Eyes Wide Open

A place that has so rapidly changed my life deserves much more than the simple tribute I'll try to give it. I wish I could let you feel, for just one moment, the love I have for these people. I'll try by saying that their warm smiles and simple lives have lifted me up to a place I've never been before; a place that will be hard to leave and even more difficult to forget.

Coming to Africa I had three main goals:

1. Work hard
2. Love the people
3. Live and appreciate the culture

After just a few weeks I realized the goals I'd set were epitomized in the lives of the people. I worked hard yet never managed to gain their work ethic. I wanted to show my love to them through service but ended up getting more than I gave. While attempting to live the culture I have witnessed a people who relish simplicity, love God, and live for their families. In every way the goals I had for myself were already present in the Ugandan people. Because of this I have spent the past fourteen weeks trying to glean as much as I can from the lives they lead.

I feel like I need to mention that every day had its hard moments. Everything wasn't awesome all the time, and I was a far cry from perfect (especially within my role as country director). I have a lot of regrets that stem from the people and things that were difficult to understand. Questions come with every new culture and experience, and I sure had many.Some of my questions still haven't been answered. Ultimately I've learned that not understanding doesn't mean you can't BE understanding. A recurring thought I've had while here: you can't change people, you can only change yourself. Once I finally realized this the tough parts of the culture and my volunteer group faded into the distance and I was able to fully embrace it for what it was: different. I've slowly been able to appreciate people for who they are instead of what I think they should be. That in itself, has made the experience worth it.

Uganda has encouraged me to be free of selfishness, materialism, and greed. It has enabled me to see the benefits that come from living a life that revolves around other people instead of myself (something I really needed). It has given me joy through a small handshake, dance, word, or hug.

This experience happened in the right way and at the right time. Coming to Uganda has easily been my scariest and most life-changing experience yet.

I cringe when I think about the one day where I'd decided I was going to stay and finish school.  I was holding myself back because of a timeline I felt the pressure to keep.Thankfully I was given perspective and decided that this was an experience I couldn't pass up. Being here has only increased my understanding that it's important not to let societal and social pressures dictate how you want to live your life (to a certain extent). I'm 22, about to start my fifth year of college (super senior say what?), and don't feel like I need to do anything but continue to try my best, look for ways to serve others, and leave the rest to God.

See you all soon,

Rachel