uniqueness

Where do I even begin? This was most certainly a weekend to remember. My mom arrived for her visit on Wednesday night. She was jet-lagged, so she slept a lot those first 2 days. Let’s skip to Friday evening.

Friday at 7pm, there was a DOD [Daughter's of Destiny - the women's ministry at my church] service. Charlotte Scanlon-Gambill from Abundant Life Ministries in Bradford, UK, was our guest speaker. I wasn’t too set on going since I’m usually pretty tired at the end of the week, but I’m  SO glad that I did. It was really fabulous. She talked a bit about choosing well and not making decisions based on emotions – a really great reminder for me in the midst of the many decisions I’ll be making during my transition back to life in the US this year.

After the service, my mom, Kate’s mom and I headed to my favorite Friday night spot, Emin Pasha hotel, for a bit of jazz and chill time. We bumped into a few friends and joined them at their table. Charlotte, her sister Esther, and their media guy Tom showed up a bit later on. I hopped over to where they were sitting and introduced myself. They were really sweet and Charlotte shared some very encouraging words as I shared a bit with her about what God is calling me to do in this coming year. I truly believe that God has a specific purpose for our new friendship and I’m so thankful for the connections he makes between His children.

Moving on to Saturday… I had a nice little sleep-in and then Mom and I went to lunch at another favorite, La Patisserie, on our way to Lake Victoria in Ggaba. We met up with a new friend, Roxanne, then picked up the two little boys she looks after from her house and rode together to the Lake. We took a canoe across and then took bodas [motorbike taxis] into Bethany Village, a project of African Renewal Ministries and Ggaba Community Church. I visited there last May when Passion was in Kampala and just absolutely loved it. I remembered the first little girl I saw when we arrived in the village! And even better yet, she remembered me! It was a sweet moment . She is precious and growing into a beautiful young lady. It was my mom’s first time on a boda! She did great

On the way to drop Roxanne and the boys off, we stopped by the Speke Resort in Munyonyo so Roxanne could show us the horse stables. They were very cool – just behind the pool and gym! I had no idea. Later, we did a bit of grocery shopping and I cooked dinner for the flatties. Garlic-Ginger chicken and veggie stir fry – delish.  Mom and I watched the always powerful ‘Blood Diamond’ and hit the sack.

Sunday morning, Charlotte spoke again at the Sunday services. We attended the 10 am and it was a powerful message that really hit home for me. She talked about having an ‘after you’ mentality – basically holding the door open for others and waving them through, rather than going through the open door and shutting it behind you exclaiming how blessed you are. I learned a lot from Charlotte’s messages and I’m very thankful to know such a wonderful speaker and leader. I believe I will learn a lot from her for years to come.

After the service, we had lunch and drove out to the Watoto Village in Bbira so my mom could meet her sponsored Watoto child, Jimmy, and my sponsored Watoto girl, Saphina. Kate and her mom came out with us and we had an absolute blast. Jimmy became our tour guide and after hanging out with him and his family for a bit, he took us all around the village. He had loads of information to share and was very patient with us every time we stopped to chat with someone or take photos.

It had been a while since I had visited either of the Watoto villages… I am always amazed at the beauty and peace there. I feel the joy of the Lord all around. It was special bumping into a group of women that were singing and praising the Lord. They were practicing for a song they would be singing at the following Sunday’s church service. I am determined to make it out to the village for a church service before I leave Uganda.

When we returned to town, the group of us met up with a few friends and went to a modern dance performance at the National Theatre. The focus of the performance was on child soldiers. I wasn’t that impressed with the first couple of pieces, but the last two were AMAZING. So powerful – and the talent was just unbelievable. There was drama, comedy, breakdancing, gymnastics, ballet… You name it, this night had it. I am so glad that I went and I will definitely be keeping my eyes and ears open for more. The woman that starred and choreographed the dances was French, had the coolest frizzy blonde hair I’ve ever seen, and seemed a little out of place [see below - don't forget to check out the pants]. But overall, it was a fabulous show.

To finish off the evening, we all went out for pizza at Mamba Point. I invited along 2 guys that I met briefly the day before when getting onto the canoe on Lake Victoria. Matt and Clint from Tennessee. They were just returning from a little jaunt out to Bethany Village and I introduced myself as we exchanged places. They joined us for dinner and we all laughed to the point of tears a few times during dinner. They are really funny guys, but also incredibly dedicated to following God’s calling, no matter the cost. Matt and Clint were visiting Uganda for the first time to get a few projects started to support a village near Luwero, north of Kampala by about 2 hours. Both of them quit their jobs to do what they felt the Lord was calling them to – sacrificing their time and money to change the lives of a small African village. I feel so blessed to have met them and can’t wait to see how the Lord uses them and the miracles they will encounter along the way. Check out their blog.

One things that came out of that night was a quote I will never forget:

“You’re unique… just like everbody else.” – Matt Chambers

Celebrate your uniqueness. It’s what makes you you.

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~ by sydneyberryling on February 10, 2009.