Mzungus!

God told Abram:  "Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you... You'll be a blessing."  Genesis 12:1-2

Trying to sleep in a strange land, mosquito net, strange sounds, dogs barking, faint voices, waking up suddenly not knowing where I am.  Although I am happy to be in Uganda it is taking me some time to adjust.  The food is delicious although I don't know the name of most of the foods I'm eating.  Many cooked vegetables that are new to me.  The land is beautiful, serene and peaceful.  Not the hustle and bustle I am used to.  I like it!

We go on walks and runs in our village.  All the people stop and stare at us.  The children yell "mzungus!" and wave. Mzungu means "white wonderer".   I was told they do not see white people in their village.  They are excited to see us here.

As we walked along the road one day we came upon children carrying heavy water jugs.  They were struggling to walk up the hill to their home.  I took two of the heavy water jugs to help.  The children's eyes lit up and they gave me the biggest, most beautiful smiles you could imagine.  The youngest boy, which was probably at the most 3 years old, starting counting in English.  We counted together as we walked up the hill, 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10.  He laughed and we all started all over.  They could only count to ten.  Next time I will teach them how to count to 20.

I am enjoying my new life.  I look forward to every new day knowing there will be a new experience waiting for me.  This life is teaching me so much about what we take for granted; clean water, transportation, air conditioning, internet, cell phones, washer and dryers, stoves, ovens, microwaves.  The list goes on and on.  This is such a simple life but a pure life.

I have come to this new land as a learner, a teachable newcomer.  My cross-cultural mission means I'm working blind and needing someone to interpret the context for me.  Only as I embrace and appreciate the culture can I share in a culturally relevant way.  Jesus identified with us, and we must do the same wherever we serve.

I have learned that reaching the world can be as simple as a smile or a friendly wave.  It is very simple to share God's love when it is overflowing from your heart!