As I quickly learned, the appropriate way to say goodbye in Luganda is "See you!" Even the children in the village who know little to know English know this phrase. As I was going about my last day in Uganda, I found myself thinking. About this a lot. Although I've been away from home for three weeks, I'm not ready to leave this place. The Sozo family, the people we met in the village and Kabalagala, the teachers and students at Kitende, everyone has a small piece of my heart.
I know without a doubt I'll be back to Sozo Uganda. God has laid this ministry on my heart, and He is not through with me here yet.
As the Sozo kids found out that I was leaving today, they would come up and ask, "Are you leaving me?"
"Yes," I would respond.
"When are you coming back?"
Not if, but when. "As soon as I can. Probably this time next year."
"No, come for Christmas."
"I'll pray and see when God wants me to come back."
"See you in December."
My heart longs to be back (and I haven't even left). In this place, without all of the distractions of my life back home, without the pressure of a schedule and checklists of things to do, where we can take time to be sensitive to what The Lord is calling us to do. Turning to Him in prayer for even the simple things. Being able to see what it means to lavish love upon others, the way that Jesus has done for me.
As I leave, I don't want to forget these things. I want to take this lifestyle back to the states. I want to keep living these kids with the same intensity that I do when they are climbing all over me.
And I want to worship with abandon like these kids. Right down to the 4 year old...
Thank you Lord for reminding me of your love for me. Thank you for awakening a new desire to follow you, wherever that might lead. Thank you for calling me to Uganda this summer.
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me." Isaiah 6:8
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