Flying over and into unknown territory was unexpectingly comforting knowing that our God was behind and in front of us. Unexpectant in the sense that I didn’t at all feel out of place, overwhelmed, sad or remote from loved ones, although we have never landed in a country making a conscience decision before we arrive that whatever happens we need to make this our new home now.
From birds eye view I could see how lush and green everything looked, surrounded by mountains and the air slightly smoggy. We had finally reached our new home! Will turned to me and asked “Do you feel like everything has lead up to this point in your life and now we don’t know what will happen?” I nodded, turned my head away and shed a few tears without him seeing. God had lead me this point and I had just seen the first glance of my journey from this point on. Although I had no idea what was to come, the feelings that I thought would arise the moment of coming in and landing in Entebbe, Uganda didn’t. I felt a peace that only God could give.
After getting stuck in the airport an hour and a half due to not having American Dollars for our Visa’s, Corey greeted us. It was so good to see him, we had been counting down the days. It had been almost 6 months exactly that we had seen him off at Brisbane International Airport. After we told Corey about our hick up with our Visa’s, he said that he had some bad news. At first i thought it was something to do with our accommodation, that we couldn’t stay with him, but he procedded to tell me that my mum had got in contact with him and that my family were putting down our family Dalmatian (Katie-Jayne). Initially I was happy that she would be in no more pain. Katie-Jayne was 15 years old and suffered from bad arthritis along with the normal signs of old age, loss of weight, appetite, hearing. It hit me two days later, my first day at Jordan House, when Corey showed me a status update from my sister. It read “Dear Katie-Jayne, thank you for the last 15 years of being part of our family and creating all those memories. Im sure you will have fun in doggy heaven and be at lot more peace. Miss you heaps. Love your sister Clara.I started crying and instantly wished I had been there to say goodbye and be with my family as they had to say goodbye.
On the drive home from the airport i took everything in. The locals selling delicious looking fruit and veg (we stopped and bought some mangos, as I had been craving them for almost a week. I tried one later and they were beautiful) The crazy traffic (we found out later that that wasn’t even bad traffic, as we arrived on a Sunday, the least busiest day for traffic), the way people seemed to be in no hurry and the way some people seemed to just wander with no agenda. Just as we pulled into our very long and bumpy drive way (we go four wheel driving everyday) Corey said that he has been other places in Africa and he finds that Ugandan’s are the most friendliest and have the best smile, we passed a Boda driver (a form of a taxi but a motorbike) I waved and he let out the biggest smile. He didn’t just seem to smile with his mouth but his eyes and heart also. Corey’s statement had proven so true!!!!! My first glance of the beautiful smile that God gave the Ugandan’s.
Our first day at Jordan House Will was sick and had the option of staying at home but he wanted to experience it for the first time together. When we arrived we were swarmed with children and staff. I knew that learning all their names was going to take a while was they introduced themselves to us. Immediately there were children hanging off of us and dancing, clearly showing off. It was hilarious and so precious. The staff were ever so welcoming and it really did touch my heart. They knew our names before we arrived. Just a simple smile from them that first day melted my heart.
For the first week we were settling in and getting used to the routine at Jordan House. I would still say we are settling in. Honestly, Jordan House is very different to what we both expected, but I know God has me here for a very good reason. God doesn’t do anything for nothing, there is always a reason and plan behind everything with God. Im excited what this next year will bring!!!!!!
My first glance at Uganda, its people and the plan God has for me has already reminded me that God has an agenda far greater than your thoughts can take you. An agenda far greater even for the “least” of these.
