about living in community with fellow believers, praying, singing, serving together is not "Reality." So I guess that brings up another question. Why isn't that reality? Am I ok with that? I began to read a book by NT Wright on my way home called, After You Believe, which raised the question of, now that I am a believer, what next? Do I just wait to die and go to heaven? I feel like I can identify with this thought. Now that I am home and have seen these things, do I just go back to "reality" and send money when I can?
Maybe that is drastic, but it is what came across my mind.
There is no obvious conclusion just yet, so till then.....
Hi, I'm a friend of Lou Alice's and am enjoying your blog. Thanks for writing this post. The truth is, you've been able to see the REALITY up close that most of us never see. I think you have important stories to share that can help us change the way we view the world.
ReplyDeleteThere's also plenty you can do with your experiences. A friend of mine works for Books for Africa. www.booksforafrica.org. They gather and ship books in bulk all over Africa. It would be a great mission group to work with.
Also, have you read Three Cups of Tea? (Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin). This book opened my eyes to see how teaching kids to read and giving them good books can help bring peace to our world. Mortenson does his work in Pakistan -- what about Uganda? Do these children have books to read?
My name is Jon Denning, Laura's dad. My wife Debbie and I have been following this journey with more than just a slight interest. You bring up a very interesting question about "reality". I think that "reality" for each of us depends on the place in which we find ourselves at any particular point in time. Day to day "reality" for your friends in Gulu would certainly be much different than it would be in Nashville. What's really amazing about your team is that you had the courage to cross over to someone else's "reality" and experience their world. You brought with you not only spirituality, but educational and financial assistance as well. Most of us, me included, would never even dream of stepping into another's "reality", especially one as materially uncomfortable as Uganda. If all you do now is share your experiences, and by sharing you help others see a glimpse of that other "reality", then you've done well. Not everyone can or even wants to make a journey like your team did, but you can help others see the need and the value of us being involved. Debbie and I are going to join and support the Mocha Club because people like you and Laura have reminded us that there is more to this life than just our own "reality".God bless.
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