Debrief in Uganda

Debrief was an absolute whirlwind! It whizzed by then we went into two weeks of outreach in the “bush bush,” so I am thrilled to finally have a chance to post a few much needed blogs.

The first night of debrief was really hard on me. We stayed out a rafting resort called Adrift, and after months on the field, I got a taste of what it will be like to return to America. The place we stayed wasn’t fancy, we had bunk beds in cabins, but it definitely was a blend of America and Australia (most of the workers were Aussies and Kiwis) with no hint of Africa. There were hot showers, a deck and bar, burgers and pizza, and loud, American music playing constantly. I felt so out of place, like I had entered another world that I didn’t recognize. As we drove to the resort, we passed shacks and mud huts, starving children, the poverty of Africa, and then we entered a world that was comfortably oblivious or uncaring to the reality outside. It truly hurt my heart, and I realized that so many people who came to Jinja to raft the Nile truly had no idea what reality was right outside their door. I was also blindsided by old attacks of Satan, such as body image issues. Here I was, well traveled in jeans and a top with bleach stains (as all my clothes have), wearing glasses and no make-up. I hadn’t looked in a mirror in days and up until that point, I hadn’t felt like I needed to. After years of worrying about my appearance and others judgments of me, I had become comfortable with just being myself and the beauty that God sees me as and has created in me. Yet here, I was surrounded with girls who were wearing cute little outfits, with makeup and perfectly styled hair, flirting with all the boys there. I was instantly self-conscious about all aspects of my appearance. With the food we eat here (rice, beans, chapatti, ugali, all carbs) it is hard to stay in shape, and I became acutely aware of my body changes. I wanted to go spruce up, to change my appearance so that others would think I looked nice. I was consumed by thoughts of myself, and not about anyone else. By the end of the evening, I had a terrible headache and went straight to bed. I lifted up these struggles to the Lord and woke up multiple times throughout the night feeling compelled to pray for certain issues or people who I love. God is so faithful, and strengthened my heart through out the night. I awoke the next morning rejuvenated, confident in my identity in God, and ready to stand against any attack of the enemy. GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!

Debrief itself wet really well. Jimmy and Kelly, our leaders, our wonderful and I had such a peace being with them and talking about the trials from the last few months. Plus, SURPRISE!! Becs was there also!! So good to have a familiar face, and just to see her and talk about anything and everything. We got a lot of closure on our time in Uganda and the struggles we went through. God showed me that he has placed us in good hands, with people (both our leaders and our new hosts) who truly care about us and our welfare and growth, both individually, spiritually, and as a community. I really appreciated the love they showed us and the time they spent with our teams. After debrief, I feel so encouraged and ready for the next two months. I feel like our team as entered a place where we are ready to not just love one another, but to speak life and prophesy into the destiny and potential that God has placed on each of us. We are pushing each other into the greatness that God has planned for us. We have grown into a community that truly is seeking God together. AMEN!

Thank you Jimmy and Kelly for the time you spent with us and the investment into our lives. It meant so much, and I can’t wait to see you in Houston! Until then, I am PUMPED about the plans God has for us here in Kenya! Let the journey continue in your name God.