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Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version)

31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Friday, June 11, 2010

The good and the not so good....

We have been in Uganda for just over one week. I would like to paint you a picture instead of using words, as I feel my words are too few at this stage. This week has flown by in some respects, but at the same time has crawled along at a snail’s pace. My head feels like it may explode and I am on the verge of asking God why He chose to send me here. I cannot imagine at this point becoming accustomed to the food, the toilets, and the lack of warm water for showering. I know that God will come through and give me the grace to handle even these small things, things that I have taken for granted my whole life. I know there is a real lesson in even these things; however, I really have to be honest with you ......I HATE PEEING IN A HOLE!!


After going over the culture shock stages with Vikki, I have realized that I've fast tracked it straight to stage 3, the toughest. The stage where everything seems horrible and one cannot imagine surviving. I wonder if I have reached this point so fast because I have been to Uganda before. Perhaps it's because God needs to ready me for something else and so we need to walk through this now. This I may never know, but I will do my best to find harmony and peace in whatever stage I find myself. I will do this knowing that this is not about me, that making any sacrifice, when doing it for Him is worth it...and trust me when I say that peeing in hole is a sacrifice for me.

Top 5 best things about YWAM Arua:

1. The staff here are so welcoming and friendly

2. Watching Mackenzie and her posse of wee ones playing games that she has already taught them

3. Boda Boda rides to town (I will share more about this another time)

4. Vikki's ongoing support and encouragement

5. Learning new things


Top 5 worst things about YWAM Arua:

1. Toilets (holes in ground)

2. Showers (brick boxes located on the other of the base that pour cold water on your head)

3. Food

4. Small living quarters

5. Missing family and friends

And so, as I go please journey with me, I promise not to bring up sensitive issues like peeing everytime I write. For now though when you sit comfortably on your porcelain toilet, think of me as I try to steady myself, aim correctly, hold my toilet paper and my room key so as not to drop them down the hole and last but not least trying very hard NOT to pee on my feet and ankles!!!!! hahaha.....sorry all.

Blessings,


Cheryl

Just to give you a glimpse...in case you were wondering!!!!!!!!



5 comments:

Amy said...

CC,
I am glad you are there and safe. You are there for HIM and I deeply admire you for following His calling.He brought you there for a specific purpose and He will use you to fulfill that purpose because you were obedient.

I can't say much more than that because I am not there and have no idea what emotions I would feel if I were. I assume it would be the same as what you are feeling to be away from my comforts of home...especially a real potty :).

I am praying for you and your beautiful daughter. I know that I will grow from following your journey. Thank you for sharing it.
Much love,
Amy

Mandi said...

Thank you for sharing...and I mean REALLY sharing, LOL! I'm excited to follow your journey. Very educational post... I will be following in your footsteps to Jinja in one month! Can't wait to see what God will show us. Praying for your journey.

Kristin said...

I will be praying for you!! I just can't imagine the whole potty situation, or lack thereof! I have to tell you that it has really made me realize just how much I take for granted! If there is anything that we can do or send, besides prayer, please let us know! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!

Donna said...

Cheryl,

Thanks for sharing! Last summer my family went on a mission trip to Romania. (My husband goes several times a year.) We didn't have to deal with the potty issue, but we dealt with food, language, environment and the roads (!). There were a lot of little things that I missed from home - and we were only there two weeks. Know that you and Mackenzie are in our thoughts prayers. We pray that God will strengthen you in the little things so that you can do big things for Him!

Blessings to you sweet sister!

Vikki Wright said...

I love it!! Well done, and by the way...I love your attitude about being here. Real in the struggles, real in the expectations of what God is going to do...real and genuine...it's a blessing and a privilege to walk this journey with you. I can't wait to see what God has for you and does through you.
You're a star! :)