I wish I could fully describe how deep of a positive impact spending two weeks in Uganda truly had upon my life. I had known much of what to expect, but you truly can’t say you understand a culture until you’ve experienced it, and had it permeate your own. Kampala did just this upon me.
Every minute of time that I spent in Kampala was another unknown, obstacle, and adventure, and I must add it was really fortunate that my family had already devised how to traverse those obstacles as just another part of living, in what seems like another world.
One such instance was the driving. I know you have all seen the videos and maybe even heard the statistics, but this is something you must experience at least once in a lifetime. I will no longer take for granted how easy it is to drive over here, and just can’t seem to get upset with someone who deliberately cuts me off, because relative to Kampala, just one car cutting me off in span of 3 seconds is pretty good.
The country itself is absolutely beautiful. I loved every moment of the warm sun. I loved getting so close to amazing wildlife, like my encounter with the two most deadly animals in the world, the hippo and the musk ox (both of which I got within 20 feet of on foot). Everything is rough, rugged, climbable, and densely covered in jungle – any young mans dream of adventure. I would have to say though that the most beautiful sights were the smiles on children’s faces as they felt love from a stranger from Canada.
As I mentioned before I will try not to take for granted the life I have been blessed with ever again. Africa has forever changed my mind about so many aspects of life. I could not look one degree in any direction where I didn’t see someone in dire need of many of life’s basic needs, and in need of the love and comfort that only our Lord can provide. I will not ignore what I have been given ever again, not after seeing so many heartbreaking sights. This does not mean that there is no hope, in fact I believe quite the opposite.
Even though the majority of Kampala’s society lives in what we would describe as abject poverty, they are resilient. Most of these people in fact, at least the ones I had the pleasure of meeting, and “hanging” with, are very happy. Even in the face of disease, hunger, and tribal disputes, there is a joy, love, and presence of Jesus that I’ve never come close experiencing in Canada or the U.S.
There is also hope from the good hearted people there to help. The poor need to be helped, and I believe with my heart that the church is awakening to the cries of these people, not just here, but the least among us everywhere, and actually act to help.
Just being in Uganda has changed my life so much already. My friends and I are in the process of beginning a simple living house where a group of homeless guys will get a place to stay, and we will do our best to share all we have and help each other grow. I have done this among other services that I won’t mention at the risk of being prideful, because along with my family I have heard the cry of the least among my brothers and sisters. My time spent in Kampala will never leave my mind, and I will return to Africa again, for hopefully a much longer period, as my heart now breaks for these people more than ever.