Rediscovering Uganda (& the adventure of life)

"We each have a destiny, a legend that only we can live. To embrace it is scary and dangerous, and most choose not to. Most put it off until tomorrow, until after high school, until after college, until after establishing a financial base. Can't they see? We only get one shot at this life. Tomorrow may never come. The time is now! Not to drop everything and move to Africa, but to find the passion that is inside us and embrace it, to listen to its subtle whispers."

A quote from the last chapter of The Only Road North by Erik Mirandette, which I finished on the plane. A book about a young man's trip on a dirt bike with his brother and friend from South Africa to Egypt that ends in an tragedy. A great read, but a good reminder, especially when I was on the plane wondering what the heck I was doing. Thinking it would have been safer and more comfortable to have just stayed! But my heart was put at ease after reading these words, and here is the paragraph that preceded the one above...

"...The most horrible and terrifying thing is the thought that I could spend my whole existence minimizing the risks I take, living ignorantly convinced of my safety, rejecting the purpose I was created for, and then someday wake up an old man and see that my life has passed before me, and now with death knocking on my door realize that in all my years I have never really lived."

It's been a little surreal, but after a day in Kampala we finally arrived to Jinja. Betty FREAKED out - running and screaming uncontrollably - couldn't believe I was real. She is excited to say the least! One of the volunteers baked me a pumpkin cake (from real pumpkin) - it was delicious. I met our new security guard George - who was so thankful and kind. Dora, the dog that Asher named is still scruffy and full of energy. Just taking it all in! Everything is new again, but so familiar - the sounds, smells, land, and people.

Some things I had forgotten:
- How much matoke (green banana-like fruit) can fit in a truck
- How much stuff a guy can transport on a bicycle
- That Ugandans give objects power - like when the guard at the Guest House this morning said "my lock was refusing"
- How sticky and hot it is
- How freaking crazy it is driving here - I think I got too used to the safe American transportation - the drive down here had me gasping a few times!

I look forward to the days to come - especially seeing the women again (who don't know I am here yet)!

I'll keep you posted.

Peace