Friday, January 11, 2013 or is it?
Our team just arrived at LAX this afternoon from Istanbul, Turkey after a grueling 13 hours flight from Entebbe, Uganda Africa. It seems like eternity. We're back in America! Tucked away my outlet adapter and my 98.11% deet bug spray. Some of us left our hearts in Africa with the beautiful kids at Kampala (Gospel of Light Church and Living Hope Medical Center) and in Jinja with Mama Alice and all the extra special children at SIITA Nest (most especially our sponsor children, sons and daughters).
For some of us it feels like a spectacular fulfilling dream and some of us will make some dramatic changes in our lives. Our time in Africa seems going too fast and when we get in touch with our family back home ( Hawaii) our time in Africa seems forever.
One wish I have is to take Margaret back to Hawaii if not forever, even just for a vacation. I would have taken her back to Kingfisher to have a FB video chat with Ray, Joy and Anthony. There are rules to follow in order to keep things in perspective. If I have my way, Margaret would be staying with me at Kingfisher while the team is there. I know Mama Alice will not allow that. The first time I met Margaret during the pool party, I wanted to take her back to my cottage to have a private quality time with her. Mama Alice had this look on her face and said in her African accent, "It is better not to. We don't allow such". I respected that and was satisfied sitting with Margaret on the green grassy area of the resort. I was truly satisfied that day and my heart was so full especially when I was walking in the swimming pool side by side and hand in hand with our Margaret. She shared with me that she wanted to be a journalist someday. Her older sister Joy also wanted to be a journalist. Then during our days spent at SIITA Nest, Lilian who was one of the SIITA Nest girls is taking courses to be a news anchor someday.
Our mission trip gave me many perspectives in life. Getting to know the team members is one thing, and understanding the culture and the people of Africa is another. I had to remember that we are not perfect.
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